Chapter Two

"You look particularly handsome today, Rasol. Is that a new doublet?" A sweet, songbird voice lilts from the hall. I can almost hear the sultry smile that is sure to have my Queensguard's tongues lolling.

The corners of my lips twitch up as she enters the war chamber, the chiffon skirts of her lavender gown billowing behind her. With olive skin and round, emerald green eyes, it's no small wonder why Sianna Chalanet is a desirable fae. Had I not been hailed as a great beauty since I was a babe, I imagine I would lack confidence as some of the ladies of my court do when in her presence.

Plopping down on the settee with a dramatic huff, Sianna turns her attention to me.

With her elbow resting on her thigh, she frowns and props her hand beneath her chin. "You look positively dreadful, Ella. Even the finest milled powder would do little for those shadows under your eyes."

I scowl and bring the tips of my fingers beneath my eyes as another soft rap sounds at the door. "Better than looking like a harlot. Come in."

"I do not look like a harlot!" she exclaims, a frown playing on her lips as she looks down to examine the gown clinging to her exposed bosom. "Most of us don't have a crown to earn us good favor," she mutters under her breath after a long moment.

A chuckle bubbles in the back of my throat. The amusement is foreign. If there's one thing I've come to know, it's that there is little joy to be found when bearing the crown.

From the kitchen, servants wheel in carts, each of them bearing an assortment of wine decanters and platters that have been tested for poison and pass my particular scrutiny.

Begrudgingly, I realize that my lady's maid, Nuelle, has snuck delectable baked goods onto the cart when I spot an ornate silver tray. Following the path of my gaze, a sly grin stretches across Sianna's face as she stands and tosses her sable pin-straight locks over her shoulder. When a servant sets the tray on the table, Sianna snatches up one of the stuffed pastries and devours it whole. I scowl as she licks the tips of her fingers and slap her hand away when she reaches for a second.

The wall of my resistance crumbles and I follow her example. Though such delicacies are far too dangerous for my narrow waistline, wine and chocolate are my weaknesses. Almost moaning as the deliciousness all but melts on my tongue, I pick up my goblet to wash it down. After placing a fresh vase of burgundy orchids from the town square in the center of the table, the last remaining servant curtsies and disappears.

Settling back on the velvet settee and sinking into the cushions in a manner unbecoming of a princess, she clears her throat lightly.

"So," I say, swallowing back the wine and wiping the corners of my mouth. "Who do you expect will greet you at your chamber door tonight?"

Stars know that, for her title, Sianna is no maiden. Outside of my court, I can count only a handful of men and women alike that have not found their way into her bed. As Queen, most would expect me to chastise her for this, but I understand the body's needs. Besides, I'm no prude.

Mischief sparkles in her eyes as she stands and plucks a clean, silver goblet from the cart. "I expect Rasol will call on me before the sun sets."

I roll my eyes when she wiggles her eyebrows and fills her cup. A comfortable silence descends between us as she takes the seat beside me.

No matter how much distance I try to put between us, Sianna has a way about her that makes the weight of the crown more manageable. Although she's not afraid to express her loud opinions—which has proven to be quite irritating at times—it's her unwavering loyalty I find value in. Despite the fact that she was born into the home of the enemy, she's shown beyond doubt that she only wishes to see Minalis prosper.

I sober as I raise the goblet to my lips and my gaze flickers out the window to catch on the plumeria flowers once more. I've always despised the setting sun for this reason, as the soft petals unfurl and change color with dusk, but I thoroughly enjoy what follows. There's something serene to be found in the stillness of night.

Many nights, when my duties are complete, I slip beneath a sliver of pale moon to the lake of starlight just beyond the castle grounds. The crystalline water is reminiscent of the brightest blue that once entwined around my soul. The golden whorls that dance within allow my soul to breathe easier.

Feeling Sianna's stare upon me, I turn my gaze away from the window.

"And how fares the war against my dear brother?" she chirps, reclining in her seat and taking a sip from her cup.

Though others may find it discomforting that she inquires about her brother's crusade against my kingdom, I don't find it unusual. Becoming my mother's ward when she was only a shy girl of twelve, Sianna has never posed a threat to me. I can say with confidence she took no part in the events of that fateful night so long ago.

