Chapter 24
Cethin
“Before we get started with what I’m sure is a very long list of topics to go over today,” Cethin said from the head of the table, “we need to discuss the upcoming Union Celebration.”
All eyes went to Kailia, who was seated to his right. He’d asked her to attend today’s advisory council meeting, at least for this part of it. He’d never wish these meetings on anyone, and he’d told Kailia she could leave after this initial matter was handled if she wanted to.
“As the Union itself will take place on the night of the full moon,” Lady Mariel was saying, “I think we all assumed the Union Celebration would take place a few days later. Give the two of you time to…celebrate on your own.”
Gods, he fucking wished.
As it stood, he couldn’t even touch Kailia without warning her first, or he risked being stabbed. Again.
He could feel Tybalt’s eyes on him to his left, and he internally sighed. Guess he’d get this over with. It wasn’t like anyone could do anything about it anyway. What was done was done.
Keeping his features impassive and casual, he said, “The Union Celebration can happen on the full moon. The Union itself has already been anointed.”
There was a collective gasp and jolts of surprise from around the table, more than one pair of eyes darting to his left hand where his fingers drummed on the table. A few looked at Kailia, but she had her hands in her lap. Probably fingering the dagger at her thigh with all this attention.
The thought had a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I’m going to say what we’re all thinking,” Lord Harlan said, not nearly enough trepidation in his tone after the last time Kailia had sat at this table. His brown eyes narrowed. “There is no Union Mark?”
Cethin made a show of looking out the window, where the sun was still well above the horizon.
“They won’t be visible for quite a few hours,” he answered, meeting the Lord’s gaze once more.
The entire room went still, and he waited to see who was going to be the one to question him. He hadn’t expected it to be his personal Hand.
“Are you saying you… It’s a Lunar Marriage?” Zayan asked.
Cethin turned to the male, finding his face pale and eyes wide.
“I am,” Cethin answered. “The Rite was performed beneath the full moon at Lunae Falls a week ago. Which means we are free to hold the celebration on the next full moon.”
“You’re serious?” Lady Mariel asked, trying to blink away her surprise. “After everything…”
“You didn’t think this was something to discuss with this council?” Lord Harlin asked, a hard edge to his voice.
“I think you are growing a little too bold in your position, Lord Harlin,” Cethin said coldly, waiting until the male lowered his gaze before he went on.
“For decades, this council has pushed me towards a union. This last year, that push became a shove. Now that I have done what was asked, you are upset. I’m wondering if there is any pleasing you at this point. ”
“We have a right to be taken aback by this development,” Lady Carlin interjected. “I don’t think any of us expected you to enter into a Lunar Marriage after everything.”
“I agreed to the marriage you all demanded of me. How that union took place was still my prerogative,” Cethin replied tightly. “Contrary to what this council seems to think, you don’t get a say in every facet of my personal life.”
“I don’t think that’s what anyone is trying to imply,” Lord Tovan tried diplomatically. “We are all just a little shocked and need a minute to process the…new developments.”
“The only thing that needs to be processed is the Union Celebration,” Cethin retorted. “Contract the necessary merchants and businesses to ensure it happens on the next full moon.”
“Since this all happened so suddenly, I think it would be wise for our new queen to say a few words. So we can all get to know her better,” Tybalt said suddenly, his usually warm brown eyes dark and hard as he stared at Kailia.
Razik shifted from where he stood behind her at the wall. He’d been leaning against it with his arms crossed, but he straightened now, gaze darting from his uncle to Kailia.
“What would you like to know?” Cethin asked, glancing at his wife sidelong. She hadn’t moved, and he wondered if she was even breathing at this point.
“We know she’s from Shadowfen, but tell us more,” the Commander said. “What are your parents’ occupations?”
She stared straight at the dragon as she said simply, “I’m not sure what occupations are available in the After.”
Tybalt blinked at the statement, and Cethin was both proud of her for calling the Commander out on the bullshit he was attempting to pull while also feeling like a jackass for never asking her that question.
But in his defense, she answered everything like that.
Direct yet obscure simultaneously. He was trying, but she didn’t simply share things.
