Twenty-Two
Aeryn
Knots formed in my shoulders as Nox led me through the halls of Thornewood. His grip on my hand was firm, possessive. I tried not to notice the warmth of his calloused palm against mine or the way his strides matched my own, as if we”d walked this path together a hundred times before.
Ahead, guards stood at attention to the left and right of the primary entrance used for official visits to the castle. A battle of nerves was waiting for me on the other side.
Before we reached the exit, Nox halted and turned to face me. His eyes, stormy and endless, peered into my own. “Are you ready?”
I swallowed. “As I”ll ever be.”
“Stay by my side,” he ordered. “No matter what.”
“Always,” I promised, earning a soft kiss and a sensual purr from his umbral.
Nox squeezed my hand and continued our journey. As we approached, the doors opened and we, as one, stepped out into the bright light of the sun.
We walked forward, across the veranda, halting at the top of the stairs. Below us was a large courtyard framed with an arched entrance along the outer wall. This was where official visitors were typically welcomed to Thornewood.
The gates were wide open for the horse drawn carriages bringing families or their representatives to retrieve their contestant, or former contestant I supposed.
The trial-bound females stood at the base of the stairs, lined up and waiting for their kin to arrive. Many were clad in fine silks and velvets, adorned with jewels that glinted under the sun.
They believed the king had been generous with their parting gifts. Really, it had been Lorne who suggested throwing some shiny things at them to ease their egos and make it less likely the shallow ones would act out.
A few chose to wear what they”d arrived in. I knew Sofiya had plans to sell the clothing and jewels, though I told her to hang on to some of the shoes she adored so much.
In comparison, Nox and I were dressed for battle in dark leathers, identical to the royal guards at our back. I may not have been a seasoned soldier, but looking the part had given me a much needed boost of confidence.
No jewels or finery, not even for ornamentation, were part of our uniform. The only things adorning our bodies were a variety of blades.
Instead of giving me back my family”s dagger, Nox had it cleaned and hung on the wall in his quarters. It was right next to the royal sword his father had passed down to him.
The memory of discovering it yesterday while I lounged in his arms helped strengthen my resolve. I focused and took in the activity of the newcomers in the courtyard below.
A couple of the more prominent families had arrived early. They milled about, equally as lavish and ostentatious as their daughters.
I gritted my teeth against their curious stares and whispers, forcing myself not to fidget beside Nox.
“Pay them no mind,” Nox said under his breath, leaning close. His breath stirred the fine honey-brown hairs at my temple and I resisted the urge to shiver. “Remember the plan.”
I tipped my chin up, steadying my nerves. Nox was right. I would not let their judgment and scorn distract me from my purpose. I had a duty to fulfill and I aimed to see it through.
The conspirators who murdered Nox”s father and sought to destroy his line would not escape justice if I had any say.
Nox squeezed my hand again, a silent show of support. I breathed deep and met the expectant gazes of the fae below with defiance. Let them look their fill. I had nothing to prove to them.
Today I stood at the side of my king. Above them. Literally, I laughed to myself as we watched from the top of the stairs.
The next carriage to come through the gates expelled a family dressed in frothy pinks and blues. Ribbons and lace adorned their hair and clothes. The female inside the coach stared up at me with unveiled disgust, her lips pinched. I inclined my head in greeting and she turned her nose up with a haughty sniff.
Beside me, Nox tensed. His eyes glinted dangerously and his hand tightened on mine.
I leaned into him, murmuring under my breath, “Maybe try not to look so murderous before we even begin.”
He huffed out a breath but relaxed his stance. “As you say, mate.”
The next three carriages passed in a similar fashion, a riot of color and judgmental stares. With each scornful look, Nox bristled until he fairly vibrated with tension at my side.
I didn”t need to touch him to feel the thrum of aggression in his veins or glimpse the beast prowling behind his eyes, waiting to be unleashed.
Odds were they were simply pompous assholes who were upset their line would not be tied to the crown. I doubted they all carried themselves so haughtily because they were conspiring to take out the royal line.
