Page 90 of The Dark Rises
She takes it off and hands the crown to Madoc. “I’ll accept the title, but not the crown.”
When we all stare at her in astonishment, she stares back at us in irritation. “What? Iama damn good queen. It surprised me, too. Ever since I gave it up, I’ve missed it. But Queen of the Light Fae never fit quite right, like a square peg in a round hole.The dark Fae suits me much better. Less protocol, more honest work to be done.”
“Is that a yes?” Madoc asks hoarsely.
She laughs and throws herself into his arms. “Yes, my surly king. I’ll be your queen.” Laying her lips on his, she kisses him deeply until they’re both breathing heavily.
“Mmm, we’ll have to celebrate later,” he huskily informs her. “Rivan has an idea he wants to propose to the Federation, but we’ll need our new queen to go with him.”
Cormal curses. “Hell no. That’s not happening.”
Madoc thrusts a hand through his hair. “If the Federation accepts, it will end the war. They won’t accept the proposal from Rivan alone. Someone has to go in an official capacity.” He shrugs. “I was hoping you would stay here with me and organize the battle, but if you need to go with them, go. I’ll get Theron and Fallon to assist or Lucifer.”
Torn, Cormal looks at us both.
I’m not oblivious to the leverage we would be handing our enemy if they captured our queen. We need additional back-up. “We’ll take Lux and Aamon.”
For a second, Cormal opens his mouth, then shrugs. “Sounds good to me. It would serve them right if the little bastard lost his shit on them. Better warn them in advance. Neither he nor Aamon will take kindly to anyone mistreating her.”
I smile. “I’ll try to remember to tell them.”
He runs a hand down his face. “You both better damn well return without a scratch on you.”
My sister,along with the council of The Federation for Fae Rights and Independence, accepts our request to present a proposal to them. In the original message, I made sure to include my name so they wouldn’t be surprised by my presence, but I deliberately withheld Meri’s name and only listed an official advisor, along with two guards.
Standing at the threshold of the Gora Mountain, I watch their sly smiles appear when they see Meri with me, but they quickly disappear when they notice our two rather frightening guards.
The soldier who stood next to my sister at the last meeting steps forward. “Your message said to expect an official advisor.” His eyes narrow on me. “Surely, it’s not you?”
Asshole. “Sorry, I thought the news would have made it to you by now.” Deliberately implying their network has failed them puts them on edge. “Queen Meri and her two guards, Lux and Aamon.”
A smug grin appears, and he steps in front of Meri. “Which kingdom are you claiming as queen now?”
She raises her chin and flashes him a warning glare. “I’m not claiming anything.” He smirks. “I’m Queen of the Dark Fae Kingdom.”
His eyes light up. “Only two guards for such an important person.”
“Two is more than enough when they’re lethal,” Meri cautions him. “Would you like to see a personal demonstration?”
He peers at the two behind her and lifts a shoulder. “If you say so.” One of his large hands reaches out toward Meri, but another guard taps him on the shoulder and waves his phone. “The council is asking what is taking so long.”
Irritation flashes across his face, but he gestures toward us. “Come. Let’s hear this so-called proposal.” He pivots on his heel and heads toward the mountain.
Meri eyes him warily then glances at me.
I give her a subtle nod of agreement. He isn’t to be trusted.
Thankfully, the walk isn’t far. Once we’re through the tunnel, the main chamber is right in front of us. With its dirt floor and stone seating, it’s pretty primitive, but it will do the trick.
As soon as they see Meri and me, the noise of the crowd gets louder. Some murmuring amongst themselves, while others openly jeer at the two of us.
Directly across from the entrance is a long stone table with twelve individuals sitting at it, scanning us from head to toe. The Federation for Fae Rights and Independence council. Most of the members are Fire Fae, but they’ve added a few races.
“Queen Meri of the Dark Fae Kingdom,” the soldier announces with a sneer. “Rivan. Guards.”
Meri smiles at the council. “Thank you for taking the time to hear our proposal. The last war between the Fae and Fire Fae lasted two hundred years. It is our hope this solution will prevent the deaths of thousands of Fae on both sides and give you the freedom to create your own government and laws. Our most trusted advisor, Rivan, will present it.”
The entire room goes silent, but I see a triumphant gleam in most of the council’s eyes, including Aeris, my sister. Only one refuses to see this as a victory. Lady Brina has joined the Federation in their fight, and they’ve given her a seat at the table. She must have brought a considerable amount of wealth and influence with her. Her light blue eyes only reflect her hatred of Meri.
