“I'd love to.”
“I'll reach out to your staff.” His gaze swept across my ladies, focusing on Moira.
Blushing, she gave him a sweet nod. “I'm sure we can work this into the queen's schedule after the coronation.”
“Yes . . .queen.” His beaming smile took me in. “I have much to do to prepare for tomorrow, but I’ll be there, watching proudly when the elder places the crown on your head.”
“You don’t happen to know anything about the curse, do you?” I asked, watching his face go blank.
A blink, and his expression cleared. “I cannot believe.” He named my secret ingredient, though in a soft voice to avoid being overheard. “It’s simply amazing.”
“Amazing,” Moira echoed.
Why couldn’t anyone talk about this? But I didn't want to keep him any longer. Edging toward the door, I lifted my voice for all to hear. “Thank you all again. I hope the curse is soon broken!”
They all froze for a heartbeat before returning to whatever they were doing.
What was going on here?
As I slipped toward the door, I spoke again. “I can't wait to taste all the wonderful dishes you'll prepare in my honor.”
“It's our true pleasure.” The head chef bowed grandly as Calista opened the door for me to leave.
I swept through the opening with my head high and aimed for the throne room.
As we approached the entrance, Surren eased up to walk with me. “Well done, my queen. Very clever on your part.”
“You just want to try my horig cakes.”
His breathing stuttered, but he dipped his head forward. “I actually do.” His gaze sought Faelith’s. “I . . . You don’t know what this means to many of us. Thank you.” His deep, genuine voice echoed in the chamber outside the throne room, drawingthe attention of the guards clustered on either side of the enormous doors. His eyes darkened as he bowed again. “This means . . . everything.”
Faelith’s cheeks took on a rosy bloom. “Thank you, my queen.” Her gaze flickered between me and Surren, a shy smile creeping across her lips. Light danced in her eyes, and love flickered there when they met his.
Thoughts of the kingdom and the hierarchy swarmed my mind. How could I neutralize the levels of rank within this court permanently? Giving Moira, Calista, and Faelith high lady status was only the beginning. There must be other ways I could make things equal. Yet I couldn't rush, or I'd create a huge mess I’d have no idea how to fix. Changing things too fast would stir frustration among those of higher status, allies we needed to keep Evergorne’s coffers full and secure.
No good queen isolated herself from any of the ranks. A queen worked with everyone, earning their trust. Setting things right couldn’t happen overnight.
But this was a solid start.
Pausing outside the towering throne room doors, a flutter of nerves tangled in my stomach. My coronation would take place tomorrow. Everything was rushing at me at a furious pace, nearly overwhelming me. However, this task would be fun.
My guards swept the doors to the throne room open, and the murmur inside died down to a harsh whisper.
“High Lady Reyla Weldsbane,” the herald called out from inside, his voice thrusting the room into complete silence.
“Ladies, attend me,” I whispered. With a deep breath and Farris trotting at my side, I strode into the grand chamber, mychin high. Moira, Calista, and Faelith followed, their bright gowns swirling around them.
Rows of fae high lords and ladies rose from their seats on either side of the aisle, their mostly snide gazes locked on my every step. Hisses snaked through the air, each voice a stinging bite. I did everything within my power not to flinch. Their scrutiny dropped like a weight on my shoulders, threatening to knock me to my knees. My confidence wavered.
Was I doing too much, too fast?
With a stiff, though twitching spine, I took one step after another, steadying my breathing. I would not back down now.
Sunlight filtered through high windows on either side of the enormous room, casting patterns on the strip of red carpet and marble floor.
Merrick remained seated on his throne, and I took in the breadth of his shoulders dressed in a dark green tunic with silver adornments, the crown on his head, and the way his eyes lit when they locked on mine. His approval beat back the nervous flutters in my chest. Who could flounder when they saw strength, admiration, and something deeper in this man's eyes? My heart thumped louder, outpacing the rhythm of my footsteps as I approached the dais.
To my right, someone huffed, but I didn’t look their way. No reason to grant disrespect attention.
