Page 31

31

Reyla

L ord Briscalar and Merrick left as my ladies-in-waiting returned with Farris. Faelith beamed and called my nyxin a fine fellow, Moira chattering about how warm the sunshine felt despite the cool breeze, and Calista scowled and muttered something about hating the outside.

I’d forgotten to ask Lord Briscalar about assigning someone new to my staff, though I suppose I should bring it up to Calista myself. She obviously wasn’t happy, and she might welcome the chance to step aside and let someone else take her place.

With that in mind, I asked Moira and Faelith to take the dishes to the kitchen, which left me alone with Calista.

“You’re dressed already, my queen,” she said in a voice that held a bit too much simpering. “Did you bathe?”

“I washed.” I didn’t need to soak in a tub three times a day. “I’m going to the throne room to pass judgment with the king.” I stooped to pat Farris. The nyxin made a pleased sound, thumping his tail on the rug before curling up in one of his favorite spots by the unlit hearth.

Calista frowned, her lips pressed thin as she adjusted the fall of her gown. “You plan to go to the throne room dressed like that, my queen?” Her gaze raked down my front.

“Is there a problem?” I glanced down at the pretty green gown Merrick had helped me don. His kisses… Remembering almost made me want to lounge on the bed all day, dreaming about my husband, something I could never do. But the dress was perfectly fine for walking the palace halls and sitting on the throne.

“Not at all,” she said, though her tone held an edge sharp enough to draw blood.

She wasn’t outright insulting me, not verbally, at least, but the look in her eyes still made resentment stab deep.

“You’re representing the crown,” she said. “Perhaps something more formal would be fitting. A gown with more adornments, perhaps? Jewel-toned sikeen does wonders for your complexion.”

Jeez, now she was worried about my complexion? The time I started stressing about my skin was the day I started more weapons training. I would never be fluffy or prissy, and I hoped she realized that soon.

I bit back a sigh, curling my fingers into my palms. She hadn’t said anything disrespectful, but there was something in the way her eyes lingered on my bare feet and the faint twist of her mouth that told me plain enough what she thought of me.

“I could wear leathers,” I said, though mostly to irk her.

There was no disguising the horror on her face. “Oh, please no, my queen. Leathers would be completely inappropriate.”

Probably. Or maybe not. The court was already getting used to their unconventional queen. Why not go all-in and wear what I pleased? A tunic and pants would be much more comfortable, though. I didn’t enjoy having my breasts squished and thrust upward by these gowns, let alone all that fabric around my legs when I needed to run.

“Your dress will be alright,” she said with a wince. “I just…”

“What?”

“If I may be blunt?” At my nod, she continued, though she paused a moment before speaking. “You not only represent the crown, but you also represent me when you leave this room. That gown is lovely but it’s nowhere near formal enough for pageantry like this.”

“I’ll sit on the throne. Pass a few judgments. Almost everyone who comes to us for aid is dressed simpler than me.”

Her hands formed fists at her sides. “You’re the queen!”

“I’m very aware of that,” I said with a bite to my voice. “If you’re unhappy as my lady-in-waiting, Calista.” Though it was a challenge, I kept my voice even. “You’re welcome to step aside and let someone else take your place.”

She paled so quickly I wondered if she might faint. “My queen, I didn’t mean—” Her fingers snapped up to her throat as if she’d swallowed a pebble the wrong way. Her breath hitched, and she gagged, clawing at her neck. Her eyes widened, and she wiggled as if trying to shake something loose.

“Are you alright? Are you choking?” Concerned, I reached for her arm, determined to make her at least sit, but she sucked in a deep breath and let it out with a muted cough.

“Forgive me,” she rasped, voice completely subdued now. “I— I’m fine. Please know I didn’t intend to insult you. I’ve been under considerable stress lately and he’s…” Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes. For a moment, she looked genuinely fragile. “Please, my queen, may I have a second chance to prove to you that I’m wo rthy of serving in this role? I adore working with you. Please don’t think I wish to be reassigned.”

I studied her, searching for some hint of conniving in her eyes. Maybe a faint tremble of her hands. I didn’t find it. Or maybe I didn’t want to find it.

“You mentioned a man.”

“I, um… That’s personal, my queen.”

“You’re right. We can keep this between us.” I added a small nod. “You’re welcome to stay.”

