Rue gave a subtle bow. “Of course, Avery. But I must remind you that your sister is a smart woman and fearless even without combat training. Her magic seems to instinctively work to protect her from danger in a way that I’ve never witnessed before. She will be fine.”
“It’s just hard because I’ve always been more outgoing and outspoken, so I’ve stood up for her. And now that she’s in this realm I’m still freaking out about the risks she’s facing.”
“Well, she did face the Tower of Teeth and came back stronger from it. She can handle herself, and I don’t think King Rylo will let something happen to her.”
“You realize he’s part of the problem, right?”
Rue smirked. “But without his schemes, you wouldn’t be queen.”
Avery let out an exasperated sigh. “I didn’t even want to be queen. And I’m still not forgiving Rylo for the shit he put us through.”
“You don’t have to forgive him, but he has other motives for keeping your sister safe. Regardless of what he did to us. He’s selfish and conceited and thinks Morgan can give him the kingdom he wants. He’s not going to let anything get in the way of that.”
Avery let a long silence build between them as she thought about what was really troubling her. She tugged at the bodice of her dress as she said, “Plus, I feel terrible for how I’ve treated Morgan. It’s not the first time I’ve ignored her when she’s tried to tell me something that matters to her. I don’t know why I do it, but I just tend to try and take control for both of us.”
Rue gave her a slow nod. “I mean this with kindness, but I saw that between the two of you. You have to trust Morgan to make her own path. She’s a capable witch.”
Avery bit her bottom lip. “You’re right. I just wish I could tell her in person how sorry I am.”
Rue didn’t hesitate to say, “I can tell she loves you. She’s already forgiven you.”
Avery stood up, rubbing her stinging eyes. “Now I’m getting upset, and we have this big party to go celebrate. I need something to drink.”
“Let’s get you a drink, My Queen,” Rue said as she tugged Avery toward the door.
The throne room had been transformed into a lavish ballroom. The wood shined with polish and the Latians, dressed in their best, walked the room, drinks in hand. Musicians were takingtheir seats to the side as Avery looked around for Savine, but didn’t see him in the room yet.
Maybe they were supposed to come in together, announced as king and queen? She still wasn’t sure what the protocol on being royalty entailed. Regardless, she needed a drink. Rue handed Avery a bright green cider, and Avery instantly recognized it as the same drink she’d once had with Savine in his tent the night before he had burgers prepared for her.
Avery looked across the crowded room to Jay and Raikin. “Let’s go join the guys over there. Maybe they know where Savine is.”
“The guys?” Rue asked, looking confused.
“Jay and Raikin,” Avery said, continuing across the room without missing a beat.
Jay smiled his broad, mischievous smile. “My Queen,” he said, bowing deeply.
Avery teasingly slapped his shoulder. “You’re embarrassing me, Jay.”
“Well it seemed you made an impression on the city today. You’ll have all the folk bowing before you if you continue saving small children and helping injured goddesses.”
Raikin pursed his lips. “You did well. We need to do that sort of engagement with the city each day. As folk get to know you they’ll learn to respect you.”
“Always the strategist, aren’t you Raikin?” Rue asked.
“Someone must be. Which is why we are making an example of Garnel’s foolish behavior tonight. Savine will be entering the throne room soon and will go directly to his throne. Kyla and Garnel will follow shortly after. Savine is going to publicly punish Garnel. He’s being stripped of his duties and under house arrest for a month. We have guards prepared to escort him to his rooms.”
Avery frowned. “Does Garnel know about this? I thought he was just going to miss out on the party.”
“We met privately with Garnel. I explained to the King and general the importance of making a public punishment. Garnel stabbed the Goddess of the Harvest on her own holiday. If it were anyone else, Savine wouldn’t hesitate to impart a more severe punishment. Although, I now understand better why he reacted the way he did.”
“Because of Kyla?” Rue asked.
“Exactly. It’s no excuse, but seeing a mate in danger can do things to a fae.”
Avery nodded. Savine was already possessive and aggressive. She didn’t need to see how he’d react now that they’d accepted the soulmate bond. “Do you need me to play any part tonight?”
Raikin shook his head. “I want you to socialize. Get to know the courtiers and the major members of the city. We need the folk to learn to accept you as queen, and the first step will be building trust. Savine needs to make a show of strength, but you need to convince the Latian citizens not to distrust you. Especially after the two events with your sister.”
