Thorns of Frost (Fae of Snow & Ice, #2)(38)
Old habits, however, died hard even from the fae calling Dresher Islands home. The islands still had an archon, a remnant of their Solis roots, even though the inhabitants of the Dresher Islands were a mix of fae races.
The fairy lights glinted off Lord Thisslewater’s pale-pink hair as he studied the map, but despite his Nolus coloring, he also had wings, hinting at his mixed heritage.
Other council members were sprinkled throughout the chambers as a table of refreshments stood by the far wall. My gaze swept over the room, and I stiffened the minute I spotted the Kroravee Territory archon, Taberitha Wormiful. She stood near the window, holding a cup of tea.
She brought the cup to her lips, and on her finger a silver inked eternal mark flickered subtly in the light, sparkling for the briefest moment—a circle with an array of connecting swirls and stars.
My brow furrowed. “Lady Wormiful has an eternal mark?”
Nuwin chuckled. “Surprising, isn’t it?”
I couldn’t help but wonder who her eternal mate was, especially since Lady Wormiful had always reminded me of a deadly serpent, but somebody loved her fiercely.
She spoke in low tones to Lord Crimsonale. Her height, pointy chin, lithe figure, and thin wings made for an intimidating picture. She gave the Osaravee Territory archon a nod, then glanced toward the table as she signaled the others to join her.
“Your Majesty?” Taberitha said as she glided toward the large round table placed in the center of the room. “If you’re ready to resume, shall we be seated again?”
King Novakin plucked a sweet from the refreshment table and inclined his head. “Very well.”
All of the council members returned to their seats. Prince Norivun sat beside his father, his expression like steel, but the second Nuwin and I stepped away from the alcove, Prince Norivun’s nostrils flared, and he scanned the chamber’s perimeter.
Mother Below. He’d detected my scent.
As if realizing the same, Nuwin placed my hand through the crook of his arm and smiled pleasantly before sauntering toward the table. I did my best to match his stride and appear at ease, but my smile was tight.
“Good afternoon.” Nuwin inclined his head to everyone before pulling out a chair for me, then his own.
The crown prince’s lips thinned. Prince Norivun’s barely controlled glare slid to Nuwin, but the younger prince was either choosing to ignore him or oblivious.
“What’s she doing here?” Taberitha Wormiful sneered from her seat two places down.
Lord Crimsonale leaned back in his chair, his wings tightening. Displeasure was written all over his face.
But the king merely waved dismissively toward the youngest prince. “Explain yourself, Nuwin. This is a closed meeting.”
Like his sons, the king was tall, broad, and powerfully built. But at nearly eight hundred winters, gray streaks lined his white hair.
Nuwin’s smile widened. “Considering Lady Seary has been using her new affinity to restore life to our continent’s crops, and the dying crops are the entire reason for this day-long meeting, I thought it was only prudent she attend.”
The king waved his hand again, looking more bored than interested, while Lord Crimsonale and Lady Wormiful shared a veiled look as their eyes narrowed.
My chest tightened. Nuwin had just revealed my purpose so casually after Prince Norivun had worked painstakingly to keep my reason for living in the castle a secret from this very council. Blessed Mother, I should have warned Nuwin.
I snuck a glance toward the crown prince. Sure enough, he was fuming. Straightening in my seat, I tried to calm my breathing, but my heart beat faster.
The other council members and archons from all of the territories, along with Lord Thisslewater, whispered to one another.
The crown prince’s wings tightened behind him, his tone low as he said through clenched teeth, “It would have been nice if you’d thought to inform us of her attendance sooner, brother.”
I kept my mouth shut since the crown prince’s aura was rising.
Nuwin’s smile faltered. “I apologize if I’ve caught anyone unawares, but I’m sure no one objects, considering the vast catastrophe we’re facing. Surely, if Lady Seary can correct such a problem, it will stave much diplomatic discussion.”
Lord Crimsonale’s expression turned glacial as he subtly leaned toward Lady Wormiful and whispered something behind his hand.
Straightening, Lady Wormiful eyed me coolly. “Have you managed to restore life to multiple fields, Lady Seary?”
I cleared my throat. I could lie, say I hadn’t, but I had no idea what affinities lay in this room. Since they were archons, I knew they were some of the strongest fae in our realm, and if one of them had a truth affinity, it would no doubt cast me in a scathing light.
Deciding honesty was the best option, I replied, “No, my lady. Only one so far in Harrivee, but I’m currently working on several fields in Isalee.”
Again, Lord Crimsonale and Lady Wormiful shared an unspoken exchange, but before anyone could comment, the king spoke.
“Very well. You may stay, Lady Seary.”
Sniveling, Lord Crimsonale turned his attention to the other council members. “Lord Thisslewater, thank you for joining us today. As I’m sure you’re aware, our continent has been struggling as of late.”
Lord Thisslewater nodded. “I’ve been told as much. It is a pleasure to attend this meeting with you all.” He brought a fist to his chest in traditional Solis greeting and bowed slightly in his chair. “If the Dresher Islands can assist in any way, we would be glad to do so.”