Chapter 20 #2
“I don't know. It's not the queen mother’s chambers or any of the previous princesses. I think it was just one of the royal rooms from maybe a century ago. It suits you well.”
“Did the king know about my power? Is that why he granted me this room?”
“I'm not sure, Your Majesty. Here, let me draw you a bath, and then I will have breakfast sent up.” Liora walked into the washroom.
I glanced at my nightstand, seeing the key. Keeping my eyes on Liora, I hurried to my nightstand and snatched the key. There was a little flowerpot on a table near the window. The perfect hiding spot. Taking the key, I shoved it in the dirt, forcing the remaining dirt on top, burying it.
I didn't know why I was hiding it, but I knew I didn't want anybody to know I had the diary because something warned me there were more things in those pages I wasn't supposed to read. Yet, someone had stolen Kane’s diary and left it for me to find.
Was that a good thing or a terrible thing?
After I had been washed, fed, and fitted in a lavish gown adorned with too many crystalline beads, which seemed a little different—more constricting—than what I had been wearing, Liora led me out of the royal wing and into the receiving room.
At the end of the rectangular-shaped room sat a large throne.
The back resembled a tree with limbs stretching out and around it.
Thick black furs covered the throne and the platform it sat on.
Large braziers bloomed fire all around the room and the high stained-glass windows reflected all matter of fae and beast.
Murmurs swept through the room. Fae adorned in flowing gowns and vibrant robes eyed me, some with contempt, others with curiosity. Their whispers sent a chill through me, but I held my chin higher, trying not to break under their judging gazes.
“I hear your throne will be shaped like the rose on your hand.”
Gideon appeared beside me, dressed in a black doublet, his silvery-blond hair slicked back, showcasing his pointed ears.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Your Majesty.” He bowed, smiling.
I should tell him about the diary. But how do I do that?
“Since the king has yet to arrive, why don’t I introduce you to some nobles who have come to meet you?”
Gideon had shown me kindness, but he was still fae. Clever, charming, and full of ulterior motives. But what choice did I have? I needed allies, and by the contemptuous looks in the room, my options were limited.
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Gideon looked at Liora, who dismissed herself from my side.
When she was far enough away, I whispered, “Actually, if we can speak somewhere more privately, I have a few questions about the court.”
Seeming to take my hidden meaning, he gave a slight nod. “Have you seen the atrium yet?”
I shook my head.
“I think you’ll enjoy it.” He stepped beside me and we started walking.
Two guards followed.
“You’re queen now. You’ll need to get used to that.”
“I don’t think that’s something anyone can get used to.”
The fae dressed in golden armor kept a few feet behind us, curved blades hanging by their sides.
“How is my queen faring this morning?”
My queen…
Hearing those words filled me with an odd emotion. Being queen had been a childhood dream, but one I had long given up.
“I am well. You?”
“Better now that I know my queen is okay. And she is, right?”
His tone changed a bit, lowering in sympathy.
“Better than expected.”
He stepped closer but didn’t touch me. “I know how difficult last night must have been, but it proves just how strong you are.”
The hall ended in a beautiful domed atrium. The rain continued to pelt against the castle, but the sound on the paned glass was oddly comforting. We stepped inside and the guards stood by the entrance, blocking anyone from entry.
When the rain and thunder drowned out the surrounding noise, I turned to Gideon, my heart racing. “I found something.”
His normally calm smile vanished, and he moved closer. “What?”
Could I trust him?
Images of Kane slaughtering the young priest, even the redcap gnome, gave me focus. It didn’t matter if both of those acts were in some odd defense of me. Taking another life shouldn’t be such a thoughtless act.
No, anyone who took a life without hesitation had to be hiding darker truths.
Gideon angled his body to shield us from the guards. He took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I am an ally. I promised I would help free you if you help me.”
“I need more than that.”
With a sigh, he released my hand and nodded at me to follow him toward a row of lavender. The purple flowers sprouted from a long row of clay pots.
Gideon brushed his fingers along the petals. “Not everything grows in the mountain. Our kingdom can be cruel to many delicate things. It’s important that we continue to keep our trade routes open to all races, humans included.”
His gaze flitted to me. “Kane would have us all hiding in these forests, cut off from everything else. We are fae, bound to all lands. We were never meant to stay here, not all of us.”
Curious, I glanced behind us to see if the guards were watching before sliding closer to Gideon. “So why are you here?”
“That is a story for another time. Just know that there are many fae who believe we should strengthen our alliance with humans, and we can’t do that with a king who hates them.”
“But he married one,” I mumbled, getting more confused.
“Yes, and now the humans can’t sway him with anything, but enough questions. We’ve talked too much. Will you help me?”
He gripped my hand, a desperate plea in his eyes.
The warmth in his grasp filled me with courage.
My throat tightened as I whispered, “I have Kane’s diary. Someone left it in my room.”
Gideon froze as his eyes widened. Was that fear for me or something else?
He glanced at the door, but the guards had their backs to us, facing the corridor. “How did you get that? I didn’t even know he kept one.”
“I think he was sent to the realm of the dryads when he was younger. I think his mother sent him there and—”
Gideon put a finger to my lips, my heart racing at the wild expression in his stormy gaze. “Not another word. It’s not safe to speak here.”
Concern furrowing his brow, Gideon eased me deeper into the atrium where massive ferns filled huge clay vases. “We need to speak outside of the castle. I’ll arrange a visit into town, an expedition where you can meet the people, and I know for sure no one can hear us speak.”
“Why? What’s so bad about reading his diary?”
“Our king never speaks of his past and is very adamant no one else does either. Fae have been killed for asking too many questions. If Kane finds out you have his diary, you’ll meet the same fate. Whoever left it for you to find wants you dead.”