Page 78 of Queen of Thorns
“That’s fine. You don’t have to. I am used to being underestimated.” I smile. “I am not here to ask for help but to give you a warning. I am stronger and smarter than you think. I will dismantle anyone that undermines me or my court. That includes you. I suggest you send a message to your friend Gareth that someone in his confidence has betrayed him by giving information to his enemies. And I highly suggest you do not harm anyone or anything in courts you deem enemies. Next time, there will be no forgiveness for your crimes. You will stand trial before me. And I will know what you have done. I have no problem executing a citizen of my own court to save the rest of the kingdom. You will not get out of punishment.”
Rev
Istop before the HighCourt portal, watching the soft rippling magic.
The queen sent me a message this afternoon that I am to return to the High Court today. I’d planned on heading back soon anyway, but now that I’m standing on the edge of the magic that will take me there, my stomach squirms with anxiety.
Memories flash through my mind of that awful night. Fae falling through the glass flooring. Blood splattering as stone slams into fleeing fae’s heads. Bodies peppering the trembling ground.
Traumatic memories aren’t the only things bothering me, though. It’s that now, I’ll be stepping into that role without her.
Taking my place as High Heir while she is gone feels wrong somehow.
And then, there’s the fact that I know the Light Ancient is there watching. He’s resting below the palace. A powerful being that hates my mate.
But this is something I must do. And so, I take that heavy step through the archway. Magic washes over my body, and when I open my eyes, I am standing before the High Court palace.
Pristine. The castle and grounds look perfect, not a stone out of place. Gold and white stone lines the pathways, with not a pebble out of place. As if it never happened. As if only a week ago, dozens of fae didn’t meet their end here. I pull in a long breath, my chest tight.
Then, I march forward, pulling on the mask I learned from Caelynn and pretending that my mind isn’t throbbing with horrific images. I hold my head high, and I face the future I chose for myself.
***
MY HEART HAMMERS INmy chest, blood pumping so fast I can feel it in my limbs.
The princeling is back.
I suck in a breath at the sound of the ancient powerful voice, but I’m honestly not sure if it is real. There is no tremble in the earth along with the power. Only within my own body. Maybe I’m just hallucinating.
“Oh good, you’re here.”
I blink and realize I’m standing in the dining hall. The walls look the same as before, covered in the same golden and red tapestries. The chandelier appears exactly as before, with its stretching flames over every prong.
The High Queen sits at the head of the table as usual, staring over maps and letters spread out in front of her.
I wordlessly take a seat to her right.
