Page 5 of King

“I probably would have sliced him up myself otherwise,” Leah says, nonchalantly.

I gape at her as she tugs at my arm, signaling me to stand. Sarra chuckles as they rinse me off.

“Maybe one day, you’ll get the chance,” I say, giving her a wink.

Both fae look knowingly at each other, then focus on drying me off. They dress me in gaudy white robes adorned with intricate gold embroidery and tiny gems. The gems grab the light and throw it back, making me glimmer as I walk. I prefer togo unnoticed, but tonight, even my gold-trimmed boots shine. I step out of my room, feeling like a damn accessory. An adornment for the queen’s wrist as she flaunts her wealth and beauty before her commoners.

Two guards immediately lead me to the main entry of the castle. Folas is lucky it isn’t him escorting me. I doubt I could hold my temper if I were to see him right now.

As we approach the grand doors, I find the queen waiting for me. My stomach immediately sours. She’s a far more repulsive sight than Folas would have been.

She typically dresses in pale colors, but today, she’s draped in a gown of pure white, the layers of fabric flowing around her like a veil of snow. The only hint of color is a light blue, frost-like crest stitched delicately down the front of her skirt.

Her ashen crown rises with sharp, icicle-like peaks studded with gems and gold. Her pale skin and hair blend seamlessly into her garments. She looks like a snowfae a group of younglings might have crafted.

I muster a smile for her but envision melting her into a puddle with her own magic.

Without a word, she grabs my hand and pulls me out the door into the chaos outside. It’s nighttime, but the lawn is bright, glowing with strings of blue calantar blooms and a large fire in the center of the courtyard. Fae twirl and dance around the flames, their glamours falling from their faces as they relax and indulge.

The musicians, already a few drinks in, fall in and out of tune as they sway and stumble. No one seems to notice their mistakes. They’re too busy enjoying their glowing elixirs or deep green wine. The sweet, sticky scent fills the air and nauseates me even further.

The fun clearly began well before we arrived. Some fae have fallen to their lust, happily indulging themselves right on thelawn. Other fae are playing tricks with their magic, laughing at the harmless mischief between them.

The bloodlust is quiet here. Even the nobles appear unthreatening as they take part in the fun.

But the music cuts off when the musicians catch sight of the queen. Guests stumble into bows before her as she passes. She inhales the crisp night air with a smile, as if the atmosphere itself can rejuvenate her.

I doubt anyone is looking at me, so I don’t bother forcing a smile. I just follow her to the two thrones perched on a raised platform near the front of the castle.

Hers is a replica of the one in the throne room, white and intricately carved. The one for me is as vibrant as my room’s decor, stained with rich reds and blues and adorned with enough gems to excite a whole den of gryphons.

As she lowers herself onto her throne, the many layers of her gown billow around her. It’s ridiculous. She looks like she tumbled into a snowdrift and became stuck in it. I hide my scoff with an exaggerated bow, then lower myself onto the smaller throne at her side.

“My dear, perfect fae,” she begins, her gruff voice grating in my ears. “Creatures who embody the very essence of Faerie. You deserve all its spoils and the respect of other species who dare encroach on its lands.”

The way she feeds their pride and hatred of the other species sickens me. What could it possibly do to benefit her? While she drones on endlessly, I wonder how she became queen. When she became queen. Answers no one seems to have, though I suspect we’d all love to know.

These answers would be the most helpful. But I doubt they’re possible to find.

“You’ve seen him among you, steadfastly guarding our realm as an honorable soldier of my court,” she continues, pullingmy focus back as she speaks of me. “He has surpassed my expectations with his dedication and remarkable abilities.”

She looks down at me with feigned affection and respect before turning back to the crowd. I grit my teeth and stare out toward the forest. Soon, I’ll be out there where I belong. If I can just get through this torturous evening.

“Tonight, I stand before you to introduce not merely a noble, but the embodiment of royalty itself. I present to you my most formidable soldier and beloved consort–Durin. May his presence inspire you all to unleash the full power within you.”

The fae stand and cheer, sloshing glasses and vials of their drinks. It’s disgraceful how they hang on the queen’s every word. I stare into the crowd as they return to their merriment. I’m too repelled by her empty words to feign any humility or grace.

I can feel her looking at me, but my eyes are stuck on the jubilant fae. They’re spoiled and secure. Anything they desire becomes theirs. All while the shifter I love is stuck hiding from them in fear.

“What is troubling you?” the queen asks. “It almost seems you’re not honored to be by my side.”

I’m grateful again that her questions often allow for multiple interpretations. “I want a drink,” I say, turning to face her. “Would you like one?”

She blinks in surprise before a hoarse laugh catches in her throat. “I’m done here. Join me in my chambers once you’ve had your fill.”

She goes to stand, but reverses, relaxing back down onto her throne. “How’s my magic?” she asks, lightly. “Have you had to use it?”

I was so close to being free of her. Now, she wants to chat about something I know more about than I should. I need to get away from her. Keeping my composure is a battle. All I can think about is roaring in her face and cutting off her head.

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