“We mourn the loss of Queen Ryenne,” the king said, “but we look forward to a new relationship with Queen Mariah. It is our honor to welcome members of her court to Vatha.”
Relief swept through Ciana. First step, done.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said. “I am Lady Ciana Visseau. And this”—she gestured to Delaynie— “is Lady Delaynie Albellane.”
King Niktael smiled warmly. “A pleasure to meet you, Lady Ciana and Lady Delaynie.” His attention shifted past them. “And your…companions?”
Gods, Ciana hoped the boys weren’t giving this king a death stare.
“We are accompanied by Sebastian and Quentin, two members of Mariah’s Armature.” Shuffles behind her told her that they bowed.
That was good, at least.
Niktael’s brow furrowed curiously. “Legends of the Onitan Armature has reached even our ears. You two ladies must mean a great deal to the queen if she sent members of her sworn guard with you.”
A genuine blush warmed Ciana’s cheeks. “I would be hesitant to claim such a thing, Your Majesty?—”
“She does. They do.” Sebastian’s voice rumbled past her. “We protect the Ladies of the Court as if they were our queen themselves.”
“An honorable task,” the king said with a widening grin. “So, why does the Onitan Queen send two of her Armature and two of her Ladies to our nation? Surely, it’s for more than just friendship.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ciana reached into her bag, pulling out a sealed envelope. A herald rushed forward, taking it from Ciana with a deep bow before scampering up the dais and placing the parchment in the king’s waiting palm. Niktael broke the seal and unfolded the letter, eyes scanning as he read.
Ciana shifted nervously in the silence. She had no idea what the letter said. Mariah had given it to her just before they’d left, instructing her not to read it and to hand it straight to the Vathan King; no one else.
The king chuckled as he finished reading, handing the letter to Ydros. His eyes locked back on Ciana, amusement and something else dancing in his expression.
“Your queen is bold, I’ll give her that. I like it.”
The corners of Ciana’s mouth ticked up in a half-smile. “She’s never been anything but. We believe in her and the world she wants to make.”
“A world that will involve the rest of the continent and our kingdom’s sovereignty, I hope?”
“As long as the rest of the continent and this kingdom is interested in bringing about an end to oppression and tyranny.”
King Niktael’s smile spread wider. “I can see why she chose you to be a member of her court, Lady Ciana. I only wish my own advisors had the same conviction.”
Ciana wasn’t sure what to say, so she chose to answer him with a bright smile.
Along with a blink of her lashes and a brush of her hair off her shoulders for good measure.
She knew she wasn’t imagining the spark in the king’s eyes. A spark that looked a lot like interest.
A worm of discomfort tried to twist in her gut. One that she stepped on and stamped out.
No. She was ready. She could do this.
King Niktael rose from his throne, taking the steps down the dais two at a time. He halted before Ciana, extending a hand. Ciana took it, the metal of his rings cool against her skin.
“If I may,” the king said, “I would be honored to show you to your rooms.” He glanced over her shoulder. “All of you. You are welcome here as long as you wish to stay.”
Well, whatever Mariah had said in that letter, it certainly worked.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Ciana said. “That’s most generous. Delaynie and Quentin will only be staying the night; they are continuing on their journey tomorrow. But Sebastian and I hope to stay for a time. To get to know Vatha and see all your kingdom has to offer.”
Was she trying too hard? She realized—a bit belatedly—that she didn’t have much practice with flirting. Was this even how it was done?
Her worries calmed as the king’s eyes lit. He slid her hand to the crook of his arm. “Please,” he murmured in her ear. “Call me Nik.”
