The Void of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 3)(17)

Maia smiled and then stretched out on the cushions.

A hand jostled her shoulder what felt like moments later. She must have fallen asleep, though she had no memory of it. Simon was bent over her, and as soon as she processed what was happening, she allowed him to help her sit.

“He is coming,” he whispered. “Anxious to be sure. I still await word on your friends.”

Maia brushed some hair behind her ear and sat up, feeling at once dizzy and lethargic. She heard the authoritative sound of boots marching down the hall, and suddenly Collier was in the room. She was so relieved to see him, it must have shown on her face. He rushed up to her and hugged her so tight it almost hurt. His hand stroked her hair, and she could feel a slight tremor in his touch.

“By the Blood,” he gasped, pulling away slightly to look at her, his hands cupping her face. Through his relief, she could see the marks of a long night spent in dread and agony. His eyes were bloodshot, and there were smudges of stubble across his tense jaw. His body trembled with pent-up energy. “You are safe. I almost could not believe it when they told me. It was too much. It was too good. I begged the Medium to save you, for I could not,” he said hoarsely.

She smiled, so grateful to be here with him after despairing of ever seeing him again, so warmed by his concern and affection. He brought her back down to the couch and sat beside her, holding her close. “Would that I had an army. Would that I had wings to fly over that wall. I could not get to you, Maia, and it nearly killed me. How did you escape?”

“The kishion freed me,” she answered, squeezing him hard. She felt grateful for what her protector had done, but it caused her deep concern that he was acting on his own. What would he do next? Who else would he kill? She suspected he had done it because of his feelings about her, which troubled her even more. Worry could come later, though, and she shoved the thought from her mind so she could savor her reunion with Collier.

She pulled back and grazed his cheek with her fingers. “But I believe the Medium was what truly saved me.”

“So do I,” he answered. He shook his head in amazement. “Poor Simon, I have not been patient. The castle was completely secured, and they were letting no one enter. The streets are rioting, Maia. People are demanding you. They are shouting for the king’s daughter to be their queen. Yes! They are chanting for you. They were going to depose your father, but word has gotten out that he died last night.”

Maia could hardly contain the feelings cascading through her—there was a sense of loss for her father, though that was tempered with relief, gratitude for her people’s support, and the solace of at last being in Collier’s arms. Tears pricked her eyes.

“When you were banished and your titles were stripped away, that was all they were allowed to call you. The king’s daughter. The people have watched your suffering, Maia. They have resented your father’s treatment of you. The mayor is even now rallying the citizens to rescue you and proclaim you queen throughout the land.”

Maia wrinkled her brow. “I do not even know him. Why is he so eager to help me?”

Collier smirked. “Because Simon and I told him that the king had abandoned the city to be destroyed by the armada. And then we told him of what had transpired in Muirwood. Believe me, people here have heard nothing of what happened on Whitsunday. Much of court is corrupt, but not all. They resented the king’s treatment of you and were ready to depose him even before they knew the truth.”

She shook her head, dazed. “They were truly ready to depose him?”

He nodded and grinned. “I told you before. The people cannot abide him. They resented his treatment of your mother, not to mention his attitude toward you. While there were no tears shed over Deorwynn’s execution, once word got out about your impending death, the people went mad with rage.”

“I told the king about your father’s fate and Crabwell’s grab for power,” Simon said. “There is chaos in the streets. I have reports that the Earl of Forshee has fled the city. Many of the other earls have left too. The army was divided and sent to different parts of the country to prepare for the invasion, leaving the heart of the kingdom unprotected.”

Maia nodded somberly. “What of my friends? I am worried about Suzenne and Dodd. Have they escaped? Were they harmed?”

Simon shrugged apologetically. “The outer wall has been breached, but the inner one is still under siege. We have no word from them or about them, but do not be hasty in your concern. Anyone seeking to win your favor would know to protect them. Do not give up hope.”

She was restless to hear news of her friends, but she realized it was inevitable for word to travel slowly amidst such tumult. Gathering Collier’s hands in hers, she entwined their fingers and gazed into his eyes. “What would you advise?” She looked at both men. “I confess, part of me longs to return to Muirwood and seek the Aldermaston’s counsel.”

Collier shook his head firmly. “This is not a moment to flinch, Maia. How can I put this gently? The Medium has delivered this kingdom into your hands. It is yours by right. It is yours by grace. It is yours.” He squeezed her hands. “And your people need you!”

Maia was shaking all over. It felt as if a great door was closing in her life and another even larger one was opening. The path ahead was vast and unpredictable. But her husband spoke true; she had been born for this. She understood the need to create calm immediately, to give her people hope.