Page 3 of A Court So Dark
I refused to accept what everyone thought.
“She’s my mate,” I spat, “but of course, you have no concept of that.”
I turned my back on him and walked out of the courtyard and down the street. Stuffing my hand in my trousers’ pocket, I fingered the transfer token. We were fifty miles from the Vine Tower, nearing the west boundary of Elyndell, but the distance was no matter. I had returned to see her every day since we left a week ago. Today would not be the exception.
Holding the token tightly in my hand, I let it take me to Daniella’s realm. Once there, I lingered only long enough to allow the veil magic to gather and carry me straight into her chamber. Strange the way of veil magic. I could only travel quickly within my own realm if I transferred to the human realm first.
Warm light trembled within the sconces on the wall. Her narrow bed sat by the open window, well within the reach of a beam of moonlight that skidded over her frozen skin, making it glitter. I walked closer, my steps barely audible, and stopped by her side.
Her beautiful face was peaceful at rest. There was no sign of the pain she must have experienced when Varamede’s attack overpowered her. In her presence, quiet as it was, the anger that roiled in my chest morphed into a sorrow deeper than any ocean.
“Can you hear me, melynthi?” I asked as I did every night and despite never receiving an answer, I didn’t stop expecting it. “I feel lost without you. The rage consumes me. The others fear me… hate me. At least some of the time, I am sure. I need you.”
I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cold lips. The grief that the Envoy had promised punched right through me.
My gaze got locked on something inconsequential and slowly, as I came to, I realized it was a dry petal on the floor. I glanced toward the pedestals, and for the first time, noticed the curving steams and wilted flowers. Roses. They were different from the ones I’d seen last night. Red as opposed to white. They reminded me of that day in Imbermore’s gardens. I’d given Daniella a red rose that day, maybe to assuage my guilt as I tried to explain my shadowdrifter heritage without causing panic.
Reminded of something, I walked to the library, found what I was looking for inside a desk drawer, and went back.
“This one won’t wither,” I said as I pinned a silver brooch to her tunic.
It was the artful representation of a rose, the petals perfect and polished, the leaves carved in careful detail. The brooch had belonged to my grandmother. Roses were her favorite flowers.
“Find your way to me, melynthi.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
The flutter of wings behind me forced me to take a step back. Larina hovered by the door, hands joined in front of her as she waited, head bowed slightly.
“I’m here to change the flowers, my king,” the pixie said.
“Please, don’t let me stop you,” I said, finding it unacceptable that Daniella should suffer any dead blooms.
I sat on one of the armchairs by the fireplace, while Larina flew about using her magic to dismiss the dead arrangements and replace them with new ones.
“What news, Larina?”
“Two healers came this morning. They tried their best, but…”
She didn’t need to elaborate. Many had tried to bring her back, but everyone had failed.
“I’ll continue to search,” she added, attempting to appear hopeful.
“What other news?” I asked, more out of obligation than any real desire to know what went on in my court.
“Your mother continues to take care of your affairs, my king,” Larina said. “Today she summoned me and asked me to tell you that…” She stopped seemingly unable to continue, her cheeks turning violet with embarrassment.
“You can tell me whatever it is she said.”
She inclined her head. “She wishes for you to return immediately. She says you are needed here, and that… your blind pursuit of your brother and vengeance are misguided. That it is not the… worthless human who matters, but your throne and the peace of your realm.”
I could feel my anger building and with it, Wölfe trying to take over once more. I stood, cracked my neck, and inhaled deeply, willing the tightly packed emotions that concentrated in my chest to spread, to diffuse. The burning under my breastbone dissipated somewhat. The anger was still there, but when it wasn’t the main focus, I could keep my irrational side at bay and be a true blend of darkness and light.
Not fully Kalyll. Not fully Wölfe. But something in between.
“I’m sorry to subject you to my mother’s… acrimony,” I told the pixie. “I know she is difficult. I wish I could let you go back to Imbermore so you could be closer to your family, but I don’t trust anyone else to…” I glanced toward Daniella, “take care of her.”
“I remain here gladly. I want to be by her side. Forgive me for saying this, but Dani is my friend.”
“Forgive you? I can only be grateful to you, and I hope that you also consider me your friend one day.”
