Chapter 6
Nueena, Tavien, and I round the corner that leads to the royal west wing. Everett leans against our front door, waiting.
His nose is bruised where my elbow collided with his face and my stomach sours with guilt.
I know he was trying to protect me last night, following a direct order from Lillian and honoring our years of friendship, but all of that logic cannot take away the phantom sensation of panic as he dragged me away from a dying Leon.
He straightens when we reach him, eyebrows pulled down in concern. “I would say good morning, but I don’t know how much goodness we will find after last night. Della, how are you feeling?”
“I’m all right. Alive, at least, which is more than I can say for our attackers,” I say with a forced smile, jesting to liven the mood.
Everett laughs, but Nueena and Tavien find no humor in it.
“I know Lillian has assigned you as personal guard to Della, but we are returning to our rooms,” Tavien says flatly.
Everett smiles brightly. “Nyvenah wishes to speak with her.” He turns to me. “I am to escort you there.”
I try not to let my face fall. I enjoy Everett’s company, always have.
If I must have a guard by my side, I’m thankful it’s him, but he stands as a reminder that I’m not safe here.
That Leon is not safe. It will also be harder to hide the crown with him hovering around me, but all I can do is plaster on another smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “Oh, all right. One moment, please.”
Their quiet conversation about last night’s horrors fades as I walk swiftly into my room. I grab the gift I made for Nyvenah to wear at the coronation off my worktable and wrap it in silk, sending up a quick gratitude prayer to Ellova that I finished it before my magic was taken from me.
Before I can leave, Nueena takes my hand. “Come find me when you return. We have much to discuss.”
I nod, and by the subtle smile she gives me, I can only guess she wishes to speak about Leon.
She is probably eager to know if anything has happened between us after last night.
I have much to tell her.
The hallway’s marble floors sparkle in the early-morning sunrays through the dome-shaped window, leading to the center of the palace.
The top of the market is just in view, the sounds of busy shoppers filtering in with the scent of baking bread and roasting meat.
The Realm Keeper’s apartments are a few floors above us.
“Everett, I appreciate your willingness to watch over me, but I know you have more important duties.”
“What could be more important than your safety?” He tosses back his light brown hair, his sapphire-studded sword swaying at his hip.
“The Court of Shells has plenty of other sea sentinels ready for duty. They won’t miss me.
” Everett puts his arm around my shoulders in a friendly gesture, squeezing gently in comfort that I appreciate, but it only makes me miss Leon more.
His scent of bergamot and ocean breeze is pleasant, but I long for Leon’s tantalizing sweet strawberry and herb that always soothes.
I step away as we reach a spiral staircase, and he removes his arm so we can ascend. He offers me his hand in a gentlemanly gesture, which I accept as I reach the first step, and he follows me up.
“How is your friend? Still with the infirmary’s healers?”
Friend.
Leon is my friend, but that word no longer fits him. Friendship could no longer encompass the depth of what I feel for him. How much I love him, long for him. What is etched on my soul is exquisite delirium of desire.
“He is well.” There is nothing about Leon he needs to know.
Everett is sincere when he says, “Please accept my apologies about last night. I know my obedience to Lillian caused you great distress. That was never my intention. I was terrified seeing you in that burning garden and I just wished to keep you safe.”
“I understand. I do.” How would I have felt if I arrived only to find my friend in danger? Of course they would be my priority, too. I look back briefly. “Sorry about your nose.”
“Oh, that’s all right. Do you have any idea why you were attacked?”
His curiosity is warranted but I need to lie. Fast. “Someone is unhappy with the High Court. We believe they were trying to send a message with the garden. It was unfortunate I was there for a late-night stroll.”
“Well, I am very glad you are both safe.”
When we reach the top of the stairs, Nyvenah’s two honeyguards allow me to pass as they always have but quickly cross their spears when Everett attempts to follow me.
“Only family past this point,” one of them says with a hint of annoyance.
