Knight's End: A Reverse Harem Fantasy (Tangled Crowns Book 3), page 12
Dini was not nearly as amused. “You could have crushed me if you’d fallen forward, you old fool!”
“Get out of my head, then,” he’d told her.
I was working so hard. I was so focused. So much was at stake—and they were playing children’s games. And causing a racket. I wanted to shake him. I wanted to pull off one of Dini’s petals. If we’d been at the tavern … a fantasy of all the spit that would drip down Donaloo’s face filled my mind.
That’s not nice, Dove, a familiar voice said in my head.
I twisted in my seat on top of Pony. Then I slid down his back. I ran across the courtyard, dodging the dumb beasts. “Sit!” I screamed—my feet bouncing and the cobblestones shaking as the tonnage-total of their asses hit the ground at the same moment. But I ignored that. Two of my knights stood under the archway at the entrance to the courtyard. I threw my arms around Quinn. “You’re back!” I squealed in his ear. “The nightmare’s over!”
He hugged me close and spun me around. He sent me a mental image of him whirling me in a field of flowers. It didn’t have the illusory power of his old magic, but I understood the sentiment.
“I’m so happy to have you back,” I whispered. I kissed his neck lightly, then his lips. I caressed his cheek and had to hold back tears. But, as always, Quinn wanted to get playful. He smacked my ass and bit my lip. So, I bit back. I bit a little too hard. His lower lip started to bleed. He dabbed at it with his shirt sleeve.
“Oh, Quinn! I’m sorry!”
“Are you playing favorites again?” Declan called as he and Ryan walked up.
I turned to protest as Blue started laughing.
“She is! Completely ignored me.”
Quinn held his hands up, pretending he was intimidated by Declan. It wasn’t me. It was all her, he thought at all of us.
Stop that! I swung out to smack him and he jumped away.
Quinn brushed against a gargoyle, his stained shirtsleeve touching the beast just as he thought, You’d better kiss them all and even the score. Come on now, give out the kisses.
The gargoyle next to us shifted and stood. It stuck its face between Quinn and I, nudging us apart with its nostrils. And then the beast gave Quinn’s mouth a long, lingering lick.
Quinn’s face contorted in horror. Mine scrunched in mirth.
Behind us, Declan gave a whoop of joy. “Sarding hell! Finally!”
I turned and looked at him. “You’ve been waiting for a gargoyle to kiss Quinn?”
Declan grinned. “Nope. That’s just a bonus. I’ve been trying to figure out how you control the beasts. And now we know.”
He scratched his own palm and walked a few steps toward the lazing gargoyle that Donaloo had failed to hurtle. Declan swiped a line of red over the beast. The gargoyle launched straight up into the air, circled, and then landed back in place, right next to Declan.
My blond knight turned to Quinn and I; his excitement palpable. “Gargoyles form blood bonds.”
Chapter Twelve
We hovered in the clouds as a new day dawned. We peered down on the kingdom that had given birth to my Declan, on the kingdom that was supposed to be our greatest ally. A kingdom that was building a giant seawall out of magical crystal that stretched as far as the eye could see. It looked as though the inside of a geode had been planted on the beach and then enchanted to grow eighty feet tall. The wall was slightly purple in color, and the sun’s gentle rays bounced off it and made me squint.
The sight of the monstrosity made my stomach sink down to the sea below. "They’re preparing for a siege from the sea."
Declan hugged my middle. He’d ridden over with me on Pony, since Sedara only knew of two mounted gargoyles in Evaness’ possession. "Typical mother. Honor means less to her than her personal preservation."
Ryan pointed at some shadows at the base of the wall. “Look at those. Do they look like shipwrecks to you?”
I tried to see below the water, but I couldn’t tell what the shadows were. “Perhaps.”
“I think Raj and Isla might not have left her as untouched as you’d thought.”
“Still not enough.”
“Of course not,” Ryan agreed. “But every loss makes them a little weaker. Down there are several hundred soldiers we don’t have to fight.”
That was true. But truth and vengeance aren’t always brothers. And my need to drag Diamoni into this, my need to make her feel as ripped apart as I was feeling, was stronger than any logic. I turned and simply stared at Ryan.
Ryan grinned back at me. “Diamoni is a fool. And like any fool, her own actions are her downfall. She’s putting a lot of trust in us to fight that war for her.”
I nodded. "Too bad my mother always told me to trust my allies only slightly more than my enemies.”
The war still raged on our borders. Reports had come in last night that Lady Agatha’s northern province was completely lost to Raj. Malia’s province looked like it was next on their list. If I didn’t get my enemies to focus on other locations … if I didn’t get Raj and Isla to divert their attention from Evaness … if I didn’t get Sedara and the other kingdoms of Kenmare involved, I had no chance. Evaness couldn’t win this war alone. If we had to plunge other countries into this bloodbath, so be it. All the better if it was Sedara.
“Speaking of enemies, I’m going to go get our enemy forces ready.” Ryan flew in front of me with his gargoyle. He gave me a cocky nod that had my core tightening with anticipation. Then he flew off toward the remaining gargoyles, which were hovering in place a mile back, each one blood bonded to one of Ryan’s commanders.
