Page 19 of War Of Fire and Fortune
"I'll be back soon," I promised, stepping away. Each movement felt like I was tearing myself in two. Emeris and I had been inseparable these past few months. On top of the distance from Baron, with my pregnancy emotions, nothing felt easy anymore when it came to either of them.
I walked toward Atreya, who waited with poorly concealed impatience, and left Emeris with one last look over my shoulder.
I held my breath as Prince Thaldric knelt before his father, King Aster, on the grand balcony of their castle. The ancient crown of Woodhaven, wrought from gold vines and shimmering gemstones, hovered above the young prince's bowed head.
The crown descended, settling onto Thaldric's dark curls. The glint of gold looked even more vibrant against his dark brown skin. He rose, shoulders back, holding his chin high. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers.
"My people." Thaldric's voice rang out, silencing the masses. "I vow to lead with strength, to protect our lands, and bring prosperity to all. Woodhaven shall flourish under my reign!"
More cheers as he turned to go inside his home. Beside me, Atreya's lips tightened with determination. Her hand gripped my arm. "It's time. We must move."
We pushed through the jubilant throng of people. Guards blocked our path to the palace as we approached, but Atreya lifted her chin. "I am Atreya, leader of the rebellion. We demand an audience with King Thaldric." The guards exchanged glances, then stepped aside. I wouldn’t stand in Atreya’s way either.
We entered the grand hall, leaving the celebrations behind. But faint echoes of music and laughter still reached us through the thick stone walls.
I gaped at the breathtaking beauty around us. Every surface was adorned with intricate etchings: swirling vines, majestic trees, woodland creatures. The very walls seemed alive. Columns of stone stretched toward vaulted ceilings, while ornate archways led to shadowed corridors.
"It's magnificent," I whispered.
Atreya nodded. "The Earth Dryads are truly master craftsmen.”
We approached a set of imposing double doors, their surfaces carved with scenes of ancient battles. My pulse quickened as they slowly opened, revealing the grand throne room.
King Thaldric stood with his parents, resplendent in his coronation finery. A cluster of councilmen hovered nearby, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. As we entered, the room fell into eerie silence.
Thaldric's father, Aster, locked eyes with Atreya. His welcoming smile crumbled into a frown, lines of worry etching themselves across his brow. With a curt gesture, he dismissed the councilmen, who scurried from the room like unwanted bugs.
I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to fidget under the royal family's scrutiny. Atreya, as always, stood tall and unwavering.
Aster broke the tense silence, anger in his tone. "Atreya, this couldn't have waited until after my son's big day?"
Thaldric stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on his father's arm. His youthful face was a mask of regal calm, but I caught a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. What must it be like, I wondered, to bear the weight of a kingdom? Sure, I understood what it meant to lead people—when Baron and I had been onthe Espien Islands, our people had looked to us—but an entire kingdom? I couldn’t imagine.
"Father," Thaldric murmured, gentle warning in his tone.
Atreya's eyes flashed with dangerous intensity. "Unfortunately, no," she said. "I am trying to ensure there will be a future for your son to rule at all."
I flinched at her bluntness, casting a quick glance in her direction. Even for Atreya, that was bold. The air in the throne room seemed to thicken.
Aster's face darkened, his jaw clenching. Surly he already knew why we were here. I braced myself for an explosion of royal anger, but Thaldric intervened before his father could speak.
"It is alright, Father," the young king said, his smile was tight, not quite reaching his eyes. "I had a feeling she would be coming."
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. Thaldric had known?
Atreya broke the tension, bowing with the grace of a royal. Her movements were fluid, practiced—a queen in her own right. She knew how to rule and navigate politics. Thaldric would have his work cut out for him. Atreya didn't back down easily, not after all she'd been through to get this far. I watched her, marveling at how she could shift from battle-hardened leader to diplomat in the blink of an eye.
"Your Majesty," she said, her voice rich with respect as she addressed Thaldric. "I apologize for the abruptness of our arrival, but the matter at hand brooks no delay."
I suppressed a smirk. I'd witnessed Atreya outmaneuver countless opponents, both on the battlefield and in the political arena. She ruled our ragtag rebellion with an iron will and razor-sharp intellect that rivaled any monarch.Poor Thaldric,I thought. He had no idea what he was up against.
The young king nodded, his expression guarded. "Follow me," he said, gesturing toward a hallway. "We can speak more freely in private."
Aster and his wife flanked Thaldric, their steps measured and regal. I noticed the former king's hand twitch, as if longing to guide his son. Old habits, I supposed, died hard. Thaldric was a king now. He would have to make his own decisions.
We reached a new set of ornate double doors. Thaldric pushed them open, revealing a smaller chamber beyond. As we filed in, I caught Atreya's eye. The determined set of her jaw told me everything I needed to know. She wouldn't leave without getting what she’d come for, no matter the cost.
Thaldric moved purposefully to the head of the polished stone table dominating the room. The crown glinted atop his head, a constant reminder of the weight he now carried. His parents took their places to his left, their faces etched with concern. Atreya and I settled into the chairs to his right.
