Page 27 of The Court of Secrets
I arched an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t I want you back?”
He didn’t answer, even though he had nothing to be insecure about.
“You’ve been acting different recently.”
He reached down and brushed his lips against mine. “Have I now?”
Butterflies whirled in my belly. I gripped onto the covers as he deepened our kiss. It was not an answer but a perfect distraction to everything in my head.
He pulled away, then smirked. “You are so beautiful.” He traced his finger along my collar bone, sending shivers down my spine. “I’m a very lucky man.”
I inhaled deeply. He wasn’t. If only he knew all the truths… about me. “I’m the lucky one.”
“Too modest.” He pulled me into a cuddle, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep if you want.”
I closed my eyes. I snuggled into his hold, breathing in the scent of honey and pastry from his hands and clothes. His arms curled my lips into a smile. I could have lay there forever, in a dream of comfort. Morgana’s potion began to take hold, and both that and Cedric sent me into a deep sleep.
CHAPTER TEN
Swashes of red and orange infiltrated the indigo sky as the sun peeked over the horizon. I rubbed my eyes and looked through the glass pane window and out over the sprawling gardens, flowerbeds of white flowers, at the carriages that had been readied for morning excursions. Traders would soon be arriving with their wagons.
The coronation had brought wealth into Magaelor, more than many had expected, with those who lived on Inferis coming to Imperia, along with my mother, as well as those from other provinces. The dark fae would also be coming from Niferum, and while it may have taken time to build bridges and bring peace between the fae and lunas, the inns would be full, markets would be swarmed, and if those trading and those who owned businesses in Imperia had any sense, they wouldn’t let their prejudices get in the way of good coin coming in. We needed to rebuild; the battle had taken so much from the people. Unfortunately, in war, it was always the ones who never wanted to fight in the first place who lost the most.
I placed my hand against my middle and inhaled deeply, feeling my stomach rise, then fall. Relief flooded me. Morgana’s potion had worked. I didn’t feel the usual heaviness of the darkness. I didn’t know how the mixture worked, but I would relish the moment, because for the first time since officially being queen, I felt free.
I wondered when Amara would arrive. She’d gone into Imperia to meet with the faery who had brought my dress from Niferum. I had paid thirty coins for it. I hadn’t wanted to spend when our soldiers still needed to be paid, but I was informed that a show of wealth and steadiness from the crown was important, and image was everything. I had to look good. Still, if I was going to be made to get new dresses, they would be the fashion I preferred, unfortunately for Vahaga and the others. I hoped I could bring the fashion to court, perhaps get some of the ladies wearing it. It was beautiful.
“Your Majesty,” a guard said when he opened the door. “High priest Vahaga.”
I nodded, and Vahaga stepped around him. The guard retreated and closed the door behind him.
“You wished to see me,” Vahaga said with exasperation, his tone drier than ever. His stony expression gave nothing away, and his pupils dilated as he watched me carefully move from the window to the armchair. I gestured for him to sit, but he remained standing. Ever stubborn. I still couldn’t imagine how I would kill him even if I could. What my brother had said still hovered over me. I couldn’t wrap my head around it and questioned going back, to speak to him, but my intuition tugged me the other way.
I smiled regardless. “The soldiers are yet to be paid. The lords agreed they would help the crown fund−”
“These matters take time.” He cut me off, his eyebrows pulling downward. He entwined his fingers at the front of his long, white robes. There wasn’t a single dot of dirt on them. “Leave the financial matters to those of us who have been dealing in them since before your birth.”
“As queen,” I said to remind him, “I have every right to inquire.”
He sucked his lip between his teeth, then exhaled. “I will speak to the lords today about the matter. At the next council meeting, we can deliberate.”
“It’s tomorrow, yes?”
He nodded but said nothing.
“King Blaise will be arriving soon,” I explained. “With the others.”
His mouth twisted in disgust. “Yes.”
“They will be shown as much respect as any other guest at court.”
He arched a thin eyebrow. “Is there anythingimportantyou needed to discuss with me, Your Majesty?”
“Actually, yes.” I stood, then brushed down the front of my dress. “At the battle, many women joined ranks, and that is how we won.”
His right eye twitched. “I heard. You must have been desperate.”
I let it slide right off me. I was in far too good of a mood, with the potion releasing me from the shackles of pain and anger. “Regardless of how we arrived at it happening, it was the best thing I could have done. We won, and easily.” I paused. “I want to ask the council for the opportunity for women to become guards and have the same opportunities as men within the military.”
