28. Reyla
28
REYLA
A mother’s love did not soon extend to her new daughter.
Erisandra turned her back on me. She linked her arm through Merrick’s and urged him toward the grand entrance to the castle.
He snagged my hand and tugged me along with them, linking our fingers and sending me a reassuring smile I might need but wasn’t sure I dared accept. How far would he let her take her snooty demeanor before he said or did something about it?
He might decide to wait and see if she softened. I already suspected she might not, but I wasn’t giving in now. I’d grown up without a mother, and I couldn’t imagine how nice it might be to have one.
I didn’t want to drive a wedge between them, but if I was going to be his wife, possibly bear his children, and wear his court’s crown on my head, I needed allies. My best one could be her. She could explain my role here as queen. She was the one who could ensure the staff listened and didn’t ignore me. Merrick would do his best, of that I was certain, but I had a feeling he’d often be too busy to tell one person after another to respect me.
I’d have to drive that lesson home myself.
With Farris trotting behind us, we stepped over the threshold, entering an enormous foyer. The sheer grandeur of the castle's interior hit me like a dragon’s foot in the gut. The entry stretched out ahead of us with marble floors polished to a mirror-like shine, reflecting huge, dazzling chandeliers hung far overhead. Their light sparkled off silver filigree swirling gracefully along the upper portions of the walls and painted the room in a warm glow. To my left and right, red and silver tapestries with various scenes of Evergorne's history hung on display, making the big space feel impossibly opulent. Pictures of what I took for Merrick’s ancestors also hung along the walls with statues of various creatures in majestic poses standing between them.
Everything felt big and overwhelming to a woman raised in a mountain fortress with barely any coins to her name.
I swallowed hard but had a feeling my dismay would take a long time to go down. How was I supposed to fit into this place? No wonder his mother came across conceited. She thrived in this life while I was like a poor relation who’d stumbled in through the back door, begging for a handout .
I was too worried I’d break something to move.
A wide staircase rose on the opposite side of the foyer, its steps carpeted in deep red to match the uniforms of the castle staff lined up in two long rows farther into the room. They stood in perfect formation, the silver braid on their tunics and red dresses gleaming, their stances rigid, and their gazes fixed forward. None glanced our way.
Whispers echoed around us as Erisandra's entourage clustered at a respectable distance to her side. Their curious, calculating gazes remained on me, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before they’d start crafting gossip. True or not? I bet it didn’t matter.
Merrick gave my hand a squeeze, and I wished we were back on the ship where life was simpler. I knew him well now, or I thought I did, but this man fit into this life with ease while I . . . didn’t.
Not yet, I told myself, stiffening my spine. I would.
Behind us, tall fae men closed the castle's front doors with a boom, the sound ricochetting through the foyer, silencing the whispers, though only for now.
Above us, the ceiling soared into the upper echelons of the castle, its intricate, painted details showing scenes from a history I suspected I’d soon need to learn. Railings carved from a shimmering silver wood, like twisted vines, coiled along the sides of the stairs.
Everything about Evergorne Castle shouted wealth and power, one that must’ve taken centuries to grab onto and control. A twinge of nervousness sped through me. I was truly out of my depth. I was a dragon trainer in my previous life, living among warriors like me. Dressing in leathers. Strapping on blades with ease and pulling them even easier to brandish them in someone’s face if they got on my nerves. I knew nothing of staff or courtiers or nobility, though I was now one of the latter if in name only.
I likely appeared crude and woefully unprepared for this. What was I thinking when I volunteered to be an unknown fae king’s bride?
Escape , my mind whispered. Memories of Kinart haunted me, chased me. In that, I was succeeding, but now I worried I was shoving him aside much too easily, replacing him with my new husband.
And to some extent, Lore.
Speaking of the irksome fae lord, where was he? I hadn’t expected him to ride in the carriage with us, and the thought of him sitting across from us, his heavy gaze locked on me, made me fidget. No doubt, I’d see him too soon.
