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CHAPTER TWELVE
“I agree with what Ash said about keeping the address short and to the point,” Rhain said, referencing the discussion we’d had on the way back from the Valley of Blood. “That would limit the probability of something being said that shouldn’t be.”
My brows pulled together as I glanced over Reaver to where Rhain sat on the antechamber couch. Exactly what did he think I would say that I shouldn’t?
“And it also lessens the risks involved with going before so many people,” he continued, looking down at the bound parchment resting in his lap. Jadis had torn off and almost consumed half the pages before Nektas took the little draken outside to play and work off some of her energy before supper.
With the way my knee was bouncing, it should be me out there working off unspent energy.
Reaver lifted his head from the cushion and placed it on my knee, peering up at me as if he had read my mind. I gri
“I also think sharing what you did during our meeting would be wise. That it is your decision and choice for the realms not to be ruled by one individual,” he said, drawing my attention to him. “I know we touched on that on the way back here but telling the people that it was your choice is important.”
I nodded, my mind flipping over our prior discussion. Ash and I had decided that we would first assure the people they were welcome and we were doing everything in our power to provide for them, then move on to the whole Queen and King business. We’d decided to tackle that part together during the speech.
“Will I have to walk the aisle again?” I asked.
Rhain looked at me as if he couldn’t believe that was a concern given everything we were discussing, but it was one long-ass aisle. “Do you not want to do that?”
“Not particularly.”
“Okay.” He scribbled something down. “I will a
“Wait. Why would I be a
“That’s because mortals operate in a very patriarchal society.”
“As if this one is any different?” I retorted.
His lips pursed. “You have a good point there, but in this case, it has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with your Primalhood. You are the true Primal of Life, and even when ruling jointly, your Primalhood asserts supremacy. You will be a
“Well, that doesn’t sound very equal.” I looked down at Reaver. “Does it?”
He chirped, and gods, it was still bizarre to hear his voice in my head. Even if it was one word, which was no.
“Moving on,” Rhain said, sighing. “You two will then take your seats on the thrones.”
I opened my mouth.
“And because I know you’re going to ask why,” he went on, “it is simply tradition.”
“I wasn’t going to ask.”
Rhain sent me a bland look.
“Whatever,” I muttered as Reaver huffed out a laugh.
“During this time, the people will have bowed. You will tell them to rise—and yes, it will be you.”
I was so bored with this conversation I didn’t ask why it had to be me. “Ash mentioned having wine provided for them. Will that be possible?”
“Yes.” Rhain checked off what I could only imagine was a
“What about this?” Aios’s voice floated out from the narrow hall adjoining the chambers. Gods, she had been going through the wardrobe for so long I’d forgotten she was even here. She appeared, holding a crimson gown draped from a hanger. “It’s really gorgeous, isn’t it?”
My gaze flicked over the dress as I idly stroked the top of Reaver’s head. The gown was beautiful, and the crushed velvet looked soft, but for some reason, the color was a turn-off for me. “It is, but it doesn’t feel right.”
Aios lowered her arm until half the gown pooled on the floor. “This is the fourth gown that doesn’t feel right. You don’t have many more options.”
“I know.” I winced, feeling like I was wasting her time. Which I was, especially considering she had spent the better part of the day assisting with the birth Kye had summoned her for. When she offered to help me find something to wear, I should’ve told her to rest, but I was glad she wanted to help after how our conversation had ended this morning.
Aios eyed me for a moment and then nodded. “I think I know what the problem is. I will be right back.”
I watched her spin on her heel and disappear back down the hall.
“I doubt she will be right back,” Rhain commented as Reaver lifted his head and stretched.
“True.” I leaned back. “Why can’t I just wear what I’m wearing now?”
Rhain appeared positively aghast. “You should dress for the role.”
My lips thi
He gave me the most unsexual once-over I had ever received in my life. “Not like that.”
“What’s wrong with this?” I glanced down at my vest and black leggings. “Ash has no problem with it.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” Rhain replied dryly, earning a confused head tilt from Reaver. “But it’s not appropriate.”
Aios reappeared, holding a dark gray tunic with silver embroidering that matched the design on the throne doors. Immediately drawn to it, I rose and went to her, passing the pillared dais.
Rhain sighed for what had to be the hundredth time. “That’s a tunic.”
