Page 135 of Of Masks and Fury

“I will speak with you in my council chambers, if you can find time in your schedules,” I told them, forcing my shoulders to relax, though my grip on Isi’s hand remained firm. “We have much to discuss.”

Coralee and Grayson nodded, and I gestured for Malcolm to join us.

Isi rose on her toes to press a kiss to my lips. Right there in front of my entire court, she claimed me publicly, her gesture utterly fearless.

Pride and possessiveness surged through me. This fierce, stubborn, magnificent woman was mine, and if everyone here hadn’t known it before, they did now.

No one had ever treasured me in this way before, and I was rapidly becoming addicted.

When she pulled back, her eyes sparkled with challenge. “I’m going to the library to research what we discussed. I’ll meet you later to share what I’ve learned.”

“Isi—”

“I’ll be safe.” She glanced over her shoulder where Lexie, Derren, and Kerralyn had dismounted from Kyreth and waited. “I’m sure our friends will go with me.”

Derren met my gaze across the courtyard, a silent message passing between us. He’d watch out for her.

I blinked, acknowledging the promise.

“Your aunt’s charm is a touch overwhelming,” Isi whispered for my ears alone.

Pherin peeped and bristled her feathers.

My grin rose. “Wait until she meets your full fire.” I stroked her cheek one last time. “Go, but be careful.”

“Always.” She kissed me again, quick and fierce, then turned to join our friends.

I watched her walk away with Pherin on her shoulder, my chest tight with the need to follow, to keep her in sight, where I could protect her.

I would choose her in every lifetime, even the ones where she destroyed me.

They strode toward the castle entrance.

Go with?Gavelle asked.

Please. Thank you.

The cinderhawk soared behind them, angling in through the front door before it swung closed.

I turned to my advisors. “Let’s go.”

My private council chamber waited inside, at the end of the long corridor. I held the door open, gesturing for them to enter. Grayson first, then Coralee, then Malcolm. En route, I’d sent word for Naveah to join us as well, and she arrived moments later, her face serious.

When the door closed, I wove wards thick enough to muffle a dragon’s roar. No one should be able to overhear this conversation. As they settled into chairs around the table, all eyes on me, Coralee clasped her hands tightly in her lap while Grayson shifted in his seat, his owl hooting softly. Malcolm remained still, but Naveah leaned forward, her gaze sharp.

I moved to the head of the table and sat. “Isi is to be respected as you would me,” I said, my voice carrying the weight of command. It was a lot to ask, but I wouldn’t stand for anything less. “I trust her implicitly, and I expect you to do the same.”

Silence crashed through the room.

Grayson’s owl ruffled its feathers, the only sound breaking the stunned quiet. Coralee’s mouth opened, then closed again. Malcolm’s expression remained neutral, but his scarred hands stilled on the table.

Naveah’s lips curved into the barest hint of a smile, and she dipped her chin in a single nod of approval. The head of our armory understood what I was doing, even if the others didn’t yet.

Coralee’s lips tightened, and she leaned forward slightly. “Your Majesty, with complete respect, we’ve only just learned she’s Princess Amarissa. To grant her such authority before the court adjusts—beforeweadjust—could divide loyalties, especially with war looming.”

Letting the quiet stretch, I met her gaze steadily before continuing.

“Over the past days, Isi and I were in Caldrith Court,” I said. “Under disguise. Infiltrating enemy territory.”