Page 45 of Heat of the Everflame

It was a stern command, but I knew Alixe would understand. She was a woman of deeds, not words. She thrived in battle, and I had faith that a call to action would bring out the very best in her.

“I will,” she vowed, and I believed her.

She gazed off into the woods with brows furrowed, seeming to be working through a dilemma in her mind. After a moment, she stood taller.

“I’d like to integrate the Royal Guard,” she declared. “The mortals should have a hand in governing their own community. And they should be patrolling Lumnos City, too. It wouldn’t hurt for the Descended to see them in positions of authority.”

I nodded slowly, thinking. “It would give mortals more opportunities to work in Lumnos instead of being forced off to Fortos to join the army.”

“Yes. We should be keeping our strongest in the realm, not sending them away.”

“Your Descended guards won’t like it,” I warned. “There will be plenty of challenges.”

“I suppose I’ll just have to follow my Queen’s lead. Challenges didn’t stop you.”

I grinned, puffing up at her compliment. “I think it’s a brilliant idea. Have you discussed it with Luther?”

“Not yet. I was waiting until you were home safe and he wasn’t so...” She pursed her lips. “...preoccupied.”

Her loaded tone had me arching a brow, but I didn’t press further. “Let’s discuss it more when we’re back in Lumnos. I suspect Luther will agree—and if he doesn’t, I can beverypersuasive.”

I winked, drawing a laugh from Alixe that had Taran and Luther craning their necks from where they whispered near the hollow’s entrance.

Alixe tilted her head in Luther’s direction. “You know, he may say he doesn’t want you to pick up a sword and face danger head-on, but it’s also why he respects you. It’s why we all do.”

“He’ll have to get used to it. I fear our days of facing danger head-on are only just beginning.”

“Good.” She cocked a hip and flexed her fingers around the hilt of her shortsword, her expression positively devilish. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Your Majesty.”

I grinned and pulled my cloak tighter as I began to shiver. “You really don’t have to use titles with me, Alixe. I’d like to think we’re friends.”

She hesitated, then grimaced. “We are friends. And I know how you feel about titles, but... I confess, I agree with Luther. They’re more important than they seem. And you should use yours.”

“I understand whyyoufeel that way. Your titles are earned. I did nothing to earn this Crown.”

“The Blessed Mother might disagree. She did not choose you for nothing. And you’ve already fought for it in the Challenging.” She tilted her head at me and frowned. “I’ve spent my life tryingto escape the Corbois name. I never wanted anything to be handed to me—I wanted to get there myself, through my own hard work. On that, I think you and I are very similar.”

I nodded in agreement.

“But there are some whose respect I will never earn. For them, nothing I do will ever be enough. So I’ve learned to wield my titles without mercy. They don’t have to respect me, but they do have to salute me, obey me, and address me correctly. I don’t need their support—just their submission.

“You, Your Majesty, will face the same thing. You have many detractors who do not like your background or who disagree with your vision... but they are still bound to obey you as Queen. That Crown, and the title that comes with it, is a weapon. Don’t be afraid to use it.”

I thought over her words. I’d been quick to ask the multitude of Corbois cousins to call me Diem, rather than using my title—and they’d been just as quick to treat me with open skepticism and contempt.

Perhaps she had a point.

“You really think it’s that important?” I asked.

She nodded gravely. “On a battlefield, obedience to the chain of command can be the difference between victory or defeat. And, as you said, there may be many more battles in our future.”

My heart lurched—she sounded so much like my father.

I smiled. “Your point is well taken. I’ll think it over. Though I hope before this is all over, you and I can grab a pint and simply be Diem and Alixe for at least one night.”

She gave me a final bow. “I’ll be looking forward to it, Your Majesty.”

I trudged back toward the hollow. Luther was leaning against the trunk with arms crossed, wearing that brilliant, elusive smile that had caught my heart and refused to let it go. Even in thegloomy dark of the wee hours, it was bright enough to light up the realm.

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