She continued, “Most have probably kept their magic tight leashed, but seeing it flourish will hopefully spark a movement. All of Highcrest may not be ready for full magical integration, but it’ll be a great start.”
Ravinder chimed in, “The first convoy should remain heavily guarded. Besides unrest from Highcrest’s magic fearing people, once word spreads of a town teaming with wielders, they could be a prime target for kidnappings.”
“Another reason why we chose the north west location. No access to a port, and we have a new battalion line of defense between Highcrest and Windguard along the Splits close to the castle. But yes, I agree. We’ll keep an eye on it.”
No cracks in his stoic demeanor, yet I could tell from Ravinder’s assessing stare that he questioned if the new, young queen would be able to keep her word. He may have dipped his head in agreement, but his doubt remained, concealed to the untrained eye.
“How long will it take to get there from here?” Dante asked. “If we move those who have settled here first, this can be a stopping point for the rest who have yet to descend from Argora Vale.”
“About a week,” Nora said.
“We’ll have to prepare them for the journey with supplies, then. Do you know how many you want to send first?” Radhak asked Dante.
“Ideally, I’d like to scout it on my own, but judging by the state of things here, and with more to be arriving, I think things are too fragile to wait. Better to move the majority now, before they have a chance to settle.”
Radhak straightened. “I agree. Your Majesty, how soon can things begin?”
“Give us two days. Once I get back, I’d like to send word to the town so they can prepare and we can organize shipping more supplies.”
Radhak nodded. “If anything changes, that should give time for someone to come alert us before we begin the move.”
With a plan in motion, the meeting came to an end. I left, following Nora and her sister. “So, how’s Queendom? Kind of a short honeymoon period. It’s been, what, a week and a day since the wedding?”
Nora’s lips flattened, and she shook her head. “Still weird to be associated with that word.Queen. Such a heavy connotation. And no, I refused a honeymoon. I’m not going to ignore the kingdom I just gained on the tail end of an almost revolution against magic wielders. There’s too much to be done.”
“She’s doing amazingly,” Melody interjected. “She’ll go down as the greatest queen to ever rule Highcrest, I’m sure of it.” She looped her arm through her sister’s and squeezed. But her adoring attention drifted fairly quickly, glancing around the field of tents.
Nora smiled, tucking her newly short hair behind her ear, not realizing her sister’s attention was no longer present. “Thank you, Mel. Honestly, the hardest part is learning how to navigate court politics.”
“Screw politics.” I waved off the idea. “I’m sure you’ll give them a run for their money.”
Nora gave me a smirk that let me know she indeed already had.
“That’s my girl.” I smiled right back. “Hey, how are things inside the castle? Weed out anymore of those traitorous bastards?”
“Actually, I was hoping to see Evenita here. Maybe she has an answer to that question.” Nora joined her sister in scouting the camp. “She’d identified all in the castle on the night of the attack, but shifts and patrols change, so getting an update would be helpful.”
Knowing we could trust—truly trust—Highcrest’s guardsmen would be beneficial. I had a sneaking suspicion that was Rav’s concern, or at least one of them. “I actually don’t know where she ran off to once she and Alaina arrived. You might have to ask some of the others. I haven’t been back at camp long.”
“Hm. I’m going to try and find her before we leave.” Nora started walking, pulling Melody with her.
“Actually,” Melody stopped, unhooking her arm. “Is Tio around? I wanted to thank him for escorting us back last time and I didn’t get a chance to do it at the wedding celebrations.”
I could have sworn her cheeks tinted pink. Oh.Oh. “Y-yeah. I think he’s still in his tent, healing. I can see if he’s up for company. I’m almost positive he wouldn’t turn away a woman, no matter his condition.” A teasing smile quirked my lips.
She ignored my commentary on Tio’s reputation, instead focusing on the latter. “Healing? He’s hurt? Is he alright?”
“He’ll be right as rain soon enough. Here, follow me.”
The three of us exchanged pleasant farewells, and I led Melody to Tio’s tent, hoping to any gods up there in that great expanse that he’d be decent. Honestly, it was a gamble.
9
Melody
Ro didn’t seem to interpret Tio’s closed tent flaps as a barrier of any kind as she waltzed right in. I wouldn’t go in if he didn’t want me to, though. To be honest, I probably shouldn’t have even come here. I’d only met him once, when he’d been Nora’s and my escort to Highcrest. Back when Nora hadn’t given in to her feelings about Nick, when she’d ridden in silence most of the way, battling her beliefs about the blond prince.
I still had a hard time grasping how much they’d gone through together. My sister, the former prince-hater, now his wife. I still questioned if the wedding and coronation ceremony was a dream because never in my wildest imagination did I ever picture this.
