“Why can’t you go?”
Selenia and the woman behind her exchanged a fraught glance. “I am not exactly welcome in Luciela’s domain. The Nether Queen and I have our differences, darling. Long story.”
“So you want me to go to The Court Below… and get Leona?” The fog she’d been battling all evening cleared instantly as adrenaline rushed into her spine.
“The Nether Queen will be distracted by Lunelle and the champions. It would be the perfect time to visit the River of Souls. Take something of hers, use it to call her.”
Selenia reached into the pocket of her robes, producing a locket, engraved with the Aurellis crest. “Contain her in this and bring her to me so we can handle our unfinished business and I’ll grant you a favor. You’ve already seen what I can offer you here.”
Ah, so this evening was not about showing her off to the gods, but the gods off to her.
“Nominate Mirquios as a champion,” Astra spat out before she could stop herself. The woman in pink and Alastair both leaned forward, caught off guard.
“Fascinating,” Selenia said, her eyes lighting up. “Why would I do that?”
“Mother has only identified one champion in the Prince of Pluto. He is not worthy of Lunelle. Or the title. He has nothing to offer. But Mirquios… he is a king. A true leader.”
Selenia’s lips pursed. “What about the Tether?”
Astra drew in a breath, letting the truth—as much of it as she dared—guide her response. “The Tether was a politically motivated farce. We made a deal. Nothing more. But it’s why I need a goddess to intervene and change Fate, if you will.”
“My blood does run through you,” she scoffed. “Of everything I could offer you, that is what you want?”
“It is what I want.”
“Your mother will not appreciate my interference.”
“What does my mother appreciate?”
Selenia laughed, a sound Astra couldn’t help but return.
“It is done. Next week, at Lunelle’s Trial Ball, I will declare my nomination. Do we have a deal?” She reached a hand across the space between sofas, glimmering chains around her wrists clacking together.
She glanced once at Alastair, who nodded so softly anyone could have missed it.
“We have a deal.”
“Excellent. Alastair!” Selenia turned to her right hand, satisfied with how the evening turned out. “Do make sure our princess gets home safely.”
He rolled his eyes, extending his hand to Astra, exhausted by having to make two trips to the Courts Between in one day.
“Let’s go, Fire Queen.”
She took his hand, wrapping her arm around his as he guided her out a back door, onto a terrace that backed into the Rift, the colors much more brilliant from the Court Above.
“I believe I have something of yours,” Alastair sighed. He pointed toward the treeline, a soft golden glow illuminating two ancient oaks. Lux’s eyes widened as he saw her, his legs springing into action.
“Don’t,” Alastair called. “I sensed you from a mile away, Luxuros. The rest of the gods surely will, too. You have enemies here you cannot even fathom.”
Lux’s shoulders stiffened as Alastair walked her toward the forest, the Rift tangled between the trees. Astra was about to ask how he found her when she saw his fingers working to refasten the moonstone amulet around his neck. He’d followed the Tether.
Alastair halted just as she could feel his warmth, releasing her arm.
“You did well tonight, Astra,” he said quietly, scarlet panic climbing Lux’s spine as he strained to get his hands on her. “But Selenia is dangerous, so much more than you know. And she answers to even more frightening figures. Do what she asked, but don’t entangle yourself further.”
“Who does she?—”
Alastair cut her off with a finger to his lips. “Another time. If anyone asks, I escorted you back to the palace personally.” He leaned in, brushing his lips against her cheek, and whispered, “I won’t tell Selenia who whisked you away, but do be careful, Princess. The gods who do not get a say in Fate’s tapestries will do just about anything to unravel the threads.”