I remember well the first time I met the Risian princess. Our kingdoms had been enemies for well over a thousand years. My mother did the unthinkable by hosting Queen Guinivere for a secret meeting. Unfortunately, this was also the first time I met the one who became my greatest enemy.

When my father knelt before his sword and was crowned King, he inherited a kingdom on the brink of collapse. War had ravaged the lands of Minalis for over four centuries with no cease to the bloodshed in sight. The hope that once lived inside the people of Minalis turned to exasperation and resentment as precious resources became scarce and citizens starved.

Being the gentle soul she was, my mother believed that a conclave between respective rulers would ease tensions and breathe life anew into the people of the kingdoms. The meeting that took place one autumn afternoon was the catalyst for my demise.

"As to be expected," I say at last. "I believe Alexander was a hair's breadth away from drawing his sword and driving it through Lord Petras' chest. Then, the old fool dared to interrupt me."

Sianna's eyes grow wide as coppers as her hand creeps up to clutch the topaz necklace that rests around her neck. "He didn't," she breathes.

I nod.

She lifts her brow. "And he's still of this realm?"

"Unfortunately," I sigh. "Coin plays a large part in the war to come."

Dropping her hand from her necklace, she straightens and leans forward. "War may yet evade us. If Lady Florison's daughter is to be believed, my dear brother is to be married soon."

Though my gaze remains firmly on Sianna, a chill slithers through my bones and freezes the thread within my chest. A tiny fissure forms in the brick encasing of my soul and I quickly push aside the emotion that threatens to flee.

Sianna's gaze flickers between my eyes. Crossing my ankles beneath the table, I clear my throat. "And who is the female who will have the joy of enduring an eternity of misery?" I keep my tone light, careful to ensure it holds no semblance of emotion.

A dimple in her right cheek emerges as a grin stretches across her lips. "Lady Zara, eldest daughter to one of the wealthiest lords in Risian. As word would have it, my brother's council is pressuring him to marry and abandon his cause."

I ignore the ache of feeling I've long forgotten that brushes against my soul. I've never heard of this Lady Zara, but better her than I.

"It's nonsense, of course," she sighs, dropping her gaze to her lap. "My brother inherited many tiresome qualities, and his relentless pursuit of what he seeks is one of them."

I turn my gaze away and swallow back the truth that laces her words. I learned the qualities of the man she speaks of all too well some five hundred years ago. Not only is Felix Chalanet the enemy, he's the mirror of my soul. The most sacred bond of our kind, the miro sol—or, in its literal translation, mirror soul—are as rare as the stars' good fortune.

Upon being pulled from the womb and taking their first breath in this realm, babes are passed to healers. They undergo extensive examination for the signs of power and, most importantly, the blemish associated with the mirror soul. Parents await with bated breath as the creases of tiny, pink fingers and toes are inspected, with hopes their child will bear a mark that gives the slightest glimpse of what the stars have destined. Legends passed from generation to generation speak of this bond in the highest regard, claiming it to be the greatest hope any being could wish for.

In my learned opinion, this is the furthest thing from the truth. To have your soul tied to a monster is no gift at all. At least half the kingdom would call me cynical for my non-belief. Their views are of little concern to me. None of them have ever had to endure such suffering.

Once, there had been more to Felix than met the eye. Now he's ruthless and cold. That's just the beginning. He's also narcissistic, aggressive, and pompous. Furthermore, he's the catalyst to the inky shadows that have followed me throughout my life.

Sianna shifts in her seat, drawing my gaze from the servants that tend to the castle gardens. "You know he'll never cede, Ella. No matter how much his council may try to sway him," she says quietly after a long moment, any traces of amusement vanishing.

"I know," I snap, her somber tone grating against my nerves. "We've talked about this. And you must know I will not cede. I simply cannot give him what he wants, Sianna."

"Ella," she tries again, leaning forward to place her hand atop mine. I recoil at her touch. A small emotion akin to guilt lances through me as she visibly flinches and pulls her hand away, shrinking back into her seat.

"You may go," I say coolly, shoving the emotion back into the trunk in which it belongs.

Though my words don't carry the bite I often afford others, I don't allow the harshness of my features to fall when she stiffens at the command. I've heard this plea for complacency too many times. From her, from my advisors, from the people of my kingdom.

What they don't understand is that the King of Risian has already brought about my ruin. There is simply nothing left for him to take.