Chapter 160: Whitefall XVII

Chapter 160: Whitefall XVII

Youre a fool. Annettes face was the very picture of scorn, her cheeks flaming red.

We had caught back up to the carriage quickly, and now Annette stood awkwardly in the center, gripping the hem of her silver skirts tightly.

Does it help that Im a fool who is delightedeven deliriously happyto see you? I tried.

I think not, Annette said.

Melody rose, sweeping the skirts of her dress aside. Take my seat, princess

Shell do no such thing, King Gil growled. He leaned forward, casting a shadow over Melody and Maya.

Everyone froze. Too late, I realized this was a mistake. Hed been so damned agreeable since we reunited that I hadnt thought twice about adding one more person to our retinue.

Father I started.

Was it her hunters that turned the tide? Her magic that pierced the barrier? Did she heal our wounded, or come back from the bloody hells? King Gil glared at Melody.

The noblewoman unfroze and settled back down slowly. Annette gazed at the carriage floor, her mouth set in an even line.

King Gil leveled an icy gaze at Annette. She may stand, or sit elsewhere, or be crushed beneath the wheels of the carriage for all I care. Such is the fate of many children incapable of obedience. But you will not give her your seats.

The unfairness of his wordsnot to mention, flagrant hypocrisywasnt lost on me. I wasnt exactly the pinnacle of obedience either, yet there was an upcoming banquet in my honor. I wanted to defy him. But it was never so simple, with my father. From his reaction, he already intended to punish Annette, though for the time being the punishment would probably be small, indirect.

If I confronted him, that small punishment was likely to escalate. It was his way.

May I turn, Father? Annette asked, head still lowered in deference.

Please. Spare me your wilted face. Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)

Annette turned, arms clasped behind her back. Her cheeks were still flushed, but she stood ramrod-straight, her spine fully elongated, a stoic expression on her lips.

Though I was still cringing at the circumstances that brought us together, I couldnt help but marvel at her poise.

A part of me had always found Annette stuffy and unapproachable before.

Id taken her frigid demeanor as judgment.

But now that I had a wider perspective, one divorced from the petty sibling rivalry that plagued our childhood, I felt nothing but respect. Even as she endured our fathers ire, my sister was the very picture of nobility, possessing infinitely more dignity than I could have aspired to at her age. And it had nothing to do with her blood, or line, or similar mindless notions of heritage. It was a learned skill, and one Annette had honed to the fullest.

I struggled, trying to come up with a way to recover, something to say to her as the carriage wound through the city streets.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maya was shaking. She looked at war with herself, eyes constantly flicking to the princess, then away. I placed a hand on her back and the shaking stilled.

Surprising everyone, it was Eckor who broke the silence. UhI like your dress, princess.

As do I, Melody chimed in, jumping on the break in the silence. Is it one of ours?

Annette gave them both an appreciative nod. My thanks. Sadly, no, Lady Vasemoux. It would be criminal to dirty the noble tailors excellent work in the open streets.

Melody preened at the praise.

Annette nodded gravely, her eyes predatory. My scholastic duties take up much of my day, and my tutors will be displeased if I shirk them.

Of course, Maya said.

However, diplomats lacking packed schedules are a rarity in Whitefall. If my time spent with you was educational, it would be easier to justify. Would you be willing to teach me about your culture during our time together?

Mayas eyes widened. I would. But fair warning, Im not much of a historian.

Annette shook her head. Thats no bother. Im looking for broader insights. We have few texts on the infernals and the enclave itself, most of them full of falsehoods and fairytales. Id like to rectify their shortcomings, separate fact from fiction.

With that said, Annette reached out a hand.

Maya hesitated. But only for a moment before she responded in kind.

Spoken and sealed, Annette said, her lips pulling upwards ever so slightly at the edges in an almost-smile.

The carriage jostled to a halt to trumpeting fanfare, and Annette immediately descended the carpeted steps of the loading platform and scampered away.

Maya leaned towards me and whispered. Is she always so

Transactional?

I nodded. All three of us were for most of our childhoods. Favors were our currency. We were always looking for a leg up, searching for an advantage, anything that let us get ahead. By the time we were old enough to understand how foolish that was, it was too late to form any genuine bond between us.

It would be different this time.

***

The main halls gates swung open. I was greeted with the sight of a thousand nobles crowded up on either side of the long tongue of violet carpet that led all the way from the entrance to the stairs leading up to the dais. Annette had taken her place in line on my fathers side.

Serastill absurdly tall and dressed in Crimson Brand robes, stood towered behind her, peering towards the gates in suspicion. The queens throne was obscured, any trace of her hidden behind the arch-bishops ridiculous hat.

Behold! The victorious King, the arch-bishop pronounced.

The nobles filled the chamber with polite applause, though I noted a few looks of worry and anger among them.

My father strode down the carpet and filled the empty throne.

And with him, the prodigal son. Prince Cairn has finally returned to Whitefall. Give praise to Elphion!

Again, the polite applause of gloved hands filled the chamber as all eyes turned to me.

The night of the coronation replayed in my mind, complete with the pyre of green flame Id so callously thrown my crown into. Being here felt like living that day in reverse. With one crucial difference.

My legs wouldnt move.

Cairn, Maya whispered. She and the others were standing behind me, where theyd be called up after my entrance. Theyre waiting.

The paralysis broke. I took a step. Another. And another. Then, I was just short of running, the once infinite distance that separated me from those Id lost suddenly measurable and shrinking by the moment.

My mother was alive.

And in a matter of seconds, I would see her again.