The questions machine-gunned out of her at a pace that would make an auctioneer jealous. I opened my mouth to answer, but mytongue seemed to have turned into a sock full of bees, all buzzing, no coherence.
“She’s… She’s, uh…”
“Queen Doria is five-foot-nine,” Cas filled in, coming to my rescue. “She has curly copper-red hair, usually worn loose. She’s been ruling the Sky Realm for four centuries, but she’s much older than that. And she generally initiates contact with Zane two or three times a year.”
“Call her Your Majesty at first. If she wants you to call her something else, she’ll tell you,” Ko added. “She’s not only a swan maiden, but also a storm witch.”
“Does she have lightning in her veins like you do?” Seri’s huge eyes went to Cas.
“No, but she can throw lightning bolts.”
“Wow.” She sat back in her chair, jaw hanging for a moment, then shook her head. “And she’s bringing her consort? What’s his name?”
“Caelyr Theros,” Cas answered. “He’s an Aetheral.”
“I’ve never heard of an Aetheral,” she admitted.
“Immortal star-borns,” Ko told her. “Warriors and scholars both. Some legends say they are born from constellations, others that they’re forged in nebulae.”
“Wow.” Seri’s eyes were going to pop out of her head any minute. “And he’s cominghere? What does he look like?”
“Tall,” I answered, finally remembering how my tongue worked. “Like, skyscraper tall. Taller than me. Close to seven feet.”
“Bronze skin that shimmers slightly,” Ko chipped in. “Long black hair that’s literally woven with stars. Silver eyes like Lucian’s, but more magical.”
“And quiet,” I added. “The guy makes Ko look chatty.”
“He speaks more to Doria, but don’t be surprised when he doesn’t say much to any of us. It’s not personal,” Cas assured Seri.
“How long have they been together?”
“Twenty years as official mates,” I replied. “They met when he became the commander of her guard the year I was born.”
“Is he her beloved?”
“No. Her cob, Tavis, was killed twenty-four years ago battling a rogue tempest attacking Skyspire,” I explained.
“Cob?” Seri tilted her head to the side.
“A male swan. A female’s called a pen.”
“So Caelyr is her second beloved?” Her eyes softened. “That’s beautiful. That she found love again.”
“He’s herchosen, not beloved,” Cas corrected. “The relationship is built rather than destined.”
“Even more beautiful. And he knows you?” Seri looked between him and Ko.
“He’s met us many times,” Ko confirmed with a nod. “He’s always been respectful.”
“Does he like you?” Her voice grew smaller.
“He respects us as warriors,” Cas answered carefully, “and he appreciates our bond as brothers.”
“And he likes Koa’s inventions,” I added brightly. “Once spent a whole hour examining a prototype for a lightning battery.”
“That’s the most animated I’ve ever seen him.” Cas nodded as he met Seri’s eyes. “It was unsettling.”
She was quiet for a moment, then her bottom lip caught between her teeth.
