Page 56 of Wings of Snow
Slowly, the intense desire to shred their souls abated. Once I fully released them, the two Nolus males pulled out a portal key and disappeared. The others who’d witnessed what had transpired began to whisper.
A few words drifted toward me.
“Have you seen the Solis fae before?” one hissed.
“Not in these parts in quite some time,” their friend replied, “although I did see a few up in Culasberee last year.”
“He’s a big one,” another said, nodding toward me. “I wonder what his magic is. The Solis have strange magic, don’t they?”
“I think so,” the female beside him replied. “To be honest, I don’t know much about them. They always keep to themselves.”
My guards flanked my and Ilara’s sides as we followed the golden walkway, which had widened into a street and continued up the winding hill to the palace.
Off to the right lay a small park. It was bursting with jungle gym equipment, miniature castles, bridges, and play houses. Dozens of small Nolus children darted about. Each of them had a head of brightly colored hair.
“So idyllic,” Ilara said quietly. “This is nothing like my village.”
“’Tis the warmer climate they have.” Sandus shrugged. “They don’t have the hardships here that we face. Life is easier for the Nolus.”
Her forehead furrowed. “I can see why King Novakin covets this land. It’s beautiful, but it’s not home. As much as this is captivating, I venture to say I would grow weary of the constant warmth and sunshine.”
Haxil nodded approvingly. “Spoken like a true Solis. And that right there, Ilara, is whyyoushould be queen, not that appalling Georgyanna.”
My mate sneered at the mention of the Kroravee witch. “How is Georgyanna, anyway?” she asked me, an edge to her tone.
“Probably still picking out wedding dress material while driving Daiseeum mad.”
Her breath sucked in. “Daiseeum is her lady’s servant?”
I growled when her expression grew hurt. “My father insisted that Georgyanna be put in the Exorbiant Chamber, which is the chamber that Daiseeum services, otherwise she’d be nowhere near it.”
Ilara’s frown grew, and everything in me wanted to smooth that expression and tell her I’d toss the witch out the second we set foot back on castle grounds, but before I could open my mouth, Ilara abruptly pitched forward and came to a careening halt.
My mate grabbed her stomach, bending over as a mewling sound parted her lips. “Oh gods!”
“Lara?” Pain thrust toward me on the bond. I snapped my wings around her. “Ilara, what’s wrong?”
All four of my guards leapt into a protective circle around us, their blades already in hand as their warrior magic reared.
“Ilara?” A snarl of fury tore from my throat as I frantically searched her belly for a wound or puncture or whatever had caused her to stagger and pitch forward. “What is it? Did something hit you?”
More mewling sounds came from her.
“Ilara!” But no matter how hard I looked I didn’t see anything protruding from her skin or a weapon that had pierced her clothes.
I straightened and stretched my senses more, my eyes wild as I sought out the threat. Every Nolus fairy walking near us halted and backed up. Some even ran.
My breaths sped up. “There’s no one on the roofs. Do you sense anyone or anything?” I asked my guards.
“No, there’s no one,” Ryder called.
Haxil raised his sword higher. “Check the alleyways.”
“Protect your queen!” I roared.
Ilara grabbed my hand. I crouched toward her, fury making my moves frantic and blurred. Pain contorted her features. I would destroy the realm. I would destroyevery fucking creaturethat made her look this anguished.
“What’s happened, my love. Tell me. Where are you hurt?”