Page 99 of Queen of Legends and Lies
As some of the council members descend, the courtyard falls into chaos again. Moise reaches us first, his robes covered in grime and dust from the fighting. He heaves for breath, hands braced on his knees.
Serle follows close behind, his fine clothes still pristine. Clearly, he didn’t lift a finger to help.
Typical.
Breann limps into view, her ankle swelling a bit more with every step. She must’ve hurt herself in the commotion.
Bron joins us last. Giving Breann a shoulder to lean on, he helps her shuffle over, carrying his spear loosely in his other hand.
Concern is carved into the lines of his young face as his eyes assess me for injuries. “Your Highness! Where were you when the attack happened? I searched everywhere to ensure you were protected.”
“As did I. But you were nowhere in the palace.” Serle’s eyes gleam with barely concealed accusation. “We were most distressed to find you absent.”
I clench my jaw, biting back the sharp retort sizzling on my tongue. “I was out practicing merging with Knox, as you well know. Not that it’s any business of yours?—”
“But it is!” Serle raises his voice, drawing more attention. “You cannot simply galivant off whenever you please. Do you not see what happens in your absence? Chaos. Destruction.”
Breann hobbles closer, worry pinching her wrinkled brow. “Please, you must not leave the palace without your guards. What if something were to befall you?” She whirls on four of my royal guards, her voice sharpening. “How could you allow Her Majesty to be put at such risk?”
Every guard stiffens. Their wings expand, but they hold their tongues. Smart of them. I won’t stand for anyone questioning their loyalty, especially when they were followingmyorders.
Moise finally catches his breath and straightens, dusting off his robes. “The duchess speaks wisely, Your Highness. Until we know the meaning behind this attack, it’s best you remain within the palace. For your own safety.”
For my own safety, or to keep tabs on me?
My nostrils flare as I master my temper. Yelling will solve nothing.
Icy calm, that’s what I need. I tip up my chin and slide my gaze over each of them, pinning them in place with the unspoken weight of my station.
“I am the queen. I will do as I see fit to protect my kingdom and my people. And I will not be challenged. Nor will I have you questioning my guards when they were following my orders, as they should.” I flick a hand. “Now make yourselves useful. We have wounded who need attending and damage to repair. Bron, take Breann someplace she can put that foot up before it swells even more.”
Moise opens his mouth as if to argue, but Bron cuts him off with a grim glance and shake of his head. The vicar subsides, lips pinched in disapproval. The young duke salutes me with his spear before turning and scooping Breann up in his arms.
I ignore the others, already striding away, my guards falling into formation around me. Let the council grumble. They’ll soon learn that I don’t bend to their whims.
Leaving them behind, I head toward Sterling. He seems to be attempting to pick his mother up, but she keeps swatting him away.
As if summoned, Rhiann appears, her skirts swirling around her ankles as she hastens across the courtyard. Four guards trail in her wake, bearing a litter between them.
“Your Majesty.” She drops into a curtsy without slowing as she heads for Sterling and Alannah.
I keep up with them, finally getting a good view of the exhausted woman’s face. The dowager queen’s dark eyes blaze, face ashen as she surveys the destruction.
Rhiann takes Alannah’s hand, leading her away from Sterling and settling her into a litter lined with soft fabrics and plush pillows.
With practiced efficiency, Rhiann adjusts the pillows to cushion the dowager queen at every pressure point, then covers her with a warm blanket. “Rest now, Your Majesty. All will be well.”
“I’m sorry I had to toss Lydia up for you to protect.”
Lydia. That must be the name of the young girl I saw hiding in Rhiann’s skirts.
“When I saw you on the balcony, it was the only thing I could think of doing. The poor thing was so scared, and the drachen were so close.” Alannah grips Rhiann’s hand, her papery skin nearly translucent in the harsh sunlight.
“Think nothing of it, Your Highness.” Rhiann shifts to walk beside the litter, waving the men to start for the palace. “I’m in your debt for ensuring the girl’s safety while you were already struggling. She has barely a scratch on her.”
“Lark.” Alannah flinches as her gaze seeks mine. “You must be strong, dear. For all our sakes.”
I force a smile. “I will. I promise.”
