To Scale the Emerald Mountain (The Willowbane Saga #1)

42. CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

ELLYA

T he warm afternoon sun beats on my back through the windows as I’m roused from sleep, my limbs still buzzing from Alec’s touch.

“This sight makes me so very happy!” A lilting feminine voice cuts through my fog of sleep. I reluctantly peel myself from Alec’s warmth as he groans his own displeasure.

Cescily smiles fondly down at us.

“Go away, Cessy. I have not yet slept off my death,” Alec mumbles at her, pulling me close again.

I poke him playfully. “Are you going to tell everyone that I stabbed you?”

“Probably,” Alec grumbles sleepily into my hair and throws a heavy leg over me.

Cescily laughs. “I suppose your idea for her to kill you succeeded in setting you both free?”

“Yes. And it fixed whatever Locane broke. Now, leave.” Alec pulls the blanket farther up my back, trying to protect my modesty. Useless, as Cescily has seen me naked many more times than he has.

The memories of my best friend and all our bonding, mischief, and adventures returning to me have been nearly as magical as the memories of my mate .

“Would if I could, dear brother,” Cescily tuts. “But you are needed for a council meeting.”

Alec finally turns to face his sister, blinking his bleary eyes. “Is it important?”

Cescily shrugs. “I don’t think so. I believe it’s for budgets or something equally boring. Want me to handle it?”

Alec sighs. “No, thank you. I need to address with the council what you and I discussed.”

“See you there, then,” Cescily says and bounces out of the room.

“What did you two talk about?” I ask.

Alec rubs his hand up and down my bare arm, leaving pebbled skin that has nothing to do with being cold. “When you and I leave The Capital to tour the Mother Continent, Cescily will rule in my stead.”

“Weren’t her and your mother doing that anyway, while you were searching for me?” I ask.

“Yes. Mostly Cescily, with Mother’s guidance. She demonstrated admirably her natural leadership skills. But since we will be gone for an extended period, and our trip will not be a secret, the council would expect one of my brothers to step in.”

“Why? Is your council not aware of the queens and daughters of your family that sit the throne when you men go crazy?”

Alec chuckles. “Our council, our family, Ellya. And yes, they are.”

“Then what does it matter if Cescily temporarily takes your place?”

“It should not matter, but they will no doubt say something about tradition and appearances.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I say .

Alec kisses my nose. “I agree.” When he stands, I pout exaggeratedly at him. “Come with me.” He extends a large hand to help me up.

“Really?” I smile and take it, letting the blanket pool at my feet. Alec growls, pulling me into him.

“Yes, really. You do not have to do anything, just observe. You may very well be one of those queens to rule in the event of my untimely death if we have children that are not of age. Or the more likely scenario where I lose my fucking mind.”

I scowl at him, the idea of either situation abhorrent. “Don’t say that.”

“I thought we were past not being honest with ourselves, my clove?” he asks me, and I plant a light kiss on the thick white scar directly above his heart. I head towards my dressing room to find something to wear, Alec trailing behind me.

“We are. But isn’t it the task we are about to embark on that makes you Vahnsing men go mad?” I throw over my shoulder, pulling a flowy silver dress over myself—not bothering with undergarments beneath.

“It is, and seeing as how I am being pulled into that quest, the likelihood of me going mad has greatly increased. That is, if I do not first succumb knowing that you are bare under that dress in a room full of men.” He pulls me back into him and buries his face in my neck while bunching my skirts in his hands.

“You don’t have to join me in finding the gems if you think it will preserve your sanity,” I tell him.

Alec goes rigid behind me before roughly turning me to face him, thoroughly aggravated.

“Perhaps you are the one who has lost your mind if, for one second, you think that I would not follow you anywhere, for any reason. Especially to do something that is certainly dangerous. Do not insult me like that, Elly.”

“I don’t know, your retrieval of the emerald seemed simple enough.”

Alec draws in his brows. “Suspiciously simple, I would say.”

Considering the madness that grips the men in his family over the gems—the fact that no one had yet retrieved the emerald despite the ease in which it was found—I can’t help but agree that it doesn’t quite sit right.

