Page 53 of Queen of Thorns
I stand on wobbly feet, and Rev quickly joins me, hand firm in mine.
“I understand the desire for revenge. The desire to make the ruling courts regret what they’ve done to us. To show them why they should fear the Shadow Court.” I’d had those thoughts and more when I was younger.
His chest puffs up, and I wonder if he was one of those that praised me for the murder of the High Heir.
“I understand the pain our court has had to deal with. I’ve lived it. And I have seen my fair share of disdain from other courts. But I have also learned why we had to endure it.”
He frowns.
“I hate that our court was sacrificed to conquer an ancient evil. I hate even more that, after five hundred years, that battle was lost. And I promise I will do everything in my power to reverse our course and make this court powerful once again. But rebellion and hatred may make you feel better for a time—revenge often does—but it only serves to destroy, never to build. We cannot become the powerful court we should be with a vengeful mindset.”
“And how do you propose we do that? Rebuild, as you say. One powerful young fae is not enough. Other courts have dozens and dozens of young fae as powerful as you.”
“Not as powerful as her,” Rev says, his lips tugging into a smile. “She is the most powerful fae I’ve met, aside from the High Queen. And believe me, I have met the most powerful out there.”
The angry male’s face softens slightly; a small light of pride shines in his eyes.
“But you are right,” I answer. “I am not enough to rebuild the entire court. It will take time. We must have patience. But in my time back in the fae realm, I have developed allies. True friends, who desire my success and believe in me.”
“Like the High Prince?” Octavia asks.
My stomach flips pleasantly. “Yes.”
“The High Courts will give us favor?” Luscious asks dubiously.
“Caelynn’s allies are still in the minority,” Rev answers. “Even as High Heir, I cannot suddenly place her on the council. As Caelynn said, it will take time. But I promise I have every intention of helping your endeavor to reestablish your court. I too have learned the reason behind the Shadow Court’s fall from grace. If only that were enough to convince the rest of the realm, but it isn’t. The world will have to see your strength and honor and come to trust you as I have come to trust Caelynn.”
“We need marriages,” Tameria says quickly, her voice hushed.
Rev frowns. “What?”
“The other courts weakened us,” she says, voice nearly shaking it’s so frail, “by taking our strongest fae by forced marriages. We need powerful unions.”
“We must reverse that trend and giveusstrong fae,” Octavia says.
I pull in a long breath through my nose.
“I agree,” Rev says.
“You agree?” Luscious asks slowly.
He nods.
“So, you will arrange powerful unions for the Shadow Court?”
“Wait.” I hold up a hand. “Bringing in strong magic into our bloodlines is a great idea—a necessity, even—but I will not allow forced marriages.”
The room stills.
“It is not fair to either party. If both are willing, that’s great. We can facilitate and promote this, but even if it means it takes longer, we will not arrange a forced marriage.”
