Mist Thief Teaser

Another Mist Thief teaser for you today. * Subject to change after edits, y’all.*

Slight spoilers for Den of Blades and Briars in The Broken Kingdoms ahead.

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“Although I do love you seeking my advice, for it is long overdue, I don’t think…”

The voices in the corridor were drawing closer.

I let out a long sigh, closed my eyes, and finished adjusting a black leather belt around my waist.

The door to the bedchamber opened with a bang against the wall.

There, in the doorway, my father stood, clad all in black as though this were an ordinary day. He had a hold on the arm of another, taller man.

King Ari, Mira’s father, wore his finest tunic and had his golden hair braided back like a warrior.

“Just use that mouth of yours and speak some damn sense into him.” Daj nudged Ari into the room, inky shadows filling his eyes in his frustration.

I returned an exasperated look. “Really, Daj?”

What more was there to say? The palace was already filled with guests from across the kingdoms.

Even the Ever King and Queen had found their places.

My father said nothing merely pointed a finger at me, a silent threat to comply and let him carry out his new scheme.

The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with King Ari.

“Jonas.”

“Ari.”

“How long do you suppose it would take to convince him I’ve endowed you with my immense wisdom? I need him to believe I’ve done it. Never has he openly asked for my input, though inwardly I know he craves it.”

I scoffed and shook my head. “Are you not offering wisdom? Out of character for you.”

Ari leaned one shoulder against the wall. “Tragic, I know. Alas, your surly father thinks since I also had an arranged, desperate, purposeful vow, I might be able to talk you out of this decision. It comes from his heart, you know. Sour as he is, he’s merely worried for you, and has obviously overlooked one vast problem with seeking my help. One that will greatly offend my queen when I boast of the Nightrender’s desperate summons.”

“And what’s that?”

Ari tilted his head, grinning. “I am madly in love with my wife, Jonas. Even with our circumstance, I would vow with her again and again. So I fear I cannot give you reason to walk away. But”—the king took a step closer— “perhaps I can give you some thoughts on how to stay…”