Princess Nymeria's Arc

Chapter 29 of 32

The next morning came fast. Nymeria rose and stretched. Her stomach growled, but the queen had asked to speak, so she went. She walked the silver halls of the keep and down to the throne room. Valor stood near the dais. King Caladorn sat beside Queen Celeste, whose pale red hair was pinned loose beneath her crown. Celeste watched Nymeria cross the floor. "So. My son wants to marry a demon king's daughter." She said it lightly, almost teasing, but her red eyes did not smile. "Tell me why I should let him." Nymeria's mouth went dry. She had only words. No title. No coin. No family name. Words would not move a queen this careful. She thought of using her charm, one small push toward yes. Then she looked at Valor and knew she could not. Even if it worked on the king or queen, it would poison what she wanted most. "I have nothing to give you," Nymeria said. "My father cast me out with empty hands. But your walls will hold better with me on them. You would be taking a chance yes. If my father's hunters come, I fight, if anyone comes to fight your kingdom I will stand and fight. Let me prove it now." Caladorn leaned forward. "You would show us your power?" "I would." Nymeria raised one hand. Purple fire bloomed above her palm, steady and bright. She did not flinch from it this time. She let it grow, then split the flame into three, and set them spinning above the throne room floor. The guards stepped back. The fire threw no smoke and burned nothing. She closed her fist and it vanished. Celeste rose from her seat. She walked down the steps and stopped before Nymeria. "My son and my daughter seem quite fond of you and that makes me fond of you." "I know," Nymeria said. "I am quite fond of them myself." The queen studied her a long moment. Then something in her face softened. She took Nymeria's cold hand in her warm one. "A demon on our walls, and honest to a fault. My son could do far worse." Valor let out a breath he had held too long. Celeste turned to him. "You have my blessing. Both of you." She squeezed Nymeria's hand. Nymeria felt the joy and the weight together. She had won the queen. She had a family now, a place, a man who saw her true. Valor crossed the floor and took her other hand. Nymeria held on to both. She smiled soft at him.