Page 61 of The Queen

Once done with our thoroughly tested meal, my mates escorted me back to the level that I learned was called the sanctum, which was fitting because only nobles lived here, to the exclusion of all others. It was an entire floor in the mountain set aside to house visiting dignitaries when they came to court, and where all royal functions were held.

We walked down the corridor between the balconies and pillars, through twists and turns, until we reached a grand door, gilded in aurinium. Guards lined the length of the hall, standing at attention. I noticed the blond guard from the dinner party and the older alpha that smelled like boot leather, but the others were unknown to me. The entire formation was focused on our group, reverence clear on their faces.

In unison, they bowed deeply. My chest swelled with emotion at their apparent sincerity. They seemed genuinely happy I was here, unlike the plastic smiles of the nobles. It came as a surprise, but bolstered my confidence.

With a flourish, the double doors were pulled open by white gloved servants, and we walked through.

A grand staircase led down into a massive ballroom seething with colorful gowns and men in suits. The ceiling dripped with crystal chandeliers lit with thousands of candles. Green and gold tapestries draped the walls, partially obscuring floor to ceiling windows, letting in the light of the setting suns. There were so many windows on this level. The expense must have been staggering. I wondered if the effect of the fading sunset, with its showy dance of rainbow ribbons on the horizon, was worth the cost.

A loud voice startled me as it rang out across the sea of nobles, announcing us by name and title. Grey and Lex tucked my hands into the crooks of their arms and led me down the steps. Ghost and Shadow flanked them. It must have been quite a sight, because surprised gasps and titters sounded around the room before everyone dropped into bows and curtsies.

When we reached the floor, I realized they were still waiting for me to say something. Having so much attention on me all at once was taking some getting used to.

“Thank you. You may rise.” I didn’t raise my voice, but they heard me, or took cues from the rest of the crowd.

The nobles rose and went back to the business of socializing. A hauntingly beautiful melody lifted above the murmur of voices from a stage in the corner where musicians were playing stringed instruments. It was honestly lovely, and I decided no matter my feelings toward Edeth, she’d done a good job organizing it.

I saw the woman in question holding court by the refreshment table. Speaking to the jewel bedecked countess from the banquet, and Violet, who was dressed in a beautiful pastel purple gown.

Couples moved onto the dancefloor, stepping in time with the music. The movement drew my eye to the entrancing spectacle. I considered joining, but the unfamiliar steps were intimidating. Ghost, noticing my fascination, offered his arm. “Dance?”

I took it with a nod, and he led me to the floor. His hands fell to my hips, steadying me, and he helped me find the right rhythm. It wasn’t as hard as it looked with him leading the way, and soon we were floating through the motions along with everyone else.

“You doing okay, princess?”

I grinned up at him. “I’m not a princess anymore.” In reality, I was so much more than okay. I was walking on clouds.

“Sad but true. How do you like your crown?” Ghost guided me through a turn with more grace than I expected.

His comment tugged me back to the ground. “It’s heavier than I thought it would be.” The idea of it weighing me down dragged out a rueful laugh.

He eased me closer as we moved through the steps. “You’ll never have to carry it alone.”

My gaze drifted to where Lex, Shadow, and Grey were chatting near the windows. “I don’t have to, but it’s still my burden to bear.”

Grey was safe. I had my crown, but guilt settled in the pit of my stomach. We had no solution for my alphas. I was grateful they were well and there was time to find the answers we sought because I was never giving up on that.

As if sensing my distraction, Ghost pulled me closer. “I’m sorry you had to witness what happened with the maids. I can’t help but feel bad about it. It might lift your spirits to know that I had everything they touched burned.” He chuckled.

“Maybe a little.” My jealousy was silly, but I’d never experienced anything like that before. I was glad to have it over with and confidence in my mates restored. I also didn’t mind at all that Aster and Hazel were stuck working in the kitchens.

I was being petty, but hard work wouldn’t hurt them. Their mother would surely have them returned to their stations soon enough. As we turned through the dancers, I noticed Aster mingling near a group of other nobles. She was smiling and enjoying herself. As I expected, no harm at all.

Maybe it was unqueenly, but she could probably use a little more discipline.

Seeing her with the gathered nobles reminded me of something, so when the dance was over, I slipped away from Ghost and headed to where I’d seen Lex’s stepsister last. She wasn’t there, but I saw her blond head bobbing through the crowd. As I moved to follow her, the nobles parted, letting me pass, which helped me catch up to her near the musicians.

My mates were watching me from across the room but hadn’t pursued me yet. I appreciated the space, but based on the look Lex was giving me, it wouldn’t last.

“Aster?” I called to her, and she spun around, cornflower blue eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Your Majesty,” she curtsied. “How can I be of service?” Her words were clipped, as if reciting something she’d been coached into doing.

“Actually, I had a question for you—“ I began, but she cut me off.

“If this is about Axion. My sister and I are terribly sorry for the misunderstanding. We assumed he was unattached since you were spending so much time with our stepbrother. Now with your mate bonding complete,” she motioned at my neck, “I assume it’s all been sorted out.”

“No, not exactly, but that’s not why I came to speak to you. I appreciate the apology, but I would suggest you get consent from the bed’s owner before turning up uninvited in the future. That aside,” because I was done thinking about it, “I wanted to know where you got the soap that Violet put in my bathing room.”

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