Page 79 of Of Storm and Emerald
Shit.
Lost in a daydream, she hadn’t heard her mother calling her name. Or had any idea as to what was being discussed in the council meeting.
“Sorry, Mother. I don’t know where my head is at today. What were we talking about?”
“We were discussing the letter that I received from Queen Avyanna, of the Sapphire Isles.”
Shock blew into Auraelia like a hurricane force wind. “I’m sorry–what?”
Her mother chuckled.Actuallychuckled.
“I received a letter from Queen Avyanna, requesting the presence of our court at their Summer solstice celebration.”
“But, why? We haven’t been, in what, nearly five hundred years? Why now?” Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that she was certain her mother could hear it.
“Evidently, Prince Daemon and Lord Aiden spoke highly of their time here, so she is returning the invitation.”
Surprise that was laced with confusion, was evident on the face of everyone at the table.
“Your Majesty,” Lord Harland cut in, “Surely you can’t attend with our own preparations in full swing.”
“Of course not, Lord Harland. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
A collective sigh of relief rang through the space from the lords and ladies at the table.
“But,” all eyes snapped back to the queen, “that doesn’t mean that Princess Auraelia shouldn’t go. Being as she is the future of our court, and a future reigning monarch of Ixora, I believe it could be beneficial for her to attend.”
Dumbfounded.
That was the only explanation for how she was feeling. Completely and utterly dumbfounded.
“Of course, she wouldn’t be going alone. Lady Piper would need to go with her and attend to her duties as her Lady in Waiting. And of course, Prince Xander would attend as well, as a chaperone and personal guard.”
“Mother–”
“Auraelia–” Her mother cut her off with a curt tone. “I don’t want any argument. You’re going, and that’s final. Plus, I think it would begoodfor you.”
The inflection that her mother added to the end of her statement said more than the words themselves.
She knew something. Auraelia wasn’t sure what it was, but she knewsomething.
Auraelia nodded her assent, as did Piper and Xander.
“Great, now that that is settled. You will all leave within two days’ time. Queen Avyanna is sending Lord Aiden to escort you to the Sapphire Isles and has informed me that gowns and appropriate attire will be provided for the night of the celebration since their fashions differ from ours.”
With that, the council meeting was adjourned, and Queen Adelina dismissed everyone–including Auraelia.
As they left the council chambers, Auraelia and Piper were still too stunned to speak.
They were going to Kalmeera.
She was going to see Daemon.
In person.
The prospect was exciting and caused thousands of butterflies to take flight in her stomach. But the next thought that crossed her mind was one that sent them plummeting.
What if he didn’t want her there?
