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Fadon broke in, “Perhaps a visit with Orion, right after breakfast, can be arranged. I’ll see to it when we leave. Speaking of…” He raised an arm, and stretched it across his chest, his other hand pressing against his elbow. “I’ve been on a horse for so long I’ve become one with your spoiled mare, Mari.” He groaned loudly.
This time, I almost choked on my wine, which I realized I had now finished, much to my surprise.
Beside me, Demos took my empty glass. “Sierra’s still recovering, Queen Alpha. If someone could show her to her room so she can eat? I wish to speak with you before we retire as well.”
“Of course. Lysander, take Sierra to her room, please. My dear,” she stood, addressing me while I got to my weary feet, “it is so wonderful to have you finally here. Safe and whole.” She kissed my cheek, and I inhaled her cloves-and-musk scent. “We will speak tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Please, call me Mari. We are sisters now, you and I. And no one calls me that Majesty stuff but my old adviser.” She smiled.
“Very well, then. Mari.” I smiled back.
“Much better. Ander?” She turned toward her brother, who downed the rest of his drink. I saw that everyone was standing now.
“My lady?” Lysander offered his arm.
This was it. I took a deep breath and let it seep out slowly. I made myself smile. There was no turning back.
It was time to face my fate.
Chapter 29
Sierra
Lysander didn’t say much as we made our way back down the stairs and to the main room where we’d first entered from the courtyard. This we passed through, heading to the opposite wing, where a massive, ornate staircase led to where I assumed the rest of the household lived.
“This is the west wing, where everyone resides,” he confirmed as we climbed the stairs. “The east belongs to my sister. The throne room and dining areas are in the north wing, which we passed back there.” He pointed behind him with his free hand, the other of which was at the small of my back as we walked up the stairs.
I raised my head and looked up, accessing how far the staircase went. “It will take me some time, I’m afraid, to learn my way around. Please tell me you have a map.”
He laughed, and the sound of it made me relax. It was nice to know he had a sense of humor. “I’m no artist, but I‘m sure I could draw a few crude lines with some Xs on it.”
We reached a landing but turned at another flight of stairs. Hopefully our floor would be next.
“Just two more floors, my apologies. I know you’re tired,” he said softly.
I took a deep breath and let it out. “I am, yes. But the thought of sleeping on something other than the cold hard ground is enough incentive to keep climbing.”
He nodded, his lips pursed. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to Providence to meet you. You must think I’m a reprobate.”
I thought over how to reply to that, but he said more.
“My sister arranged our engagement. The Fealty and all. Being next in line to the throne, unmarried, well.” He let out a deprecating laugh. “It was only natural. I mean, you and I. I’m afraid I was a little absent-minded during the arrangements.”
We came to a stop, having arrived on the right floor, I assumed. I put my hand on his arm.
“I understand. Seems that neither of us had a say in this. Let’s start on our own terms.”
He raised an eyebrow, curious. “Meaning?”
I smiled and went with my instinct. “Hello. My name is Sierra. What’s yours?”
Brown eyes twinkled, and a charming smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I’m Lysander. But most call me Ander. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He touched his heart, bowing at the waist in a courtly manner.
Curtsying, I giggled. “Likewise.”
“And where are you from, pray tell?” he asked, keeping up the ruse.
