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‘We need to get moving. Irsha, make sure your men are in position. After midnight, I want the Tangrian delegation escorted out of the capital. There’s a comfortable inn outside the city gates. They can spend the night there, then I want them out of my kingdom,’ I ordered, putting on the diadem.

‘You’re more generous than I would have been, but I’m sure you have a plan,’ Orm commented, adjusting his crimson doublet. The berserker red, with Ozar’s signature embroidery, looked good on him. Perfectly intimidating.

‘I want my proclamation of war delivered to the Hierophant of Tangra. And we spread the misinformation that we’re going through Piran’s Swamp to flank their forces,’ I replied, and both men looked at me as if I were an idiot.

‘So you’re telling me yesterday’s hours-long meeting was complete bollocks?’ Orm was the first to speak.

‘The Lumivitae declared themselves our allies, but Niersen betrayed them. Who else could be working with the enemy? The more people who know about our plans, the more likely Tangra is to find out about them. We’re marching through the Orcish Steppe to attack from the sea.’

‘Are you out of your mind? Tangra’s galleys outstrip anything we have!’ Orm’s hands balled into fists, and he took a step closer, towering over me.

‘That’s why I need them looking the wrong way. The Wind Masters will protect us as we sail. The rest is down to strong arms and the Dark Mother’s grace,’ I said, gesturing towards the door. ‘Shall we?’

‘It’s too dangerous. You should try to pass the pillars,’ Orm pressed, but I shook my head.

‘You haven’t seen what happened to the men who tried.’ I stepped out of the room, letting the bustling atmosphere of the court saturate my senses. ‘As for the pillars themselves, Tova and Sana are working on it, but I’m preparing for the worst.’

It was too dangerous to talk here and too late to return to the war room for further discussion. Orm knew the bare bones and today’s events. The rest would have to wait until our enemies left.

‘Smile, you cranky bastard. Let’s make this evening pleasant for our ladies,’ I said as we neared the ballroom.

The hall was brightly lit by radiant, coloured fae lights held aloft by a suspension spell, while candles sat on the tables to create a softer, more intimate glow. The ballroom was opulent, designed to dazzle.

The musicians on the balcony were already playing, and now a soft, flowing tune filled the space with longing. Five long tables stood against the wall, each groaning beneath the weight of drinks. Buffet morsels and dishes designed to satisfy everyone between dancing and conversation were piled high, leaving almost no free surface.

The terrace door was open, and a pleasant breeze slipped through the wind curtain the university mages had created, providing refreshment without chilling the room.

Everything was polished to perfection, from the white marble floors to the frescoes on the walls and the king’s dais. Almost five hundred guests from all over Dagome and its allied factions had gathered for the Royal Gromitsa Ball.

And the person I had to thank for organising this wasn’t here yet.

We stopped on a small balcony, and I surveyed the gathered nobles. The fae were surprisingly at ease, mingling as if forcing them to work together had removed the barriers that made the welcoming ceremony so unpalatable. Working together, and the absence of the Lumivitae Herald, whose presence had been a thorn in my side.

‘Where is the Lady Roksana?’ I asked the Chamberlain, who stood to the side, fidgeting with an embroidered handkerchief.

‘She was on her way, Sire. I don’t know what’s delayed her… Oh, here she is,’ he exclaimed, and I turned towards the foyer. My knees buckled.

Three women strolled down the stairs, laughing and chatting, at ease. When I glanced at Orm, he shared the same befuddled expression.

‘Fuck, I’m a lucky man,’ Irsha muttered next to me, and I couldn’t agree more. We were all lucky men.

Lilliana, still pale but holding her head high, wore delicate white spider silk, a diamond tiara glinting in her hair. The pearlescent white opals sewn into her dress added to her ethereal allure. Holding her hand was Annika. Orm’s queen wore a tight chestnut dress matching her hair. Velvet fabric wrapped around her curvaceous figure. She placed a free hand on her tummy, soft and brimming with new life, taking careful steps on the polished marble.

Sana supported Lily from the other side. Her short hair was pinned to the side and held by a simple band of pure gold. The dress was a green so dark it was almost black, but the colour shifted with every movement. A high collar wrapped around her neck, its wings tipped to keep it loose and accentuate her features. Below the collar, the dress had a cut that exposed the gentle swell of her breasts and Dobra’s stone, which pulsed on her skin like a wild green heart.

Everything blurred except her. My life, my light, my most beautiful death.

My Queen.

Remembering protocol, I stepped forward, extending my hand to Annika, who, as the visiting queen, had the honour of entering with the king, but my sister-in-law waved me off.

‘It’s Sana’s night, and we’re family.’ She beamed at Sana, who answered with a nod, but when she placed her hand in mine, I felt it tremble.

‘Your beauty took my breath away. If not for that damned doublet, I would have folded in half,’ I said, revealing my own burden to ease hers.

Her eyebrows rose, and she glanced down before the corner of her lips lifted in a covert smile.

‘Your arse looks good in it,’ she whispered, and I sighed.