AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Late in the afternoon, they landed in the Bryonican capital city, Rosemont, wind-whipped and half-freezing. The sea came into view long before they reached the sprawling city and the gray stone of Belcourt Palace. With no mountains in sight, the dragons had been given accommodations in Society housing with plenty of fresh meat while the trainees were escorted across the palace grounds.
Kerrigan kept her eyes straight forward as they crossed the frost-covered yard from the stables. Belcourt Palace was a jewel at the mouth of the Seven-Finger Bay leading out to the Gardic Sea. It was well guarded and damn near unbreakable. One of the first cities to ever be built by the Fae in Alandria. They’d settled in this natural defensive position and dedicated the space to the gods, which was why everything was gilded and bejeweled. Or so they said.
Their bags were carried to their rooms ahead of them while attendants directed them to bathing quarters and brought out fresh clothes in their tribe colors.
Kerrigan stepped out of the bath and was toweled off before a navy dress with embroidered silver roses was put before her. She blinked at it. “This is Bryonican colors.”
“Yes, my lady,” the attendant said, curtsying deeply.
“I’m of the House of Shadows.”
They frowned and glanced at each other. “Many here still see you as Bryonican, my lady.”
She wanted to argue. Wearing this color would give them the wrong impression. She wasn’t returning to Bryonica. No matter what anyone thought. But causing a fuss would surely be noted as well.
She frowned and let them drape her in the colors she’d long ago given up. When she stepped out of the chamber, she saw Audria in a similar attire with the House of Drame insignia emblazed on her chest. Kerrigan was glad that at least her father’s House of Cruse wasn’t on her own dress.
“You look wonderful!” Audria gushed. “Oh, I love seeing you back in our colors.”
That made one of them. Though she didn’t say it.
Fordham however frowned when he saw her. “Blue?”
She sighed. Of course, he was dressed in all black for the House of Shadows.
“I tried to tell them this wasn’t my color.”
He touched the fringe of lace at her collar. It was definitely more ornamental than what she normally wore. “This doesn’t suit you.”
“Really, Fordham?” Audria gasped. “You’re such an ass!”
He stepped forward, ignoring Audria, until he was in Kerrigan’s space. She took a deep breath and met his gaze. He bowed slightly, taking her hand in his and pressing a kiss to it. “Charbonnet black is better,” he said low.
She startled at the tribe name for the House of Shadows. She’d never heard him use it before. But before she could ask about it, Roake and Noda returned from their baths. Noda in Concha teal blue and Roake in all black with an Elsiande pink cravat at his throat. Then, the attendants were ushering them through the palace and straight to the throne room.
Audria squeezed Kerrigan’s hand. “Here we go.”
Roake shook slightly. “I’m going to be sick.”
“They’re not your king and queen,” Noda said with a laugh.
“They’re still royalty.”
Fordham sniffed. As if he wasn’t royalty in their very midst. As if she and Audria weren’t from a royal line as well. Not that Kerrigan wanted anyone to think of her like that.
The doors to the throne room creaked open.
“His Royal Highness, Crowned Prince Fordham Ollivier of the House of Shadows,” the attendant called. “Lady Kerrigan Felicity Argon, First of the House of Cruse of Bryonica, now of the House of Shadows.”
Kerrigan winced at her title. The use of her given name. Then, she took a breath and stepped up next to Fordham.
“Lady Audria Ather, Third of the House of Drame of Bryonica.”
Audria joined her with her head high.
“Master Roake Brevard of Elsiande and Mistress Noda Hoake of Concha. The latest representatives of the Society.”
As a unit, they strode forward down the aisle that led to King Mydran, First of the House of Stoirm of Bryonica, and Queen Littany, First of the House of Stoirm, formerly First of the House of Medallion. Courtiers milled about the room, assessing their entrance. And to Kerrigan’s dismay, Ashby March stood at the front of the room. She nearly froze at the sight of him beside the queen until she remembered that the queen was his great-aunt.
Was this why they had been called to court so abruptly? Scales.
“Welcome, representatives from the Society,” King Mydran said grandly. He wore Bryonican navy in a series of sweeping robes with gold glittering about his person. His hair was graying at the temples. He’d fought in the Great War, and he was much beloved by his people. “We hope that your accommodations are to your liking and that your days within Rosemont bring much joy. It is always a pleasure to have members of my court back within the halls.” He paused as his eyes dropped to Kerrigan. “Some whose return was a long time coming.”
