Page 7 of The Light Falls
Without taking his eyes off the couple below, he spits out. “No.”
Strong hands grip the railing tightly, probably to stop himself from leaping over the balcony and removing that idiot Fae’s head.
I glance at my watch. “I’ve got to go. Stay on top of her security. Also, Meri needs someone to train her on how to use magic in a fight. Can you set that up?”
Solandis moves on from the flirty Fae, and Vargas releases his grip. With a slight nod, he agrees to get it set up, and I clap him on the back.
The sight I stole from an old seer long ago shows me the many paths in front of us. Too many. A frustrated sigh escapes. For now, all I can do is ward their rooms from anyone who wishes them harm. And for Meri, the sorceress Leandra, is at the top of that list. I plan to add something extra to the wards just for her.
Putting Meri into The Pit violated our pact and weakened Leandra’s hold on Meri. Today, the ties disintegrated into nothing the moment Meri was crowned queen. Without the protection of our agreement, Leandra has nothing to stand between her and the overwhelming number of enemies who want her dead. But they’ll have to stand in line. She’s mine. Our pact prevented me from going after her then, but hunting season is now open.
CHAPTERFOUR
MERI
Solandis finally gives the signal to leave, and a loud sigh of relief escapes me. An expressive eyebrow arches high on her aristocratic forehead.
“After all I’ve done,” she says haughtily, but the laughter she’s holding back spills out into the room before she can finish the sentence. “You’re going to make a very different queen than my sister. Nyssa loved the parties and court intrigue.” Her mouth turns down. “Let’s go. Tomorrow begins the real work.”
It’s strange to hear Solandis talk about Nyssa. On one hand, she knows her beloved sister did so many unforgivable things and killed so many people, including her mate, Vargas. And she hates her—for all of it.
Yet, there’s a lifetime of sisterhood, thousands of years where their relationship meant everything to her. Those memories and feelings slip out when she least expects it. And she grieves for her sister.
I might have nothing but loathing for Nyssa, but I have all the love for Solandis. Whatever she needs to do to heal from all of this, I’m here for her.
The two of us exit the coronation hall and find guards waiting for us. Led by the man I saw Cormal speaking with earlier, there are six more standing at attention nearby. He spins into an elaborate bow.
Up close, he’s extremely good-looking. Tall with rich chestnut brown hair slightly longer than his chin and light green eyes that pop against his tanned complexion.
Solandis inhales sharply, her deep turquoise eyes fixed on the man, but she says nothing.
My hand drifts to the hidden knife on my thigh, unsure what to think about her reaction. When she continues to stare but makes no move to pull from her deep well of power, I decide it’s only the one man who has her undivided attention.
“Are you our escort?”
Observant green eyes return Solandis’ intense stare for several seconds before he snaps his gaze to mine. “Queen Merindah. We’re your personal guards. The seven of us will be responsible for the safety of you and your family. I thought it best to introduce you to the team tonight.”
Pivoting to face the men, he points to the first one, a tall male with white hair and icy purple eyes. “Laken.”
He motions for the next two to step forward. Good-looking, identical twins with golden blond hair and sparkling deep blue eyes. “Galen and Garren.”
A serious-looking Fae with auburn hair and chocolate brown eyes steps forward. “Ansel,” he says, introducing himself.
He’s followed by a tall, well-built Fae with amber eyes and black hair who sort of reminds me of Rivan. “Tiernan.”
Lastly, a young Fae with brown eyes and green hair, named Kian, quietly introduces himself.
It’s a damn good day to be queen.
Every single one of them is hot, but the twin sandwich, my weakness, almost makes me whimper. Reminding myself to act like a queen, I smile and clasp my hands together. “It’s nice to meet you.”
This is normally when I’d sashay over to them and run my hands across a few chests, but I’m almost positive that is not proper royal behavior, which is why I am clenching my hands into fists. Unsure of what else to do or say, I look at Solandis.
“And your name?” she demands, throwing a haughty look at the leader.
His voice is husky when he answers, “Kaius.” Green eyes sweep over Solandis with clear intent.
Maybe it’s a good day to be a princess too. With a choking cough, I loop my arm through Solandis’ and gesture for them to lead the way.
