Heirs of Chrior: The Empty Throne Part 16

"Wolfram."

Though he was impulsive by nature, Zabriel was reserved in his manner toward his newly found relations, and his steady eye contact seemed to say, "You don't own me." I expected the older man, his pride renowned, to rise to the test, but he did not reply. He simply tugged at Zabriel's lapels to straighten his already perfectly positioned coat, with enough force that my cousin staggered; then he brushed off his shoulders to steady him. I covered a traitorous smirk with my hand. The Governor hadn't needed words to readjust the balance of power.

"It's good to see you're prepared," he said to his grandson. "The Queen's caravan has been spotted outside the city. I don't intend to keep royalty waiting."

"Nor do I." Zabriel gave him a tight smile, but his att.i.tude came across as less belligerent than he likely intended. He was dreading this reunion.

"Then let us proceed."

The three of us and our plethora of attendants departed the parlor and walked on to the Governor's Reception Room, where deep carmine curtains covered the walls to sweep the black-and-gold marble inlay floor, and a carmine carpet was rolled out to designate a wide path between the rows of chairs on either side. At the end of the room stood substantial wooden chairs with eagle carvings on their high backs; the Ivanova family eagle crest was likewise visible on the curtain behind them. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and crackling fires in pillared basins gave warmth, for the spring day held a seemingly appropriate chill.

Luka was there ahead of us, doling out instructions to the scarlet uniformed guards who formed half circles at every corner of the room.

"Is everything prepared?" the Governor called to his son on his way to the front of the room, his voice gruff as was his wont, leaving Zabriel and me to follow in his wake.

"More than prepared," Luka responded, striding over to us. He was long-legged and elegant, garbed in a crimson coat with an abundance of gold embellishments, and he exuded his usual sophistication and authority. "Our guests have only to arrive."

"And Konstantin?"

Luka's expression lost a bit of its good humor, and he b.u.mped his fist atop a waist-high cushioned pedestal that stood directly beside the large and imposing chair provided for the Governor. Small steps led to the pedestal's zenith, its entire design constructed to ensure the comfort of its intended canine occupant.

Wolfram excused himself, undoubtedly to fetch the pup in question, and Luka turned to Zabriel and me. Bowing at the waist, he took my uninjured hand and kissed it, then gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You look lovely, Anya. Can I a.s.sume you slept well?"

"Yes, thank you." My chest swelled with grat.i.tude at his chivalry, for his words were what I needed to lift some apprehension from my heart.

Luka shifted his attention to Zabriel, but unlike the Governor, he made no move to touch him, keeping instead a respectful distance.

"How is your shoulder?" he asked, the first to do so. Guilt tickled my conscience, Zabriel's injury having slipped my mind in the hustle and bustle of the day. Though to be fair, he was putting forth quite the effort to project invincibility.

"As long as no one shoots me again, Uncle, it should get me splendidly through the evening. With the continued use of Sale, I expect it to soon be completely healed."

"The risk of a firefight in here is suitably low. The dog has to be kept safe, after all."

Zabriel grinned, and I realized was winning over another admirer. While I didn't know where my cousin stood with respect to his grandfather, I couldn't deny he and the Lieutenant Governor were forming a bond. A sense of foreboding crept over me at that notion. I didn't know why the thought of a friendship between uncle and nephew bothered me, but it definitely did. The unease I felt was akin to standing on the edge of the Crag in preparation to take the plummet.

"Then let me acquaint you with the etiquette my father will demand when the Queen makes her appearance."

Luka went on to explain where we would sit, who would first address the Queen, and other matters of protocol. Very little of it registered with me, however, for my eyes had fallen on Marcus Farrier and Tom Matlock. The Lieutenant Governor's most trusted men were both present, talking with the guards who stood at the entrance bearing banners of the Warck.u.m Territory and the Ivanova family. Though I knew Tom wouldn't attempt to talk with me in this context, the mere fact he was here sent my anxiety through the ceiling, and I fought the sensation to bolt from the room, fairly certain my hair would be standing on end if not for its braids. Tom and Davic might very well meet. I had never told Tom I was betrothed-I never exactly remembered it when I was with him. And Davic would have expected me to remain true. Would he detect a difference in my behavior toward him? I felt as though I would be walking a tightrope tonight and for the rest of my aunt's visit, with the possibility that I would alienate one, if not both, of the young men for whom I had feelings.