Everett takes a large step back; his hands raised in front of him in jest. “Of course. I’ll wait here.” He winks at me, leaning against the railing.
I send Everett a small wave and make my way down the hallway to Nyvenah’s rooms. The castle below is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming coronation ball, but the top floor is peaceful.
I knock, but when no one answers, I enter Nyvenah’s and Alachite’s personal living space, my heels echoing over the moonstone floor.
Remnants of lunch that have yet to be cleared away, remain on the large dining room table.
Wisteria hangs outside over the floor-length oval windows that I pass.
The door to their chambers open, a neatly made bed corner peeking into view.
Family portraits and commissioned paintings from the Gem Court cover most of the wall space, with plush cream couches in one corner and a door leading to a large library with vibrant texts just behind it.
“Hello?” I call out from the doorway to her bedroom.
“Here,” Nyvenah’s kind voice calls out, and I follow it, finding her deep in her closet. Her white hair is down, curls cascading to her knees. She wears the Realm Keepers crown as she always does, made of braided gold with six points of striking craftsmanship. One for each court.
She is looking between two stunningly crafted gowns hanging off the beautiful oak that grows in the middle of the space.
One branch displays a light lavender gown, its long sleeves encrusted with crystals swirling down, a heavy skirt at the bottom.
The next one is deep purple with a high neckline and short straps that hang off the shoulders with sheer material over the green underdress.
The skirt has enchanted green leaves that fan out at the bottom.
“Can’t decide?” I ask, taking a seat on a cushioned footstool a few inches from her.
She shakes her head, frowning at the dresses, but focuses on me. “You had quite a terrible night. How are you feeling?”
“I’m all right,” I say, placing my head on her hip, her hand quickly coming up to lightly stroke my hair in an affectionate touch that I lean into.
“Leon was very brave, protecting you the way he did. I’m sure it was without hesitation. He truly cares deeply for you.”
“He does.” My throat tightens but I refuse to cry.
Wishing to give her the gift I made for the coronation ball, I change the topic.
“Have you decided on jewelry?” I ask, looking at the two dresses.
The one with long sleeves is elegant, exactly what one would expect the ruler of a realm to wear to celebrate her daughter’s ascension to the throne, but the lighter gown would make dancing easier, leaving room for movement and rhythm in Alachite’s arms.
“Not yet. Reyna found a lovely pair of earrings in one of the archives and brought them over this morning.” She holds up the jewel-encrusted set.
“It's beautiful! I made you something.” I straighten and hold out my gift, which she gingerly unwraps. “I completed it weeks ago, thankfully, before all of this.” I wave a hand at the crown on my head and its unwelcome residence.
I try to keep the sadness out of my voice, but her eyes soften at me, so I know she heard it.
Within the silk is a necklace with five purple stones: two dark-purple, pear-shaped ones on the end with two round, smaller, paler gems, one each side.
Four stones for her three daughters and me hang down, and in the center, another is so light in color it looks closer to a diamond than an amethyst.
Nyvenah’s face brightens with genuine surprise and delight, one hand over her heart. “Oh, Della, this is stunning. Thank you. Help me put it on?”
I stand as she pulls her hair to the side so I can clasp the two ends of the necklace together. She stands in front of a giant mirror and admires it.
“Nueena is blessed to have such a friend.”
I laugh a little at that. “No, it’s my honor to have her. She was born for this and is going to make us all very proud.”
“That she is.” The gloss of Nyvenah’s eyes and the pride in her voice brings tears rushing back.
“Nueena’s rule in Ellova will be one of honesty, strength, and passionate stewardship of the fae here. You raised a daughter we can believe in.” My vision blurs as we smile at each other.
“I have something for you as well.” Nyvenah goes into her study and returns to me, holding out a scroll of paper.
Her Realm Keeper seal is pressed deep into the rich gold-and-purple wax that keeps the paper neatly rolled. Unraveling it, I scan the contents, which appear to be some decree.
