Page 88 of The Princess of Nothing
Morgana leaned over. “I have business with Licia, so I will come with you.”
Her statement seemed to appease him. Looking over at the castle, he nodded. “If you need anything.”
“I won’t hesitate to send for you,” I replied quickly.
After he was gone, I turned my attention back to Morgana, who was at the edge of words. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten.” She finally said, and I rolled my eyes.
“It’s not a big deal.”
“I wished it were under better circumstances.”
“Now is no time for celebrating.”
Morgana nodded. “I agree, but I will say it regardless. Happy birthday, Winter.”
I swallowed thickly, remembering how I’d lied to Kiros about my seventeenth to stall the wedding. “Thank you.”
***
The obsidian wallsloomed against the pale horizon.
We entered under the vined arches. Guards swept apart, opening the doors. “This way.” I walked Morgana to the throne room. It wasn’t hot, but it was noticeably warmer than outside. I could feel my fingers and toes again. I’d noticed lilies had been placed around the castle in various vases. Had Blaise become accustomed to them, or were they for me? It was conceited of me to presume it. I shrugged the idea away. More than one person could have a favorite flower.
A woman, inches taller than me, crossed our path and tossed her long, white hair over her shoulders. It looked as if it had been woven from silk. She stopped and stared at me with bright, silver eyes. I recognized her as Darlina, Blaise’s ex-lover.
“I heard you were back,” she growled quietly.
I rolled my eyes. The last times I’d seen her, she’d been tangled with Blaise in the library, and afterward, she’d threatened me in the gardens. “Yes. I am,” I said with an excessive smile. “Where can I find Blaise?”
“You mean His Majesty.” Spite guided her tone. “It’s none of your business.”
I lifted my chin. “I am the queen of Magaelor.”
“Not yet.”
“I’m the rightful queen, and I wouldn’t let Blaise hear you speaking like that. He’s quite protective of me.”
Morgana tugged my arm. “Let’s not engage in childish word warfare.”
“Listen to your crazy friend.” Her eyebrows crinkled, and her lip tugged in a mocking smirk. “Away you go.”
I clenched my jaw. “You should watch who you’re talking to.”
“You too.”
Morgana pulled me again.
“Okay.” I shrugged her away and turned on my heel, glancing once more over my shoulder. Morgana’s hand firmly grasped my wrist. Once we were out of earshot, she leaned in. “Must you? That girl was unpleasant, yes, but you are, as you keep pointing out, a queen. Act like it. Rise above petty, juvenile behavior. You have an example to set.”
My face flooded with color. “She provoked me!”
“She is not a sovereign ruler. You were antagonizing her too.”
I exhaled deeply, slumping my shoulders forward. “You’re right.” I hated it. “I should just find Blaise. I wonder if Edgar sent anything, a declaration perhaps. He must be furious.”
“If Edgar sent anything at all.”
“We are all but declaring war on him by building this army. Like Adius said, the scouts told him Edgar knows about the decoy ships at the ports.”