The Governor returned with Konstantin at his side to inform us that the Queen and her entourage had entered the city and had been joined by mounted Constabularies who would escort her caravan to the mansion. Though his manner was brusque, he was unable to conceal the antic.i.p.ation he was feeling. My own stomach was burning, and I felt a little bit like I might throw up-I couldn't imagine what was going through his mind. He had not seen his daughter-in-law in almost eighteen years, not since the day his son William had died trying to enter the Realm of the Fae. It had been hoped that the power of the wedding mage would be enough to see Ubiqua's husband across the b.l.o.o.d.y Road, but he had died in the attempt, leaving his forlorn father and younger brother on one side of the boundary and his pregnant wife on the other.

"Attention, everyone," Luka called to the guards and staff in the room, attending to the final details while the Governor and Konstantin took their places. "The Fae delegation will be here shortly. You should all take up your positions."

Luka's gaze went to Farrier and Matlock at the entrance to the room, and he motioned for them to approach. Though Tom didn't say anything to me, his gaze swept my form approvingly, and heat slowly built inside me.

"Make one last security check," Luka instructed his men. "Then inform the rest of the government officials and the Fae Amba.s.sadors that it is time to a.s.semble."

I watched Tom stride off with Farrier as though there were no one else in the room.

"If I didn't know better," Zabriel said, coming to my side, "I'd say you've been flirting with the law."

Not trusting my voice, I nudged him in the ribs with my elbow, and he extended his arm.

"Shall we?"

"I believe we must."

I gave him a smile that I hoped was rea.s.suring and walked with him to join the Governor, though I was hardly in a calm state myself. My palms were sweating, my legs quivering, and my breathing was much faster than it should have been. Every issue about which I'd fretted, and every person about whom I'd worried, were about to come together. I glanced around the room, wondering how much tension the walls could contain, for the upcoming reception promised a highly combustible atmosphere.

Just before we took our designated places, Zabriel leaned in close to whisper in my ear. "If things go wrong, Anya, I bequeath all my worldly goods to the dog."

Though it wasn't in keeping with the auspicious nature of the occasion, I grinned, half expecting our exchange to be the last pleasant one that would occur this night.

The resounding notes of trumpets reached us from the exterior steps of the manse, and we all understood their meaning. The traveling party had reached its destination. The government officials who had gathered in the room-the Executor of the Territory, the Executor of International Relations, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Minister of Education, the Chair of the Kappa River Commission, the Chair of the Port Authority in Sheness, and a half-dozen more-shifted in their chairs to look toward the doors through which the Queen would enter, while the Fae Amba.s.sadors to the Warck.u.m Territory stood at the head of the aisle in preparation for the introductions they would make. Their wings, on full display, glistened in the lights from the chandeliers, and the air itself seemed to shimmer with expectation. I glanced at Zabriel, who had stiffened, his face carefully composed to hide emotion, then forced myself to release my grip on the folds of my floor-length emerald-green gown. Though it was primarily due to nervousness, my wrist under its bandage felt on fire, and the flowers the hairdresser had twined into my hair seemed to p.r.i.c.kle my scalp.

The next trumpet blast came from the corridor outside the Reception Room, and the doors swung inward. The guards serving the Governor entered first, carrying their banners, followed by four members of the Queen's Blades, dressed in bedazzled tunics representing their elements-vivid green for earth, deep red for fire, white for air, and aqua blue for water. Then Queen Ubiqua, escorted by my father, came into view. For a moment, my heart seemed to stop, then a rush of euphoria so powerful it was as if a dam had broken inside me doubled its rhythm and laid waste to the foreboding I'd been feeling about this reunion. I had focused on fear for so long that I'd failed to consider the good that could come from reconnecting with the Fae world, with my family and friends, and with my betrothed. Anger, sadness, remorse, and loneliness had been d.o.g.g.i.ng my every step, but now, in a single dizzying instant, I knew that being back with my people might ease my turmoil rather than exacerbate it.

