Page 17 of The Shadowed Throne (Midlife Fairy Tale #4)

R o dressed for dinner with a new sense of calm.

A good number of the Wyvern guards had completed the defensive measures necessary to protect Summerton from the Mourning Fog. Ashes, mixed with a few other magical ingredients created by Uldamar, had been spread along the shoreline and boundaries of the kingdom.

It was a feat that would have taken days, if not weeks, without the Wyvern. They were truly one of the best things to happen to Summerton.

Uldamar had assured her that any fog that made contact with the ashes would be rendered magically null.

It would be nothing more than harmless mist. Ro’s relief made her instantly feel better about leaving for the Caer Wyld the next morning, but she was sad that King Ehlzar and Queen Varyana were going home.

She understood it, obviously. Being away from one’s home, especially when that home was also the kingdom you ruled, was a lot. The longer you were away, the more you craved being back.

She smiled suddenly, wondering if she’d ever felt that way about her tiny apartment in New York City. She didn’t think she had. She’d felt that way about the museum, certainly. But never for a place she’d lived.

Not until Summerton.

She looked over at JT, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of him. He’d taken to this place without a single complaint. She was sure there were things he missed. Probably video games. Maybe movies. She missed those, too, sometimes.

But he’d adapted beautifully.

Having Aunt Violet here was a huge help, but as Ro looked around and took in all the friends around her, there was no question that she and her son were exactly in the right place.

Now, she just had to protect it.

She greeted Ehlzar and Varyana in the corridor outside of the dining hall, giving them each a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to miss you both.”

Varyana hugged her. “We’re going to miss you, and Summerton.”

“Once this talk of war is behind us, we will get together again.” Ro grinned, thinking about how they would enjoy Willow Hall. “I have plans.”

Ehlzar gave a little laugh. “I can’t wait to hear them.”

The royal guards announced the king and queen, and they went in to their seats.

As Ro was announced and entered the dining hall, she took in the moment, never wanting to take for granted a second of this incredible new life. JT and Violet were announced next and followed in after her.

Once everyone was seated, the food was served. Gabriel was farther down the table, but every once in a while, they made eye contact, and a quick smile was exchanged.

As discreetly as she could, Ro filled Ehlzar in on her plans for the next morning, knowing he’d pass the information on to Varyana, who was deep in conversation with Violet about plants and gardening.

“You’re fearless,” he said, with obvious admiration. “Do you want me to go with you?”

She hesitated. “I hadn’t considered asking you. I don’t know if that’s the best course of action, only because I never asked to bring you with me. I did mention our alliance, but that was it.”

“No, you’re right. They might feel a bit … ambushed if another royal showed up with you. But please, on my behalf, let them know that Hythe is interested in allying with them as well. It’s been too long that we’ve all been on our own.”

She nodded. “I agree. I will definitely tell them.”

“Is that why you asked Varyana about crystals?”

“Yes. They’re very fond of them.”

He went in for a bite of the roast that had been prepared. “We have a few with us. Nothing like what we could provide you with, but it would be something to bring them. A sample of what we have to offer. I’ll have them sent to your quarters after we retire.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

“Take one of our guards with you. If you want. Having a guard that can take to the sky might come in handy.”

“It’s not a bad idea. I’ll see if Gabriel can find a willing volunteer.”

He grinned. “You won’t have a problem there. Everyone who’s come with us, guards and civilians alike, has been charmed by your people and your country.”

“That’s so kind of you to say.”

By the time dessert was served, a real tour de force by the palace kitchens, Ro barely had any room left. But the cake that was brought out got an amazing reception. Oohs and ahhs and even a few gasps were heard when the sugar dragons flying around the cake’s five tiers came into view.

The bottom tier represented Summerton, and the top two tiers represented Hythe. In between were tiers of mountains and clouds, with the sugar dragons flying around the entire cake.

It really was something. Ro had a few bites.

The cake was vanilla with layers of blackberry jam and vanilla buttercream.

To be polite, she had a few bites more. It was delicious, and all around her, slices were disappearing, but she was full from the meal.

She was thankful that the kitchens were able to produce such incredible food.

No one would leave the banquet hungry, that was for sure.

The wall panels at the end of the dining hall were rolled back, revealing the ballroom adjacent to it. That room had been set up with a stage at one end for the night’s entertainment, which was a variety show that the Professor of Hospitality had arranged.

There would be singing, music, acrobats, jugglers, magic, and even a comedian. Slowly, people began to drift into the room to find seats.

A row had been reserved for Ro and her royal guests, so there was no need to rush. Ro would be sitting with Gabriel this time, with JT on the other side of her. Violet would be sitting with Posey and Uldamar. Ehlzar would be next to his wife.

He and Varyana got up and made their way in. Ro got to her feet.

Gabriel came over. “How was your evening?”

“Good. Productive.” She didn’t want to say too much. There were too many people around. “How was yours?”

“Also good.”

She glanced around. No one seemed to be paying attention to them. “Ehlzar suggested we take a Wyvern guard with us tomorrow as part of our party. As he pointed out, having someone who can take flight could be very useful.”

Gabriel nodded as if he were considering that. “He’s not wrong. I can add one to the group. That will make seven of us.”

“I’m fine with that. I’m hoping it will be a short trip.”

“As am I. I’ll take care of it before I retire for the evening.”

“Thank you.”

He leaned away, then back in. “You look beautiful tonight.”

She smiled, quickly shifting her gaze to the stage. “And you look handsome. As always.”

He shifted his position slightly, using the movement to brush his hand against hers. He offered her his arm and escorted her to their seats.

The show began with the children’s choir from the village singing a song that had been quickly written for the occasion.

It was set to an existing tune, but the words were all about the wonderful new friendship with the Wyvern.

The children had all been fitted with wings, which they flapped at the appropriate times, much to the approval of the audience.

Ro glanced at Varyana and saw happy tears in her eyes as the queen laughed.

Feena Goodcheer, the Professor of Hospitality, would be getting a personal thank-you from Ro.

The show was a wild success. Varyana and Ehlzar thanked Ro for the wonderful evening. They said their goodbyes, and Gabriel accompanied her back to her quarters.

“You don’t have to walk me home every night, you know.”

“Yes, I do. It’s my job.”

She nodded. “I know, but there are plenty of guards that could do it.”

He shrugged. “I like walking you back to your apartment.”

“And I like the company, so I won’t say another word about it. Except if you wanted to move closer within the palace, that would be easy enough to arrange.”

“I’m not that far away. Not really.”

“I know, but you’re not even in the palace.” His quarters were on the grounds, but that wasn’t the same as being within the castle itself. Not to her, anyway.

“I’ll give it some thought.”

As they reached her door and the guards on duty there, another guard came hustling toward them. He stopped, bowed, then straightened.

“Go on,” Ro said. “What is it?”

“A Grym has come from Malveaux, and he’s requesting asylum.”

Gabriel nodded. “I thought this might happen. Probably only the first of many.” He looked at Ro. “I can speak with him. Make sure the request is legitimate and not just a ploy.”

The guard cleared his throat. “There is more, your highness.”

“What else?” Ro asked.

The guard took a breath. “The man claims to work for Queen Anyka. He says he is her Minister of Magic. His name is?—”

“Nazyr,” Ro whispered.