Page 146 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 41

Roksana

One Month Later—the Summer Solstice

Icouldn’t stop staring at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognising myself.

An opulent spider-silk dress shimmered in the sunlight, its colour shifting from verdant emerald to turquoise, my makeup applied to perfection, my hair more golden than blonde.

Was this me?

The coronation dress was a gift from the Dark Fae, delivered by the same soldiers who’d assisted me during the war. It hugged me like a second skin, leaving my shoulders and neck bare and revealing a sizeable amount of cleavage.

‘You look radiant,’ Lily said, arranging my hair. She’d already braided it into a crown, leaving a few loose strands that now curled around my neck.

‘I think I have to. From today on, I’m officially the Queen.’ I forced a smile, but my heart continued to beat erratically.

‘Sana, you survived Tivala’s dungeon, commanded monsters, and you’re scared now?’ She chuckled. I sighed, unable to look away from my reflection.

‘This is so much worse. I liked being a shadow; now there’s nowhere to hide. I’ll have to be nice to people.’ At my exaggerated moan, Lily burst into laughter.

‘You are nice to people. After all, your Chamberlain is still alive. I swear to the gods, one more mention of cutlery, and I’ll let Niersen eat him.’ She grinned when I turned and clasped her hand.

‘Why are you keeping him alive?’

‘To remind me I’m stronger than my enemies and I have friends who’ll do whatever it takes to keep me safe,’ she answered, patting my hand. ‘Besides, he’s useful. No one dares to leave without paying after one look at my pet monster.’

Her pragmatism made me smile despite my lingering sadness.

‘What is it, Sana?’ Lily asked, her posture changing and eyes flicking to the hidden passage behind the bookcase. Gods, I loved this woman.

‘Rey’s sending Tova to Tivalaran after the wedding.’ I bit my lip and fought back tears. ‘I always thought we’d grow old together, bickering and trading petty comments while drinking mead by the fire. After today, he’ll be gone.’

Tears rolled down my cheeks. I couldn’t stop them, but Lily clearly misunderstood my sadness.

‘That fucking bastard. I’ll talk to your soon-to-be husband. He won’t have his balls after I’m done.’ She turned to leave, but I caught her hand.

‘Lily, no. It’s for the best.’ I swallowed hard, half crying and half laughing at her outburst. ‘Tova needs a new start. Inga’s going with him. Everyone here treats him as if he remembers them, and he gets this haunted look when their sadness shows. He isn’t happy in Truso.’

‘But why Tivalaran? Why not Wiosna?’

‘Wiosna’s just as bad, especially after Młot. No one in Tivalaran knows him except Inga. He seems to like her. That’s for the best, only… it hurts so much.’

Lily wrapped her arms around me as I struggled to compose myself.

‘The gods would envy you your heart and courage. The Tova we knew would love you even more for this.’ She reached out and rang the bell. Danka instantly charged in. I’d bet my crown against a turnip that my new lady-in-waiting had been eavesdropping at the door.

‘I brought a cold compress. You can’t attend the ceremony with red-rimmed eyes, my lady,’ she said, throwing Lily an accusatory glance.

Lily raised her hands. ‘I give up. You’ve adopted a second dragon.’

Both women fussed over me until it was time to go.

‘Are you ready, Trouble?’ Irsha’s voice came from the other side of the door, and I gestured for Danka to open it.

My oldest friend stood in the doorway in full Brotherhood glory. He was covered from top to toe in black, with silver embroidery on the lapels and sleeves of his caftan. With sleek hair and a white porcelain mask, he looked every inch the Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood.

‘Will you do me the honour?’ he asked, extending his arm. ‘I promised Boyan I’d look after you; let me give you away in his name.’