Henceforth, Leon, healer from Adreania, is now a recognized citizen of Ellova and an honored member of the Ellovian High Court.
“Oh, Nyvenah,” I whisper, reading the words over and over again.
“Leon has worked tirelessly to assist with the elixir, and his affections are clear. While I still have many concerns and fear this will end in heartache for you, I do not wish to add to your reluctance with him. I know if Alachite were mortal, I would have taken any time I could with him and gladly mourned for a thousand years for that treasured time.” She takes my hand.
“You have much to consider: the possibility of a broken heart that leads to an enervation death, the madness, and the dagger of time. Love is not always easy, but it is worth it. I wish to see you happy, like all my dewlings.”
I nod, overwhelmed with the decree in my hand. “Thank you.” It's a broken whisper wrapped in gratitude.
“Nueena knows, but you do not have to mention it to anyone besides her just yet. If you wish to continue to tell him that mortals are still forbidden as a way to protect your heart, I will not say anything, and he can continue believing that. This is your gift to give him, if and when you are ready.”
We are quiet together for a long time as I reread the words before I throw my arms around her. “Thank you.”
She pulls me into a mother’s hug, her body swaying back and forth with me cradled against her. “I have a meeting but go find Nueena. The two of you have a long day ahead of you.”
Everett escorts me back to my rooms, but before I can release him from his protection duties, he asks to come in. “Could I get the next book in the series you lent me?”
I know exactly where the book is. It will take no time to pass it over and make up a reason for him to leave so I can find Leon. “Of course. Come on in.”
“Thank you.”
The main living area is empty, and he follows me inside. “I’ll be right back.” I’m halfway through the library when his own footsteps follow mine and I wish he stayed in the main entrance.
It feels too intimate for even a friend I care deeply about.
This is Leon’s space. A place for soft touches and sweet, stolen moments. Our space. Our sanctuary from impending madness and murderous crowns.
I quickly move to the small bookshelf in my room and find the next book in the series. It’s one of my favorites, plenty of action and adventure. I grab the worn leather book, and when I turn around, I find him standing before me, surprisingly close.
His eyes are brimming with soft concern. “Della, sleep abandoned me last night. I kept thinking of the garden on fire and you in the flames. You could’ve been seriously hurt or—” He doesn’t manage to finish the sentence.
Killed.
I open my mouth to speak, but he rushes to finish.
“I know this is your home, but after what happened in the market and then the garden and now Lillian assigning me as your protector…maybe this isn’t the place for you anymore.” He takes my hand, his thumb caressing my knuckle. “I can keep you safe.”
It's sweet that he cares, but I slip my hand out of his.
“I may not be safe here, but there is nowhere else I would rather be.” He cannot offer me any more protection than I have now, but it is a kind offer from a trusted friend.
“I will not leave my home so close to the coronation unless Nueena thinks it is necessary.” I press the book into his chest and leave the room, knowing he will follow.
“I can take you to the Court of Shells’ seaside manor. I know a village nearby we can hide away in. Please. We can take Farren too. He will love chasing those little blue crabs.”
My heart clenches at the mention of Farren. He would adore a new place to explore.
I hesitate. Maybe it would be for the best. I could be putting everyone in danger. Some of Grayden’s traitorous firefae allies may be dead, but he will find more, if he hasn't already. They are willing to kill to get me, no matter who I am with.
Am I selfish for staying?
My stomach sinks. I cannot ask anyone else this question or they will rush to reassure me I am not, even if it is a lie.
“I will leave that decision up to Nueena and Nyvenah. If they say it’s best I leave, I will consider it. Lillian has already made that suggestion and it was rejected.”
Everett purses his lips and nods. “If you change your mind, let me know. Lillian said you are safe in your room, but I will be near should you need me.”
He leaves but his words bring new dismay.
The elixir is nearly complete and so is Leon’s role in it. He has proven he would rather go mad than be parted from me. Maybe I need to make a choice for the both of us to keep us alive, even if it means not being able to say goodbye.