Page 31 of Calling of the Crown

“To help you move and get settled, I’ve personally assembled some Fae whom I trust with my life. They’ll work together with you to ensure you’re safely housed and have everything you could possibly need.”

The group in question had been waiting with Rune at the back of the gathered guards, but Mingxia now led that move-in crew down the aisle of guards toward us. It was a small group, but it was full of nothing but warm and friendly souls who could melt the cold hearts of anyone who might harbor ill will toward Land Fae.

Mingxia was in charge and would divvy up tasks to the rest of the group, which consisted of Thomas and Abigail, the Water Fae who’d remained here all this time to maintain the grounds. They followed right behind Mingxia. Trailing behind the older couple was the rest of my hand-selected crew, all of whom I’d instructed to come in their Fae forms.

As soon as the trio of Land Fae came into view, there was a chorus of gasps from the Water Fae.

Before anyone could react or even utter a word, Akira smiled brightly and waved. “Konnichiwa. I’m Akira, and on behalf of the welcome committee, I’d like to say that we’re so glad you all made it here safely. I’m thrilled and honored to get the chance to help you guys move back in. We’re going to make sure it’s a fun day, so let’s get started.”

I knew seeing the Land Fae would be a shock for the Water Fae, but I felt it was important to be upfront and honest with them. Sure, right now, all they’d see was a Raven Fae, Chameleon Fae, and Fox Fae, but by being near the trio and seeing each for their kind, compassionate, and warm souls, I was confident the Water Fae would no longer simply see a Land Fae but rather they’d see a person. They’d see Akira, Avana, and Ardley for who they were at their core.

“I humbly volunteer to help any and all single gals,” Ardley offered, throwing a clawed hand high into the air.

Two girls who looked our age leaned in close to each other and stared wide-eyed at the Fox, who merely smirked and winked at them. Their cheeks pinkened, and they quickly looked away from the handsome Fae.

“Way to break the ice, Ardley,” Avana huffed, rolling her eyes. “I apologize for my friend here. He is but a harmless flirt.”

Ardley clutched his chest and gazed adoringly at the Chameleon. “Avana. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about me.”

Thomas chuckled. He looked at the assembled Water Fae and hitched a thumb in Ardley’s direction. “That one will talk your head off if you let him. If you want to get any real work done today, I suggest you keep this lover boy busy with more handiwork and less interaction.”

“Now, Thomas,” Ardley taunted, walking over to the old man. Ardley slung his arm around Thomas, who stared blankly at the Fox. “You wound me. I can stay busy with my hands but still find ways to get to know our lovely friends here.”

One of the girls let out a sound to which I didn’t think anyone could put a name. She ducked her head, but there was no missing her red cheeks and ears or the way she bit her lip.

Ardley truly was a natural. I’d initially been unsure if I should let Ardley be on this team, but I realized now that I’d made the right choice. He had a certain witty and carefree charm about him that made him easy to get along with. His teasing already seemed to be working since a good number of the Water Fae now looked less scared and angry and more bewildered.

Baby steps.

“That’s enough of your teasing, Ardley,” I chastised.

Ardley straightened and smothered his cheeky grin. He bowed at the waist, dipping his head low. “Yes, Your Highness.” He peeked at me through his dark bangs and gave me a wink that only I could see.

I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. Turning my attention back to the Water Fae, I said, “I’m sure you’re all eager to get settled. For now, I’ll leave you in Mingxia’s capable hands, along with the rest of the movers. I look forward to seeing more of you and getting to know you further. Again, I’d like to say, welcome home.”

Rune, also in his Fox Fae form, walked from his place in the back of the guard’s line to my side. I ignored the expressive reactions from the Water Fae as he offered me his arm. I took it confidently, and we turned, retreating with our guards following close behind us. Jesiah and General Blackwood flanked either side of us. No one spoke until we were completely out of the Water Fae’s sight and earshot.

My shoulders immediately slumped, and I took a deep breath. Glancing nervously at Jesiah, I asked, “Well? How do you think it went?”

“No one killed anybody,” Jesiah noted with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’d say that’s a good sign.”

“Does that Fox back there not have a filter?” Angus grumbled.

Rune smirked. “No, he does not.”

“You did well, Bria,” Jesiah praised, patting me on the shoulder. “You maintained good posture, spoke clearly, and you left no room for argument when you brought up Land Fae, all because of how you said it and the way you held yourself. I’d say you passed your first official test of Being a Princess 101.”

Chest swelling with a flood of warmth, I asked, “So does that mean I can skip volume three of Royal Policies?”

Jesiah threw his head back in a deep laugh before suddenly snapping his head back down to meet my eyes with a blank stare. “In your dreams. Nice try, though.”

Chapter Fifteen

IF I THOUGHT I’D BEEN nervous to meet the first of my people, I was practically coming undone with anxiety now. With the slow arrival of Water Fae, it was time to start preparations for the welcome home gathering and the ball and coronation. The pressure on my shoulders to learn all I could and prepare for such major events, all within a month—the timeframe settled upon by the present Council of Doctrina members and me—was making me start to panic. Standing in the stadium sized, opulent ballroom that made me feel like a mere speck of dust on a surface certainly wasn’t helping.

“This room is gorgeous,” I noted, trying to focus on that instead of the tightening between my shoulder blades.

The marble-like floor was made of a silver material with veins that ran deep blue. It paired beautifully with the iridescent white walls that ran all the way up to the domed glass ceiling. Columns carved to look like coral lined the room, leading to a raised platform at the head of the room that held two thrones made of old sea life—shells, rock, and coral.

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