Chapter One

“There are many types of rulers. Some lead with bright words and empty hands. Others carry blades, stained red. I am not a ruler. Not even close, but… I have always preferred quiet power. The kind that soothes beasts—power even silence cannot break. Those rulers? They are the ones crowns seek, for on their heads both shine without unbalancing one another. Rare, but when one appears? Light will not let them fade so easily.”

~~~

It was the height of spring in Meaia when King Eldrin visited Solarin, the gleaming city of the Solar Court—the heart of the court, with its golden spires reaching toward the cloud-dotted sky on a perfect morning. Flowers swayed in the warm breeze, dancing with the gold and soft black of drifting bees, and whispered landings of butterflies.

The wheels of the Lunar Court carriage clattered rhythmically against the stones, drawing eyes as the elegant dark blue and silver carriage traveled to its destination—the Solarian palace, home to King Sorren and his family.

It was one week before the trade agreement was signed between the two courts—a means of bridging the emboldened warmth of the Solar Court and the elegant healing of the Lunar Court. An agreement steeped in metal ore pricing, boundary clarification…and to be sealed by marriage.

The city had prepared its bright welcome for King Eldrin, lining the road with extravagant displays of golden banners, stylized sun art, and rows of flowers—verbenas in colorful multitudes, goldenrod, and swaying lavender.

A proper welcome for the quiet auburn-haired king. The one soon to bind himself in ink and promise to the Solar Court’s favored golden princess, Lady Aurelia, known for her mother’s grace and courtly manner—a future queen many would be sad to see leave. Others were irked that the wedding would be in the south, the Lunar cooler from the people’s magic.

By the time the carriage reached the outer gates of the palace, a crowd of curious fae had formed. Nobles in warm colors, lower court shop owners with golden rings glistening on their fingers, and a rare merchant or soldier pretending to pass through. They were restless in every direction, questions and comments spilling among themselves.

Then they heard the carriage.

A wave of quiet worked through the crowd as four dark chestnut horses appeared in the gentle curve of the main road, pulling King Eldrin’s carriage. The horses bore the rich blue colors of the Lunar Court as though they represented it themselves. The crowd watched as the elegant carriage neared the palace doors. Several were stunned to see the truth before them in the boldness of dark blue and silver.

Behind the carriage rode three of the Lunar Court’s highly skilled fighters—personal guards to Eldrin, and rumored to be as impressive as they looked.

Astride a black horse rode Varen, the older dark-haired cousin of King Eldrin. A family bond that had been rumored to be tested when the late king died. Varen’s eyes were steady on the crowd as he rode on the side of the carriage closest to where Eldrin sat inside. His blue eyes squinted in the sun as it began to angle toward them.

Jassa, the youngest of the three serving as the king’s guard, was stationed near the back with his bow slung across his back. He brushed his shaggy black hair as he let his horse drift closer to the crowd. Two tan-skinned ladies with golden earrings lining their pointed ears looked up—the light catching the golden magic marks along their collarbones.

Jassa couldn’t help but grin, their marks so alike and unlike the silver ones he bore on his neck.

The shorter of the two ladies giggled behind her hand. The other’s brows rose significantly at the forwardness of the young male.

Jassa smirked and adjusted his bow, his sharp eyes already landing on a small group of curious nobles wearing various shades of pale orange. Their shoulders were either tanned or freckled.

The sword fighter riding next to him, Hial, brought his horse closer to Jassa. The scowl was already on his face.

“Jassa, you are going to become the heart of half the rumors here. We are not here to flirt with court nobles,” Hial said as he nodded toward Varen. “And you will irk Varen for neglecting your role.”

“You doubt me—your brother-in-arms— and it wounds my soul,” Jassa said as he steered his horse back to position. “I can protect our king and impress foreign courtly females. My skills are many.” Jassa added, his shoulders straightening as their horses passed the sunset-dressed females,

Hial sighed heavily.

“Did traveling make you lose your joy, brother?” Jassa teased.

“You have made me lose my joy,” Hial mumbled.

Varen glanced at both of them over his shoulder, wearing a stern look usually reserved for little ones bending the rules.

Hial shot Jassa a look, and guided his horse back.

Jassa grinned, but adjusted his bow again and directed his attention to the palace before them. It was tall— a collection of gleaming white stone that arched into the sky. The windows were large, and edged in gold that glittered in the sun.

“That’s…” Jassa started, but his words were lost as his eyes traveled up.

“The sun-touched palace in their golden heart,” Varen said. He looked back at Jassa. “This is not a game.”

Jassa nodded, once and glanced around, eyes scanning trees and tall places.

“A bit blinding,” Hial mumbled loud enough for the others to hear as he squinted.

Jassa grinned at him. “Don’t tell me you didn’t expect the Solar Court to be bright.”

Hial ignored him. “If I find a river, I may toss him in,” Hial said to Varen.

“It would be quieter if you both went,” Varen said, a faint smirk already fading from his face. He looked forward to the inner gates of the Solarian palace as guards with golden armor pulled the curling golden gates open.

“Remember why we’re here,” Varen said as they slowed to enter the courtyard. “This is not home, and our king needs us calm.”

“Understood,” Hial said.

“Understood,” Jassa echoed, ignoring Hial’s glance.

Inside the carriage, King Eldrin watched the inner gates give way to pristine gardens. A white-and-tan marble fountain proudly stood among the swaying colors, adorned with stylized suns. His blue eyes tracked it as they passed.

“If you think any harder, your magic will turn the ceiling into the night sky.”

Eldrin glanced up at the soft motes of moonlight that had drifted in thought. He stopped rubbing his fingers and glanced at Lena, his lead advisor. Her black hair was pulled into a bun, and he watched her smooth the skirts of her blue dress. Paired with her dark skin, she looked like a homage to the night sky.

“Am I not allowed to think?” He asked quietly before glancing out the window as the carriage curved around the path towards the entry hall. “Or perhaps, not think?”

Lena studied him a moment. “Mm. It’s a big change to have a wife,” she said as she picked a piece of lint from her dress—the neckline resting below her magic marks. They matched the silver flecks in her eyes. “You have been quiet, Eldrin.”

“Your Clarity does not need me to answer,” He said as his eyes met hers. “I am taking a wife, yes. It will bring change, yes.”

“A gift of the moon isn’t needed to understand this situation,” Lena said as she spotted Jassa through the window. He grinned at her, and she raised a brow, making the century-old fae straighten. Her gaze shifted back to Eldrin. “I know what you are doing.”

“I am doing what must be done. Two courts of light should be united, not arguing over boundary lines and ignoring trade.”

Lena watched him a moment longer, “One line of alliance will never stop the sun from reaching where it wishes. You know that.”

“Perhaps they will surprise you. There will be an heir tied to two thrones, as we discussed. That alone means future politics will shape itself differently. A child of two courts in a royal position is a good thing.”

“I will be more surprised the day that Jassa does not put his foot in his mouth, because that is far more likely to happen than the Solar Court changing. It is historically known—”

Eldrin sighed loudly, cutting her off. “Enough… Lena, we need to focus.”

When Lena didn’t reply, he looked at her.

“Focused. Always.” She said as the carriage slowed before the steps. She glanced back at him. “Are you ready, King Eldrin?”

Eldrin nodded, fixing the storm-gray cuff of his formal shirt, “May we not melt.” He half-murmured.

“One must be careful under such a golden sun,” Lena stated, dark amusement curling through her words. Her brown eyes sparkled.

Eldrin ignored her as the carriage door opened.

Then he stepped out into the bright morning.

