Never before in the history of the kingdoms had so many leaders assembled in one place at one time. Emissaries from all the kingdoms descended on Muirwood, either by ship or by Apse Veil, summoned to a Great Council by Maia, Queen of Comoros, and her betrothed, King Gideon of Dahomey. Some of the rulers were the age of her parents. Some were older. She and Collier were by far the youngest, but they were both treated with a deference and respect that surprised her.
A meeting had been called for that afternoon, during which all the leaders of the realms would be informed of what had caused the sun to linger in the sky. Every kingdom had experienced it. The people were frightened; they were struggling to understand what the Medium was saying. As she walked with Collier, greeting the various nobles, thanking those who had sent their support and assistance, Maia noted the conspicuous absence of one person she desired to see above all—her grandmother, the High Seer.
Collier touched her elbow and pulled her away from the chatter and noise. They were in the audience hall in the Aldermaston’s manor, the same room where Collier had danced with her and declared that she was his wife.
“There is that look in your eye again,” he told her softly. “And the fidgeting. I see how you keep glancing at the delegation from Pry-Ree.”
She forced herself to stop wringing her hands and smoothing her dress. It still felt strange to her to wear a filigree coronet in her hair, but she had to admit that Collier’s crown made him look even more handsome.
“You know me too well,” she said. “I worry about my grandmother.”
He took her hand, his fingers firm and steady. “You know that my fleet captains are assembling the provisions to strike for Naess tomorrow. If the Naestors will not surrender your grandmother, as they promised they would, then I will make them.”
She saw his determination and did not doubt it. “Yes, but I want her here so desperately. I want her to be the one to marry us.”
“It begins with a thought,” Collier reminded her, brushing her chin with his knuckle.
“Thank you,” she murmured, feeling her heart swell with gratitude for him.
“Tell me about the King of Paeiz,” Maia asked, nodding toward the man Collier had persuaded to be his ally. “Tell me of his wife, his children.”
Collier smirked. “I know the least about those things,” he said with a chuckle. “He is a fencing master, though I think his training masters let him win. He was more than willing to seize part of my kingdom. Which I do not regret at all now that I know you revoked the Blight Leering.” He looked at her with awe and adoration. “The cursed shores took up half of my kingdom. Think of what that means for us.” He put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. “I am not sure I have thanked you properly for that kindness yet.”
“Consider it my wedding gift to you,” she answered in a playful tone.
Maia noticed Tomas winding his way through the crowd toward them. He looked flustered, and his eyes were wide with excitement. She could see the dimples, so she knew it was good news, and her heart started to beat faster in anticipation.
As soon as he reached them, he said, “The Aldermaston . . . Richard—my apologies, I cannot help but call him that still—he wanted me to let you know that the Holk is docking at Muirwood as we speak. Would you both come with me? He thought you might appreciate a private reunion before the others know.”
Collier took her hand, squeezing it so hard it almost hurt. “My mother arrived this morning as well,” he said, whispering in her ear. “She came so that we could be married quickly when the High Seer arrives. If she is truly here, I do not want to wait any longer. Today, Maia? Can we marry today? If the sun actually sets, of course!”
Maia’s heart thrilled at the thought. Pulling his hand, she led him out of the manor, following fast on Tomas’s heels. Even Collier’s long legs struggled to keep up with her as she hurried across the grounds. Several bystanders stood around gossiping, and Maia heard a few of their comments as she hurried toward the docks.
“The High Seer has come!”
“She is the queen’s grandmother you know.”