Page 109 of When the Wicked Sing
“Council,” Halia interrupted the babbling members so suddenly that they were all startled. “You are all excused.”
Swiftly and without a single word, the council shuffled out of the room, leaving only Mariana and Halia.
“You realize what you’re giving up, don’t you?”
Mariana sighed. “Unfortunately, yes, but I also know what I’m gaining. I want to maintain my rule as Queen of Sirenia, but under the sovereignty of the Empire of Aurelia. Your protection, access to trade routes, and aid in rebuilding would all be possible if—” Mariana stopped, realizing howquickly she was about to ask for help. Swallowing her pride, she lifted her head. “Queen Halia, the century of hostility between our people can be laid to rest. The war King Stavros started ended with his death. My sisters deserve to have their home back. I know there was a time when sirens and fae lived peacefully side by side, and that’s all I want to give them. I’ve seen how much you love this kingdom. With Sirenia as an ally, both our regions will prosper again. Please.”
Mariana’s throat tightened as she thought of all they’d lost. All her sisters, including the cursed, deserved to enjoy their lives basking under the sunshine or the moonlight, not hiding in the darkness of the sea. Mariana met Halia’s eyes. “Please help both our people understand what it means to be alive again.”
The silence that followed was daunting. Halia’s impassive face inspected Mariana’s like there were secrets hidden beneath, but when she saw there was nothing left, she lifted her hand and snapped her fingers. Immediately, a lankly male servant entered silently and bowed his head to Halia.
“Your Majesty?”
“Give Queen Mariana an invitation to tonight’s Spring Solstice Celebration,” she said firmly as she stood and walked down the steps of her throne toward them.
The servant handed Mariana a gold-foiled invitation, and she took it carefully from his gloved hand.
“My council and I will have a copy of the treaty ready for you to review before the festivities. If everything is acceptable,” Halia said, standing in front of Mariana and looking down at her from tall heels and an even taller crown, “then tonight, we shall make history.”
Chapter 60
“Comewearingart,”Marianasaid with a frown.
After a brief description of the celebration of Queen Halia’s coronation and the Spring Solstice Ball, the curly writing stated the expected attire without any further explanation.
“Confusing,” she muttered.
She inspected the words like they would pop up from the parchment and put her out of her misery of guessing.
True to her word, Halia had a copy of the treaty sent over to Mariana’s bedchamber with plenty of time for her to review it. After working over the document, making adjustments to tributes, military obligations, and clarifying Mariana’s rights as queen, the final treaty was being prepared for signatures at the ball. But as Mariana contemplated whatwearing artmeant, she realized she was completely out of her depth.
A knock at the door drew her attention, and she dropped the invitation on the desk before getting up and opening the door.
Ophelia stood on the other side, a bright white box in hand and a smile on her face.
“Hello, may I come in?”
“Of course.” Mariana welcomed her inside. “What’s inside the box?”
Ophelia laid the package down on the bed and opened it with a silly grin. “I found a dress for you to wear tonight!” she exclaimed and pulled out a glimmering bundle of teal fabric. “It reminded me of the ocean, and I thought you might like it,” Ophelia said as she held up the two-piece gown.
“It’s beautiful.” Mariana gazed in wonder at the shimmering fabric. “Is this what Halia considers art?”
Ophelia laughed. “Queen Halia loves fashion. Although, she makes everything she wears look stunning.” Her cheeks turned pink, and her eyes went wide as she realized how exposed her heart was on her sleeve. “I mean … how can she not! She’s already beautiful all the time; fashion justaddsto her beauty.” Ophelia closed her eyes briefly, clearly embarrassed, as Mariana gave her a knowing smile.
“How long have you been in love with her?”
Ophelia released a hesitant chuckle and shook her head. “I’m notinlove with her. I mean, of course, Icareabout her. How could I not? She’s done so much for me and my family, and she’s amazing and—”
Mariana continued to stare at her friend as she rambled, the raised eyebrow and small knowing smile a metaphoricaland …
When Ophelia patted her cheeks and continued chuckling like a nervous hen, Mariana placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Does she know?” she asked softly.
The tiny, hesitant nod Ophelia gave her was so sweet that Mariana wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hoping to encourage her.
Ophelia sighed in a way that made Mariana’s heart squeeze. “I’ve loved her since the moment I set eyes on her.” She shrugged. “I’m helpless. No matter the storms we navigate together, no matter the scars we bear together, I’m hers. And I wish so badly that she could be mine.”
Mariana’s brows pinched. “Why can’t she be?”
