“Do you think Fee is alright?”
“She’s fine.” Reid runs a hand through his hair. “Fee was trained to be our ruler long before Kaden gained control. All of this, yelling at lords, forcing them to comply, is as natural as breathing to her.”
“But we left her in such a mess?—”
“She understands.” Reid bumps me. “Focus, Max. Now, what do we do here? We can’t exactly charge the field.”
I mean, we can’t. But maybe we should try something like that.
“What do we know of their palace?” I ask, turning toward Samkien. “Weapons, abilities, anything of the sort?”
Rubbing his chin, Samkien explains, “They’re known for their archers. Long range. They’re also good with spears.” His black eyes scan my face. “No.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“I see it, Your Majesty. It’d be a fool’s errand to do what you’re thinking.”
“What is she thinking?” Reid looks at me. “What are you thinking?”
Patting Samkien’s shoulder, I smile. “You’ll just have to be ready to defend me.”
“And if we’re slow?”
Patting my neck, I make sure my crown shines against the starry background. “Don’t be.”
Inhaling, I push past my people, and walk into the center of the field. The tall grass brushes against my thighs, and the scent of honeysuckle swirls inside my nose. Out here, it’s silent, with the far distance chirp of crickets the only noise.
A golden, glistening castle full of spirals, turrets and points, sits in the distance. I’m sure when the sun is high, the castle burns like a torch. In the darkness, it reflects the moon, with think lines of ivycrawling up its sides. It’s as smooth as the Summus Mountain behind me, just as dark and forlorn.
At the front is a wide, open gate, without the presence of anyone there.
I know from the Black Palace that can be deceiving.
“This is not a good idea,” Reid hisses. Samkien has a hand on his shoulder, holding him from coming to my side. At least someone is thinking straight and it certainly isn’t me. “What if she kills you?”
“She won’t.”I hope.
Reid glares. “This isnotwhat a Dark Queen should do.”
“Last time I checked,” I say, walking to the middle of the field, arms outstretched, dagger limp, “I’m the queen and I can choose what is best.”
Reid curses me out but I’m pleasantly surprised to hear Samkien’s laughter.
I spent my whole life hiding. I hid in the Blackwoods Coven and I hid from my love in the Black Palace. I chose to ignore the bond, fight it, until it was the only thing that mattered. I didn’t listen when Oslo told me I would save Kaden—and now I’m here, fighting the consequences of my inability to embrace what’s happening.
I’m choosing to believe in this, right now. I am strong. I am capable. I am a queen.
So, that’s what I’m going to be.
“Queen Aoife!” I yell, my voice carrying up the thick golden walls of her Veridian Palace. “I am Maximillia, Dark Queen of the Dark Fae. Mate of Kaden Moorgate. I’m here to ask for your assistance.”
Silence. The palace remains quiet, torches flickering against the wind.
Reid looks over my shoulder, keeping his eyes trained. Nothing moves.
I try again. Maybe she didn’t hear me.
“Queen Aoife, I’m here to ask for help. We’re here to break Kaden’s curse.”
