28. Maxon
Maxon
Chapter twenty-eight
My eyes lock with Raiden’s, and the weight of the situation settles upon us. A wave of tension ripples through the air as everyone begins to gently pick up the Vuriens, placing them into cages. The scene is charged with confusion and distrust. It’s evident in the furrowed brows and clenched jaws of those around us, all watchful of Everly. There is no doubt in my mind that she is the lost druid. I filled Raiden in on what Alivar had said and my thoughts about Everly being my mate before heading back to the castle. He seemed skeptical then, but now? I can practically hear the wheels turning in my best friend's head.
We both know that if Everly is my mate and the long-lost druid princess, it will undoubtedly trigger a cascade of questions and reactions. It won’t be long before her family’s loyal followers emerge from the shadows, seeking the truth and rallying behind their lost princess.
But we can’t afford a massive rebellion, not in the fragile state our realm is already in. The consequences could be catastrophic, tearing apart the peace we have fought so hard to maintain over the years. We have to find a way to navigate this treacherous terrain, to spin the situation in a way that would quell the rising storm of uncertainty. The weight of the last rebellion, which claimed our parents' lives, has made me determined to prevent any further bloodshed.
But there is no turning back now. Everly’s return is a reality, and we have to confront it head-on. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.
Knowing I need to prepare myself for the challenges that lie ahead, I take a deep breath. Raiden gives me a subtle nod. He is with me. As for Everly, we will face the storm as a united front, relying on our trust and unwavering commitment to each other. The fate of our realm rests on our shoulders, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the delicate balance remains intact.
I bite out a curse as Silver suddenly appears in front of us, Everly the focal point of her piercing silver gaze. Raiden's sister has always been an enigma of curiosity. The two white wolves draw nearer, and Silver's attention falls upon them, eliciting a wicked grin.
“I can’t believe it, after all this time . . . ” Silver trails off, shaking her head. “Leo owes me a bottle of ambrosia.”
Raiden huffs out a laugh, crossing his arms.
“We haven’t properly met.” Everly steps closer, holding out her hand. “I’m Everly.”
Silver looks down at Everly’s hand in confusion, and then at me. I raise an eyebrow, waiting to see what she will do. Silver hates physical contact, or any show of affection, really. We never could figure out why. It’s just who she is. The touch or being closer to someone always makes her skin crawl.
Slowly, Silver reaches out her hand and places it in Everly’s. “I’m Silver. This one’s little sister.” Silver points her thumb over her shoulder at Raiden.
Everly’s beautiful face lights up, and she looks absolutely giddy. “Really?”
“Yes. If you need any dirt on him, I have plenty.”
Before any of us can reply to that, Nolan storms over, looking furious. I’m about to step in front of Everly when the two massive wolves leap forward, fangs bared. My arm instinctively wraps around Everly’s waist, tugging her against me. Nolan draws to a stop, his gaze first on the wolves, then raising to meet mine.
“The queen. Now,” he snarls, emphasizing each word.
“You do not give me orders, Nolan. Remember your place,” I growl.
Everly gently runs her hand over the arm I have wrapped around her waist in a soothing motion. A refreshing sense of calm washes over me. Our connection is strengthening, weaving tighter like threads in a tapestry.
Nolan narrows his eyes on us before turning and storming away.
“You know he is going to snitch on you two,” Raiden notes.
“I know,” I grunt.
Everly turns to face me, her hands landing on my chest. “We should go before she gets impatient. I don’t want her any madder at me.”
After the day we’ve had, all I feel like doing is dragging her into bed.
“We will make sure everything goes smoothly out here.” Raiden claps me on the shoulder, and I shoot him a grateful look.
Everly waves goodbye to Silver and Raiden. Then she looks about seeming to search for someone.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, I was just wondering where Kian and Tristan are.”
I sweep the area. “I’m not sure where they are.”
Both went their separate ways when we left the gates. Surprisingly not drawn in by the commotion.
“Huh.”
Everly casts worried glances behind us as the wolves trail us into the castle, their paws padding silently on the floor. “Are they okay to be in here?” she whispers.
“They are fine, though I wouldn’t recommend bringing them into the war room.”
“The war room!” she shouts, her voice echoing down the hall.
I laugh as her cheeks turn a rosy shade of red. “Relax, it’s just where we meet to discuss important matters.”
A few of the noble fae are milling about, whispering and casting distrusting looks at Everly as we make our way through the castle. One group in particular catch my eye. Madeline is talking with Lord Wallcliffe, their eyes narrowing on Everly as they whisper between themselves. Madeline’s gaze moves to me, and her eyes widen.
“You’re glaring,” Everly murmurs under her breath.
With a grunt, I intertwine my fingers with hers, swiftly maneuvering through the crowded main halls. Stopping in front of the door of the war room, I turn Everly to face me, my hands cupping her shoulders. She’s still in her black training clothes and her hair is a complete mess from the ordeal outside, but still she holds herself with poise.
