Page 79 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“Thank you.”

They passed under a towering archway built from tall willow trees woven together. Golden lanterns hung from the arch with bright blue butterflies hovering among the willow leaves. Casimir stopped their party and looked back at her, nodding.

“Get ready to meet the king,” he said.

29

The castle was radiant in the mid-afternoon light. Beams of sun glimmered through arched glassless windows, as the breeze wound its way through the hallways keeping the space at a balmy temperature. The sounds of running water and the laughter of citizens wafted inside, a pleasant and comforting noise.

As their party continued through the castle, Ava found herself wondering about how the fae in Eorhan lived their lives without the modern amenities she was used to back home in the human world. Was the weather always this pleasant or did they have to worry about seasonal changes? Did they have plumbing or running water? What were those strange glowing lights in all the lanterns they used in place of electricity?

She knew if she asked Raine, he would smirk and say something about magic.

So, she kept quiet, preparing herself to meet the king, trying to muster the courage to face what would come next. What her fate would be and if her life would be spared.

She scratched Aro’s head as he ambled through the castle,allowing her reprieve from her leg as it throbbed incessantly. She hoped the healers here could help with the pain.

They wound through the extensive hallways, iron lanterns hanging from the stone ceilings to illuminate the way. The walls were composed of a pale golden stone glowing with a soft light. Lush rugs of greens and browns were laid along the paths, framed by artwork on the walls depicting motifs of animals. A small rabbit asleep by a stream, a pack of wolves howling, a glimmering lizard basking on a rock. Where there wasn’t artwork, there were plants and flowers surrounding them. Hanging from every window and even along the walls and ceiling were green vines of every shade. Flowers of bright pinks, blues and purples brought a fairy-like feel to the space, attracting dragonflies and fast little birds reminding her of hummingbirds.

“We’re here,” Casimir said from in front of Ava, pulling her from her observations.

They had stopped in front of a large set of double oak doors, displaying a tree carved into the wood. The Elderoak. Trying to keep her shaking hands still, she took a deep breath and looked at Raine standing to her right.

“Remember what I told you.” He smiled warmly.

She nodded as the party moved forward yet again, heavy doors swinging open.

They entered a massive throne room, ceilings even higher than the halls, concealed by lush greenery and more flowers. Walls to the left and right were dotted with more of the glassless windows, providing the same cool breeze throughout the rest of the castle. Hundreds of colorful lanterns of different shapes and sizes brightened the space, illuminating a large wooden throne with the Elderoak carved into the back.

Seated upon the throne was the king. Thorne Everwood, Raine had told her.

Though seated, she could tell he was tall and muscular, asmost other high fae men seemed to be. Dressed in a tunic of forest green lined with gold, dark brown pants and boots, he emanated a sense of restrained power, inspecting her with a scrutiny that seemed to know her every thought; a frankness that made her heart race. Like he was watching for her to do something rash, ready to defend his kingdom at a moment’s notice. It unnerved her.

Appearing to be in his mid-forties, but likely much older, a golden crown of vines sat upon his scarlet red hair, tiny emeralds adorning each leaf and glistening in the sunlight.

Turning his piercing green eyes to the rest of her party, he smiled as he greeted his friends. Though he appeared warm and friendly to the others, he regarded Ava with scrutiny and distrust.

“Tell me… who is this strange woman sitting on Aro, General?” He looked pointedly at Ava, his low voice smooth and powerful.

“We found her near our camp a few days ago,” he replied.

The King’s eyes paused on her calf. “Your leg is injured. Can you stand?”

“I’ll try.”

Raine walked closer and held out his hand to help her down. As Aro knelt, Ava swung her leg over, wincing as she landed on the floor and placed all her weight on her good leg. Leaning against Raine, who had offered his arm for her to cling to, she straightened herself up and feigned confidence.

Aro turned and lumbered out the still open doors, guards giving him a wide berth as he disappeared down the hallway.

“What is your name, human?”

“Ava,” she responded.

His eyes flashed briefly, but he collected himself, leaning back on his throne before continuing, regarding her even more intensely than before.

“Your Majesty,” Quinn asked. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” he assured his friends and then turned back to Ava, preternaturally still on his throne. “Tell me,Ava.” He emphasized her name. “How did you arrive in Eorhan?”

---