Page 101 of Atop the Faerie Throne
Thirty-Two
Rhoswyn
Despite the early hour, the oppressive heat of the Summer Court slaps me in the face the moment we arrive.
“Are you certain you don’t want more soldiers?” is the first question out of Jaro’s mouth as he kicks sand around on the beach below the Archway of the Sun.
I shake my head, turning to check my full Guard is here, then silently call on my guides, just in case.
“Remember, we’re not here to start any violence,” I caution Lore.
Of course, my redcap is already swooshing his sword around in the air, his cap stiffening into a nasal helmet.
No part of him is committed to peace, confirmed when he says gaily, “But I do get to finish it.”
“Ignore him,” Bree says, shifting closer to me. “They’re already starting to notice us.”
Indeed, the few fae fishing on the dawn-painted shore have looked up, and more than one is pointing in our direction.
“Showtime,” I mumble under my breath.
“You can do this, dear heart.” Titania moves to my side, taking my hand in her chilled one.
Her words are probably meant to be inspiring, but when I look up at the palace on the sandstone arch above us and catch sight of the throne room window, confidence is the last thing I feel.
Grief drives my first step forward, the memory of Bram’s collapse fresher here than it has been anywhere else.
When Bree’s hand slips into mine, I squeeze it tightly, as if the pressure can drive out the encroaching heaviness.
“I’ll find my father,” he promises as his wings snap out in a burst of black feathers. “He won’t get away a second time.”
“Mab will lead you to him,” I say, more for myself than him. “And act as backup if you need her.”
I wanted him to take one of the others, but he insisted this was his fight. Mab was the only compromise we could settle on, and I still worry she won’t be enough.
Rising to my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his lips in farewell before the two of them take flight.
Now it’s just me, Maeve, Titania, and the remainder of my Guard. My grandmothers stay within easy reach, leaving Lore and Caed to flank them, with Drystan and Jaro on the outside as we head up the beach and onto the main road into the city.
For this to work, we need the element of surprise, and the force of the people. We definitely have the former—no one but my court knew that we were coming today—and as for the latter…
The fishermen abandon their lines, following us at a safe distance, and it doesn’t take long until they’re joined by other curious fae who are already out and about. By the time we reach the first group of soldiers patrolling the street, there are two or three dozen people behind me.
“Stop, in the name of the king—” one soldier announces, but his words cut off as the rest of his patrol bows.
“I’m here to see Eero,” I say, without pause. “Anyone who tries to stop me will find themselves answering to the Goddess in the Otherworld.”
The first soldier looks like he might be about to try something, but the male to his left elbows him so hard that he goes down like a stone. Another of his companions grabs his collar and literally drags him out of our path.
Holding my breath—because I can’t believe it’s going to be that easy—I keep moving, doing my utmost to keep projecting calmness as I walk. The crowd is swelling in my peripheral vision, but if I focus on that, I might lose my nerve.
“Oh, this is going to be good.” Maeve is practically vibrating with excitement.
“She means this is going to be simple and go well,” Titania corrects.
“I thought there would be more blood by now,” Lore whines. “Can I stab the male who hesitated? It would send a message, and I’m a huge believer in good communication.”
“Absolutely not,” Drystan and Jaro growl at almost the exact same time. Caed just sniggers.