It was taking time and patience. The time he had loads of.
The patience was…exhausting. He wasn’t a stranger to the notion, but he’d never experienced it with people and relationships.
Action had always been his preference, even when his parents had opted to wait and move with caution.
He’d dove right in, not content to wait.
This was forcing him to wait. She was forcing him to go slowly and move with caution.
At any moment he felt like he’d go backwards ten steps for the few he’d managed to gain.
The only way he’d successfully learned anything about her was by watching her every move and listening to what she was saying beyond the words spoken.
She’d also become a distraction. That much was evident from the piles of reports and neglected meetings on his schedule.
“My apologies, your Majesty,” Tybalt said, the words tight. “My inquiry was insensitive.”
Kailia shrugged. “Relations are common conversation topics. I simply don’t have the answer to that particular question. Perhaps another?”
Cethin was pressing his thumb to the corner of his mouth to hide his smirk. He was fairly certain she wasn’t purposely goading Tybalt, but the Commander was working to hide his irritation.
“How long have you been in Aimonway?” Lord Tovan tried.
She turned to him, and Cethin could swear he flinched back. It was minuscule, but it was definitely there.
“I visited several times before relocating to the castle after the Esbat Festival,” she answered.
“And your…occupation?” Lady Mariel asked.
“Queen.”
The Lady winced. “Before that, I mean.”
At that, ashes fluttered around her. “I hunt things.”
And that answer had Cethin fighting to keep his features devoid of emotion.
He shouldn’t be surprised. Ash Riders were commonly hired for their stealth and skill, but now he wanted to know who.
Who had she worked for in the past? What had she hunted down?
Did that have something to do with why she couldn’t stand to be touched?
After an extended awkward silence, Cethin said, “Any other questions at this time?” He took his time, looking each person at the table in the eye. Then he faltered as he realized he’d neglected to introduce Kailia to the newest member of the council.
“Lord Astor,” he said. The male straightened at the address. “My apologies for not offering you a formal introduction. My wife, Kailia. Kailia, Corveth Astor, the newest member of the advisory council.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she replied with ease, head tilting as she studied him.
To his credit, the male didn’t fidget or wince like the other members had today. He held Kailia’s stare as he said, “The pleasure is all mine, your Majesty.”
“What territory do you represent?” Kailia asked
“Everfall, your Majesty.”
She hummed. “I hear the city is beautiful.”
“It is. We would love to host you both the next time you visit.”
“I would like that as well,” she replied. “Is there a time of year you suggest?”
“Summer is best. Autumn is beautiful, but the weather takes a turn rather quickly, and the winter can be dreadful at times.”
His smile was kind as he spoke, his onyx hair a little unruly.
His clothing wasn’t as formal and proper as the others at the table.
In fact, his clothing was rather worn. He’d come in work boots, covered with dust and grime, rather than polished shoes or boots, and he was conversing with Kailia as if she were just another person.
He was being respectful, yes, but Kailia was visibly more comfortable in her conversation.
Cethin also had a feeling that a trip to Everfall was in their near future. This was the first time Kailia had shown any interest in Avonleya in general.
She didn’t stay for the rest of the advisory council meeting, and Cethin couldn’t blame her.
He wouldn’t have stayed if he didn’t have to.
She left shortly after her brief conversation with Corveth, Razik with her, before the conversations turned to the attacks, four more Fae that were found dead south of Aimonway, the Elder Clan treaties, and more.
It was well into the night when they finally adjourned, tabling issues while coming to terms on others.
But the matter of the new Fae deaths had him making his way to his study when the moon was already starting to fade from the sky.
The options were this or going back to his rooms, where despite his best efforts, his movements would wake Kailia.
She didn’t sleep through anything, and he suddenly wondered if her revelation about hunting things today had anything to do with that.
As it turned out, it didn’t matter whether or not he went to their rooms. Less than an hour later, there was a soft tap on the door before Kailia was drifting into the study.
Her midnight hair was flowing around her, faint ashes floating amidst the strands, and her eyes swirled languidly, as if her magic had stirred awake as well.
She was clutching a book to her chest, each step into the study soundless.