Auraelia nodded, her head cocked to the side, confusion written across her features.
Piper tore off a piece of Auraelia’s bread, and before popping into her mouth said, “Aren’t those the names of the people who signed The Treaty of Rosewood? Like, your great, great, great,however many greats, grandmother? And Daemon’s, however many greats, grandfather?”
As Piper’s words swirled around her brain, little pieces began to click into place. The striking similarities between not only her and the woman in the mirror but also between Killian and Daemon. But why was she dreaming of something that may have happened centuries ago? And why did it feel more like a memory than a dream? It didn’t make any sense.
Unfortunately, she didn’t have long to contemplate that new information. For the second time that night, Auraelia was pulled from her mind back to the world around her as yet another knock sounded at the door.
Chapter Eight
Auraelia
The guard at her door had been wide-eyed and white as a sheet like he’d seen a ghost strolling the castle halls. After taking the parchment from his trembling fingers and reading the scrawling script across its ivory surface, Auraelia immediately turned toward her bedchamber, her magic coursing frantically beneath the surface of her skin.
A man at the gates is requesting an audience with Her Majesty.
That was it. No other details, no name or court affiliation. It was late; who in their right mind would show up and request an audience at this hour?
Needing to dress quickly, Auraelia threw on a simple pair of pants, a tunic, and an overdress that laced across her torso, taking the place of a corset. After strapping her dagger to herthigh, she laced up her boots and headed out the door of her suite, Piper hot on her heels.
“Learn to fight and run in dresses and heels, but always choose ease when you have the choice. Choose pants, and keep your weapons close.”The lesson that Aesira had drilled into her for as long as she could remember filled her head, and she was grateful for it as she walked into her throne room. Aesira and Iridessa stood like sentinels at the base of the dais while Ser Aeron and Xander framed the sides of the throne.
Her mother was never one to use this room except for formal occasions, but that wasn’t the case here. Not knowing who would walk through the doors, Auraelia wanted to make sure she had as much of an advantage as she could achieve on short notice, using the dais as a vantage point. The stones within her throne calmed and channeled the magic that coiled in her veins like vipers ready to strike.
As Auraelia settled into the seat of the throne, the emeralds responded immediately, warming to her touch as she ran her fingers across them. She took a deep breath, spooling her magic into her core. Then she straightened her shoulders, nodded toward the guards at the door, and let the air in her lungs loose as Xander’s shield glided around the dais, protecting her and the people she loved.
A man, tall and lithe, strolled into the room, dressed much too formally for the late hour. There was not a stitch out of place on his onyx jacket, and his boots were shined to the point of reflection, but the grape-sized, blood-red garnet that adorned his ring finger caught Auraelia’s attention.
“Who are you?” she asked, using every ounce of calm to keep her voice steady; the emeralds within the stone illuminated as her magic pulsed through them.
“I’m Lord Caius of the Court of Garnet, Your Majesty.” Caius bowed with a flourish, and when he rose, a feline smile appearedon his lips. “We saw each other…briefly, on that fateful night so many months ago.”
“The snow.” The words were spoken through clenched teeth. It wasn’t a question, merely a confirmation that she understood who he was.
Auraelia’s gaze narrowed as she took him in.
He was an attractive man. Flawless ivory skin stretched over strong cheekbones and a chiseled jaw. His eyes were winter blue and framed by dark lashes despite his shoulder-length hair being white as freshly fallen snow.
“Am I to assume you’re another cousin I was unaware of?” Venom dripped from every word. Secrets, so many secrets. And more were popping up every day.
Caius chuckled. “No, Your Majesty, I am not your cousin.”
“But you look so much likeher.” She couldn’t mask the sneer that tugged on her lips.
A knowing smile spread across Caius’ face. “Characteristics that are common among our court, but I assure you, we are of no relation. I am the emissary for the Court of Garnet and the lover to your enemy.”
“Lover? You’re Davina’s lover?” Disbelief filled her tone as she stared down at the man. Not at the fact that Davina would choose him, but that he would chooseher.
“I am. Which is one of the reasons why I am here.”
Auraelia relaxed a fraction, but her eyes narrowed as she leaned back against her throne, her head propped up on a fist. “How did you get here?”
A knowing smile pulled at his lips. “By horse, of course, and it’s quite a long journey from Garnet. But as I’m sure you’re aware, your brother has placed some quite impressive wards around this place. Wards that evenIwould have trouble breaking through. But seeing as I am here as a friendly face and not as a foe, I chose the safer route.”
“Why come here, knowing that I could have had you killed on the spot?” She didn’t like the Cheshire smile that spread across his face. “What is it you want,exactly?”
“I wantyour boyout of the way. And since you’re in love with him, at least, I assume you’re still in love with him; I suspect you’ll help me.”
Lightning simmered at her fingertips as her anger began to rise. “Why would I help you?”
