Page 48 of The War Queen's Daughter

It would be funny if it weren’t so very horrifying.

Mother doesn’t dismount just yet, nose high, staring down the artful arch of it at the stunned guards. I slide to the ground, circling away from the cavalry, giving her the space she requires to be a bully.

I’m already full up on her attitude. I understand it, yes. Especially after what Atlas told me. But this arrogant game my mother is playing, pushing her weight around, being so larger-than-life, so openly provocative… what end will it serve but to make more enemies of Heald?

I still don’t know why she’s come. I’d only meant to inform her, not summon her here. My aunt’s suggestion that Mother worries about me is utterly trash, just Aunt’s kindness, surely. Which means the queen of Heald rode all this way to ensure that her daughter marries the Overprince.

By the sword, if necessary.

“Announcing her Majesty,” my aunt cries out in her own battle-tested voice, “Jhanette, queen of Heald, Swordmaiden of the Seven Fires, Battlemistress of the Overking. Bow before her and weep your praise to her name.”

She swings down as the guards try to kneel, some bowing, others unsure what to do. They’re not prepared for the queen of Heald’s arrival, and it shows. Well, they were warned she was coming, and this isn’t the first time. Has her introduction changed? If so, she’s really pouring it on thick.

Like blood.

I’m not privy to Mother’s machinations and nor will I be, likely. She sweeps through them as if they are invisible, her bootsechoing as she climbs the few steps into the doors hastily opened for her to pass through, the clang of her armored boot’s toes making me pity the polished marble.

Inside, she doesn’t slow her advance, though I note the Headservant does his best. He’s a gnat before a rolling tornado and falls away as she carries on, about to walk over him if necessary.

My aunt’s voice carries through the hushed halls as they go. “Bow to the queen of Heald.” They do, one and all, even if in resentment, startled courtiers bending at the waist, dipping into curtsies. Mother is picking up speed as she nears the doors to the throne room, and I follow, knowing what comes next.

The lovely man in white sees her approaching and, to my surprise, doesn’t wait for my aunt to speak. He’s already at it, opening the way as he cries, “Greetings and make welcome to the great queen of all Heald, long and glorious the reign of Jhanette.”

I’m shocked at his impish smile, at how Mother pauses to pinch his cheek and wink. They’ve met before, and now I know his attitude toward me is because of my mother.

And then she’s on the carpet, her gauntlets shed from her hands as she walks, cloak billowing out behind her. She’s left her soldiers behind, but my aunt is with her and, by default, so am I.

I hope that’s not a terrible choice, but she is my queen, and regardless of what I think of this show of force she’s decided on, I owe her my allegiance if not my agreement.

Chancellor Hallick steps up to the throne as the Overking watches my mother approach, bending to say something to Gyster. He’s waved away, my mother’s only master greeting her with a nod and a faint smile pasted on his face. “Welcome, Queen Jhanette,” he says. “We’re honored our sister monarch has joined us.”

Mother’s frown doesn’t match his attempt at diplomacy. Her eyes narrow as she tilts her head and takes the Overking’s measure. Is she trying to start a war?

Would the idea really surprise me?

“Queen Jhanette.” Hallick oversteps himself by speaking. I know it, the Overking knows it. Everyone but the Chancellor, apparently. “Your unexpected journey has brought you before us as it brought your daughter.” He wrinkles his nose. “Fragrantly.”

Even Gyster scowls, though it’s Mother who replies.

She barely takes a moment to look at Hallick, from his perfectly coiffed hair to his expensive, polished shoes, as if he were a particularly irritating insect and not her Overking’s chosen advisor. “Hallick,” she barks, her voice thick with disdain. “Still clinging to your master’s robes like a desperate babe, are we? Good to see some things never change.” She brushes him off, a minor, completely beneath her further notice, disregarding his position or his usual air of subtle power.

He must have known better. Then again, I still don’t know how my mother usually acts here in the headland. Could it be that this is new? That her bluster and bravado has taken them all by surprise?

I can only guess as much, and frankly, I’m rather delighted as Hallick’s face pales, his smile stiffening. Amber’s warning about making him an enemy surely doesn’t count for the queen of Heald?

“Let’s talk, Gyster.” Mother’s dispensed with all formalities. “Now.”

He’s tense but still unwilling to challenge her. “When court is done,” he says. “I will make myself available to you.”

She thinks it over. While the entire throne room pauses, every single soul holding their breath. Yes, me included.

When she finally nods, I inhale again. And only then do I acknowledge the dangerous position she’s put herself into.

“Don’t be long,” she says before heading back the way she came, whistling as she goes.

Chapter 25

Mother’s steady, strutting march continues, leading her contingent directly to the royal wing. It’s not far from where the princesses are partitioned, and I’ve explored sufficiently to know that each of the realms has their own quarters set aside and maintained in the Citadel for just this purpose.

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