Page 16 of The Light Falls
Allandra drops her fork. “Sorry.” Her eyes skip between the two of us. “We would love for you to come to our party tomorrow evening. It’s just a small get together at the house. Nothing too fancy. You’re welcome to bring Princess Solandis with you.” She pastes a pleading look on her face and bats her eyelashes. “Please. I’ll send all the details to the palace.”
I laugh and recite my number. “Just text me. I’d love to come, but I’ll have to check with Solandis to see if there’s anything on my calendar first.”
Lorn puts the number into his phone, then leans back in his seat with a satisfied smile. “Wonderful. We look forward to having you in our home.”
One last bite and I place my fork at the five o’clock mark on the plate. Solandis told me it signals I’m finished with my meal.
“Everything was delicious.”
The server, who’s been standing by, immediately removes our plates.
Uncertain whether I have any money, I look at Ansel who bends down to whisper in my ear that all bills are sent directly to the palace.
Relieved, I stand and wait for them to join me. “Thank you both for a lovely meal. If I can attend the party, I’ll let you know.”
Ansel signals to Kian and Laken, and the three men usher me out the door and into the vehicle. I glance back and wave at Allandra and Lorn, who are standing on the sidewalk staring at the SUV. I’ve been invited to a party. I don’t even try to hold back my grin.
When we arrive at the palace, Ansel quickly dismisses the other two guards and escorts me back to my room.
“A word, Your Majesty.” He clasps his hands behind his back and stares down at me. “Forgive me for bringing you this news, but I’m from the Autumn Court, and I wouldn’t feel right if I withheld it from you. Lord Lorn and Lady Allandra were banished from light Fae court by Queen Nyssa.” His chocolate brown eyes study me for a second. “I’m not sure why, but I thought you should know.”
The giddy feeling inside me pops like a balloon. On one hand, it’s Nyssa, so the banishment could be a point in their favor. But as queen, I can’t just go with my gut anymore.
“Thank you, Ansel. I appreciate you looking out for me. I’ll look into the situation.”
He bows and opens the door to my room. Once it’s all clear, he leaves me alone.
Plopping down on my bed, I swirl my finger to remove the beautiful but torturous shoes and wiggle my toes. Thanks to the magic, my feet feel pretty good, but I’m still not a huge fan of sky-high heels. They look fierce, and I’m sure I looked good wearing them, but I think we can achieve the look with an inch or two less.
My phone pings with a text, and I grin until I realize it isn’t Lorn. It’s Cormal.
Cormal: Heard you were sleepwalking last night. Ask Rivan for a rune. It’s too dangerous for you to be walking around unaware of your surroundings. Don’t fight me on this one.
Meri: Are you seriously spying on me? Get a life. I’m completely surrounded by guards. There’s no need to bother Rivan.
Cormal: Where was your guard when you were out in the garden last night?
There was dirt covering my feet and hands this morning. How did I get outside without the guard noticing? Did my magic take me out there? That’s kind of a scary thought.
Meri: I’ll think about it.
Cormal: I don’t have time to visit, but if you don’t ask Rivan for the rune, I’ll come do it myself when you’re sleeping.
He would too. The bastard.
Meri: Fine. I’ll get it.
Cormal: Send me a picture when it’s done.
Asshole is too used to getting his own way. He saysjumpand fifty men immediately comply. Completely ignoring the fact that I caved… again… I toss the phone down on the bed and cover my eyes with my arm. Wine always makes me sleepy. Maybe a little nap will help.
CHAPTEREIGHT
MERI
Dressed in simple pants and a tunic, Solandis walks into the room a couple of hours later. With a yawn, I stretch. My nap was heaven. All the stress of the coronation and the council meeting disappeared for a while.
“What would you like for dinner, darling?” Her turquoise eyes soften when they see me lying on the bed. “I heard you went into the city and had lunch with Lord Lorn and Lady Allandra. How was it?” Her tone is nonchalant, but I can see the way she’s watching me.
