Page 61 of Queen of Thorns
Caelynn
Acrowd of onlookersgather as we approach the newly restored portal. The stones glisten against the scattered sun peeking through the breaks in the dark leaves hanging above.
I am both eager and terrified. I hadn’t wanted this moment to come because it means it is time for Rev to leave. To go his own way.
He doesn’t belong here, and he certainly can’t stay forever.
His fingers interlace with mine, and my lips flicker into what is almost—almost—a smile. But I can’t make it complete the intended form.
“It’s not the end,” he assures me again.
I give him one small nod. He squeezes my hand. It is the end, though. Not the end of us, but the end of this part of our relationship. We won’t see each other much after this. He won’t sleep in my bed. He won’t be there to hold me when I am upset. He won’t be there to whisper comforting words in my ear when I am near spiraling.
It is the end.
It is simply also the beginning of something new. And I suppose that’s okay too. Because only weeks ago, I’d thought we could never be together at all. Maybe that would have been easier. Now that I know what it’s like to have his arms around me—what it’s like to feel his pure adoration—I don’t know how to let it go.
“Today is a day of celebration,” I tell the crowd and only barely manage not to allow my voice to crack. “This is the beginning of our healing. The beginning of our reconnection to the rest of the realm.” It’s ironic that this reconnection means the separation of Rev and me.
It is not the end.
“The Crackling Court will be remembered as the first court to welcome us back into the fold. Our healing will not be easy. It will not be fast. But we will return to our former strength. This is simply our first step.”
The crowd roars, breaking into ground-shaking applause. Finally, my lips slip up into a smile.
This is my fate. I will rebuild this court, my home. “I will make sure the world remembers us.”
I nod to the Crackling fae standing beside the portal waiting. The taller of the two stands straight. He holds up a dark stone—obsidian—and the crowd hushes. He places the final piece of the portal at the crown of the archway. One beat, that’s all we have to wait before power crackles between the stones. I suck in a breath as the dark ripples begin flowing like water.
Applause begins again over the gasps of awe. Then, only a moment later, a form steps through the archway. King Raijin, the Crackling King, stands before, me smiling wide. “Queen Caelynn,” he bows. “No crown?”
I smile. “Not yet.”
He holds out his hand, waiting for me to grasps his forearm. “It is only a formality.”
I return the gesture, firmly grasping his arm with mine. “I thank you again.”
“It is my pleasure.” His bright golden eyes flicker to Rev over my shoulder. And I know he means it. I do believe in Rai’s sincerity. I simply also see his shrewdness. He knew exactly what he was doing when he decided to build this portal.
In only a matter of weeks, he has become an anchor alliance for Rev. He will certainly be in his confidence, and he has rightfully earned it.
Rai and Rev greet each other with a firm embrace and easy smiles. The crowd applauds again.
“Are you ready?” Rai asks. His words are gentle, and we both know what he really means.
“Not at all.”
Rai squeezes his arm.
“It is not the end,” Rev says for a third time.
I step up to Rev. “It’s for the better,” I whisper.
