Total pages in book: 222
Estimated words: 213974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1070(@200wpm)___ 856(@250wpm)___ 713(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 213974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1070(@200wpm)___ 856(@250wpm)___ 713(@300wpm)
“Thank you,” I murmured as a warm breeze drifted over the dais.
The pale-skinned servant didn’t meet my gaze as she nodded and then left without saying a word. Her movements were graceful as she navigated those who remained on the floor and hadn’t retreated to the seating area in the recesses of the Hall.
A sudden, soft clearing of someone’s throat caught my attention, pulling my focus toward the sound.
The Primal goddess Keella stood several feet from the dais.
Kolis’s fingers began idly tapping the arm of the throne. “Keella,” he acknowledged after a moment. “I am surprised to see you here today.”
“I know I didn’t indicate that I was in need of your time during Court,” she said, and I understood what this was now. Kolis was holding Court, a time for the gods—and I supposed the Primals—to make requests or air complaints. “But I hope I can appeal to your graciousness and speak with you before it starts.”
His graciousness? I almost snorted.
“You’ve always appealed to my gracious side,” he said, some of the warmth leaving his tone. “Whether warranted or not.”
I thought about how Keella had assisted Eythos with Sotoria’s soul and figured that was the dig Kolis delivered.
However, Keella showed no reaction to it as she stood, her spine straight and the clasp of her hands loose.
“So,” Kolis drawled, “what brings you today?”
Keella lifted her chin. “Her.”
My posture straightened in surprise.
“Of course,” Kolis murmured.
“She is the Consort of the Shadowlands,” Keella stated quietly. Attes and some of the gods turned to listen.
“Is she?”
“I was there at her coronation and marriage to your nephew,” Keella replied as my grip on the chalice firmed. “I know who she is.”
Air lodged in my throat as I angled myself to see both her and Kolis.
“You should know who she is.” Kolis’s smile, that well-practiced one, stayed in place. “Tell me, Keella, when you stood at her coronation, did you know?”
“I know her as Seraphena, the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Light and the Fire, and the Brightest Moon,” she answered smoothly. “Nyktos’s Consort.”
So many things raced to the tip of my tongue, but this was one of those rare moments when I knew better than to speak and stayed silent instead.
“The Brightest Moon.” Kolis eyed me—my hair. “I can see why Nyktos came up with such a silly title.”
My fingers twitched. Stay quiet. Nothing about that part of my title was silly. I wasn’t even thinking about the reference to the prophecy. Ash had picked it because of my hair and how it reminded him of the moon. It was…meaningful. Sweet.
“And where is Nyktos?” Keella asked, causing my gaze to snap back to her.
“Where do you think he is?” the false King countered. “He killed your brethren.”
Wait. Was it possible that some of the Primals were unaware of Ash’s imprisonment?
“Did he do it to protect his Consort?” Keella’s arched brows rose. “If so, while I abhor such violence, his reaction is understandable.”
“Is it?” A palpable heat brushed against my skin on the heels of those two words. “His actions could’ve meant lasting, damaging consequences for the realms.”
“But they didn’t.” Keella had to feel Kolis’s brewing anger, but she remained undaunted. “Another has risen after all these many, many long years. One would consider that a blessing.”
“I’m sure Hanan would appreciate that sentiment,” Kolis remarked dryly. In any other situation, I would’ve laughed at that. “Nyktos is currently imprisoned, but he will be released soon. I do hope he shows more remorse for his actions than you have shown.”
I had a feeling Kolis would be disappointed.
“And what will happen then?” Keella pressed. “Will you cease…whatever this is? She is Nyktos’s Consort, Kolis.” Her voice lowered. “This is a breach of tradition and honor not seen since…”
“Since when?” Kolis asked softly.
Keella inhaled deeply but did not answer. Even I knew what she referenced. This type of behavior hadn’t been seen since Kolis killed Mycella in his rage. I glanced at Attes. Killed his children and many others.
Kolis shifted forward, his voice lowering. “I did not sanction the coronation you attended. It was a farce.”
I closed my eyes, my jaw clenching. I’d known what he planned to claim, yet it still made me want to scream.
“That is not the impression I was under,” Keella replied curtly.
There was a gap of silence, and then Kolis called for Kyn. My eyes snapped open.
The Primal of Peace and Vengeance approached without his twin, the silver cuff on his upper arm glinting as he held a less-adorned glass. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“You were present when Nyktos came to Cor Palace and asked permission to take Seraphena as his Consort,” Kolis said, and a jolt of surprise went through me upon hearing him say my name. He hadn’t since I’d told him I was Sotoria. “Did I give my permission?”