“You ready for this?” I ask her.
“No. I’m never ready for a confrontation with this woman. She is scary.”
“Scarier than me?” I inquire, a grin tugging the corner of my mouth.
“Definitely.”
Leaning forward, I place a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead and step back. “You and me. We face everything together.”
I hold my hand out for her and her brown eyes flicker with sparks of green. She takes my hand and then inhales deeply before looking over at the wolves.
“Nymeria and Anika, stay out here. I have Maxon. I will be fine.”
Both wolves, their snow-white fur shining under the soft sunlight filtering through the tall windows, tilt their heads in unison, their piercing eyes fixed on Everly. The silence hangs in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of the sheer curtains swaying gently in the breeze. Finally, they sit down and stretch out on the floor, their heads resting on their paws. In that moment, I can feel the invisible threads of loyalty and love weaving between Everly and the wolves, binding them together in an unbreakable bond.
“We called these wolves the Ghosts of the Evergreen.”
“Why?”
“They roam the area and the ruins of what I am assuming is your home. No one has ever been able to get a close enough look at them.”
Everly's sadness flows down the bond, weighing heavily on my heart. “They’ve been alone for a long time,” Everly whispers.
“We will figure out what happened. How you ended up in the mortal world.” I lean over and gently kiss her on the temple. Everly nods, her eyebrows raised, and a hint of doubt in her eyes. I lift my hand, and the sound of my knuckles rapping against the surface of the door echoes around us.
“Enter.”
I push open the door and see two of my aunt’s personal guards and a very angry Nolan. Seems he’s going to hold a grudge for getting thrown. I smirk at him, unable to help myself.
Nolan, his face contorted with anger, charges toward us, closing the distance in an instant. I position myself in front of Everly, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My hand clasps firmly around the cold hilt of my sword as it materializes, its blade poised and ready to strike. Without hesitation, I direct it toward Nolan’s neck, the tension in the air almost tangible.
“Not another step,” I growl.
“Oh, boys. Calm down, would you. Nolan, we have much more pressing matters than your bruised ego.”
Nolan grunts and turns away as I drop my arm, allowing my sword to disappear.
“How did you do that?” Everly’s words are filled with awe.
“My sword?”
“Yes. It just appears. But it’s different from the one you carry.”
“I possess the ability to summon my sword, as it is an integral part of my magic. Additionally, I have a regular sword at my disposal.”
“I thought your magic was fire.”
“It is, but I was blessed with more than most when it comes to magic.”
“Can we get on track?” my aunt’s voice cuts in.
I shoot her a glare. “What’s the rush?”
My aunt, with her eyes calculating and cold, completely disregards my presence and approaches Everly, whose body tenses up. In instinct, I reach out to get a feel of her emotions. As I connect with Everly’s, I sense a mix of distrust, nervousness, and anger. The anger puzzles me. I understand the distrust and nervousness, but why the anger?
Lavina extends her hand to touch Everly’s face, but Everly automatically retreats. I closely observe their interaction as they warily assess each other.
The air between them is thick with tension, as if a silent battle of wills is taking place. I can almost hear the unspoken questions passing between them—my aunt’s curiosity about Everly’s past, and Everly’s doubts about Lavina's intentions.
“What have you been told?” I ask, breaking the silent standoff.
Lavina looks over at me, her gaze softening. I know she’s harsh and cold, but I also know she cares.
“Only that Alivar ambushed you and Everly. That you two have been sleeping together, and Everly now has the Evergreen Ghosts in tow.”
I purposely skip over the second part and go to the more pressing matter. “We can’t let the seelie prince get a hold of Everly.”
“How do you know it’s me he wants?”
“Remember the story I told you about the deal the Seelie Court tried to make with the Druids regarding the princess? Alivar thinks if he can get his hands on you, he can force a marriage.”
“He said that?” Everly gasps.
“Not in so many words, but Alivar thinks he can take what he wants.”
“And right now, he wants you,” Nolan adds, rubbing his temples.
“We need to confirm you are the princess,” Lavina adds.
Everly extends her arm, the torn piece of her black shirt hanging open, revealing her rune. The rune imprinted onto her skin is a symbol of her pure druid bloodline, and seems to pulsate with power. My aunt swiftly seizes her arm, forcefully pulling it toward her. A frown forms on Everly’s face while I struggle to contain my grin, relishing in the rare sight of my speechless aunt. With her deep violet eyes fixed on Everly, she then turns her gaze toward me.
“Tomorrow, I want you to accompany Everly to the ruins,” she commands, her voice laced with urgency. “We must determine if it stirs any dormant memories. And remember, this must remain confidential.” Her eyes briefly meet Nolan’s, a silent understanding passing between them. “Understood?”
“Yes, your majesty.” Nolan’ his eyes remain fixed on Everly’s mark. “But what of the coronation?”
Lavina curses and meets my gaze. “Can we push it back three days? That should give you enough time to return.”
I bow my head. “Of course.”