A Queen of Ruin (Deliciously Dark Fairytales 4)

Today, though, he was being fitted for some princely clothes or robes or whatever he needed, allowing me a much-needed reprieve. Of course, I didn’t intend to spend it resting.

I crossed the brittle grass at the back of the castle with two books under my arm and Hannon at my side. Govam and Denski followed behind us, flanked by Tamara and two of Weston’s pack. Between the demons and the few books on demon magic that Hannon had recommended from his few months of studying their kind, I was going to figure out how to cure Nyfain.

He still hadn’t shifted. He hadn’t brought it up, but I could tell he was afraid to see what his wings looked like. I didn’t rush him, but his hesitation certainly made me rush myself. I would find a cure for that magic that still tainted him. There had to be one.

He also hadn’t spoken to his mother. I got the impression he was putting it off, scared of what he’d hear. I didn’t rush him on that, either.

“The prince asked for my assessment of who should be on the advisory circle from each of the villages,” Hannon said as we made our way to the working shed near the everlass field. “I think he’s giving me too much responsibility, for one, and two, I’m too young for that sort of post. Too inexperienced with how a kingdom—or village—should be run.”

“Everyone who is left is inexperienced in those things,” Tamara said. “Except for one person…”

We fell silent for a beat, knowing she meant the queen.

“You are calm and steadfast,” Govam told Hannon. “You are levelheaded and courageous. You watch more than you speak, and think before you do. Those are good qualities in an advisor. I think your sister will benefit from your advice.”

“I’d be offended, Govam, if you weren’t right.” I chuckled. “I’ve always needed it, in fact.”

“Your upbringing has made you wise beyond your years, Hannon,” Tamara said. “Just like it has made Finley tough. I think you’ll both do great. Certainly a lot better than those jokers in the villages. What a bunch of wankers. Most of the ‘leaders’ aren’t fit for that role—they got it by default.”

“They are what’s left after sixteen years of harsh treatment by demons,” I said. “Though you’re not wrong.”

I stalled when we reached the doorway of the work shed, my stomach dropping and my heart speeding up.

Ami and Claudile—the queen and her lady-in-waiting, whose real name I’d already forgotten—stood within it, one crushing some dried everlass and the other eyeing one of the cedar trays I’d brought from home. They looked up when they noticed my shadow darkening the floor, and each immediately stiffened. Irritation flickered across Claudile’s face, but the queen’s expression showed none of her thoughts.

“Finley,” she said, putting down her pestle and mortar and clasping her hands together.

“Ami,” I replied, trying to ease my tight muscles as I crossed the threshold.

“It’s Queen Arleth,” Claudile barked.

“I used the name Ami because no one in the villages could seem to remember the name Arleth,” Ami—Arleth—explained in a patient tone. “Because of the curse, I imagine. They have no trouble now.”

I wanted to say, “Ah yes, the curse that didn’t affect you except to pause your aging,” but I held back. I didn’t want to spark additional animosity with her and create a larger chasm for Nyfain to cross.

“And you are?” I asked Claudile.

“Delaney,” she replied stiffly.

“Fantastic.” I couldn’t help the dry tone. “What are you doing, Arleth and Delaney?”

“It’s Queen Arleth, girl,” Delaney said.

Arleth held up her hand. “It’s fine, Dee. I doubt very much that Finley will respect my position. Isn’t that right, Finley? You never called my son Prince Nyfain, correct? Or addressed the demon king as such.”

Right. She knew a lot about me. After all, I’d shared my history with her in the village, thinking she was a fellow healer. She’d been studying up on the woman who wore her son’s mark. Was she now going to attempt to use that information to bring me down?

She can try, my dragon thought with a growl.

“Correct,” I replied, stepping over to the corner of the large worktable. “I’m sure you remember, I was raised common in a ruined kingdom. How to act around royalty wasn’t important at the time. I was more interested in keeping my family and neighbors alive.”

Not to mention I never imagined I’d meet a royal in my lifetime.

I set my books on the table and realized none of the others, not even Hannon, had followed me in.

I sighed, suddenly supremely annoyed.

“Listen,” I said, the need to get to work overriding this sticky situation we were in. “I know you used to work here, and maybe you think it’s still yours. I don’t really care. I assume you still have some love for your son, and he’s the one I mean to help. Why don’t we just agree to ignore each other until you and Nyfain sort everything out? You can work over there, and I can work over here, and we don’t have to bother each other.”