Page 34 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)

Ayala stood against the frame of the front door, tapping her long nails against her arm impatiently. The warm chocolate silk of her dress set her hair aflame, reflecting off gold flakes across her high cheekbones. The burgundy shade of her lips enhanced the effect.

“You look beautiful,” Brenna told her, happy to stay on good terms with the female.

“Of course I do,” she said airily. “Now come sit, I’m afraid the high court requires a bit more gilding.

” With sweeping movements, she urged the sisters to sit and produced a small, threaded jar and brush.

Brenna lifted her chin and allowed Ayala to swipe cosmetics over her cheeks and around her eyes.

She pressed her lips together to hide her smile as Ayala did the same treatment to Meara, who squirmed in her seat. “It looks lovely,” Brenna reassured her. Meara’s nose scrunched, but she stilled.

Ayala snapped the lid back and set the tools aside, her eyes flicking between them as she surveyed her work. “That will do.”

Tayen exited his bedroom, his jacket a deep wine, like the richest of autumn leaves.

The bright stitching along his lapel depicted antlers, making it clear who he was loyal to.

Gold already dusted the top of his eyelids, while the bottom was lined with kohl.

“Ready to face the court?” He offered his arm to the sisters.

Cerne stepped closer, holding out his hand. “I believe Meara wanted me to escort her.”

Meara’s eyes flashed as she glanced at Brenna for a second before facing the handsome antlered faerie. She took his arm with a reluctant smile. Brenna hid her grin, looking at the floor as she took Tayen’s arm. Ayala took his other side, seemingly unbothered by Meara taking the place beside Cerne.

The light was fading, and warm sunset tones reflected off the stone of the citadel, bouncing back and forth in a riot of peach and cerise tones on every glittering facet.

Brenna allowed herself to look around greedily, trusting Tayen to lead her. Many of the faeries inhabiting the city were absent at these higher levels as they climbed toward the palace at the peak.

As they reached the second gate, her mouth fell open.

Two massive griffins stood just inside the courtyard.

Sharp black beaks gleamed below pairs of intelligent, ammolite eyes.

Tawny feathers melted into fur and a lashing lion’s tail.

Their wings lay against their backs, but Brenna was sure they would stretch at least five or six meters across, maybe more.

Tayen smiled knowingly. “Magnificent, aren’t they?” It was the only word that fit them. She nodded mutely and allowed Tayen to lead her forward.

The entrance to the high king’s fortress gaped like an ivory maw.

Guards in silver lined the entrance, tipping their heads in respect as Cerne approached and paused.

Nobles walked around them, wearing a rainbow of shades and styles from each of their courts.

Cerne allowed them to pass, turning and facing Meara and Brenna.

“We will visit the throne room, and they will introduce us. The king and queen will want to look you over and they might ask you to show your magic craft. Brenna, you should show them a small flame. Meara, you should decline.”

“I don’t have much choice,” Meara muttered.

“Anything else?” Brenna asked, her heart rising to her throat.

“Address them as my queen and my king, and don’t be rude,” Ayala said dryly .

“Relax,” Cerne muttered to Meara, rubbing his hand over her forearm. Meara bristled but her chest rose and fell in deliberate calming breaths. Brenna smiled as they climbed the steps to the king’s palace.

Two servants opened the door and allowed them entrance.

Brenna inhaled in a silent gasp at the throne room before them.

Faeries filled the open space, leaving a center aisle open.

In the center, two massive thrones sat atop a raised platform.

Arched windows rose behind the thrones, allowing the setting sun to stream in.

The golden glare obscured Brenna’s vision until they drew nearer.

She gripped Tayen’s arm until her fingers locked up, but he kept them moving forward. The faeries in this space spoke quietly, the hum surrounding them as they walked the aisle.

Harsh voices emanated from the thrones, and Brenna glanced up, seeing the outlines of a tall, bulky fae male on one throne and the familiar shape of Farran beside him, speaking with his hands waving animatedly.

The other throne was occupied by a female with long, straight hair over her shoulders.

Her silver dress reflected light, highlighting her curvy figure.

“Presenting Lord Cerne of the Court of Autumn Harvest, and his guests, Lady Meara, and Lady Brenna, along with Lord Tayen and Lady Ayala,” a steward called.

They drew close enough for the thrones to cast shadows across their faces and allow her to see the high king and queen clearly.

The king’s silver beard was long but tidy, his hair much shorter, and his face lined.

Beside him, the leader of the Rangers stood stiffly.

King Argyro turned from Farran and glanced over them, his lip curling.

“We do not have time for this. Let them come tomorrow. ”

Brenna stiffened, and Tayen broke his stride. This was one outcome she had not prepared for. She looked to Cerne, brow pinching.

Queen Araluen sat forward. Her chestnut hair was streaked with silver, but her face looked young. Deep sapphire eyes studied them. “Argyro, they came here on our summons. I would like to see them.”

The king scoffed, but leaned back on his throne. “If you insist, my love.”

The queen stood, stepping off the dais to approach them. The crowd quieted.“Hello, Cerne,” she said softly, offering her hand to the Autumn Lord who kissed her knuckles. “Good to see you again.”

“My queen,” he said, bowing his head.

“Who have you brought to me?” She looked over Meara. Brenna cringed as her sister attempted to curtsy and looked as if she was ducking to avoid a low-flying bird. A demure smile formed on the sovereign’s features.

“This is Meara,” Cerne said.

“What is your craft, Meara?”

Meara’s lips pressed together as she picked her words. “Shadows, my queen, but I am still working on summoning them in bright places such as this. I’m afraid I have no display of magic for you.”

“Very well. And your sister?” Queen Araluen looked at Brenna. As their eyes met, Brenna felt herself relax. “Your magic feels familiar. What is your craft?”

“Light and flame, my queen,” Brenna answered.

“Show me. ”

Brenna released Tayen and cupped her hands, calling forth a tiny ball of flame. She glanced up, looking for the queen’s reaction. Instead, her gaze caught on a male.

He leaned one arm against the throne, clearly comfortable beside the king.

Reddish-brown eyes pierced through her from a pale face.

He had sharp features, high cheekbones, and dark hair slicked back.

He stared at her, something knowing in his eyes.

Her breath caught and her flame flared. She refocused on her hands, pulling the flame back into her skin.

“Interesting.” The queen clasped her hands at her waist and stepped back.

“I am Queen Araluen, and I welcome you to my court. You will join us for a banquet tonight. But first, we have urgent matters to address, so please join our court.” She smiled, and it felt forced, like political politeness.

Tayen bowed and Cerne dipped his head, and their group moved into the crowd.

“Now that’s over,” grumbled King Argyro, “someone needs to call Sigmis. I want him here now .”

Brenna resisted the urge to tuck herself into Tayen’s side.

No one was looking at them any longer. No one except the male who was now watching her with a smirk, his arms crossed and back leaning against the silver throne.

She met his eyes and his tongue darted out to wet his lips.

She nearly choked on her own spit, her hands gripping Tayen’s arm firm enough to wrinkle the fabric.

She looked back at the king and swallowed, trying to ignore the feel of the male’s eyes on her.

“You have five minutes to get Sigmis here,” bellowed Argyro. Beside her, Tayen tensed. She gentled her hold on his jacket. He tipped his head and murmured, “Don’t worry. You did great.”

She didn’t trust her voice to thank him, so she nodded and took a slow breath.