Page 86 of Songs of Retribution

“Yup.” Orman stretched his legs out in front of himself. “So, that dealt with, I was wondering, would you and your sister have any use for a couple of elves?”

Lennox sat up higher in the bed and fought a wince. “You and who else?”

“Kirsi. She’s interested in trying out some hired work for a while.”

“That would be excellent.”

Kali’s messenger had hummed her approval though no one heard it. A few months later in the same room, Lennox was finally back on his feet. He opened the door to the attached suite and waved Shaan in.

The Prasanna Prince stepped across the wood floor and opened the curtains, letting sunlight pour into the space. His gaze followed the loops of carved rose vines twirling around the window. “You once told me,” he said, “that your palace was a cold, lifeless place.”

Lennox’s brow furrowed. “It is.”

Shaan scoffed. “Every corner I turn there is something beautiful here.” He waved at the molding. “The carvings and statues are breathtaking. I want to meet some artists and see if I can learn from them.”

Lennox looked at the man like the only thing of beauty in the room was him. “I’m sure you will.”

Shaan slipped an arm around his back and grinned at him. “I’m positive. I know all the cooks now.”

“All of them?”

“Yes, Lira’s introduced me. Today I put some oil and spices Mother sent me into the pantry. Perhaps they’ll liven up our meals.” Lennox laughed and drew the man to him, pressing a kiss to his mouth. When Shaan pulled back he smiled, his sherwani he’d taken to always wearing as opposed to the more casual kurtas glimmered violet in the light. “Now why did you want to show me this room?”

Lennox cleared his throat and stepped back from him, waving over the unused space. “I wished for you to know you have your own room, if you desire it.”

Shaan frowned. “Why would I want my own room?”

“Lira suggested once that if I had a wife one day, she might want space for herself.”

“You don’t have a wife.” He grinned widely, kissed the man, then placed his fists on his hips as he surveyed the space again. “It would make a fine art studio, however.”

Thus the room transformed into a chamber that smelled of tangy paints and at times filled with dust or wood shavings as Shaan started learning Seelie crafts. Lennox was most comfortable in that space. He’d come in while Shaan worked, his vest and shoes already removed in their room, stretch out on a couch and their laughter and conversations would echo off the wood paneled walls.

It warmed the messenger’s heart nearly as much as when Lira handed the powers over to Lennox. Luz had interviewed each guest as uprisings still occurred occasionally. Lira and Lennox dressed in formal Seelie regalia, her in a sweeping ball gown and he in a velvet trimmed robe. He’d accepted the magic then the crown, the crowd cheering.

Later, Lira stood tall and poised, her hands pressed together as if in prayer. The sirens of her group circled around her, and her brother and both of their Atallas were at her side as her mother approached.

Her mother’s eyes darted to the crystal chandelier and glistening tapestries with hunger. Always an ambitious one.We could end her,the messenger had suggested to Kali once, but the goddess had shaken her head.

“I don't care what you think, Mother," Lira spat a moment later. "You will agree to unbind these powers, or you will deal with consequences.”

Her mother placed a hand on her hip. “And what consequences might those be? You gave your authority away.”

Sai and Lennox both frowned and were ready to interject, but Shaan let his magic glitter across his eyes as he took a step forward. The woman’s skin paled, and she looked around like she sought support from the other sirens, but they refused to meet her gaze.

“Fine,” she said. “I accept.”

Lira sang, offering the magic back to the group. In unison they sang acceptance, and she stumbled back a step. Sai jumped forward to steady her.

She squeezed his hand before turning towards her mother. The remaining sirens, aside from Margo who smirked at her, filtered out the room. They were free to live a life of their choosing, Lira thought, for good or ill.

"One last thing, Mother," Lira said.

The woman glared at her.

"If you do not cause further trouble, we will pardon you and release you from due punishment." Lira's mother scoffed and turned, but Lira raised her voice, stalling her steps. "However, if you cause another issue, if we so much as hear whispers of rumors you're starting, we will try you as a conspirator in the rebellion against the Seelie throne. I think we both know what the verdict would be."

Lira's mother winced but gave an unconvincing shrug of her shoulder. "Why would I ever wish to see you again, much less speak of you?" She clipped out the throne room.

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