35
REYLA
Surren cleared his throat. “Three of us will accompany you, my queen. A single guard will remain here to ensure things stay secure.”
“Of course. That's fine.”
We left, Calista walking directly in front of me while one guard strode ahead and the other two followed me, their hands on the hilts of the weapons and magic sparkling at the tips of their fingers. Our footsteps were nearly silent on the carpets strewn across the halls, and we didn't encounter anyone while making our way to the fourth floor, where the library was located.
“Why did the kitchen need to speak with Moira?” I asked Calista.
“Lord Briscalar is working on the arrangements for the dinner that will follow your coronation,” she said. “He stoppedby while you were resting to seek your opinion on various dishes, but said he'd return later, my queen.”
“That doesn’t explain why the kitchen needed to speak with her.”
“It doesn’t. You’re right.” She dipped her head forward and peered around. “My queen.”
Did it really matter? I could ask Moira about it later. I liked Moira. I was less sure about Calista, though she'd given me no reason to ask for someone new to be assigned to my staff.
“You could’ve remained in my suite,” I said. And I could’ve told her to do so. Why hadn’t I?
“I need to stay with you at all times in case you have need, my queen.” I was grateful when Calista's face softened, though it didn't last long. Her lips tightened, and she gave me a curt nod. “The library is massive. A few ladies have become lost among the shelves.”
“I have a good sense of direction.”
As we approached the enormous, glass paneled doors, Surren rushed ahead, his face tight and his weapon drawn. Did he think a book would attack me? Although, these were fae books. Maybe they could. He opened the door on the right and dipped his head forward to indicate one of my guards should enter first. Calista rushed inside. She was only gone a moment before she returned and gave Surren a tight jerk of her head. With a bow, he waved to me to enter and for two guards to remain outside the doors.
I stepped into the open doorway, the place stealing my breath. A cathedral ceiling soared above the center of the roomthat was almost as large as the entire fortress complex back at the border. Artfully designed arches swooped around the dome high above, and the silver gilt on them gleamed in the late-day sunshine. Triangular skylights in the dome let in light that made dust flecks dance in the air like silver fairies. Broad balconies encircled the enormous open area, each with a wooden railing and lined with row after row of shelves stuffed with books. I'd never be able to count them all, let alone touch them.
“I can see how someone could get lost here,” I whispered, not wanting to break the silence. A subtle whisper reached me from one alcove or another, though I couldn’t see beyond the pillars supporting each level, into the nooks between them. But I could imagine how they’d look with stacks of books on three sides, maybe a table with a comfortable chair in the center, or a sofa where I could sit, tuck my feet beneath me, and read.
A polished wooden floor stretched across the room, gleaming in the light.
“I’ll notify the librarian that you're here, my queen.” Surren urged me forward, making me realize I still stood in the open doorway.
“My queen,” a woman fifteen or so years older than me and dressed in a deep blue gown etched through with silver threads rushed out of one of the alcoves and over to me in a flurry. Stopping in front of me, she bowed deeply. “It’s an honor to have you here in my humble library.” She held out her hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Valera Windhaven, and I welcome you.” She smacked her free hand against her chest before her fingers sought the golden ring hanging on a chain around her neck. She fingered it, and I swore something else hung with it,though I couldn’t tell what it was. “Such an honor. Such an honor!”
I shook her hand. “It's nice to meet you. I love books. Nothing could keep me away.”
“Wonderful.” She clapped her hands, her pointed features beaming, and her blue eyes sparkling. “What sort of genre can I show you? We have a complete section of mystery books. Other areas hold numerous romances. And our nonfiction selection will stun you. Do you prefer suspense? Stories about traveling through the stars? Or fantasy? We have a divine collection of mythology books. Do you enjoy reading about beasts and dangerous creatures?”
“History?” I asked, though many of the topics she’d mentioned sparked my imagination already. I did enjoy a good romance, let alone a mystery where the heroine solved the crime. “Evergorne history to be exact.”
Valera's gaze met Calista's and the older woman's head subtly jerked in a nod.
“As you probably know,” I said, “I wasn't born in this area. I'm new to Evergorne Court, and I feel it's important that I learn all I can about my new people.”
“Wonderful,” Valera said. “So unusual.”
I lifted my eyebrows. “Why unusual?”
“I believe you're one of the first brides to consider delving into this court's past.”
“The past forms the future.”
“You're right.” Frowning, she nibbled on her lower lip. “Evergorne, you say?” She turned slightly away from me, and her gaze stabbed an area on the second floor, on my left, beforeher hand swept toward the right. “This way, my queen. If you'll follow me.” She led me to a low row of bookshelves on the right filled with tomes covered with dark leather, continuing to a huge, smooth wooden table nestled between the shelves. “Please, my queen, sit. I’ll gather the best books on Evergorne history for you promptly.”
Nodding, I settled in the chair, the cool wood seeping through my skirt. Subtle whispers echoed around me, but when I looked, I didn't see anyone nearby.
