She spoke so gingerly it was nearly inaudible. “Helaina, Your Majesty.” She made an effort to curtsy.
His eyes softened at her formal greeting. “Hmm. Do you know what that name means in my kingdom?”
She shook her head.
“It means ‘shining light.’”
Helaina let go of Krysta and clasped both her hands together, showing all her teeth in pure delight. She had no idea her name meant something so pretty.
King Oren, who had been watching the peculiar exchange, began to interject.
“Indeed, I have always told her those eyes shine like molten silver... It seems we named her well. Where is the rest of your court?” Her father was obviously perplexed at the arrival of only one rider. Azaros was at least a full day’s ride away; surely Matthias didn’t travel the whole way alone.
The fae king walked toward Helaina’s father. Oren was no small man, but when compared to an Azarosian, the tips of his own crown barely met the height of Matthias’s chin.
“I always arrive first, to ensure the safety of my kin, Your Majesty.”
King Oren let one brow rise.
“I mean no offense,” Matthias continued. “Your son’s summons have been amiable, but with the current state of things, I couldn’t risk anyone in my court. Not on the open road, not until I saw for myself it was free of danger. Traveling is... not as it used to be.”
“You take no protection with you? No soldiers?” Adriel asked.
Matthias turned to the prince. “My guardsmen are where they need to be. With their queen and my court. They protect from the back while I ride ahead.”
Oren looked uneasy, guilty even.
“A gesture of a true king,” he commented offhandedly. “I believe you know Adriel, from your written exchanges.” Oren gestured to Helaina’s brother.
The two shook hands.
“Please let me show you to your quarters,” Adriel offered. “The soldiers will greet your court when they arrive and see to it they are made comfortable.”
“First, I must speak with the king privately. It’s rather urgent, I’m afraid.” Matthias’s eyes slid a barely perceptible glance toward Helaina.
Her hands began to quiver again.
Had she insulted him somehow? Was her greeting improper?
Oren took a healthy pause before stuttering his reply. “You... have my full attention, but my son comes with me. He takes part in all my meetings.”
Matthias nodded gravely.
She watched the two kings walk toward the main entrance as her brother trailed close behind. King Matthias took another moment to look over his shoulder, connecting with her eyes once more. That unnerving, somber gaze cut through her.
Gods, what had she done wrong?
CHAPTERFIVE
This will no longer be your home.
Her uncle’s words left a sour ache in her stomach.
Yes, relationships here were strained from recent events, but did they really want her gone forever? Fessyk’s heart was stone when he uttered those remorseless words.
The king and queen couldn’t have known. Fessyk was making this decision without them, that was the only explanation. Her family had kept her safe all this time, why send her away now?
Her steps down the silent corridor grew frantic as she neared the chapel.