Queen Ubiqua slowly proceeded down the aisle, her flowing celebration gown in the glorious tones of a sunset sweeping the floor behind her, her wings of ice blue webbed with copper on full display, and everyone on the main floor rose to their feet to bow their heads or offer a curtsey. My father, refined in a knee-length bark-colored tunic over an ivory shirt and deep green leggings, his wings of deep blue also unfurled, nodded on her behalf, for she had eyes for only one person in the room-the young man who stood to the side of the Governor's chair.

Though it was hardly dignified, I craned my neck to see who waited several paces behind to follow the Queen. My breath caught at the sight of Davic, his jet-black hair and his elegant jawline setting off flutters in my stomach. His eyes found mine, and a smile played on his lips, filling me with an aching homesickness. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me, wanted to feel safe within his embrace, some part of me believing his love would miraculously restore my magic. But that's absurd, nagged the voice in my head. Wishing is for fools. All it does is create false hope that leads to further disappointment.

A shiver pa.s.sed through me, and I let my gaze drift to the young woman who stood next to Davic. Once more, my spirits lifted as though they were riding on air currents. My best friend, Ione, her blond waves woven through a headband of spring buds, looked fresh, happy, and untouched by the harshness of the world. Despite my upbringing, I bounced up and down on my toes in delight.

Then my chest tightened, and a sour sensation invaded the pit of my stomach, my excitement deflated by...envy. Ione, Evangeline, and I had been almost inseparable growing up, but now life had torn us apart, Ione the one true survivor. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Though I wouldn't visit Evangeline's or my own fate on anyone, I couldn't help feeling the ordeals we had suffered were hideously unfair.

The last of the Fae dignitaries to enter were four members of the Queen's Council-Tthias, her Envoy to the Public, Lisian, the Captain of her Blades, Tenax, the Keeper of Lore and History, and Morgan, the Keeper of the Forest. Each of them carried a jewel-encrusted wooden box, though the sizes and shapes varied, presumably gifts for the Governor. A dozen or more of the Queen's handmaidens and additional members of her Blades made up the rest of her party. Taken altogether, the sight of the Fae contingency was a bit intimidating, the wings of all proudly on display; no banners were needed by my people to make a majestic and colorful entrance. I had earlier thought the number of chairs in the room excessive; now I wasn't sure there would be enough.

Upon reaching the front of the aisle, two of the Blades moved to each side, and Amba.s.sadors Aster and Oersted stepped forward to greet their Queen. While the rest of the Queen's entourage took their seats, they each slipped a necklace over her head representing their elemental connections. Amba.s.sador Aster, an Air Fae like the Queen herself, gifted her with a pendant of clearest crystal filled with whispers of fog, while Amba.s.sador Oersted, an Earth Fae, presented a necklace of vine adorned with berries and flowers. The ceremony completed, they turned to face the leaders of the Warck.u.m Territory.

"Governor Wolfram Ivanova and Lieutenant Governor Luka Ivanova," intoned Amba.s.sador Aster, the more senior of the pair, "may I present to you Queen Ubiqua of the City of Chrior and the Realm of the Fae."

"Welcome to Tairmor, capital city of the Warck.u.m Territory," the Governor replied, to which Luka added, "Welcome, as well, to our home."

"You are most gracious." This time the Queen had spoken for herself. "We gladly accept your hospitality."

It was now my turn to step forward. Taking my aunt's hands, my own shaking, I murmured, "May Nature smile on you, now and always."

I lifted my head to meet her gaze, surprised to see the warmth and concern behind her slight smile. Warm relief spread through me. Her blue eyes were still vibrant, her youthful skin shone radiantly, and the strands of her silver hair that had not been captured in braids still curled softly about her neck. Back in Chrior, she had told me the Great Redwood that sheltered the royal Fae had predicted her death-it was due to that warning that she had sent Illumina on her mission to find Zabriel. At least it did not yet look as though the ominous prophesy had taken hold.

