Page 140 of Hunger & Harmony

“The true makings of a queen,” Archduchess Imara agrees.

Over the hours since her public apology, she’s warmed up. More than I thought possible. I give her a grateful smile, knowing she’s hanging around for a reason.

“Is there something on your mind?” I ask.

She nods, hands clasped at her waist. I once thought of her blood red nails and staunch dresses as intimidating. I now understand that her inflexible perfection is armor. Becoming a vampire made her all the more human to me.

“I would like a private word with you both, Your Majesties.”

Niko dismisses the guards at the doors, leaving us alone with her. Her posture tightens.

“It wasn’t only the prophecy that had been twisted,” she starts.

I exchange a glance with Niko. He offers his hand, and I gladly take it.

“A working manager under Arteria,” she says. “Lorelai. Her interference goes deeper than we thought, and whoever she’s loyal to lurks in our Court.”

I squeeze Niko’s hand. So, it’s true. She deliberately set me up. She’s a traitor in sheep’s clothing.

“We weren’t prepared. I was blinded, and trusted what I feared over truth.” She looks at Niko, her voice wavering. “My brother, the late King, was never kind—but he was clever. I suspect the same traitor rewriting prophecy and conspiring with the Order of Ash betrayed him much the same.”

Niko’s fingers tighten. I don’t know much about his father, only bitter fragments.

“It takes only one rotten apple,” he murmurs, and she nods curtly.

“While Her Majesty is Resonant, I fear whoever sought her out will not stop.” Her red eyes meet mine, earnest and clear. “I pledge my undivided allegiance to you both. I will no longer be blinded by false ideologies.”

I nod my understanding. My appreciation, too. I recognize she never wanted to overthrow Niko’s crown. If anything, she became a puppet trying to protect these thrones.

“We’ll find this rotten apple,” I say.

“We will,” Niko agrees sharply. “There will be no more blood spilled at their hands.”

The Archduchess’s shoulders relax, even slightly. I see a woman who has held a lot. Even wrong beliefs. I have it in my heart to work with her, and looking ahead, we may need it.

“For now, I will keep a close eye on Sancte Noctis,” she continues. “I assume you are headed west for Sunveil?”

I glance over at Niko, finding him nodding softly.

“We are.”

She bows her head again.

“Enjoy this time of respite, Your Majesties. Congratulations once more on your union.”

Our union.

Beauty has sprouted from betrayal. Love has grown in the cracks of tragedy. My resolve has strengthened. Not just to face difficulties, but to enjoy every moment truly.

My hand is still in Niko’s, and I give it an affectionate squeeze as I turn to him.

“Ready to go home?” he asks.

As I smile, my crown tips further, nearly sliding off my hair. Our laughter fills the dimming hall.

“After we put this in a safe place.”

Music fills the room as Niko runs a brush through my damp hair. Not just any kind.