Stormfall caws sadly from somewhere in the room. He lands on my shoulder and then dips onto the bed, attempting to snuggle into my neck.
“At least have a drink,” Cal replies.
I shake my head hard and hold the pillow in desperation.
“Tell her it’s ale,” Alanna’s voice sighs, prompting me to sit up right away.
Her cool grey eyes meet mine in small amusement. She’s leaning against the arch to my bathing room, her knowing gaze flicking back to Cal who is sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Told you she’d wake up,” she chuckles.
Cal rolls his eyes at the Discerni and reaches across the bed, holding out two drinks. I eye the water and ale and reach a shaking hand for the mug.
“How long?” I ask, bringing my trembling hand to my lips.
I look down at my attire and notice I’m still in my emerald dress from court, another one ruined.
“It’s been two full days since the night at court, since the night of his passing,” Cal replies quietly.
“Death’s Bonfire will begin today at the sun’s apex,” Alanna adds.
I nod at the news and take a heavy swig of ale, letting the drink rush through my body and fill me with warmth. I glance outside to my balcony and notice that it’s near the dead dawn of morning, the cool air breezing through my curtains with a slight urge to begin the day.
“How are you two in the castle? What have I missed?”
I hear the words fall out of my mouth, though my heart truly doesn’t care to know.
“The castle is still in lockdown,” Alanna sighs, “though various Lords from the Courts have been allowed entry and are meeting with the Princes. Her Grace remains secluded in her quarters, in mourning, as is the rest of Castle Bardot’s residents.”
“And the assassin?” I ask quietly as both Cal and Alanna shift in their stances.
“Not found,” Alanna shakes her head, “though the rumors spreading through Bardot give indication that the man was dark skinned and dark haired, attacking the King on the large balcony outside before dropping down to escape.”
“Leviathan?” I ask with narrowed eyes.
“It’s unconfirmed, Alex,” Cal says softly beside me, “but their delegation has been confined to their guest residences for now.”
“Desmond says all of their men are accounted for.”
I scowl at the dark sky beyond. I turn to look back at my big friend and notice sorrow etched into his face. He’s mourning as well, mourning the loss of the King who also gave him kindness and care. I give him a small smile, though the gesture isn’t enough to thank him for his presence with me last night. Cal nods his head in acknowledgement, his brown eyes still soft and sad.
“Did you win your fight?” I ask, hoping for some good news.
He gives a small shrug as Alanna replies, “he did.”
“Though that boy will take over my mantle in a few short years,” Cal adds, bringing his hand to his beard, “he’s the real deal.”
“He’s asked to train under Cal,” Alanna grins, looking at my friend with fiery grey eyes. I nod at Cal, understanding anyone’s desire to train under him. He took my body and molded it into something I’m proud of, something no doubt the young fighter desires as well.
“What happens next? You said the bonfire is today?” I take another large drink.
“Yes,” Alanna replies, “with the coronation of Prince Keane to take place a fortnight after that…”
Coronation.
“Delegations from all of the Kingdoms will be arriving in Bardot…”
Keane.
