4. Chapter Four Lennox
Chapter Four: Lennox
Voices droned in the near distance, humming under my skin as if the buzz from my drink could be heard outside of my body. I knew this wasn't the case. No matter how much honey wine I consumed, I could never escape my destiny or birthright . And if there was ever any hint of me trying to escape them, the court was always quick to remind me that I couldn’t. I walked toward all the voices, knowing that if I didn't make my entrance soon, I would be made to regret my avoidance. I reached the doors, which stood three times my height at least, oversized and ostentatious, just like everything else in this castle. Taking a deep breath, I donned my mask, figuratively and literally. After all, it was a masquerade that awaited me beyond the threshold, an excuse for indulgence in all things as we all pretended not to recognize each other.
My mask in place and my constitution solidified, I nodded to the attendants my readiness as they swung both doors wide, the weight slowing down the motion. Once the doors parted wide enough to be acceptable, I strolled forward, conveying an air of indifference and boredom as my name and title were announced to the awaiting audience. While everyone else got to enjoy the anonymity, the royal family always had to flaunt their superiority and importance, lest the people forget whom they serve.
The glittering from jewels on gowns, glassware in hands, and precious metals being flaunted reflected the soft lighting as everyone turned to pay respect, bowing and curtsying as I entered. I gave my signature smile, the devil-may-care one, that had girls chasing me and guys hoping for the chance to join my circle, knowing that it hid my true feelings. In all actuality, I would have given anything to end this numbness that seemed to shroud itself over everything I did, thought, or felt. I learned early on that no one wanted to know how I truly felt, and that revealing myself would only leave me vulnerable. But it seemed this was my destiny; to forever be on parade, always waiting and preparing for the knife in my back.
Through the crowd, standing on the dais in front of her throne, I spotted my mother watching me and waiting. I never really knew if she was waiting for me to claim my destiny or to fail miserably, but it always seemed that I left her wanting. Which was apt since I always found my own self lacking. For what, maybe I would never know, but the feeling was there all the same. Not wanting her to have a reason to punish me, I headed down the staircase, the crowd parting for me as I ended the current waiting game. As I passed the courtiers gathered, I heard the whispers, my hearing sharper than they all knew. Not their fault I learned a long time ago to hold my cards close to my chest and ensure that no one ever knew what to expect from me. That way no one could ever hurt me.
Through the whispers which floated all around me, I kept my smirk in place. It wouldn't do to ever let anyone see my true face; the emptiness scarier than anything my mother could threaten. It terrified me, and I lived with a monster, which made me wonder sometimes if I was broken just like everything else she touched. Now that concept wouldn't surprise me at all. At the bottom of the dais, I bowed to my mother who expected complete and utter obedience from everyone, even her son and consorts. At her nod, I rose and walked the few steps up to her. “Mother,” I said in greeting.
“Lennox.” Her eyes studied me, making sure my appearance met her standards and the image she wanted to project. She wouldn't find a single hair out of place; I could get that much right at least.
“Any later and I would have had to call for Callum to collect you. Now that you've finally arrived, we can begin.” She left the threat hanging in the air, knowing that I didn't want Callum in her presence any more than he already had to be. As my former best friend, I was partly responsible for his current situation, which ate away at me. Something she knew very well, the only weakness I had ever shown her. I certainly didn’t need her constant reminders.
I nodded in deference as she turned to the crowd, pushing those thoughts away. She made eye contact with the performers, which was all it took to silence the music and cued those gathered to fall quiet. Each fae in attendance knew the price for anything otherwise. Our full dungeons evident to all those in attendance just how quickly her generous mood could turn. No one dared to give her a reason to draw her focus, much less her ire. Taking my place behind her and to the right, I watched while her four consorts moved behind and to the left. We would never give any appearance that we thought ourselves equal to the might of the Queen.
