I found her hand, closing mine around it as we rode between the two branches of the River of Rhain and through the gates. The shouts continued inside the Rise, where soldiers were camped near the entrance.
And still, the sound followed even as we reached the fields of crops, and mortals came out from the stalks of corn, lifting their scythes and cheering. The mortals cheered.
I leaned into Poppy. “Was it like this in Oak Ambler or Massene?”
Poppy’s hold was a death grip. “No.” She took in a trembling breath. Her smile was just as shaky as Kieran drew closer to us, his ears perked. “This is…it’s a lot.”
My hold tightened on her as we rode down the road, past the cluster of homes and businesses where mortals streamed into the streets, and others stopped where they were on sidewalks, bowing with their hands over their hearts and palms to the ground.
Emil looked over his shoulder at Poppy. “Your plan worked, by the way. They heard about what we did in Massene and Oak Ambler before we even reached Three Rivers. They knew we didn’t come to conquer. The same here.”
The smile on Poppy’s face was steadier now. “It was our plan,” she said. “And everyone who followed. You. Vonetta. All of you.”
Emil smiled, ducking his chin as he faced forward, the recognition warming his cheeks.
Pride lifted my chin even higher. She’d been so afraid of taking the Crown. Of not being a good Queen because she believed she wasn’t ready, trained, or worldly enough. And yet, she knew that she had played a role in this—a major role—but not all of the roles.
Wisteria trees returned, lining the road, and the sound of rushing water followed us to the manor in the center of the town. The woods had even pressed in here, leaving the interior Rise barely visible.
Larger tents were positioned around the fortress wall and inside the courtyard. I looked ahead, my heart becoming a knot as several generals stood at the entrance to the manor.
A handful of younger Atlantians rushed us with wide eyes, bowing hastily as we dismounted. They began rounding up the horses as Netta returned, striding past the generals. She wasn’t alone. A mortal I hadn’t seen since Oak Ambler followed—one who looked vastly different with her white hair pulled back from her face. A strange sensation settled in my chest as I eyed Tawny.
Poppy stepped around me, going to Netta and Tawny. The mortal reached Poppy first, embracing her, and I tensed for no good reason other than…
Kieran’s gaze caught mine. He raised his brows. He’d warned me that the mortal didn’t feel right. It wasn’t exactly something bad. Just different. A sensation I couldn’t place.
“How have you been?” Poppy asked, clasping Tawny’s hands. “You feel warmer.”
“A little.” Tawny smiled. “Probably because Vonetta has me being all active and stuff.”
Poppy arched her brow at Netta, who grinned. “Gianna and I have been teaching her how to fight. She’s a quick learner.”
“Only because of what Poppy has taught me,” Tawny said.
“I only taught you to stick the sharp end into something,” Poppy amended.
Tawny grinned, letting go of Poppy’s hand. “Hey, if that is more than half the knowledge required, I’ve learned.”
I relaxed as Poppy turned to Netta. “I wish to have another hug, one where we’re both on two legs.”
Laughing, Netta obliged as Delano stayed close to Poppy. “I’ve missed you,” Poppy said, pulling back. “You’ve been well? No injuries? Are you—？”
“I’m okay.” Netta clasped her shoulders. “We’re all okay.”
“Because of you,” Poppy insisted. “You’ve led the armies spectacularly.”
“I had help.”
“Namely, me.” Emil rounded the horses.
Shaking my head, I handed the reins to a steward. “Setti? Is he here?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the young male answered. “Given nothing but the freshest hay and feed as he’s awaited your return.”
“Thank you.”
I turned to find Tawny standing not too far from me. Damn. Her eyes… They were leached of all color. “I’m glad to see you up and moving about.”
She eyed me as bluntly as I had done with her. “And I’m glad to see that according to everyone I’ve asked, you love Poppy just as fiercely as she loves you, and I don’t have to punch you for lying to her.”
Poppy whipped around. “Tawny.”