After the tenth carriage, Nox muttered, “It”s like they want me to rip out their throats.”
“Do they always carry themselves like this or is it because I”m here with you?”
He hesitated.
“I see.”
“Aeryn—”
“We came out here early so we could watch them, to observe their behaviors over their daughters being sent home, remember? The majority of the families are simply happy to see their daughters and paying us hardly any attention.”
Lorne came up behind us, speaking low. “You still have ten minutes, Your Majesty. What happened to my calm and cool brother?”
“He mated a female that he fears he put in danger and that danger might be rolling up in front of her, hiding behind a fake smile and silk pantaloons.”
“Ah. That explains it,” Lorne stated solemnly. “Silk pantaloons are worrisome, indeed.”
I pressed my lips, chest shaking. “I didn”t know you were capable of making a joke, Sir Lorne.”
“It wasn”t meant to be one.”
I coughed trying to cover the laugh. Nox’s lips twitched.
“Liam and I can adjust our positions, if you want. Just give the signal.”
Nox shook his head and Lorne went back to his post.
When the last carriage came through the gates, I turned my attention to the order in which the families were lining up. It was difficult to tell with so many crowded together, but I was thankful Nox had dictated my favorite family would be seen first.
The carriage door opened and Sofiya”s mother emerged, her brunette waves tumbling over her shoulders in artful disarray. Brigid”s eyes lit with love.
She hurried out to throw her arms around her daughter”s neck, soon followed by Alistair, Sofiya”s father. I couldn”t hear what they were saying but I could see their joy at being a family reunited.
A small pang rippled through my chest. I was so very thankful Sofiya was safe in their arms.
Liam motioned to Sofiya and the Quinn family began ascending the stairs. Brigid and Alistair followed their daughter at a sedate pace. While this wasn”t an official ceremony, it certainly had a formal feel.
Sofiya introduced her parents to the king. Then, though Nox knew exactly who these fae were to me, he said, “And allow me to introduce you to my mate and soon to be wife.”
Wife. It wasn”t a word he”d thrown around yet. I knew what the end goal of the trials were, but a part of me lamented he hadn”t actually proposed.
Though, it hardly mattered. We were already mated.
Brigid”s eyes were suspiciously bright as she gazed at me, her lips trembling with the effort not to cry. She had always been quick to tears, though her strength and wisdom were not to be underestimated.
“Congratulations, sweetheart!” Brigid exclaimed, hugging me close. I returned her embrace, breathing in her familiar floral scent. “I”ve missed you terribly, Aeryn.”
“I missed you, too,” I said, squeezing her once more before releasing her.
“Mother, I think you have to call her Lady Aeryn,” Sofiya whispered loudly.
“Oh!” Brigid”s big eyes blinked. “Apologies!”
“No, no apologies. I”m not used to it either and I certainly would never ask it of you. His Majesty understands.”
And he did. We fought over it just this morning. He”d gotten even more irked when I told him to stop referring to my beast as an it. It was a she, just as his was a he.
That one I hadn”t won yet.
Alistair bowed low before Nox, gratitude etched into the lines of his suntanned face. “Your Majesty, we cannot thank you enough for sending aid to Greenhollow. The harvest is nearly complete, and our stores will be full this winter because of your generosity. Though Aer—er, Lady Aeryn is not our own child, we feel like she is and are overjoyed she has found someone so benevolent.”
I blinked at Nox, surprise flickering through me. He had sent help to Greenhollow? I had only been gone from there a short time. How had he known they needed help?
Nox inclined his head. “I only wish I”d known sooner of the troubles over the past year and how shorthanded the village had become. I”ll trust you to keep me abreast moving forward, yes?”
“Absolutely, Your Majesty.”
Nox”s mouth quirked into a lopsided smile. “Good male. Besides, I could not have my chosen mate worrying over the state of her land or her chosen family”s land.” His gaze slid to mine, dark and fathomless. “Her focus needed to be on me.”
