Page 159 of Ironling
Her gratitude for him, for having him at her side, was depthless.
With a nod from him, Aislinn raised her hands, drawing the attention of the gathered crowd.
“My good people,” she said, her voice carrying to the rafters, “the day is ours!”
A loud cheer went up, shaking the very stones of the castle.
“Today may have been the darkest the Darrowlands has seen since the wars of succession, but it was also our finest. We showed the kingdom that this is not a land to be bullied or threatened. You have defended Dundúran, you have defendedme,and I won’t forget your sacrifice. Thank you. Thank all of you.”
If it was possible, the cheering and clapping grew louder, into a din even the gods must hear. The giddy relief emanated from everyone gathered there in the hall, and it was a balm to Aislinn’s heart. Her people had weathered much in her name, and she would keep her word. She’d never forget what they sacrificed for her nor what it meant to be their liege lord.
Waving, Aislinn stepped off the dais and into the waiting arms of her halfling.
More cheers went up when Hakon pressed a kiss to her hair.
“To Lady Aislinn!” they cried.
“To Lord Hakon!”
“Long may she reign!”
“Liege Darrow! Long may she reign!”
Aislinn’s cheeks hurt from smiling so wide. “Tonight we celebrate!” she announced, earning another resounding round of cheers.
Slipping his arm around her waist, Hakon led her to the side of the hall, and together they accepted well-wishes. Mayor Doherty came with several of his many grandchildren, patting her hand and then Hakon’s. Captain Aodhan and Hugh, arm-in-arm and both a little too deep in their cups to care that everyone saw them together when they’d been keeping their affair secret for years, clapped Hakon’s arms. Sorcha kissed their cheeks, and Orek bowed over their hands. Connor bowed before them, Baron Morraugh said a word to either of them, and Baron Burgoyne laughed and told a joke while his wine sloshed over the rim of his cup.
It was Allarion they saw last, the fae seeming to materialize from the crowd itself to stand before them. His cloak had been thrown back over his shoulders, revealing intricately engraved armor the color of midnight. He bowed low, his face as merry as Aislinn had ever seen it—which was to say, the smallest smile graced his lips and his brows weren’t so low over his eyes.
“My lady, my lord,” he said. “Good tidings come with your victory.”
“It’s the first and last battle I ever hope to see,” said Aislinn.
“Indeed. Then you are already a finer ruler than most. It shall be a relief to make my home in a place governed by laws and compassion rather than bloodlust.”
He smiled enigmatically, as if he knew he only piqued Aislinn’s curiosity. So little was known about the fae court in Fallorian, and Allarion’s presence here in Dundúran only raised more questions.
Even more strangely, Allarion turned to Hakon and said, “You will remember your promise.”
“Yes,” said Hakon, his demeanor grave.
Satisfied, Allarion bowed once more and disappeared back into the crowd as eerily as he’d arrived.
Aislinn turned to her halfling. “What did you promise?”
“Nothing. Yet.” Hakon pulled a face. “I promised him one promise for his help today.”
“Hm. He told me he would fight, as a vassal of the Darrowlands, no promise necessary.”
“Well, then. A fae living up to their kind’s reputation for cleverness.” He pulled her deeper into his side, leaning down to say quietly, “Don’t worry yourself over it. Whatever he asks, I’m sure it won’t be nefarious.”
She made a noncommittal noise. “Well, you may have promised him, but I didn’t. We’ll allow him leave within the law.”
Hakon grinned. “Just so, my lady.”
Aislinn smiled fondly back, her eyes roving the dear lines and shapes of him. Fates, she’d never tire of looking at him. The exhaustion of the day was clear in the lines across his face, but he stood tall, his shoulders back, and wouldn’t stray from her side. She would have to get him another gold hoop or two for his ears. If they were for accomplishments, he’d certainly earned them.
His hand came to cover hers on his arm, and when she looked into his eyes, she realized that he’d mistaken her silence for something dire.