After offering a flickering smile indicative of my nervousness to my father, which he unwaveringly returned, despite the shift of his gaze to the empty s.p.a.ce at my back, I stepped away in order to allow Zabriel to approach and likewise pay his respects. But my cousin did not move. Instead, he gazed at Ubiqua from his position beside the Governor, the only Faerie in the room whose wings were shrouded. It was clear he did not intend to make reconnecting easy for her.

"Mother," he said, the word sounding like a curse, and I winced. Why couldn't he forget his pride for one moment and offer her respect as a Queen, even if he felt none for her as a parent?

The room stilled, for everyone-human and Fae alike-registered that he had just snubbed her. Instead of addressing him, however, Ubiqua spoke once more to the Governor.

"My Lord of the Law, Cyandro, and I bring you greetings and good wishes from the Faerie people."

"Thank you. We extend the same." Addressing the general a.s.semblage, he added, "You may be seated."

The Queen motioned to the members of her Council, who stepped forward one by one to be introduced by my father and extend the bejeweled chests they held to the Governor. The gifts thus conveyed were magnificent-a conduit blade from Lisian, the Captain of the Blades; a decorated bark-bound book of lore from Tenax, the Keeper of Lore and History; a variety of rare and useful healing herbs courtesy of the Keeper of the Forest, Morgan; and from Tthias, the Queen's Envoy to the Public, a selection of gems representing the four elements.

Upon acceptance of the proferred items, Governor Ivanova nodded toward his Executor of International Relations, who then came forward to similarly honor the Queen, extending an ivory-handled dagger, a headdress of eagle feathers, and a stunning necklace with a pendant of gold filigree gently cradling a rare wolf stone, the same stone that adorned the signet rings worn by Wolfram and his son.

The traditional exchange of gifts completed, the Governor again addressed Ubiqua.

"We are honored by your presence within the Warck.u.m Territory, and would be pleased if you would break bread with us in friendship and peace."

"We are delighted to accept," she replied.

Luka stepped forward to lead the Queen out through a side door that led into the formal banquet hall where the meal would be served. The four Blades at the front of the reception hall trailed, and I went to stand beside my father. By now, every Fae in the room knew I had lost my wings, and their pitying glances and slight frowns were making me uncomfortable. While the unsightliness of my scars bothered me, I had come a long way toward accepting my new physical limitations, and had at some point stopped thinking of myself as maimed. I resented being thrust back into that position.

Looking over my shoulder, I exchanged smiles with Davic and Ione, though my gaze lingered on my betrothed. His gray-blue eyes were so captivating they muted the sound in the room, and my breathing quickened. When his perfectly formed lips parted in a grin, I wanted nothing more than to go to him, and from the look on his face, he felt the same.

My father extended his arm to escort me from the room, pulling my attention from Davic, and I saw the Governor turn to speak to Zabriel. One of Wolfram's hands fell on my cousin's shoulder, and I couldn't help but think he was being taken in hand like a misbehaving schoolboy. Then the two of them-three, including the ever-present Konstantin-followed my father and me.

Marcus Farrier and Tom Matlock stood on either side of the door through which we would depart, no doubt to close it after the Governor and Zabriel had pa.s.sed through. Everyone else in the reception hall would be directed out through the main doors by which they had entered.

Tom's eyes fell on me when I walked by, his proximity and polite nod enough to send an embarra.s.sing flood of heat to my cheeks. I gripped my father's arm more tightly, using it for a lifeline. My future was set-I had fallen in love with Davic, was betrothed to him, and would marry him. Tom didn't fit into that equation, other than, perhaps, as a friend. I didn't know why his mere presence could make my head spin, my heart race, and my skin tingle, but those feelings would surely abate now that I was back with my promised. And I wasn't about to let the hunters who had stripped me of my wings rob me of all plans and dreams that were part of my former life.

