Page 31 of Trial of Thorns
“Where are you going?” Rook asks. “I was planning to go drown my sorrows with a bottle of fire whiskey.”
“To see the Webbed Court. I’ll join you in a few.”
Brielle scoffs. “Why?”
“Because I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her. And she’s not here because of me.”
Brielle rolls her eyes, mumbling something about a waste of time. I ignore her and continue on. I approach the Webbed Court, and they blink in shock as they stare at me. I bow slightly. “I’m sorry,” I tell the woman with spiders on her ears.
“Are you going to say that to all the courts that lost a champion?” Her eyes are narrowed, anger covering her pain.
“No. Only yours.”
Her eyebrows furrow. “Why?”
The crowds waited at the beginning and end of the trial, they didn’t see what happened between. She doesn’t know how her court’s champion died.
“Because we worked together against the shadow-vryns. I wouldn’t have made it past them without her help.”
“And yet she died and you didn’t.”
I cast my eyes low. “I couldn’t save her. It happened too fast. But regardless of the outcome, I wanted you to know that I respect her. And in turn, your court for raising such a champion.”
Her head tilts as she considers me. Our courts are not at odds with one another, but there is always an underlying bitterness between the ruling courts and the lesser courts. Finally, the woman bows. “I am her mother, and she was my heir.”
I swallow, understanding. This is the current ruler of their court, and she was to be the next. Their loss was more than personal. It will weaken their court forever.
“I will honor her however I’m able.” She knows I am the next heir of my court, which means I will, some day, have the ability to use my influence for their benefit. Maybe by facilitating a strong marriage for their next ruler. Or simply by aligning with them during a conflict. I owe them a favor.
She nods, accepting my implied offer. And I turn in search of Brielle and Rook, ready to drown my sorrows along with them.
Caelynn
Ishift off to theside of the arena, away from the crowds before my court can surround me. I have no desire to hear how amazing they think I am.
I’m relieved I made it through the challenge, but I don’t want to celebrate. I wouldn’t mind a comforting beverage before a bath and a long nap, but I don’t want to face those who treat me like a hero when I am anything but.
