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Chapter 6

Roksana

Countless fae lanterns lit the audience chamber. The tapestries on the wall showed scenes from Dagome’s past, while the smoky-grey marble floor gleamed with golden veins and the ethereal frescoes on the ceiling, all of it leaving one wondering how mortal hands could have created such beauty.

The aisle to the king’s dais was lined with chairs whose carvings came alive every time I caught sight of them.

Everything was ready, placed with military precision, and polished to perfection. Everything apart from me.

My hands ached, clenched into fists, as I kept my damp palms away from my silk dress. Today was the first day of a three-day celebration. The invited dignitaries, foreign court representatives, and nobles of Dagome would arrive at noon for the welcoming ceremony.

Makosh, please have mercy and bring Lily back. I took a deep breath, steadying myself beside Rey’s throne. I focused on the door to avoid smoothing down my teal-green dress for the thousandth time as we waited.

Since the fae were said to be arriving through the portal, Lily’s presence was promised but uncertain. If she doesn’t come… I instinctively turned toward the hunting scene tapestry with its hidden alcove. I’d left Irsha there, impatiently flipping his daggers.

Please give me the strength to stop my Blade from going on a killing spree.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, remembering his words.

‘If she doesn’t arrive today, I’m going to Lumivitae. Will you help me get her back, Trouble?’ He was so calm it was clear he meant every word.

I reached out to Reynard’s hand on the armrest and stroked it with my little finger. Would he forgive me if I left with Irsha instead of helping him keep the kingdom together?

The herald’s trumpets spared me from more morose thoughts. I turned to the doors, wondering who would enter first.

Apart from the orcs who’d arrived three days ago on horseback and the cream of Dagome’s nobles, only the dragon riders of Ozar made it ahead of time. The weather had delayed the Wind Masters on their gryphons, whilst the light and dark fae alike were equally delighted to arrive fashionably late. Then there was the Tangra delegation…

‘Everything will be alright.’ Riordan’s gentle voice broke through my thoughts, and I glanced at the psychic mage. He rubbed his temples. ‘Your thoughts are giving me a headache.’

‘Then set up better shields,’ I snapped, closing my eyes and inhaling slowly. ‘I’m sorry, Ri. I’ll control my thoughts better. It’s just… I’ve been a shadow all my life; standing on the dais is challenging.’

Reynard took my hand, forcing me to move closer.

‘You’re my queen, and tomorrow everyone will know it,’ he whispered in my ear while I fought to pull my hand free. ‘And if I hear you belittle yourself one more time, I’ll sit you on this fucking throne and welcome those bastards bowing to you.’

‘The last thing we need is for foreign delegates to think I’m usurping your position. The gossip would never end,’ I said, but couldn’t suppress the warmth spreading through my chest. No matter what happened or how I felt, he was worth it.

Unable to resist any longer, I finally smoothed my dress. The door opened, and the herald announced the first arrivals, just as a crease on my thigh caught my eye.

‘Oh, mother fu…’ I mouthed, and Riordan snorted.

Rey shook his head, shushing us as the Wind Master Fae walked in.

A male and two females, each dressed in feathery grey cloaks that looked so warm and soft, I could almost imagine how heavenly they would feel beneath my hands. They must have been family, as all three had striking silver-blond hair, straight noses, and pale, light-grey skin.

The male’s eyes slid over Riordan and me before focusing on the king.

‘King Reynard, your invitation was… well, unexpected. Still, how could I possibly refuse?’ he said, taking a step towards the dais, his features darkening as he lowered his voice and snarled his next question. ‘What game are you playing, War King? Interfering with Tangra’s ships? Were you hoping to shed my family’s blood for Dagome?’

The Wind Master went straight for the throat. Reynard’s face didn’t betray a single emotion. He stood, extending a hand.

‘Wind Master Bur’za, I trust your gryphon had a pleasant flight. Welcome to my court.’ He kept his tone formal and polite, but tension settled between his shoulders. ‘As for the games, let’s leave them for later. Have you met my future queen and the Royal Mage?’

A frown settled on the fae’s features.

‘That’s… your queen?’

‘I’m Roksana Regnav. I have many titles, but that one hasn’t been officially announced yet,’ I said, inclining my head. ‘How should I address you and your companions, My Lord? Invoking your titles each time is, to be honest, inconvenient.’