The Lost Queen Is Back

atching the morning breeze. What once had been scorched earth now bloomed with fragile green-testamen

irst time since the day of parley. Nobles and guild leaders filled the room, some loyal, othe

ded robes and a ring at her finger carved

es if trade is to continue through the southern ports. They believe the crown

. "They supported us when it was conv

woman as sharp as ice in spring thaw-smiled thinly

t be built on truth. Compromise com

ommander and sentinel, said nothing-but his posture shifted subtl

e outlying villages razed by Maeron's retreating men. Those who only s

ical lion. "A wise queen lis

and careful glances cast toward the thro

r they leave," she mutte

"Because in that silence

drawn. "Do you ever wonder if we shou

e not the kind of woman who can walk past a burning ho

lower now. "Besides, I like seeing you command a

ing you're behin

hing. But before words cou

is otherwise composed expression. "We have a vi

im. "The Reach was though

a seal. She asked for an audi

at once. "Br

s of onyx and dusk blue. Her face was veiled, but her voice-

s from the last border of

lira stepped forw

Liraen, your mother's cousin. We survived

e dropped. "

the crescent moon, inscribed in an ancient language Elira r

ot the last heir.

oom f

udded in her ears. "

h-sworn exiles. He lives. And now, factions from the eastern mar

ard sharply. "Why

ned Chapel of Eithen's Spine at the next moonrise. If they succeed, they'll draw a

tening around the hilt. The steel felt

s my b

n. Whether he is your enemy...

e blade from the Reach sheathed at her back, her though

," he finally said. "

e hope of a people I

ady bled for this kingdom. Now t

e in Velarion sings the same song. Not until the

something from his coat. A pendant, si

t's

or you. To remind you that even fire

eath c

rushing her collarbone. Then, quieter sti

her defenses crumbled. "I know. That

dipped. "T

ak, stars burning overhead. "Dain, will you stay

es. He stepped forward, c

any kings had once fallen and one queen had risen. It was n

the kiss, sh

To Eithen's Spine. W

a boy with silver-fire eyes looked up at the moon, unaware that destiny rode t

een. And Reck