Chapter 51
IZADELLA
She waits for us at a round table set for tea in a large library.
I should give a polite curtsy worthy of a royal, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude for her, so instead I hug her. If she hadn’t sought out Leon, I would still be married and mistreated ’til death granted me an escape.
Leon is next to hug her. “It was a pleasure to murder your brother.” He says with a sly smile.
She bursts out laughing. “It’s by far the best gift you have ever given to me.”
I introduce Nueena and Tavien to her. While they have seen each other, Cyanna and Lyrora officially meet.
“Thank you for coming,” Lyrora says to us all as we take our seats.
“I hope to have a great relationship with Ellova and Kalvorn. I know mortals and fae have had a great many conflicts in the past. It may take some time for my people to get used to the knowledge that the fae truly exists, but I would like us to be allies.”
“That is what I desire as well,” Nueena says. “Della said she was able to assist in some of your crops returning. I would like to offer further aid. Whatever you need ’til your kingdom is stable again.”
“Kalvorn as well. My brother has ships on their way to you now.” Leon adds.
Lyrora’s shoulders sink in relief. “Thank you. Adreania is truly in disarray. Only a few guards returned to tell the tale of what happened in the woods. Once Grayden’s body was retrieved, did his counsel concede.
Thankfully, most of my citizens have given me their full support, but Grayden has many supporters who wish to challenge my birthright since I am a woman.
There are whispers that the counsel wishes to seize control of the throne at my first misstep. ”
Nueena’s answering smile is devious. “Well, we will have to teach them to keep their mouths shut on such matters. Let them know the support and friendship of both Ellova and Kalvorn is only offered to you. Those who threaten your rule will learn to understand that.”
They share a smile, and I know a beautiful friendship has just begun.
Farren, who surprisingly followed us throughout our entire journey, hops onto Lyrora’s lap, which delights her. She feeds him a few pieces of cured meat before he curls into a ball against her.
She wears the elegant sapphire tiara I made for her the night Leon and I met in the forest.
“May I make you a new crown while I am here?” I ask. “The one you wear now is beautiful for a princess, but you need a crown fitting of a queen.” I hope she does not take offence.
Her eyes light up. “Oh yes, I would like that very much.”
A honeyguard hands me the small wooden crate I brought. I unpack silver and gold bars, and open velvet pouches with gems and pearls.
“Gold or silver?”
She leans forward. “Silver, please.”
The silver bar swirls in my hand into a circle and Lyrora lets out a little gasp, which amuses me.
“What would you like on it?”
“Stars,” she says quickly.
I smile at that, touching the metal, my powers rushing forward, joyful about being used again.
The wondrous sensation fills me with warmth as the silver spins around my fingertips.
Soft points rise up around the whole crown with stars forming around them, smaller ones decorating the base.
At my touch, every gem is placed in the center of each one, diamonds and light sapphires to match her blue-gray eyes.
It shines beautifully, and I walk over, presenting it to her. She takes it, awestruck, thanking me. A servant comes to take her tiara and Lyrora places her new crown on her head.
A perfect fit.
Now she looks like a true queen.
We dine together, happily enjoying the drinks and food.
Beggars’ Row was condemned and all who remained were given new housing arrangements. Cyanna asks that the orphanage be relocated to the castle, an idea Lyrora loves, and plans are arranged to bring back all the children from Kalvorn.
Nueena shares the wisdom she has learned from four generations of rulers while Adreania’s new queen listens intently.
Someone clears their throat, and we all turn to the source of the sound.
A terrified servant woman stands at the door, looking between all of us and then at Leon. “Excuse my interruption, but may I speak to Healer Leon? P-please.”