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Chapter thirty-five

Her Crowded Court

Ayla

Dawn was not that far away, and still, the party continued, music streaming to every corner of the pavilion.

The trade agreement was signed, the lost princess found.

There was every reason to celebrate, even if no party was complete without scandal. After all, the merchant prince had stolen Lady Iona away, only for the Shadow Prince to commandeer their boat. The exact same boat I was supposed to be on if my father hadn’t first rescued me from Zayne’s clutches.

Or so the story went.

In the hours since their escape, the tether had faded, becoming a mere thread, one so thin I feared it would slip through my fingers. I couldn’t feel Zayne’s emotions, let alone his thoughts. Only a distant heartbeat proved he was still alive.

“We’ll find them soon,” my father assured me, joining me on the outskirts of the pavilion. The party was finally reaching its final stretch, the exhausted guests slowly drifting away.

Tomorrow, I’d leave with the Starlit Court, traveling on their yacht on a journey ‘home.’

Like everyone else, my father assumed my brooding was over Rhett’s capture, and it was a guise I was eager to claim. After their escape, dull sunlight had filled my long day with vapid pretense, a day that concluded with a signed trade agreement. Everyone was eager to go home.

But first. A celebration.

All night I’d danced, playing the part of a spoiled princess eager for escape after a difficult day. I convinced myself it was an act, even as grief tightened throat.

“I understand that, after everything, you’ll need rest,” my father continued. “But I hope we can continue your training once you’re settled in the palace. I’ll feel better knowing you could take care of yourself in future attacks.”

“Of course,” I agreed. Of course I wanted to harness my powers and learn exactly what he could and couldn’t feel through the Starlit Throne. “It’ll help me feel better too.”

“In the meantime, ” he continued, “take it easy.”

I nodded, knowing I needed all the rest I could get. There was a war to stop and plans to make. Despite needing to be at my best, exhaustion and grief plagued my mind. “I’m just glad the assembly reached an agreement,” I added.

He smiled. “This is only the beginning. Now that we’re united, father and daughter, the future is bright. I know we barely know one another, but I’ve listened carefully for word of you. They say you were too wild for the humans, a fae at heart, and I look forward to having you at my side.”

The comment ignited my internal conflict. He’d always known I was his, known I was at odds with my home, but he had never reached out. It stung, even as I questioned if I’d really wanted his recognition. When my plastered smile failed me, I opted for a yawn. “I’m glad.”

He beamed, as if my sleepiness was endearing. “Go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long travel day.”

It was a relief to be dismissed.

Slumping a little too much, I stumbled stepping down from the pavilion. My father caught my elbow. “Are you all right?”

“Just tired,” I mumbled.

He motioned for my nearby guard. “Escort Princess Ayla, ensure she reaches her rooms.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Goodnight Ayla—” my father paused, his gaze snagged by my hand “—Have you always worn that?”

My mouth dried. He was staring at Ninti’s ruby ring. “It was my mother’s.”

He gawked at it for another long moment. “It may be more valuable than she told you.”

I masked my fear into surprise as I brought the ring closer, admiring the stone as if for the first time. “I’ll keep it safe,” I promised him.

“See that you do.” He nodded to the guard. “Goodnight.”

Weaving slightly, I wandered to the guest wing. The guard followed me all the way, taking a post just outside the door of my new room in the corner suite.

Quietly, finally alone, I untied the bindings to my dress, eager to put aside the bespelled sequins that reflected the intensity of my light. My worn mind working past exhaustion, I crawled into bed.

Except I couldn’t sleep.

Not with what the Starlit King had said.

On some level, he recognized Ninti’s ring.

And I had no clue how to keep everyone safe.

I drew the blankets close, glancing around the ornate room. My gaze caught on the phonograph on the dresser, the only detail that felt like mine. Moonlight glinted against the sparkly dresses already strewn across the room, the first of many my father had promised me.

Once again, I would live in a palace, the daughter of royalty. Except now, I was the celebrated heir. I’d hated how my mother’s court barely tolerated me, but the blind adoration of the Starlit Court was somehow worse.

No one knew what my throne had cost me. Surrounded by strangers, I’d never been more alone.

The first tears were unbidden, but I allowed the rest, curling up and pressing my face into my hands. Soon the tears turned into heaving sobs, a grief I could only honor in the shadows.

Was staying behind a mistake?

I couldn’t be sure.

If I hadn’t insisted on a lesson, would I have left with Zayne?

I would never know.

But I did know I needed sleep. Somehow. I forced myself to breathe, just breathe. And if I couldn’t sleep, the least I could do was rest.

Rest is good.

My tears had dried to my cheeks when I next stirred, something warm against my side. Inhaling, I caught the scent of something familiar, like a bonfire…

“Ninti!” I gasped, sitting up in bed.

Even curled up tight, the firewolf in her true form filled my bed. Unable to stop myself, I tried to wrap my arms around her. My hands fell right through, finding no fur. Only heat. Understanding tightened in my chest.

This was her astral projection, the same way she’d appeared to me as a child. Swallowing back my disappointment, I marveled that she was even here.

The firewolf glowed, ruby red and far healthier than the last time I’d seen her. Where she’d been tired and dull, she was vibrant and orange, more than recovered. There was even a sparkle to her eyes.

She inched her nose to my hand, and I adjusted to face her better, wishing I could scratch her. “Thank you for helping me save Zayne from Gloom,” I whispered.

She lifted her chin without answering.

“You can’t speak?” I asked. “Still recovering?”

She nodded, offering only a dull, apologetic woof.

I had so many questions, and my chest tightened with their weight. Even if Ninti wanted to join me, Leo could slow her down. I struggled, searching for a way to ask, Will I ever see you again?

Before I found the words, she leaned closer, our foreheads touching if she were really there. Steadily, her warmth settled my worries.

Now wasn’t the time for questions.

We were together. That had to be enough.

Relaxing, I lay back down as Ninti curled behind my back, filling most of the bed. Her heat pressed against me even if she had no weight, and with her reassurance, sleep drifted closer.

As my dreams settled on my horizon, I reached through the tether, seeking out Zayne’s heartbeat.

Ba-bump.

Dawn neared and music streamed from not that far away, but the rhythm filled me, reminding me that even if I was the Starlit Princess, alone in a sea of fears, that wasn’t quite true.

Ba-bump.

Ninti’s warmth shifted at my back.

I’d never be alone again.