The boat ride to the Island and following drive up to the royal home was beautiful. It was around noon and the sun shone high in the sky, illuminating all of the breathtaking party décor. People ran out of houses and tents to greet my entourage, and I was so humbled. A new queen and the summer festival – it was a happy time for my people.
Despite the select few alphas I had chosen to share knowledge of the fae with, most shifters didn’t know the true extent of the fae battles being fought behind the scenes, and I would do everything in my power to make sure they never had to find out. I waved until my arms ached, and even leaned out the window to brush against the children’s outstretched hands. People’s smiles were infectious and I couldn’t help but feel my spirits lift. I was causing this happiness in them, my presence. What an amazing thing. I realized then that maybe I had not been completely truthful to Calista – there might be an empty spot inside of me, a sorrow I couldn’t shake, but there was happiness too. My people made me happy, and being their queen was an honor. Maybe there would always be this void inside of me, but I could live with it if I brought such joy to their lives.
As we reached the royal home, my happy glow dulled at the sight of Selene standing on the porch with Torine and a few other council members. She was decked out in a full gold dress with draping tulle and glitter. She also wore a diamond tiara. Looked like she’d come as a queen. Typical Selene.
I wasn’t exactly surprised to see them all. The royal Island home was spacious and could accommodate Selene and the entire council, but I’d been hoping they would choose to stay elsewhere. As my car drove down the long tree-lined road, we passed half a dozen large motor homes and I spotted Blaine grilling hot dogs with Ben. The guards would stay in the motor homes and surround the property to ensure I was safe. I used to camp with them. We’d never stay in one spot for long, driving our motor homes around the Island, parking in all the best places for the festival. A huge part of me missed those days.
The vehicle pulled up in front of the royal home. The council and Selene bowed in greeting as I exited the SUV. When I was standing before them, my full costume on display, Selene’s eyes narrowed on me. Her features darkened and it was clear she was regretting her costume choice, wishing she was the queen, with access to my amazing seamstresses.
Never going to happen.
“Greetings,” I said to everyone, and I was pretty proud of my sincerity. I actually sounded like I liked them all.
Making my way up the large staircase, I was pleased to not see Selene’s familiar around. She had not forgotten my threat to turn him into a fried snake delicacy. Torine stepped in beside me, taking a look at my gown and smiling. As much as the council was driving me crazy lately, the summer festival was a time of merriment, so I returned his smile.
“How is security?” I asked.
The council was responsible for the security of the event, tasked with keeping the two shifter populations at peace, and keeping prying human eyes from seeing anything otherworldly. They would keep the four magic born close by in case of any incidents. Violet, Sabina, Seamus, and Jesabele were on their way right now. My best friend had my crown in her possession. I’d need it for later when the official ceremonies kicked off.
“Security is top rate, as always. We have no incidents to report, and the bear king has already paid his respects.” He waved a hand as if that was that and I didn’t need to hear anything further.
All I could think about was the fact that Kade was close by. I forced myself to focus.
“Did Violet spell the water?” I asked, wanting the council to know I was staying on top of things. No longer would they be pulling my strings in the background. Not to mention they were stupidly unconcerned about a fae attack during the summer festival.
Torine’s face creased into a look of such arrogance that I wanted to punch him in his straight teeth. “It’s all fine, Your Majesty. Go out and mingle with your people.”
Hah! Just like that I was dismissed, no more useful than an ornament on a Christmas tree. Just hanging around to pretty up the place. Bastard.
Selene was looking rather smug, but that look fell when I cut her with a glare. A blast of warm wind, ancient power, and familiarity trickled in across the porch and I calmed. Finn was near. Turning, I saw him galloping toward me. He reached me in seconds, his warm body brushing up my side.
Fancy meeting you here, I teased.
Interesting choice for costume, Ari. Freudian slip on the seamstresses’ behalf, I think.
Always one step ahead of everyone else, I wasn’t surprised that he’d noted the fae nature of my costume. No one else had yet. Thank God for Finn. I would literally be curled up rocking in a corner without him.
Calista crossed over to me. She’d been organizing all of my things out of the car and into the royal home. “Time for you to mingle, Your Majesty,” she said to me. “The official opening ceremony is in a few hours, but for now you need to be out with the people, reassure them with your presence.”
“Okay, please send Violet to me when she arrives.” I made a point of saying this loud enough for the council to hear.
Calista nodded, and started typing away on her tablet. Within seconds I had a royal contingent of dominants around me. My five inner circle were the closest to me, and at least twenty others streamed out around us.
I shook my head. “I won’t greet my people with a wall of security between me and them. I will take my five, and they can call for backup if anything happens.”