Black Crown (Darkest Drae, #3)(18)

Yes, I know, he said with a growl. You’re running from me. But I will catch you eventually. You’re mine, mate.

The deep rumble of his thought radiated through me, and I caught a glimpse of the two of us locked in an embrace. Was that a daydream?

“Uh . . . Ryn?” Lani shook my arm.

I squeaked, face flaming. “Yes?” I pulled my thoughts back to the Phaetyn in front of me, blinking as I noticed only Lani remained. “How can I help you?”





8





Kamini pulled together two upholstered chairs inside the large conference room in the Rose Castle. A glance over Lani’s head told me the room held a huge desk, several chairs, and what appeared to be a trickling stream to the right of an ash bar with small wine glasses set out across its top to the left.

Lani lowered her voice and jerked her head toward the doorway. “Are you coming in with me?”

“Come in with you,” I repeated, thickly. The lingering haze of my discussion with Tyrrik burned away, and I shook my head. “Right, Uh . . .” I wasn’t going to be there to hold Lani’s hand forever, and really, she didn’t need me to. The gal was fifty, and now that Kamoi was gone, I’d lost the urgency for moral support. Lani and I were on the same page. Kamini was plenty smart, and honestly, I was hungry for something more than dried meat and day-old bread.

“No,” I said, reaching forward to squeeze her hand. I gave her a smile I hoped would be encouraging and added, “I trust you. Kamini’s smart, but you’re smarter, and you’ve got the perspective to make wise decisions. You’ll do great.”

Her face softened, and her mouth curved when my stomach growled. She arched a brow and laughed. “You’re going to eat, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes. I plan to partake in a bite or three. But I still trust you.” My stomach rumbled again because I really was hungry.

Lani’s laughter faded, and she stepped toward the doorway, heading after Kamini, but the Phaetyn queen turned back on the threshold, violet eyes shining. “Thank you for sticking up for me with Kamoi.”

I winked at her. “That’s what friends do.”





“Just a bite or two?” someone asked from above.

I recognized Lani’s voice and didn’t bother to open my eyes. The heat filtering through the trees combined with a slight breeze had me at the perfect snoozing temperature. The pale-green leaves of Queen Luna’s elm tree shaded my eyes, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle surrounded me. “What do you mean?”

“I mean you’re cradling your stomach like you’re pregnant.”

So I’d eaten more than a bite. The Phaetyn had chocolate, and I might’ve dipped fruit into the concoction for the better part of an hour. “I’m recovering my strength,” I lied, opening my eyes now that my peace was ruined. I sighed and looked at my Phaetyn friend. “Drae tend to eat a lot after flights.”

Lani raised her eyebrows, letting me know she wasn’t convinced, and then her gaze went to the tree trunk behind me. “This was my mother’s tree.”

“Yep.” I gazed up at the shriveled leaves. “It’s seen better days. When I was here last time, it was green and vibrant.”

“What happened?”

“With the tree?” I asked and then shook my head. “I have no idea.”

The Phaetyn stared at it, and I recalled the deep pull I’d had to touch Luna’s elm when I first saw it. A hint of fear entered Lani’s eyes, and she tore her gaze away, giving me her full attention again.

“You should touch it and find out.” I studied her as I reached back overhead to pat the thick bark. Was she scared of what she’d find if she touched it? Her memories of her mother had to be dim; she should be clamoring to touch the tree. But Lani and I hadn’t really talked about Luna much. Maybe there was a reason. Or was she feeling nervous about the results of her talk with Kamini? “So . . .” I said, breaking the awkward silence. “What’s the verdict?”

Her face brightened, and the tightness in my chest loosened.

“Tonight, I’ll be crowned Queen, and I’ll put the Veil back up.” She flashed me a smile, her pulse feathering. “They’re already setting the tables up for the feast.”

I continued to hold my stomach with one hand, propping myself up on an elbow. “You nervous?”

“If a tree falls and no one hears it, does it make a sound?”

“Um . . . I’m not sure what—”

“Yes,” she interrupted. “Yes, I’m nervous. Not about the barrier so much. It might require all my strength and focus to get it in place, but I know I can do that.”

“You’re worried they won’t accept you?” I asked softly.

The fifty-year-old child swallowed. I’d seriously never get past that. “Lani,” I said. “You’re funny and clever and strong. You’ve hidden from the emperor your entire life while helping people outside the forest. There’s no way these people won’t see what I see. And guess what?” I asked, a growl entering my voice. “You’re not really here to be liked; you’re here to save them from the emperor. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll follow you into his lair ten times over.”