“Oh, thank you, my queen,” she gushed, her face suffusing with color. “I won’t prove you wrong in this decision.”

Hmm. We’d see. However… “You can help me change. Perhaps you’re right about the impression I need to make in court.” Not for the average citizen but for the high lords and ladies who were unsettled by the decisions I’d already made. Let them see me in lush finery and believe I was one of them—like Erisandra.

Calista’s shoulders loosened and relief flickered across her face. “Thank you.” She bowed her head. “I’ll fetch something appropriate.”

I waited while she riffled through the closet, returning with a gown in deep amethyst, a color that Erisandra would probably adore.

“This.” Calista held it up. “It’ll remind the court that you are more than a warrior queen. You’ve the grace to rule as well.”

She helped me remove the green gown, then slid the new one over my head. She busied herself fastening the clasps at the back before guiding me to the vanity, where I sat for her to arrange my hair.

I loved Lord Briscalar’s plan and there was no reason not to get started right away. But how best to delicately do this?

“Calista,” I said .

Her hands paused before continuing to twist and pin my unruly tresses. “Yes, my queen?”

“You’ve been with this court for considerable time, and I’m sure that’s made you quite savvy about everything.”

Calista’s smile flashed before she smoothed her mouth. “Time does lend wisdom, does it not?”

“Always.”

She continued working on my hair.

I continued planting a few seeds. “This court adores the queen mother and with good reason.”

“She’s amazing,” Calista said in a bright voice. “I’ve admired her all my life. Such beauty. Such dignity. She wore the crown well.”

Yes, she did, but I wore it now .

“I’ve been stunned by her myself.” In so many ways, none of which Calista would be referring to. “I love how doting she is with my husband. She sets a fine example for any potential mother.”

For whatever reason, Calista’s face blanched. Her fingers slowed while tucking another curl up on my head. “Are you suggesting that you’re…” Her gaze darted to my abdomen in the mirror.

“I don’t believe so, though that would be wonderful, don’t you think? Imagine, an heir to the throne. A baby .” It was my turn to gush. “I picture myself holding a precious little one. I’m sure the queen mother would be incredibly happy. A grandchild for her and assurance that Evergorne Court is secure for another generation.”

“I’m sure she’d be pleased,” Calista said with a frown.

“That would finally end those rumors.”

“Rumors about what, my queen?” She finished with my hair and strode to the bureau holding numerous boxes with jewelry Lord Briscalar had brought for me to choose from. Even if I wore a new piece each night, it would take me months to wear them all.

“Oh, well. Of course, I’d never believe the queen mother would…” Pressing for my best frown, I turned my gaze to my lap and glided a fingertip along the pattern of my gown.

Calista stepped forward, jewelry forgotten for now. “The queen mother would what?”

“Well, it would be wrong of me to say a thing, don’t you think? I’m not one for gossip about the past, especially potential improprieties. How shall we say…” Now I sounded like Lord Briscalar. I just needed to toss in ‘delightful’. I paused as if I didn’t dare speak any further.

“Whatever is said between us remains confidential.” Calista pressed her palm against her chest, over her heart. “Surely you know that, my queen.”

“Oh, yes, of course. I’ve heard rumors…” I pressed a sigh up my throat. “I don’t believe them. How could I? I’ve seen portraits of Merrick’s father. He resembles him so much.”

“Oh, yes, he does.” Calista’s gaze fell to the floor.

“It would be sad if someone continued to spread such awful rumors, don’t you agree? It could unsettle the court and any hope for my…” I pressed my hand against my empty belly.

She jerked out a nod. “Most definitely. I completely agree. Rumors such as that should be stymied.”

“Please let me know if you hear anyone sharing such undignified tales. I want to pull them from the soil while the weeds are young.”

Calista turned back to the jewelry. “You can trust me in this, my queen.”

I hadn’t exactly given her an assignment yet, but if she was eager to prove herself, she might be the perfect person for this role .

“Any attempt on your part to assist me in protecting the crown would be exceedingly welcome.”

Her face smoothed, and her eyes took on a conniving slant. “I understand the assignment, my queen.”

“Just take care what you say.”

She clutched my forearm. “You can trust me.”

We’d see.

“Do you interact much with the high lords and ladies now?” Assuming they weren’t scorning my ladies.

“It’s funny, actually.” She turned back with a blood red stone necklace and matching dangle earrings in her hands.

