“Miranda is the woman I love,” Rikkon announces. “You’d better get used to it.”
Saxon smiles. “That’s good to know. Then you have my blessing.”
Aurora turns to him, mouth agape. “Okay, we really need to have a serious conversation about your role in our family.”
Good luck with that, Aurora.
“Now that my lovely wife is gone,” Ruel chimes in, “I’d very much like to know how you lot managed to find a way back into Ellnesari.”
Solomon takes a step forward. “I can answer that, Your Majesty, but not before we’re all rested and fed.”
The male grins, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Very well. It shall be done.”
“Wait. We’re not going back home now?” Miranda asks.
Solomon turns to her. “I’m afraid we’re going to need some assistance from our hosts for that.”
Shit. If that means needing Queen Maewe’s assistance, we’re screwed.
VIVIENNE
My mind is spinning. I have my abilities back, and I can’t believe it’s true. I had resigned myself to never again feel the power of the wind course through my veins, and now that I’m whole again, I don’t know how I managed to survive all those years without my essence. No wonder Rikkon did what he did to try to help me.
The sharp pain of guilt returns with a vengeance, making my chest tighten. I’ve been feeling wretched since I learned about all the sacrifices my brother made for me because I was foolish enough to challenge our mother. I regret ever resenting him for it when I didn’t know any better.
I make sure my expression doesn’t betray my turmoil, though. Lucca has been paying close attention to me since we returned to the palace. Unlike the rest of our party, who aremore interested in checking out the grandeur of my childhood home, he keeps his eyes on me.
Does he feel differently about me now that I have my powers back? I’m sure I don’t seem the same to him. He must be able to sense the change in me. Does that bring back horrible memories? My mother killed his, then cursed his entire family. The fact that he loves me despite all that never ceases to surprise me. But maybe now I remind him too much of the female he hates.
I’m so lost in thought that I don’t notice my father has escorted us to my old quarters, and the rest of the gang is gone. When we stop in front of the intricate double doors, he glances at me. “Welcome home, my daughter.”
“This isn’t home anymore,” I say.
His eyes seem to grow sad, but the reaction vanishes quickly—perhaps I imagined that. My father was never a male to display emotion. I don’t even know if he’s capable of it.
“It may not be home now, but you’re the crown princess of Aquila. One day, this will all be yours.”
Chills run down my spine. He’s speaking as though my ascension to the throne is imminent. Nightingales can live forever, and for an heir to ascend, the ruling monarch needs to step down. I don’t see my mother ever giving up power.
“I’m not sure I want it.”
Dad’s eyes grow larger. “Hush, child. Don’t throw careless words to the wind.”
He’s not wrong to reproach me. I forgot where I was for a second. Here in Ellnesari, spoken words have power.
I take a deep breath. “What’s next?”
“Now, you must rest. Your friends are staying in the apartment next to yours.”
“Are they safe?” I ask.
My father doesn’t answer for a couple of beats, and that doesn’t bring me comfort. “They are… for now. I’ve warded their quarters. Not even your mother can enter.”
“Good.”
“I must go. There’s much to plan. Rest well, child.” He bows his head and then walks the wind without acknowledging Lucca at all.
“I guess your father doesn’t like me much either, huh?”
