Page 26 of Kings and Monsters

"Nice of you to join us," Bleddyn said.

"It's not my fault. Rosa made me drink with her last night. I'm starting to think she has a problem."

"That's rich coming from you."

Merlin bent over to study the map. "What does this do?"

Bleddyn let go of Rosa and gestured to the parchment. "This is what the division of the kingdoms used to look like." He moved a hand over it. The lines shuddered and moved, with the spread of orange widening. "This is what the borders look like now. The Autumn Queen's power has blown out the original marker stones, or they were purposely moved."

"And we are going to move them back?" Rosa asked.

"To the best we can. I want to send some warriors to do it. Once Aeronwen feels what we are doing, she will try to retaliate," Bleddyn explained.

"I suggest a diversion," Arthur said as he joined them. He pointed to a stretch of forest. "Something here would be good."

"Why?" Rosa asked.

"Because it's far enough away from this border stone." Arthur tapped the figure on the map. "By the time she figures out what we are doing, she won't be able to reach us in time. A big enough diversion, and she'll pull men in from elsewhere. If we have enough people willing, we can coordinate it, so they are moved all at once."

"I knew I woke you up for a reason," Merlin said, flashing his cheeky grin.

Rosa folded her arms. "I believe I was the one who woke him up."

"Not now, children. Our guests are here," Bleddyn hushed them.

Eirianwen came into the chamber seconds later. She looked like a warrior queen—her tight black jacket complete with an arm and throat of leather scales, and a cloak of royal purple trimmed with raven feathers was folded over one strong shoulder. Her hair was free of its braids, falling in waves of silver down her back and clasped back from her face with an elaborate hairpiece of black metal. A beautiful sword hung from her hip, its scabbard the same rich purple as her cloak.

Merlin let out a low whistle. "My lady, you are looking terrifyingly gorgeous this evening."

"Thank you, Merlin. It is nice to be home," she replied with a smile.

"My son is ever the master of words," Bleddyn said, giving her a deep bow. Rosa was surprised to see the points of Eirianwen's ears pink when he kissed her hand. "Thank you for coming, Eirianwen."

"I would never miss your first meeting with the generals. I can't wait to see what you are planning to impress them with," she said, her attention moving off him and to the map on the table.

"My plan has been the best so far," Arthur stated, stepping forward with a wide smile.

"I'm sure it has, young king." Rosa hid her smile. Eirianwenwouldconsider Arthur young. Rosa was still struggling to reconcile him with his name that carried the weight of history.

Eirianwen's gaze flickered to an amused Rosa. "How are you feeling this morning, princess?"

"Vengeful."

"Excellent. It might serve you in good stead once the others arrive."

Rosa tensed as three Unseelie males arrived. She could feel the magic and violence on them, and she knew who they were. The generals had finally come to greet their lost king.

"Seren Du, at last, you return home," one said. He was as tall as Bleddyn with sharp elongated eyes and cheekbones.

"Madoc," Bleddyn greeted. "I remember you from when you were a child. Welcome." Rosa had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep her face straight as Madoc bristled.

Next, a tall Unseelie stepped forward, his red hair, orange eyes and black skin made him one of the most striking faerie Rosa had ever seen.

"My king, it is an honor to meet you at last. I'm Aiden."

"Aiden… Was your father, Calon Tân?"

"Yes, my king. I am surprised you remember him."

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