Page 53 of Wrath of the Fae Queen
Both Rainier and Juniper look away. Sasha’s lip wobbles, but she says nothing. Drake’s eyes are wide, glancing between each person, the color draining from his face as realization dawns.
It is Jasper who runs a hand over his face and finally speaks. “In truth, nobody knows. One night, almost three years ago, she had the Truth Templars and Wildrose Guard round up every single human in the city and transport them out through portals. None were ever accounted for after that, and the druid communities in this court searched high and low for their people. We don’t know if they were sent to camps or exiled from the court, or if she merely had them all slaughtered as soon as they were out of sight. Their homes, their communities—they became abandoned ghost towns. Dinner still laid out on their tables. Clothes in their drawers. Nothing packed for a journey. It is not how people are moved on from a place peacefully.”
“How can this happen? Why did no one stop her?” My blood boils as it races through me. My magic sparks within my fingertips, but there is no one here to unleash all my seething rage upon.
Jasper lets out a shaky breath. “It was her first open act of tyranny. Before that, she wore a mask of the benevolent rulerbefore the court. Fae watched the proceedings in the streets, but there was so much confusion they didn’t understand what was happening until it was too late.” He shakes his head, as though to clear the horrid memories. “Titania claimed they were criminals being flushed out of the city, and we were naive enough to believe her. She made sure my Royal Guard was out of the capital when this happened, because no matter what, she never quite trusts us. This is another failure of this court that I hold myself and many others responsible for.”
Drake curses profusely under his breath.A tear drops from my eye as I visualize all those scared people being herded to some unknown doom by vicious force, and how we were a realm away when they needed us.
“No more,” I growl as I hold each of their gazes in turn. “No fucking more. This stops now. All of it. There is untapped power in the masses. Those who don’t agree with Titania and her brutal ways, but don’t know where to turn to stop her. I intend to be a rallying point. To organize my people into a force to be reckoned with and empower them. But to do that I need to be able to speak to them en masse. Are there trade guild halls or large taverns where people gather and we can target the politically minded? We need to work out which groups are the most disgruntled under Titania’s rule.”
Pride flickers in Drake’s eyes as he watches me. Both Rainier and Juniper perk up at the suggestion. Did they not think I would be willing to put my neck on the line for my people?
It is Jasper who comes forward. “There is a meeting at the merchants’ guild hall tomorrow night. One that is somewhat rebellious in nature. Some of my guards are working as unofficial security at the event. These traders specialize in imports and they have a lot of suspicions about the food shortages and Titania’s hand in them. These merchants are taking a huge risk in having such discussions behind her back,and they are ripe for the picking. It is a good place to start. They will be amenable to what you have to say.”
“Make it happen, Jasper,” I say. “This is an opportunity too good to miss.”
Rainier’s scrutinizing gaze never leaves me. “What makes you think you can leave the palace? Does the bargain you made with Titania not hold you here as her prisoner?”
“Has she not already twisted and warped its bounds? Let’s see if we can do the same. I must test the limits of the bargain.” I smile at him. “Besides, I made an oath against escaping her, but I am merely suggesting going for a walk, with every intention of returning.”
Rainier opens his mouth to say more, but muffled voices ring out from the warded doorway at the far end of the hall, drawing our attention.
My heart stutters to a stop. Have we been discovered by Titania’s agents?
Drake places an arm around my shoulders and leads me toward the entrance. “Did I forget to mention that I planned a little surprise for you?”
I don’t get a chance to ask. The milky barrier of the ward breaks, the swirling mists part—and my father steps through.
I stare at him, stunned, for several seconds, then I am running and laughing and colliding with him as he wraps his arms tightly around me, almost knocking us both to the ground.
My father wipes tears from his eyes, but he doesn’t let go of me. “Why are you always the one who makes all the trouble?” he growls in my ear, then laughs. “You were such an easy child.”
“I guess I have to make up for it now.” I cling to him, suddenly that little girl again, all her problems melting away because he is here. “Why? Why did you travel here when you know it is so dangerous for our family?”
He pulls away from me. “Why? I would march an army to the end of the universe to protect you, that is why. Did I not prove that when I upended the North in open rebellion because that mad king wanted to take you?”
“Enough, Edmund. Let me see her.”
My mother’s voice has me whirling with shock. She places both hands on my face, touches my arms and adjusts my dress, all while tutting.
“My poor child. I dare say you have been through a lot.” Her cold fingers run through my hair, fixing it. All her fussing fills my chest with growing warmth. This is as affectionate as my mother gets. It is how she protects and shows her love. Then she shocks me by pulling me into a quick embrace.
“Mother, you should have stayed away.” My voice breaks. “Titania wants you as a hostage too, and I can’t allow that.”
“Nonsense. It will take more than an army to regain your throne.” She places a hand on my cheek. “We need clever political maneuvering to win the support of the people and nobilitybeforedescending into violence—though I do agree both will be necessary. Luckily, this is my greatest skill, and I am here to advise you. My king has appointed me as the fae ambassador. And your father…” She glances at him with affection. “He will wave his sword around and command his army to keep you safe, ashedoes best.”
“And burn things,” he grunts in reply.
For the first time in days, I can finally take in a full breath.
Behind my mother, Cyprien stalks toward me like a riled-up cat. The sight of him is a beacon of hope, and I smile broadly, opening my mouth to greet him. I only take a single step in his direction before he descends on me, grabbing me by the shoulders.
Cyprien holds me close and scrutinizes every line of my face. He looks haggard, his lips twisted downward and deep, darkgrooves beneath his eyes. “How does he fare? Tell me he is alive and I don’t need to slaughter a league of assassins.”
I realize with horror that he is looking for signs of grief on me. “He lives, and he is coming for this court with a dark army at his back.”
Cyprien lets out a long, heavy breath and tips his face up to the ceiling. “Well, thank fuck for that.”
