Page 42 of Curse of Thorns
Caelynn
Iwatch from the cornershadows inside the grand hall as Prince Reveln of the Luminescent Court is presented to the High Court and marches down the largest set of stairs I’ve ever seen.
The room is full, the lights dimmed, making it very easy for me to slip to and from without a glance in my direction. It was easy to sneak my way into the grand hall without being “introduced.”
Rev walks down the stairway, hand gliding over the banister made of intricate golden vines with actual living flowers. They look like metalwork, but they’re real living plants. A gift from the previous Twisted Court King.
His eyes are hardened and distant, his shoulders back and head high. In this moment, I first picture him as the king he could be. Should be. Here in the High Court, the most powerful kingdom in the most powerful realm in the universe.
He fits the part. Perfectly.
Rev reaches the main floor, his first step echoing through the hall, but the step after is lost in the encouraging murmurs. The floor is translucent glass, thick and glistening but clearly showcasing the tossing waves that crash a hundred feet beneath the hall.
The High Court is on an island of its own on the west side of the realm, and the palace here is the most intricate and incredible thing I’ve ever seen. It’s a combination of every past ruling court’s element. The walls are decorated with living vines, flickering in blue flame and flowers with sparkling centers. There is a massive chandelier over the steps that drips with incredible, eternal ice crystals.
Every court that has ruled here has left its mark.
Once Rev slips into the crowd with roaring applause, I turn my attention to the second most beautiful sight in the room.
The ceiling is a deep black void, unending, covered in gobs and gobs of glittering stars. Like its own expanding galaxy.
Without the dark, there would be no light.My mother used to say that. It’s a bittersweet thought. Because I know I own all of the darkness. My darkness and pain will allow him to have light in his life.
I’m willing to make that sacrifice.
The ceiling, I recall from my childhood history books, was a gift from the Shadow Court. It’s been here for over a thousand years, unchanged. I’d half expected it to be replaced with something new. The Shadow Court is no longer allowed to rule this place. Why keep its signature on it?
Because no one could do it better, I decide. The star-scattered ceiling is incredible.
“What the hell are you doing here?” a deep female voice calls over the crowd, and my stomach sinks. I spin to see a lovely purple-eyed, dark-skinned female marching toward me.
Kari’s voice sounded harsh, but even though I’d almost killed her during the trials, I thought we ended on good terms. I could have killed her or even just left her to die, but instead, I gave her enough aid to save her life.
She stomps toward me, and then her arms are around me before I blink again.What the hell?
I drop my shadows because, clearly, they didn’t work on her.
She releases me and smiles. “I thought you were back in the human world looking after your raven friend.”
I blink. Kari was the Crystal Court champion in the trials, and she had a front-row seat for Raven’s death and resurrection.
“I was. But... well, it’s a long story. I have some unfinished business here and only so much time before my banishment is reinstated for good.”
