Chapter 2 #2
I take the carefully crafted report from the table, thumbing through it.
In a careful hand, there are tables and charts penned with meticulous precision.
The work is gorgeous, the lines of an elegant quality suited more for an artist than a scientific researcher.
“Excellent. I will review it in great detail.” In all the time I have after I finish the other eight thousand papers to review on my desk…
But I know I am going to look at this before any of the things I should work on, so I’m not lying. Not that any fae can lie.
“I’m sorry the crystal has not yet stabilized.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’ll be glad whatever size it ends up being.
” I give her a warm smile, but I don’t think I quite hide my exhaustion, because there’s a crease of worry between her brows.
We cannot begin using the crystal to power the border wards or the Court’s magic until it’s finished growing.
Using it too soon could make it crack—or worse, explode.
I’m supplementing the magic, even now, but such efforts won’t be sustainable.
In fact, this paperwork will have to wait because if I don’t sleep soon, I’ll risk gaps in the barrier caused by power shortages in the night and early morning.
We’re interrupted briefly by the tea service arriving, magically expedited by the experienced fae in the kitchens. Cinnamon tea, honey, cream, pumpkin scones dusted with spices, slices of honeyed bacon.
“I’m curious to see it grow too.” She flushes slightly, hiding behind a sip of tea. “Honestly, I wanted to bring you the report because the duke seemed hell-bent on disputing it, and I wasn’t sure he would actually deliver it to you. Or any of the facts.”
I knew she was an ally. Now I’m especially glad I offered her tea. Could I get her away from Alred somehow? Perhaps not before the coronation. “Thank you for your diligence, Castelis. That’s very loyal of you.”
“Thank you, sire.”
“Were you born in the Autumn Court?” I had better start with the basics. Alred could expel her, and, without some information about her, and I’d never be able to track her down.
“Yes. My parents returned to the mortal realm a few years back, and shortly after, they died. So I have known no home other than the Autumn Court, really.”
“Me neither.”
She chokes a little on her tea, laughing.
I lean back, all too pleased she got my joke.
The idea is ridiculous, but I wonder what kind of queen she would make.
Noone would expect it. Members of the court have been plotting for years to get me to choose one of their daughters or sons, with every chess move played out twenty moves ahead.
“Have you ever wanted to travel, see the realms or the other Courts?”
She blinks at me, as if the idea had literally never occurred to her, and a pale blue suffuses her aura before drifting back to gold.
“I… um, no. I have all the realms I need in my books.” She grins.
“I mean, I wouldn’t refuse if the offer arose, but it’s not like I have the resources either.
The Academy doesn’t pay much more than ink and parchment and vellum.
But I don’t mind. I have everything I need right here. ”
“And how do you find the Academy?”
Streaks of spring green and yellow again… Hmm, what do they mean? “Ah… would you prefer the honest answer, sire, or the diplomatic one?”
I chuckle. “Both.”
“It is… grueling. Duke Alred demands a great deal from me. But I am honored to have the opportunity to study your crystals. There’s nothing more fascinating in the entire realm! Your father’s crystal in particular is unprecedented. It doesn’t actually make sense to me, to be honest.”
I frown. “Why not?”
“Well, certainly his death was sad. He was not old for a fae. But the crystal seems outsized for the level of tragedy. They could have turned back, they say.”
“Such was his power, I guess,” I say. “That even a small amount has birthed such a great crystal.”
“Perhaps…” she says, quickly hiding behind her teacup again.
I lean closer. “Perhaps… what?”
“That seems a very valid explanation, sire, but…” She looks away, staring into the stream.
I can see her calculating, and I must admit, this is another trait that would make her an excellent queen, if the members of my court would accept her.
A keen mind, willing to look for gaps in logic and analyze fae motivation.
“But what?” I press her.
“But I can think of other explanations as well.”
“Like what?”
“Like there was some level of tragedy we don’t know about. Maybe he was thinking of your mother.”
“Not likely—she’s been dead these twenty years.”
“Good point. Perhaps he was thinking of you, or…” She takes a hasty bite of a scone, as if trying to dodge saying more.
“Spit it out, Castelis. Speak freely with me.”
“Respectfully, sire, you are the king.” The scone she’s chewing garbles her words adorably.
“Not yet.”
“More or less.” She swallows, shrugs, and takes another big bite, as if that will protect her.
“Fine, point conceded. Still.”
“Speaking freely with you, sire, could get me turned into a toadstool.”
I snort. Then I reach out and take her hand in both of mine.
Her fingers are chilled, delicate. I stroke my thumb over the back of her hand, and it’s hard to ignore the way her aura blushes, flushes, preens.
She adores my touch. “I swear to you, Castelis, I will never turn you into a toadstool. Please, just tell me the truth whenever you desire, and I will never punish you for it.” They are strong oaths, but I mean them.
I release her hand, taking up my cup again.
She, for her part, looks alarmed at the proclamation. “I… Well… Perhaps he was thinking of something tragic, or perhaps he was betrayed, and you don’t know it yet. Perhaps the truth of his death is more tragic than we know.”
I set down my cup, knowing instantly what she says makes sense. Was he so strong… or was his death so tragic?
“I’m sorry—”
“Don’t be. I don’t have many clear allies yet, Castelis. I don’t think my father expected I would become king so soon. Nor did I… I would love to think I could trust all those who served my father, but my gut says that is not the case.”
“So does mine,” she says, her voice weak, barely audible over the burbling of the stream.
I sigh. I don’t want to talk about Court intrigue or betrayal. There’s enough to worry about. Right now, I just want a friend. I want to take her hand again.
I reach for her, but suddenly a sharp pain stabs my chest. My hand freezes midair. The wisps suddenly dim all around us. She starts to her feet.
We both know. Something is wrong with the crystals.
“Come on.” I motion for her to follow as I dash for the door.
The archival room where they’re stored isn’t far. Before we’re even to the final hallway, the sound of something shattering, loud and sharp, fills the air.
The crystals. Someone is shattering them. It should be impossible, but there’s only one thing that can make that sound.
And if the devil is already inside, we’re already too late.