“Do you have a tattoo?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I didn’t know you had one.”
“Yeah, well, maybe you should pay more attention.”
“What is it?”
“Do you want me to show it to you?” He tilted his head to the side.
“No!”
“If you say so.” Victor slipped into the pool.
I remained watching him when he dove under the water. The ripples on the surface sparkled with dozens of colors. The light from the torch colored the entire room in warm shades of orange and gold. Victor reappeared on the surface.
“Get in, Frid.”
I glanced at the partially mummified head of the crawler dragon. It seemed like it was still watching me as I stepped toward the edge of the pool.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
ALINA
Ilooked up, meeting my reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, I did not even recognize my own face. Somehow, I looked older, more tired, and pale. In the bleak light of the candle, dark circles outlined my lower lids. My lips were tightly pressed together. Another moment, and I led out a sharp exhale. There was nothing else I could have done, all that was left to do was to wait. I picked up a jar of cream and smoothed it between the palms of my hands.
“Milady, it’s time.” May walked into the room and paused by the door.
“Have you heard anything from my husband?”
I was surprised how flat my own voice sounded.
“No, milady. Would you like me to send milord a message?”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said, getting up.
Even in the low light, my dress, decorated with numerous gemstones, sparkled and shimmered, too elegant and too frivolous for the occasion. But it was the only thing May was able to buy for me in the city on very short notice, and I simply could not turn it down. At least it was not my flying suit, I was happy about that.
I really did not have the time to dwell on my personal situation, but I could easily say that I was not happy. I was so very tired. And I was confused. Tynan did nothing short of pushing me away, making me question everything about what I thought was between us.
I squeezed the fabric of my dress, straightening my back. I could not think about any of that.
What mattered now was my duty to Talman, my obligation to bring peace to the clans, and to all the people who depended on me.
May picked up a candle and I followed her into the dark corridor. I passed the clan warriors who followed both of us up the stairs. Everything seemed quiet, as if frozen in time, and I wanted to break free, to escape, to find a corner where I could hide, covering my ears.
“Milady.” May opened a heavy wooden door and stepped aside, letting me in.
I walked past numerous courtiers and knights as the crowd parted in front of me. As I looked around, I noticed that Lord Rutherford had not come down for dinner. His daughter was at the table wearing a snow white gown adorned with inclusions of silver, the colors of her clan. Augusta looked up, her fingers playing with a rolled up napkin. That was a small nervousgesture I could easily translate. She was anxious and agitated, and maybe among everyone here, I was the only one who could truly understand that.
Was she ready to step into the role that had been forced upon her?
“Your Majesty.” She bowed her head.
“Lady Augusta.” I inclined my head.
The entire room grew eerily quiet. All eyes, some more obvious than others, were on me and Augusta. Some necks were looking a little stiff from straining to hear what we were about to say.
