Manon's Child

Part 30

I arrive in the courtyard a moment before Aelin does, but I know she's already spotted me. She doesn't seem at all surprised  that I'm there. The young queen just smirks as she slides of her prancing horse, wide awake despite the early hour.

"Let me guess," the Queen of Terrasen says, grinning, "You got bored of the witches and decided to take over Terrasen instead, starting with Perranth."

"Something like that," I say, smirking despite myself as I slide of Abraxos. I didn't even know I missed these people, but some part of me must've. "Does Elide know you're coming?"

"Does Elide know you're here?" Aelin counters, her fae warrior coming to stand behind her.

"Yes," I reply. "I arrived yesterday." I arch an eyebrow at her, waiting for her to reply.

"It's a surprise," Aelin answers, stalking forward. "Where is Elide, by the way?"

"In bed, I'd imagine," I reply, then remember what they were doing yesterday and almost laugh. I fall into step with Aelin as she walks towards the entrance, not bothering to knock before she throws open the double doors.

The shock that passes over the servants' faces are comical. I can see Aelin trying not to burst out laughing as every mouth in the entrance hall falls open. I don't bother to supress my smirk, not being their queen.

An older looking servant rushes up to us, his head balding and uniform immaculate. "Your Majesty," he gasps, unable to wipe the surprised look off his face. "What can we do for you? Would you like something to eat? To drink?"

Aelin looks down at him, a queenly expression on her face, though her eyes dance with laughter. "Go and wake up Lady Elide. And find a suitable room for us," she said, gesturing to the entire Court of Terrasen that were crowding in behind her. I recognise many of the faces from the war, including the shapeshifter and that cranky old man, who seems to have a permanent frown on his face.

The servant nods and scurries off, and I turn to Aelin. "They were quite busy last night," I say, smirking. "They might not be so willing to come."

Aelin glances sidelong at me, looking amused. "Really?" she says, smirking. "Well, I'm sure I can persuade them to come." I hear Rowan mutter some sort of prayer behind us, and just smirk back at the young queen. A servant rushes over and leads the procession over to a large room with a table in the middle. I stop at the doorway.

"As interested as I am to know why you came all the way down here for a court meeting, I shall now depart," I say.

Aelin, her face suddenly serious, stops me as she says, "I believe some of this might be relevant to you and your people. I've already sent word to Dorian."

I try not to bristle at the sound of his name, but I can't help it. Although she notices, Aelin doesn't say anything.  I watch her warily, before saying, "Send a servant when you need me."

Aelin nods, the stalks into the room after her court, closely followed by her consort. I walk back to my room, curious as to what I might need to know about the running of Terrasen.