Page 47 of Trial of Thorns
“To find that meeting.”
***
RAVEN FLIES OVERHEAD, back in her owl form, just in case, as I march through the palace grounds.
I’m not well versed in this kingdom, having never visited in my childhood—we weren’t good enough to be invited. And now that I’m here as a hated outcast, I wasn’t exactly given a tour of the place.
Usually the term “pits” would imply a fighting pit of some kind. The two most likely places for that would be out across the grounds or in the dungeons. I’m not eager to explore the latter and I hadn’t seen anything relevant during my workouts around the lake, so I start out at the south side, looking for any large structures that could be an ancient amphitheater.
Raven squawks in the distance, and I increase my speed to a quick run, my sore back roaring in protest. Only five more minutes until the meeting time.
I’m hoping I didn’t get the worst injuries during that first challenge because I’m already the underdog here. After my dwarf friend rejected me, I’m all on my own.
Although, as a massive, old stone structure comes into view around the east side of the estate, I find myself hoping for a change in fortunes.
***
IWALK SLOWLY THROUGHthe arches. I keep my breath even but a drip of sweat rolls down my temple.
The browned stone had crumbled in places, but the architecture is quite fascinating. Just knowing how old a building like this is, astounds me. Humans think their ancient structures are old. This one may be twice as old as the colosseum, if not older.
Stone in the form of seats stretch around in a circle like a stadium with a dirt covered arena in the middle. The whole structure is probably only large enough to hold a few hundred spectators. That would imply this was a piece of Flicker Court culture long before the Flicker Court even existed.
Standing in the middle of the dust-covered arena are three forms. I suppose I successfully found the “pits.”
“You came,” Drake says. His lips curl into a quick smile, telling me he isn’t at all surprised to see me.
He’s the perfect fae prince charming, in a golden tunic, matching his gold locks which are tossed into a man-bun. His striking blue eyes examine me closely. He is powerful, and he wants me to know it.
“Let me introduce my team. Caspian of the Glistening Court and Kari of the Crystal Court.” Drake waves his hand dismissively. “I am Drake of the Whirling. I assume you know that already.”
“Why would you assume that?” I tilt my head innocently. We spoke last night, but had a never a formal introduction.
Kari snickers, and Drake shoots her a glare. I smile wide, making sure to hold on to my veil of anger and pain swirling inside. My sources of joy are limited mostly to wicked enjoyment, which doesn’t affect my eye color, but I can’t take that chance right now.
If this is what I suspect, the deal would be off the moment they caught even a hint at the extent of my power.
“How did you know about our meeting?” Kari asks.
I shrug. “I have my ways.”
She chuckles. “I’m sure you do. The Shadow Court has always been known for their ability to wield secrets. I’d wondered if you held the same ability.”
If only they knew my spying abilities came in the form of a human masquerading as a bird.
“It’s certainly not my only talent.”
“I assume you’re here out of desire to align with us,” Drake says, examining his cuticles.
“Perhaps.”
“We are three of the strongest champions in the competition. As I suspect you’d already gathered, alliances are forming within the trials. You do not have any, do you?” His voice rises in pitch. An attempt at innocence or condescension? My guess is both.
“I do not.” I say honestly, resisting the urge to leer at him. He’s right. I need alliances, and I don’t have any.
“If the dwarf were smart, he’d have aligned with you,” Kari says. “But I noticed your interaction last night. It didn’t seem very... cozy.”
“It wasn’t,” I admit. I examine the Crystal Court champion. She’s smart, poised, her eyes a lovely purple and likely underestimated. She’ll be a difficult opponent to defeat. “He said he wasn’t willing to befriend a murderer.”
