Page 128 of Kiss of Fire

“A regent,” Raya said slowly. “Yes. I need a regent to rule for me. What about you?”

“Me?”

“You’re already a leader. And technically, the Queen Mother. The fae would accept you.”

Aelah shook her head doubtfully.

“I don’t know. I’ve been away for so long, sweetheart. I don’t know if I can take up the reins again just like that.”

“You could have advisors. What about Loris and Kaemari? And the rest of the Vulcani council? A hell of a lot better than those creepy lords and ladies.”

Aelah pondered.

“It would give the Vulcani power over the elven for the first time in centuries. We could make so many changes. Rein in the bestials and their free-for-all in that Forbidden Zone, for one.”

Raya sensed her mother weakening.

“And we could bring in new laws. Have an actual legal process instead of expecting people to grovel at the Court.”

“And don’t forget the most important change of all.” Aelah looked at Raya in sudden excitement. “Don’t you see? As Queen, you can pledge the allegiance ofallthe fae to Shade. Not just the Vulcani. All of Feyir.”

Raya inhaled. The thought hadn’t occurred to her.

“Will it be enough to beat Salaq?”

“Maybe. If the Vetali stay out of it. But they usually do.”

“Ah.” Raya wondered how Tala was getting on and whether she’d managed to track down the vampire with the bounty on his head. “Well, let’s hope. So you’ll do it? Be my regent?”

Aelah got to her feet and pulled Raya up with her. Then she bowed solemnly.

“It would be my pleasure, your majesty. Now, speaking as your regent, do you need me to show you which herbs prevent pregnancy?”

Raya was startled.

“What?”

“If I’m not mistaken, you might need them very soon.”

“No! I mean, I don’t… we’re not…”

Aelah laughed.

“Yeah, yeah, of course you’re not. Now get your butt up to that tower and put the jinn out of his misery.”

Forty Nine

Raya stopped to see Tor on the way. The Sylvan was recuperating in the sanitorium, a bright, clean room with nurses bustling around.

Raya was pretty sure the number of nurses had doubled overnight when Tor was brought in.

“How are you feeling today?” she asked.

He grinned at her cheerfully from the bed.

“I feel well enough to leave but they want me to stay in a bit longer for observation.”I bet they do.“Glad to see you’re safe. Shade told me all about it.”

“Oh?” Raya raised an eyebrow. “You two are besties now, are you?”

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