Page 30 of Maleen

She must see the terror and uncertainty in my eyes because she leans forward, resting her forearms on the desk as her features soften. “You will learn a lot of this as you go. And once you go back to Maleen, there are plenty of tomes, scrolls and parchments to be studied that will help guide you and your court.” She winces. “If the library wasn’t burned down…”

My gut drops like a bag of stones at the mention of the library, so I change the subject. “My court?” My brows pull together as I try to remember my mother’s court. Flashes of trusted advisors come to mind but I can’t be certain of what they did.

“Yes, your court. Each Queen upon her coronation chooses her most trusted fae to help guide her and take the pressure off, helping with your royal duties. These are often close friends or elders. The Queen’s mates also take on roles such as liaisons to deal with out-of-court issues and overseeing the Royal Guard.”

Killian instantly comes to mind. He’s already taken over that role without anyone telling him to, and it suits him. Who better to handle that than a seasoned Vopn Fö warrior who’s overprotective of me? Ember would work well as his second in command, considering he’s been training her. I should officially ask them.

Rozen and Lennox would be great choices too. Mel would have loved this. She always wanted to be a part of royal life. Emotion clogs my throat as I nod so Amethyst knows I’ve heard her.

She continues on. “You will oversee the Lords and Ladies and other higher class fae, making sure everyone stays civil and signing off on requests they will make for coin for their provinces. A lot of this will come as you learn. Most of it will come after the war comes to an end.”

I sit back in the chair, feeling slightly overwhelmed, but the strength from the others in my bonds keep me grounded.

Cynder shakes her head. “I don’t envy you. I want to see the realm, travel… maybe cross the sea and see if there’s an end. The crown sounds like a gilded cage.”

Amethyst’s head teeters back and forth. “In a way, but she will be allowed to travel as well. Especially in times of peace, the Queen usually makes her rounds to villages and cities every few years and gives blessings to the Fates.”

I sigh. I understand where Cynder is coming from, but I know this is my burden to carry. It’s what I was born for, and I would never make her do anything she wouldn’t want. Even if there was someone I could trust to take the throne, I’m not sure that I would. My mother had a vision and I know I’m the only one who can help it come to fruition.

I take Cynder’s hands in mine. “I will never make you stay. After all of this is said and done. If we make it through this alive, you have my blessing to travel the realm. After all, I’ll need someone to tell me about distant lands, if there are any.”

Her eyes widen and she nearly blinds me with how bright her smile is as she nods. It’s almost like some of the shadows around her have lightened.

The ground shakes and my eyes widen, just as a booming blast echoes across the castle. A quick glance at Amethyst’s shock tells me it was far more than just a rogue wave.

“Nero, go check it out and see what’s happening. Amethyst, do you have somewhere you and the staff can take cover?” She nods. “Take Cynder with you, I’ll come for you or send one of the others when it’s safe.”

She hurries around the table and places her hands on the shoulders of Cynder, whose pale pink eyes are wide with terror.

“Ravina,” Aemon starts, “We are under attack. Lord Craven’s troops have somehow breached the gates. Do you want to stay inside with the staff or would you like to join us?”

My heart thunders in anticipation and warms at the same time—appreciation for my mate as he gives me the choice instead of trying to squirrel me away like some damsel in distress. “I’m on my way.”

Jesper’s bloodlust and excitement overwhelm the bond, and I can’t help but feel his giddiness, even as I worry for everyone here.

The shadows pull around me and I take a breath. When I exhale, I’m surrounded by my mates. My fist wraps around the hilt of my sword and I draw it in the next breath as I focus on the fight ahead.

Jesper kisses me. “I’m glad you made it, my Little Beastie.” He licks his full lips and winks.

“I still think she would be safer up above,” Killian grumbles, taking his place at my side and eyeing the silhouetted dragons patrolling there. Always the protector, even if he is grouchy when I won’t hide away.

“It’s her choice,” Aemon states. “But if I see that you’re overwhelmed out there, I will whisk you away to some cave while I disembowel every enemy who even looked at you.”

“Agreed,” Talyn states. “We should just do that now before they breach the gate.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “How did they even cross Vathia without resistance? And why didn’t we have any warning?”

Another blast sounds, and before any of them can answer my question, a platoon made up of berserkers and infantry invade the grounds. There can’t be more than fifty, but their presence here is concerning to say the least.

Magick ripples through the air as swords clash. The Vathian warriors take the brunt of the first hit, and before I know it ours and theirs are so intermixed it’s impossible to tell where everyone is.

Killian glances down at me. “Stay close and keep your guard up.” And then we are overwhelmed.

My sword meets another in a clash so loud my ears ring. Block, slash. Block, slash. I go through the movements with adrenaline coursing through my veins as I try to keep myself alive.

Nero circles above, watching my back. “Rav, Behind you!”

I spin and block a strike that comes too close for comfort before using air to throw my opponent back. Fuck, that was close.