Page 54

“I, Valda Aither, daughter of Brontes and Rionach Aither, High Commander of the Skylian army, descendant of the god, carrier of the gift of the wind and the symbol of Ouranos, crown myself Queen Valda Aither of the Sky Kingdom.”

10

“All hail Queen Valda of the Sky Kingdom!” Kayden’s cry broke the deafening silence.

The gathered crowd repeated his words uniformly, louder, filling the throne room with a cacophony of cheers and a sense of excitement.

Maris watched from her corner as the village dignitaries and viziers bowed as Valda placed the tiara over her head.

Taking a deep breath, Maris decided if she should approach Valda. It wasn’t until the now queen turned her head that she gathered enough courage to step forward. Grabbing Valda’s trembling hand, Maris gave it a firm squeeze, letting her know she was there, and she wasn’t going anywhere.

“You did well,” Maris whispered, rubbing her thumb over the back of Valda’s hand.

Valda turned toward Maris and gave her a thin smile which quickly disappeared when a set of hurried steps headed their way.

Maris watched quietly as the General got close. Her face furrowed, unable to hide her displeasure.

It seemed she wasn’t the only one angry, the General’s frown could be seen a mile away. “My queen,” he began, moving to grip Valda’s forearm in a strong salute.

“General,” Valda rumbled with annoyance.

Although Maris was curious as to why, she held the question buried deep within her mind to pull out later.

“I never thought I would see the day that you became queen. I am more than proud of you,” Arwin said, touching Valda’s shoulder before slipping his hand to her nape. “You have my utmost loyalty.”

Valda nodded, grabbed his hand, and pulled it away.

“Is something wrong?”

“I haven’t had a clear head since,” she pointed at her face, “this happened, and even less so when I found my mother dead.” She sighed and squared her shoulders. “But now that I can think clearly, I have to ask, where were you when I became blind? Why haven’t you visited me in all these weeks?”

The General scoffed. “My dear tornado,” he whispered and moved closer. “I had to take care of the kingdom. With you hurt, your mother traveling to Harmonia, I had a lot in my hands. I trained you well and I knew you would be fine. You are strong! And—”

“You will address me as Queen Valda, General. Do not get confused,” Valda said, moving her hand to his chest and pushing him away from her. “Maris?”

“Yes, my Queen?” Although she was used to calling her ‘Your Highness’, calling Valda ‘queen’ sounded right.

“Are the people in the throne room moving out to the garden?”

“I believe so,” Maris whispered, trying her hardest to keep her gaze on Valda and ignore Arwin’s burning glare. “The throne room is emptying.”

Arwin scoffed and relaxed his stance, propping his hand on his waist. “I am sorry, my Queen, I have to ask.” He pointed an accusatory finger towards Maris. “Who is this woman? And how come she is acting as your personal helper?”

“Because I am.” Maris’s chin jutted forward; her lips pressed into a thin line. Arwin’s eyes widened before snarling.

“How? Every single servant in this castle must go through me first.”

“Not Maris,” Valda began as she touched Maris’s shoulders, reassuring her that she was protected. “She was appointed by my mother.”

“I’ve never seen her before,” Arwin said as he looked at Maris from head to toe. “We’ve never had a Sealian inside the castle other than Captain Hurley.”His upper lip twitched. “Appointing him wasn’t my call.”

“I am capable of deciding who gets to be in my army, General.”

His shrug followed by a condescending nod didn’t sit well with Maris.

“You are still learning to be a leader. It’s normal to make mistakes.”

“I beg your pardon?” Maris asked, her heartbeat quickening. Who does this man think he is talking to Valda— to the Queen.