Jerome reaches into the rack and pulls out a simple tunic and pants. Both black. “These were intended for when the Vandawolf woke up.”
“Good enough,” Erik says.
Soon enough, the men finish their work and leave us.
Half an hour later, we’ve taken bites of the fruit they brought, and we’re dressed and ready to leave the room. I attempt to comb my hair, but it doesn’t do me any favors, so I braid it instead.
Before we depart, I consider my tools carefully.
I don’t want to leave them behind—or the mechanism I pulled from the Vandawolf—but I’m conscious that taking them with me could be inflammatory.
“You’re a Blacksmith,” Erik murmurs, his hand stroking my back. “Don’t be afraid to show it. Not in this place.”
He’s right. My value to the Queen lies in my power. I shouldn’t shun it.
Finding a dark-blue sash among the dresses, I wrap it around my hammer and then tie it to my waist, where it will be visible.
For the titanium device, the plain medallion, and the dragon-imprinted medallion, I reach for the thickest brocade I can find among the dresses, tear off a large strip, and fold it over and over to form a thick pouch that I tie to the front of my thigh.
This way, I can bring everything with me without appearing to carry so many weapons.
“Be careful of Queen Karasi,” I say to Erik, hesitating at the door and daring to speak my mind despite the presence of the two warrior fae at the end of the corridor who are undoubtedly listening in now.
“Never trust a fae.” Erik growls. “Not a single one.”
At my surprised look, he shrugs. “My father told me that.”
“Wise.” I steel myself for the encounter ahead of us and forge ahead along the corridor, the dress swishing around my legs.
The two guards escort us without speaking—not that I attempt to engage them in conversation—but I don’t miss the way they cast glances back at Erik. Aside from the fact that he wasn’t expected to be awake so soon, his new appearance probably surprises them.
I take note of the path we take—and I’m much better able to orientate myself this time—so that I’m confident I’ll know how to navigate the northern wing unassisted.
The dining room is smaller than the ballroom but no less grand.
Fresh air enters from a single arched opening on the far side, through which I can see part of a balcony that looks out into the vast, night sky. We must be very high up, because only the vague outline of far-off mountains is visible in the distance.
A large table dominates the space. It’s covered in white crockery along with crystal goblets and is lit with candles, from which waft the scent of vanilla.
In the moment before our presence is announced, I quickly take note of the room’s occupants.
My heart both lifts and then hurts to see my family.
My sister is once again seated directly beside the Queen. My brother sits on my sister’s left. Both of their backs are to me and their silver hair catches the light.
Thaden is seated on the Queen’s right. Gliss is beside him. Like my siblings, they’re dressed in evening attire—gowns for the women and dark pants and tops for the men.
The other seats near the Queen are occupied by fae I don’t recognize, which makes me think that her ‘chosen’ companions might change daily.
It doesn’t escape me that while the left-hand side of the table has chairs, it is empty except for a single dinner setting all the way at the other end. I’m sure that place is intended for me.
After all, I’ve proven myself to be dangerous.
Elowynn is the only one dressed in armor, the same black gear she seems to always wear. She’s positioned exactly where I would expect the Queen’s Champion to be—behind her monarch and slightly to her right, watching Karasi’s back from a spot that allows her to keep the entire room and its entrance within view.
Because of that, she sees us first.
Her focus is immediately drawn to the Vandawolf, her violet eyes widening before tension settles into her shoulders and her brow furrows deeply.
