“Rumors eventually become truths if never proven false, your Majesty,” the Hand said with a sad smile. “There are rumors she has repeatedly harmed you, and then there are rumors the Elder Clans attacked her. The people see it as a sign from the Fates.”
Cethin swallowed his huff of disbelief. He had given and given and given to this kingdom. It was his highest priority and where all his loyalty lay. He’d proven himself time and time again, and still it wasn’t enough. For his mother. His father. For Zayan or Tybalt. For the council, the clans, the people. For her.
“They don’t trust her,” Zayan said, beginning to gather his things, smartly sensing that Cethin would not be finishing their agenda today. “And because of that, they begin to question you. I am simply the messenger, your grace.”
Then he was gone, leaving Cethin alone in his study.
It had been a mistake to make her queen in title only. He’d done it to protect his kingdom, but it had sown seeds of doubt. The people needed to see them. See her with him. He’d hoped the Union Celebration would help, but that was still nearly two weeks away.
With a sigh, he got to his feet. Apparently, her time to acclimate was up. A royal title would always do what it did best: force a person into roles and duties they never asked for.
Then again, he supposedhe’ddone that to her.
He took his time climbing to their floor, finding their space empty. After sending a note to Razik, he made some tea, hoping it would help wake him up. Stepping out onto the balcony, he braced his elbows on the railing, holding the teacup between his hands. Only then did he acknowledge the panther sitting in the corner to the right. Black fur glistening in the daylight, her tail switched behind her, and her silver eyes were pinned on him.
Shirina, the spirit animal bonded to the goddess of night and shadows.
“I have nothing to say to her,” he said without looking at the panther.
The panther didn’t move. Her tail only continued to swish along the marble floor.
“But you can tell Altaria I await his return,” he added, referring to another of the spirit animals, before bringing his tea to his lips.
With that, the panther stood, stretching her front legs out and back arching. Then, with a flash of faint silver light, she was gone.
Moments later, he heard the doors open, the voices of Razik and Kailia carrying to him.
“Cethin?” Kailia called out, appearing in the balcony doorway a moment later.
It had been cool this morning, but this late in the day, the sun had warmed the air. Spring had finally taken over, and the summer season was well on its way. Despite that, she’d only removed her shoes, her cloak still around her shoulders and clasped at her throat, that blue crystal laying below the silver clip.
“Sorry to interrupt your day,” Cethin said, shifting so he leaned back against the rail. Her dress was shorter in the front, stopping at her knees, while the back graced her heels. It was lightweight, which he supposed is why she still wore the cloak, and he could see the outlines of the daggers at her thighs. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
She paused, amber eyes looking him up and down. “You look fatigued.”
His answering smile was likely as tired as he felt and, apparently, looked. “Where were you off to today?”
Kailia glanced over her shoulder at Razik before she answered. “We were at Razik’s study. He was finding me more books to read to understand the kingdom better.”
Cethin bristled at the idea of her spending time in his private space at the Greybane Estate. “Do you go there often?”
“The last few days, yes,” she answered. “But before that, no. Are you well?”
“Why would you think I wasn’t?”
“Because you bid us to return in the middle of the day. You are usually otherwise occupied at this time.” She paused before adding, “I suppose you are busy all the time. But I usually see you at breakfast and dinner, and it is neither of those times.”
“Right,” he muttered, setting his empty teacup on the balcony ledge. He cleared his throat. “I was looking to see if you’d like to spend the day in the city with me.”
“Why?” she asked in clear confusion.
“To spend time together.”
“We cannot do that here?”
“We could, but this is part of that ‘need to be convincing’ thing, wife,” he replied. “I’m told the people are having doubts because you are not seen enough.”
“Razik and I go into Aimonway quite often,” she argued.