I smile condescendingly at him before patting his cheek. “Fine. You can come.”

Alec scowls at me. “As if I need your permission. Besides, you may just find yourself needing one of my ships. Your father’s are not nearly as swift, or impressive.”

I narrow my eyes at him and challenge, “ Our ships.”

His face breaks into a bright grin. “Now you are catching on. Please, will you join me today? Having your lovely company will make it far less painful.” He gives me large doughy eyes that make me laugh.

“Fine,” I agree.

“Come. We must make a stop first. I have not yet moved my more official clothing into your chambers, and I cannot very well go to a council meeting like this.” Alec gestures towards his naked torso and comfort pants, the line of his cock wonderfully visible.

Quirking a brow, I assess the visual. An image flashes in my mind of Alec half naked, surrounded by ancient, serious men in the council room, and I laugh.

“I kind of wish you would.”

“I am taking you on a proper tour of the palace after this,” Alec informs me as we leisurely walk to the council chambers off the throne room, my hand nestled in the crook of his arm.

“You have taken me on countless proper tours of the palace,” I inform him, wrinkling my nose.

“Yes, but it has been several years since the last one, and you did not hide your disinterest.” Alec’s free hand rests on top of mine and squeezes. “Indulge me—please?”

I smile at him and agree, his tangible excitement bleeding over to me.

“You have been saying that word to me a lot today. That’s a lot of pleading for a king.”

“I have no shame in begging you for anything, Ellya. You are the only person I will beg for. I will beg on my knees if you ask me to.”

Alec squeezes my hand again, giving me a cocky smile as warmth creeps up my cheeks. I try to stifle that heat, remembering there is nothing between the wetness threatening to gather and the thin fabric of my gown.

I clear my throat, trying to distract myself. “I’m guessing the council is still made of the same dull, grumpy men?”

Alec laughs, the rich sound echoing around us. “It is.”

We walk in comfortable silence until we make it to the throne room. It’s beautiful, with high ceilings and banners lining the walls, sporting the Vahnsing crest. A massive solid gold and silver replica of the same dual faced sun hangs behind the two matching thrones on a dais. The thrones themselves are simple, but elegant, made more for comfort than grandeur.

The room more than compensates for the elegance and wealth of the royal family .

Alec’s eyes linger on a wooden door beneath the golden symbol. The door that leads deep beneath the palace to the dungeons. I squeeze his arm gently, knowing who he’s thinking about.

“You can talk to me about him,” I assure him gently. “I should have been there for you.”

Alec gives me a sad smile. “Thank you, Ellya. You have no idea what that means to me.”

“Is the council aware of what happened?”

We stop in front of the door to the council chambers off the throne room. “Only the bare minimum. They know not to mention it unless they wish for a swift death. Let us get this over with.”

Alec throws the door open and escorts me inside. At a stretching wooden table sits a group of six men and Cescily. All but one of the men still carries a more youthful appearance, the final starting to show his age. I’ve never asked Alec how old Lord Mehstons is, but Alec’s mentioned before that he’s sat on the council since the days of his grandfather, over six hundred years ago.

Everyone but Cescily stands and bows deeply.

“Princess! How wonderful to see you,” Lord Mehstons exclaims.

I give him a tight smile. “You too, Lord Mehstons,” I lie with ease, having done it multiple times before.

Everyone takes their seat again with quiet shuffling. Another councilor moves down a seat to make room for me to sit at Alec’s right at the head of the table. Though I’ve met all the councilors multiple times, I’ve only sat through one meeting. It was horribly boring, and I expect this one to be the same. Alec glances at me and barely winks, the hint of a smile dancing on his perfect lips.

“Alright. The purpose of calling this meeting?” His voice is deep and commanding, his words straightforward .

Alec listens dutifully as budgets for Samhain celebrations, renovations to a city run Healer’s office, and dock repairs in the port are discussed. Cescily takes avid notes, her and Alec both chime in intermediately with their thoughts. It is boring, but I do my best to pay attention and appear engaged.

