Page 107 of Crownless King

Alcon’s eyes flared with shock.

“A mating mark. A human is a vessel for fae magic. You bonded with the king.” He bowed his head, sinking down to one knee. “My queen.”

I was no royalty. I wore no crown and wasn’t married to the king. But through our bond, I could use Voron’s magic, including the magic of the crown that controlled the Palace of Elaros.

Now, as soon as Farion captured the assassin, everyone inside the palace would be safe.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

SPARROW

Alcon escorted me back to the royal chambers.

“I actually came to Elaros, hoping to speak with you,” I said when we were safely back inside.

“Me? Not Voron?” He looked surprised.

“No.” I smiled awkwardly. “I didn’t come here for some closure with him or something. I need to tell you what happened at the farm after you left.”

“What happened?”

“Two men came looking for the king. They killed Bavius, the farmer.” I swallowed against a tightness in my throat. Bavius deserved to live for centuries, quietly working in his fields and hurting no one. Instead, he was murdered so brutally. “They wore royal guard uniforms and spoke about the king being dead.”

I told him the details and answered whatever questions he had. Before he left to speak to Farion, he said, “The Council is in session, Lady Sparrow. I strongly advise you to join them.”

“Me?”

My first reaction was to refuse. What insight could I possibly give to the fae who’d been around for hundreds of years and surely knew better than me how to govern a kingdom in crisis?

“You are the king’s bonded,” Alcon insisted. “The only one who can use Elaros’ magic.”

I didn’t hold any official position at the court, but through my bond with Voron, I had power, nevertheless.

“The Council needs to know,” he said.

“All right. I’ll go.”

He gave me a critical once-over, taking in my dusty cloak and messy hair. I’d had no chance to wash or change after the long hours of traveling to Elaros City.

“I’ll arrange for new clothes for you, befitting your station,” he said before leaving the room.

While waiting for the clothes, I had a quick bath in the royal bathing pool. By the time I was done, a knock came on the door, then Brebie marched in.

“Sparrow… Sweetie.” She paused at the door, pressing the pile of shimmering fabrics in her arms to her chest. “Alcon told me, but I still can’t believe my eyes.”

I smiled widely at the sight of her familiar face.

“Brebie. You have no idea how nice it is to see you again.” I took a step her way.

With a strangled sob, she dropped the fancy dress and rushed to hug me.

“We thought you were dead,” she mumbled into my shoulder. “Voron hasn't been the same ever since.”

I very well could’ve been dead if it wasn’t for Sova. But I didn’t tell Brebie that. She seemed too emotional already, tears glistening on her long, blonde eyelashes.

She sniffled, releasing me from her arms.

“Well, let’s get you dressed, honey. If you want the Council to listen to you, you’ll need to look the part.”

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