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The only people Horvis had on his side were the advisors and the army.
But the advisors and the army could definitely do a lot of damage, so that still seemed like a big deal to me.
We didn’t stop until we found the restaurant Espen had told me to look for, and then we wandered inside.
Someone led us to a seat almost as soon as we were inside, and we chatted about the weather of all things as whispers started going around the room. I knew it wouldn’t be long until everyone in the building knew that the Shadow Queen and Night Queen were both there.
Though it felt weird to think of myself that way—and definitely didn’t feel accurate—it was technically true.
I was Espen’s mate; I was the only queen he would ever have.
“Stars above, look at these beautiful women the moon has brought me,” a warm, friendly female voice said as a smiling woman swept up to the table. Her hair was long and braided, her skin dark brown, and her dress a simple slip in a dark silver I loved. “What brings two of our court’s queens into my restaurant?”
“Hello, Jora.” I gave the woman what I hoped was a friendly smile. “Espen told me about the hostess who used to keep his castle bustling with smiling faces and full bellies.”
Her smile widened, her eyes bright and happy. “Those were good days.”
“Good indeed.” I dipped my head in a nod. “I’ve managed to convince my mate to reopen his castle to the rest of the city, and I was hoping you would consider reopening the restaurant there as well.”
Her eyes brightened further, and she beamed at me. “I would love nothing more. What was your name, lovely?”
“Queen Akari.” I stretched a hand toward her, and she clasped it between hers.
“I’ll have everything ready for a reopening within a week. For now, sit and enjoy—my chefs are already working on something special for the three of you.” She winked at us all.
After getting Diora’s name (she didn’t tag a Queen onto the front like I did), and Lavee’s as well, the woman sashayed back into the kitchen.
“You’re good at this,” Diora told me, studying me with a curious gaze.
“I’m just playing a part,” I murmured back, quiet enough that no one outside our group would’ve been able to hear my words.
She dipped her head in a nod, but her expression told me she didn’t believe me.
There was nothing I could do about that, though, so I plucked a piece of bread off the center of the table, spread butter over the top of it, and then began to eat it.
Stars, it was delicious.
As the meal continued, a few other people came up to say hello. Though socializing wasn’t something I loved or had much practice in, I managed to greet those brave enough to come say hello politely, and ignore the stares of those who didn’t come over.
Honestly, I favored those who stared.
But I did appreciate the friendly greetings and kind words from those who said hello. They made me feel welcome, even if that seemed a bit insane to me given my suspicious tendencies.
When we finally made it back to the castle, I was utterly drained. Lavee was still chatting with Diora, unaffected by the constant conversations. Diora was more reserved than she had been, but she still exchanged teases and laughs with Lav.
Their easy conversation and lingering energy made me feel a bit sad, as much as I hated to admit that.
My shoulders drooped a bit as we finally slipped into the castle, and the other women gave me quick hugs before heading to the council room to meet with their men and come up with a plan as for who they were going to follow around for the rest of the day.
I envied them, I realized, as I slowly made my way up the stairs.
I envied their steady relationships. The light and happiness in their eyes. The honest way they spoke to each other, and those around them.
They were friends.
Family, even.
And I was just… alone.
