Chapter 35

L etters sent, riders dispatched, and packing underway, Ro stood on her balcony, staring out at Celestial Lake. It was a beautiful sight. One she hoped she'd get to see again someday. She'd barely touched the dinner that had been brought up. She'd probably be hungry in the morning, but she couldn't help it.

She didn't love having to share the news about JT's paternity, but it was better than her citizens finding out from Queen Anyka. That, and the meeting with Anyka, had ruined her appetite. Or maybe it was just Anyka.

Why did the woman have to be so set on domination? She was intoxicated with power and still wanted more. What was wrong with peace? Things could have been so different. They should have been.

But Anyka was legitimately insane. Ro understood that now. She hadn't before. She'd really thought she was dealing with someone who'd been misunderstood and had an undeserved reputation.

How wrong she'd been.

The balcony door opened, and Gabriel stuck his head out. "Mind a little company, my lady?"

Ro smiled. "Not if it's you."

He stepped out and closed the door behind him. "How are you doing? Today was difficult, I know."

"It was." She sighed. "This is a hard job. Today did not go the way I had hoped. But how else do I deal with someone who's come after me and my family the way Anyka has? In the mortal world, she'd have been arrested."

He stood next to her, staring out at the water like she was. "You did well today. Regardless of how it went, you stood up for yourself and your kingdom. There is nothing more anyone could ask of you."

"I don't know. I don't feel like I did enough."

"That's because you care. It's an admirable trait."

"Thanks." She glanced at him. "I know you're not going to like this, but I don't want to ride in the carriage tomorrow. I want to ride Indi, next to you."

"Your highness—"

"Please, call me Ro when it's just us. I know I'm queen. I don't need you to remind me of that."

He took a breath. " Ro , I don't think that's the wisest plan."

"I'll be more nimble."

"You'll be more vulnerable. If I didn't think you'd fight me, I'd insist on returning you to the castle via portal."

"And leave the citizens behind? I don't want it to look like I'm running scared. Besides, do you really think Anyka would take a shot at me while I'm headed home?" Ro shook her head before he could answer, holding up a hand. "Okay, forget I asked that. I know she would. I just would rather be…next to you."

A little smile crept across his face. "I would rather that, too. But my primary preference is for you arrive back at Castle Clarion alive and well."

"That's also my primary preference."

He moved closer, lowering his voice. "It's not that long of a journey. You'll have your aunt with you."

"And Posey and JT, I know, but—"

"Not JT."

"Why not?" Again, she stopped him with a shake of her head. "Because he's next in line for the throne. It's a president-vice-president thing, right? We can't both be on Air Force One at the same time."

His brow furrowed. "I don't know about the force of the air, but yes, it's because he's next in line for the throne. It's an important tactical move. To be honest, he shouldn't have been involved with the opening of the book, either, but he seemed insistent. Going forward, I will vehemently protest such things. Apologies in advance, but it is protocol."

"I kind of hate that word."

"I know."

"You're right. Protocol is there for a reason. It sucks, but I get it." She sighed. "I like Willow Hall. I hope we can come back here someday. When we're able to actually enjoy being here."

"So do I."

She put her hands on the railing, leaning forward to see him better. "I pray the Wyvern are true to their word."

"They will be. They were impressed with you. Impressed that you were brave enough to go to them."

"We need them. There's no other way to do what we need to do without them."

He put his hands on the railing, too, close enough that his right hand and her left hand touched. "They will do what you've asked because they want to show you just how valuable an ally they can be."

"Good. I want to be friends with them. I want to be friends with any kingdom that's worthwhile. Any that is true and good and happy to have peace. I can't believe Anyka would choose power over peace. She's…not right in the head."

He snorted. "A true statement, but perhaps one you shouldn't repeat too often."

"Why? You think she might get madder at me?" Ro frowned. "To be honest, I've been a bit intimidated by her. A little afraid of what she might do. I still am, but at the same time, I'm over it. I can't worry about her. I need to do what's right for Summerton and the good people that live there. However, if there are refugees, people like your own family, who want to come to Summerton to live a better life, we are going to welcome them with open arms. No one should have to live under Anyka's rule who doesn't want to."

He smiled, somehow closer than he had been just a second ago. "I am proud that you're my queen. Proud to serve you."

He was only a few inches away and, for a moment, she thought he might kiss her.

Then the door opened and JT came out. "Mom, I'm all packed and probably going to turn in early, since tomorrow's going to be a long day."

"Okay. Good night, sweetheart."

"Night, Mom. Night, Lord Gabriel."

"Good night, Prince James." Gabriel smiled as JT left them alone again. "Perhaps when we're back home we'll find a few moments to ourselves."

She grinned. "I would like that very much. So…I realize you only just got the place, but would you consider hosting a dinner at Starfall when King Ehlzar and Queen Varyana come to visit? According to Larksford, Starfall is a gorgeous property. I thought it might be nice to show them more than just Castle Clarion and Rivervale."

