Page 48 of Knight's End
Diamoni’s eyes didn’t narrow but her gaze did flicker from me to Declan, who stepped up beside me.
“Mother, I’m disappointed,” he scolded her. “Your disrespect for my wife shows poor manners.”
That did make her grow pale. One did not chastise a queen in public and live.
Even my eyes grew wide at Declan’s declaration.
Diamoni was quick with her retort. “Your wife’s reign has been a disaster. Isla and Raj have both sent me word about their disastrous visits. And she’s lost the one thing that restrained the monster of the seas. Your wife’s ignorance has put us all at risk.”
“Her ignorance or your arrogance?” Declan stepped in front of me.
Diamoni’s knights took a step down from the stairs. Sailors, with the power to create wind, though it cost them their breath. Still, when they combined their efforts and alternated, they were able to push entire ships quickly through the sea. A fierce wind blasted us, whipping my hair straight back, nearly unseating my tiara. Declan reached back a hand to keep me upright as my skirts billowed and twisted around my legs.
The courtiers—who’d remained silent since our arrival—quietly took a few steps back, retreating behind pillars. This was more than they’d bargained for when they’d come to the palace today.
I hoped that our arrival, Diamoni’s arrogant display, and the impending attack would sway public opinion in our favor.
I stepped forward until I was side by side with Declan. I held up a hand and waited until Diamoni called off her shite husbands with a flick of her wrist.
“Despite your lack of hospitality, and utter arrogance, we came with important news for you. Isla isn’t only after us. She wished for an entire fleet of gargoyles from Raj. She wants Sedara.”
Diamoni’s stillness was her only reaction. I had surprised her. My arrival had surprised her, which Connor and I had expected. We hoped it was enough to make her question the quality of her informants, hoped it was enough to make her believe my claims.
We hadn’t anticipated her hostile welcome though, so I was uncertain what her next move would be. She surprised me by standing, descending from her dais, and coming to greet me with her hand outstretched. “I may have spoken in haste.”
“We all do upon occasion, no need to apologize,” I inclined my head to hide my smile.
Oooh, she hates that you said that,Blue told me.
I know. It’s why I said it.
Diamoni flicked her gaze from me to Declan, shifting gears and her tone. “My son,” her lips lifted slightly, as if that were as close as she could get to a smile.
His hand clenched around mine, fingers squeezing tight.
I called out to Blue.Tell Dec not to read her emotions.The woman was a living snake.
But … from the look on Declan’s face, it was too late.
