"It was originally on Earth," Melinda adds. "Can you believe they moved the entire castle?"
I can't help but smile at the excitement in her voice. "Actually, that's one of the more believable things I've heard lately."
Fen's hand slides to the small of my back, a gentle, grounding touch. "Wait until you see the Table," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.
As we approach a narrow staircase, Hawke slows, turning to Melinda with a furrowed brow. "Perhaps you should wait here, love." His voice is gentle but firm. "The Queen has been particularly... active today."
Melinda's earlier cheerfulness dims, her hand unconsciously moving to her stomach in a protective gesture. "I'm fine, Hawke." But her voice has lost its brightness, and I notice she's gone slightly pale.
"Melinda." Just her name, but the concern in Hawke's tone speaks volumes.
"I know, I know." She sighs, looking conflicted. "But I should be there. If something happens..."
We climb the staircase in tense silence, cross an outdoor bridge where the wind whips at our clothes, and begin ascending another flight of stairs in the separate tower. With each step, Melinda's breathing becomes more shallow. Kellan moves closer to her side, the green tattoos on his skin pulsing more rapidly.
"She's getting louder," Melinda whispers halfway up, stopping abruptly. Her knuckles are white where she grips the stone wall for support.
Hawke is at her side instantly, one arm around her waist. "Kellan can take you back."
"No." She squares her shoulders, though her face has gone ashen. "I'm not letting her win."
Letting her win? I thought the evil queen was locked up?
By the time we reach the top and step out into a large, almost circular room, sweat beads Melinda's forehead despite the cool air. The playful woman from earlier is gone, replaced by someone fighting an invisible battle.
Two large men stand from their seats at a large round table in the middle of the room. Hawke had mentioned there were people waiting, but seeing them in person is another thing entirely. Fen steps away from my side, but I find that he's pulling me along by my hand.
"Wraith, Boaz, how are you both?" He glances around the room. "Where's Ares?"
"No clue," says the closer of the two men, an Upir. He smiles, but he's still a little unnerving to look at just like the guards I saw in the Hall of Realms when we came in through the portal.
The other man looks very human except for also having pointed ears, but his skin color is a warm honey-brown, not onyx black. And his eyes are a more natural color… maybe greenish. He nods toward me politely and then smiles at Fen. This one's movements are more controlled… or stiff?
"Astrid, these are two of the other Knights. This is my friend Wraith Shadowbear that I mentioned." Fen gestures to the dark giant with yellow eyes.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Astrid." His voice is surprisingly melodic for someone so imposing.
"Oh, thank you. Um… just Astrid is fine." I resist the urge to check for exits or assess weapons. Old habits die hard, even when you're meeting your boyfriend's supernatural colleagues.
He smiles wider and shakes his head. “Lady is proper.” Then holds out a hand toward me.
I extend mine, thinking he wants to shake it, instead he kneels and kisses the top of my fingers. “Fenrir is a very lucky man to have found you. Thank you for accepting his bond and saving my friend from his darkness.”
“I… well…” I glance at Fen and mouth what do I say?
“You’re overwhelming my mate, friend.” Fen steps closer to my side.
"Forgive me." Wraith releases my hand and stands again, his expression unreadable.
"No—I didn't mean—" I fumble, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "I'm just still taking a lot in. Thank you." I offer what I hope is a conciliatory smile.
The second man takes an awkwardly stilted step toward us and bows. “My lady, it is very good to meet you. I’m Boaz Magra.”
"Nice to meet you too." I relax slightly, grateful that at least this one isn't dropping to his knees or kissing my hand.
Hawke clears his throat, drawing Fen's attention away from the reunions. With a subtle gesture, he points to the table in the center of the room.
"What?" I ask, looking between them.