“Your arrogance knows no bounds,” I stated flatly, ignoring the heat staining my cheeks. Trust Nox to issue such a command purely for his own benefit.
“You like my arrogance,” he countered smugly.
I sniffed. “Only when it is warranted.”
Nox chuckled and curled an arm around my waist, tugging me against his side. I went willingly, settling into the warmth and strength of him. Whatever the reason behind his actions, I was grateful for the help he provided to Greenhollow.
“It”s good to see you, Lady Aeryn,” Brigid said, dabbing at her eyes with a kerchief.
A watery smile curved her lips as she gazed between me and Nox. “And happier than I could have imagined. You”ve made a good match. And to a king no less!”
“Mother,” Sofiya chided gently, slipping an arm through Brigid”s. But there was no hiding her own joy or the approval in her eyes as she looked upon us.
I breathed deep of the peace and contentment unfurling inside me and leaned further into Nox”s embrace. Difficult as our task may be, he was worth it.
The next group of fae to ascend the stairs were a trio of males, dressed in fine silks and velvets in shades of emerald, sapphire and aubergine. Gold embroidery lined their jerkins and a few gaudy rings adorned their long, pale fingers.
Nox tensed beside me, his gaze sharpening on the three. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye but said nothing, waiting to see how he would react. If he sensed something amiss, I trusted his judgment.
Then I noticed they did not have a contestant escorting them.
“King Nox,” the tallest of the three greeted with a shallow bow. He had white-blond hair and pale blue eyes that held a mocking glint as they slid my way.
I offered my hand which he took, skin cold and clammy. Dori”s face flashed brightly in his mind. Oh no.
“And the Greenhollow wench. What an interesting pairing you make.”
I stiffened at the insult but bit my tongue. Now was not the time to engage, no matter the provocation. He had nothing to do with the conspiracy. He was merely a disturbed father with an already unpleasant personality.
Nox”s arm tightened around me in silent warning. “Lord Dalric. I would caution you against insulting my mate.” His voice was soft but laced with menace. “I shall forgive you this trespass as I know the loss of your Dori must be affecting your better judgment. My condolences to you and your wife.”
Dalric”s lips arced. “How gracious, Your Highness.”
The sneer in his tone gave him away, but Nox merely inclined his head in acceptance of the insincere attempt at an apology. I doubted Dori”s death was more than an inconvenience for Dalric when it should have been a devastating incident.
Not allowing his manners to get in the way of courtly procedures, Dalric introduced his companions who were cousins of his. Neither had knowledge of any plot.
As Dalric and his brethren moved on, I frowned up at Nox. “Do you know him well?”
“We have met on occasion at court. He has never made a pretense of his dislike for my family or rule.” Nox gazed down at me, his eyes glowing faintly. “And now, it seems, he extends that dislike to you.”
“I can manage his petty insults,” I said dismissively.
“Can you now?” Nox”s smile held a hint of canine. “Then perhaps I should step back and allow you to put him in his place.”
I snorted. “Tempting as that may be, now is hardly the time or place for such confrontations over someone”s dislike of me. I”m sure it”s going to be a common theme in the short term. As I said, I can manage.”
Nox sighed. “You”re determined to make me proud with your restraint and wisdom, aren”t you?”
“One of us has to display those qualities,” I retorted dryly.
A bark of laughter escaped him. Nox shook his head, the glow in his eyes softening to muted warmth. “Touché, little hellion.”
The next group approached, a large family of wood nymphs dressed in earthy tunics and trousers. I released a small breath of relief at their friendly smiles and bowed heads. At least this introduction would be free of thinly veiled hostility.
Nox performed the introductions, his voice warm and inviting. “May I present my mate and chosen bride, Lady Aeryn of Greenhollow.”
I inclined my head in greeting, offering a small smile. “Well met,” I said, using the same wording they had.
The wood nymphs echoed the sentiment, their thoughts radiating welcome and congratulations. I didn”t see any of the contestants with the large group.
