Page 86 of Kiss the Filthiest King

That circle is just as easily spotted, after I notice their leader. The night king wears black and gold, and all those gathered around him seem to be adorned in the darkest shade they can find. He's been mostly silent on all matters, and Loch told me the folk of nightdon't concern themselves with the affairs of the other courts more than necessary. They don't make war, though they defend themselves ruthlessly; they don't weigh in, though they rarely suffer anyone shoving their noses in their business.We should get along fine.

The winter bunch are chatting animatedly amongst themselves.

As they do, the night king speaks. I think his name is Loken, if I remember it well. "I suppose I could take winter if I must."

"Now wait a minute!" one of the winter lords snaps. "We have many lords, from worthy lines, who can rule. There's no reason to suffer either an invasion from night, or this girl and all her tantrums."

I blink. "And by ‘her tantrums,’ I suppose you refer to her choice of partner?"

He stands tall. "Cissavna was given the throne upon her mother's death with the understanding that she would wed one of us. A half-mortal puck from the seelie court of gold? That's unacceptable."

Don't let them talk bloodlines. Ask about her actions.

"DidCissavna make any decision regarding the ruling of the court of winter that ought to be brought to my attention?" I probe.

No one dares reply, just a few frustrated grunts under their breath.

"Ah."I turn, facing the throne, and lower the sleeve of my dress on the right side. "See this spot, right here? That's where I was shot with an iron arrow. Thanks for that, by the by,Urthel."

I recall the name, although I don't know who it belongs to yet. Several people wince. I'll have to ask Loch later.

I pivot back to the crowd. "I heal fast, so the wound's closed up by now, of course, but take an iron bolt to the shoulder. You likely won't forget it soon. That's what happened to me, not because of my actions, but because of my bloodline. I can't help that, just like any puck from the seelie court of gold. If anyone brings a matter oflineageto this court, rather than actual actions, competence, incompetence, or crimes, not only will I reject the arguments, I'll also punish you for wasting my time." They're quick to look down, no doubt recalling the way I dealt with Valmort. But I'm no tyrant, and I can't afford anymore enemies."Consider this a warning. Now, is there any reason why Cissavna shouldn't return to the winter court?"

They exchange mutters, sighs, likely a fair few insults, their voices completely silent to my ear; they must have cast the privacy spell Loch did yesterday.

At long last, the same lord steps forward."None, my queen."

"Marvelous. I will hear your pledge to your lady now."

37

STEEL AND WATER

Darina

"Ican't believe you did that," Cissa gushes again.

"Loch did coach me on what to say and do," I admit with an awkward wince. "This world is complicated."

"You're doing great," she assures me.

We're dining in what now passes for privacy, which means I only have a dozen guests in my apartments, while there's a buffet offered in one of the many halls. I'm told invitations to my table are worth more than my weight in gold, but I only chose people unlikely to poison, stab, or shoot me tonight. Which is a change.

There are a fair number of strangers, so it's still a formal affair. When I tried to set my crown down, Relva tsked and put it right back on my head, securing it with pins for good measure.

It's heavier than I would have thought. That’s not a metaphor about the weight of power; that thing seems all dainty, but the metal—white gold, I think—and stones and bones feels like a sack of potatoes pushed against my skull.

“I hope I won’t have to wear that stupid crown all the time,” I whisper to Loch, seated at my right.

The table is rectangular; again, Ryther is at the other end, just like he was at the council meeting, and Valdred's seated next to Cissa, her husband by his side.

We've barely exchanged a word since yesterday, but we do make a point of smiling at each other, giving the appearance of delighting in each other's company. In truth, it's just awkward, like waking up after a one-night stand in a stranger's room. No, worse than a stranger: a friend you don't quite see that way, knowing that as pleasant as it might have been, you regret it.

Rachel's by Loch's side, followed by Caenan. Overall, I think we have a good mix of seelie and unseelie. I see court attire in almost every color.

"No one knows you well. They haven't seen you up close yet. Wear it for a few days, until everyone knows exactly who the high queen is. In time, you’ll be able to save it for official matters."

I pout, making some of the strangers close by smile or laugh indulgently. "Fine."

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