“I’ll find you the next time I wear them.”
“I look forward to that.” He dismissed the rest of the staff. “About what happened on the ship this morning.” The patterns in the floor beneath his feet started shifting again, darting this way and that in agitation.
“Yes.” Lord Briscalar’s face darkened, the somewhat frilly man I’d come to know suddenly infused with steel. “It’s been handled.”
“In your way or mine?” Merrick bit out.
The lord’s gaze met Merrick’s. “In your way, my king. I took care of it personally.”
“Good.” Merrick gripped the lord’s shoulder, and the floorsmoothed once more. “I won’t permit anything like that to happen again.”
“Neither will I, my king.” Lord Briscalar cleared his throat. “If you’ll give me leave, I’d like to ensure the arrangements are made for the day, plus start assembling the staff needed for the coronation. Do you have suggestions?”
Merrick glanced down at me as if seeking my approval. “I thought we could hold a grand dinner to follow the afternoon ceremony and top the day off with a masked ball, if that sounds good to you.”
I murmured agreement. He knew more about this sort of thing than me. A masked ball sounded fun.
“I love how long the days last in the summer,” he added. “It’ll still be light out when the masked ball starts. The gardens viewed from the balcony are gorgeous at dusk.”
“When should we hold the combined events, my king?” the lord asked. “I’d like to send the invitations by sprite immediately.”
“I thought in seven days’ time.” Merrick glanced at me. “Does that still sound good to you?”
If he wanted me to organize all this, he should give me a year, but Lord Briscalar would help. I nodded and gave Merrick a smile.
“Very good, then. In seven days’ time, you’ll be crowned my queen. We’ll dine with our friends after, and then we’ll top the evening off with the masked ball.”
Lord Briscalar’s breathing came out a bit jerky, but he covered with aplomb. “A tight schedule.” His sly smile rose. “I look forwardto the challenge.” After dipping forward in another bow, he hurried down the same hallway my staff had taken, his voice echoing in the large room. “Isolde! Horestigen. Eldric. Attend to me immediately.” He clapped his hands. “We have much to take care of.”
“Mother,” Merrick said. “I’d love it if you helped Reyla and Lord Briscalar with the arrangements.”
Erisandra strutted over with her entourage oozing behind her. Warmth did not shine in her eyes, but by now, I didn’t expect it. I assumed it might take a very long time before I found the friendship I craved anywhere on this stiff carcass of a mother-in-law, if ever. “No one understands the role of a queen in this court better than me.” Her gaze slid down my frame, and I got the idea she did not see me filling that role anytime soon.
“Which is why you’ll be perfect to help.” Merrick’s arm gave me a squeeze. “Then you can get to know my bride better.”
“Yes, yes, lovely, dear.” Her subtle glare landed on me again. “I trust you find Evergorne Court to your liking?”
I’d barely gotten here, but sure. I forced a smile. “It's beautiful. Truly amazing.” Especially her son, one of the few shining lights in this situation.
“Indeed.” She released a curt nod. “I've spent years ensuring it meets the high standards befitting the royal family of Evergorne, and I’m confident you’ll do your best to continue this tradition.”
I tilted my head; no need to curtsy, though I did wish I had wings spikes I could gouge into her sides. “Of course.”
Merrick cleared his throat, drawing his mother's attention again, and his voice came out strong and firm. “Reyla will make an excellent queen, Mother.”
Erisandra's gaze lingered on his arm securely around my waist before she offered a tight-lipped smile. “Your father would have been proud of you right now.”
The mention of his late father seemed to deflate Merrick, but he quickly composed himself. “Thank you, Mother. I can only hope to live up to his legacy.”
Her lips pursed. “Yes, I’m sure you do.”
29
LORANT
“Ishowed Reyla to her suite,” Merrick said, his eyes meeting mine. “And after that, I took Mother aside to remind her to behave.”
Irritation simmered beneath his skin, though no one but me might notice. Erisandra catered to her son, but she’d best behave or he—and I—would make sure she did.
