Page 239 of The Queen’s Shadow

He pursed his lips. “Yeah. Mi guess.” He glanced at Jeremy, who was also looking concerned. “Wi still have Jer and his gun. Wi would stand a chance, and di faster wi have her captured di faster we can interrogate her and find yuh mate.” Something about the way he said ‘interrogate’ made me feel like he was uncomfortable with the idea. He always had been less prone to violence than the rest of us, so I didn’t let myself think about it too much, though I didn’t miss the way he absently rubbed at the scar on his neck as he said it.

“Well, I’m sure she’ll show up soon.” Balthion said, watching as the islands in the distance grew larger. “This is her territory. The stories say that The Siren knows the secrets of Envy and the Obsidian sea even better than Princess Niamhara and Prince Caspian. She’s probably already on land somehow, waiting for you.”

Well, that made me uncomfortable. I cut a look to Jeremy glancing down at his Carbine.

“Keep that thing loaded, and don’t hold back if she shows up.” I ordered, using what was quickly becoming my ‘queen’ voice. He was my father, yes, but this was war, I wasn’t always going to have time to be polite about shit. Jeremy seemed to understand and didn’t complain. He just nodded, his face serious.

“You bet, Kiddo.” He agreed, and I gave him an approving smile. Suddenly, I felt the ship pass through the island’s magickal wards that prevented transportation magick. I was suddenly able to shadow walk again, and I sighed with relief. I turned to Conrad and Jeremy, silently asking if they were ready for this. They both nodded resolutely.

“Well, this has been fun at least!” Balthion said enthusiastically. I glanced at him.

“You’re not staying?” I asked and he shook his head.

“Nah, I should head back and make sure my brothers aren’t killing each other and see what I can do about helping to free the rest of The Court.”

I frowned, realizing we had left them there with only three shadowstone blades and an entire court to free. I glanced down at the blades on my arms, toying with the idea of giving one to Balthion so he could help free his people as well.

Conrad beat me to it, and handed Balthion his rapier. “Here, man. Take dis. Mi come back fah it later.”

“I can’t take this Conrad, you might need it.” Balthion said skeptically, but Conrad just grinned and gestured to Bond Breaker, which was still strapped across my back.

“Wi have a spare, until we find Prince Amon. Mi can use dat if necessary, but Di Court of Envy are allies, outside of Di Siren jumping us, mi think we be alright.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah man. Take good care of it for mi.” Conrad assured him, and Balthion gave him a big grin and pulled him into a hug.

“Thank you, so much.” He pulled back, turning that dazzling smile on myself and Jeremy as well. “All of you. I can’t tell you how much it means to myself and our people that you came to free us. The Court of Wrath will never forget this kindness.”

“Of course, Balthion.” I said, saddened that he felt basic respect for freedom of choice was a kindness. “I only returned to you what you were already owed. Your freedom is a right, not a privilege.”

His dark eyes shone with unshed tears at my words, and without warning, he bowed before me.

“My father may not be there yet, but I can see you for what you are, Queen Raven. You have my loyalty, now and forever.”

I was taken aback by this sudden pledge of allegiance. Balthion was not in a position of power, but I wasn’t in any position to turn away willing allies.

“Thank you, Balthion. I will do everything I can to continue to earn your loyalty, now and forever.” I replied quietly. He looked up at me from where he kneeled and smiled.

“I know you will.” He said. “Now get out of here, I’m sure the Prince and Princess have heard of your arrival and are anxiously awaiting their freedom as well.”

I grinned at him, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Bye, Balthion. Thanks for getting us here safely.” I said, then called my shadows to us and brought us the rest of the way to the main island of The Court of Envy.

Raven

We manifested on the beach and I was immediately overcome with a feeling of calmness. The feeling felt foreign, and dulled the chronic pain I had been suffering since Amon had been taken from me.

The wash of the crystal blue waves on the bright white sand was a lullabying rhapsody that soothed away the tight ball of anxiety in my chest. The beach was lined with colorful open faced shops where dark-skinned daemons had tables full of handcrafted wares. The shops were stocked with jewelry made from seashells and seaglass, hand carved bowls and plate wares coupled with colorful paintings and mosaics that depicted island life.

Beyond the boardwalk, a lush rainforest ran rampant, and the homes that poked out through the greenery were just as brightly painted. Pink, yellow and blue houses were scattered like confetti up the hillside. In the center of the large island, on top of a massive palm tree brushed hill, was what I assumed must be the palace. It was large and square and open air. I could see white billowing curtains blowing gently in the breeze between the stucco colonnades of the mansion-like villa that watched over the rest of the island from its precarious perch on the mountain.

“Queen Raven!” I turned to see a gorgeous daemon with long dreadlocked hair and a bright red, floral print wrap-dress approach. Her hair was adorned with silver beads, and her arms were cuffed in several golden bangles. Her dark eyes were warm and her smile made the warm island sun feel even brighter.

“Um, hello…” I greeted her, feeling unsure. I wished suddenly, I had listened to Dossidian when he insisted on coming with us. It occurred to me that none of us were really from this world, and we had no guide without Balthion. I had no idea who this female was

“I am Princess Niamhara! We have been hoping you would be paying us a visit soon.” She said, sensing my hesitation. She dropped into a deep bow before me, and my eyes widened in surprise. I was getting more and more used to the bowing thing, but it still tended to take me by surprise. Both Conrad and Jeremy exchanged a look, grinning at each other, as the princess righted herself.

I held out a hand, giving her a smile. “Great to meet you,” I said, “This is Conrad, and Jeremy.” I paused, suddenly realizing they didn’t have any official titles. Niamhara smiled at them, and there was an awkward pause, as if she was waiting for me to say more.