Page 107 of Of Glass and of Gold

“Enough,” I said, drawing my attention to no one in particular. “Commander Druller, once you confine the suspects, the first information I want to learn is their temperament towards magic wielders.”

That broke his trance of anger lingering on Marco. “Magic? I thought you wanted to know about the kidnappings?” Surprised confusion marred his features, and I hoped his bitterness wouldn’t rear again every time I had to admit to keeping him in the dark about something.

“There’s a connection. That’s all you need to know.” I cleared my throat and sat straighter in my seat, my fingers interlocked. I tried to refrain from superiority carrying my statement, but until I figured out who had connections and their other associations, I didn’t need word getting out of this room about the information I’d gathered.

Commander Druller dipped his head slightly before striding out of the room. I hoped secrets wouldn’t strain the relationship we’d built. I needed him to trust me going forward, and I needed him on board with Nora giving orders without questioning them.

Ricks raised a hand between us with a finger pointed. “Your Highness, if I may add, the artist in charge of invitations will require a name for the cards by end of day tomorrow.”

In order to keep that information secret, I hadn’t sent any correspondence or carriages to Nora’s home. Without knowing which eyes squirreled information away, I wouldn’t put her at risk. It hadn’t stopped our rendez-vous last night.

Knowing where that masked woman lived, I had snuck out, catching a glimpse of her through her attic window, and tossed rocks until I got her attention. We’d traveled to the woods on the ledge between cities, visiting a familiar tree. Then, with no walls between us, we laid in the growing grass, limbs intertwined as we shared details of our lives with each other.

Details that had my heart breaking in two. My rage crackling like an uncontrolled flame. Pride beaming from the depths of my being. And love washing over my soul.

“The future Queen of Highcrest. That shall be on the cards. Is that all, Ricks?”

His eyelids fluttered, full of disappointment. “As long as she is indeed real, Your Highness…”

Marco barked out a laugh. “She is very much real, Ricks. I can vouch for the girl.”

A narrow gaze that questioned the credibility of that statement hit Marco.

“You’re going to love her,” I reassured Ricks, reconsidering the moment I envisioned the two of them in conversation with one another. “And if you don’t, it doesn’t matter, because I do.”

Marco released a long, drawn out whistle behind me. Ricks’ face beamed, his smile reaching the corners of his face.

“I will respect and honor the future queen with everything in me, Your Highness. I’m as much her servant as I am yours.” He departed, and I swore there was a skip in his step.

“You just dropped the big L, cousin. How does it feel?” Marco clamped down on both of my shoulders.

I laughed, brushing off his childish prodding. “Have too much fun with this, Marco, and I’ll convince your council to find you a spouse from a competition.”

He released a contemplative sound. “Mine would have to be much more entertaining. Feats of strength, intellectual competitions. Hm. Watching a host of men and women parade around, aiming to impress me… You might be onto something.”

What started as a joke of punishment for his relentless teasing backfired, turning into his newest fascination. “Well, I’ll be there to push my favorites onto the dance floor, too, then.” I leaned to the side, cocking an eyebrow at him.

“If you catch me and my match acting as oblivious as the two of you, I welcome it.”

53

Nora

I’d never worn fabric this expensive. It draped along my skin, velvety smooth. The seamstress tugged and wrapped the billowing fabric, pinning it in places that made no sense to me. But looking at myself in the angled oval mirror, I could see the vision.

Announcement of the new Queen of Highcrest. There’d be absolutely no way to access the daggers strapped to my thigh, not under the mountain of layers jutting out from my cinched waist. This dress was a whole level of protection on its own, though. It felt like I had a fifteen foot span. An array of blues, sprawling sparkling tulle, ruffles and laces. The woman in the mirror definitely fit the look of a queen. I hardly recognized myself.

Nicholas had sent a carriage, delivering a letter that spoke of a booked appointment with the most sought after seamstress in Waterview. Melody, Kenzie, and I arrived probably three hours ago. The woman had closed down her shop, her main priority being this gown to be presented tomorrow at the announcement luncheon.

My sisters sat on the chaise lounge surrounding the platform I stood on, gushing over the dresses on display and snacking on the miniature sandwiches and tarts.

“Nora, I can’t believe the prince chose you,” Kenzie said through crumb-coated lips. I don’t think she knew how to compliment me without lacing it in insult, but I understood what she meant.

“Trust me, I didn’t see it coming either.” Understatement.

“You are the vision of a true queen. This kingdom will be lucky to have you,” Melody said, her eyes trailing the luscious fabric glittering in the sunlight streaming through the shop’s large front bay windows.

While the seamstress stepped off to the side, taking notes and measurements in her notepad, movement outside the shop caught my eye. A woman had stopped dead in her tracks, peering into the shop with stunned intensity.

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