Page 112 of Shadow Queen
Reluctantly, he gave a nod, deciding to cooperate, and then turned and let Caspian lead him to the stables.
Norah watched them go, praying no further drama would follow. She knew it was wishful thinking. Soren was the symbol of the Shadowlands, and to Mercia he was the symbol of evil, everything they’d warred against for the past ten years. Mending these perceptions would take time.
She turned toward the castle and made her way to the drawing room, where she knew she’d find her grandmother. As she reached the alcove of the door, she paused and took a deep breath before entering. She needed her grandmother’s support, especially if Norah hoped to win over the council. She pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Catherine stood by the window on the far wall, looking across the courtyard below. “This wasn’t the return I was expecting. Or hoping for.”
A pang of hurt needled her heart. “Would you rather I not have returned at all?”
Catherine puffed a breath. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Why didn’t you come to the wedding?” It still crushed her.
Her grandmother’s brow dropped. “You know why.”
Norah’s eyes welled. “I needed you!”
Catherine’s eyes cut back with an icy stare. “You didn’t need me when you made this decision, all on your own.”
Norah scoffed as she shook her head. “I don’t expect this to be easy, nor do I claim it a perfect solution, but I’m queen, and I’ve made my decision. I didn’t ask for this responsibility, but I have done—and will always do—what I think is best and right.”
They stood for a moment in the silence.
Slowly, Catherine softened. “I know,” she said finally. “I know you do what you believe is right.”
Norah crossed the distance between them and reached out and took her hand. “I still need you,” she whispered.
Catherine looked at her with emotion in her eyes. “And you have me, my dear girl.”
Norah let out a long breath, giving her a warm smile. She pulled her grandmother to a side table that held a hot pot of tea, and they both sat. Norah poured them both a cup.
“So other than my marrying the king of all things evil and breaking the prophecy to unite Mercia and Aleon, ending the world, how has everything been?”
“Oh, Norah, for gods’ sakes.”
Norah wrinkled her nose. Too soon for humor, she supposed. “Fine. But really, how are things?”
Catherine sighed. “It both pleases me and pains me to say, somewhat better. Our people are fed, only a couple more months are expected of the winter, and we don’t have a war looming on the horizon.”
Norah wanted to smile, but she knew better.
“But”—Catherine took a sip of her tea and then set the cup back down on the saucer—“Mercian villages are still under attack. Drifters seem to grow in number, and now that our ships are sailing with trade again, they’re being targeted by pirates.”
Norah’s brow creased with worry. “Still?” Alexander had told her about the pirates. Pirates had always been a challenge, but in times of desperation, such as the lingering winter, their attacks became increasingly bolder. But she’d thought their ships had been faring better.
Catherine nodded. “We just lost another twenty-eight men and a quarter haul of steel. The council will want to hold a state session, and soon, to hear from you on the matter.”
Norah bit her lip. She didn’t even have a fully formed thought around these challenges, let alone a solution.
Catherine squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry, my dear, we’ll figure it out. I’m just glad you’re home.”
Norah made her way toward the great hall, not quite with a destination in mind, but simply trying to sort her thoughts. She ran her hand through her hair, pushing the wayward strands out of her eyes. She hadn’t expected things to be easy in returning to Mercia, and she couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that her grandmother’s sour welcome was only the beginning.
The sun had started to set. She glanced out of the window-lined hall toward the purple sky and spotted Caspian in the courtyard, still with Soren. He was explaining something with his hands and motioning westward.
She followed the hall to the side door and took it outside. “Do you have a plan of attack scoped out yet?” she asked as she came up behind them.
Caspian turned. “Queen Norah.”
