Page 51 of The Court of Secrets
“Your Majesty,” she said, only to Blaise. She glanced at me with venom in her eyes. “I was hoping to have the first dance with you.”
“I’m busy.”
“With her?” She looked me up and down.
“Yes.”
I spotted Nissa talking to Lord Abor and Corbin, and I smiled. She was already putting herself to work. “It’s okay.” I stepped back. “You can dance with Darlina.”
Her eyebrows shot upward, and his face crumpled. “She can wait. We can finish.”
I smirked. It was rare I had the upper hand with him. I leaned over to whisper into his ear this time. “Things left unfinished are often more satisfying when completed.”
He grabbed my wrist, staring into my eyes as I pulled away. “Don’t play with me.”
I didn’t care who was looking. “I thought you liked games.”
Darlina looked murderous. I moved away from them both, grinned, and turned on my heel toward where Marissa stood. “Marissa.”
“Your Majesty.” She walked with me to a more secluded area of the room. “The mission is complete.” She removed her red fur-trimmed cloak and set it on the back of a chair. “Adius and the others are loading the books from the carriage as requested.”
“Keep this between us, Marissa. Tell no one, not even Nissa.”
“She came to me earlier. I’m glad she agreed.”
“I never doubted she would.” I saw my mother hovering close to Lord Gregoir. At least she wasn’t stuck to Vahaga’s side. When she saw me, her stare grew more… pointed? She flicked her head as if to gesture me to her. “Excuse me, Marissa.” I grabbed a handful of my skirts, pulled them to my ankles, and walked across the hall. Different nobles vied for my attention, but I didn’t look their way. I’d be there all night if I did, lost in pointless conversations and small talk, though it did sound appealing when compared to whom I was about to address. “Mother.” I pressed my lips together. “What do you want?”
She looked around us, then grabbed my arm and pulled me into the emptying hallway. She ushered me into a corner and shook her head. “You will take me to André.”
“I can’t do that. It’s against the rules.”
She pursed her lips. “You do not care about rules any other time,” she said. “At the very least, I was glad to find out you locked away that ridiculous Berovian faery. It’s about time you did something right. The lords were impressed. If you keep it up, perhaps they’ll overlook your past transgressions.”
“I’m not here to impress them, Mother. I am here to lead them. I will listen to their council if I deem it worthy advice, otherwise, they will need to start understanding I am queen, not them. Maybe I will forgive their transgressions, but not the other way around.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
“I never stood a chance if I played fair,” I explained, hushing my voice. “Taking you to André is a move I cannot afford to make right now. If we are caught or the ancestors get angry, they could remove me from the throne, something they can’t do for my bringing the fae to court or for how I dress, although I’m sure Vahaga wishes they could.”
“I haven’t asked much of you.”
I scoffed a laugh.
“My son.” A cry croaked in her throat. “Your coronation is in two days. It only reminds me how he was supposed to be king. I need to know he is safe.”
“He’s dead, Mother.”
“As if I need reminding. His soul. I need to know his soul is at peace.”
“Fine,” I said. “We will go tomorrow evening, when I know Vahaga will be preaching. The priestesses should be doing their blessings on my crown and ceremonial robes tomorrow.”
“Then it is the perfect timing. Would you not agree, dear child?”
“Don’t call me that,” I snapped. “If only to shut you up, I will take you. You might then see the truth for yourself. If you won’t believe me, you will believe him. If he comes,” I said, recalling his fast departure last time. Could he even come back if he wanted to?
“I do believe you.” Her hooded eyes regarded me. “Else I wouldn’t have asked to go.”
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