“Fine goods from our coffers, I assume,” Lore said dryly.
“Where else? Tithes will replace them in a short time. The city is rebuilding faster than I’d dared hope. And thankfully, none of our patrols beyond the wall have seen a single borgon.”
Lore nodded. “Good. Stretch the patrols wider. I want double the coverage across the forest side of the city. If anyone sees even a hint of a borgon, I want to hear about it right away.”
“And you shall.”
“Anything else?” Lore asked and the lord shook his head. “Do attend us in the throne room after we arrive.”
“As you wish, my king.” After bowing again, Briscalar left.
We bathed and dressed to impress.
The deep lavender fabric felt cool under my fingers as I adjusted the dress Lore had chosen for me to wear to the throne room. Its simplicity complemented the intricate embroidery along the neckline and made it shimmer like starlight. Every thread seemed alive, humming with magic.
Across the room, Lore stood in front of a gilded mirror, smoothing his formal black tunic. The collar framed his sharp jawline, and the silver detailing on his cuffs caught the early sunlight cutting through the windows. His was a dangerous kind of elegance, and his self-confidence only made me adore him even more.
“How do I look?” I asked, spinning to let the fabric fan out before settling again.
Lore turned, his gaze running over me, and I felt the heat of it more vividly than any compliment. His expression softened,though a spark of mischief flickered in his eyes. “If we're trying to outshine the court today, you’ve thoroughly succeeded.”
I raised a brow. “We do look good. It's not too much?” The last thing I wanted to do was flaunt that we were doing well when so many of our people were not.
“They will take heart in seeing us wearing our finest.” Stepping closer, he entwined our fingers. “It's important to maintain the façade.”
Before I could reply, a loud knock at the outer door snagged our attention. We went to the sitting area and called out for whoever it was to enter.
One of the castle guards stepped in, metal glinting where sunlight caught his armor. He bowed low. “Your Majesties, the court has assembled.”
Lore pressed a kiss to my temple and nodded to the guard. “Lead the way.”
Our guards clustered around us as we took the stairs down to the first level, their magic and weapons ready to deploy. As we approached the throne room, those on either side of the heavy double doors swept them open.
“Rise for their majesties, King Lorick and Queen Reyla,” the herald called out from inside.
Whispers within the chamber came to an abrupt halt, followed by the rustle of clothing. As we strode down the red-carpeted aisle, the high lords and ladies and lessers alike, draped in their best, rose from their seats on either side of us. Their gazes shot between Lore and me, and I suspected they were trying to guess how we were holding up after the recent events. The news must’ve spread quickly.
Lore had been right; it was good to maintain the façade.
We climbed the dais and took our places on our thrones.
“Lord Briscalar,” Lore called out. “Please come forward.”
The lord strode down the red carpet and out into the center of the large open area. He bowed deeply then straightened, his hands linking behind his back.
“I wish to commend you for all you’ve done for this court and our people,” Lore said.
“Hear, hear,” someone called out, followed by cries of approval from many of those watching.
“No one could represent us better,” I said once their voices had died down. Lore and I had talked about this before leaving, trying to decide how best to reward Lord Briscalar for all he’d done.
“Please approach us. We’re bestowing highest lord status on you today.”
Zeiger’s position. No one deserved it more than my friend.
Lore’s gaze swept the room. “Court, please remain standing.”
Lord Briscalar walked up the stairs and stopped in front of us, dropping to one knee. “My queen.” His voice shook. “My king!”
