Page 66 of Calling of the Crown

“Your disappearance stayed in-house, if you will,” Angus added. He shot a pointed look at Rune before adding, “As did the reaction and removal of your partner.”

Rune’s eyes narrowed on Angus, and I felt Rune’s growing temper like it was my own. His emotions were still raw and messy from believing I’d been dead for three days, not to mention the news I’d sprung on him back at the island. Angus throwing jabs Rune’s way was not going to benefit anyone. It would only serve to make my Fox explode.

“Were there issues with any citizens or in the community while I was gone, Dawn?”

The round, dark-skinned woman sat up straighter and leaned toward me. She was the elected citizen to represent the people of Morardia and their voice. “No, Your Highness. Everyone has reported excitement as they continue to get resettled here. People are enjoying finding work around Morardia again and building it into a prosperous home once more.”

Dawn suddenly grew nervous as her eyes darted away from me, and she scratched absently behind her ear. “There have been some Fae who aren’t acclimating as well as others due to the plan you have for peace. There hasn’t been any action taken, but they make their disagreement clear.”

My heart sank with dread, and my shoulders sagged slightly. “I see.”

Dawn quickly perked up again. “But that’s just a small percentage of Fae. I’d say only fifteen percent are against it.”

“What about everyone else?” asked Brennus, a scholar, sipping on his tea.

Dawn fiddled with the handle on her own cup and replied, “If fifteen percent are against the plan for peace, I’d say thirty-five are completely for it. The remaining fifty percent are skeptical.”

“Where do you fall in those groups?” Angus asked her, raising a dark brow.

Dawn stilled, and her eyes seemed to fill with terror as she glanced at me.

Smiling reassuringly, I said, “It’s okay, Dawn. You can be honest.”

She swallowed hard. “I’m in the skeptical group, Your Highness. I just—I just don’t see how peace is possible. I don’t see how we can truly get along. I’m not even sure what that looks like.”

I met Rune’s eyes across the table. “We’re hopeful that the coronation and Joining Ceremony will help alleviate those worries. Many Fae, including Land Fae, will be at the celebration, and we’re confident it will show everyone what a future of camaraderie looks like.”

Dawn smiled softly. “I hope it does.”

“Speaking of the coronation and Joining Ceremony, we need to get the seamstress out here to make new outfits for both of you,” Dallas said. She still had dark circles under her eyes, but her complexion looked better. Rance had assured me she slept while I was getting Rune, and he’d managed to get her to eat. She’d already had one banana and a cup of coffee while sitting here and was pouring another as she spoke. “We’re less than a month away, and they’ll need time to get your measurements, design, and create your clothes.”

“The royal tailor has finally gotten all moved in and set up his workspace here in the palace,” Angus informed. “He won’t have to work out of his bags anymore. He’ll be ready to get started once you two pay him a visit.”

“Why do we need new clothes?” I asked with a sigh. “Isn’t there enough on everyone’s plate as is?”

“The outfits you wear are a big part of the celebration,” Jesiah answered. “The to-be crowned Queen and King always wear new clothes that have been made specifically for that occasion. The outfits are always gorgeous and elaborate, and it’s something that everyone looks forward to on that day.”

“This day is all about showcasing Land and Water Fae working together,” Rune mused thoughtfully. He cocked his chin as he seemed to think about something. “What if we also employ a Land Fae to help with designing and creating the clothes? The outfits are a big deal, so imagine the kind of message it will send if people realize they were made by a team of Water and Land Fae who worked together.”

Imani pursed her lips and gave an impressed nod. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Dawn bobbed her head. “I think that would be a great message. People love admiring the royals’ attire on this day. If they realize that Land and Water Fae worked together successfully to make something that beautiful, it will look good for the message you’re trying to send.”

“Key word being ‘successfully,’” Angus grumbled. He gave me a pointed look. “There’s no need to have a Land Fae work on it, too. The royal tailor is perfectly capable of doing the job.”

Before I could answer, Rune folded his hands on the table and stared directly at Angus. “It’s not a matter of capability. It’s a matter of showing everyone as many instances of Land and Water Fae cooperation as possible. In order for Fae to believe in this mission, they need to see the potential results first-hand. This is a simple yet efficient way to provide an example of what peace could look like.”

Angus leaned back in his chair, and his jaw worked as he clenched his teeth. It seemed to take everything in him to keep his face even as he regarded Rune. “And do you know a Land Fae who would be qualified and willing to work with the royal tailor?”

“I have an idea, yes. I’ll contact her today.”

“I’m glad we have that matter settled,” Jesiah said. He looked at me. “Are you still planning on inviting King Elias and other Land Fae to the event?”

“I am,” I answered.

I’d mentioned in a previous meeting that I wanted to invite King Elias and any willing Land Fae to the coronation and Joining Ceremony. I hoped it would be a step in showing them my intentions and goodwill. Everyone was immediately against it due to the security risk, but I felt it was important to this journey toward peace. In the end, we decided only King Elias and his inner circle would be invited, along with approved Land Fae who were investigated extensively and deemed low risk.

“I still disagree with inviting that King,” Angus griped, and he spat the final word like the mere sound of it repulsed him.

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