Page 85 of Queen of Thorns
Rev
Finally, we’re ableto enter the palace and begin the meeting while the loved ones remain in the great hall, mingling. Caelynn has yet to arrive, but I’m not particularly surprised by that. She wouldn’t want to wait in a room full of fae who mistrust her until the council meeting ends.
The meeting room is full of casual chattering when the queen and I enter. All of the ruling kings and queens of the realm stand as we approach, and all sit as the High Queen takes her place at the head of the table.
“Tommin, please update us on your court after the attack,” the queen says, jumping right into business.
The Whirling Court King nods. His hair is golden but shorter than Drake’s. His cheek bones are just as sharp and his eyes a gentle golden color. “We are faring well. The southern wing of the palace took on serious damage, but the only injuries were healed within hours. The wraiths have not been seen since.”
The queen nods.
“We have not uncovered the source of the attack, although I worry we all already know. In response, we are increasing guard in every area of the kingdom.”
“Who do you suspect?” Rai asks casually, his hands folded in front of him.
The Whirling King blinks. “The same group that orchestrated thelastwraith attack only days ago,” he says tightly.
“Do we know who orchestrated the wraith attack on the Crystal Court?” Rai asks innocently, glancing at the queen and the Crystal Court Queen.
The Crystal Queen shakes her head.
“Oh, come on, Rai,” the Glistening King jumps in. “It occurred in perfect unison with a shadow rebel attack. It does not take a genius to—”
“Jump to conclusions?”
The Whirling Court King’s eyes flare. “We are not—”
“Nothing wrong with building a defense, Tommin.” Rai waves his hand. “I believe we will all begin doing the same after this meeting if we haven’t already. However, I wonder at you implying blame without evidence.”
“I do not believe in coincidences, Rai—”
“Of course not,” I say quickly, sending an appreciative glance to Rai. “There is obviously something deeper happening in our realm. And as King Rai has stated, building a defense is not outside the realm of reason. All we ask is that you not act on your assumptions, as strong as you believe them to be, without cause.”
The room stills.
“I agree,” the Crystal Queen nods in my direction. “Though there is evidence to suggest the shadow rebels have interacted with wraiths in the past, there is also a case to be made that it is in the best interest of our greater enemies for us to turn against the Shadow Court.”
The Whirling King rolls his eyes.
“So, it’s settled,” the High Queen says with her chin high. “We continue our investigations. Every court will begin doing what they believe necessary to protect their kingdoms from inter-court conflicts and greater enemies alike.”
There is a murmuring of uneasy agreement from the group. The queen gives me a soft smile and some of the tension in my chest eases. I didn’t have to do much at all. My allies did it for me. I am beginning to think I will owe Raijin more than I can repay.
“We’ve noticed High Court guards spending disproportionate amount of time at the Crackling Court,” the Whirling King says casually. “Tell me, is that part of your building a defense, Raijin.”
