Page 29 of Maleen

My jaw unhinges and becomes a fly trap, and it takes me a moment to regain my composure. “You knew my family?”

She nods with a small smile. “My father brought me by the palace a few times, although I was never formally introduced to you.” She takes a breath. “If I may be so bold and ask a favor?”

I blink. “I mean, you’ve literally drilled us into the ground. I’m sure we are past the formalities.”

Her face becomes stoic again as she hands me a small decorative dagger. “I would be honoured if you would let me assist in training the Royal Guard and command them as my father once did. I swear to honor your family name and lay my life on the line for your family,” she nods to Cynder and my friends, “if it should come to that.”

Shocked is an understatement, but my fingers wrap around the cool blade and Batsil stares at me with unwavering loyalty.

“She’s been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Aemon states. I look up and see his form in the shadows, watching. “It was her dream since she was young to join the Royal Guard, and she thought it was impossible until she found out you lived. The choice is ultimately yours, though; I will support whatever you choose.”

I clear my throat. “Kneel.” She drops. “I would be honored to have you in my guard and for you to help train them.” Then I slice her hand and her blood splatters onto the dirt. “Report to Killian. He’s organizing with the rest of the guards who are on their way here.”

She gasps quietly, standing tall once more. “Some lived?”

I shake my head. “No, some pledged themselves to me at the front line.”

Her head dips and she clears her throat. “Thank you, Princess Ravina. I will see you here for training again tomorrow. All of you.” She slides right back into her role as our instructor before leaving the field, I’m assuming to go find Kill.

“What was that?” Cynder asks, her eyes wide as she eyes the bloodied blade in my hand.

Shit, I’ll have to give this back to her. I quickly wipe off the blade and slide it into my belt as I explain the tradition of joining the Royal Guard. “We should go see Amethyst,” I tell her. “She might know of more traditions and stuff we should be aware of. I’m supposed to meet her for tea anyway. Come with me?”

She smiles softly. “I would like that.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

THE WALK TO AMETHYST's OFFICE is mostly in silence. What does one even say to a long-lost sister? Nothing feels different other than the fact that I’m not alone. That other than our dying mother, I’m not the last Gallalaus fae anymore. Does she even want this relationship? Did she know or have a feeling we were related the whole time? I have so many questions, but I don’t want to overwhelm her or scare her off.

“Here we are,” I say softly as my knuckles rap against the solid wood door.

Cynder smiles nervously and I try to give her an encouraging grin back, but I’m not sure how convincing I am. I want her to be comfortable with me, but this feels out of my scope of expertise. Not that I’m an expert in anything.

“Except for being a badass Queen in training,” Nero adds as he comes soaring down the hall to perch on my shoulder.

I roll my eyes and Amethyst opens the door, her face lighting up as she sees me. “Ravina! Please come in.” She glances at Cynder, her brows dip slightly in confusion but her delighted expression doesn’t fade. “What can I help you with, dear?” she asks as we enter her space, seemingly forgetting her offer for tea and answers.

Her white ash desk sits on the far side of the room, giving her an unparalleled view of the ocean that sparkles with a deep blue, the afternoon sun high in the sky. A gentle breeze brings in the warm salty air, making the pale gauzy curtain sway. The room is bright and it’s as if she was able to bring the essence of the ocean and capture it in the decor of the room, where books and nautical decor seem as if they were always meant to go together.

“My sister and I were curious about royal traditions we may not be aware of. I was already caught off guard with the Royal Guard inductions and how that goes.” I still remember my surprise and nervousness doing my first ceremonial cut, and if I can not be caught off guard again, that would be great. Thankfully I had Aemon there who happened to know what was going on.

She smiles at Cynder unfazed. She was there when our mother dropped that metaphorical bomb on us, but this would be the first time they’ve interacted with each other. “It’s so nice to formally meet you, Princess Cynder—”

“I’m not a princess,” she states hastily, staring at me in horror. “I mean, I guess I am, but I’ve never thought of myself like that. I don’t want it. I can’t be tied down to a role like that.”

“Breathe,” I tell her with a smile. “No one’s asking you to perform royal duties. Trust me, I’m the last one to enforce something like that, but the title is your birthright.” Which is something I’m coming to terms with myself. My burden to bear, and I won’t push it on her. From what Talyn has told me, she’s never had freedom either, which is something I can relate to.

My scars throb as I remember my punishments for venturing outside of Shalo. I push back the memories so I’m not thrusted into the past of horrors.

Amethyst thankfully steers the conversation back towards the point of our visit while I gather my composure, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Are you okay?” Jesper and Aemon ask at the same time.

My heart lightens at their concern. “I’m okay, the memory just caught me off guard,” I assure them both before focusing back on Aemon’s mother.

She gestures with her hand for us to take a seat in front of her desk as she lowers herself into her chair. “What do you remember about your mother’s duties from when you were younger?”

I think back, remembering times where I would sneak into the throne room to watch my parents while I was bored. “I remember they used to talk to citizens and fae of power from other provinces. Settle disputes, I believe.” She nods encouragingly as I continue. “Lots of paperwork…” I drag off realizing how underprepared I am to take on this role. How am I going to be able to guide the realm into a new, better era for the fae if I don’t even know how to do the job?