Page 116 of The Oracle of Dusk

“Not at all. I am merely trying to follow the law so that there is no question as to the integrity of the investigations.”

The guard had the right of it. Only a paladin of Justice, famous for their clear-eyed impartiality, was allowed to escort witnesses out of the temple. Any break in custody could call into question the outcome of the investigation. In truth, the paladins protected witnesses from intimidation as much as they watched them for signs of deceit.

As much as she appreciated Hyllus’ protection, she couldn’t ignore the charges against her. If it escalated, she would not only lose the temple’s protection, but her association with Hyllus would taint him in the eyes of Trisia.

“I’ll go, provided there is a paladin who can escort me.”

“Aurora, there’s no need to dignify these accusations with a response.”

It was in moments like this that she was reminded that Hyllus was younger than she and not versed in courtly machinations. He was all about boldness and righteous action. She had no doubt that on the battlefield, he would be unmatched. But in the halls of the palace, he was as likely to compound the issue as to get himself caught up in it.

“I’m confident that this matter will be cleared up shortly.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“I regret to inform you, Avatar, that only those with invitations may enter the palace. Even someone of your status.”

His brows pinched with worry. He knew as well as she that in order to prove her innocence, she would be forced to have another vision. In her current state, it might not even require much prodding on her part. But given all she’d seen thus far were threats and horrors, she was not at all keen to glimpse into the future. Once they knew what she could do, it wouldn’t be long before everyone was demanding she use her magic for their benefit. Aurora had never been overly fond of the spotlight. She suspected what was to come would be deeply unpleasant.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Hyllus assured her.

How she wished he would be able to keep his promise. She gave him as reassuring a smile as she could and allowed the guards to lead her away. A paladin was waiting by the door of the temple and accompanied the guard to the royal court. Once again, she was an animal caught in the palace’s snare.

Aurora felt the hostile stares of the packed court on her like an icy breeze. Despite the darkening sky, the throne room was splendid, done in emerald and silver. But she couldn’t stop to admire the intricate mosaics or the rich tapestries. Waiting for her by the queen’s side was the high priestess Orithyia. Aurora nearly tripped at the sight. A crack of thunder in the distance made her flinch, remembering the crack of the switch carving ruin into her face.

“Greetings to the bounty of Viridis.” Aurora knelt with her head bowed.

“The bounty of Viridis acknowledges you.”

Aurora stood, awaiting the accusation.

“You have been accused of being an agent of chaos and conspiring with the sinister goddesses to bring a hoard of monstrosities to attack the guest palace. Witnesses have come forward to tell that in the days leading up to the attack, you and your lover, the king of Aureum, threatened the attendants of the guest palace with talk of the monstrosities you planned to unleash on them. How do you answer these charges?” Queen Flora asked, though she seemed almost bored with the proceedings.

“I am innocent, Your Majesty. In the days leading up to the attack, I begged the people of the guest palace to heed my warnings that the monstrosities would appear and to absent themselves. Even as the party commenced, I tried to warn the guests and attendants to run,” Aurora said, doing her best to conceal her shaking hands in the fabric of her acolyte’s robes.

“Are you claiming your innocence by asserting that you’re an oracle?” Flora raised a brow.

Snickers whispered through the crowd.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Flora sighed.

“How tedious. Now I must determine whether you’re an agent of chaos or simply mad.”

“I’m not mad, Your Majesty. My wild magic allows me to see into the future.”

“Then why not avoid this trial altogether, hmm?”

Onlookers laughed again. Hot embarrassment crept up her neck.

“I’m not omniscient, Your Majesty.”

“Clearly.” The queen chuckled, giving her a lazy smile. “What are you, girl? Surely, you’re not Trisian-born with that height and those ears.”

Aurora swallowed.

“The blood of fairies runs strongly in my veins,” she answered.

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