In the moments before our guests approach the entrance, I let myself linger on my dulcet woman. Memories of her whispered late night stories caress my skin. The intimate familiarity between us is as heavenly as any conversation with a god.
It is a taste of all that is good in this life.
“Butcher of the Giants!” Mrath calls out, now close enough to be heard. “I heard you killed thirty giants in under a quarter hour when you retrieved your mate. Well done.”
The name shocks me, for I have been long removed from it. It is not the name cried out in my bedchamber.
Estela steps closer to me, and I raise my head to meet the leader of the Sisterhood’s gaze straight on. “Mrath, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
The clops of her alce come to a halt, and the massive creature lets out a discontented huff of air. Ayla’s own steed lets out a high pitched noise before it kneels before Mrath, bowing.
She sits tall, shoulders perfectly straight and graceful.
“I’m sure it is. I must admit, I am also… contented to know that our meeting this day will not be one of bloodshed. I commend you and your people for making good on our deal.” Her eyes glitter.
There is an undercurrent to our simple words, one that speaks of pain and exacting payment if we had come up wanting.
But we didn’t. Therefore…
“This is my wife, Queen Estela, of the humans and Enduares,” I say.
Estela dips before the assassin, still glowing. Mrath watches her with fascination.
“You look like some heavenly messenger sent to heal us all from our pains. How quaint,” the elf says.
I angle both me and my wife to the side, gesturing to the entrance into our city. Lothar and Vann part for the elven princess to pass. As she slides off of the alce, I watch her feline grace.
We push through the tunnels. Estela and I lead the way, Mrath just after, and all the others following closely behind. A welcoming song has been arranged, and the first notes touch my ears about halfway into the tunnel.
Mrath listens, curious, but does not say anything as she follows past the singers and to one of the bridges—the one that leads to the palace.
I stop before we cross, and turn back to her. “Would you like a tour of our caves, Lady Mrath?”
She surveys the massive cave housing our thriving city. Her green eyes almost glow as she stands near a mushroom that towers over her and bathes her in a bluish, green light.
Her mouth curls at the corners. She turns back to me with precise swiftness. “You honor me with your generosity. I will see the caves once you have shown proof of your mission’s completion.”
I nod and lead her across. We walk up the palace steps, past the fountains, mushrooms, crystals, and statues, and into theviewing room. It feels like it has been so long since I’ve been in this place.
The last time I came here, I met my bride.
I cast a glance up at the mirrors, enjoying the all around view of Estela. Her healthy glow has filled out every part of her, smoothing over the sharp edges and forming her body into something strong and beautiful.
It is my duty to cross to the side room where we keep the diamonds that were once traded with the giants. The light from within pours into the room as the orb gently floats out.
Mrath gasps. She looks like a woman possessed as she is drawn to the godly object. Thorne is close behind her, as are Ayla and the few others who are able to fit into the room.
She grabs something from the small bag at her side and reaches out, murmuring words too low and ancient to understand. In her hands, she holds a necklace made of curved, polished bones. The necklace’s cage gapes open, and theCumhacht na Cruinneis drawn into it.
Once the light is tucked inside, the light dims, and she snaps the contraption shut. It’s then that I realize it’s a crude version of a skull on the end of a chain. She slips the new pendant over her head, and every one of her subjects watch in rapture.
Her eyes flutter closed as she takes a deep breath, as if she could suck up every molecule of power from the air.
“This is most excellent. You have secured yourself a long, profitable ally in me, King Teo,” she says. “As long as you help me take down my brother.”
I smile. Her pledge fills me with trepidation.
I reach out my hand, which she takes.
