I shake my head. “If that’s the case, I’d like to see her try so I can catch her in the act and be done with her for good. Besides, I’d rather lead my enemies straight to me than put another court at risk.” Lorelei opens her mouth to argue, but I speak first. “I’m sorry, Lorelei, but in this, I can’t be persuaded otherwise. If Amelie is my enemy, then I must keep her close. And if she isn’t…” I was going to say,then I can protect her, but I can’t bring myself to voice it out loud. There’s still too much fire in my veins when it comes to my sister. It will take a miracle for me to trust her again. To go out of my way to protect her when she already denied me once.
Forhim.
I squeeze the arms of the chair again, forcing my breathing to calm.
“Then you will have one opportunity to show favor to a fire fae,” Lorelei says. “Appoint whomever you think you can trust most to travel at your side.”
* * *
Dozens upon dozensof fire fae begin to gather before me, screeches, yips, and yowls filling the air as they settle in. Once it seems everyone has arrived, I’m surprised to find there are even more now than there were in the caves. I see two more moon dragons, a few more varieties of kitsune, an entire family of the mushroom-crustacean fae, multiple flocks of firebirds, and all the others I remember from before—fiery sprites, glowing wisps, snakes, salamanders, and desert rodents.
These are my people.
I’m still intimidated by that fact, by the unseelie ways I’m still mostly a stranger to. But I’m no longer afraid of them.
As easy as it is to get lost in my curious study of the fae, I remind myself that I must present a regal facade. By now I’ve grown adept at adopting the regal bearings of the fae I’ve come to admire—Aspen’s cold stoicism, Nyxia’s powerful authority, even Lorelei’s intimidating stare. I wear it all like a glamour. The mask of the Fire Queen.
I sit tall in my chair and lift a hand in greeting. “Thank you for coming to our makeshift court,” I say, allowing my voice to carry over the lawn. “This will be the only one like it, as the next time I hold court, it will be at Irridae Palace.”
The response seems positive, if I’m reading the wagging tails, barks, and slithering bodies correctly.
I continue. “As you have been informed, Queen Estel will be transporting me to the palace tomorrow afternoon. Those of you who prefer to remain in Lunar will continue to be welcome guests under Queen Nyxia’s rule. However, for those of you eager to return to your native court, you will now be safe to do so.”
More wags, yips—and even a few human-like shouts of excitement—come from the crowd.
A blue wisp bobs forward, sinking into the semblance of a bow before hovering several feet before me. Her voice is light and airy. “I offer the services of my fellow wisps to guide our travelers to the palace.”
A white kitsune with a blue flame over his tail pads forward. “No,” he snaps at the wisp, “everyone knows you have a terrible sense of direction.”
The wisp whirls around. “I do not. I am an excellent navigator. Ask any of my brethren.”
“I offered the services of my tribe first,” the kitsune argues.
“I witnessed no such offer.”
“You weren’t there!”
The two continue their argument while Lorelei leans close to my ear. “The kitsune is correct. Wisps should never be allowed to guide travelers anywhere, unless you’re trying to sabotage them.”
I nod to her, then address the crowd. “Be silent,” I order, forcing my voice to be firm. As uncomfortable as I am with enforcing my new power, it’s time to take control. “You,” I say to the kitsune. “What is your name?”
“Dune, Your Majesty.”
“Dune, I recall you did offer me the services of your tribe and I will grant you that honor now. You will be responsible for guiding all who wish to return to the Fire Court, taking them safely through the Star Court. You will not take the route through Solar, as they are considered my rival at present and cannot be trusted to allow safe passage.”
Dune taps excitedly from paw to paw. “It will be done, Your Majesty.”
The wisp pouts, bobbing low toward the ground.
“You,” I say to her, “will seek out any fire fae who did not come to court tonight and relay the details they have missed.”
She floats higher, her blue a shade brighter. “It isn’t as fun as travel, but I will do as you say.”
It takes no small effort to hide my amusement, but I remain the gracious queen as the two fae return to the crowd. Lorelei leans toward me again. “You should select your traveling companion now before anyone else tries to come forth.”
“If only I knew who to choose,” I whisper back, a flash of panic rising.
“Has anyone demonstrated budding loyalty?”
