Rigel.
“Congratulations, Queen Leila!” Lord Dion gave me a sweeping bow and a handsome grin. He’d donned gray robes for today—maybe the traditional clothes were a requirement for attendance?
“Thank you, Lord Dion,” I said. I reflexively glanced down at the prism, which I had pinched between two fingers.
“It is very beautiful—and the size strikes me as convenient,” Lord Dion said.
I knew he was just being friendly and charming because of the Paragon’s plan—there was no way he didn’t know he was the Paragon’s choice, heck, the Paragon almost certainly told him so he would be extra charming. But I was pretty gleeful about that particular feature, and I didn’t care if the comment was just sucking up.
“It is, isn’t it?” I held the prism up for his admiration. “I can easily carry it in a purse, but I realized that if I have to wear sleeves even in the dead of summer for reasons I can’t fathom, I could even tuck it up my sleeve!”
Lord Dion’s smile shifted slightly—I think I was getting a glimpse of his true grin. “That’s a brilliant idea—I don’t think most monarchs are able to secretly carry their artifacts. Some of them aren’t quite travel size.” Back came on the charming façade as he leaned closer. “And, if you are able to secretly carry it upon your person, it would be a great reassurance to your safety!”
“Yes, that is a concern,” I said.
Off to the side, Lord Rigel soundlessly shifted his weight. His black eyes were still lightless, but today that bored look seemed to crust his body language.
“Don’t worry, Lord Rigel,” I called to the assassin. “You’ll always be special to me, since you were the first person to try to kill me.”
That got some reactions.
Lord Dion—still admirably able to keep his politeness on display, asked in a deceivingly calm voice, “Rigel, you tried to assassinate the queen?”
“Queen Leila!” Skye’s voice was an interesting combination of a whimper and a hiss.
Rigel stared at his friend with his soulless eyes—but all traces of boredom were gone, muwahah!
“It was nothing, Lord Dion—it was so long ago it’s all in the past.” I gave a few fanciful waves, then winked at the red haired fae when he turned back around to face me.
Lord Dion slightly inclined his head. “You are as forgiving as you are beautiful, Queen Leila. The Court is lucky to have you.”
I was pretty impressed he was able to say that—it felt like there was a lie somewhere in there, but I couldn’t figure out how he’d gotten away with saying it. “Thank you, Lord Dion. Your way with words is quite impressive.”
Lord Dion laughed. “You must take me for a jokester, but everything I have spoken is the truth! Nonetheless, I have taken up too much of your time. Good day, Queen Leila.” Another bow, and he was strolling away.
Interestingly, Lord Rigel didn’t follow him.
He was watching me, his expression back to that haunting, dark look—the only expression he wore besides boredom. Although, I noticed that unlike everyone else he was wearing his usual dark shirt and boots combo.
It feels like the fae put clothes on and off like costumes for a part they mean to play for the day, except Rigel. He never pretends to be anything but deadly and wild.
“Hey, Rigel. Thanks for coming,” I said.
Skye made a quiet squeaking noise, and Indigo actually kicked me through my skirts.
Rigel blinked. “You aren’t bothered by the appearance of your artifact.”
I glanced down at the prism, then shrugged. “Nah.”
He slowly nodded. “You intend to flaunt it to upset your naysayers.”
I was a little surprised that Lord Rigel, of all people, correctly guessed what I was going to do. I wouldn’t think his chosen work would require people skills. Maybe he’s just that observant?
I studied the lethal but handsome lord, unable to pin down exactly what I was feeling.
He stared back at me, and I made myself smile. “I’d prefer to call them haters, but sure. I mean, it’s not like the appearance necessarily reflects the artifact’s ability to refine magic.”
He blinked again. “You are a strange queen.”
“Yeah, well your career path is illegal,” I said.
Another kick from Indigo actually stung enough to make me jump a little.
“Rigel?” Dion called from farther down the hallway. “Are you coming?”
Lord Rigel stared at me for a few heartbeats, then glided off with all the grace a fae should possess.
Indigo waited until the assassin left the hall before she dared to speak. “Has he ever bowed to you?”
“Nope,”