“Never would’ve guessed that,” I murmured as I took the lightweight garment from Aios.
“You should wear a gown,” Rhain insisted.
My gaze cut to him as a wave of prickly heat swept over the back of my neck. I knew this was in no way the same as my time in Dalos, and none of the gowns Aios had brought out were even remotely transparent, but my skin still felt itchy and too tight. “A gown is not me,” I said as Reaver launched himself off the couch and came to my side. “This,”—I thrust the tunic out—“is me.”
“Is that you as a Queen?” he countered.
“I don’t see why it can’t be.”
His chest rose with a deep breath, and I suspected another sigh was coming. “Let me ask this… Do Queens in the mortal realm dress as you are now?”
The tunic featured a stiff collar, giving it a more formal appearance. I liked the elbow-length sleeves. “I don’t know every Queen in the mortal realm, but from what I saw, no. You know what I also saw?”
“Hmm?” he asked.
“A Queen who wore pretty silk gowns and glittering jewels.” The image of my mother took form. “And, at the end of the day, she was a terrible Queen.”
“I interact with the people of Lethe often,” Aios said. “I don’t think they will care if she wears a gown or breeches. And to be frank, I think less finery would also serve to show those who do not know her that she is not invested in fancy trappings like some Primals are.”
The sigh came then.
“Plus,” Aios continued, taking the tunic from me and holding it to my shoulders. One side of the garment ended up draped over Reaver’s head, but the back of the top appeared as if it would reach just above my ankles. The front curved elegantly into a V-shape, coming together at the navel to create a flowing and elongated silhouette. “It is nearly as long as a gown and could easily be seen as such.”
“I don’t think anyone would mistake that for a gown.”
Did he not remember what he’d seen me wearing while in Dalos? This was more of a gown than I’d worn there.
“Disagree,” Aios stated, letting me take the tunic again and crossing her arms.
He was quiet for a moment and then stated flatly, “I do hope pants are involved in this attire you must wear.”
“No, I was pla
“I would never.” He lowered his gaze, closing the leather folio over the bound parchment. “Anyway, I see the point you’re making—the point both of you are making.”
I sent Aios a grateful look. She gave me a barely noticeable nod, leaving me to wonder if she knew why I didn’t want to wear a gown. She probably did.
“But when it comes to the meeting with the Primals,” Rhain said, “I suggest you consider something different. Those like Embris will expect you to present yourself in a certain way.”
I couldn’t give a barrat’s ass about how Embris expected me to present myself, but Rhain wouldn’t be happy with that answer. “I’ll consider it.”
Rhain eyed me as if he didn’t believe for one second that I would, but I suddenly felt Ash drawing close. The sensation of a dozen birds taking flight filled my chest.
The doors opened moments later, and he entered. His gaze immediately found mine. “I would like some time…” His head tilted as a slight frown appeared. “Is that Reaver under the dress?”
“Ha!” I exclaimed. “Even he thinks it’s a dress.”
Rhain rolled his eyes.
“And yes, it’s Reaver,” I said, and the youngling popped his head out from under the garment. “He’s helping.”
Reaver nodded.
“Well, I hope he’s done helping,” Ash replied. “I would like to speak with my wife before supper.”
My wife.
Those birds turned into giant, carnivorous-but-happy hawks.
“We were just finishing in here.” Rhain rose, and Reaver looked up at me. I nodded, and he lifted into the air.
“Oh! I almost forgot,” Aios said. “I ran into Erlina earlier. She wanted to come see you, but with everything going on, I told her you may be a little busy.”
A bit surprised that the seamstress wanted to see me, a warm glow filled my chest. “The next time she comes by, I would like to see her.”
Aios nodded. “Until tomorrow, then.”
“Wait,” I called as Aios passed Ash. “Will you all be having supper in the dining hall?”
“We normally do,” Rhain answered.
“Since it’s later, Bele and I will likely have our supper here,” Aios said as Reaver hovered by them.
“Can we have supper in the dining hall?” I asked Ash.
“If that is what you’d like,” he said.
“I would.”
Ash turned to Rhain, whose eyes were slightly wide. “When will di
He blinked. “In about an hour.”
“We will see you three there then.” Ash turned back to me.
Rhain was still standing there as if stu
“There are more than enough chairs,” Rhain argued as Aios opened the door.
“Let’s double-check,” she suggested, following Reaver out.