Page 142 of Trial of Thorns
Based on the crowd’s response, they’re happy with the result. I was the favorite to win from the start. I’m who many hope and expect to be their next ruler, so they’re pleased to see me crowned as champion.
But am I even deserving? Is Caelynn right?
She knew I’d given up the chance to win to save the girl, and she found a way to give it back to me.
The ground shudders beneath me as the outsides of the arena raise back into place. I’m alone in the massive arena for several minutes while the crowd continues their cheering. They chant my name over and over.
“Courts!” a voice booms over the crowd, magically amplified. “I give you your savior—Reveln of the Luminescent Court!”
Caelynn
Raven trembles in myarms as I listen to the crowd chanting Rev’s name. As the queen announces him as the winner.
Good, they accepted my speech then.
“What happens now?” she whispers to me.
“We go home,” I say, hoping it’s the truth.
I don’t know how the High Court will react to Raven or treat me now that I gave up my chance to be their champion and hand it over to Reveln. No one dares come near me in the moments after the trials. The worker fae scuttle around me but move out of the way as I guide Raven from the arena.
No one stops me as I take her all the way up to my room and close the door. I hold her tightly, exhausted beyond all reason.
“I’m so sorry, Raven. I love you. I do. I want you with me always, but I swear, I’m going to do what’s best for you from now on. I don’t care what it costs me. I don’t care if it hurts you.”
“I know,” she says soothingly. “I know.”
Together, we fall into bed, curled up in each other’s arms and fall into a deep sleep.
