Page 130 of Reign

My heart pounded, drumming faster than raindrops in a thunderstorm. Could Fitzroy truly be fond of me? It seemed unlikely—I must’ve misheard—but I hoped I hadn’t.

Bash flashed into my mind like a shooting star—a blur of emotions hurtling before my eyes. I rolled over, burying myself deeper in the bedding, wishing I could forget him.

My betrayal meant he wanted no more to do with me, and that hurt. But I couldn’t be angry with him—it was no less than what I deserved.

After the conversation I’d overheard, I didn’t linger on the past. My thoughts drifted back to Fitzroy.

A feverish heat swept through me, a mingling of guilt and longing as I recalled his cherry-red lips and my urge to kiss them.

Consumed with confusion, I closed my eyes and waited for slumber, hoping that in the light of day, my muddled thoughts would become clear.

Queen Regina.

I awoke with more questions than I’d taken to bed.

On this bright morning, Bronwyn brought me breakfast and dressed me in a pale blue gown. She sensed my pensive mood and suggested I spend the day in the courtyard rather than cooped up in my chamber. With Fitzroy occupied discussing war tactics with Wolver, I allowed her to guide me outdoors.

In the courtyard, a handful of goblins tended to the flower beds and herb gardens, creating a quiet and tranquil setting. I settled on a stone bench and mindlessly watched them gardening. Usually when I felt blue, I’d place myself in front of the anvil and craft something. But here on the Isle, not only was I unfamiliar with the location of the smithy, but my restrictive garments would’ve made forging impossible.

My gaze followed the trail of creeping ivy as its tendrils snaked up the wall, wrapping tightly around the railings of a balcony that overlooked the sunlit courtyard. A figure lingered on the overhang—obscured by the blinding sun. Shielding my eyes, I caught a glimpse of silver hair just as the person retreated inside—it was Regina. As I wondered what she was observing, the clip of footsteps on the cobblestones claimed my attention.

“Good morrow,” Regina said in her commanding voice.

I quickly rose to my feet, offering her a dutiful curtsy.

“Are you busy?” she asked.

“No, Your Grace.”

“Come.” She beckoned. “I have something I wish to show you.”

I followed Regina through the castle’s labyrinthine passageways until we reached a dimly lit chamber with the scent of damp parchment and smoldering wood. The chamber was crammed with curiosities—shelves stacked with vials lined the stone walls, and above a crackling fire, a mantelpiece displayed an array of burning incense and sage.

Regina sat at a circular table cluttered with mystical items.

“Please, join me,” she said, pointing to a spare stool.

Wrestling with my many layers of skirt, I squeezed past an enormous cauldron that dominated the floor. Regina glanced up as I pushed myself through the narrow gap.

She sighed. “Remind me to return that thing to Dyrnwch. Otherwise, he’ll be at the castle gates, looking for it and expecting a feast. Never again will I host a giant at court—they cannot handle their mead.”

I nodded and settled beside her. As she began sorting through a stack of books, my curiosity was drawn to the items on the tabletop. First, an ornate chalice piqued my interest. I tilted it toward me and peered inside—it was empty. Next, I picked up a leather-bound book adorned with the daisy-wheel monogram. Its pages brimmed with magnificent illustrations of magical creatures and pastoral scenes. One image depicted a creature resembling Dog—tufts of black fur framing pointy fangs.

“That is The Book of Spells,” Regina remarked, watching me from the corner of her eye. “It contains the first four gospels of the ancient testaments, written in Yfelle by the first wizards and witches to walk the realm.”

I continued to admire the swirly calligraphy when something shiny caught my attention. Reaching for it, I discovered a smooth stone with a perfectly round hole in its center. Unable to resist, I poked my finger through it.

“That’s a hagstone,” Regina said. “When looked into, it reveals hidden magic or concealed creatures.”

I held the talisman before one eye and closed the other, scanning the chamber in search of masked arcana. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, I smiled.

“We’re safe,” I declared, prompting a laugh from Regina.

“I’ll have to tell Wolver I’ve found myself a new protector,” she quipped, the lines around her eyes deepening as she gave me a smile.

With Regina returning to her books, I resumed my exploration of the mystical trinkets.

“What’s that?” I asked, prodding the lump of blubber taking up most of the table.