I helped Wen onto her chair, then lifted Killian onto the smaller one we’d had made for him. His legs swung freely, too short to reach the floor, and he looked around with wide eyes that were trying very hard to be brave.
“You are doing wonderfully,” I murmured to him.
He nodded seriously and started counting on his fingers, mouthing the numbers silently.
The representatives began approaching to pay their respects. I’d memorized every name, every face, every political stance and potential threat.
Then it was time for the Royalty. Valerius Crescentborn arrived first, the King of Valoryn. Tall, imposing, a man of few words who somehow made silence feel like a personal attack.
“King Malachar, Queen Gwendolyn. It has been too long.”
“Indeed. Welcome to Ravenor.”
“I trust the border situation remains resolved?”
“For now.” I kept my tone neutral. We’d fought over trade routes last year. The matter was settled but tensions remained.
His eyes slid to Killian. “And your unique heir?”
The way he said “unique” made my jaw tighten. “My son is thriving.”
“Of course.” He bowed and moved on.
Xander Silvermane from Wynter Kingdom appeared next, looking like he’d aged ten years in the last five. The stress of being a perpetual asshole was clearly catching up to him.
“A human queen,” he said, his tone making it clear this was still a problem for him. “Still so unexpected.”
Wen smiled sweetly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was not intended as one.”
I growled, low but audible. “Careful.”
Wen’s smile never wavered but it took on a sharper edge. “I’m sure you didn’t mean to be rude. That would be terribly embarrassing for you.”
Silvermane’s expression flickered as he realized he’d been outmaneuvered by a human half his age. “...Of course not.”
He retreated quickly. I made a mental note to accidentally step on his foot later.
Mortimer and Elspeth Goldridge, King and Queen from Duskmere, approached together, both radiating the kind of warmth that came from a long, happy marriage. I actually liked them, which was rare.
“The young prince,” Mortimer said kindly. “May I?”
Wen nodded. “Of course.”
He knelt down to Killian’s level, which immediately earned him points. It was so fucking rare to see a King on his knees, butMortimer was just a great person. “You look just like your father.”
“Yeah!” Killian brightened. “Papa says I’m gonna be SUPER tall!”
“I’m sure you will.” Mortimer’s smile was genuine. “How old are you?”
Killian held up four fingers. “This many! How old areyou?” He asked back.
Mortimer chuckled. “That is not a polite question, young prince.”
“Oh.” Killian’s face fell. “Sorry. Are you older than Papa?”
“Yes.”
