Page 58 of A Frozen Pyre (Villains #2)

Thirty-Four

“They’ll know something is wrong,” Galena said. She hadn’t stopped wringing her hands from the moment they’d stepped into the antechamber of the great spherical theater that remained open to temperate seaside weather. It was the perfect evening for a wedding.

Galena’s fretting competed with the scores of string instruments that filled the coliseum beyond. The merry sounds of people, music, and the gaiety of celebration matched the lovely sunset for two kingdoms to join.

The incessant fidgeting was setting Zita on edge, and she didn’t need any more reasons to feel anxious.

Orchestral music wafted into the room, carried on the words of the chattering crowd.

The noises were nonsensical babble from behind the cream-colored walls.

One arched doorway separated them from the festivities beyond.

Ceneth and Zita shared a look. She examined his night-black formal attire. The lapels shone with a velvet shimmer as if to complement his wings. The king offered a shallow dip of his chin for Zita to take over. She leveled her gaze at Galena.

“They won’t,” Zita said with cool certainty, “because Farehold knows nothing of the world. This is the first wedding between kingdoms in hundreds of years. Our presence will be observed as an exotic custom.”

“And Princess Ophir—” Galena began.

“Is north of the city. A crew is set to intercept her.” Zita folded her arms and looked out the window at the waiting crowd.

Thousands of pale faces had poured in as Aubade’s citizens gathered in the stands to see their princess wed the winged king of the north.

She lost herself as she peered into the sea of pink faces amid smears of copper, gold, and watery-brown hair.

Her gaze settled on a child on top of its father’s shoulders.

She closed her eyes, regretting the moment.

“Ophir didn’t just give her blessing,” Ceneth said coolly. “She told us to burn it to the ground. She should be with the crew any moment.”

Galena broke the quiet once more as she prodded, “A crew who…”

Ceneth lifted two fingers in a subtle gesture. Zita was grateful for his intercession as he spoke. “I don’t just appreciate your presence, Galena. You’re saving us by being here today. But the less you know, the safer you’ll be. Just trust it’s taken care of, both with her and with the bride.”

“The bride was left with special protections for exactly this cause,” Zita agreed.

“If anyone tries to intercede before the ceremony, one prick from the ring on her finger, and they’ll be unconscious before they have the time to cry out.

There’s enough coma-inducing venom in the subtle weapon for three or more uses.

Hopefully, that’s all the bride will need. ”

“Coma?” Galena repeated.

“It will render the victim unconscious, dear,” Zita said.

She couldn’t keep breeziness in her voice.

Solemnity weighed over her as she felt the fate of centuries of people on her shoulders.

This wasn’t just for her husband, or even just for Tarkhany.

The injustice at stake was bigger than any one kingdom.

Galena’s speechlessness communicated volumes.

Zita lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. She met Galena’s eyes, appreciating the gradient as they transitioned from night-dark to a regal shade of gold just before her pupils. The winged fae tucked her wings respectfully behind her, shrinking nervously under the scrutiny.

“When I give the signal, clasp onto your king. The bride will grab for you. I will shield us all.”

Much to both of their surprise, Ceneth reached for her hand now. Zita watched curiously as the King of Raascot regarded his subject.

“Just like this,” he said kindly.

Galena looked down at where her fingers rested in his hand. “Your Majesty…”

“I didn’t want the first time you touched me to be in our moment of need. We can’t afford your hesitation. Just like this, okay? Grab me and hold on tight.” He squeezed her hand, offering a sad smile that did not reach his eyes.

Her eyebrows tucked into the middle as she looked between them.

“I know that you don’t want me to know much, but I have to ask.

Why would you have me neutralize you? Your Majesty, to my knowledge, my gift would not impact your gift for flight.

I don’t understand what purpose I serve, or what it is I’m nullifying. ”

“That’s fine,” he said. “And when the moment comes and you do understand, I need you to continue holding my hand, just like this.”

“Your Majesty—”

“Call me Ceneth.”

“Sir—”

Zita’s voice was soft as she interjected. “Galena, I must apologize for what you’re about to see, but your king is right. Hold tightly to him. And when you do, for what it’s worth, I recommend that you close your eyes.”

