“Amelie,” I say with the power of her name, “I allow you to leave me momentarily, only to remain where you are until I return to you, whereupon your order to remain at my side will recommence.”
She nods, eyes downcast, and I take Aspen’s fingers in mine. We make our way to stand by the table near the stairs, which is far enough from the others that we can speak privately. He faces me, bringing a hand to my cheek and brushing a thumb along my jaw. “What do you think of your new home?”
My heart feels warm as I luxuriate in the feel of his simple touch. Placing my hands on his waist, I tilt my head to meet his eyes. “I think it’s only home because you’re here.”
He brings both hands to my face, cupping my cheeks. “I am here. For everything you need, the good and the bad.”
For some reason, his words stir shame inside me as I recall how easily he saw through my inner turmoil over keeping Amelie in the dungeon. It also brings to mind something I hadn’t previously thought of, something that makes my heart sink. And once again, he must be able to see my mood written clearly over my face.
“What is it?” he asks, brow furrowed.
“I can’t stay with you tonight,” I say with a grumble.
His concern melts off his face, replaced with a look of understanding. “You want to stay with your sister.”
I groan. “I don’twantto at all, but I should. At least tonight. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep no matter where she is in the palace, not until I’m certain the commands will hold her in place. But tonight I want to keep her in plain sight.”
“I understand.”
“Is that because you’re just as paranoid as I am?” I say with a teasing grin.
“No, it’s because you’re clearly just as smart as I am.” His tone is smug, reminding me of how I perceived him when we first met. It’s funny how easy it is to see through it now, how that vulnerable side of him is never far below the surface anymore.
“Your Majesty!” Breeda shouts, becoming a stream of red as she circles me and my mate.
I force myself not to roll my eyes in irritation as I separate from Aspen. “Yes, Breeda?”
She stops her circling to hover in the air before me. “You will never believe how beautiful the room I’ve picked for you is. It’s the royal chamber!” Her words dissolve into a delighted squeal.
Fehr steps onto the landing from one of the staircases and offers a bow. “The bathing chambers and bedrooms are prepared.”
“Ugh, delightful,” Foxglove says as he and Lorelei saunter up to join us. “I haven’t wanted a bath so badly in my life.”
Fehr’s eyes rove Foxglove as if seeing him for the first time. Beneath the djinn’s stare, Foxglove blushes and looks sheepishly at his feet. I can almost hear the giggle he’s sure to be suppressing.
“What about clothes?” Amelie’s voice is so small and unexpected, it takes me a moment to realize she’d spoken. She remains where I left her, lifting the hem of her filthy black skirt, a grimace twisting her lips. Considering today is the first she’s been allowed a bath and change of clothing after a week in a dungeon, I’m surprised she even cares. Then again, her preoccupation with fashion is so befitting the Amelie I once loved that my chest tightens.
I tear my eyes from my sister and return my gaze to the djinn. “Yes, Fehr, we will all require clean clothes, especially ones appropriate for this climate.”
“In each bathing chamber, you will find towels and robes to change into,” he says. “While you bathe, I will ensure each room is properly stocked with clothing. However, King Ustrin kept no concubines or female mates of status. There likely won’t be much suitable for a queen.”
“It will have to do,” I say. Unlike Amelie, I have never been overly concerned with style, although that has changed much since coming to Faerwyvae.
“For now,” Aspen adds, as if he finds my response lacking. “Once the new household staff has been appointed, see to it that Queen Evelyn has a royal wardrobe made up at once.”
Fehr’s gaze slides slowly from me to Aspen. “Am I to listen to his orders, Your Majesty?”
Aspen tenses, hands clenching into fists, but says nothing in reply.
“Yes,” I say to Fehr. “King Aspen is my mate. His household will arrive here shortly, and you will allow them entrance onto the palace grounds. Same goes for the fire fae who will arrive from Lunar.”
“Very well,” Fehr says, expression hard as he bows to Aspen. “I will see that Queen Evelyn’s wardrobe is made a priority by the palace seamstress. Shall I show you your rooms now?”
“Give me one more moment to speak with my mate.”
Without a word, he returns to the bottom staircase, where Foxglove and Lorelei join him. Even Breeda seems to get the hint and joins the others, where they spark up casual conversation. All but Fehr, that is, who stands composed and slightly away from the group, unaware of how Foxglove’s eyes flicker admiringly at him every few seconds.
I turn my attention back to Aspen. “I’ll miss you tonight,” I whisper. “I’ll stay in a guest room with my sister. You take the royal chamber—”