"Going better than expected," my father murmured, offering me an encouraging smile. I could nonetheless read the tension within the lines on his face, and my own nervous system went on alert, my senses straining to pick up information, my muscles poised to run. Whatever it was Cyandro feared might happen, still could.

Chapter Seventeen.

TIME TO CHOOSE.

The banquet meal, consisting of both favorite Fae and human dishes, was served at long tables, with the leaders of the two races sitting together at a head table that faced the other guests. The Queen was next to the Governor, with my father on her other side and Luka on his, Konstantin for once relegated to a back row, perhaps out of deference to Ubiqua's fear of dogs. I sat next to my father, while Zabriel occupied the chair next to Luka. I couldn't help but notice that the seating arrangement, whether intentional or not, kept mother and son apart, at the same time visually aligning Zabriel with the human side of his family. I mentally congratulated the Governor-this entire event had been carefully staged.

"It's good to see you, my dear," my father murmured, giving my hand a squeeze beneath the table. "I've been terribly worried about you."

"I know, and I'm sorry."

"That's for another time. For now, let's just enjoy being back together."

I understood that this meal was still an official event, and therefore did not expect any further acknowledgment from him, nor did I feel slighted when his attention turned to the conversation taking place between the Queen, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor. Zabriel, a stoic expression on his face, ate in silence, making it clear he did not want to enter into any conversation with his mother. The true fireworks would not start until the formal ceremonies had ended and the Fae were granted some privacy. Or so I believed.

When the meal drew to a close, the Governor stood with gla.s.s in hand to offer a salute. It appeared his action also served as a signal, for the double doors granting entry from the corridor opened, and servants wheeled in an enormous multi-tiered cake. Disgruntled murmurs rose from the elder members of the a.s.sembled Fae, and I looked in confusion at my father.

"This type of cake is traditional at wedding celebrations in the human world," he murmured, worry creasing his brow. "Whatever the Governor has in mind, I believe the pleasantries are at an end."

I nodded, beginning to twist my napkin in my hands. Something other than dessert was about to be served.

"Attention, everyone," Wolfram boomed, his deep voice likely invading all the adjacent rooms. "I wish to make a toast." He waited until the room was so quiet that the skittering of a mouse to gather crumbs could have been heard. "In honor of the anniversary of my deceased son William's marriage to Queen Ubiqua, I wish her good health and long life. And I wish the same to my grandson, William Zabriel Ivanova, whose birth and ident.i.ty have long been kept from me."

The Governor turned to raise his gla.s.s to his grandson, and gasps filled the air at the phrasing of the Prince's name, a newly minted version that I was certain had garnered my cousin's approval. Then he put the finishing touch on his toast.

"You are a welcome addition to the family, William, and are hereby formally invited to make your home with us if that should be your desire."

The humans in the room stood and cheered the Governor's p.r.o.nouncement, while the Fae party looked ready to either mutiny or storm from the room. It was the Queen who prevented the chaos that would have ensued. She rose to her feet beside the Governor and raised her gla.s.s to his. My eyes darted between them while I gnawed the inside of my cheek, all the anxiety I had felt about this meeting focused on this one moment.

"I would like to make a toast, as well. To Wolfram and Luka Ivanova, the remaining members of my dear William's family-and here I refer to my husband, and not my son, for the father himself wished his child to be christened Zabriel William Ivanova-but I digress. To my human kin, may you be blessed with good fortune, prosperity, and the sense of accomplishment you so richly deserve for the reception we have been given."

This time, it was the Fae delegation who clapped in delight, the Queen's delicate sarcasm not lost on them. Without losing any of her dignity, the Queen had neatly rebuffed the Governor's insult. But I could not yet relax-thick, suffocating tension still filled the air around the protagonists. The two leaders stared at each other, their gla.s.ses poised in midair, then with a clink, they touched the goblets together, momentarily putting matters between them to rest.

"Onto dessert," Wolfram finished, and it felt as if the entire room brightened, a more peaceful atmosphere restored.

