The herald announced Reyla again, and everyone rose, even my mother. My wife walked sedately toward me with two of her ladies behind her. Only the twitch of her hand on the hilt of one of her blades showed her unease. She knew the protocol, which meant she was aware of the slight my mother had delivered.
I stood as she ascended the stairs to the dais. She carried herself with grace and determination, the kind of spirit that could light up any darkness, even the shadows dooming the latest Evergorne king.
As she came close, I extended my hand, taking hers, our fingers intertwining despite the furor pressing down on the air. Hoarse whispers slashed through the room as she settled into her throne beside me.
“Still doing alright, Wildfire?” I asked, focused solely on her.
“The pain is gone, thank you. No more potion needed.” Her bright smile held only a touch of sadness. Seeing it made me even angrier at my mother. “I have a few odd occurrences to discuss, but they can wait.”
What now?
She settled on her throne, and Calista and Moira arranged her skirt before easing to the side to be nearby in case she had need.
As the herald stepped forward to announce the first supplicant, I held up my hand. The man stopped, giving me a deep bow.
“Mother,” I called out. “You will join us on the dais.”
Her brow furrowed and a flash of irritation cut through her façade. With a lift of her chin, she stood and strolled toward us like this throne was her birthright, which it would be if her hissed rumor of my parentage was true.
She came to a halt in front of me, ignoring my bride. “You wish to speak to me, dear son?”
“You fucking need to respect Reyla.” I kept my voice low, for her ears and Reyla's alone.
Only Moira, standing closest, must’ve heard, because her eyes widened.
Mother’s gaze flicked to my bride. “Issheteaching you this appalling behavior? You will not swear at m?—”
“I do whatever Ifuckingplease,” I barked. “And you do what Ifuckingplease as well.”
Moira snorted. Calista frowned.
I reminded myself to remain in control.
“Merrick,” Mother chided softly, like I was still ten and couldn’t get the advisors to listen to me instead of her.
“Treat my wife with respect or else,” I growled.
“Respect?” Mother flicked her fingers out, adjusting her skirt. “It takes more than a crown to make a queen.”
“She does not need to prove herself to you.” Only to the court, who already saw her grace, dignity, and sharp mind. “Reyla is the queen of Evergorne.Myqueen.” Despite the anger boiling beneath my skin, I kept my voice steady.
This woman thrived on disarray, and I would not show it toher. I’d lost control for a moment, but I’d strapped it back down again.
Mother's lips tightened, and fury churned behind her eyes. “Do you think they look up to her, Merrick? An outsider has no place in our court, one you’ve made a mistake inviting?—”
“Don’t,” I spat. “Donotquestion her place here. You undermine this court with your bitter jealousy.”
“Jealousy?” Her glare now encased Reyla as well. “Of…this?”
“Continue on this path, and by the fates, you will face my fury.”
Mother leaned in closer with rage swirling in her eyes. “Do not challenge me,dearson.”
I already was.
“Behave or else,” I snarled. “Ifuckingmean it.”
A deadly gleam shot through her eyes, and the look she sent Reyla dripped contempt. With a turn, she started striding across the dais, only to pivot back. “Kings come and kings go, but queens are forever. Remember that, Merrick.”
