Page 96 of Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight
A young dwarf—perhaps of Luna’s age—arrived at the entrance, red-faced and out of breath. He was taller than most Aislinn had seen so far, with the same bronze skin as Minerva and Venus, and same brown hair not greyed by age. He even walked like Minerva—like his body was more stone and steel than skin and flesh.
“Aunt Minnie?” he said, his face breaking into a wide, cheerful smile. “Some of the servants said—I didn’t dare believe—I can’t believe you’re here!”
He stood forward with such speed that Minerva barely had time to stand before he had thrown his arms around her.
Slowly, Minerva raised her arm and patted him on the back.
He pulled away. “What happened to your arm?”
“Smashed it on the way here.”
“We shall have to get you a replacement—”
“It’s no bother lad, really.”
“We shall have our finest craftsmen see to it,” Venus said stonily. “But please, Tibe, unhand your aunt. She’s had a long journey.”
Tiberius did not seem to have heard her. “I can’t believe you’re back. What brings you here? Are you staying for long? Are you staying forgood?”
“Slow down, darling. You’re ignoring our other guests.”
“Aunt Bell!” Tiberius said, still not listening to his mother and apparently only now noticing there were other people in the room. He flung himself at every dwarf at the table, gripping Luna so hard he nearly lifted her off his feet.
He turned to Aislinn, stopping shortly. “I… forgive me, but I do not believe we’ve met.”
“I am Aislinn,” she said, dropping in a polite bow. “Crown Princess of Faerie.”
“Tiberius,” he said, still staring at her. “Crown Prince of Avalinth.”
Caer coughed. “This is Prince Caer,” she announced. “And my brother, Beau.”
“A pleasure, a pleasure.” He scanned the rest of the room. “Where’s Fort?”
A hush fell over the rest of the room. “Fort died on the journey, a few days ago,” Bell explained. “‘Twas a good death, quick and clean. She did not suffer.”
“And she lived gloriously until then,” Minerva added. “We have yet to see her off properly. Perhaps you will join us then?”
Tiberius swallowed, eyes shining. “I would be honoured.”
“Tiberius,” the queen said again, tone icy. “Our guests need rest. It is getting late.” She clicked her fingers again, and the servants scurried back into the room, sweeping away empty tankards and helping the party onto their feet… whether or not they wanted it.
Venus met Minerva’s eyes as they were escorted from the room. They nodded at each other—curtly, formally.
“Until tomorrow, sister.”
Aftertheyweredismissedfrom the throne room, an aide escorted them all to the guest wing—a long corridor of plush rooms hidden behind golden doors so divine and intricate that Caer paused for a long while at his, studying the intricate detail and dreaming of being able to create something so fine.
Some of the dwarves made a retreat from the palace, intent on visiting old friends and family in the city, whilst others, thoroughly exhausted, slunk immediately into their chambers.
Caer felt simultaneously exhausted and also like he couldn’t possibly sleep at all.
He had no idea if Venus would grant his request to stay. He had no idea what she was doing with a fae advisor. He had no idea what would happen to him if she said no.
He didn’t even know if hewantedto stay. Everything was incredible but also utterly unfamiliar.
He wished Aislinn was here. He knew that was silly. She was only a few doors down. He could go to her now, he could…
He gulped. He’d watched her face as she passed over the barrier, watched something leave her shoulders. He could feel a fragment of it, too. His powers wouldn’t work here. They were safe to—