Conversation in the room revived, and the serving staff soon brought cake to everyone seated at the tables. When my piece was placed in front of me, I glanced up to see Davic poking at his with a knife; sweet confections of this type were unknown in the Faerie Realm. I smiled, for Davic always had been slow to embrace new experiences. Then panic raced through my veins-everything on this side of the b.l.o.o.d.y Road would be a new experience for Davic. And that didn't bode well for his ability to adapt to my more human condition or to life in the Territory. The Davic I knew, the Davic I loved, was firmly planted in the Faerie Realm, a place from which I had been painfully uprooted and to which I could never return.

Now that the formal banquet welcoming the Fae had concluded, the Governor's Minister of International Relations came forward to close out the reception.

"If you would follow me, Queen Ubiqua, I will escort you and the members of your delegation to a private parlor where you can get reacquainted. From there, servants will show you to your rooms in the guest wing."

He next raised his eyes and his voice to address the rest of the a.s.sembly. "Please stay seated until the Governor and Lieutenant Governor have departed. After that, you are free to return to your private affairs. Members of the Fae entourage who do not accompany the Queen will be directed to their quarters by Constable Marcus Farrier and Officer Tom Matlock, who stand just to the side of the doors."

With a gracious nod of her head to the Minister, the Queen moved to follow him, joined by my father, Zabriel, and myself. The members of the Queen's Council came to their feet to silently trail us as we were taken to a smaller, well-appointed sitting room. Comfortable armchairs and sofas lined the walls, and a fire smoldered in a large hearth. An oval table occupied the center of the room, its legs cushioned against the marble floor by an intricately designed rug.

Upon our entry, my father went to the table to pull out a chair for the Queen, then took his place beside her, the members of the Council following suit. Davic quickly came to offer a seat to me, although he chose to stand behind me, hand upon my shoulder, his casual touch enough to make me tremble. Ione un.o.btrusively sat down on one of the sofas, likely unsure of whether she should be included in this gathering or whether she should have departed with the Queen's handmaidens and the majority of the Queen's Blades to seek much-needed rest. The four guards that remained stayed on their feet, taking up posts around the room's perimeter. For the most part, this was now a family affair.

Though the Fae party was presumptively alone at this point, I couldn't imagine we weren't at the very least being monitored with regard to our delegation's movements. The Governor would not risk losing Zabriel to an escape-or a kidnapping by his own people-at this or any juncture. And Zabriel would feel the same.

Despite the auspicious company in which he found himself, Davic stole a rather brazen moment to give me a kiss on the cheek. I returned a fleeting smile, too worked up to relax or pay attention to my own affairs. Zabriel had not come to the table, and everyone tensely waited to see if he would occupy the vacant chair beside his mother. Such was not to be the case. Though he didn't seem especially agitated, he paced in front of the sideboard, upon which stood filled decanters and crystal goblets, his discomfort seemingly colored by fatalism. He could no longer avoid this conversation. His past had overtaken him at last.

No one spoke, perhaps uncertain of the protocol in this situation, and my apprehension mounted. I gripped Davic's hand over my shoulder, garnering support from his presence. Should I try to bridge the gap between mother and son, ease this reunion since Zabriel and I had already made ours? But as the Prince once more strode past the head of the table where Ubiqua sat, giving her a wide berth, the Queen rose and gestured to the chair immediately on her left.

"Sit."

"No."

Silence reigned again, Zabriel examining the sideboard he repeatedly pa.s.sed, the Queen leaning upon the table, mightily trying to suppress her anger.

With a deep breath, she straightened, her voice controlled and surprisingly soft when next she spoke. "There are decisions to be made, Zabriel, matters to discuss. It abets no one to elude them further."

"I a.s.sume you have already made any and all decisions worthy of discussion, as is your habit."

The Queen's fists tightened, turning white at the knuckles. For the first time, I saw her out of her milieu of comfort and short of words.

"Sit down, Zabriel."

I was stunned to hear my father address my cousin in his firm, calm tone, for he knew his position well and was not one to intercede without the Queen's directive. Zabriel seemed likewise stunned, and he eyed Cyandro with intrigue and caution. Some silent communication pa.s.sed between them; then Zabriel bowed his head irreverently, his arms spread wide.