We had a fleet of gargoyles. And we finally knew how to use them.
I grinned over my shoulder at Declan, whom I’d fussed over before dawn, dressing him in a vest and cape that showcased Evaness’ burning rose. I wanted to walk into Queen Diamoni’s castle and have Declan’s attire be a punch in the face to that old hag of a queen. Her son wasn’t hers anymore. He was mine.
He’d laughed when I’d said that, pulling my hand down from where I was straightening his cape. “Of course, I’m yours.”
I’d stared at him long and hard. “First of all, she thinks I’m dead. Which means she’ll think I’m weak.”
“You’re not.”
“Which means she’s going to accuse you and the other knights of failing to protect me. Which means she’s going to try to undermine your confidence and ultimately convince you that she’d be better off protecting all of us. She’ll try and convince you to stay there and keep me there so she can control us more easily, and she’ll want to use you for your old powers—”
Declan had laughed. “Bloss, that’s ridiculous.”
I’d shaken my head. “No. If she thinks she can annex us—take credit for protecting Evaness and take it over like she did the Isles of Peth, that’s what she’ll do. She’d enslave us like she enslaved the elves. I stayed up most the night, thinking about it, talking with Connor. We think that’s what my mother would have done.”
Declan’s face had paled, and he hadn’t said a word after that, just let me fuss over his clothes and then helped me with my own black gown. The gown was layered to look like rose petals, and the under layers were orange and red. Declan and I were dressed to match. And though Gennifer was still frozen and my hair was only in a simple plait, I knew our solidarity was going to be important.
I turned on my gargoyle and stared at Declan. He looked a little ill, but I chose to believe that was from riding—which he hated—rather than what we were about to face. “Almost time,” I told him.
Declan nodded.
I faced forward again and looked down at the palace, “I can’t wait to hear her every thought."
Connor interjected, "You might not like them."
I gave a vicious grin. "I just hope they’re useful. But she doesn't know about Blue."
Satisfied smirks went around the group.
My thoughts went to Quinn. He’d stayed behind with Donaloo to guard the palace.
Yes, Dove. I’m safe. Just playing chess with Donaloo in our undergarments.
He sent me a silly image to accompany his thoughts. Donaloo’s undergarments were—of course—pink.
Then he offered, If you need a wish—
No. I’m not doing that to you again.
If you need it, though. Don’t hesitate.
I gave him a nod of thanks. I’d make sure I didn’t need it.
I turned to Connor and Blue—who shared another gargoyle—next. “You two follow behind and see what gossip you might pick up. Connor, if you can wander off and steal any documents or information about this sea sprite … or any of our enemies …”
He nodded.
I’ll read thoughts; Blue offered.
I rolled my eyes and teased, Yes, I’d rather hoped you’d volunteer for that, seeing as you’re the only one who can.
Quinn chipped at Blue and Blue accidentally projected Quinn’s words to the group. You sure you’re qualified for that? You’re better at projecting thoughts than reading them.
Immediately, my mind went to the mental image Blue had accidentally projected that morning, when he’d been having his morning constitutional. He apparently needed more leafy greens in his diet.
I cringed. “No! Don’t make us relive that!” I waved my hands at both of them.
Pony wavered a bit as we got caught in an updraft. Never a fan of riding, the sudden change made Declan say, “I think I might puke.” And then he leaned over to the side and did—effectively cutting off one of the most uncomfortable thoughts I’d ever accidentally experienced.
When we flew down below the clouds, my jaw dropped. I had visited Sedara as a child, but my memories were mostly of the carriage flown by a team of pegasi and the candy that had been at our welcoming ball.
I didn’t have much memory of the capital, but the layouts were burned into my brain after last night’s discussions.
Lotis city was inland, but Sedara was known for its ships and so a century ago, they’d hired a wizard to create canals. Over gleaming sidewalks and gracefully arching marble bridges, the city appeared to be floating, even though the buildings were firmly set on land. The entire city was made of crystal towers that jutted up into the sky. Depending on the district, the crystals were colored light yellow, orange, or pink. It gave Lotis the impression of existing in a permanent sunset.
The towers would've been indistinguishable from a dying sky were it not for the winking reflections on the corners of the walls. Constructed by Elven magic, even the humblest homes looks like castle towers. We were descending upon a city of jewels. The site was so impressive, so awe-inspiring; it left little doubt in my mind as to how Sedara was able to maintain its place as first among the seven kingdoms.
While I was caught up in the beauty of Sedara’s capital, Declan eventually recovered enough to peer down behind me.
"Where the canal boats?” he asked. “The trading ships?”
I looked down and realized that he was right. I’d been so caught up in looking at the wall and the buildings, that I hadn't noticed that the walkways and the canals were vacant. The water was rapidly draining out of them.
“They don’t want to give the sea witch any inroad,” Connor said. “They’re going to remove all water.”
Fury smoked inside me. She scratched her claws and flexed her wings, begging me to unleash her like a dragon. She spent all this time on a wall. On draining her canals. Not a single thought spared for the country across the sea who’d taken on the risk of raising the sea witch’s child. Not a single thought for my country, where people were dying by the minute.
