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“How did you win her back?”

Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked, perhaps there is more pain he doesn’t want to remember, but I need to know.

Tori closes his eyes, speaking to me in his mind, “A human came along and turned Askarea upside down. The rest is history. Now, go get some sleep. Myron said he’d help you shift tomorrow so you can come on the scouting trip.”

Ayna

My room looks only half as prettywhen I stare at it bleary-eyed from a fitful night’s rest. Tori’s words haven’t left my mind, and I don’t mean those about Myron helping me shift. I’m grateful the most powerful Crow alive will be there to guide me through my first deliberate attempt at shifting, no matter the mixed feelings meddling in my stomach.

Clio returned half an hour ago, startling me out of my bed as she popped up beside it with a message from Andraya and Pouly saying they’d be honored to help the true queen of Tavras in any way they can, and that they’ll be putting theirnetwork to good use.

Good news at last. We all needed a heap of it.

She conjured simple fighting leathers from that place between worlds where she keeps summoning things from, and dropped them on top of the covers with the words, “Don’t lose them during shifting. I’d hate to have to get you new ones.” Then, she disappeared, leaving me to a nervous stomach and all sorts of worries over how I might end up naked during shifting the way I had the first time when Herinor had to get a blanket to cover me.

Struggling out of bed, I pick up the leathers then head into the adjacent bathing room to wash up and get ready.

I have about half an hour before everyone else will be awake, so I decide to go for a short walk through the gardens.

Yesterday’s guard greets me at the door, tilting his head as he lets me pass before falling into step behind me.

“You don’t need to follow me everywhere,” I inform Garrison, shamefully remembering how appealing he appeared to me not even a day ago.

“The king ordered you escorted if you don’t have one of your friends with you,” the male says in his deep baritone, trotting along as I make my way down the stairwell of glimmering stone and into the hallway leading to the back door.

I’ve spent enough time in this palace to memorize the layout and find some shortcuts that might come in handy should I ever need to bolt.

“Why?” It’s a question I should have asked a long time ago. “Does he not trust me?

After a brief pause, during which I’m certain Garrison is fishing for a proper response, he heaves a breath. “I remembera time when another human with magic first came to live here. He sent guards after her everywhere, too, to make sure she didn’t run into trouble. It might be a habit. Or an instinct. I’m not one to judge what my king does.”

“Thanks, Garrison.” It’s all I can think of to say. Heisdoing his duty after all, and I’m not his queen to order him around.

We’re almost by the wide oak door when I spot a figure in the shadows where the corridor to the kitchens meets the main hall.

Hands flying to my daggers, I spin on the spot, ready to fight, and thank the Guardians for remembering to arm myself before leaving the room.

“Oh no, please—” A melodious, clear voice carries from the shadows, and I need to blink as a fairy my height steps out of the doorway she’d backed into, obviously hiding until she realizes I am ready to kill. “There’s no need for those.”

Garrison is in my path so fast all I can make out is a blur of leather and steel, blocking the sight of the female ahead. “Stand back,” he hisses over his shoulder at me while I try to figure out who we ran into. Then he bows his head at the female. “Is there anything I can do for you, Your Majesty?”

Your Majesty…

“Thank you, Garrison. I was merely hungry.” The female holds up a plate of pastries that make my mouth water. It’s all I can see of her even when I try to glimpse around Garrison’s broad frame. “Tell Recienne he can call off the search party.” She bubbles a laugh, and I instantly like her.

“Your Majesty.” I step to the side, inclining my head at the Fairy Queen everyone has referred to but nobody shared any details about.

She’s beautiful, delicate features set in a heart-shaped face. She doesn’t look older than me even when I know she’s been alive for more than a hundred years. Raven black waves fall over her shoulders in wild tangles as if she hasn’t bothered brushing them this morning. Eyes of liquid amber scan me from the distance, and her mouth quirks into a smile of delight.

“I’ve been wondering when I’d get to see you, Ayna of Tavras.” The Fairy Queen inclines her head, placing a long-fingered hand on her stomach, and I nearly forget my manners when I spot the rounded belly she protectively cradles.

“You’re pregnant.” All right, I do forget my manners.

The female laughs, walking up to me and entirely ignoring Garrison as he tries to shift between us like a living shield. “Ayna isn’t going to hurt me, Garrison.”

Reluctantly, the male makes way for his queen to pass, and she stops within arm’s reach, holding out her free hand.

I take it, wondering if she expects me to kiss it or shake it when she squeezes mine, a warm smile on her lips.