Page 69 of Queen of Thorns
She nods. “He’s a cousin of mine, but he has no living direct family. He lives in the Whisperwood. Alone.”
I nod. “Invite them all.”
“They don’t want to come here,” Luscious says. “They’ve denounced us...”
“Invite them.”
“It’s unlikely they’ll even respond,” the queen says more gently.
“That’s fine. They’ll be invited and welcomed if they change their mind. Rebuilding is about more than magic. I won’t punish anyone for how they reacted during trying times.”
“What about dissenters? Those who’ve integrated into other courts?”
I pull in a long breath. “To be honest, if those who’ve entered other courts want to come back, it would help us more than hurt. Besides, as you’ve said, many were forced into foreign marriages. I’d welcome those women and families back with welcome arms. We are not in a position to be vindictive or hold grudges. But we can take each situation as it comes.”
“I agree.” Emberly gives a soft smile.
“Is this meeting done?” Luscious asks, his eyes lidded. He’s annoyed with me, but I can’t muster the energy to care. “I have places to be.”
“Do you?” I ask sweetly.
“Yes.” His jaw ticks.
“Where?”
He frowns. “I am meeting friends. I don’t see how ‘where’ would matter.”
I cross my arms. “What friends?”
His jaw clenches. “You’ve threatened to kick me out of your council and have now deigned to invite those who have been disloyal to our court back without second thought. Now, you question me like a thief? What do you think I’m going to do? Plot to assassinate you? Or is it your lover you worry for?”
Anger wells in my chest like a burning fire.I stand slowly, glaring at this fae that is supposed to be an ally. Now clearly an enemy.
Panting, I clench my hands into tight fists.“No, I’m more concerned for the Crystal Court,” I say in a smooth tone, despite my anger.My eyes do not hide my rage, though, and his eyes do not hide his fear.
His eyes flare, but his lips remain still. Good.
“Go to your meeting,” I say, eyes pinned to his. I’ll meet you there.
He pauses for only one moment before fleeing from the room.
