At least my earlier worry that no one would come was unfounded. Even if it might have been better that way. After last night, my temper is short.
I couldn’t sleep. Jestin couldn’t sleep. No one slept. How could we?
My skin pricks. Every crooked glance, every flicker of movement in the corner of my vision sets my nerves on edge, feeling like a threat, especially after what happened yesterday.
I knew entering the forest would be dangerous, but to this extent?
I am still in shock. The reality of what occurred will only fully sink in when I face Samira.
“How can we trust you if you didn’t even command your family to a peaceful rest?” Maddox, the owner of Zeznia asks, and the betrayal I feel is immense. I thought we’ve had anunspoken alliance, given I am his huge supporter, but no. He puts me under as much scrutiny as the rest of the gathered folks.
What the fuck does he even mean? I have no idea, but that kind of questioning lasts for ages.
“That’s true, I saw Queen Barbara’s consort rummaging freely on Samhain; he looked miserable,” a redcap adds.
“I can assure you, I have done no such things,” I repeat a thousand times, each time with less conviction that I am telling the truth. Especially given Jestin and River’s averted gazes. I understand Jestin’s, but Riven’s?
Focus on the assembly, Aidon resonates in my head, cutting through my thoughts.
You’re right.
I look at the families around me.
“The point is, you don’t have much choice. If you don’t want to sacrifice your younglings to the war.” Jestin addresses the gathered, and my heart swells in response.
He helps me, even if he prefers to wallow in guilt. He stayed with me, instead of burying his friend with Samira.
“That’s true, I don’t want to send my boys out there; they are only 90 years old. Not skilled enough with their horns,” a Minotaur says, two pups and his mate on his side. The female nods in agreement.
Similar sentiments echo in the crowd.
I balance from foot to foot and address them, tugging on the gloves, hiding my bond with the Simon. “I understand your worries,” I pause, looking at the folks. “My neglect was shameful, but it’s not you who…”
I don’t think you should go that road, Aidon interrupts in my head.
Tough shit.
“But it’s not you whom I will answer to. I am created for you.” I remind them of the ancient agreement between Gorok and theFae-like, the pact that allows them to live in mortal lands so long as they are ruled by Gorok’s descendants, the Beriganders. “You won’t stay in this realm without me,” I announce, praying the Great Architect agrees and he won’t smite me for it.
Murmurs go through the crowd; no one looks pleased, but it is a universal truth. At least it was, while my Grandma ruled.
“If that was true, why didn’t Gorok banish us out in those two years without a crowned Queen?” An older-looking nymph challenges me, getting the support of her kin.
I have no idea why, but I don’t say it.
“Maybe it no longer stands,” someone else says, correctly reading my silence.
Crap. It didn’t go as I planned. The crowd is growing more restless and upset, and I’m starting to doubt that I’ll leave this meeting victorious.
“High Queen Katorena delayed her coronation for seven days,” Riven says, his voice steady. “To mourn her child… and her mother. Gorok gave her time to set her mind.” His battle axe rests in full view as a silent reminder. If things go south, he will not hesitate.
He wasn’t close with Nulok, but he shoulders the blame.
“All is as it should be,” the familiar voice of the Forest Witch cuts through the air and the assembly falls silent, drinking in her every word. Envy hits me as I will never command that kind of respect.
“Hora,” I say, acknowledging her by her first name.
“I recognise Seleste Berigander as my rightful Queen.” She bows, and they follow. What the fuck? I gawk, not expecting cooperation from her. I inspect the crowd, and it isn’t relief settling in my stomach, but shame.
