Chapter 16
As we passed through the sharp, angular crystal gates, a strong tingling sensation ran over me, as if we had just passed through some sort of magical barrier.
Chills covered my body at the invasive sensation.
The late-afternoon sun shone upon the golden crystal palace, the fractured light creating sunbeams that shone across the courtyard.
The path beneath us had abruptly changed from stone to citrine cobble inlaid with veins of opal and gold.
We had barely made it past the gates, and despite myself, I was in awe of the opulence.
We approached an immense circular outer courtyard lined with several rows of tiered flower beds containing vibrant blooms I had never seen before.
A marble fountain stood in the centre, and liquid light flowed from it, creating the most soothing chiming sound.
On the far side of the courtyard, facing the ocean and the sun, was a platform structure with several steps leading up to a dais, which had a large pole situated on either side.
It all appeared to be made of solid ruby, and while it might be viewed as beautiful on its own, it stood out in stark contrast to the warmth and softness of the flowers and fountain.
A shiver went down my spine as I continued to stare at the object.
I had no idea what it was, but my gut was telling me that it could not be good.
Rows of royal guardians wearing silver armour with the Citrine Court sigil lined the courtyard, greeting us silently as we made our way around the other side of the fountain.
Formidable longswords hung from their backs, on top of their emerald cloaks, while slightly smaller swords hung on their hips.
Every one of them was wearing a mask of cold indifference as we made our way past.
My gut churned, and I was thankful for once for having an empty stomach; otherwise, its contents would have ended up all over the floor of the carriage. Forrest reached out to hold my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I slowly pulled my hand away from his and responded with a pathetic smile.
“When we exit the carriage, we will take you directly to the throne room to meet King Julian and Queen Oriana.” Thalos directed this toward Forrest. “I apologize that you will not have time to wash and freshen up before seeing them, but they were insistent that they be the first to assess you upon your return.” Thalos turned his attention toward me.
“And I’m sure they will want more information from you.
They will not be satisfied with the version of events you have shared with me.
It is in your best interest that you answer their questions with the truth and not the half-truths you’ve shared with me.
Otherwise, your stay in this realm will become very unpleasant. ”
I smirked at the apparent promise of violence.
Anger suddenly replaced the anxiety and embarrassment.
“Was that a threat? You’ve already told me this.
I get it. Need I remind you that I saved the prince’s life and brought him back to your realm?
I would think something like that would demand a bit more respect than I am currently being shown.
” Taken slightly aback by the forcefulness in my tone, I sat back and stared at the guardian, doing my best not to let my surprise show on my face.
Thalos’s thin lips spread into a hideous grin.
“No, Miss Aurelia, that was not a threat. It was simply a fact,” he stated as he inspected the back of one of his armoured gloves.
“No matter what you believe you have done for Prince Sterling, the king and queen will have their suspicions regarding what has happened to the prince, and they will not hesitate for a moment to rid this realm of you if they believe you had something to do with it.”
“That’s enough!” Forrest shouted, shooting up out of his seat.
Before he could say another word to Thalos, a royal guardian approached the carriage and opened the door. “Your Highness, welcome home.” He bowed stiffly.
Forrest, looking slightly embarrassed, exited the carriage, declining the helping hand the guardian offered.
Once out of the carriage, he turned toward me, offering the same courtesy.
For appearances, I accepted, as I tried to exit the carriage with as much dignity as my stiff travel legs would allow.
I could feel their eyes watching me, and I looked up to confirm the entire contingent of royal guardians was staring at us, their gazes cutting across the courtyard like blades.
The contempt and suspicion was palpable.
Instinctively I stepped closer to Forrest.
A few yards ahead of us, the enormous crystal double doors of the Citrine Palace parted with a low, rhythmic hum.
From within emerged a tall, slender fae woman draped in a layered deep emerald gown.
Several intricate golden chains adorned her neck and waist. Beneath the delicate golden crown that sat atop her head, lustrous, flowing black hair cascaded down her back.
Her cheekbones were sharp and discerning.