Almost two hours have passed, and my ass is starting to get sore. Alec smiles and squeezes my knee under the table reassuringly every so often, motivating me to not fall asleep while also showing his appreciation for being here.

I’m daydreaming when suddenly the thought occurs to me that even after we complete our mating, a wedding and coronation will still be required before I’m officially queen. My stomach tightens, wondering if Alec intends for all of that to happen before we leave The Capital.

“Well, that is all we have for you today, my king,” Lord Mehstons says, closing his book of ledgers. “Unless there is anything else to address, that concludes this meeting.”

“I do have two matters to discuss,” Alec announces.

“Of course, my king.”

“First: I will need my ship prepared and sailed down the coast to the southern port of Brhadir as soon as possible. Ellya and I will be visiting her family before we embark on her first tour of the Territories.”

Everyone but Cescily registers surprise.

“Would it not be safer to set sail from the Bay of Quinndohs—go through the Trench?” one of the councilors asks.

“Bokhaii will be our first stop and, as you know, the Trench will not take us there,” Alec announces.

“It will?” I blurt out .

Alec smiles softly and turns his attention to me. “Of course, my clove.” I practically melt in my seat at the shameless use of his term of endearment in front of the council. “You have expressed your desire to see it since you were a child, and I thought you might want to see off your Nana to the islands.”

Alec turns his attention back to the council.

“We will not back track all the way to Quinndohs when Bokhaii is nearly a straight shot from Brhadport. Inform Mhaylene when the ship is ready; she will sail down the coast and wait for us at the port.”

Lord Mehstons makes note before saying, “It will be done, my king. Are you wanting the wedding to take place before you leave?” Concern lines his face, surely from the notion of putting together a royal wedding so quickly.

I hold my breath, waiting for Alec’s response.

“The wedding will not take place before we leave. We will do it justice,” he answers confidently. I exhale my relief. I’m not sure I’m ready for the attention I would receive for such an occasion.

“Secondly,” Alec begins again, “Cescily will be in charge for the duration of our trip, which is yet to be determined.” Alec’s tone has taken on a new air of command.

All the Lords of the council’s heads pop up and barely glance in Cescily’s direction.

“My king, are you wanting to keep your trip with the Princess private?” Lord Mehstons implores.

“No. Cescily will rule in my stead with her own face, her own voice.”

A pin could drop and echo through the unblinking silence of the room; I struggle not to snort a laugh.

“But, my king, wouldn’t one of your brothers—?” a council member begins.

“Which one of my brothers?” Alec’s tone is dangerously soft as he interrupts. “Shall I uproot Caison and his family from their home? Or perhaps Garrick would be a better choice? His wife is due to give birth any day. I am sure they would welcome the change—and the prospect of him not being readily available for his family in those precious early days. Or shall I go set Locane free from his irons in the dungeons below our feet? Would that be a preferable option? He was meant to be your king after all.”

The tension in the room vibrates. The councilor breaks out in beads of sweat. He gulps thickly, searching for words.

I glance at Cescily, watching the man stoically; a level headed leader.

“Why would one of my brother’s be a better option? Cescily has been present at every council meeting since she came of age. Cescily was personally taught everything there is to know about this Kingdom and how to properly run it. Cescily has already efficiently demonstrated her impeccable decision making and naturality in a position of power,” Alec says menacingly, his distaste on full, terrifying display.

My thighs rub together beneath the table, and he squeezes my knee tight, before running his hand up to rest high on my leg.

“Of course, my king. I apologize for questioning your decision.” The councilor’s face glistens while he stammers, trying to recover himself from the displeasure of his king.

“Do not apologize to me,” Alec spits. “Apologize to your princess, who you have insulted by insinuating that her face is not good enough to speak for Quinndohs.” Alec stands, quickly and silently, as the councilor stutters his apologies to Cescily. She waves her hand dismissively. “When Ellya and I take our leave, Cescily’s word is law. That is all,” Alec announces, reaching his hand for me to take.

The councilors all stand and bow, and we leave with Cescily in tow.

