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Isolde strategically pauses to scan the crowd, and I marvel at the way she speaks to our people. She’s constantly changing how she acts or reacts depending on who she’s talking to, so watching her address thousands of Mongrels is as enthralling as the ocean itself. I’m not even sure how she gets her voice to echo through the open atmosphere, but it does, reaching even the people in the back.
How do I speak to them with as much confidence as she holds?
I suppose that’s a skill one acquires over time, but for once, I pray Spiran has force-fed me that knowledge, too.
“If you have any questions in the coming days, feel free to bring them to my attention. I will answer them to the best of my ability. As I wasn’t present for the death of Poko, I can only give you the facts passed on to me by the witnesses. But there is one pressing fact that I would like to focus on today.”
That makes my stomach flutter with gigantic butterflies. Isolde’s solemn expression does nothing to ease my nerves. They flow wildly through my body when she cants her head in my direction, a mischievous glint in her amber eyes.
“Poko attacked our future queen with the purpose of not only harming her, but killing her. His actions are why he is no longer with us. Now, if you haven’t deduced this by who stands at my side, I’d like to formally introduce the next queen of the Mongrels, chosen by Spiran herself, Ada Stormbrave.”
There’s a silent moment where my world comes to an abrupt halt. My ears ring, and my vision tunnels. I sort of want to pass out or throw up… Or both simultaneously.
Where is that damn sinkhole when I need it?
Oh-so-slowly, the crowd begins to clap. I swallow thickly because I most definitely don’t want this much attention on me while I’m so far from being ready to step into Isolde’s shoes.
“Your next queen will take her place as leader of the Mongrels when she is ready,” Isolde informs the people. “She’s done a wonderful job of learning our ways and bringing solutions to long-suffering problems. And with your support, she will grow to become a better queen than I have ever been. I look forward to the day I can pass my crown along and take my place amongst you, sewing dresses and harvesting herbs.”
Laughter weaves through the crowd, and Isolde giggles alongside them.
“It’s true, it’s true,” she promises. “Please continue to show Ada how loving and close our village is. But give her a few days to get over the shock of this announcement because I didn’t forewarn her I was going to tell you her purpose. You’ve all made such a tremendous impact on her time within the Mongrel tribe, and I know you’ll continue to be hospitable.”
Isolde’s praise has the entire crowd on their toes, smiling at their queen like the proud Mongrels they are. I’ve embraced the sense of community within the village, but the swell of emotion they show her right now is invigorating.
“This concludes my announcements for today,” Isolde finishes. “Hopefully, the next announcement will usher in the change of a dynasty. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. You’ve all earned it.”
My heart pounds against my ribs as I wait for someone to shout that I can’t be the next queen, to prove myself, that I’m not one of them... But it never happens. Her word is final, and they respect her decision. Generations of Mongrels have been raised to not question their leader.
I’m sure all the tribes are similar, which leaves me wondering what the Shades really think of us.
The crowd doesn’t linger for long, and as they disperse, Isolde pats my arm. I give her my attention until I see a familiar face shoving through the throngs of Mongrels.
My gaze snaps to Connak, and he creases his brow, trying to understand my expression.
“There’s Cotear,” I whisper as quietly as possible.
His chocolate irises fade to black while he searches the area. The moment he spots his prey, his back goes ramrod straight. This change gains Imryll’s interest before Talodus and Ecaeris notice. Connak rushes in the direction of the now missing man, Imy following right on his heels.
Rinya ushers Isolde inside. And Ecaeris tugs me into the palace before I can run after Imy. The prince’s dilated pupils swallow his mismatched irises. He centers his full concentration on the doors until Talodus closes them.
“Was he there?” Isolde asks me.
“Yes,” I reply, grimacing when Ecaeris flexes his fingers in my grasp.
“We knew he would be,” she acquiesces, though she doesn’t elaborate on who she’s referring to. “Relax now, Ada. Let the boys find him.”
Talodus narrows his eyes at the queen. “Why didn't you tell us we were looking for him?”
“We weren’t,” Isolde corrects. “Rinya and Marren were. So were my husbands. You were there to support Ada.”
“So you had us there for protection?” he clarifies, missing the point completely.
“No,” Ecaeris cuts in before his mother can respond. “She had us there for support and to show the people Ada isn’t available to court. They don’t need protection, Tal.”
Isolde gives them her signature coy smirk. “I suppose ignorance is no longer the bliss you crave. How does it feel to be in bed with—”
“Please don’t finish that,” I plead to her. “I know what you’re going to say, and as much as I adore you, I’d really, really rather you stay away from that topic. Please, Isolde.”
