Page 4 of To Dwell in Shadows
Chapter 3
It was a warm, clear morning when Sam and Selene prepared to travel to Queen Thema’s castle. After Brunie fed them a colossal breakfast and Eldridge showered them with well wishes, the four of them stood in the front yard.
Sam pulled his long dark hair out from under the straps of his backpack. It was filled with their necessities, while Selene wore a pack filled with cloudberry muffins Brunie had baked for Queen Thema. She was dressed in the canvas human breeches she preferred, with boots, and a cotton shirt. Sam wore his usual black leathers.
“Ready?” Selene asked.
“Yes,” Sam replied. Selene wrapped one arm around his waist and pulled out the traveler’s stone.
“Safe journeys!” Eldridge called out from the front of the cottage. Brunie rested her elbow on Eldridge’s head, waving her hand and shaking her wings. The height difference between the couple had always amused Sam, even though Eldridge was considered tall for a Goblyn. He felt a pang knowing it could be many months before he saw them again.
“Queen Thema’s castle grounds,” Selene whispered.
Sam closed his eyes and, after a moment, felt his stomach lurch. His ears buzzed, and pressure pounded in his head. Feelings of panic began to rise, but before his anxiety took too strong a hold, the sensations stopped.
The scent of fresh mint enveloped him, and he could hear water flowing nearby.
“We’re here,” Selene murmured.
Sam sighed with relief. Opening his eyes, he saw they were exactly where Selene had planned—the grounds of Queen Thema’s castle. The white stone of the castle walls glinted in the morning sun. Rows of mint growing at their feet swayed in the breeze. The two guards standing on either side of the front gate gaped at them.
Sam kissed Selene. “Well done, my love.”
He raised a hand in greeting to the guards.
“Good morning,” he said, wondering if they would remember him. When neither guard replied, he added, “We come in peace at Queen Thema’s invitation.”
“Samael?” the guard on the left gasped. He was more unkempt-looking than the other guard. His black-vested uniform hung crooked on his beefy frame, and several knives at his belt looked in need of polishing. It was Rig, one of Sam’s least favorite associates from his time as a royal guard. However, Sam had experienced many changes since the last time he’d seen Rig, so he was inclined to be charitable.
“Hello, Rig,” Sam said coolly, then, put his arm around Selene’s shoulders. Although Queen Thema had given him a home and a place among her people, Sam had always felt like an outsider among the other guards—especially when they talked about their mates or those they wished to court. It made him relish the words he was about to say next. “You remember Selene, my fated mate?”
“I… uh… yes,” Rig stammered. “Greetings, my lady.”
“Hello again,” Selene replied.
The other guard cleared his throat. “Greetings, Samael. Pleaseenter, and I will take you to the queen.” Sam remembered the guard’s face but couldn’t quite place his name. Before he could ask, the wooden castle gates thundered open, and Arkaya stood in the center of the archway.
“I had a premonition we would welcome visitors today,” Arkaya said, smiling. Her tail swayed gently under her dress. “I just didn’t expect them to be ones so beloved to our queendom.”
“Arkaya!” Selene cried, rushing to embrace Queen Thema’s steward.
“Ah, it’s wonderful to see you again,” Arkaya said while hugging Selene. “Have you been enjoying country life in Snowmelt?”
“Yes, it’s been fantastic.”
After a moment, Arkaya released Selene and came toward Sam. The ring of keys that dangled from her hip clinked melodically as she patted his arm. “Welcome back, Samael.”
“Thank you.”
“You look well.” Arkaya tucked a lock of gray hair behind her pointed ear. “Come, our queen is in the midst of her singing lessons but will be delighted to see you both.”
Selene shot Sam a perplexed look, which he immediately knew translated toSinging lessons?He chuckled to himself, loving how the intimacy of their bond went far beyond the bedroom. They also found humor in the same things. Selene slipped her hand into his, and they followed Arkaya into the castle.
They found Queen Thema in the ballroom, standing before a Harpy who looked like her patience had been depleted. The chandeliers were dark, but the room was full of sunshine from the tall windows that lined the walls. The emptiness of the grand space amplified Queen Thema’s voice as she ran through a series of scales while they watched from the side entrance. The sound was like the yowling of the castle cats who prowled the Malkina grounds. However, Arkaya seemed enraptured by the queen’s efforts. It was only when Thema paused for a sip of water that Arkaya interrupted.
“Glorious. Absolutely glorious!” Arkaya gushed.
Queen Thema turned, saying, “Absolutely hideous is a better description, but I do enjoy the practice—oh! Look who it is! My darling nephew and dearest Selene!”
