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Luz beamed at her, and I was certain Sai released a quiet groan.
“I wish first to welcome our new daughter, Lira.” She raised her glass in my direction. The entire table mimicked her and smiled. Amyra rested her head on the shoulder of the man beside her. Neia and Elisa exchanged a quick smile.
My stomach sank. This was everything I’d ever wanted. A family, a home, and somewhere I might belong. Seeing this group together and the warmth around the table made me want to unwind time back to the night we made our vows and tell Sai I’d try to make it on my own. Knowing love and joy like this existed in the world would make the rest of my life miserable. I’d never belong like this anywhere. I’d been a fool to be so trusting with Sai and for ever letting myself hope I’d find that in him. Seeing the life he had was a punishment. I’d spent my childhood in a human boarding school and while it had been a positive experience, it wasn’t family. Then I’d returned to my mother at sixteen and realized I didn’t have family, not like this, at least.
Sai’s father clenched his fingers tighter around the Maharani’s hand. “Long have we hoped Sai would find a partner, someone who could be a match for him. We’re very pleased to welcome you as a daughter, Lira, and we pray for the happiest marriage for you both.”
It took me a moment to come up with the words. Sai was so present beside me, the warmth of his body blending with mine. It was like I couldfeelthe weight of his discomfort. “Thank you,” I finally choked out.
“Personally,” Amyra said as she smirked at Sai, “I think it’s long overdue, brother. Here’s to someone who can tame your wandering heart.” She took a drink.
“To my brother,”—Shaan lifted his glass—“and his new wife. Wishing you both much happiness.”
“To happiness,” Luz said. “Which I always find within these walls. And to Prince Sai and his bride.”
The Maharani gave them another approving look.
“To happiness,” Neia said with a finality. She turned towards Sai, and her brow furrowed. Sai grimaced and took a drink of his wine. I swallowed some too, though it felt like choking down bitters.
“As much as I hate to move on when we should have weeks of celebration…” The Maharani pulled the Memoria Globe out of a silk bag. “We should discuss this item.”
Sai’s team sat up straighter, and Luz pressed their lips together. I remembered the intensity of their voice when they’d said Sai got the globe for them. It held secrets about their court, the Alegre, that the Seelie had destroyed.
The Maharani rolled it from one hand to the other. “Our scholars have thoroughly examined it and determined the way to unveil its secrets is a drop of blood. Anyone can add memories to it, but they are locked in and will only reveal themselves to those of the bloodline they belong to. It’s a clever bit of magic for storing memories and secrets so they’re preserved and secure. Anil and I have already tried.” She squeezed her husband’s hand again. “Nothing was revealed, so our children will have no connection to the globe. Of course, you’ll wish to look at it in private, Luz.” She inclined her head to Luz, and they returned the gesture. “But I wondered if others might wish to try it before we eat?”
My mouth went dry. Sai’s team members had already sat up straighter, as if they were eager to reveal whatever secrets the globe might possess about them. I, on the other hand, had no desire to reveal anything about Palaria and my wicked lineage in front of Sai’s family.
“I’d be happy to,” Elisa said. “For the first time in my life I can honestly say I’m sad to have no blood connection with King Carrington.”
Everyone laughed as she accepted the globe.
“Do you have a knife on you, Neia?”
Neia grimaced like she hated handing Elisa something to injure herself with, but she slid a blade off her hip and offered it to her. Elisa unsheathed it and pricked the tip of her finger. A drop of blood landed on the globe, and it pulsed with ivory light, making the glow of the candles that had seemed bright feel insufficient once it faded. For a moment everyone seemed to hold their breath, but nothing materialized.
“I’m sorry that wasn’t helpful, Maharani,” Elisa said.
Sai’s mother nodded to her, and Elisa handed it to Neia. “I won’t have anything interesting to share.”
She passed it to Orman who snuffed before taking a knife out and stabbing his finger without so much as a wince. He squeezed a drop of blood, and the globe pulsed with light again before quieting once more.
“Well, I s’pected that.” He chuckled as he handed it to Amyra who transferred it to her sister. “I’d imagine I’m the first elf to have his hands on the thing.”
Veena offered it to me, and I leaned away, chuckling nervously. “Oh, no. I’m like Neia. I wasn’t even raised here; it won’t have anything for me.”
I reached for it to hand it to Sai and continue passing it around the table.
My fingers touched the cool, glassy surface of the globe.
Light exploded so bright I couldn’t make out anyone else at the table. I fell backwards, sliding off my cushion but holding on to the globe. Some small part of my brain that wasn’t frozen in fear, worried I might break it and Luz wouldn’t get the chance to get their answers. I whimpered a few shaky notes, and ice crackled across the table. Veena screamed, and I snapped my mouth shut. Oh shit.
A woman’s face, gray like smoke, ochre outlining her lips and eyes in sharp lines, appeared amid the light. “Lirasei.”
For a moment I couldn’t speak. The apparition continued to stare at me. I opened my mouth slowly and a trembling word spilled out. “Yes?”
“The power to restore the fairy courts, return balance to the magic, and unearth Kali’s powers lies within you, your brother, and your Atalla pairings. You’re the elementals destined to repair the fissures.”
“What are you talking about?”
