“’Tis coronation day,” she chimes brightly, nodding at each of the staff as they retreat from the room. Leaning forward, she peers into the hall. “Yes, yes, bring in the stand. Cover the mirrors.”
Two hulking fae males enter carrying a darkwood mannequin hoisted over their shoulder. A human woman follows, carrying yet another bolt of white fabric. She sweeps in beside the fae males as they set the mannequin before the tall standing mirror, and unraveling the white in her hands, slings it over the mirror.
Why cover the mirrors?
“Raevi, prep the bath,” Oraphia instructs. “Use the almond oil.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the skittish creature chirps, bobbing a quick curtsy in my direction, her golden braids swinging with the motion. Without another word, she vanishes into the bathing room.
“Coronation day?” I ask in a low, annoyed growl, shifting to glance at Ryc.
One golden eye meets mine, the other remains buried in pillow.
Laughing, he replies, “Tradition, little love.”
“The coronation ceremony always takes place the day following the marriage,” Oraphia says through the slew of castle staff entering and leaving and going about their business. “We have been preparing for this since you accepted King Alaryc’s gift. When Lady Lilith informed us—”
“Lilith…” I groan the damn Sovereign Queen Emeritus’ name as I rub at my brow. “The cretin canceled yesterday’s lesson and only now do I see it’s because she wanted to planthis.”
I might murder her.
With everything happening—marriage, the veilflowers, Sabien… the not so small detail ofcoronationwas lost in the fray. A warning would have been nice. I could have taken time to mentally brace myself—Lilith’s words from yesterday halt the thought.
“Tomorrow will be your most exciting lesson yet. I promise.”
Yet another lesson in rising to the occasion when all I want is sleep.
This lesson of being woken up far earlier than I’d like is growing old. It’s neither exciting nor appreciated. Likely sensing my thoughts and irritation through our bond, Ryc’s muffled chuckling is enough to cement the scowl upon my face.
“Today is going to be a very busy day, Queen Ves,” Oraphia says, closing the door behind the last of the castle staff.
Queen Ves.
I stare at the woman, dumbfounded as she approaches the foot of the bed.
Rolling onto his back, Ryc tucks an arm behind his head as he peers up at me. “We could have hidden it for at least a week, but you had to tell Lilith.” He runs a hand through his disheveled hair, grinning at me like a godsdamned fool.
“I didn’t tell her anything,” I counter over my shoulder. “She made assumptions based on details sheshouldn’thave noticed.”
“It’s far too late to do anything about it now,” Oraphia says, perching her hands on her hips. “Invitations went out yesterday morn.”
My scowl deepens.
I’ve the feeling they were sent the instant Lilith left the study.
“Your Majesty, you’re to get ready in your quarters,” she adds, swinging a hand to point at the door. “Grant your queen peace, she’s going to need it.”
Of the two staff standing silently beside the door, one sweeps forward, a black robe draped over his outstretched arms.
Pulling himself upright, Ryc leans close, giving me a swift kiss. My hands race to his face, keeping his lips against mine. With a quick laugh, he’s eager to answer my demand and too easily does desire race through my veins. Breaking the kiss, he reaches for the robe and slings it over his shoulders, forcing his arms into the fabric.
An acute sense of mourning strikes as he climbs from the bed, fastening the stay around his waist.
“Remind me to have a chat with Lilith,” Ryc says to the attendant as they cross the room. “She’s cost me a day in bed with my wife.”
The way my stupid stomach somersaults with his words is nothing short of ridiculous.
Over his shoulder, he catches my stare. “I’ll see you in a few hours, little love.”
