The next morning, I got dressed in my fae leathers and tunic, Dawn strapped at my waist, and met with Penelope and Tristan in the antechamber to Rafe’s council chamber. He was in a meeting with some of his nobles about Eldorean matters, and we were told he would see us as soon as he was done.
It would be hard being in the same room with Rafe again, especially after what I had seen last night, but I had to push my feelings aside and concentrate on the task at hand. We needed his army to join us; the Eldorean mages were powerful warriors who would be invaluable to our cause. I pushed my shoulders back as the council chamber doors opened and we were ushered inside.
The mood was somber as we entered the large, rectangular room. Huge latticed windows framed two sides of the council chamber, looking out at the gardens beyond. Rafe stood at the head of the massive table as the nobles of Eldoren milled around talking and arguing while pointing to parts of the map that lay in the center. He was talking in a low tone to the Earl of Rothguard and the Marquis of Greystone, my father’s old friends who were also part of the resistance against Morgana.
Everyone looked up as we entered, and to my surprise, they all started clapping. Earlier during the coronation, they had been focused on Rafe, but word had spread about what had really happened. One by one they came up to me and bowed, expressing their lifelong gratitude to me for helping to rescue their children. At that moment all doubts of whether I should have done it disappeared. I had saved the lives of the children. I may have lost my magic because of it, but seeing the relief and happiness on the faces of all these people made it worth it.
Tristan was right. Maybe I wouldn’t be stronger and more powerful than everyone else anymore, but I was still the rightful Queen of Illiador, even without my magic. And it wasn’t as if I had lost all of it. I still had my mage magic, which due to my bloodline was stronger than most, and for now that would have to suffice.
The rest of the council thanked me and left the room until only Rothguard and Julian Fenton remained. Rafe explained that after Silverthorne’s execution, Fenton had become the leader of the Silver Swords.
I was grateful my father’s friends still supported me, but I wondered how long that would last if they found out I had lost most of my powers.
Captain Declan Raingate entered the council chamber. Danica was with him. After asking around, I had come to discover Danica was Captain Raingate’s niece. She used to live at Silverthorne Castle after her parents died, and Captain Raingate was her guardian now. It made sense that she was part of the resistance since her uncle was a member of the Silver Swords.
“Danica has a request,” said Captain Raingate.
Danica bowed stiffly to me, but her eyes held no warmth in them. “We could use your help with the wounded, your highness. We have heard of your amazing healing powers. Surely you can spare some time to help those in need. There are some who will not live unless you do something.”
I stared at her in shock. What could I say? I couldn’t tell her I had lost my ability to heal. And if I refused to help, they would think I was cold and callous.
Penelope stepped in. “Aurora has just recovered from a very dangerous magical battle that has taken a toll. I don’t recommend she does any healing magic until she recovers.”
Danica’s eyes darkened. “But what about the wounded?”
“I am a skilled healer; I will tend to them,” said Penelope. “Give me a few moments, and I will be with you.”
She bowed to Penelope with obvious relief in her eyes. “Thank you, my lady.” With that, she left.
“Did you find out anything, Declan?” asked Rafe.
He nodded. “It’s not good.”
Rafe threw a quick glance at Penelope. “I sent Captain Raingate to find out information on this general Lilith mentioned.”
“And what did you find?” Penelope asked the captain.
“Not much, except that he commands the Drakaar.”
“Does he have a name?” Penelope asked.
“If he does, no one knows of it. They simply refer to him as the general.” Captain Raingate moved closer. “And he is moving his army south.” He pointed to an area in Illiador.
I looked at the map on the table. “But I thought they were busy attacking the dwarven fortresses.”
Captain Raingate gave me a sharp look. “Well, it looks like he decided there is something more valuable here.”
Tristan, who had kept quiet so far, came up to stand beside me and crossed his arms. His dark eyes flashed, and Captain Raingate, who was usually unfazed, seemed to take a step back. Everyone had seen what the dark prince could do, and there was no one here who was brave or stupid enough to get in his way. I was glad Tristan was here; after my experience with Lilith, I felt safer with him around.
Rafe continued looking at the map. “And where is Morgana?”
“My spies tell me her army is amassing in the plains and will meet with the general’s forces here.” He stabbed a finger at the map, pointing to the Valley of Flowers, not far from Oblek’s castle. “More forces are said to be entering through a pass in the Silverspike and meeting in the Darkwood. They have been marching ever since the winter snow cleared.”
“Their destination?” Rafe’s tone was clipped.
“Eldoren,” said Captain Raingate gravely.
Rafe looked over at Rothguard and Fenton. “Ready the army. We must march northward at the earliest. We must fortify the fortress at the Eastern Pass in the Cascade Mountains and meet Morgana’s army before she reaches Eldoren.”
“I
