Page 15 of Tanglewood Magic (The Three Sisters 2)
At Scoria’s behest, they sat and were left alone in the room.
“It’s common for the king and queen of Paragon to listen in on their guests’ conversations before they enter a room,” Tavyss said quietly, although not so quiet that he was necessarily sure he couldn’t be heard. Why hide it? He’d grown up here. He knew the way they played the game.
Rhys pulled out four small, clear crystals from his bag and dropped one into each of their hands. “For luck,” he said.
Luck. Circe gave him a knowing smile. The crystals were enchanted to change color in the presence of poison.
The door at the back of the room opened, and a man announced, “Eleanor, Queen of Paragon.”
A tall woman with a round face and silver eyes strode into the room. Her purple dress billowed around her as if someone had frosted her in fabric.
“Hello, brother.” She strode directly to Tavyss and gave him a stiff and awkward hug that made Circe’s stomach clench. There was nothing warm in that embrace, and if Tavyss weren’t a dragon, she’d have worried the queen might stab him when she pulled him close.
“Eleanor,” Tavyss said. “And where is our brother?”
Eleanor threaded her fingers in front of her hips. “He can’t make it. Paragonian business.” She turned to Medea. “Finally, I am to meet the new queen of Darnuith.” She extended her hand.
Even Circe knew that dragons didn’t usually shake hands. Witches did. By Eleanor offering her hand, she was showing respect for their customs. Still, Circe had a bad feeling about this. It was disingenuous. She reminded herself that it was likely this woman who had attempted to kill her sister.
Medea shook Eleanor’s hand tentatively. “I look forward to a positive relationship between our two kingdoms,” she said flatly.
Eleanor gave a shallow bow and then took her place at the head of the table, where a servant pulled out a chair for her. “Unfortunately, the relationship between our kingdoms is already strained.”
Circe’s jaw clenched, but her sister never lost her cool.
“I was under the impression you invited us here for a peaceful meeting,” Medea said. “If your intention isn’t peace, perhaps Tavyss and I should leave.” She rose from her chair.
“Sit down,” Eleanor commanded. “I said the relationship was strained. Unless you wish to sour it completely, you will listen to what I have to say.”
Tavyss pressed his dark bronze hands to the table, his chest rising and falling with his calming breaths. He turned fiery gold eyes on his sister. “What exactly is your complaint, sister?”
“You, Tavyss. You are the rightful heir to the kingdom of Paragon.”
Circe swallowed hard. The food hadn’t even been served yet and Eleanor was going straight for the jugular.
“I’ve told you time and time again, I’ve abdicated. I have no intention of ever ruling Paragon. The kingdom is yours and Brynhoff’s.” Tavyss balled his hands into fists on the table, face flushed with frustration.
Eleanor scoffed. “Oh, Tavyss.” She shook her head. “You have always suffered under the delusion that you enjoy more freedom than you actually do.” She snapped her fingers and pointed at her glass. A servant poured wine for her the color of blood. She lifted the glass and took a sip while the servant filled the rest of the glasses.
“I am free,” Tavyss said. “I denounced my Paragonian citizenship. I am now a citizen of Darnuith.”
Eleanor shook her head. “Dear, dear brother, you still don’t understand. Villania always did coddle you. As did Falkon.”
“What do Mother and Uncle have to do with this? They are no longer king and queen.”
She held out her hand, and one of the uniformed guards placed a scroll in it. “They now serve on the Council of Elders, and only hours ago, they confirmed the interpretation of the old law.”
Tavyss’s fists sprouted talons that dug into the wood table. “Old law?”
“You can’t abdicate,” Eleanor snapped. “Not for an opposing throne and not if you’ve already sired an heir to the kingdom.”
Circe shook her head and stared at Medea. How did Eleanor even know about the baby? Had she heard correctly? Did this woman who had almost killed her, now suggest that her child had a claim to Paragon?
Tavyss’s face paled. “Liar.”
“Brynhoff and I had the council confirm only minutes ago.” She handed the scroll to Tavyss. “An heir can abdicate provided he does not rule anywhere in the five kingdoms. It’s obvious, if you think about it. It ensures against civil war. One brother cannot break from the royal family and found another kingdom. The law was written to account for younger heirs who might have their eyes set on acquiring a throne of their own, but it applies to you as well.”
Medea scowled. “Then Tavyss hasn’t broken the law. He is my consort, not king of Darnuith. He has no governing power. Darnuith is ruled only by its queen.”
