They both knelt in front of the queens, heads bowed. Neither queen said anything. They remained swamped in their furs, content to watch the prince and Lilyanna squirm uncomfortably waiting for their verdict.
The crowd remained mute.
Finally, one of the queens said, “Stand.”
The prince rose to his feet, dragging Lilyanna with him. “Well, mothers, as you have come all this way, I suppose you must join us for the celebration.”
“The very least you can do, boy.” The taller spoke again, flinging her comments over her shoulder as they moved together down the aisle, the prince forced to walk behind. Their guards closed in, but I wormed my way through, popping up next to Lilyanna. “While we are here, we will discuss why you have chosen to deal with inappropriate magic use yourself instead of following due process and sending the criminals down to us for testing.”
“The credo states to send those that have been proven to carry blood magic within their veins, and we have had no confirmed cases within my city walls, Mother.”
On reaching the end of the aisle, the queens halted, standing arm in arm. The crowd rapidly dispersed, benches squealing against the marble floor. The doors to the courtyard opened and the guests poured outside to await instructions while servants scurried around, transforming the ceremony hall into a banquet.
“That may be so, but we will perform some checks ourselves. Make sure no one is slipping through that fine net you cast. We know your fondness for certain types of justice.”
The prince’s lower lip blanched as his teeth crushed the soft tissue. “Do whatever you see fit.” He turned away, glowering at any servant that passed too close.
The other queen watched him with interest, her nostrils slightly flared, chin tipped up. Her lips curved with a sincere warmth. My magic flared, cautiously unspooling toward her, darting in and out of my fingertips with an irritating tingle.
I hovered behind Lilyanna while the benches were cleared, the fires stoked, and long tables set up that hugged the edges of the banquet room. Plate after plate of sizzling meats, plump vegetables, and delicious sweets were brought out. Spices and herbs and sugar flavored the air.
The queens and the prince remained mute, the air toxic with unspoken words, while the guests filtered back inside as sensuous music spread over the room. Laughter and relaxation seeped into the lightening air as Clement slid in beside me, bringing with him a warm cocoon of safety. My shoulders relaxed, and my chest loosened as I soaked in his presence.
I edged closer, eliminating the gap between our bodies. How different my life could have been if I’d only met him sooner. I wouldn’t be standing here, mere feet away from people who wanted to exsanguinate me. He’d have probably worked out his own deal to keep me safe and be enacting the strict rules set by Siobhan with infuriating precision. Although, then I’d have to find a way to rescue him from her clutches. At least this way it was only me who had to suffer.
Two ornate thrones were dragged out and the queens’ guards lined up behind them. The butts of their spears rested on the ground, their postures alert and distrusting. Dressed head to toe in gray, they blended with the castle walls.
In contrast, the prince’s guards spread out around the room, hands on their diamond saber hilts. They mingled with the crowd, snatching a few words of conversation here and there, picking from the laden tables, but they too remained focused on the prince.
I remained next to Clement, our arms aligned, the tip of my fingers brushing his. Outwardly, he was fixed on Lilyanna and the prince leading the crowd onto the clouded marble dancefloor. But his body hummed, aware and attuned to mine.
I focused on the ceiling. Why were the spirits so still?
Chills pimpled my skin and I shuddered.
“Because they know, my dear.” Siobhan’s voice sounded directly in my ear, her satin fingers kneading the small of my back.
I started, my heart hammering and heat flooding my cheeks.
“You’ve never worn something like this for me.” Her hand circled upon the sheer fabric. “Something you’re not telling me, Tam?”
“Nope.” I dragged my attention from the spirits and turned to her. My jaw dropped. “What are...” Goddess save me. A diamond-encrusted chain mail suit clung to every curve. The spiderweb thin mesh twinkled in the candlelight. Underneath, only the skimpy outline of shadows covered her breasts and ran across her groin as if the spirits themselves were covering her modesty.
She giggled and bumped me with her hip. “It’s not for you, my dear. At least not tonight.” She waved her hand toward the dancing guests. Many faces were turned her way, a mixture of fear and lust and loathing adorning their expressions. “Although, I could spare one dance for my favorite.”
I gently unwound her arm from my waist, cursing the brief flash of disappointment that chilled me. “I don’t dance. Besides, I’m working.”
She laughed. “Ah, yes. Midnight is fast approaching. There is barely an hour left. Shame, though, that you don’t want to spend your final moments with me after all these years.”
She pouted and damn me if my spine didn’t soften.
“I bet you’d dance with him.” She flicked her head to where Clement stood, arms folded, his attention firmly on me and not the prince anymore.
I shifted to block him from view, hurriedly burying my feelings. “He just...wants my help with something.” I glanced at the thrones and lowered my voice. “In fact, I'm glad you’re here. I have a favor to ask.”
“Tam, Tam, Tam.” She sighed theatrically, throwing her arm across her forehead and raising her voice. “That’s all you want from me lately. Favors. Deals. When will it end?”
I clenched my fists. The queens tensed, their chins cocked, and ears pricked. They knew the conversations worth listening to.
