Crowns of Ice (Fae of Snow & Ice, #4)

by Krista Street

While I still was and always would be Ilara Seary, daughter of Mervalee Territory, the female who believed in kindness and justice for all fae, I was also the true victor of the Rising Queen Trial. And a queen knew when to let her vengeance rise.

“Thank you for coming. It meant the realm to me.”

“So what’s the plan on the morrow?” Haxil raised an eyebrow from where he stood near the door.

“They must be clever, these humans,” I surmised, “to have invented such a thing in a magicless state.”

“Hi there, sugar,” a female said to Nish when we passed her on the stone walkway that ran the length of the street. Nish scowled. “I am human. I am not a sweet sustenance, thank you very much.”

“Ock! What is the meaning of this? Referring to others as though they’re sweets or desserts?” He grumbled, then shook his head. “It must be an odd human thing. Perhaps I shall try it if I ever interact with one.” “You’re going to interact with a human?” Ryder’s eyebrows shot up. Nish shrugged, then scowled. “I was considering it. I thought perhaps I would say she looks like a beautiful lollipop. Do you think that sounds flattering?”

“You wouldn’t dare,” he hissed under his breath. My lips curled into a malicious smile. “Try me.”

“That’s enough. All of you.” The king’s chest heaved. “You are threatening to break the peace of our land, Norivun. This time, you’ve gone too far. You’ve left me with no choice but to execute my own son.” Gasps sounded throughout the room. My head dropped back in a sharp bark of laughter. “You couldn’t kill me if you tried.”

Lady Wormiful’s eternal mark flashed silver in the fairy lights when she held her hand up. She seethed at the Isalee archon. “Really, Alestair. Enough of your sniveling about that dastardly son of yours. They’re eternal mates.”

But Prince Norivun Deema Melustral Achul, first son of the king, Bringer of Darkness, Death Master of the continent, son of Prinavee Territory, and crown prince and heir to the Winter Court’s throne had to bear that burden.

You too can create beauty. Our continent needs that. We need music and art to remind us of the beauty of our land. Not everything needs to be about death and power.”

“All hail the new king and queen of the Solis continent. King Norivun and Queen Ilara. Let a new era of reign begin!”