Chapter 29
IZADELLA
I’m awakened by crashing waves and the thump of footsteps.
My watery prison has lazily retreated into the sea, and I am alone in the damp cell.
Everett is nowhere to be seen. The door rattles as guards rip it open and swarm me.
They undo my bindings, put fresh chains on my wrists, and drag me up the stairs deep into the castle.
Grayden sits on the extravagant throne I saw his father on so many times before.
The guards around him have their arrows drawn at me.
To his side stands Everett, alive and well. His lip is pulled up in anger. Behind them is a large tapestry with the Adreanian crown. Loyal to who wears the crown is sewn in bright gold lettering.
Leon said I am the ruler of Adreania, that the throne is my right as I hold the crown, but dripping water onto the polished floor, half-drowned, I’ve never felt less like a queen.
Everett follows my gaze, his expression shifting as he starts laughing so hard at me, he nearly falls over, clutching his side.
Grayden’s expression matches someone who discovered they stepped in horseshit. “Oh, what is it now? You are testing my patience, faerie.”
“Della, do you seriously think having the crown makes you queen?” Everett faces Grayden. “Loyal to who wears the crown. Isn’t that your law? You have it everywhere in this damn castle.” Everett snickers, turning back to me. “The captive queen.”
The guards glance at one another, and given the tight line of Grayden’s lips, it does not go unnoticed. “Take the collar off her.”
Someone’s hands are on me, removing the iron weight.
The crown's magic rushes back inside me and I stumble for a moment.
It's a light weight on my head, a comfort now, filling that empty ache only magic can fill, even if it’s not my own.
Power rolls though me, but before I can make any attempt to use it, the side doors open and a disheveled Cyanna walks in with more guards.
The gut punch of seeing her in chains nearly knocks me over.
No.
No.
What is she doing here?
My mortal cousin’s red, tear-filled eyes match her splotchy cheeks, but she otherwise appears to be unharmed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay! I understand!” I lie, trying not to let my devastating anger show. No matter her intentions, no matter her heart for those in need, Grayden will kill her, and her blood will be on my hands.
Magic surges inside me, reacting to my rage, as if it is begging to be set free.
It was so fucking foolish of her to come back here. Any chance I may have found to escape will now be useless. I could never leave her behind, will do anything to keep her safe. Grayden will deliver the final blow, but she has built our coffin.
My nails dig so deep into my palm I have to force my fist to flex so I don't break through skin.
She knows her ruinous return will harm me. The guilt is obvious on her face. “I came back for more children, but they were all gone.”
Gone? What does she mean by that? Did the elixir not work? Are they all dead?
“The place where you sent me,” Cyanna begins slowly, “they are like you.”
Of course they are, if Leon is fae and she was sent to his childhood home. “I know.”
Grayden speaks in a low voice. “Any sudden movements or attacks will result in a very nasty punishment for you both.”
I nod, not breaking eye contact with Cyanna. No matter how angry I am at her, I mouth, I’m so sorry, and she gives me a small, wobbly “Me, too.”
We will both die here.
Ignoring Everett, I take a deep calming breath and walk up to the throne. “I’ll do whatever you wish. If I can. This isn’t my magic. It’s not under my control.”
“I want to win a war.” Grayden sounds like a petulant child demanding everything that isn’t his. “I want Kalvorn.”
What does this horrible man want me to do about that? “War is not something I am familiar with.”
“Everett says his sword was made by you. Is this true?”
My eyes flick to Everett and I pour all my hatred in his direction.
“Yes, it’s beautifully crafted, encrusted in sapphires, sand from his favorite beach mixed with the gold on the handle so his grip would never slip, even in water.
All the other water guards were so jealous of him.
I refused many valuable trades when they begged for a similar one.
It was a beautiful gift for a dear friend. ”
Everett looks away like the coward he is.
Grayden rolls his eyes. “I do not care. I want more of them, thousands of them.” He hurls a long wooden branch at my feet. “Turn it into a sword.”
I smother my urge to laugh at the ridiculous request, and it soothes my ire at Cyanna. “Everett, is that something you said I could do? Are we adding lying to your new king to the list of your many transgressions?”
His eyes narrow at your king. “The crown has limitless power. I have no idea what it can do, but I intend to find out.”
The wooden stick is rough, the ends of the bark rotting, but I close my eyes. I imagine the parts of the sword in my head, clear as day. The hilt and the blade, pommel and cross guard. The weight and sharpness of it. I cannot have Cyanna harmed because of me.
If that means arming soldiers for a war against Leon’s kingdom, so be it.
He made his choice, and I shall make mine.
Magic flows through me and into the wood; it vibrates in my hand.
It grows heavy, but not with the weight of a weapon.
The branch is alive again. Bright green leaves grow from it with clusters of small pink buds blooming, their fragrant aroma only lasting a moment before the petals fall to the floor.
What’s left collapses in on itself, becoming bulbs, growing to plump green apples.
My heart sinks.
“I can’t control the magic. Wood cannot turn to metal.
” I walk up to the dais stairs, bringing the bounty up to Grayden, who takes it.
The apples are perfect and the guards stare at it with their mouths open.
I wonder if it is the magic that surprises them or the food they have never seen.
“I did try. If I had access to my own magic without the crown stifling it, I could make what you requested.”
“Very well, bring the orphan keeper to me,” Grayden drawls, snapping his fingers in the direction of a weeping Cyanna.
“NO!” I scream as guards grab my arms and force me to kneel. “Don’t touch her!”
Grayden ignores me, ripping off an apple and handing it to Cyanna. “Eat.”
She glances at me with wide, fearful eyes and I rush to reassure her. “It’s okay. It’s safe. I was growing strawberries, and they made these delicious little tarts.” When she doesn't move, I whisper, “I promise.”
Her hand trembles as she brings it to her lips. I hold my breath as she chews.
“It's delicious and crisp,” she says before taking another large bite. The guards watch Cyanna chew with hungry eyes.
Grayden stands, walking slowly down the stairs away from his throne, each step a threat towards me. He taps the branch on his palm. “I did not ask for fruit, did I?”
Guards grab my arms, holding me in place as he closes in. He brings the heavy branch back, ready to swing, but my magic rises up to protect me, the castle rumbling beneath our feet.
Heavy doors slam open, grabbing our attention. Princess Lyrora bursts in so quickly, she must have been eavesdropping on the other side.
“Stop it!” Lyrora pleads with her brother, her guard behind her.
Grayden lowers the branch and swings it in the direction of the door. “Get out of here, Lyrora!”
“No! Every tree outside has turned to ash, Grayden! Whatever you’re doing to her needs to stop! You promised Adreania prosperity and all you have brought it is despair. Everyone outside is panicking!”
Shouts and wails are coming from outside.
“Get her the fuck out of here!” he screams at her personal guard.
“NO!” she says defiantly as she is pushed away. “You’re going to destroy everything!” Her voice slowly fades, still trying to convince her brother to stop.
Grayden’s back is curved, and he’s breathing heavily. He throws the branch at my feet. “You’d better learn to control that crown quickly or the orphan keeper is dead. I do not want apples. I want weapons.” He turns to return to his throne. “Return her to her cell.”
As I am dragged away, I realize my neck is bare.