Page 67 of Queen of Thorns
With my luck, it will be just in time to lose my life for good. Like fate didn’t want to take away my life until I truly knew what I was losing. I sigh. It doesn’t matter. I want to live, and I will fight for the chance to do just that.
“Are you going to rest?”
“No,” I say, even as my eyes drift shut again. “Give me an update.”
“Luscious is meeting with the rebels tonight.”
I breathe in through my nose. “Does Drake have any influence or connection to this meeting?”
“Drake has had no direct influence on the rebels since the attack.”
Well, that’s good news. “What is their mindset? Do they feel content with the changes in the court?”
“Some. Not all. They do not intend to halt their activities, however. Some believe you are planted by the High Court to appease the Shadow fae only enough to stop uprising, but not enough to change course. They think you are in the pocket of the High Court.”
“Of course they do.” I suppose it doesn’t surprise me, though, after I showed up with the High Prince. They’d either suspect our relationship or they’d think I’m loyal to the High Courts.
“Those rumors have been perpetuated by Drake’s inside men.”
I groan. My body aches. I squirm, seeking a more comfortable position.
“You could take a sleeping draft. Or pain-reducing herbs.”
I shake my head.
“You are a stubborn fae.”
I shrug. All I really want, honestly, are Rev’s arms around me. His warm chest to lie back on. His comforting and supportive words in my ear.
Tears sting my eyes, but I keep them closed. I’m so tired. So in need of comfort. But I will rise above those needs. Because those are things I cannot have.
Rev is mine, but he is far from me, and that will be true for the rest of my life.
“Do you think that me taking the shadow throne was part of the Night Bringer’s plan?”
“What makes you think that?”
I shrug. “I’m tired and distracted; that seems to work in his favor. And the fact that he has not made any big moves makes me think this is how he wants it. Maybe he planned for me to take the throne so I’d give all of my magic away, leaving me drained so that when he acts, I won’t have the strength to fight back.”
“Caelynn, this battle is not about your strength. You will not win by your power. You will win by your determination, resilience, intelligence, and your allies.”
“Allies,” I repeat. “I’ve pushed away all of my allies.”
The spell book sighs. “If there is one thing that the Night Ancients could be pleased about, it is your separation from your allies. But they have not abandoned you. All you must do is ask for help if you need it. Do not be too stubborn for that, Caelynn. The Night Ancients want to dismantle your hope. They want you weighed down by heartache and loneliness. But you have the power to ensure that doesn’t happen. He told you his plan. He wants to destroy you from the inside. Take away the things that bring you comfort. Take away the things that bring you hope.”
I frown. “He will want to crush the Shadow Court, right?”
“What better way to dishearten you, than to perpetuate distrust in your own people? Right now, you have enough allies to defend your court if he were to make a move against it. The best way to destroy the Shadow Court will be through the rebels.”
I sigh. I can understand that. But the threats hanging over my head have me anxious. “And what plans are the rebels making?”
“Drake has a line of spies that have reached those trusted by the rebels. He is feeding them information. The High Court is still seeking those responsible for the Crystal Court attacks, and keeping under the radar is the rebel’s current plan of action. They are discussing how to utilize the gemstones they acquired. They are also planning to discuss you.”
I roll my eyes behind my closed lids.
“Perhaps it’s time I met these rebels.”
***
