Page 78 of To Wake a Kingdom

He planted his lips on the top of my head and nuzzled his cheek in my hair. “That sounds like a wonderful dream, Thorne.”

As we approached Estria, the road grew clogged, forcing us to slow our progress.

“Is it normally this busy?” I asked as we dodged an oncoming cart traveling at breakneck speed, people scattering out of its path. I turned to watch it barrel away, and Ronan shook his head.

“Not quite this busy.”

Ahead, tall buildings made of stone and brick rose beyond the wall. A series of white and gold banners lined the tops, their embroidery sparkling in the sunlight.

Ronan frowned. “The royal wedding.”

“What?” I asked.

“I’ve been gone so long, I forgot it was coming up. My brother is engaged to marry Lady Perrand of Galin. My father has always coveted their gold mines.”

“Why do you look upset?”

“I’m not,” he said, rubbing a hand down his face. “I just loathe the endless scheming and plotting of my father’s court.” He reached out a hand across the space between us, and I took it.

Kianna rode in front, smiling at the children, who were whispering behind their hands and pointing at her shimmering wings.

As we entered through the gates, the guards nodded at Ronan. Before my eyes, he transformed into the warrior I remembered from Tenby the first time I’d seen him. Gone was the softness in his eyes, to be replaced by the hard flint of a battle-trained warrior returning home. Though I cherished the tender version of Ronan I’d fallen in love with, there was something thrilling about this one that sent a tendril of heat curling down the back of my neck and spiraling into my stomach. Hopefully, we could find some time to be alone again soon.

The city was a tempest of activity, markets sprawling in every direction as hundreds of vendors sold fruit, cloth, weapons, and every manner of trinket and bauble one could conceive. Four- and five-story townhomes rose on every side of us, their neat rectangular windows lined with flowering window boxes and framed with tidy curtains. Bustling taverns, restaurants, and patios lined the street, music and chatter spilling from the windows.

Even the clothing was more regal. Less homespun cotton, and more silk and leather and brocade, even on the shopkeepers and servers. The cobbles beneath our horse’s hooves gleamed like they’d been polished on hands and knees by the rays of the sun.

As we rode down the main road, all eyes were on us, many people placing fists over their hearts as Ronan passed. They eyed me with guarded curiosity while they showered Kianna with wide-eyed gasps and admiring whispers.

“Do they not see many Fae here?” I asked.

“Most Fae stick to their own lands. Magical folk have little use for humans.”

Kianna overheard and grinned at him. “I have plenty of use for you, Commander.”

His expression remained serious, but there was a hint of laughter in his eyes.

As we traveled through town, Estria’s castle appeared up ahead, the sight knocking me into a reality I wasn’t entirely ready to face. It was at least three times the size of Ravalyn’s and constructed from elegant white stone, shaped into slender towers and wide swooping arches. As I took in the wealth and enormity of Estria, I suddenly felt very small and foolish. I could never hope to defeat this kingdom in my wildest dreams. They had money and an army, and a century of practise in the art of warfare.

I was one lone princess with absolutely nothing.

“Are you okay?” Ronan asked, sensing my unease.

A lump forming in my throat like a rotten apple, I shook my head. Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps I should have stayed home and been content with the sliver of kingdom I had left. I could rule over my broken tomb of sorrow, shrouded in a cocoon of gray.

We entered the courtyard, the guards silently acknowledging Ronan’s presence as we slid down from our horses.

A gray-haired man wearing a guard uniform strode over.“Commander,” he said, bending at the waist. “Welcome home. It’s good to see you.”

“I have news of the king, Averill. Where is Erick?”

“In his council chamber. He wanted to see you the moment you returned. Will your companions be staying in the castle?” He glanced over at me and Kianna, an inscrutable expression on his face.

“Yes, but first, they should accompany me to see Erick.”

“Very well, Commander. Follow me.”

Ronan clasped the sleeve of my coat and pulled me back. He looked like a man being dragged to his own execution.

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