“Staff?” Erisandra called out to those standing in long rows. “Please welcome Reyla to the castle.”
Murmuring polite greetings, they finally cocked their heads to gape at me trying not to quiver beside Merrick.
“Mother,” Merrick growled.
“Yes, dear?”
Tightening his hand on mine, he urged me toward the staff, stopping in the middle of the twin lines. He leaned close to speak by my ear. “I don’t understand why she’s acting this way, but I’m sorry. ”
I nodded as if it didn’t matter, and tried to believe that myself.
Farris remained with us, obediently sitting when we came to a stop.
Merrick’s gaze swept across the staff standing at attention. “Allow me to introduce my new bride and your future queen, the woman I will adore until my dying day. I present to you Reyla Jarrn Weldsbane, daughter of the deceased High Lady of Weldsbane and the deceased King of Bledmire.”
As warmth stroked across my soul, tears prickled in the corners of my eyes. His words shielded me, cutting through my doubts and fear. My vision blurred, but I fought to keep control of myself. I’d give nothing to them, though I was beginning to believe I’d one day want to give everything to him.
His words made them see me, and in response, something inside me began to bloom. This was more than the spark of hope and more than the gratitude I’d feel for a friend.
“You may have heard of her brother,” he added with a quirk of one eyebrow and a steely gaze shot his mother’s way. “High Lord Vexxion of Weldsbane, formerly and, might I say, affectionately referred to as the Beast.”
Gasps rang out in the room and not only from the lined-up staff.
Affectionately was definitely stretching it, but I appreciated Merrick’s support.
“Her beloved friend, High Lady Tempest of Lydel Court extends her well wishes to us all as well,” he said grandly, his soft gaze on me. I saw so much there. Heat. Affection. And a determination to protect me at all costs. “As does her half- brother, Zayde, nephew of the High Lord of Riftflame Court and the newly crowned King of Bledmire.”
When you laid it all out like that, it made me sound impressive. I still struggled not to shrink against the wall, but a rod of pride spiked through me. With it, I met the gaze of each and every one of the staff. Some gave me quick smiles. Others darted their eyes away and would bear watching. The rest nodded respectfully, telling me that while they may be reserving judgment, they would give me a chance. I noted each face and response and tucked the information away.
“You will welcome her.” A hint of suppressed rage snarled through Merrick’s voice. “You will do as she asks and without question. You will treat her with the same respect you do me or, by the fates, I will handle it personally .”
The fingers of his free hand tightened to a fist, and his lips thinned. I doubted the others noticed how he lightly tapped his foot against the marble tiles beneath him. Instantly, patterns start rippling away from him in waves across the floor's surface, creating dark, endless pits beneath those who’d smirked and slashing blades beneath those who’d snickered. The few who’d given me welcome smiles stared down at the floor beneath their feet blooming with flowers or images of sweet creatures prancing.
This king, this new husband of mine was unlike anyone I’d met before. From our conversations, I knew he wielded a strong, yet kind hand within his court.
But the fates help anyone who disobeyed him.
A glance at his mother’s entourage showed them hopping around while releasing tiny yelps, evading the lunges of vicious, snarling marble creatures erupting from the floor tiles beneath them.
Only his mother remained untouched and unmoved by the display. Her sharp gaze remained on me, and while I no longer found indifference there, I did see sly speculation.
With another tap of his foot and the loosening of his hand, Merrick released his magic, making the tiles smooth once more, returning them to their previous gleaming charm.
“Allow me to introduce you to your personal staff, Wildfire,” Merrick said with a warm smile. All was well here for now, and he was savoring this almost as much as he had watching me ride his fingers until I exploded in pleasure.
He urged me toward a flutter of fae ladies wearing red dresses with silver trim, standing near the end of one of the lines. “Of course, Lord Briscalar will arrange for your staff, but these ladies will be more than pleased to serve you for now,” he added to me as we stopped. “Moira, Calista, and Faelith, from the end of the line to the right.”
