Page 105 of A Court So Dark
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as I watched the small vessel make its way around the pond, slowly disappearing from view. I knew Larina was on her way to the Blessed Fields, the final resting place of all Fae.
My friends placed their hands on my shoulders, a show of support and shared grief. Despite the pain of her loss, a sense of peace floated in the air. Larina was at rest.
As we turned away, Kalyll wrapped me in his arms. “I’m here for you, always. I love you.” His words felt like a balm to my sorrowful heart, and I leaned into the embrace, finding comfort in his arms.
As we all made our way back to the castle, I felt a sense of purpose. I knew that Larina’s sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. Many would live on because of her, and I would fight for the minor folk and so would Kalyll. Together, he and I could do anything.
In the distance, a beautiful display of colors filled the sky. It was a reminder that even during difficult times, there was still beauty to be found.
KALYLL
A WEEK LATER
“Ridding the court of all the traitors may be an impossible task,” I complained to Kryn.
He kept walking, his eyes lost in a faraway point ahead.
“I’m talking to you.”
“Oh, what were you saying?”
“That ridding the court of all the traitors may be an impossible task.”
“I believe that’s an understatement.”
Everyone was stabbing each other in the back and doing somersaults to avoid being identified as a Cardian supporter. Honestly, there were days I wished to get rid of all of them, and it wasn’t because they had chosen to follow my brother or because of their ambition, but because they’d been willing to destroy our peace in a war orchestrated by Kellam Mythorne.
Thatwas unforgivable.
I suspected some of them were still holding out hope that Cardian would come back. By the time I returned to the tree where I’d stashed him, he was gone, and no one knew where he’d gone. Perhaps, it was better this way.
Kryn had gone back to looking like a childling in a playing field. He had been this way ever since Arabis forgave him, and I suspected he would remain this way for a very long time. Not that I could blame him. I was also rushing away from the irritating council meeting we’d just attended. It had been unpleasant, to say the least, torture compared to the two females who awaited us in the Eastside garden.
There would be enough meetings to attend and weasels to flush out for weeks to come, so the goal at the moment was to enjoy my time away from kingly duties to the fullest.
As we exited into the garden, I caught sight of Arabis and Daniella, working diligently on the rose bushes. Daniella hated being idle, so she had gotten a hold of some garden tools and worked every morning on the task, which she found relaxing and satisfying.
Kryn ran ahead, scooped Arabis off the ground, and twirled her around. Daniella smiled, watching them, then walked in my direction.
“They put us to shame,” she said, planting a quick kiss on my lips.
“They do.” I took her hands in mine and kissed each one in turn. “Miss me?”
“Not really.”
I placed a hand on my heart, acting injured. She smiled that beautiful smile that left me breathless.
“How did it go with the council?” she asked.
I shook my head. “Torture.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It will take some time, but I’ll take care of it.”
“I have no doubt.”
“Naesala is waiting,” Arabis said, pulling Kryn along by the hand. “Better not to keep her waiting.” They started walking down the path, leading the way.
