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“Do you realize the number of things I considered were wrong in the time it took to get all the way over here?” I asked.
“I also was concerned,” John agreed.
Amory held up a hand. “No. Nothing is wrong. Esta just had an idea.”
My eyes went to hers.
“Amory told me you all have been working on figuring out what is really going on in Dra Skor. And though I feel you might be reaching, since you have already begun researching the matter, I was wondering if the three of you would be there when I go in.” She paused. “To watch their reactions.”
We were all quiet, my eyes going to Emric’s while we considered her words.
John’s voice was laced in kindness as he asked, “You assume that someone will not be pleased to see you like this?”
A tight smile graced Esta’s lips, her one dimple springing to action. “I’m rather counting on it. And we are a team, are we not?”
Emric gave a low bow. “Lead the way, Your Grace.”
* * *
Every guardwho saw Esta did a double take. Watching all of these reactions was going to bring me such joy. It was a pity the war room was not far from Esta’s wing. Any farther though, and someone would have likely ruined the grand reveal.
Esta was in full queen mode where she walked a full five feet in front of me and Amory, chin high, crown on. She was about to force Dra Skor back on its leash and I had a sneaking suspicion it was going to be nothing short of glorious.
As we rounded the last corner, every guard we had met joining in our little entourage, I said gently, “Your Grace?”
She didn’t slow but turned her head to the side so I could see her profile.
“Give them hell.”
I could see the smile on her face before she moved her attention back to the doors where one of the two guards stood with his jaw flopped open. “Open them. Now.”
CHAPTER36
The doors slowly opened. Esta did not even break stride, just went straight for the advisors.
My eyes scanned their faces, varying levels of shock as they took in the queen back in her human form. My attention was only momentarily paused with a chair slamming to the floor as Jagen ran to his sister, sweeping her into a hug.
“I cannot believe it,” he said.
She gestured for the rest of them to sit before walking over to her father and saying harshly, “You are in my seat.”
He immediately stood, having been sitting there with his mouth slightly ajar, and also gave her a hug. I was watching him closely, but I thought the moisture in his eyes may have revealed his true feelings. He may have been about to give her crown to her brother for heirs, but he did still care about his daughter.
Which was good to see. I was sick of fathers who were too attached to their thrones. I had helped kill one such father, and I would do it again if need be, but that didn’t mean I wanted Esta to carry the burden I had. Of having to remove a parent in that manner.
The rest of the advisors sat stunned. Whit knew, so he was the calmest. Malachi also.
“Shall we?” the queen said as she sat and got settled.
Meanwhile I helped myself to a tea and got her one as well.
It wasn’t until I set her tea at her place and she thanked me that I noticed Zaire had not stopped staring me down. I raised my eyebrows as if to ask what his issue was.
“You are very helpful,” he almost growled. Were he in his dragon form, I had no doubt he would be blowing smoke rings at me.
“That’s me,” I winked as I leaned against the wall at my favorite spot. “Helpful.”
“Zaire,” the queen snapped. “Prince Keiran has just done the impossible and got me back to my human form, sacrificing his own health to do so. Before all the rest of you took what was rightfully mine and gave it to my brother, I might add.” She paused. “Do not treat me as if I am your property to be fussing about when I am the queen of Dra Skor and property ofno one. Do I make myself clear?”