“My queen,” Moira said graciously, dipping into a deep curtsy. She’d arranged her blonde hair in a tight bun at her nape, and her blue eyes sparkled with welcome. She appeared to be about my age.
“Calista is Moira’s mother,” Merrick said.
They shared the same hair and eye color, plus a strong chin and slender frames.
I nodded to them both as Calista gave me an equally deep curtsy. Her gaze shot to Erisandra before darting back to the floor. Faelith also bowed, and I took in the woman with large breasts and a soft shape, plus a stern expression that softened as she studied me. A few years older than me, her striking, dark blue eyes contrasted nicely with her pale skin and black hair.
“I’m assigning Faelith, in particular, to Farris.” Merrick’s stern gaze flicked to the woman. “He’ll need to go outside on a regular basis, and he’ll eat in the queen’s suite and stay with her whenever she’s there. He’s to be protected at all costs.”
“Of course, my king.” Her gaze a bit stunned, Faelith dipped a curtsy toward Farris. “Such a . . . fine fellow, isn’t he?”
“He’s quite sweet.” I patted the top of his head while he sat, his fluffy tail swishing every which way and his tongue lolling. “He won’t be a bother.”
“Yes, I . . . Yes.” She gave me a curtsy.
“It’s nice to meet you all,” I told them, injecting my voice with a tone I hoped sounded queenly.
“I’m terribly sorry, my king, my lady.” Lord Briscalar screeched across the marble floor from the open front door and was nearly swept off his feet when he tried to stop fast on the polished surface. His flushed face and disheveled clothing suggested he’d been running. All the way from the pier? He tugged on his formal tunic and smoothed his windblown hair. “I was detained in the city.”
“I was just introducing Reyla to her new staff,” Merrick said.
The lord’s stern gaze swept across the three women. “Excellent choices, my king, if I may say so. I couldn’t have selected anyone finer.”
Moira tittered. Faelith gave the lord a sharp look, but I’d bet nothing ruffled this woman.
Calista curtsied before turning her stern gaze Merrick’s way. “I assume her things will be brought to the queen’s suite? ”
Erisandra huffed. Merrick said she’d moved out after his father’s death, but had she hoped to retake the rooms? If so, that could be part of the reason she was miffed. I’d stepped between her and her “dear” son, taking my rightful place as his bride. I could also be worming my way into his heart and shoving her aside. Added to that, I’d sleep in the suite she’d claimed as her own.
I understood how creatures staked out territory, though my experience was mostly with dragons. A spike of a tail when a smaller dragon came near. A gash of claws to mark the other as lower in the hierarchy. Or a flapping of wings and a gouging out with wing tips to make a younger dragon cower. They weren’t above shooting flames at a rival, though their inner eyelids and scales protected them from most of the fire.
Perhaps it was time I learned to wield my own flames.
“My king doesn’t bother himself with such things.” Lord Briscalar sniffed at Calista. “I, naturally, as head of the queen’s household, will supervise those arrangements.”
I wanted to thank him again for tucking my dingy, worn pack and my things into a prettier bag. I could bear how anyone treated me even if I flinched inside, but I would do nothing to shame Merrick in the staff’s eyes.
I didn’t bring much with me, however.
“We’ll get to work right away, then, my lord. If you’ll give us leave.” Calista scowled at the other two, her version of the gouge of a wing spike to establish authority. But she was the eldest. “We’re wasting time, ladies. We have things to do for our new queen.”
“Yes,” Lord Briscalar said, his back ramrod straight. “ Unpack her things. Ensure her suite is neat and tidy. I don’t want to find dust or even a hint of disarray. I’ll inspect your work in due time.”
Calista huffed but spun along with the other two. They scurried down the hall to the right of the stairs.
“I, um . . .” I leaned close to Merrick. He must know that it would only take them seconds to hang up my things.
He squeezed my hand and kissed my cheek. But his whispered words warmed me through. “I took the liberty of adding to your wardrobe again, Wildfire. I hope you don’t mind. Dresses, among other things.”
