Valley of Silence (Circle Trilogy 3)

“As it happens. There was some mention of me throwing myself bodily over you to shield you from the sunlight should the magic in that cloak fade out.”

“That would be fine. We’d both go up like torches.” Cian said it casually, but he had to admit he felt easier when he stepped into the shadow cast by Castle Geall.

“I’m also asked to request you come to the family parlor if you’re not too weary. We’re to have a private breakfast there. Moira would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes at least.”

She would have liked a few minutes herself, alone. But Moira was surrounded. The walk back to the castle was a blur of movement and voices wrapped in mists. She felt the weight of the sword in her hand, the crown on her head even as she was swept along by her family and friends. Cheers echoed over the hills and fields, a celebration of Geall’s new queen.

“You’ll need to show yourself,” Riddock told her. “From the royal terrace. It’s expected.”

“Aye. But not alone. I know it’s the way it’s been done,” she continued before her uncle could object. “But these are different times. My circle will stand with me.” She looked at Glenna now, then Hoyt and Blair. “The people won’t just see their queen, but those who have been chosen to lead this war.”

“It’s for you to say, you to do,” Riddick said with a slight bow. “But on such a day, Geall should be free of the shadow of war.”

“Until Samhain has passed, Geall remains always in the shadow of war. Every Geallian must know that until that day, I rule with a sword. And that I’m part of six the gods have chosen.”

She laid a hand on his as they passed through the gates. “We will have feasting and celebration. I value your advice, as always, and I will show myself, and I will speak. But on this day, the gods have chosen both queen and warrior in me. And this is what I will be. This is what I’ll give to Geall, to my last breath. I won’t shame you.”

He took her hand from his arm, brought it to his lips. “My sweet girl. You have and always will bring me nothing but pride. And from this day, to my last breath, I am the queen’s man.”

The servants were gathered, and knelt when the royal party entered the castle. She knew their names, their faces. Some of them had served her mother before Moira herself was born.

But it was no longer the same. She wasn’t the daughter of the house now, but its mistress. And theirs.

“Rise,” she said, “and know I am grateful for your loyalty and service. Know, too, that you and all of Geall have my loyalty and service as long as I am queen.”

Later, she told herself as she started up the stairs, she would speak with each of them individually. It was important to do so. But for now, there were other duties.

In the family parlor the fire roared. Flowers cut fresh from garden and hothouse spilled from vases and bowls. The table was set with the finest silver and crystal, with wine waiting for Moira’s inner circle to toast the new queen.

She took a breath, then two, trying to find the words she would say, her first, to those she loved best.

Then Glenna simply wrapped arms around her. “You were magnificent.” She kissed both Moira’s cheeks. “Luminous.”

The tension she’d held tight in her shoulders eased. “I feel the same, but not. Do you know?”

“I can only imagine.”

“Nice job.” Blair stepped up, gave her a quick hug. “Can I see it?”

Warrior to warrior, Moira thought and offered Blair the sword.

“Excellent,” Blair said softly. “Good weight for you. You expect it to be crusted with jewels or whatever. It’s good that it’s not. It’s good and right that it’s a fighting sword, not just a symbol.”

“It felt as though the hilt was made for my hand. As soon as I touched it, it felt…mine.”

“It is.” Blair handed it back. “It’s yours.”

For the moment, Moira set the sword on the table to accept Hoyt’s embrace. “The power in you is warm and steady,” he said close to her ear. “Geall is fortunate in its queen.”

“Thank you.” Then she let out a laugh as Larkin swept her off her feet and in three dizzying circles.

“Look at you. Majesty.”

“You mock my dignity.”

“Always. But never you, a stór.”

When Larkin set her back on her feet, she turned to Cian. “Thank you for coming. It meant a great deal to me.”