Queen Collector 2 by Alton Blair

of their sky faith, in which their nameless god possessed no identity, for to name the heavens would shackle them with insufficient language. “Oh, I see,” said Alidona. “You mountain elves espouse such a humble philosophy. Which is why you so avariciously mined gold from the mountain until you struck irradion, right?” An uncomfortable silence followed during which Carter glanced at his wife and High Priest, finding in their nonreaction a tacit admission. Another chapter in the history of that wretched substance filled itself in. It hadn’t been Lord Garik who made the discovery, but the elves. Alidona clocked this realization, seized upon its opportunity. “Oh, have you kept your past a secret from your puppet king?” Carter stepped forth, raising a finger at the sneering empress. “Listen, empress, I may be behind the curve on some things, but make no mistake, I’m no fucking puppet. I’m king of the mountain elves and I will lead this world into a new era of peace!” Alidona arched one of her forest-green brows in response to Carter’s outburst, and glinting in the eye beneath it he spied a measure of excitement. She’s been negging me , he concluded. A test . Had he passed? As his fluster faded, he noticed Alidona’s guards gathered closely around the two of them, their spears angled at the guest-king. “Not exactly how you thought this first impression was going to go, is it?” she whispered. Carter lowered his finger. “Not exactly, no,” he said. “Strange way to flirt, King Carter,”