Page 34 of Queen of Legends and Lies
I have to hand it to Rhiann. She knows how to make a statement. I don’t know how she had this dress designed for me so quickly. Maybe the seamstresses have been working on it for weeks, in case a special occasion arose. Hells, knowing how prepared the Lady of the Bedchamber is, she probably has a dozen gowns of this caliber in the works.
Though I hope I’m not expected to dress like this every day once I’m queen.
After fleeing from the corrupted army and drachen, Agnar and I flew to the Tír Ríogan capital to warn them. Then we had to fly back home. By the time we arrived in Tirene, we were late for the ceremony. Annoying the council was one thing, but I hated the disappointment stamped on Alannah’s face.
“Your Majesty?” Rhiann’s stern, concern-laced voice drags me from my thoughts. “It’s time.”
“Right.” I straighten up, letting go of the wall that’s been my crutch. “And, please, just stick with Lark. It’s so odd hearing that moniker.”
“You may as well get used to the formalities. It’s a sign of respect.” Rhiann’s black, gray-streaked wings stand out against her royal blue gown. I’m happy she’s no longer wearing the white of mourning.
Now that I think of it, no one’s worn all white for, oh, probably the last few days. “It’s nice to see everyone wearing colors again.”
“Isn’t it? While you and the others were at Flighthaven, Queen Alannah insisted that we resume wearing our usual clothing. She said it was time we remembered what we still have to live for…whowe have to live for. Who we need to fight for.That although we’ll always love and honor and miss those we’ve lost, we must cling to hope. And we must live for the living.” A small smile plays at her lips. “Anyway, shall we?”
“That’s beautiful.” I swallow the small boulder that’s just lodged itself in my throat and roll my shoulders, squaring them and lifting my chin. “And, yes. Let’s get this over with.”
With a resounding thud, the guards open the doors.
Showtime.
I step forward, my wings unfurling under the glow of the moon that filters through the tree canopy above. The path before me is a mosaic of flower petals and fir branches, nature’s carpet rolled out for royalty.
The moon hangs high in the sky in a silent rebuke for my tardiness. The council’s displeasure is almost palpable, their hushed murmurs and disapproving stares mingling with the night air.
With a deep breath, I prepare to face the crowd, to embrace a future fraught with uncertainty and war. Tonight, under the vast expanse of stars, I’ll don the mantle of a queen. And, maybe, just maybe, I’ll live up to the expectations.
I move carefully, the eyes of countless Tirenese upon me. Nobles line the walkway, their finery glimmering like a river of gems against the darkness. Behind them, the peasantry strain for a glimpse, faces alight with hope and curiosity.
Some have even taken to the skies, their silhouettes floating amid the stars. Guards occupy the land and the heavens, ensuring that tonight, of all nights, nothing goes amiss.
Russet gold flames dance atop stakes hammered deep into the earth. Their flickering light casts long shadows that seem to sway to an ancient rhythm only they can hear. A wave of scents rises up to greet me. Pine, rosemary, jasmine.
With each step, my knees tremble.
Don’t fall. Don’t fall. Don’t fall.
I will my legs to steady as I focus on the path ahead. At the end of this midnight gauntlet, the throne awaits.
The crowd presses in on both sides, a sea of faces searching for strength, guidance, and safety.
My heart clenches.
They need a ruler who can lead with wisdom and courage. Someone with the knowledge of their customs. Someone with experience. Doubt gnaws at me.
Do I have what it takes to be a good leader?
Gods help me. Whether I’m ready or not, this is happening.
A shiver runs through me as memories of the mountain ambush flood in. The unending waves of black-eyed attackers who nearly swarmed over us. Just Agnar at my back to fight alongside me. He was only there because of me.
He could’ve been killed.
Othershavedied, either directly or indirectly, because of me. When does this stop? How many others have to lose their lives because they’re dragged into my battles? Xenon wants me. Sure, he aims to dominate the world with his army of corrupted people. But, ultimately, I’m the one he needs to resurrect Narc. I can’t endanger anyone else.
Gambling with the lives of the people I love has to stop.
And from this day on, I have to be everything Tirene needs me to be. Even if the weight of it all threatens to crush me, even if my soul quakes with the uncertainty of what’s to come.