~~~

The Solarian library stood tall, bright, and free of the bustling energy of the palace staff. Light tan stone arched up to a large round skylight, allowing the morning light to filter softly through the sun-charmed glass and dance with the glow of the alcove windows lining the massive room’s walls. On the first floor, amidst sturdy golden-capped shelves and warm reading areas, Selene sat in an armchair, overlooking the courtyard gardens as the light caught her flaxen hair and grazed against her silver magic marks.

It was the same morning light that had steadily crept into the library since she’d found refuge from her younger sister. Aurelia had frantically demanded that her servants replace the lace of her bodice with pale blue instead of white. The rumor had spread that King Eldrin might pay homage to their court colors, and it turned into a flurry of hands and ribbons.

As Selene turned a page, her eyes drifted to the soft fabric of her spring green dress. She’d picked it out two days ago, and had been content to leave the chaos to the rest of the family. She knew King Eldrin would arrive that afternoon and saw no reason to stress.

An hour had nearly gone by when the sound of the servant door opening and quick steps pulled Selene’s attention from the world in her lap.

“Princess? Princess Selene?” A breathless voice echoed through the room.

Selene looked back to see her handmaiden Liana— eartips flushed.

“Liana?” Selene asked as she sat up. Her brows furrowed faintly, “Is something—”

“My lady, he is here,” Liana said as she walked over briskly, “King Eldrin’s carriage has just pulled in. Your father asked me to find you.”

Selene’s eyes widened slightly. “Already? But if he is here… I am late.”

“Yes, my lady,” Liana said.

Selene closed her book and stood. “Then we must hurry. Are they upset?” She asked as she slid her shoes back on.

“Your father did not appear to be but…” Liana trailed off, glancing at the library doors.

“But Aurelia may kill me, or worse, her mother,” Selene said as she stood,” Perhaps we should run.”