“What is?”

She secured one earring to my lobe. “I thought they’d all slight us, but most haven’t. A few were expected, naturally. Those most lofty have remained so. But the rest…it’s as if we were born to these roles.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“Oh, because of the curse.”

I snapped my fingers around her wrist, holding her hand in place at my ear. “Tell me more about this curse.”

She stared forward blankly before a shudder went through her. “You can trust me in this, my queen. I’ll listen and inform you of anything I might hear regarding this delicate matter, and I’ll be subtle in that other regard. You have enough to worry about without stressing about…others trying to nudge your priorities in the wrong direction.”

“Exactly. I’m glad you feel you’re fitting in.”

“That’s the thing.” Her eyes dropped from mine again. “I don’t believe I do fit in.”

“Is this what you meant when you were saying things had been rough for you lately?”

She jerked out a nod. “My friends look at me oddly now. While most of the high lords and ladies have accepted my new status, they hold themselves back. The man I…” Her eyes glistened with tears. “I shouldn’t share. It’s inappropriate on my part to even bring it up.”

“You can tell me anything. Please know that. What man are you talking about?” Lorant had told me that Calista was meeting with someone in one of the parlors.

“I’m afraid he’s decided I’m still not good enough for him even with my new high lady status.”

“What? I’ll slash his throat for you if you want.”

“Oh no. Please. No!” Fear flashed across her face. “Let it go. I have. I avoid him now.”

“I’m sorry, then. It’s wrong of him to scorn you.”

“I agree.” Her chin lifted. “I’m better off without him.”

“You are.”

“If you hadn’t brought up your gift of high-born status, I would never have mentioned it. You took considerable risk elevating me, my daughter, and Faelith. I’m grateful. Truly. This means the world to me. But it’s changed things.” She patted my arm as if I was the one who needed comfort instead of her. “I’m sure things will smooth out eventually. Please don’t worry about this, my queen.”

I took her hand, realizing I might’ve misjudged her. I’d thought she wasn’t happy working with me when maybe it was everything else going on around her. “Can I do anything to help?”

“Time, my queen,” she said. “Time will help this, I believe.”

“Let me know if there’s something I can do, anyone I can speak with.”

“I certainly will.” She pressed for a smile. “The necklace, and I believe we’re done. You look amazing, my queen. Simply lovely.”

“Thank you.”

After she’d secured it around my throat, I stood .

She stepped back to appraise her work. “Much better.”

I reached for my twin blades the moment she turned to tidy up, strapping them to my hips. Then came my sword sheath, which slid smoothly into place across my back. By the time she’d turned around, my weapons were fully secured. Her mouth pinched, but she said nothing.

“I won’t budge on this,” I said firmly.

Her snort burst out, and I was actually glad to hear it. “Why did I think you’d say something like that? Honestly, my queen, the blades make you look…”

“Horrifying?”

“Oh, nothing like that. I was thinking…” She tapped her chin. “Badass, though don’t let Moira hear me saying such a thing.”

My low laugh rang through the room. I was glad we’d talked because it had let me see a side of Calista I’d missed. She put on a stern and proper front, but underneath, she was more like me than I’d believed. “She won’t hear it from me.”

“Thank you, my queen.”

“Would you do me one more favor?”

“Naturally.”

“Could you go to the kitchen for some treats for Farris? He’s been a good boy and deserves them.”

“I’d love to do that for you.” She dipped into a small curtsy and headed toward the sitting room. I followed, finding that Moira and Faelith had returned. They stood in the open doorway, chatting with the guards.

Moira beamed at her mother. “Where are you off to?”

“The kitchen, darling.” Calista brushed by, stepping out into the hall.

“I could go with you.” The hopeful spark in her voice reminded me that she was eager to flirt with the head chef.

“You just came from there,” her mother pointed out .

I nudged Moira’s side. “I don’t mind. Go.”

Moira’s face lit up, and she scurried after her mother.

Faelith strode into the room to remove Farris’s collar and place it on a table.

“Would you like me to straighten up your bathing area and bedroom for you?” she asked. “I also need to bathe Farris.” She pinched her nose. “He rolled in something awful outside.”

“Yes, please do.”

I still planned to go to the throne room, but there was something I wanted to do first.

It was time to test a nullification spell on that ball.