He would never have to beg for me. Claim or none, bound or not, I was his.
* * *
Sybilla had senta maid up to our rooms with fresh clothing and a note that said: “We will be meeting for breakfast in the dining hall.”
The palace was bustling with staff cleaning up as much of the wreckage and blood as possible. Fen and I passed the throne room. I squeezed his hand to remind myself that the night’s horrors were over.
To my relief, the doors were closed.
When we entered the dining hall, a meager spread of meat and cheese was sitting untouched on a silver tray. All eyes were turned to Queen Sybilla, who sat at the head of the long white-oak table. To her left sat King Darvanda and Elsedora. Elsie eyed the Queen like she wanted to actually try to assassinate the royal now.
“The other rulers of all the Corridors will arrive tomorrow.” Queen Sybilla explained to them before her attention caught on us.
My remaining Sisters sat in a row to Sybilla’s right—Amara faced away from me, but her posture was relaxed. Cassidee sat with an arm slung over the back of Wyeth’s chair and one boot up on an empty chair beside them.
“Good morning.” My voice cracked, not prepared to face them. Fen’s hand squeezed mine.
The Queen’s face lit with an exuberant smile. “Welcome, sleep well?” she asked with coyness.
Upon seeing Fen, Elsedora launched from her seat and bounded over to throw her arms around him. Fen grunted as his sister tightened the embrace. She loosened her hold only to punch his arm—hard.
“You fool!” Elsie exclaimed.
Fenris bristled with a huff. “It is nice to see you again too, Else.”
Elsedora’s arms crossed tightly in front of her. Then she rolled her eyes with a smirk. “I never could stay mad for long.” She squeezed Fen’s arm before returning to Darvanda’s side.
Interesting.Elsie loved Fenris, but her devotion to the King of the Wastelands seemed strong...a problem for another day.
I scanned the room.
Emmerick was standing, leaning against the far wall’s door frame and looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here. Yet his lips curved into a trace of a smile as he watched us.
Fenris pulled me over to where the Commander stood. “I should burn you on a spit for what you did to her.”
The entire room stilled and went quiet.
Emmerick’s smile waned with Fenris’ words, and his brow furrowed. Then, before he could answer, Fen released my hand to take Emmerick’s and pulled the Commander into a bear-like embrace.
“Lucky for you, I know she can be convincing when she wants something to go her way.” He released the Constable with a wink. “And she came back to me. So you’re safe. For now.”
Tears threatened.When had my body become so leaky?I turned to the table.
“She’s not glowing anymore,” Darvanda mused darkly—as though it was a disappointment.
I reluctantly stepped over to my Sisters, who rose at the table, turning to me. Amara embraced me first. She still smelled of salty air, honeysuckle and sunshine. The familiarity of it made the threatening tears finally fall.
“My girl.” Amara said nothing more.
Wyeth lingered near. I felt Cassidee’s rough hand on my shoulder before she pulled me into an embrace, picked me up off my feet, shook me and squeezed me like a rag doll.
“You all should have seen it—Asterie had that wolf-demon tear Firose toshreds.It was the most hauntingly beautiful, gruesome thing I have ever witnessed, andthat’ssaying something.”
“Enough, Cass.” Wyeth swatted at Cassidee to put me down. Wyeth had never been a fan of being touched. However, when I hit the ground with a huff, she offered me a smug smile and said with quiet sarcasm, “Must you make death such a hobby?”
I was so weepy now that I had to catch tears on the sleeve of my freshly pressed tunic. Finally, after our reunions were settled, we all found our seats at the table.
Sybilla continued whatever news she had been sharing upon our arrival.