The two hurried from the library and worked their way to the front of the palace. Selene skirted around a servant carrying the last pile of clean sheets intended for the Lunar Court guests. Liana was right behind her.

“The main passage is nearly clear—everyone is rushing,” a male Aven servant whispered to Liana as he passed by with a tray laden with goblets. The deep green plumage growing through his hair was raised on one side. “We thought there was more time.”

“The main passage,” Liana repeated. “My lady, this way,” Liana said, guiding Selene’s arm toward a small runelock on the wall. “We may make it.”

Liana’s hand touched the wall. The runelock hummed warmly as it recognized her magic, and the wall opened inward, revealing a long servant’s passage lit with narrow windows and the occasional light orb. She stepped aside so Selene could enter. The wall shut behind them as they hurried toward the greeting hall.

“Thank you, Liana,” Selene said as they came to a cross-section.

“Left, my lady,“ Liana said as she followed closely around the turn, “and I would prefer you to escape the wrath of any royal family members before you thank me.”

“Then may all the gods be on our side,” Selene said as they neared the end of the hall. The wall nearby hummed faintly with the magic of another runelock.

Liana curved around her and activated it. “Catch your breath. I will scout.”

“Scout? Shall I call you my general now?” Selene teased as she brushed a strand of hair back.

“If it helps, though the king may disagree,” Liana replied before slipping into the main hall.

Selene took a breath.

The stone-cooled air brushed against her skin, and she found herself looking back down the hall.

“Auri is to be married soon.”

Selene’s words echoed softly against the stone, settling against it as if they could feel the weight of change. “No more chaos-filled mornings over honeyed oranges and tea.”

A sad smile started to pull at her lips when the wall opened again.

“We shall make it,” Liana whispered as she stepped aside.

Selene stood straighter and stepped onto the gold-and-blue rug lining the entrance hall. Liana brushed a cobweb from her shoulder as her olive-colored eyes scanned for other signs of the servant passage on Selene’s clothing.

Finally, she nodded. “You are ready, my lady.”

Selene turned in the direction of the throne room. “Then may this go well, Liana, for the sake of both our courts.”

“Unity in light,” Liana said, plucking a piece of lint from the back of Selene’s dress.

Selene nodded and walked toward the throne room, Liana a few steps behind her. Her gray eyes landed on the familiar painting of the goddess Solune among the trees. “And may Auri shine,” she whispered to it in passing.

It was the height of spring in Meaia when King Eldrin visited Solarin, the gleaming city of the Solar Court. Golden spires reached toward the cloud-dotted sky. Flowers swayed in the warm breeze, dotted occasionally with the gold and soft black of drifting bees. The wheels of the Lunar Court carriage clattered rhythmically against the stones, drawing eyes as the elegant dark blue and silver carriage traveled toward its destination—the Solarian palace, home to King Sorren and his family.

It was one week before the trade agreement was to be signed—a means of bridging the emboldened warmth of the Solar Court and the elegant healing of the Lunar Court—an agreement steeped in metal ore pricing, boundary clarification… and marriage.

The city had prepared its bright welcome for King Eldrin, lining the road with extravagant displays of golden banners, stylized sun art, and flowers—verbenas in colorful multitudes, and goldenrod swaying with lavender. It was a proper welcome for the auburn-haired king, soon to bind himself in ink and promise to the Solar Court’s favored golden princess, Lady Aurelia.

By the time the carriage reached the inner gates, a crowd had formed—curious fae nobles in warm colors, lower-court shop owners adorned with golden rings, and the rare merchant or soldier pretending merely to pass through—as four dark chestnut horses, donning rich blue cloth in Lunar Court colors, pulled the carriage amid the city’s attention.

Behind the carriage rode three of the Lunar Court’s highly skilled fighters. Astride a black horse, Varen—the king’s personal guard and older dark-haired cousin—rode closest to the side of the carriage in which King Eldrin sat. His eyes never stopped scanning the crowd.

Jassa, the youngest of the three, let his horse drift closer to the onlookers, flashing a grin at two tan-skinned females with golden earrings lining their pointed ears, matching their golden collarbone marks. The shorter one giggled, while the other’s brows rose—significantly—as they passed. Jassa smirked and adjusted his bow as his sharp eyes landed on a small group of females wearing varying shades of pale orange.

The sword fighter riding beside him, Hial, guided his horse closer.

“Jassa, you are going to become the heart of half the rumors here. We are not here to flirt with court nobles,” he said, glancing toward Varen, “and you will irk him for neglecting your role.”

“You doubt me, brother. I can protect our king and impress courtly females. My skills are many.” Jassa straightened his shoulders as their horses passed the sunset-dressed group. “Did traveling make you lose your joy?”

“Perhaps you should be lost,” Hial muttered.

Varen glanced back at both of them, his stern expression one usually reserved for little ones bending the rules.

