The Great Hunt (Eurona Duology, #1)(94)

King Charles swept down the steps, eyes straight forward. The queen cast a glare at the visiting king before following her husband. The crowd pressed together, making an aisle for them. The royal family followed suit, all of Aerity’s aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. Wyneth grasped her hand and gave it a firm squeeze as she passed. But Aerity could not move. She was rooted to that spot, her heart in her throat. Lord Alvi sent her a look of deep regret as his uncle began to grumble to his unhappy advisers.

Aerity could not believe it had come to this. Her entire world—every small detail—was crumbling.

The Ascomannian king clearly could not wait to get his hands on anything the Lochlan partnership would offer him, free trade, no doubt. And Lord Alvi would be honor bound to do and give whatever his uncle deemed his. Aerity’s father had swallowed his pride so often she didn’t know how he could possibly keep his chin up. Lochlanach now had a new beast, which presented itself in daylight, and a powerful, elusive madwoman to deal with. Paxton was gone, and Rozaria’s notices to the lands would no doubt stir up friction against all Lashed.

Behind her, Aerity heard women crying. Questions and demands rose to a crescendo in the room. Two men began to argue, shoving each other, and guards rushed to break it up. This is how it would be throughout the land. Ordinary people would be at odds. Chaos would ensue if something wasn’t done. Quickly.

Aerity took Harrison’s arm and whispered, “Get Wyn out of here if you can.” He eyed her and nodded.

Aerity’s feet moved her forward. She mounted the steps and reached out for Lord Alvi’s hand. He took it, with silent question in his eyes. The grumbling coldlands king quieted as he looked upon her. Aerity turned to the hall full of people, and her voice rang out above them.

“Good people of Lochlanach!”

Heads turned. Voices quieted. All eyes were suddenly upon her. Aerity stood tall.

“There has never been a time in my father’s rule when it has been more necessary for us all to come together.” Lord Alvi moved closer to her side. “I understand your fear. I understand your worries. And I make you this promise. Together with the brave people of Ascomanni, we shall overcome those who wish to hurt us. We must all do our part, and the most important thing each of you can do is to stay calm and act within the law. Do not rise up in fear against the unknown. That is what Rozaria Rocato wants. She seeks chaos, and we must not let her have it. We must band together and show unity, now more than ever. We are seeking the heir of Rocato and her accomplice, not the entire Lashed community, most of whom are as innocent as you and I.”

Some muttered, shaking their heads, and Aerity raised her voice. “If we act out of fear and hatred, then our enemy has won. Will you let your hearts be so easily betrayed by darkness?” She felt herself getting choked up. “Do not seek enemies of your neighbors, Lashed or Unlashed. I beg you, please, pass this word of encouragement throughout the lands. Let everyone you see know that the Lochsons and Alvis, the Lochlans and Ascomannians, will unite together to beat this enemy, just as my betrothed, your future prince, slew the great beast.”

The crowd broke into cheer and Aerity let out a breath of relief. She looked up at Lord Alvi, who watched her with warmth.

“Spoken like a true queen,” he said.

Aerity let a genuine smile grace her lips for the first time in a week. Still holding his hand, her eyes crossed the room to the two bright red heads by the door. Wyneth stood there holding Donubhan by the arm. Aerity’s hand went clammy within Lord Alvi’s. Her smile was wiped away as her stomach dropped. Harrison stood at the door, holding it open. Wyneth’s jaw trembled as she gave Aerity a nod and then pulled Donny from the room. Harrison sent her an apologetic last look before following them out.

The High Hall seemed to spin as kitchen staff began bringing in platters, filled to overflowing with the finest seafare, breads, and roasted root vegetables. Aerity dropped Lord Alvi’s hand as the people’s attention stirred away from her.

“Please, excuse me,” she whispered to her betrothed, who nodded.

Princess Aerity slipped through the room, allowing people to take her hand and kiss her fingers. She gave them each smiles and blessings, wanting more than anything to fill them with the one thing she herself no longer had.

Hope.

But she now had purpose, and that would have to do.