Page 28 of Queen of Thorns
Isit on the banisterof the ship, my backpack nestled between my feet, and watch Rev and King Raijin talking. As the conversation continues, Rai’s shoulders relax more and more.
“Tell me about the ancient here,” I say quietly. A few of the crew eye me warily, and I hope me talking to ‘myself’ doesn’t add to their suspicions, but I suppose, it won’t make much difference.
“What would you like to know?” the book whispers.
I wrinkle my nose. “You’re trying to make me have to talk more, aren’t you?”
A fae with long auburn hair eyes me, brow furrowed, and then marches past.
“Whatever could you mean by that, child?”
I roll my eyes.
“What is her story? Her personality. Who were her allies, her relationships, her enemies?” Rev and I both have read a decent amount about the two remaining ancients. The being in the Twisted Forest roams quietly in the form of a massive wolf. The being here, beneath Black Lake, has not interacted with any living beings in a few centuries.
“Many called Rose dramatic. That’s an understatement. She was an assbag, if you ask me.”
I hold back a choking laugh, which of course causes more glances in my direction. I ignore them, giving up on acting normal. They hate meandthink I’m insane, it’s fine.
“She was beautiful and expected attention from all. She did not respect mated pairs and sought adoration from every being around, regardless of if it harmed relationships. Many of our kind disliked her for her attitude, and others frowned upon her many relationships with mortal fae.”
“So, you disliked her because she slept around?”
“No, I said some disliked her for that. My issue with her was that she constantly attempted to seduce my own mate.”
My lips part. “Your mate?”
The book quiets and remains so for a long while.
“Who was your mate?” I whisper.
“Her name was Aisling.”
My stomach sinks, mind spinning. “What happened to her?”
“She died during the fight with the Light King.She sacrificed her life to stop the Night Bringer and his mate from killing the king. I later sacrificed my soul and free will to contain the Night Bringer and his mate. I do not blame anyone for the events that have taken place.”
I press my lips together, trying not to let my mind twist down the path of guilt and shame.
“Death is not the end, child. It is simply the end of now. She is at peace.”
“But... will you ever get the same?”
“That, I do not know.”
“And you made this sacrifice... for what? The Night Bringer and Night Terror are free.”
“They were not the only beings we fought against. They were simply the last. And I am confident, that with you, we will finish this battle for good.”
I close my eyes, lips trembling. Then, I let out a long breath and stand.
“I believe in you, Caelynn of the Shadow Court. You will complete my legacy.”
No pressure or anything. My heart swells with fear and pressure but also pride.
I release a long breath and rise to my feet. I don’t think I want to hear any more about these ancient histories. The relationships and sad stories. So many hearts and souls and lives have been lost to battling these beings that only wish to destroy. To control those weaker than themselves. I pull my backpack over my shoulder and stride toward the front of the ship.
Rev turns to me as I approach their spot at the bow of the ship. His brows furrow. “Are you alright?”