Familiar bright azure eyes shone as she laid eyes on Forrest. Restraint was etched across her face.
Beside her, a stoic, strong-jawed fae man stood.
Chestnut hair with streaks of silver lay tousled beneath a golden crown that looked like it truly contained the weight of the realm.
His attire was simple in comparison to his counterpart—thick golden pants, a white tunic, and a matching golden doublet adorned with the crest of the Citrine Court across the chest. He stared at us with unreadable eyes.
This must be Queen Oriana and King Julian.
The queen approached first, her face softening slightly as she looked upon Forrest. Her voice trembled slightly as she reached out. “Sterling, my son …”
Forrest stood in place, uncertainty marking his features.
Queen Oriana’s gaze moved to me, and whatever warmth she had shown her son only moments earlier evaporated. “And what are you supposed to be?” she asked, disdain dripping from her words.
I raised my chin, refusing to let the intimidation and anxiety show. “My name is Aurelia, Your Majesty. I’m the one who rescued your son.”
Just then King Julian stepped forward, his voice measured and cool. “Rescued my son from what, exactly? Having too much fun?” he said with a slight chuckle in his voice as he looked around at the guardians.
“Not exactly, Your Majesty. I found Prince Sterling beaten and left for dead in a forest clearing. I took him back to my home and nursed him back to health …” My thoughts and voice trailed off as I noticed the smile on the king’s face disappearing immediately, to be replaced by murderous contempt.
Without warning, the king bellowed, “Captain Evergreen! Escort Prince Sterling and his travelling companion to the throne room! Now!”
Queen Oriana remained frozen in place, her eyes darkened. Any cheerfulness she had felt about Forrest’s return was now gone.
“We will discuss this further in private,” King Julian said to Forrest and me. He turned to his queen. “Oriana, come.”
The king turned about and started making his way back toward the palace. Queen Oriana lingered, her eyes cutting through me.
“Oriana, now, dear,” King Julian ordered.
The queen did as she was commanded with an agitated huff and returned to her king’s side.
Thalos stepped in front of Forrest and me with a smug look on his face. “Your Highness, would you and your travelling companion please follow me to the throne room?”
The interior of the Citrine Palace was incredible.
Large golden crystal pillars lined the entryway, creating a passage that seemed to go on forever.
The floors were made of creamy white agate, outlined and veined with gold.
Large archways dotted the sides of the enormous hallway, leading into various rooms. Between the arches hung paintings: stuffy portraits, vibrant magical landscapes, and horrific battle scenes.
Ornate wooden tables were placed at intervals, each covered in all manner of golden trinkets.
If it hadn’t already been obvious, it was clear now that Forrest’s family really had a thing for gold.
Truth be told, it made me feel a bit ill.
My thoughts had wandered to the struggling humans on the town limits, and I wondered how many people could be fed and provided for by just one of these tacky knick-knacks that were just lying about.
Thalos stopped directly in front of two large translucent white crystal doors. “We’ve reached the throne room.” He turned toward me. “Remember what I said earlier, human.”
Forrest’s head snapped to Thalos. Before he had a chance to confront the guardian’s threat, the doors before us opened, revealing the king and queen sitting expressionlessly upon their thrones. An empty throne was situated next to King Julian’s, most likely belonging to the fae standing next to me.
Forrest grabbed my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “Let’s see what they have to say, and if we don’t like it, we can leave.”
I nodded in response, knowing full well that it would not be that simple for either of us. We walked hand in hand into the throne room and halted several feet away from our interrogators.
King Julian was the first to speak. “Thank you, Captain Evergreen. You may take your leave,” he said dismissively, waving the guardian away.
Thalos stepped forward, his chest extended proudly. “Your Majesty, I would feel better if I stayed close. We don’t know what happened to Prince Sterling, and quite frankly, I don’t trust this girl.”
I glared at the guardian.
“I appreciate your concern, Captain, but I think we can handle a small human woman on our own. Leave us. Now.”
Thalos paused a moment before bowing and exiting the room in a huff, his pride bruised.
The king settled into his chair and took a deep breath. “All right. Aurelia, is it?”