Reign of Ice (Forever Fae #4)(55)
Everyone gathered in the throne room of mine and Brayden’s newly built palace while he and I walked through the halls. I needed some time away; time to think. “I can’t believe you can see Merrick and Lukas,” Brayden announced. “I wonder why you can see them now and not before. Is it strange being able to see them?”
“Of course it is,” I replied incredulously. “Especially with Merrick since I know how bad Calista misses him. Now that I can see him and she can’t, it makes me feel bad for her. I know your sister helped her see him in her dreams, but I know it’s not the same thing as what I can do.”
He draped his arm across my shoulders and sighed. “I know it’s not the same thing, but at least you have ties to him now in case she ever wanted to talk to him.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Are you ready to go back now?” he asked.
I glanced up at him and nodded. With my newfound powers my body felt odd and not like myself at all; it was strange. “Yeah, I’m ready to go in there. The sooner we do, the faster everyone will leave.”
And the sooner I could get away and get to the dark sorcerer to kill him. The longer we waited the more time he had to get his mortal army into place. Brayden opened the giant heavy wooden doors with our Winter Court crest carved onto it and led the way into the room. Merrick and Lukas were still there, and with a nod I acknowledged them along with everyone else gathered around.
“What have you all discussed?” Brayden asked, glancing around the room.
I took a seat in the front of the room on the dais while Brayden gathered around everyone else on the floor. It was hard to participate in the strategy planning when I already knew what was going to happen. I was going to head out first thing tonight and make my way to the Black Forest.
Merrick lifted a brow and strolled up to me looking grim. “I hear that weapon you carry on your belt is what’s going to save our land,” he mentioned, taking a seat beside me.
“Yes, it is,” I answered as quietly as I could.
Merrick pursed his lips and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Did you know they were thinking about taking it away from you?”
Immediately, I jerked my head in his direction and glared. “What?” I hissed, placing my hand protectively over the hilt of the dagger. “I don’t think so.”
“Why do you need it?”
I huffed, “Because I just do. I can’t let them take it away from me.”
He studied me for a moment and then lowered his head and groaned, running his hand through his blond hair. “Oh, baby girl, you haven’t changed a bit. Always so fearless and strong, yet running head first into trouble any chance you got.”
I rolled my eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Merrick sighed. “It means that I know you’re up to something. Have you forgotten already that I’d been a part of your family for years? I watched you grow up, Ariella, so I know what you’re capable of. Calista told me to keep my eyes on you because she thinks the same thing.”
“Is everyone going to always think I’m up to something?” I snapped halfheartedly, knowing very well everyone would always think that no matter how old or young I was.
He chuckled, showing off the dimples I used to love seeing on his face when he was alive. He said, “Yes, I think so. Look, whatever you have in your mind that you plan on doing, don’t do it. I wasn’t joking when I said they wanted to take your dagger, but if you have something up your sleeve you need to forget about it.”
I scoffed and crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. “Even if I did have something up my sleeve there is nothing you could do to stop me. I’m a big girl now, Merrick, and I’m also queen of my own court. I think I know how to protect my people and keep them safe.”
Standing from my chair, I didn’t wait on him to reply. Instead, I joined into the group and went to stand by Brayden. “So what’s the verdict?” I asked, peering at everyone and taking in their concerned gazes.
Leaning over the drawings of our land, Brayden straightened his shoulders and sighed. “We strike the day after tomorrow. It’ll give us time to get everyone ready to fight and for our allies to join us.”
I could deal with that because it would give me plenty of time to do what I had to do before anyone got hurt. The gloomy expressions on the faces of everyone around me, however, gave me pause. From the hesitation coming from Brayden through the bond I knew exactly what was going on; Merrick was right. They wanted the weapon.
“What else is going on?” I demanded, placing a protective hand on the dagger. The movement didn’t go unnoticed, making the tension in the room elevate a hundred levels.
Brayden cleared his throat, his tone wary as he gazed at me and began, “I want you to let us have the dagger, angel. We all decided that since the sorcerer is not after you specifically anymore that it might be best for someone else to carry it into battle.”
Fuming and eyes wide with rage, I hissed through gritted teeth, “Are you saying I’m not going to be fighting? Who else is going to carry it other than me? It’s not like there are too many other choices of people who can touch it.”
Taking a deep breath, he nodded sadly and closed his eyes. “You’re right, there are not that many choices, but Elvena thinks we may have a way to where someone else can wield it other than you or the others. Also, I would never keep you from fighting, Ariella. You are an amazing warrior and no matter what I, or anyone else, says you will be out there with that sword in your hand.”