Page 6 of Journey to the Elderoak (Daughter of the Earth #2)

T he fire crackled as it consumed the wood beneath its orange flames, warming the small stone bedroom assigned to Ava. The bed was made in deep violet fabrics, and layered rugs brought a cozy feel to the space.

Ava stood before the full-length mirror, unable to take her eyes off the dress she wore for dinner. It was customary in Saxumdale for guests of the royalty to dress in the style of the kingdom, she just hadn’t realized their style was more revealing than she was used to.

The dress she wore was a deep navy blue with off-shoulder sheer sleeves that draped down her arms, leaving her shoulders and back bare and exposing the scars she bore as a result of her torture by the daemon queen.

Gold lace detailing wove through the snug bodice, ending in lush fabric skirts that parted into a slit.

Her hair was braided around the crown of her head, sprinkled with matching blue jewels.

A knock sounded on her door and Raine’s voice called out. “Are you done yet? Hurry up, I’m starving.”

Ava ran her hands along the skirt. “I’m done…I’m just no t ready to come out yet.”

“I’m coming in,” he said, barging into her room.

Raine paused. His eyes moved over her attire appreciatively. He put his hands on his hips and grinned. “Well, fuck.”

She threw her hands up. “I know, right? It’s…a lot.”

He walked around her in a circle and chuckled. “Your ass looks amazing. Please, oh please walk in front of Cas as much as possible because you look sexy and he’s going to lose his mind.”

Ava crossed her arms and glared at him. He was dressed in a violet tunic lined in gold, black pants and boots.

“Well, you look good too,” she admitted.

“I know,” he said, flicking his hair behind his shoulder. “Let’s go.” He gestured for her to walk ahead of him.

“Oh no you don’t,” she chastised. “You go first. I don’t want you staring at my ass all night.”

He laughed and turned on his heel, heading toward the door as Ava looked at the ceiling, mumbling and hoping she didn’t trip and make a fool of herself.

She emerged into the opulent living room, decorated in a similar style to her bedroom.

Plush fabrics softened the space, and a large balcony overlooked the city on the far wall, framed by navy velvet curtains.

Casimir rose from his chair and took a step forward, but halted as he took her in.

“That’s the dress they gave you to wear?” he asked, voice low and hoarse.

“Ridiculous, isn’t it?”

He shook his head as his eyes trailed down her figure. “That’s not the word I would use,” he murmured.

“This is getting awkward so I’m going to go find Gisela,” interrupted Raine. “I’ll see you two at dinner.”

They didn’t acknowledge him as he left the room, unable to break eye contact. Casimir looked devastating in a dark blue jacket with silver buttons and thread lining the seams and hem. His black pants ended in ebony leather boots and his hair was left unbound.

Breaking the silence, Ava blurted, “You look handsome.” She fidgeted with her skirt.

“I feel ridiculous in this dress, and I’m going to trip in these stupid heels.

How are we supposed to talk about war dressed like this?

” she rambled, as she often did when she was nervous.

“And now everyone’s going to see my scars, and they’re going to think?—”

“Ava,” Casimir interrupted as he crossed the room and stood before her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “You are beautiful. Fuck what everyone thinks about your scars. They’re badges of courage. Okay?”

His thumb gently brushed her skin and she nodded. “Okay.”

He stayed there for a moment before he turned and placed himself at her side, holding out his elbow. “Let’s go to dinner, princess.”

She looped her arm through his and let him lead the way.

Ava sat between Raine and Casimir. Gisela was seated beside Raine, laughing every time he whispered in her ear. Astrid and Soren sat across the stone table with their steward to their right. Several guards were stationed along the wall, including Pax and Zeph, monitoring dinner.

The dining hall matched the rest of the castle.

Dark stone walls carved with intricate designs encased the room, lit by an iron chandelier covered in flickering lights.

A large tapestry hung on the far wall, depicting dozens of stone fae women with swords, appearing as though they were battling each other on top of one of the flat top mountains.

Dinners here were not casual like back in Mosshaven it seemed, and staff brought out each course at a predetermined time.

The food was delicious, mostly seafood due to Saxumdale’s location, and they were finishing the main course of pan-roasted fish with herbed butter, roasted cabbage and a rice side dish full of spices Ava had never tasted before.

Ava waited for dessert as she picked at her dinner and sipped her white wine, trying not to fidget. Most of their conversation had revolved around her adjusting to her new life, and Soren explaining how things worked in Saxumdale.

