Opal’s smile waned, and color stained her cheeks. “It would seem that’s a widely known fact now.”

“Now that you’ve set the night ablaze with daylight to save our king, you mean?” Olivianna teased. “I don’t know, possibly.”

Opal laughed. Olivianna showed her to the armchair opposite the chaise, then we retook our seats. Ryon bounded over, stealing the queen’s attention from me. He shoved the parchment right before her nose. “Look what I made for Aster.”

“Oh my,” Opal said, brows high. Gently, she took the artwork from him, her lithe fingers tracing the bloodied handprint.

“And this one,” he said. Olivianna and I both tensed as he handed the picture of Scythe’s gaze to her as well.

Opal studied them for a long moment—too long. Her golden eyes lifted from the artwork to me, then to Olivianna. She feigned a smile that looked nothing less than genuine and brushed her hand beneath Ryon’s chin. “I fear I am feeling a little forgotten.”

Ryon stilled in his bouncing. “Forgotten?”

“You’ve never drawn me a picture, that’s why.” A musical laugh settled the frozen youngling, as she then said, “They are so good, I simply must have one of my own.”

Ryon gasped. “Okay.” He then raced upstairs to get to work.

I watched him go, feeling the queen’s eyes upon me like a kiss from the sun. Without meeting them, I picked up my tea and took a hearty sip.

Olivianna cleared her throat. “Vivid imagination, that one. Cup of tea?”

“Very,” Opal concurred, and mercifully, she let whatever she was piecing together be. “No, thank you. I must be quick, I’m afraid.”

“Still fretting, is he?”

Opal rolled her eyes, though her soft pink lips curved. “I’ve probably got a half hour before he finishes with his rounds, and then he’ll be in a panic.”

While it was somewhat comforting to know that most wolves seemed to be the same—overly protective and slightly neurotic—I couldn’t help but wonder if King Dade was worried over the well-being of his swan after the war.

For what Rorn had alluded to had indeed come to fruition, and she’d unleashed the ancient glowing to save her mate.

A quick survey showed no sign of ill-health. In fact, I’d seldom seen a female as beautiful and radiant as she. Her long golden waves curled over her ample chest. Those high cheeks and rare eyes shined with contentment.

“You are well?” I thought it safe to ask, for it was what one of her citizens would do. That, and I was tempted to discover how she felt after such an overflow of power.

“Oh, I’m fine. It’s been weeks, and I’m only getting stronger.” Opal tilted her head. “And you?”

“Me?” I asked, close to balking.