Ryan was right.
She deserved to have the war brought to her. She deserved to see what it was like to have to choose between letting a province burn or letting the crown fall entirely.
Sard her.
Connor and Blue hovered in front of me, their gazes solemn as they measured my reaction. My fingers clenched the reins hard to force myself not to yank back on them and send Pony pelting through the sky like an arrow, aimed right at Queen Diamoni.
Connor twisted on their shared gargoyle to look at me. He knew just by glancing at my face what was going on. He may have lost his ability to read emotions, but he had not lost his ability to read me. "The Queen will say that her treaty was with your mother, that her alliance was with your mother and that their agreement died with your mother."
“I know.” My voice was edged with violence. “Let’s make this quick. I don’t know how long I can hold myself back.”
“Ryan will lead the attack. But you have to give him time—”
I took a deep breath and let it out. “I know.”
Then I steered Pony into a dive. I didn’t head straight for the castle. I deliberately landed in the pink district of the nobles. Blue and Connor followed. I commanded Pony to lead the other gargoyle behind as we made our way toward the castle.
Most nobles merely peered out of their windows at us, curious. But one or two came out on their stoop to wave. I spoke to those.
“Evaness has been attacked,” I told them, letting my face show just the tiniest bit of concern. “We came to warn you that Rasle has somehow come up with an entire fleet of gargoyles. And they’re flying this way.”
“Gargoyles!” one elderly man, dressed entirely in white, declared. His ‘a’ sound dragged with a typical Sedarian lilt. “We were told a sea sprite was attacking.”
I shook my head. “She’s gotten herself some allies. A wall won’t stop flying gargoyles. Nor will it stop Cheryn’s djinn. They can wish your wall gone in an instant.”
The man’s eyes widened, and he quickly bustled inside, shutting his door behind him.
“What are you doing?” Declan whispered.
“Ensuring Diamoni doesn’t control the story,” Connor grinned and waved at a little girl peeking through a window. When her mother scooped her up, he made a concerned face and pointed behind them. “Take cover!” he called loudly.
Three or four more nobles came out onto their stoops after that, and I gave each of them the same spiel before royal guards came tromping down the street toward us.
The commander of the guard stopped when he saw Declan and me. I adjusted my tiara and gave him a small nod when he said, “Queen Bloss?”
“We’ve come to warn you of an impending attack from Rasle, sir.”
His eyes widened and he nodded, his guards immediately forming an escort to the palace.
I kept my head tall and my back straight as we went through the gleaming courtyard paved with blue crystal, up the steps, into the castle, which was made of white crystal.
My knees trembled and I was grateful for my thick skirts. Because I was about to attempt to goad the most powerful woman into war. And I was about to lie to her face about it.
Trumpets and a herald announced us at the top steps of the throne room.
I stared across the crystal hall.
Declan's mother was tall, elegant, and ice cold—she was everything you would expect the queen to be. She stood to greet us as my knights and I made our way toward her throne. The dais and her chair were the only color in the room, a warm, opulent gold that gave the illusion of sunlight solidified. The Queen stood in front of her golden seat, her golden hair in a braid that circled her head, a long, silver gown flowing past her feet and trailing elegantly over the steps. Beside her stood each of her knights. They were all dark, solemn, and imposing. Each had a black beard so thick that it was hard for me to distinguish one from the other.
Our footsteps echoed as we walked toward them.
The few courtiers who mingled in the palace today were brought to dead silence by our arrival. Their stares dug into me like ploughs cut through soil. They tried to plant doubt and insecurity and sow discord.
But I kept my eyes on Diamoni. I watched the tiny tightening around her mouth as she realized her spies had fed her false information about my death. False, or unverified.
I let a grin spread across my face, with a hint of sarcasm in it, just enough to make her question whether I’d purposely faked my death. Or purposely fed her spy bad information. Or bribed him. I let my grin grow wider.
She’d never trust that informant again.
I stopped halfway through the throne room and waited for her to come to greet me.
She hesitated when her husband reached for her arm. And then she refused him. The queen did not descend the stairs to shake my hand as an equal. She nodded at me, and then sat on her throne as though I were some peasant, come to beg a boon.
My blood boiled and my cheeks flushed. But clenching my fists would only show her that she had gotten to me. I couldn't lose composure so quickly. It would undermine my ability to negotiate. It would let her know that her first move had put me off balance.
Since she did not descend the stairs, I did not bow. I simply stopped halfway through the throne room and stared. I let the silence draw out to a long, uncomfortable pause full of tension, thinking mother would be proud. Then I said, "I was unaware that Sedara had changed the custom of greeting foreign allies."
"My alliance was with the queen now dead. From what I hear, your capital and your country no longer exist."
My smile widened. “Ah … but didn’t you hear that I was dead? I fear you’ve gotten a good deal of misinformation recently.”
Diamoni’s eyes didn’t narrow but her gaze did flicker from me to Declan, who stepped up beside me.
“Mother, I’m disappointed,” he scolded her. “Your disrespect for my wife shows poor manners.”
