Page 56 of Queen of Thorns
Rev
Inuzzle into Caelynn’schest, as we wake in each other’s arms.
Very little light streams through the windows of Caelynn’s new room in the Shadow Court, only barely enough to tell it’s morning. Caelynn is still, her chest rising with even breaths. We have a lot to do today, but I also don’t want to wake her until she’s ready.
But as I pull my body from hers, she groans and her eyes flutter open. “Is it morning?”
“Yes.” I place a soft kiss on her forehead.
She looks up at the discolored molding on the walls above. “It wasn’t a dream, was it?”
I smirk. “No. It wasn’t.”
She closes her eyes and sighs. “I don’t even know what to think about that.”
“It’s going to be a lot of work. But take time to enjoy the process too. This is incredible, Cae. Honestly, truly amazing.”
She snuggles in closer. “You’re amazing.”
“I know,” I answer quickly.
She snorts.
“Ready to get the day started? Or would you like to rest longer?”
She sits up quickly and runs her fingers through her tangled locks. “No, we should get moving.”
“I can get the Crackling Court started on the portal while you rest if you want.”
She shakes her head. “No, I can’t sleep anymore.”
I pull myself out of bed and change into fresh clothing. Caelynn chooses a silk blouse and tight-fitting pants. I choose a black tunic and pants, nothing showcasing my role as Luminescence fae or High Prince. That choice was specifically to avoid any potential conflict but part of me is happy to feel like I do belong here, despite knowing it is not at all true. My place here is temporary, Caelynn and I both know it.
But that doesn’t stop it from hurting.
We meet the queen and Crackling fae in the main hall, already chatting and waiting for us.
I hold onto Caelynn’s hand as the Queen of the Whisperwood guides our group out to the formal portals. She is achingly slow, but it gives us all time to examine every inch of the palace that we pass. The main hall is still flooded with Shadow fae desperate for a taste of the power Caelynn has given. I suspect the fountain is already dry, by no the queen doesn’t mention it which I appreciate. Caelynn needs to keep her strength for a bit longer.
We pass through a corridor so dark I need Caelynn to guide me through. I’m now grateful for the slow pace. I can’t see a thing.
A crack of light forms just ahead, and a door swings wide, exposing the sunlight, blasting us. The queen and Caelynn shield their eyes, and even the Cracking Court fae blink to refocus.
