Behind the door, Ariel let out a delighted gasp as Rooke rose, then offered me his hand and pulled me into a hug that felt like coming home.
64
LYRAE
This morning’s meeting of the royal court was short and to the point, like most things in Tempeste when Queen Anaria was in a mood. This was also—thankfully—happening privately in the War Room, not in front of a throne room filled with gossipy, salivating courtiers.
I stood at my usual place to the queen’s right, spine straight, expression cool, pretending my morning hadn’t begun with an ancient prince groveling outside my door.
Pretending I hadn’t secretly liked him groveling.
A prince currently bathed, fed, and fast asleep inmybed, which scrambled up my insides in ways that should probably be illegal.
“I have to say, I feel better knowing you’re down there, Lyrae,” Anaria leaned back in her chair. “If Lord Rooke is able to restore that realm, I expect there will be Fae who might be interested in relocating. A city along the coastline would be a strategic stronghold, given the Havens are defenseless.”
“I agree, but that realm belongs to Rooke, to manage as he sees fit,” I said neutrally. “Though I will be sure to run the suggestion past him.Your Majesty,” I tacked on at the last possible minute, as Tavion smirked.
“Let him know Cosimo is willing to come and help with the planning. And any soldiers you would like to commandeer for labor…just tell me what you need, and you shall have it.”
Gods, that was all I needed.
Half the royal court and my Dreadwatch milling about down there for me to manage.
“Thank you, my queen.” I dipped my head.But fuck no.
“On another note, I would request my sister remain in my apartment while I am in the Shadowlands. However long that might be.” Torin’s gaze had been fixed on Ariel ever since she’d arrived, though it could be the floating silver ballgown she’d refused to take off, or the little tiara she’d found—stolen—somewhere along the way, nestled into her hair.
“I want to stay,” Ariel stepped forward like she’d been waiting for her cue. “I’ve been dreaming of Tempeste my entire life,” she said, a pleading note in her voice. “I just want to seeeverythingin the world right now.”
Anaria nodded once. “Granted.”
My sister blinked. “Granted? That easily? I thought I’d have to practicallybeg.”
Oh gods, why was she always so damned dramatic?
“Yes, that easily,” Anaria’s lips quirked. “Lyrae is a valued member of this court and I trust your sister implicitly. I rely on her to always speak her mind, and protect every single one of us with her life, if necessary. Make no mistake—I would give your sister anything she asked for.”
Anaria’s gaze met mine, the backs of my eyelids prickling.
“Torin has already promised to take you under her wing,” Anaria said gently, as if this had already beendiscussed and settled. “If you stay, you will train. You will learn. You will become useful.”
An enormous grin lit Ariel’s hollow face. “Yes, my queen.”
“Thank you, Anaria,” my chest tightened with relief, and a fair amount of fear, because keeping Ariel close to the throne meant keeping her near politics and the kind of corrupt games that ate decent souls alive.
But Torin would not let her be eaten.
No, she would protect my sister from the worst this city had to offer, and nurture the parts of Ariel that were good and kind. Hopefully temper the parts of her that craved excitement and danger like a dragon craved gold.
I turned and cupped Ariel’s gaunt face between my hands. “Be smart, sister,” I murmured. “No unnecessary risks. No stupid chances. And no thieving. I fucking mean it, Ariel.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Nothieving.” Her smile was pure mischief. “But I’ll just bet there is a king’s ransom of gold hidden beneath this city. I can practically smell the?—”
“Ariel.” My tone went flat. “I mean it. What’s beneath this city needs to lie there forever. The bones of the fallen should never be disturbed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand,” she groaned, and I huffed a laugh, pulling her into a fierce hug that said everything I didn’t have words for right now.
“Thank you,” she grunted against my hair. “You can let me go now. You’re smashing me. I can’tbreathe.”
