Princess Nymeria's Arc

Chapter 16 of 32

The horses slowed at the castle gates. Torches lined the stone arch. Nobles filed through in bright gowns and stiff coats. Nymeria climbed down and smoothed her black skirt. Lyra landed beside her and made a face at the crowd. "Remember," the elf muttered, "if a man drools over you, it's the charm, not your wit." Nymeria almost laughed. Then she saw the line ahead and her stomach dropped. The king and queen greeted each woman at the gate. Nymeria had planned to slip past them, unseen, and hunt for a suitor immune to her charm. That plan died now. She would have to pass beneath their eyes. King Keiren stood tall in his silver crown, blue eyes moving over each guest. Beside him waited his wife. Nymeria had heard of this queen from the townsfolk. They called her kind. Her tiara was silver, her sleeves laced, her dark hair pinned high. She smiled at each girl and let them by. Nymeria stepped forward. She kept her chin down, hoping the horns would hide in the torch shadow. It did not work. The queen's hand rose. "Wait." Queen Isabelle stepped close and studied her face. The purple horns. The pale eyes. The whole line behind them went still. Nymeria's heart pounded. This was where the king would name her kin to a demon lord and turn her out. "What a striking creature you are," the queen said softly. She did not flinch. She did not call for guards. She reached out and touched Nymeria's cheek, gentle as a mother. Lyra shifted, ready to pull her friend and run. But Nymeria did not run. She looked into the queen's face and found no fear there, only warmth. She had not used her charm. She had done nothing but stand still. The king and queen traded a glance. Then Queen Isabelle took Nymeria's hand in both of hers. "Forgive us, we have never seen such beauty." Nymeria bowed her head, "Thank you." "Well, head on in and enjoy yourselves. I hope you find love with one of the men in there tonight," the Queen bowed her head.