Brinn was heavily guarded by the two short gnomes during the reception. It was frustrating because she could not escape to conduct her search for Alvar, but at least none of the nobility were engaging her either. She knew most of their names, but she had no idea how close Mairwen was to any of them. It could be a problem that would only add to the suspicions Xander was having about her identity.The throne room was packed with people. Brinn watched from beside a pillar as people bowed before an expressionless Alaron. Whatever Cafer had done had been enough to take all the personality from the boy.Cafer was doing his part to distract from the muted monarch. Like a magician, he would pull the attention of whoever approached the throne to himself. The advisor would then direct a pleasant question toward the boy and encourage him to nod or respond in some simple way.For the most part, people seemed unbothered by the quiet ruler. If they were honest, it was a nice change from the impulsi

The coronation feast was only for nobility, gnomes that Baak thought worthy, and a small group of Xander's pirates. The captain and king were becoming more picky with their company, and with Alaron now officially in power, they felt they could act more freely.It was this attitude that had earned Xander his injured jaw. He believed he was untouchable. He was wrong."Are you sure you do not want one of the servants to mash up your food, Xander?" Baak teased. "Or perhaps that young lady you were flirting with would like to come in and cut up your meal in small bites for you."Xander snapped his head toward the king in a flash of anger. His purpled and slightly swollen jawline only made the king chuckle louder. The pirate inhaled deeply through his nose and gave a pained smile. "Perhaps I can give you a matching injury, Your Majesty. Then we can both call back the lovely Miss Loane for assistance."The Captain shot a wary glance far down the table at Lord Ulrich. Why the man had been all

Xander looked at the two ladies, the sleeping prince and the unusually calm Cafer. Something did not add up, but he was not sure which thing to address first."Cafer, you sneaky jackal! Already trying to find new ways to control the young man?" Baak laughed. The group lowered their weapons.Brinn giggled, and Alvar did his best impression of a coquettish woman. He pushed out his chest and wiggled his hips. Brinn was equal parts amused and offended by his acting. She would make him apologize later for sinning against womankind, but she was glad that the men in the room did not seem to notice his awkward manner.Baak furrowed his brow. "Your efforts will not do much good if the boy is sleeping. He has not even woken with all this commotion."The king was right. Tired from the day and sedatives, Alaron had not stirred since everything began."Where did these women even come from? I did not see them enter," Xander did not sheath his sword, holding it firm in his unbroken hand."The servan

"You do not have to stay here on my account. We will be heading south soon, and I know you must be tired of being around others all the time. Feel free to go home and have a rest of your own." Aurora offered as she walked around the Celestial Garden.It had been two weeks since the Empress had arrived in the candled palace of the elves. They had been planning tirelessly with those on the other side of the mirror, but just now she was taking a respite in the fresh air with her thoughts. That was until the cranky fairy, Reyan, had decided to join her on her otherwise quiet walk.He complained of the weather, the hospitality of the elves and of how much better his own home was. It was the last complaint that had led to Aurora's impassioned plea. Really, she would have offered anything short of her already lost kingdom to make the griping stop."I would never think to leave you alone in this den of jackals. The elves would walk all over you if not for me..." Reyan asserted. He looked indi

After conferring with the other half of the group in the mirror, the magical army assembled and prepared to head southward. It took far more time than Aurora would have liked, but she knew that patience was key. Rushing things would lead to disaster.At last they were assembled and ready to go. The elves and fairies, together at last, stood in all their shining glory.Led by Ithel and Zoltan, the elves stood in perfect straight lines in their resplendent armor. If nothing else, their shining helmets would blind the enemy. Silently, the agile creatures awaited orders while staring ever forward. They were the picture of military prowess. Their golden skin against their steel armor made them looked like a shining sea of metal.On the other side of the spectrum were the fairies. They had no discernible lines or ranks as they waited for instructions. The plump creatures were grouped by their season chatting pleasantly with one another. A few were even flying, and the gentle whirring of the