Page 37 of A Wrecking of Salt and Fire

Ember put the box down on top of her dresser, opening it. Inside was a beautifully crafted pair of fighting leathers. They were dyed a navy color with turquoise and gold threading along the seams.

Bronze and gold cuffs for her forearms glittered in the sun that now creeped through the window, along with two matching golden arm bands carved with the night sky. A navy leather baldric lay at the bottom, embossed with the banner of Alentus—her symbol—the sun with a lighting bolt piercing through its center.

The last piece in the box was one of the most beautiful pieces of fabric she ever held. A cape to hang from her back, made of a turquoise material that shimmered with gold so much that it seemed to glow in the light.

“This—this is too much—” Ember’s voice cracked as she tried to keep back the tears.

“A powerful woman needs a powerful outfit,” Ajax smiled, “and you are the most powerful woman I know.”

Ember was dumbfounded. That he would do something so remarkable for her, it was just as she said—too much.

He stood up from the chaise, walking toward her until he stood so close she could feel the warmth radiating off his body. Ajax reached his hand forward, hooking a piece of her hair behind her ear as he whispered, “You will do great, Drakos.”

All Ember was left with was a radiating buzz from where his thumb grazed her cheek.

The courtyard was filled with people from all the isles, from their leaders to their guards to even a few wealthy citizens. They hailed from Alentus and Morentius, but also the smaller isles of Lesathos, Xanthia, Cantos, Delphine, and those with no name in the written language.

Ember stood on the dais, dressed head to toe in the attire of the Prytan of the Spartanis. She would show everyone here today that she could at least look the part she was supposed to accept.

“Now that everyone has gathered,” Ember began, attempting to keep her voice clear and unwavering, “it is time we discuss how to proceed with the Acknowledgement.”

The whispers increased to murmurs, no doubt wondering why she was speaking and not her sister, who at this moment was not seen in the courtyard at all.

“As you all may have noticed, Princess Katrin is not present this morning. It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you all that she has fallen ill and will not be able to attend the ceremony today. However, that should not sway your votes from what we all know is the best decision. Katrin is the most fit to be Queen of Alentus; she is kind and just and has been preparing all her life to make sure the peace in our isles remains. The line of succession should not see itself broken today.”

The courtyard grew louder. Ember clasped her hands together in an attempt to stop them from shaking. She could see the apprehension in Ajax’s face as she spoke the words. It was what they discussed, but she could not help but feel her words would not persuade the people. The vote amongst leaders must be unanimous.

“Any who wish to speak their concerns may do so now, before the vote takes place.”

A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone turned toward the eastern entrance of the courtyard. Shadows crept in through the archway, clouding around a man who appeared to be in his mid-forties. However, fine lines protruding from his silver eyes told a different story.

His hair was as black as night, flecks of white from age formed around his temples. He was dressed in blue trousers overlaid with gray leather and a bronze belt. He wore a thin white shirt over his muscled chest, leather straps crossed around him, a sparkling crystal amulet in the center. A deep gray cape flowed from his back. Bronze and silver cuffs wrapped around his wrists and calves.

Next to him stood a striking woman of similar age. She also had jet-black hair, though no white shimmered in her locks. When she blinked, her icy blue eyes were petrifying, as if they could look deep into your soul, penetrating your very insides if your gaze was met for too long.

She wore a gossamer gown, the color a deepest shade of midnight, with no slip beneath it. Silver cords enveloped her waist, holding the flowing pieces together. A silver band scrolled up both her upper arms ending in a crescent moon. A single chain with a similar crescent dangling from the center lay across her forehead. A striking sapphire amulet hung from her neck.

“Fuck.” The word escaped Ember’s lips.

“Well is anyone going to introduce us, or must I do everything myself?” the deep male voice echoed throughout the courtyard. No one spoke. No one could. The air stripped from the very courtyard they stood in. “Very well then, introducing King Nikolaos and Queen Giselle of Nexos. No need to bow, we know we are a bit late to the party.”

Offering his hand to his wife, they descended the steps into the courtyard. There was no emotion behind the king’s piercing silver eyes, and when Ember looked at the queen—she felt as if death itself would be a mercy.

Ember swallowed. King Nikolaos—and not just him, but his deadly wife Giselle. He was known for his shadows, his control of the seas; she for the moon and how it altered the tides, how it called to certain animals. It was even rumored she could morph into one of the deadly black wolves of Nexos herself.

They had not been seen outside of their isle in years. Ember flashed Ajax a look of despair. This could not be happening. Ajax took a step closer to her, his hand going for his sword.

“Not to worry, Commander, we are not here to cause trouble.”

Everyone looked to Ember to say something, but this was not something they discussed last night. Although Nexos was a lingering threat, not one of them thought its king and queen would show their faces today.

Ember glanced over at Kohl and King Athanas to see if they could lead her in the right direction. The two were whispering back and forth, King Athanas’s eyes locked directly on the queen’s. It was strange the way he looked at her with more hatred than Nikolaos.

Kohl’s lips thinned as he nodded at whatever his father muttered under his breath, his fingers again pinching the bridge of his nose.

It was then that Ember noticed Kohl was not in his formal attire. Usually the other leaders and nobility of the isles would wear tailored pants and an overcoat of their respective colors.

Yet, Kohl was not wearing the black set with red and orange detailing around the cuff and short collar. Instead, he wore all black fighting leathers, bronze plates covering his chest, forearms, and calves. A golden viper was engraved in the chest plate. Dual longswords were attached to his back, a curved dagger of the Southern Lands hung at his hip.

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