Page 42 of Maleen

He sniffles and then sneezes again. “You don’t mind?”

“Of course not. I would like it very much if my mate could breathe,” I tease quietly as he darts in, kissing my cheek before beelining it inside.

I turn and face the crowd that has followed us to the gates, looking hopeful. So many faces I don’t recognize—but a few that I do, even though they’ve aged. “Should I say something?” I ask Aemon.

“I think that would be wise.”

My head dips slightly so he knows I’ve heard him as I focus back on the growing crowd in front of us. I push air up through my throat, clearing it, unsure what I will even say. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been home. I’m not going to lie and sugarcoat things for you, because I believe you deserve the truth: the Lords have corrupted the lands and threaten to destroy Damorleia with their way of thinking. They possess a magick that can only be defeated with shadowflame. I’m sorry, the war isn’t over—but I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.” I project my voice, using the wind to carry it for everyone to hear. “I come with an army, not only those you see here. I promise to follow in my mother’s footsteps and bring peace to the realm for every fae. For now, I ask that you please stay indoors once the sun begins to set. I will send word when we know more.”

I don’t wait for the crowd to erupt; instead I spin and head as quickly as my feet will carry me inside. If I would have known there were still fae here, I’m not sure that I would have come back yet, but I know there’s knowledge here to help us end this war. So I will start with knowledge in my efforts to protect them.

“Send for all the warriors in leadership positions and tell them to meet in the war room,” I tell Aemon as we enter the grand foyer. “Kill, set up a perimeter around Maleen. I don’t want anything getting past us. Vasari is ready to help replace the regular torch lights with shadowflame. I don’t want anyone unprepared.”

“Evisdor is ready to help with that too.”

Nero takes to the air and slips out the door before it closes. “I’ll take to the skies and report anything suspicious.”

Ember takes Roz’s hand. “If someone could point us in the direction of the Dragon’s Keep, then we can go check it out. That way your beasts aren’t out in the open, even if they can take care of themselves.”

I nod, feeling relieved that even though it’s not much, it’s a start. I turn to Lennox, ready to give him a task to keep his mind off things, when I notice him looking around aimlessly. But before I can speak, he gives himself a job. “I’m going to find Cynder and the crew.” And then he strides off. Something is definitely going on there, but I have more to deal with. I’ll have to wait to check in on him.

Everyone disperses, leaving Talyn and me alone in the foyer. “And what about us?” he asks with a smirk.

“I was thinking we should go to the kitchens and prepare a quick snack and beverages for everyone and ready the war room. I think we are going to be in there for a bit as we get our bearings."

“That won’t be necessary, Princess Maeven,” a weathered voice interrupts. “I can send the staff to do that for you.”

Talyn steps in front of me and as I peer around him, I see my mother’s most trusted advisor. She was old when I was young here, and I’m surprised to still see her alive but relieved all the same.

“Madam Windwhisper!” I gasp as I scramble in a very unqueenly way around Tal and run towards the elder pixie.

She grunts in what anyone else would interpret as annoyance, but I know for a fact she’s just as excited as I am. My arms wrap around her and I give her a hug, just like I used to, and somehow it feels like no time has passed at all.

“There there,” she pats my back. “Now, you need the war room prepped with refreshments? I believe I saw a red-haired male with a runny nose running towards the healers’ quadrant like a bat out of the void. I’m assuming he’s with you?”

A laugh escapes me. “Yes, Jesper. And I’m sure you remember Talyn?”

Her eyes narrow. “Yes, I remember the Lords’ spawn. If I may speak out of turn, is it wise to have them so close knowing who their fathers are?”

My fingers lace through Talyn’s, and though this may be a bold move, I’m not hiding them. “The lords’ sons are my fated mates, Madam Windwhisper. There’s no place I’d rather have them all than at my side.”

Her eyes widen and her mouth drops open before she promptly shuts it. “Of course. I’ll have your mother’s old rooms prepared as well, then.”

“No.” She stops abruptly and I continue. “My mother will still need use of them. For now at least. She’s safe, but has fallen into a coma. I want to bring her home and keep her comfortable while she’s still with us. Guest rooms will be fine for us.”

If I thought she was shocked at the mate situation, this news nearly takes her off her feet. Talyn and I steady her as she regains her balance. “This is impossible,” she whispers in awe. “It seems we have a lot to speak about. Your mother has given me specific instructions for this day, but this news was not part of it.”

“Instructions?” I ask.

“Yes, Princess Maeven, but perhaps it would be best to speak of it behind closed doors, away from curious ears. The west wing is available, if you would like to stay there for the time being…?” she asks, almost seeming far away.

“Yes, that would be great. Thank you.”

She dips into a curtsy and heads toward the kitchens and I turn to Talyn. “Let’s freshen up.” He catches what I don’t say—that I need a minute to put myself together, away from all the prying eyes that I forgot the castle had.

“Come on, Princess,” he murmurs. The moniker once sounded like a cruel, teasing name, and now, I find comfort in the way it rolls off his tongue. I take his outstretched hand and he tugs me along through the corridors.

I can only hope that there are no more big surprises waiting for me within these castle walls, but my gut tells me otherwise. I suppose I shall just need to wait and see.