“I’ve noticed you looking at our tapestry,” Soren said.

Ava set down her fork. “It’s stunning. What’s happening in the picture?”

“It’s how the new queen is chosen. Every hundred years, or sooner if the previous queen meets an untimely death, women who deem themselves worthy compete for the crown. We call it the Sovereign Rite.”

“Only women?”

Astrid nodded. “ Only women.”

“I like the sound of a kingdom ruled by women,” Ava said. “So, which one of you won?”

“We both did,” Soren said, her hazel eyes bright. “The rite is brutal. Violent. When we reached the top, we were prepared to kill each other.”

Astrid reached over and grasped her wife’s hand.

“The goddess we worship, Umis, reveals a cerodinite crystal at the top of the mountain, which is what you see in our crowns.” Ava looked at the purple stone glowing atop Astrid’s head.

“Whoever reaches the top is deemed worthy to rule. This time there were two crystals.”

“Umis wanted you both to rule,” Ava said.

“Yes. It had never happened before,” Astrid explained.

“That’s amazing.”

The staff cleared the plates in preparation for dessert and the conversation switched topics, but Ava’s anxiety returned and she got lost in her head, knowing the official talk was coming.

Shifting in her seat, she tried to go over what she wanted to say in her mind, hoping she wouldn’t stumble over her words.

“Ava?” Soren asked from across the table, startling her back to the conversation.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t hear you. What was that?”

Astrid suppressed a smile as Soren responded, “It’s alright. I said that dress is stunning on you. I knew it would be perfect.”

“Thank you.”

“Your Highness,” Corvus said. “I’m so sorry but I noticed some brutal looking scars on your back.”

Ava’s hand moved to her lap, and she fidgeted with her dress. “Yes,” she answered. “What about them?”

“Well,” he hesitated. “How did you get them? Would you be willing to tell us the story?”

Casimir tensed. “No, she will not,” he said, sudden anger in his voice.

“I apologize. I meant no offense.” Corvus held up his hands. “I was only curious. I should never have brought it up.”

“It’s alright,” Ava said, as the dessert was being served. It was time. “While I won’t go into detail about how I got my scars,” she looked at the queens, “it leads us to an important discussion. Where do you stand in this war, Your Majesties?”

“Are you saying your scars are related to the war?” Astrid asked.

“Yes. And while we’re here to honor our trade agreement, we’ve also come to ask for your help.”

The queens watched her. “Go on,” Soren said flatly.

“Our army is preparing to fight against the daemon forces. But we can’t do it alone. With your strength and skills in mining and weapons, we could use your help. ”

“Have you discussed this with any other kingdoms yet?” Astrid asked.

“No, but we plan to approach Caelestia as well.”

Soren leaned back in her chair and took a sip of wine, looking at Ava over her silver goblet. “Our kingdom has remained safe from Deidamia’s forces due to our location. Why should we risk our army to help?”

“Why wouldn’t you?” Ava asked, taken aback. Surely, they weren’t going to refuse.

“You tell me, Your Highness,” said Soren. “You came to make your case. So, make it.”

Ava’s confidence waned. She couldn’t believe she was doing this poorly already.

“I—um.” She took a deep breath. “I would think the presence of Deidamia would be enough of a reason for you to join our cause.”

“It isn’t,” Soren said.

“What?” What the hell was she supposed to say now? She paused, thoughts churning.

As she was about to speak again, Astrid said, “We’ll think on this and discuss it again tomorrow over dinner. It seems you need more time to gather your words.”

“But—” Ava started.

Soren raised her hand. “Begging does not suit you, princess. Let’s eat dessert and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

Ava nodded, silent once more. Embarrassment churned in her stomach as she replayed the queen’s words in her head.

She’d made a fool of herself. She didn’t plan ahead thoroughly.

Wasn’t prepared. She spent the rest of the evening silent as she picked at her lemon tart, barely able to stomach one bite.

Ava paced barefoot in the living room of the suite. She still wore the gown, but she’d tossed her shoes the second they returned to their living quarters. Raine disappeared into his room with Gisela, and Casimir sat on one of the armchairs with a goblet of wine, watching her wear a hole in the rug.

“I don’t understand what I did wrong,” she said. “I thought you all were friends with them.”

“I think they’re being hard on you on purpose,” mused Casimir.

“Why would they do that? Is this some sort of test or something?” She walked to the fireplace, turned, and walked the other direction.

“Probably.”

Ava stopped and looked at him, placing her hands on her hips. “Why would they do that?”