Page 71 of The War of Wings
“Really?”
“It was the only connection we had left to each other. But they weren’t all romantic declarations. Much of Nesan is dry and arid, and the things that grow do not typically do well, even in the mountainous regions. Years and years ago, when the children were still young, I suggested we start a line of trade between Cabillia and Nesan. We’d trade salt and spices for corn and grains. I encouraged Divos to open up trade with other kingdoms in Losina, too. Things went well for a time, but as advisors got involved, taxes came into play, and everyone wanted their share. The people of Cabillia were upset. Then, somehow, Kauvras got wind of the letters.” Her eyes fell to her lap, her fingers lacing together. “Kauvras took Divos’ life and then his throne.”
I winced at the mention of Cal’s father, something Queen Irli noticed.
“I’m aware Kauvras is King Belin’s father,” she said. “I do not fault Kauvras for doing what so many kings do.”
Fuck. My heart cracked for the woman beside me, for the way her words and influence had been twisted by the Cabillian people to make Divos into the enemy. I opened my mouth to tell her Kauvras hadn’t been in control, that maybe it had been Malosym’s will he was following when he ended Divos’ reign. But what good would it do?
“Of course, Laion found out about the letters,” she continued. “Questioned my loyalty, which he had every right to. I cannot fault him for the hurt he feels when I’m the one who caused it.”
I was silent for a beat, before I asked, “Why are you telling me all of this so freely?”
Her delicate shoulders raised for a moment. “You asked. None of it is a secret.” She offered a sad smile, her dark eyes crinkling at the corners. I noticed a few silver strands of hair at her temples, the only sign of her age. “Many people want to wear a crown, but they often have no understanding of the weight of one. Bearing such a burden is a lonely life.”
I was right. No one had talked with Queen Irli about Divos in a long, long time. Maybe no one had talked to Queen Irli at all. “Can I ask you something else?”
She chuckled. “There’s that question again.”
I chewed my lip. “There are some pieces of art in the library…” I started, and she nodded before I continued. She knew what I was speaking of.
There was that sorrowful smile again. “That’s our son.”
“How did he…” I trailed off again, afraid to finish the question.
She let out a deep breath, taking time to choose her words carefully. “He chose a different path in life than royalty. His father…didn’t approve. And when he didn’t come home to us after his travels, we had a feeling it was because he’d…passed on.” She sniffed, taking a deep breath. “The country has no knowledge of Laion’s disdain," she quickly added. “So your discretion would be appreciated.”
“Of course. I apologize for bringing it up.” Frantically, I searched my brain for something else to talk about.
“No, no,” she continued, wiping a tear at the corner of her eye. “It pains me to keep him a secret. I find so few opportunities to speak of him.”
“Is his father…”
“His father is Laion,” she answered with a nod. “But Laion… Well, Laion won’t even speak his name, nor will his sisters, and it goes far beyond ensuring his resting spirit will be at peace. But he’s my son.” Her voice cracked on the last word. “There’s nothing he could do to make me stop loving him as such. No matter what path he chose.”
“Can I ask what path that was?”
Her lips pursed as she looked down at her lap once again. “He found himself involved in blood magic. Bloodsingers.” My veins turned icy as the word hung between us. “Laion wanted all the art destroyed, and he succeeded with a few pieces. I simply couldn’t bear to part with them, even if they were defaced. Laion hasn’t set foot in the library in years, so I had hoped it would be a safe place to hide them away. It’s been years and years since he disappeared, and I–”
Queen Irli paused, the emotion suddenly leaving her face when the sound of footsteps pulled us from our conversations. One of the guards was approaching. Queen Irli cleared her throat as the guard bowed low. “Your Majesties, I am sorry to interrupt. I’ve received word that the first of your guests have arrived for the ball.”
“Thank you, Jamison,” Queen Irli said, rising to her feet. I rose alongside her, my heart tripping over itself as reality settled back into place. “Well, Petra,” she said, reaching for my hands. “Thank you for joining me today.”
“Of course, Queen Irli. Thank you for trusting me with your story.” I offered her a smile as we made our way back through the garden, our pace quicker than before. I felt lighter, like maybe I had someone else in my corner. “Oh, by the way, please don’t take offense to the dress I had Tilda make for me.”
She arched a single brow. “Is it offensive?”
“I have a feeling you might like it, but it might send King Laion into a fit.”
“It sounds beautiful,” she said, her nose scrunching with a mischievous smile. “Now let’s build you an army.”
Chapter 28
Petra
Two weeks of waiting for this ball. Two days of pacing my chambers as guests arrived from all over the realm. Two hours of having my hair curled and twisted and pinned and my face lathered and painted and rouged.
Now I’d been sitting in my chair on the dais for two minutes, watching people shuffle into the ballroom, and I was about to implode.