***

Harland felt like someone had stuck a pin between his shoulder blades.

The sharp pain of something terribly amiss shot down his spine.

He’d never looked forward to the day Ophir might be wed.

Of course, when Caris had been alive, there’d been the possibility that Ophir might have lived a long and happy life belonging to no one but herself.

The moment Farehold’s favorite princess had died, Ophir’s dreams of freedom had died with her.

Still, he’d prepared himself to see her strike a stunning silhouette in an unspeakably beautiful gown.

He knew she’d still sweep him off his feet, even if he wasn’t the one at the far end of the aisle.

Neither she nor her husband-to-be was excited about the marriage.

But that was not what was bothering him.

“I wish Samael was here,” Harland mumbled.

Eero had been pacing for the better part of an hour.

He paused near a window to look down over the crowds settling into the coliseum.

The entire city had been invited to appreciate the opulent decorations, the magnificent rugs that ran the length of the sand, the expensive bouquets, the jewels, the banners, and the twinkling fae lights that transformed the space.

The room in the tower allowed for one of the few vantage points for the castle to look down upon the stadium.

Harland knew it brought him a sense of control to oversee the people from his hidden peak before the ceremony began and his presence was expected.

“I could certainly use Samael’s advice,” the king agreed.

Harland’s hand went to the hilt of his blade. He stroked the cool metal protectively. “Something feels amiss, Your Grace. I don’t know what.”

Eero’s thick golden brows met in the middle.

He looked nowhere in particular as he crossed his arms, tucking his chin between his thumb and forefinger.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong. I raised the reincarnation of the All Mother in her least sacred form.

We’ve seen what she’s capable of. If she snaps today, she could bring Aubade to its knees. ”

Harland tried to nod, but Eero’s words rung hollow. “With respect, I don’t believe that’s it.”

“Then perhaps you’re frustrated with a wedding that was never meant to happen.

Caris didn’t require such a heavy hand. Or perhaps you’re upset because you’ve fallen for my daughter’s wiles, Harland.

I’ve heard the rumors, of course. I expected more strength from you.

Know your place, even if my second-born fails to know hers. Women rarely do.”

Harland sucked his teeth, if only to keep himself from an executable offense. Perhaps if Ophir succeeded in taking both thrones, it meant the king would be kicked from his royal position at last. It might be the one good thing to come from today, as far as he was concerned.

Eero chuckled humorlessly. He moved back to the window to watch over the sea of citizens.

“Look at them,” he said. “They have no idea their princess has the power to bring hell with her fingertips. If Samael were here, he’d say the same.

But he’s off with a Raascot woman and a Tarkhany man who can speak to stone, goddess knows where, doing goddess knows what. ”

“He’s accompanied by his twin sister and Queen Zita’s advisor on the way to Mount Reev,” Harland amended.

He watched his king carefully as he spoke, but Eero didn’t react.

“We both know Samael’s doing the continent a great service by taking care of these beasts.

And Samael has promised not to hurt Ophir while preventing the creatures from wreaking havoc on the continent.

It’s more than we could hope from anyone else. ”

“I’m your king, Harland,” Eero said curtly. “You needn’t tell me when I should or shouldn’t feel gratitude.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“You keep twitching, Harland. What could you possibly have to worry about? I’ve fixed everything.

I fixed it with Ceneth after Caris went and got herself killed.

I fixed it with Ophir after she threatened to drive us into ruin with her carelessness.

I fixed it with Zita after she tried to blame us for making a home that my father rightfully claimed as his own.

That’s what kings do, after all. They conquer. ”

“You fixed everything with Ceneth regarding the rings?” Harland made no attempt to conceal his skepticism.

“The good king saw the wisdom in using our manufacturing to temper Ophir’s spirit,” Eero replied. “Her little display with the dragon all but sealed their fate. He can’t very well have a bride tear down his castle every time she’s in a bad mood.”

“And, what, he believes he’ll be in control? He thinks he’ll be able to seamlessly rule a manifester?”

“Men love power,” Eero said with finality.

The king waited expectantly for Harland to agree, but it was all he could do to keep from using his immense strength on the man who ruled his kingdom. For everyone’s sake, he hoped Ceneth had not fallen for Eero’s deceit.