“See,” I said afterward, a little breathless. “You can still be hot and passionate.”
“With you, yes, but not in battle.”
I nodded, hoping I understood.
Crane found me in Silence’s room. She knocked and called out, asking if I was here. When I replied, she entered in time to see us straightening our clothes.
She shook her head as she said: “Skyfire is ready for lunch in the atrium.”
“I have no idea where that is.”
“I’ll take you there.”
I kissed Silence good-bye. As I left, I looked back. Yes, he had changed. I’d never think of him as a boy again. He was a man now, and there was majesty in that, but also a touch of sadness.
Chapter 29
The Councilof Nobles looked far different than it had the day Maverick had chosen me for his house. So many of the faces I’d known were gone, and one entire house was missing. Owl House had been removed from the lists. Perhaps it would be replaced with another in time, but for now, its members who had not been involved with Merlin — which were few — had been given the choice of losing their title or joining another house. A few had come to Spider House, penitent and wishing for a second chance. I would grant them that chance.
I sat as House Leader, with Crane standing at my side. Others from my house sat in the gallery around us. Members of the public crammed into the theatre where the Noble’s Tests were held. They wished to see who would be crowned king or queen, which House would be elevated to Royal.
Silvermane no longer wished to be queen. She’d stepped down as leader of her House and gone into seclusion.
Skyfire was now the most senior House Leader and as such rose to open the ceremony.
“Today we crown a new monarch for Elista!” Her voice was harsh and raspy, and didn’t carry well, but she’d insisted on doing this, and not having Drake do it for her. “This is a solemn and also a joyous occasion. And though our nation has been through turbulent times, I am certain that whoever is chosen here today will usher us into a time of prosperity and peace!”
She looked around at the others. I did so as well.
Next to Skyfire was the next most senior House Head, Grizzly. I was both saddened to see Ursa no longer next to him, but also happy to see my old friend, Blackclaw was now the second for House Grizzly. She stood proud and beautiful, smiling perhaps just a little too broadly at being at her first grand event as a second.
Lady Tanuki and her second Red were the next most senior.
Oddly… I was now the fourth most senior House Head on the Council. Technically I’d been appointed to my post before Lady Margay. She had accepted her post as Head of House Panther and grown in her strength and certainty. She’d disavowed the behavior of her predecessors and vowed that her House would be a strong supporter of peace with Vauphan. Her second was Lord Serval, a serious looking fellow, tall and lean.
Lord Quill was now the head of house Porcupine, following Spike’s death at the hands of Merlin. His second was Lady Mara, a small woman with a serene look on her round face.
House Pterolycus had been renamed to House Kitsune for its new leader. Lady Kitsune had been my instructor at Silverveil, and I knew she’d do well as leader of her house. She hadn’t been involved in Fang’s support of Merlin, but she’d still have a lot of work to do — like Lady Margay and House Panther — to prove herself in the eyes of the public and the Nobility… and she knew it. Her second was Lord Husky, a jovial man with a ready grin.
Finally, and a thrill for me to see, Dove was head of House Pegasus. She was resplendent in her silver Fey armor, looking every inch the leader. She smiled at me when our eyes met. It wasn’t unheard of for siblings to be Heads of Houses, but it certainly wasn’t common. Her second was her long-time friend, Lady Willow. Lord Horn had resigned his Noble status and lived in seclusion. Lady Silvermane had done the same, living with Skyfire. She wished only for a quiet life, out of the public eye. I’d spoken to her briefly while staying at Skyfire’s estate and she seemed a reduced version of herself. I hoped someday, with Skyfire’s love, she’d once again be the strong woman I’d known.
All attention was on Skyfire, which she drank in with a grin. She would give her vote for the next monarch first. The rumor was, she’d vote for herself, which was allowed.
“I Skyfire, of House Wyvern, select my candidate for monarch…” She knew everyone was hanging on her next words and drew out the pause. “Lady Legs of House Spider.”
I sat a little straighter. “What?” I whispered to no one in particular.
Actually, that doesn’t surprise me. Auwei said confidently.
Oh?
Yes, she didn’t want to be queen when we selected last time, why would that change now?
I thought she voted for Silvermane because she loved her. But me? Why me?
I think we’re about to find out.
Skyfire went on. “Lady Legs was of pivotal importance in defeating the tyrant Merlin and of leading the Houses in their defense of our proud nation. I believe she would make a great queen for us all!”
