CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE #2
Aemon nods and I turn back towards the throne room.
Its expansive space is large enough to host large balls, with six pillars along the edges of the room reaching up to the long, domed ceiling.
On the far side is the silver throne, adorned with a deep purple cushion.
It’s the biggest chair I’ve ever seen, even now that I’m older.
It still seems dauntingly huge, or maybe it’s just the responsibility that comes with being able to sit on it.
On each side of the throne are two slightly smaller thrones, meant for the Queen’s consorts.
I quite dislike that—instead of being titled King, as we are equals, that the name sounds so…
degrading. I never understood why they chose for the mates of the queen to be called that.
I wonder if that’s something I can change.
Sir Geoffrey enters the throne room from the other side and strides toward us. We meet in the center of the room and he bows. “Princess Maeven. I hope you’ve had a pleasant few days to adjust to being back home. The fae of Maleen are excited to have you listen to their requests. Are you ready?”
I take a deep breath. “I would prefer to be called Princess Ravina, if I need the title at all.”
His brows furrow. “We can discuss your name at a later date. We have quite a busy day ahead of us. Shall we?”
Talyn growls low in his throat and Aemon throws him a look clearing his throat.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I smile tightly and make my way to the dais.
I stand in front of the throne my mother once sat on with my fathers at her side, and emotion clogs in my throat.
Now is fortunately not the time to get emotional over this, so I shove it all back to be dealt with without an audience.
I turn and promptly sit, and I’m thankful that the Fates don’t blast me from the throne—a fear I didn’t even know I had until a moment ago. Aemon and Talyn have pride glowing in their eyes as they each take a seat at my side.
And I take a deep breath as the first fae walks in. A male dressed in finery approaches and bows deeply, and then waits. He seems familiar but I can’t put my finger on it.
“You might want to address him so he doesn’t stay bowing,” Talyn states with a small smile.
“Oh! Thank you, you may speak.” I wince, sounding very unlike a Queen and more like a flustered fledgling.
The male smiles softly at me. “Princess Maeven. It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you doing so well. I was good friends with your fathers. You used to stop by my tavern in the morning with them for ice cream.”
My eyes widen as the memories come back of early summer mornings with my fathers and I sneaking out of the castle for an early treat. “Sir Wilson! It has been a long time. How can I assist you today?” There we go, that sounded better.
“I’m glad to see you still remember me. I wanted to talk about the possibility of opening trade soon for supplies we can’t grow or acquire here in Maleen. Certain herbs, spices and syrups. We have a few we’ve been able to grow, but my tavern would much like to liven up its menu again.”
I swallow, worried I might say the wrong thing. “I will talk to our trade liaison and see if it would be possible, but until the war is over, it might be difficult to negotiate with certain provinces.”
“The note has been made,” Aemon states as he jots down on a scroll and parchment. I didn’t even realize he had that.
“Good job princess, you’re a natural,” Talyn adds, and I find myself relaxing at his words.
Sir Wilson says his thanks and bows before leaving, and the next fae comes in.
It goes like this for hours, all of them asking about trade or wishing to know when they will be able to leave.
Some are looking to arrange their daughters with suitable males from the Guard or wondering if we will be hosting regular balls again.
It is exhausting, and by the time the last fae comes and goes, I just want to be carried back to my room for a nap.
Sir Geoffrey steps forward from the side where he oversaw everything, probably taking his own notes. “Very good, Princess. You’re a natural; your mother would be proud.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure how she did it.”
His gaze softens. “You will get better at it the more you do it. Now, lunch should be ready, and then Madam Windwhisper wishes to discuss things with you since things have calmed down. I’m sure she wants to discuss planning your welcome-home ball and your coronation," he states flippantly.
“Coronation? My mother still lives.” I swallow. Surely that wouldn’t follow until… after.
His face turns solemn. “Yes, this is true. It wouldn’t be held until… after, but it’s best to have things prepared. Now, if you would make your way to the gardens for lunch. I will speak with your mates on today’s matters.”
I glance at Aemon, who seems equally annoyed with my mother’s advisors. “Don’t worry, Little Dream; when you officially take over for your mother, you can name your own advisors and change the staff if you wish. It’s usually common practice to use the previous Queen’s until then.”
I nod so he knows I heard him.
“I’ll join you for lunch,” Talyn murmurs, stepping up beside me as Aemon guides Geoffrey from the throne room, discussing all the notes he has taken. He is really good at this royal thing.
“Let’s get some food,” I sigh, threading my fingers through Talyn’s before reaching through the bond for Nero. “Lunch! Can you grab Ember, Roz and Lennox and tell them to join us too?”
His excitement for food comes down the bond first. “Yes I can! See you soon and save me some berries!”