“I”m sorry, but whose family are you?”
The matriarch giggled. “We”re Hilda”s family. She spoke very highly of you and asked permission for us to visit, which His Highness kindly agreed to.”
She could have knocked me over with a feather.
I relaxed, reaching to clasp their hands in turn and murmuring my thanks for their kind words. As they departed to greet Hilda on the far side of the veranda, Nox reached up to close my mouth.
“Shocking, she comes from all that bubbling energy and warmth, isn”t it?” he remarked.
“Yes.”
“Hilda acts her part when I need her to, but she”s actually quite loyal.”
I was shaking my head in wry disbelief when a stir of unease rippled through the courtyard. I glanced up to find a burly fae in charred leathers storming across the cobblestones, his molten gaze fixed high on the steps.
On me. Oh gods.
“Boaz,” Nox whispered to me as he signaled the guards to let him through. “Zoriyah”s father.”
My heart leapt into my throat as he bounded up the stairs, fists clenched and rage etched into every line of his harsh face.
“Murderess!” he bellowed.
Nox threw up shadows to shield me as he jumped a few steps down to meet Boaz before he got to the top. The wall of guards closed in tight.
Panic and guilt squeezed my heart. I faltered back a step, colliding with solid warmth. Hands steadied me.
“Stay calm, Aeryn,” Lorne commanded. “This will get much worse if Nox thinks Boaz is scaring you.”
Unable to answer with words, I nodded mutely.
“Leave,” Nox ordered the male.
“Not until I have her life!” Boaz tried to get around him. It seemed like a half-hearted effort.
Nox grabbed him by the throat, shadowy magic flaring around his hands. “I will not say it again. Leave. Now.”
“She murdered my daughter!” Boaz shook with fury, his fiery aura lashing around him. “My only daughter, she loved you,” he let out a shaky breath. “She loved you so much.”
I winced. The anguish in his voice was heartbreaking, but I wasn”t sure his daughter actually knew how to love anyone.
Nox”s eyes gleamed obsidian. “Zoriyah”s death was a tragedy. Though I don”t enjoy adding to it, old friend, I”ll tell you that your daughter”s death was her own fault. She had been told, both before and during the combat trial, not to use her magic. She didn”t listen and tried to strike a killing blow. In fact she nearly succeeded in taking Aeryn”s life. So don”t stand there and pretend like Zoriyah was a victim when you know damn well what she was capable of. Aeryn had no choice but to defend herself.”
Boaz”s icy blue eyes flashed with sorrow and pain.
“I understand your grief, but if you ever threaten my mate again …” he trailed off meaningfully, shadows writhing around his fingers.”
Boaz stared at him, chest heaving. After a long moment, he sagged. The rage leached from his expression, leaving behind anguish and regret.
My heart twisted. If anyone understood loss, it was I. I knew the depths of Boaz”s grief, that chasm of despair that threatened to swallow you whole, and I did not wish it on him.
“Please accept my condolences for your loss,” I said softly. “Zoriyah”s death weighs heavily on me.”
Boaz gazed at me, tears glimmering in his eyes. He opened his mouth but no words emerged. With a jerky nod, he pivoted on his heel and descended the stairs.
Then I was in Nox”s arms, trembling. He folded me close, stroking my hair. “You did nothing wrong.”
I nodded against his chest, taking a moment to compose myself. I looked down into the courtyard. The other fae were studiously avoiding looking our way, uncomfortable witnesses to the emotional scene.
“What a shit show,” Nox said, his breath warm against my ear. “Do you need a break?”
“No, let”s get through this. Please.”
Nox pressed a kiss to my temple and raised his voice, “My patience has run out. The next fae to draw my ire will meet my beast.”
Murmurs met our ears. Someone cried out. Nox smiled menacingly and called for the line to continue.
We got through four more families and I cleared them all. I couldn”t decide if that was good or bad. No, definitely bad.
Nox deserved answers and I”d nearly forgotten about the wraith who tried to drown me. I wanted answers, too, damn it.