“If you cannot contribute meaningfully to this new world, consider this your formal invitation to get the fuck out of the Nova Court.” Their eyes flickered across the ballroom, unsure what to do, or what to think, betrayal pitching up from their chests in scarlet plumes.
“She’s a traitor!” Ivonne stammered. Deep dragon’s blood fury clutched at her throat, launching her forward as hushed murmurs agreed with her. But as she looked around she found herself quite alone in her willingness to stand against the ring of armed Rebels that blocked the exits.
Her eyes locked on Oestera’s and she was met with only a chilled glare. Ivonne lifted a hand and Astra reached for the shadows beneath her, whipping them up and around her wrist. Ivonne struggled against the hold.
“You—”
“Careful now,” Oestera chided. “I wouldn’t provoke a Shadow Goddess, Ivonne.”
“Arcas,” Astra called, gesturing toward the icy figure leaning against the wall. “I believe Ivonne will be the first volunteer to relocate to your court.”
Ivonne’s wicked glare snapped toward the prince moving toward her, his tall frame consuming hers easily as he wrapped a twist of silver threads around her wrists.
“Anyone else who feels utterly betrayed by their queen is welcome to gather their things and proceed to the Plutonian gates. We are not monsters, you can have your city. But we’re done funding your greed. May the gods be with you—you’re all they have left.”
A wine-red river flowed from the Celestial Hall as dozens of bodies ribboned from the arches, off to pilfer whatever they could from their living quarters before disappearing into the Rift. When Astra turned her eyes back to the half-empty hall below, she found a gentle blue sea lapping at the ribs of the remaining courtiers.
“If you stay and join the Nova Court, your needs will not go unmet. There will be changes, but they will be worth it, I promise. Enjoy the rest of the evening—tomorrow, the work begins.”
She stayed for a moment, watching as the reality sank in. Then she waved a hand to the orchestra, striking the music back into a sweeping crescendo.
She backed through the doors, searching for Lux.
“Where’d he go?”
Ameera reached for her cape, fiddling with the clasp.
“He said the council could have you tomorrow, but tonight is his.”
Ameera wiggled her eyebrows, bursting into laughter as a scarlet wave ran over her cheeks.
“But I don’t know?—”
“I believe I’m to escort the Nova Queen somewhere,” Mirquios’s smooth baritone bounced off the hallway. He was still in his Mercurian blues, an aventurine circlet wrapped around his head. “Astra.”
“I assume I’m dressed completely inappropriately?” Astra glanced down at the elaborate robes falling behind her in a dramatic train.
“I actually think you’ve never looked more like yourself,” Mirquios said, grinning as he held his elbow out for her.
“I’ll let your mother know who has you,” Ameera said.
“No need,” she laughed. “I can do it.” She tapped her temple and Ameera’s eyes widened.
I’ll meet with the Nova Council in the morning. Can you hold them off for tonight if I take a quick trip with the Mercurians? It didn’t take much to find her mother’s mind in the crowd down the hall. It was so sharp and calculated, but a warmth lingered.
A fire.
Of course, dear. Just be safe. Well done this evening.
Astra looped her arm through Mirquios’s.
“Where to, my king?”
Chapter
Fifty
“Follow the hall to the aventurine doors, and then straight through. You’ll know where to go. It’s the middle of the night here. No one will bother you.”