“Tunics and pants?” My face ached from my smile. “A few pairs of leathers, I hope?”
“How could I miss out on seeing leathers hug your amazing ass?” His words feathered across my skin, spoken for my ears alone.
“I’ll find you the next time I wear them.”
“I look forward to that.” He dismissed the rest of the staff. “About what happened on the ship this morning.” The patterns in the floor beneath his feet started shifting again, darting this way and that in agitation.
“Yes.” Lord Briscalar’s face darkened, the somewhat frilly man I’d come to know suddenly infused with steel. “It’s been handled.”
“In your way or mine?” Merrick bit out.
The lord’s gaze met Merrick’s. “In your way, my king. I took care of it personally.”
“Good.” Merrick gripped the lord’s shoulder, and the floor smoothed once more. “I won’t permit anything like that to happen again.”
“Neither will I, my king.” Lord Briscalar cleared his throat. “If you’ll give me leave, I’d like to ensure the arrangements are made for the day, plus start assembling the staff needed for the coronation. Do you have suggestions?”
Merrick glanced down at me as if seeking my approval. “I thought we could hold a grand dinner to follow the afternoon ceremony and top the day off with a masked ball, if that sounds good to you.”
I murmured agreement. He knew more about this sort of thing than me. A masked ball sounded fun.
“I love how long the days last in the summer,” he added. “It’ll still be light out when the masked ball starts. The gardens viewed from the balcony are gorgeous at dusk.”
“When should we hold the combined events, my king?” the lord asked. “I’d like to send the invitations by sprite immediately.”
“I thought in seven days’ time.” Merrick glanced at me. “Does that still sound good to you?”
If he wanted me to organize all this, he should give me a year, but Lord Briscalar would help. I nodded and gave Merrick a smile.
“Very good, then. In seven days’ time, you’ll be crowned my queen. We’ll dine with our friends after, and then we’ll top the evening off with the masked ball.”
Lord Briscalar’s breathing came out a bit jerky, but he covered with aplomb. “A tight schedule.” His sly smile rose. “I look forward to the challenge.” After dipping forward in another bow, he hurried down the same hallway my staff had taken, his voice echoing in the large room. “Isolde! Horestigen. Eldric. Attend to me immediately.” He clapped his hands. “We have much to take care of.”
“Mother,” Merrick said. “I’d love it if you helped Reyla and Lord Briscalar with the arrangements.”
Erisandra strutted over with her entourage oozing behind her. Warmth did not shine in her eyes, but by now, I didn’t expect it. I assumed it might take a very long time before I found the friendship I craved anywhere on this stiff carcass of a mother-in-law, if ever. “No one understands the role of a queen in this court better than me.” Her gaze slid down my frame, and I got the idea she did not see me filling that role anytime soon.
“Which is why you’ll be perfect to help.” Merrick’s arm gave me a squeeze. “Then you can get to know my bride better.”
“Yes, yes, lovely, dear.” Her subtle glare landed on me again. “I trust you find Evergorne Court to your liking?”
I’d barely gotten here, but sure. I forced a smile. “It's beautiful. Truly amazing.” Especially her son, one of the few shining lights in this situation.
“Indeed.” She released a curt nod. “I've spent years ensuring it meets the high standards befitting the royal family of Evergorne, and I’m confident you’ll do your best to continue this tradition.”
I tilted my head; no need to curtsy, though I did wish I had wings spikes I could gouge into her sides. “Of course.”
Merrick cleared his throat, drawing his mother's attention again, and his voice came out strong and firm. “Reyla will make an excellent queen, Mother. ”
Erisandra's gaze lingered on his arm securely around my waist before she offered a tight-lipped smile. “Your father would have been proud of you right now.”
The mention of his late father seemed to deflate Merrick, but he quickly composed himself. “Thank you, Mother. I can only hope to live up to his legacy.”
Her lips pursed. “Yes, I’m sure you do.”