"Yes, of course. I'd be honored." He exhaled. "I still can't believe you bestowed that estate upon me. That you made me a lord."

"Landed nobility." She laughed. "Looks good on you, Lord Nightborne."

"It doesn't feel real." He let out a happy sigh. "You continue to surprise me."

"Well, brace yourself, because I might be about to do it again." She'd been mulling something over for a few days now. She wondered how he would react.

"Oh?"

"I want to bring Kieran back with us. If he wants to come, obviously. I thought maybe he could work in the stables, if that's what he likes, or maybe even work as a page in the castle. He's a sweet boy and he put himself out there for us. I want to reward him. If he doesn't want to come to Summerton, then I'd like to see if Trence can do something extra for him here."

"That is very kind. When we say goodnight, I'll see to that. I would guess that he'll come. He seems eager to serve and eager to do something more with his life. I would be happy to train him for the royal guard, if that appeals to him."

"Would you? Thank you!" She kissed his cheek, her hand on his arm, and lingered close to him.

His gaze skimmed her mouth. "I should let you turn in."

She nodded. "I'll see you in the morning then."

"Going to breakfast?"

"No. I'd rather have it sent up and get an early start."

"Goodnight, then, my lady."

"Same to you, Lord Nightborne."

With an amused smirk, he opened the door and allowed her to enter ahead of him. The royal apartment was quiet. Violet had gone to bed after dinner.

Ro took advantage of the opportunity. She grabbed Gabriel's hand, pulled him to her, and gave him a proper goodnight kiss. Then, with a smile on her face, she went to her bedroom without saying another word.

She heard him chuckling as he left.

She slept well, even with Benny sharing her pillow. But the sound she woke up to made her frown. Thunder.

Rain would make the journey slower and for those on horseback, which was quite a few people, including Gabriel and the royal guards, it would be no fun at all.

She pulled on her robe and went straight to the bell rope in the sitting room to call for a footman. She planned to order enough coffee and breakfast for everyone. The sooner they could eat and get on the road, the sooner they could get home.

She gave the footman the food and drink order, then went to shower and get ready for the day. She'd told Helana and Luena not to worry about attending her today. They'd left her a comfortable traveling outfit and a few modest pieces of jewelry.

Dressed and ready, she went back to the sitting room to see if the food had arrived or if anyone else was awake. She found two of her favorite men, Gabriel and JT, having coffee and in the middle of a lively conversation about swords, of all things.

How JT had changed. He was truly becoming a fae prince. She went to get coffee. The platters of food that had been brought up were still covered with big silver domes. "Good morning, gentlemen."

"Morning, Mom."

Gabriel bowed. "Good morning, my lady. I trust you slept well."

"I did, thank you. How did things go with Kieran last night?"

A big grin lit Gabriel's face. "Prince James and I were just talking about that. It went well. He's coming with us. He is very excited."

"He's going to be my squire, Mom."

"Your squire?"

JT nodded. "Pretty cool, right? He's a good kid. And that was a good idea you had, to bring him along."

She sipped her half-coffee, half-spiced cocoa mix. "Thanks. I assume if you're both here, you're both ready to go?"

"Just about," JT said. "Wiggy is still sleeping."

"So is Benny. And, I guess, Aunt Violet."

"No," JT said. "She was up early and went over to see if Posey needed help with anything. She's still over there."

"We might as well eat." She set her cup on the table and went to fix a plate. "Any word from Vincent this morning?"

"Not this morning, but I checked on him before I went to bed last night. He's doing well and is ready to resume his duties. He'll be on one side of your carriage today and I'll be on the other. Prince James will have Raphaela, as usual, and Ren will be his second."

"Wait a second." Ro put the cover back on the plate of sausages. "JT is traveling alone?"

"No, Mom. I'll have Uldamar and Kieran. And Wiggy."

Ro laughed. "That should be a lively trip."

Wiggy suddenly ran into the room, her nostrils flaring. "I smell sausages."

"Come on, Wiggy," JT said. "I'll fix you a plate."

Before long, they were all eating and even Benny meandered in. He hopped up next to Ro, sniffed the little bit of food that remained on her plate, then curled up in a ball to sleep some more.

Gabriel finished first. "Thank you for breakfast, your highness. If you think you're ready, I'll send footmen up to bring the trunks down."

"I am," Ro answered. "How long before we can actually leave?"

"Hard to say, but if we're waiting for every citizen, it might be a while."

They had no choice but to wait on them all. They couldn't leave anyone behind. There was no telling what Anyka might do. "Any way we could hurry them up?"

Gabriel's eyes lit with amusement. "I could sent the royal guards around to inquire about everyone's readiness. That might do the trick."

She nodded. "You have my permission. Tell them the queen is anxious to return home, if they need someone to blame it on."

"I don't think that will be necessary." He gave her a quick wink. "I'll see you all down there."

"See you soon." It would be better if she could ride beside him, but they'd be home in a matter of hours. Back to…she'd almost thought their usual routine . But with what they were facing, there wasn't going to be anything usual about it.