She beams, and her eyes seem to glow. “Of course.”
We’re crossing the threshold into the throne room when Odessa’s voice rings out. “There you are!”
She’s surrounded by a small group of people. I recognize Julius, Evander, and Mina, but the rest are a collection of surly or impassive male and female warriors. Odessa appears slightly agitated, her fingers plucking at the pleats of her ice blue gown, the bodice structured more formally than the one I chose. It’s fitted with boning like a corset.
But Julius isn’t hiding his annoyance at all, his arms crossed tightly over his leather-clad chest, a scowl on his face. What is his problem? I didn’t take that long, did I?
Evander is grinning broadly at me, though, bringing me some comfort. He nods in greeting, his raven-black wings perfectly framing his long copper hair.
Mina smooths down the front of her lilac gown, identical to the one I’m wearing. She glances up at our approach and smiles, a twinkle in her eyes.
“Sorry!” I reply, taking a few steps closer. “I slept really hard and then had some difficulties when I woke up.”
A servant approaches and takes the glass from my hand. I thank her, and she smiles before bowing and ducking away.
Mathilda steps beside me, the movement clearly meant to offer support. She grins, tilting her head towards me. “Look at her.”
To my complete horror, the gathered assembly eyes me up and down. Like a bug under a microscope, the attention of all those eyes feels like hands raking down my body. Odessa, in utter shock, covers her mouth with her hand and retreats a step. Julius drops the scowl, his arms going lax and falling to his sides as he studies my unexpected changes. Something passes between Evander and Mina before they turn to smile at me.
“Is this, uh, normal?” I ask, as I tug on the end of my braid nervously.
Odessa nods. “Yes. It is common to have a few changes as one adjusts to the magic here, but not this quickly.” She glances sidelong at Julius, an unreadable look passing between them. The moment passes swiftly, though, and she plasters on a smile, addressing me again, “But don’t fret, you’re beautiful, darling.”
I drop my braid as I smile at her compliment. “How does it happen, though?”
I still don’t understand how less than twenty-four hours can bring such visible changes already.
Odessa clears her throat and smirks as she explains, “The realm was created by Odin. The very land, air, and water all contain magical properties. Every breath you’ve taken, every bite of food or drink you’ve ingested has supplied you with magic.” She eyes me closely. “But it shouldn’t have happened so quickly, not with the small amount we have left in the realm.”
Her smile still doesn’t reach her eyes, the slate-blue color looking more gray today. “Well, let’s get on with it. Evander, are the guards ready for the procession?”
Evander clears his throat and dutifully bows his head. “Yes, my queen. We have guards along the parade route. I will take up the lead position with you and Lena.”
Odessa merely nods and extends her elbow to me. I reach for it, but a sharp pain erupts from between my shoulder blades, causing me to flinch.
“Are you alright?” she asks, concern lighting her expression.
“Yes, I must’ve just slept weird.” I roll my shoulders back, trying to soothe the pain, before taking her arm in mine.
Odessa studies me for a moment, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Then smile. You’re going to meet the people.”
We take the steps, all 418 of them, down to the city below. Yesterday, my legs would’ve protested, but today, they keep up with the others easily. My body is brimming with new strength, and my muscles pulse with it.
The capital enfolds us as we descend and my eyes bulge. There is so much to see between the people, the buildings, and the homes dotted along the streets. So much life effuses from the city, my blood seems to sing in answer.
All my life, I’ve been searching for a home, struggling to make places fit, like squeezing my feet into shoes that are too small. But nothing has ever come close to the excitement building in my chest when I take in the city before me.
Odessa gestures around us. “The mountains to the west are the Badb mountains, the ones to the east are the mountains of Edda, and that river you see cutting through the city is the Ayele.”
My heart swells with emotion, almost bursting with it, and a laugh bubbles out of my chest.
Mina is on my other side, her eyes shining as she asks, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
My mouth has fallen open, gaping at everything around me.
“It’s the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen.”
Her smile is full of pride as she gazes around her home. The breeze brings the smell of spices, like cinnamon, rosemary, and thyme, and I inhale deeply. The cobblestone street is lined with trees separating cottage-style houses adorned with vibrant flowers from the charmingly colorful Art Nouveau-inspired buildings, which boast picturesque windows that offer glimpses into the various unique shops.
