There were many reasons the gates might be closed to us. The first being that Thyra and I were trying to lead a rebellion against a king that Lord Balik had sworn allegiance to. But we might also be denied for something as simple as having vampire fighters as part of our court.
Our court . . .It was the first time those closest to Thyra and me, those whose opinions we valued most, felt like a real court. Something more than just loved ones and friends and advisors.
“They will let us in.” Vale squeezed me.
He had strong ties to House Balik, that much was certain, but I couldn’t help but fear he was a littletoo sureabout them joining us. We wouldn’t be negotiating with Filip, Sian, or the Balik sisters, all of whom were friends, but the High Lord of the Southlands. And we were asking the family to stand against King Magnus, likely sending their people to war. Such requests were no small matter.
I put on a brave face, and when we landed in front of the towering city gate, Vale and Thantrel slid off the pegasi and extended their hands to their mates.
After shifting Sassa’s Blade out of an awkward position, I took Vale’s hand, shot my sister a glance. She nodded, and we dismounted. Two feet on the ground, Thyra pulled what appeared to be a plain sack from the saddle bag. Inside that bag rested the Frør Crown, a Hallow of Winter’s Realm and one of two priceless items in our possession.
We approached the gate in lockstep, as a smaller door to the side of the larger, heavier gate doors opened. Through it walked a dwarf dressed in a black uniform with a golden ram’s head across the chest. The soldier’s cloak billowed behind him, heavy and thick despite the rising temperature.
The soldier came to a stop a few paces away. “Might I ask your names and business in visiting the Golden City?”
Myrr was the southernmost city in Winter’s Realm. Fae traveled through the area, but only if they were heading to the Autumn Court and wanted to make their life difficult by not sailing. Otherwise, if fae visited this part of the kingdom, they were returning home or stopping for business or pleasure.
“We’re here to speak with High Lord Balik,” I said.
The gate guard cocked his head. “As you can imagine, our lord is quite busy?—”
“My name is Isolde Falk.” A thrill went through me at the use of my birth name. For the first time, it felt natural, right. “And this is my sister, Thyra Falk. We’re the rightful rulers of Winter’s Realm, accompanied by our court. So, while I agree that Lord Balik is likely very busy, hewillmake time to see us.”
The soldier swallowed, and then, just as planned, Vale stepped forward.
“Tell him Prince Vale Aaberg is here with the Falk sisters. And that we come bearing a white banner of peace. We only wish to talk.”
“And Lord Leyv Riis.” The deep and steady voice from behind made my fists clench, but as much as I didn’t want Lord Riis around me, I said nothing, just continued to stare at the gate guard.
A look of great discomfort crossed the guard’s face, but he turned to go. “I’ll send word to the castle.”
He’d only just disappeared through the door when my shoulders loosened. It was official, Thyra and I had announced ourselves to the wider realm. Claimed our house and birthright. The rest was up to those who held power in the form of fae, gold, and acumen.
“Isolde.” Anna’s whisper came from behind. The name sounded so odd coming from her lips. She’d known me for nearly my whole life, always as Neve, but no longer. From this day forward, I was Isolde.
I twisted to find my best friend and blinked. Three more had joined us. Astril, Freyia, and Livia stood with the others, as if they’d been there all along.
“Just slipped out of the woods,” Astril said. “When the soldier’s back was turned. The others too. I expect they left their posts to gossip about your arrival.”
One glance at the top of the gate and the connecting wall that soldiers would usually occupy told me she was right. Not a fae in sight. The vampires had timed their arrival to perfection.
“Keep your hoods up.” I motioned pulling their hood over their faces a bit. Though their eyes weren’t red, indicating that they’d eaten during their journey, they would forever have the look of a vampire. Something off-putting to most fae. “Just until we’re in the castle.”
The Valkyrja nodded, their chins dipping downward as one until they were hidden in plain sight.
“How long will it take?” Thyra asked.
“Not long,” Vale assured her. “I would bet good gold that someone is already on wing to the castle. Lord Balik won’t make us wait once he hears who has come to see him.”
The desire to lean into Vale, to transfer some of his confidence to me via touch, was strong, but I refrained. When the escort arrived, I could not be seen leaning on my husband.
So I stood tall and proud as we waited. The time seemed to pass slowly, though it was likely only twenty minutes or so when the vast gate doors swung open. A smile cracked across my face when Sian and Filip strode out to greet us. The former’s long honey-brown hair fluttered in a breeze and the sun glinted off his honey-brown wings and the ring in his nose. Sian, as ever, was absolutely striking, whereas Filip was much more relaxed in both attitude and stance.
“We were having family breakfast when word of your arrival came.” Sian folded Vale into a hug.
“Why else do you think we planned to arrive at this ungodly hour?” Vale barked out a laugh. “As if I haven’t heard you complaining about the early family breakfasts turn after turn. Always the eighth bell on the dot.”
Sian released my mate. “So you do listen to me. Sometimes I wonder.”