The three of us pause in the throne room, waiting for the councilors to shuffle out. Alec watches them intensely, and they take the hint—scurrying off quickly. When the large doors close behind them, Cescily and Alec both deflate and sigh at the same time, shedding their royal masks.

“That went better than I expected it to,” Cescily says. “It probably helps that everyone knows you’ve been killing endless prisoners to take the edge off lately. Plus, your stunt last night. The whole city is talking about that. Didn’t feel the need for damage control on that one, brother?” she asks, brows raised with amusement.

“Unnecessary. Elly blasted an innocent woman in the street for looking at me. I caught another man with his tongue in my mate’s ear. Entirely different,” Alec grits, giving me a fiery stare.

We haven’t spoken about my reckless behavior in my attempts to make him jealous, as well as self-destruct. My fight to deny myself happiness as a trauma response nearly crumpled the second Alec kicked that door in.

Was that really only last night?

I whisper an apology, then bite my lip.

Alec pulls my lip free with his thumb before capturing it between his own teeth, pulling it, and eliciting a soft moan from me.

Cescily groans at the lewd display of affection. “I don’t know that I’ll be able to stomach being around you two much for the foreseeable future.” Despite her words, she smiles at us with fond affection. “I’m guessing I should tell Mother you won’t be joining us for dinner tonight?”

Alec must see my trepidation at facing everyone so soon after the climatic return of my full memories. “Yes, I would appreciate that,” he answers.

Cescily gives me a bone breaking hug. I hear her sniffle as she turns to leave, waving behind her head in farewell.

“Will you still walk with me?” Alec extends the crook of his arm and glances down at it before his dark eyes meet mine.

“Yes. But I expect fried dough and grilled lamb after.”

“Anything you want shall be yours,” he promises as I take his arm.

We walk through the sprawling palace while he tells me animatedly about his favorite features, such as the bubbled colorful domes and intricate arches. The endless mosaics of colors and geometric shapes take my breath away. Alec’s shown me a lot of this before, and I was mostly uninterested.

It’s as if I’m seeing it all through brand new eyes now, and I suppose, in a way, I am.

I’m enraptured by the history of the palace and the ancient architects and artists who contributed to its conception and construction. We walk through several courtyards and gardens and galleries.

Alec tells me stories of how the god Mattyas is said to have had a hand in the design of the palace before the gods disappeared. He tells me about the history of the crest of the Vahnsings, the dual faced sun, based off Mattyas, the God of Duality himself. I had never realized how much Quinndohs idolized Mattyas, though not as fanatically as the citizens of the Territories do Ellhora. I tell Alec this; to which he replies, “I am sure you know that you did not always pay attention to my history lessons.”

By the time the sun has dipped below the horizon, we’ve only seen about a quarter of the palace and my stomach aches and growls. I stand in a courtyard and gaze at the velvet spread of the night sky—speckled with twinkling stars and shimmering smudges of burning vapors—wondering how I haven’t allowed myself to see the visual melody of the desert night of Quinndohs until now.

“You are a vision,” Alec whispers thickly, breaking me out of my reverie.

Turning my head, I find him watching me with the same awe I gave the sky.

Alec strides to me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Do you think you will be happy here?”

With me .

He doesn’t say it, but I see the unasked question in his uncertain eyes.

My rejection over the last weeks has given Alec a small amount of doubt that was not there before, when we were both so certain of our future together. Before that bright and beautiful future that we worked together for years to nurture was ripped from us viciously, along with my innocence.

I trace my fingers through Alec’s beard. “I will be happy anywhere you are,” I say as I stroke the line of his jaw and the apple of his throat. “It’s beautiful here. I’m sorry. Every time you’ve tried to show me the beauty of our home before, I acted like a bored, bratty child.”

“I am glad that you appreciate it now. And you were a bored, bratty child.” Alec’s dark eyes shine .

“I’m tired and hungry. Can we finish the tour another day?”

Alec holds me closer. “Good thing I already had your favorites delivered to your chambers,” he tells me before pulling us into the void.