Hial eased his horse backward, and Jassa grinned faintly before adjusting his bow once more, his gaze lifting to the gleaming palace of white stone arching into the sky. Grand windows edged in gold glistened in the morning sun.

“A bit blinding,” Jassa murmured, squinting.

“If I find a river, I may toss him in,” Hial said, watching Varen lift a brow.

“It would be quieter if you both went,” Varen replied, the faint smirk already fading as he faced forward. Guards in sun-crested armor pulled the curling golden gates open. “Remember why we’re here.”

Inside the carriage, King Eldrin watched the palace gates give way to pristine gardens. A white-and-tan marble fountain stood proudly among the swaying colors, adorned with stylized suns. His blue eyes tracked it as they passed.

“If you think any harder, your magic will turn the ceiling into the night sky.”

Eldrin glanced up at the soft motes of moonlight drifting from his fingers. He stilled them and turned toward Lena, his lead advisor. Her black hair was pulled into a neat bun as she smoothed the skirts of her dress.

“Am I not allowed to think?” he asked quietly, his gaze shifting back toward the window as the carriage curved along the path toward the entry hall.

Lena studied him for a moment. “A big change, to have a wife,” she said, plucking a piece of lint from her dress where her neckline rested below her silver magic marks. Her silver-speckled eyes slid back to him. “You have been quiet.”

“And your Clarity does not need me to answer.”

“Correct. But a gift of the moon isn’t needed to understand this situation,” Lena replied, her gaze flicking to Jassa outside the carriage. He grinned at her; she raised a brow, and the century-old fae straightened at once. Her attention returned to Eldrin. “And what are you doing?”

“I am doing what must be done. Two courts of light should be united, not arguing over boundary lines.”

“One line of alliance will never stop the sun from reaching where it wishes.”

“Perhaps it will surprise you. There will be an heir tied to two thrones, as we discussed.”

“I will be rarely surprised the day Jassa does not put his boot in his mouth.”

Eldrin sighed faintly. “Enough. We need to focus.”

When Lena did not reply, he looked at her.

“Focused. Always,” she said as the carriage slowed before the steps. “Ready, King Eldrin?”

Eldrin nodded, fixing the storm-gray cuff of his formal shirt. “May we not melt.”

“One must be careful under such a golden sun,” Lena remarked, her brown eyes sparkling.

Eldrin ignored her as the carriage door opened.

~~~

Selene walked quickly down the hall, skirting around a servant carrying the last pile of clean sheets intended for the Lunar Court guests. Liana stayed close behind her.

“The main passage is nearly clear—everyone is rushing,” a male Aven servant whispered to Liana as he passed with a tray laden with goblets. The deep green plumage threaded through his hair was raised along one side.

“My lady, this way,” Liana said, guiding Selene’s arm toward a small runemark etched into the wall. “We may make it.”

Her hand brushed the rune, and the wall opened inward, revealing a long servant’s passage lit by narrow windows and the occasional light orb. Liana stepped aside, allowing Selene to enter before following her in. The wall sealed shut behind them as they hurried forward.

“Thank you, Liana,” Selene said as they reached a crossing.

“Left, my lady,” Liana replied, rounding the turn just ahead of her. “And I would prefer you escape the wrath of any royal family member.”

“May the gods be on our side,” Selene murmured as they neared the end of the passage. The wall there hummed faintly with another runelock.

Liana moved ahead, activating it. “Catch your breath. I will scout.”

“Shall I call you general now?” Selene teased, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

“If it helps—though the king may disagree.”

Before Selene could reply, Liana slipped through the opening. The stone-cooled air brushed against Selene’s skin as the wall closed once more. She drew a slow breath and glanced back down the passage, where angled light slanted softly against the stone.

“Auri is to be married soon.” Her words echoed faintly, settling into the corridor as if the walls themselves felt the weight of change. “No more chaos-filled mornings over honeyed oranges and tea.”

A sad smile tugged at her lips just as the wall opened again.

“We shall make it,” Liana whispered, stepping aside.

Selene straightened and stepped onto the gold-and-blue rug lining the entrance hall. Liana brushed a stray cobweb from her shoulder and adjusted the modest neckline of her dress, olive-colored eyes scanning her once more before she nodded.

“You are ready.”

Selene follow£‹ed her gaze toward the throne room. “May this go well, Liana—for the sake of both our courts.”

“Unity in light,” Liana said softly.

Selene nodded and began toward the throne room, Liana a few steps behind. Straightening her sleeve, Selene’s eyes drifted to a painting of the Goddess Solune on the wall. Her golden hair was the color of sunlight, and her eyes silver. The magic marks across her collarbones and neck were like vines—silver dancing with gold.

“And may Auri shine,” Selene whispered.