Page 124 of Queen of the Night
Vera
The sweet scent of black tulips lingers in the air, and a warm breeze blows through the open balcony doors, cooling the heat of my skin brought on by an evening of dancing. Couples fill the ballroom floor, twirling beneath lucent orbs of light to the music of a small orchestra. I itch to snag Ikar’s arm and drag him back to the dance floor, but the well-wishers lined up to our left wait patiently for their turn to offer congratulations. Rupi perches on my shoulder, chest puffed proudly, as ifshewas also crowned queen this morning. I pat her soft feathers with a grin.
To my left, Ikar speaks to an official from another country I’ve never heard of before, and I use the opportunity to admire how dashing he is in his royal uniform—so much so, I’ve been unable to keep my eyes off him the entire day. Their words turn to a buzz as I remind myself again…we’re married.Butterflies dance in my stomach at the thought. Since we spoke vows this morning in a beautiful chapel, I’ve had to continually remind myself it’s all real.
Lucent was restored just weeks ago, but Ikar insisted wehave a beautiful wedding and that we celebrate with the kingdom to build a strong relationship between the people and me. I think the fact that I helped save them from gloam was enough, but I didn’t argue. So far, all who’ve greeted me have seemed kind, some curious. And with my hair up and the intentional design of my wedding gown, the mark on my back is showing for all to see.
The originators keep their distance, but I sense no hostility from them, and it gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can help mend what is broken in time. Nadiette is noticeably absent from their ranks, having chosen to step down as head originator. Because of her help during the battle, she avoided a trial for treason. I’ve been told she has taken a position in her cousin, Rosten Waylon’s, low kingdom.
“Come here, my girl.”
I’m pulled from my thoughts by a familiar voice, and my eyes immediately brighten. “Mama Tina.”
Finally, a familiar face.
She wraps me in her outstretched arms, and I remember a second too late that I’m not sure this is how a queen should act. But when I glance at Ikar, all I see is warmth in his eyes. I step back and he nods to Mama Tina, appearing dignified until she yanks him into a tight hug that leaves him smiling.
Mama Tina steps back and leans toward me. “I knew he loved you when you showed up at my door wearing that atrocious animal dress.”
“Did you now?” Obvious unbelief colors my tone.
She gives me a knowing look. “Any man willing to travel the kingdom with a woman in that monstrosity has to love her.”
Rupi chirps in agreement from my shoulder, her feathers half-quilled—she never did like that dress. Ikar chuckles, wrapsan arm around me, and pulls me into his side before he whispers in my ear, “She’s right.”
Mama Tina’s eyes grow watery, and I know she intends her next words to be on a more serious note as she grabs one of my hands between her own.
“Never stop trusting yourself, my girl.”
I nod, my eyes beginning to tear up as well. Mama Tina motions Ikar closer and whispers something in his ear that leaves him smiling as he straightens. “Come, Rupi. The fruit awaits,” Mama Tina calls. Rupi pecks my earlobe affectionately once more and flaps to Mama Tina’s shoulder eagerly, even as Mama Tina shoots Ikar one last look with a raised brow and struts away.
“What was that about?” I whisper.
“She was just reminding me of something.”
“What was that?”
A smile twitches about his lips. “She expects little ones soon.”
His smile grows roguish at the blush heating my cheeks, but the next person in line has already stepped up and throws her arms around me.
“You actually did it.” Renna hugs me tightly. “Queen of Moneyre.”
She steps back, and I don’t miss the hint of sadness in her eyes that matches my own. Things are different now. We’re still Tulip sisters, but the rest of our lives will never be the same, including the fact that we’ll no longer share a home.
She squeezes my hand. “I’ll be staying with Mama Tina for now, until I figure out what’s next for me.”
I nod. “Just, don’t get into trouble with the fae,” I warn.
She rolls her eyes. “You worry too much.”
“I’ll have Drade check in?—”
Her eyes widen and she shakes her head, but before she can speak, a deep, cold voice behind her says, “Congratulations.”
Drade steps up, and Renna pales as she sidesteps closer to me. For a moment, I wonder if they could ever develop feelings for each other… I care deeply for both of my friends, but I’m positive I just felt Renna tremble beside me, so I brush the fanciful thought away. Drade is like a prowling, sleek panther; Renna, the gentlest of doves. Certainly not two who I would ever imagine together.
Drade meets Ikar’s eyes for an intense moment, and I frown when I sense the challenge rising between them. But I’ll not be having a brawl in the middle of my wedding celebration, and Ikar and I are married now; fighting over it won’t solve anything. I place a hand on Drade’s arm to grab his attention.
