“I am,” Cethin answered. “The Rite was performed beneath the full moon at Lunae Falls a week ago. Which means we are free to hold the celebration on the next full moon.”
“You’re serious?” Lady Mariel asked, trying to blink away her surprise. “After everything…”
“You didn’t think this was something to discuss with this council?” Lord Harlin asked, a hard edge to his voice.
“I think you are growing a little too bold in your position, Lord Harlin,” Cethin said coldly, waiting until the male loweredhis gaze before he went on. “For decades, this council has pushed me towards a union. This last year, that push became a shove. Now that I have done what was asked, you are upset. I’m wondering if there is any pleasing you at this point.”
“We have a right to be taken aback by this development,” Lady Carlin interjected. “I don’t think any of us expected you to enter into a Lunar Marriage after everything.”
“I agreed to the marriage you all demanded of me. How that union took place was still my prerogative,” Cethin replied tightly. “Contrary to what this council seems to think, you don’t get a say in every facet of my personal life.”
“I don’t think that’s what anyone is trying to imply,” Lord Tovan tried diplomatically. “We are all just a little shocked and need a minute to process the…new developments.”
“The only thing that needs to be processed is the Union Celebration,” Cethin retorted. “Contract the necessary merchants and businesses to ensure it happens on the next full moon.”
“Since this all happened so suddenly, I think it would be wise for our new queen to say a few words. So we can all get to know her better,” Tybalt said suddenly, his usually warm brown eyes dark and hard as he stared at Kailia.
Razik shifted from where he stood behind her at the wall. He’d been leaning against it with his arms crossed, but he straightened now, gaze darting from his uncle to Kailia.
“What would you like to know?” Cethin asked, glancing at his wife sidelong. She hadn’t moved, and he wondered if she was even breathing at this point.
“We know she’s from Shadowfen, but tell us more,” the Commander said. “What are your parents’ occupations?”
She stared straight at the dragon as she said simply, “I’m not sure what occupations are available in the After.”
Tybalt blinked at the statement, and Cethin was both proud of her for calling the Commander out on the bullshit he was attempting to pull while also feeling like a jackass for never asking her that question. But in his defense, she answered everything like that. Direct yet obscure simultaneously. He was trying, but she didn’t simply share things. It was taking time and patience. The time he had loads of. The patience was…exhausting. He wasn’t a stranger to the notion, but he’d never experienced it with people and relationships. Action had always been his preference, even when his parents had opted to wait and move with caution. He’d dove right in, not content to wait.
This was forcing him to wait.Shewas forcing him to go slowly and move with caution. At any moment he felt like he’d go backwards ten steps for the few he’d managed to gain. The only way he’d successfully learned anything about her was by watching her every move and listening to what she was saying beyond the words spoken.
She’d also become a distraction. That much was evident from the piles of reports and neglected meetings on his schedule.
“My apologies, your Majesty,” Tybalt said, the words tight. “My inquiry was insensitive.”
Kailia shrugged. “Relations are common conversation topics. I simply don’t have the answer to that particular question. Perhaps another?”
Cethin was pressing his thumb to the corner of his mouth to hide his smirk. He was fairly certain she wasn’t purposely goading Tybalt, but the Commander was working to hide his irritation.
“How long have you been in Aimonway?” Lord Tovan tried.
She turned to him, and Cethin could swear he flinched back. It was minuscule, but it was definitely there.
“I visited several times before relocating to the castle after the Esbat Festival,” she answered.
“And your…occupation?” Lady Mariel asked.
“Queen.”
The Lady winced. “Before that, I mean.”
At that, ashes fluttered around her. “I hunt things.”
Andthatanswer had Cethin fighting to keep his features devoid of emotion. He shouldn’t be surprised. Ash Riders were commonly hired for their stealth and skill, but now he wanted to knowwho. Who had she worked for in the past? What had she hunted down? Did that have something to do with why she couldn’t stand to be touched?
After an extended awkward silence, Cethin said, “Any other questions at this time?” He took his time, looking each person at the table in the eye. Then he faltered as he realized he’d neglected to introduce Kailia to the newest member of the council.
“Lord Astor,” he said. The male straightened at the address. “My apologies for not offering you a formal introduction. My wife, Kailia. Kailia, Corveth Astor, the newest member of the advisory council.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she replied with ease, head tilting as she studied him.
