Page 143 of Trial of Thorns
Caelynn
Asoft knock on mydoor rouses me from a fitful sleep.
I groan and shift but Raven pulls me closer. “No,” she begs, grabbing my upper arms in a tight grip.
I kiss her forehead and chuckle. “Someone is at the door. We should probably get it.”
She sits up as I crawl out of bed and cross the room. Her eyes are wide in fear.
“I’ll protect you,” I whisper, then open the door.
A centaur stands there, his head and eyebrows high. “Miss Caelynn. Your presence has been requested by the High Queen.”
I swallow. That’s not unexpected but unnerving all the same.
He looks down at my ragged clothing. I’m still wearing my fighting leathers from the trials last night. “Do you wish to change?”
I look down at the ripped and frayed clothing. “No. I’m fine.”
“Very well. Come along.”
I begin to follow him, but he pauses. “Bring the girl.”
My eyes grow wide. “Why?”
“This pertains to her as well.”
I purse my lips but I nod. Nothing I can do about it. They’ll find her eventually. “Raven?” I hold my hand out to her.
She scrambles out of bed and grips my hand tightly in hers. Together, we follow the centaur hand in hand.
We reach the great hall, where I assume the queen is waiting. The double doors open wide for Raven and I to step through. I keep my head high, but Raven dips hers, nearly cowering.
We stand at the top of the stairs beside the centaur. “Your Highness, may I present Caelynn of the Shadow Court and her raven,” he calls.
“Come down,” the queen says.
I pull Raven along, down the stairs to a table where the queen and several court officials sit. Including Rev’s father. I stop, looking over the fae in front of me. They’re all at least a hundred years old and powerful—in more ways than one. This is the current ruling generation, the heads of each ruling court.
We stand before them and wait.
The queen stands, her harsh eyes direct and commanding. “Miss Caelynn, you’ve caused quite the stir.”
“Did you expect anything less?” I ask. To my surprise several chuckles break the tension.
