The Rebel Queen (Outlaw #1) - Lexi Blake Page 0,15

children have worked hard. They’ve been at war for years, preparing for this time. We must give this moment every bit of attention it needs. Pomp and circumstance have their place.”

As it had in the beginning. I did know this game. We’d been forced to play it before, and Devinshea had been the one to guide us through.

“Hey, are you two coming? Z, you need a moment?” Daniel had made his way back to us.

Dev looked to him. “I was explaining that we need to go into royal mode. I know that the two of you are processing…”

“Processing the fact that Myrddin stole twelve years of time with my children?” Daniel’s tone had gone glacial. “That he stuck a stone in my head so he could control me? That he took my crown and our home? I do not need to process that, Devinshea. I understand there is some prophecy out there that claims Lee or Dean will kill the wizard, but I’ll make that bastard wish for death. I will make him beg my son for the killing blow. Make no mistake of that. You’re going to ask me to hold my head high and walk into whatever we’re walking into like the King of All Vampire should. I am more. This is my plane. He might hold it for now, but his time is running out. I remember how to play this game. You taught me well. When I walk out there, they will see a king.”

Dev was practically drooling. “Is it wrong to say I find you extremely sexy right now, my king?”

Daniel’s hand went to the back of Dev’s neck, tangling with the hair he found there. He tugged and got into Dev’s space. “I will process this later in a very physical way.”

“I look forward to it.” Dev took a long breath, and the lust that had taken over was replaced with the smooth politician he became when we needed it.

I had to find my will because they were right. I couldn’t walk out there like the shell-shocked mother I was. I couldn’t cry and beg for someone to take me home no matter how much I wanted to.

“Put it aside, my queen,” Dev whispered. “You don’t have to think about it right now. This evening when we’re alone, we’ll talk about what there is to be done.”

Daniel took my hand. “But for now I need you. The children need you.” He brought it to his lips, kissing my skin. “I know you have a thousand questions, and we’ll find the answers.”

“Do I look all right?” It was ridiculous but Dev was correct. Appearances mattered. We would need allies, and that meant giving them confidence in the crown.

We were the crown.

“You look beautiful.” Daniel leaned over and brushed his lips over mine. “You remember how to do this. We haven’t been formal with the exception of ceremonial functions for years.”

He stepped to the side and held out a hand. I placed mine in his. Dev moved to Daniel’s left. I straightened my shoulders and we began to walk.

We emerged from the tunnel to find a whole vibrant village under the mountain. A village filled with Fae and supernaturals.

There were trolls and brownies and sidhe. I thought I recognized a few werecreatures from the Council. There was a crowd of them, and they seemed to hold their breath as we walked through the entrance to this magical realm. Faery lights gave the place a soft glow, and Arwyna took off from Dev’s shoulder, joining the large kaleidoscope of pixies fluttering in excitement at the return of their queen.

There were hushed whispers, and then a great shout went through the crowd.

“Long live the king!”

“The king has returned!”

“Down with the wizard!”

I looked over and Evan was grinning, leaning against a tree, with Fen by her side. Rhys and Lee stayed close to them, Lee’s eyes trailing over to where Dean stood with Kelsey. They both looked like they were happy to stay out of the spotlight.

A familiar face rushed through the crowd toward Kelsey.

“Casey’s here,” I whispered Daniel’s way as I waved to the crowd. “I pray that means the academics made it out all right.”

The academics were a specialized group of vampires. Marcus Vorenus had been the leader of the academics and Daniel’s greatest supporter. We trusted the academics always, and any war would be hard for us to win without their support and wise counsel.

Sure enough, I caught sight of Hugo and Henri at the back