“Is that important?” I ask, and my uncertainty is genuine. Now that I think about it, most of the ambassadors I’ve seen were easily distinguishable as belonging to a certain court based on their appearances. But is that simply due to clothing and style choice, or their actual heritage? “Must all ambassadors be native to the court they represent?”
“No,” she says to my relief, “but I thought perhaps you’d want to establish a connection with the fire fae. This is an opportunity to elevate one of your own people and show your respect for them. Elevating me might…well, it won’t be seen as a negative thing, but it will remove that possibility to connect with others you’d want to keep close.”
My eyes unfocus as I consider what she said. She has a point, one I hadn’t considered myself. Still, there’s no one I can imagine doing a better job than Lorelei. “See, this is why I need you. What you’re saying makes perfect sense. However, I don’t know or trust any of the fire fae enough to make any appointments just yet. As my ambassador, you can help me navigate my relationships with them and find other opportunities to honor them.”
“I could.” The word comes out slowly.
“Will you do it?”
I wait with bated breath as she considers. For a moment, I worry that the offer has somehow offended her. Perhaps she prefers being a lady’s maid or considers it a step down to work for a less-established royal like me. Then her lips pull into a wide smile. “Yes, of course I will. You know I am already loyal to you. I love Aspen, but I will follow you anywhere.”
I can hardly contain my joy, and before I know it, we’re embracing again.
When we separate, she puts her hands on her hips and smirks. “Besides, now I can finally get away from Nyxia.” Despite the exaggerated relief in her tone, I can tell there isn’t the same venom that used to be present when she’d speak about Nyxia. It makes me wonder if her heart is softening in regard to the fierce queen. I know her grief over her deceased lover will likely never fully disappear, but I can’t help hoping there might be a second chance at love waiting in the near future for my friend. Perhaps even another shot with Nyxia.
“Do you think you can begin your ambassador duties tonight?” I ask.
She squares her shoulders with a confident grin. “I’m ready.”
“Good. Then we’ll visit the fire fae together.”
“If you truly want me to start my duties now,” she says, “then I have a better suggestion. You won’t bevisitingthe fire fae. You will hold court and your people will come to you.”
I flash her a smile. “I knew you were the one for this job.”
* * *
After evening falls,I make my way to the Wishing Tree at the edge of the lawn outside Selene Palace. Lorelei arranged everything to accommodate my makeshift outdoor throne room, including an elegant moonstone chair to act as my temporary throne. With the long skirts of my indigo gown flowing around my legs, I lower into the chair with as much grace as I can muster.
“Your people should arrive shortly,” Lorelei says, standing at my right. “They have been briefed on your travel plans, so you won’t have to go into much detail regarding that.”
I’m surprised she informed them already, only because I hardly know the details myself. All I know is that Estel will be escorting me and a small retinue to Irridae. I get the feeling the Star Queen won’t be acting simply as a guide, but using some sort of magic to take me there. “Do you know anything about Queen Estel’s powers? Does she have control over travel or something?”
“Pretty much,” Lorelei says. “The Star Court’s magic is deeply connected to time and space. All courts are represented by some combination of the elements. Star magic has an affinity for air, which makes it easy for the most powerful star fae to utilize their magic for swift travel. Queen Estel specifically excels at travel through time and space. Her technology created the axis line and the axis points in each court when the wall was built.”
A chill runs up my spine. I had no idea a single fae could have such significant power. What other strange magics have I yet to learn about? “So when she said she’s escorting me to Irridae Palace…”
Lorelei nods. “What she means is she will use her magic in the form of a portable travel device called a Chariot. It’s hard to explain. You’ll see it for yourself.”
“Wow. All right. I had no idea that was possible.”
“Her magic is rare, as are the devices she creates,” Lorelei says. “That’s why the Renounced wanted her to escort their fire king pretender. Taking you instead will be a huge slap in their faces.”
“How many do you think Queen Estel can transport at once? I was told I should bring only a small retinue.”
“I’ve never known the Star Queen to transport more than eight. We already know your retinue will include you, me, Aspen, and Foxglove, and I can guarantee the king will insist on bringing at least two guards. So that leaves two—”
“And Amelie,” I rush to say before I have a chance to take it back.
Lorelei pauses, mouth hanging open. “You want to bring your sister with you?”
My pulse quickens. Talk of Amelie is dangerous territory, as I can’t think of her without considering everything she’s done. Betraying me for Cobalt. Missing Mother’s trial which resulted in her death. Arriving at Lunar without warning, giving me the power of her name as the only tether to trust her by. My fingers curl around the armrest of the chair as I squeeze the cool moonstone. The distraction stabilizes me, helps me maintain even breathing as I say, “I can’t leave her here.”
“Can you trust her?”
“Of course I can’t,” I say, “but she’s my responsibility. If she truly came here on some nefarious order from Cobalt, I can’t leave her at Lunar to draw danger in my absence.”
“What if this is exactly what he wants?” Lorelei’s eyes are wide with fear. “What if he ordered her here, knowing you’d eventually take her to Irridae, to the weapons stash?”
