In contrast to the opulence of the palace, the chapel’s beauty is subdued. Two rows of wooden pews lead up toward a marble altar. The floor is smooth stone and the walls are undecorated. The architectural centerpiece is a spectacular stained glass window. Each panel depicts a vivid figure against a backdrop of sea-green glass, which casts the room in a hazy glow. It’s not an unsettling color; I’m reminded of sunlight when viewed from underwater.
Dominating the space is a lone worshipper kneeling at the altar with a fur-lined cloak sprawled behind her like magpiewings. The woman, who I assume is Queen Davina, stands at our approach.
Roburn stops a few paces short of her and bows. “Your Majesty, as requested, please allow me to present Lyria of the Ironwoods.”
“Thank you, Captain Roburn,” says the queen, with a cursory nod. Then her eyes dart to me. Something tells me she’s awaiting it, so I jerk an attempt at a curtsy. Amusement twitches her lips.
“Lyria. Welcome. I’m so glad you’ve arrived safely. My son has told us so much about you. Please. Join me.” She gestures for me to sit beside her in a pew.
I take a few tentative steps, earning a better look at her features. The queen is wearing makeup, something I’ve never seen close-up before. Her skin looks expertly painted. Her eyelashes are darker than natural and her cheeks flushed. Her body has the generous shape and soft lines of someone who has never done physical labor. I’m drawn to studying her hands, which are remarkably smooth and adorned with long painted nails. Something about her sloped shoulders and the dark hair piled around her neck reminds me of a bear. I find something of Finn in her mouth and the sharp set of her brows. She’s beautiful. Her expression doesn’t waver as I edge closer. She looks placid and benevolent—very deliberately so.
“I hope that your journey was pleasant. Is this your first time in Crown City?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I answer, with a nervous glance back at Roburn. He’s moved back toward the wall, watching impassively.
“Well, we’re very glad to have you.” The queen gazes up at the stained glass. “I hope you’ll forgive our unusual scenery. I prefer worshipping here in the afternoons when there’s no one to bother me.”
“I don’t mind.Your Majesty,” I add quickly.
She smiles. “There’s no need to be overly formal. We’re all equal in the eyes of the Almighty.”
At the mention of the deity, I stiffen. I know little about the Verdish Church, except that their customs vary greatly from Elven ones. They don’t keep with the Gods like Elowyn, Nocturn, or Rashielle, the first mothers of magic. Instead, they believe there’s only one God, whom they call the Almighty, and they’ve used him to justify heinous,heinousthings.
“Captain Roburn, would you please fetch Cygnus?” the queen asks.
Roburn nods and dips into a low bow before leaving the chapel. I feel like sinking into the floor. Something about being alone with the queen feels like I’ve swapped one cage for another.
When her gaze falls back on me, I stammer the first question that comes to mind. “W-where’s Finn?” Catching my mistake, I amend: “I mean,Prince Finneas?”
The queen waves her hand dismissively. “Oh, whoever knows. I imagine he’s off riding, or maybe in town. It’s hard to keep up with Finneas. He’s very free-spirited.”
“Oh” is all I can say as disappointment washes over me anew.Finn’s letter claimed he was attending to responsibilities.Did he really just…lie?
“I’ve been told we owe you a great debt,” the queen says serenely. “Finneas spoke highly of your abilities. He told me you’re training to be a Healer?”
“That’s right.”
“Where are you studying?”
“My mother teaches me.”
“How charming. What’s her name?”
I hesitate.What’s the danger in a name?“Melia Fletcher,” I finally tell her.
The queen’s mouth twitches, but her expression is quickly replaced by another smile. “And she was traveling when you found Finneas, correct? Where was she exactly?”
I squirm a little, admitting, “I’m not quite sure, Your Majesty. That’s partly why I came. My mother was traveling to investigate rumors about a plague. I think it’s probable she was investigating the same one Finn alluded to in his letter.”
She nods gently. “I’m sure your mother would be very proud of the courage you’ve shown.”
I swallow, imagining Mother returning to the empty cottage and realizing what I’ve done.Proudis the last thing she’ll be.
But the queen interrupts the thought. “Lyria, what I’m about to tell you is a matter that pertains to the life or death of thousands of people,” she says, in a low, measured voice. “Everything I disclose in this room must be kept in utmost confidence. Only the king, my sons, and select military advisors are aware of this information. If word gets out, it would cause utter chaos across Verdinae, and we cannot risk that in these desperate times. Do you understand?”
I waver, feeling doubt creep in. It’s a few seconds before I finally ask, “Why?”
“Why?”she echoes.
