My mouth opens and closes, soundless words gathering behind my teeth that I can’t voice. How could I explain that we needed time to prepare? That Iwasmage butwasn’tfrom the Mage Kingdom?
“Councilwoman Naji, there is no need for this to get contentious,” another councilman tuts, his seat next to the empty one across from me. He’s younger than the others, his blue eyes and blond hair making him stand out amongst everyone else gathered here. He stares at me with a look of commendation, a small smile tugging on his thin lips. “We are all here because we care about Prince Nox and the future of the kingdom, isn’t that true Lady Rhea?”
I nearly let loose a small sigh of relief as I nod my head. “Yes, it is.” His grin widens as he twirls his light blue magic in hishand. The sight is distracting, as I’ve never seen someone just casuallyplaywith their power before.
“You have quite unique features for a mage—something I can relate to,” he says with a chuckle as he gestures to his paler skin. “I am from Galina, are you familiar?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t say that I am.”
The councilman nods his head in understanding, the blue in his eyes reminding me of a winter morning. They are darker than Cass’s but brighter than Daje’s. “It’s another border town, similar to Santor.” His voice is gentle as he talks, my nerves easing as he continues to twirl his magic over his knuckles as if he were rolling a coin. “Because of where I grew up, I have asoftspot for those who come from the smaller cities, and I’ve done my best to get to know the people from them. In fact, just yesterday, I attended the Flame Ceremony of a young girl from Santor.” Something shifts, in his gaze or in the air or perhaps both. Studying the councilman, I no longer feel like I am speaking with an ally. He draws his bottom lip between his teeth, letting it pop free before continuing. “Why don’t you tell us ofyourFlame Ceremony? It’s such a memorable time in a mage child’s life; I’m curious to hear what you recall of it.”
“Is that necessary, Arav?” Sadryn asks, attempting to sway the conversation. Nox hadn’t told me much about Flame Ceremonies, only that they were performed to determine the strength level a mage would reach. “I don’t see how it is relevant to Lady Rhea dating my son?”
“Oh, I believe it’squiterelevant, Your Majesty. For one, it will give us a little more insight into Lady Rhea’s magical strength and how it might pair with someone as powerful as Prince Nox. But, also, I’m always curious to learn the perspective that one takes away from the ceremony. Particularly if their magic is, let’s say,weaker. As I’m assuming Rhea’s is, or we would have heard about it. Although I’d be happy to comb through our recordsuntil I find her ceremony to verify, if you would prefer not to answer the question, My Lady.”
Oh Gods.There is no record of my Flame Ceremony. There is no record ofmein this kingdom. My mouth dries out and swallowing becomes impossible, but I force out an answer. “I’m afraid that I don’t remember much of my ceremony. Just a small flame.” I had no idea if a small flame was a better or worse thing to say, but it seemed like somewhere in the middle.
Councilman Arav dissipates his magic, his hands clasping together. “Do you remember the sting of the knife as it dragged along your palm?”
Daje shifts in his chair, the squeaking drawing both my and Haylee’s gaze. She gives him nothing more than a passing glance before turning to look at Arav, whose scrutiny of me makes my cheeks burn.
“Yes, of course I—”
“Enough, Arav. This has nothing to do with anything other than your own odd curiosity,” Sadryn interjects, saving me from myself. Yet, despite the fact that I hardly got four words out, the councilman’s blue eyes dance with intrigue at my answer.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I’m finished.”
“Let us test your knowledge, then, girl,” the man sitting next to me huffs.
“Councilman Borris, if you call this young woman agirlagain, I will insist you see the healer to have your eyes checked.”
The brashness of Sadryn’s voice draws my shoulders up towards my ears. Any confidence or self-assurance I had is slowly being chiseled away, picked apart like a scab revealing the harsh truth underneath—they don’t like me, and they don’t want me with their prince.
Chapter Fifty-Eight: Rhea
“My apologies of course,”Councilman Borris says—though I don’t know if he is apologizing to me or the king, as he doesn’t meet either of our eyes. Only when a few seconds have passed and Sadryn nods his head does he continue. “I’d like to reference section ten, article two of the royal laws that bind our kingdom.”
My voice seizes in my throat as a cold sweat breaks out on my neck.The laws? Nox hadn’t prepared me for that. We hadn’t evendiscussedthem.
Councilman Borris’ dark gray eyes gleam when he takes in my discomfort and my silence. “Perhaps you need your memory refreshed? Haylee, dear niece, come here.”
My stupid magic surges, warmth permeating my chest and going all the way to my shoulders before I grip the dragon pendant and force out an exhale as slowly as possible to calm it.
Sadryn holds his hand up, halting Haylee as she begins to stand from her chair, an apologetic look written on her face. “The side members are here merely to observesilently.” Haylee hesitantly sits down again, while Daje looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here.
“I’m afraid that I must contradict you, Your Majesty,” Councilman Kallin says, looking from his son over to the king. “It is written in the Code of the Council that during the questioning of a potential consort to the heir apparent anyone present in the room is permitted to speak.” I squeeze the dragon pendant even harder, its hard points digging into my skin. When Sadryn doesn’t respond, his stare made of ice, Daje’s father adds, “I’d be happy to pull the codex out for your reference if you prefer, Your Majesty.”
A muscle in Sadryn’s jaw flutters before he shakes his head, his eyes remorseful as he looks at me. “That won’t be necessary. Proceed.”
“Wonderful. Come, Haylee.” Her uncle beckons her to the chair across the table from me, and though confusion still contorts her features, her steps are sure as she pulls it out to take a seat. “Please, remind us all what section ten, article two says.”
“That section states that, above all else, the ruler of the Mage Kingdom must put their people before their own desires and wants. That, together with the council, it is their responsibility to keep the kingdom a safe and prospering one,” Haylee recites, her gaze finally landing on me. “And that anyone who abuses that role should no longer be fit to rule.”
“Thank you, Haylee,” Councilman Borris praises before turning to look at me. “What I believe we have here, Your Majesty, is someone who wants the finery of life that comes with being married to a king. She has no discernable education or talents or abilities that make her worthy of being queen.”
Each insult knocks breath further from me until my lungs are screaming for air. He isn’t wrong about the list of faults, and perhaps that is the truth that hurts most of all.
“And with howenamoredyour son is, I believe it pertinent to this council to question what her real intentions are.”