“Lords and Ladies, I want to thank each of you for joining us tonight for this momentous occasion.” Mother began her show where she acted the part of a gracious and humble host while everyone played along. “We gather here this evening to undergo the sacred rite of passage, that of The Choosing. Now, each of you knows what an honor it is to witness such a sacred rite, so I ask that everyone treat it as such.” She paused to allow her threat to sink in. The courtiers all bowed their heads in acknowledgment, the silence deafening in contrast to the noise from earlier. Not a soul dared to even cough or sneeze in fear that it would be seen as an affront.
Mother turned slightly and gestured behind her as her ice blue gown swirled around her ankles. “Please welcome, Master Jude, our head priest who will perform the ceremony tonight.” As we all turned to the door she gestured to, that same door opened, an attendant holding the door wide for Master Jude to walk through it, followed by his priests who would be assisting him in the ceremony.
He moved assuredly to the altar that had already been set up before the arrival of all the guests, its final resting spot now in front of the dais on full display for everyone present. Once he reached the altar, he turned to face us. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Tonight is indeed a momentous occasion; one we have not been looking forward to as we have all enjoyed the prosperous bounties that you have blessed us all with during your reign. We can only hope that the new prospects chosen tonight by sacred rite and by the land itself are half as gracious and wise as you have proven yourself to be.”
I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. We all knew that we had been simply biding our time for this day in hopes that our new queen would be less ruthless and blood thirsty. My mother's reign was littered with bodies and tarnished by all the blood she had shed to maintain ultimate control over all those who called themselves Fae. Barely successful in maintaining my now stoic expression, I was careful not to show the relief that the long-awaited time had come for a transfer of power. I didn't dare to fully hope that things would be any better with a new queen, since in my experience, ultimate power corrupted even the most generous and honorable souls. I had seen it time and again, how easy it was to wield fear in order to gain your heart's desires. I had even used it myself to keep all others away from me.
Maintaining her demeanor of a humble queen, Mother dipped her own head in response to Master Jude. “It has truly been my honor and pleasure to serve the Fae of Avalon. It is also my wish that I have the joy of mentoring the new queen and her consorts. A task of this magnitude, that of ruling Avalon in a fair and honest way, cannot be expected to happen overnight. It must require a learning period, which I look forward to assisting the new Chosen with all the adjustments she must undergo as she ascends the throne.” She turned and now addressed those in attendance. “It is my wish that as my loyal subjects, you will allow the new queen a grace period, as she will no doubt need it, to ensure a smooth transition of power. I expect each and every one of you to treat the new queen with the same respect that you have given me.”
I never had been able to determine why she insisted on this false facade when every single one of us loyal subjects knew the truth. That she wouldn't even hesitate to put me down, her own son, should I ever give the appearance of challenging her. Despite being a Lord in my own right and raised here in the castle, I had never been privy to her thoughts or reasons. As murmurs of assent and agreement to her statement resounded, she nodded at Master Jude to continue. Though no one dared speak it aloud, we all recognized the ploy as an attempt to maintain power for as long as she could.
My attention switched to the altar, now set up with tools and ingredients to assist with the magic that would be performed shortly. I watched as the priests continued to place bowls and cups in a row, all things that were needed for the consort selection that would immediately follow. They poured a thick liquid from a pitcher into each cup. It was said that the water came from the heart of Avalon itself, the pure waters used to assist Avalonia in her magic. They then combined dried leaves from several different plants before distributing it among the bowls. Finally, little brushes were placed beside each grouping, to be used later.
Master Jude raised his hands, palms up, the sleeves of his robe sliding up his arms to reveal weathered and wrinkled skin to match his silvered hair. As one of the oldest fae still living, he held a place of honor among us outside of his appointment. His wisdom was world renowned, and many sought the honor of being blessed by him and Avalonia as they received his words upon their hearts. I couldn't help the hope that his presence brought, hope that the ceremony wouldn't be twisted by my mother completely. I squashed it down as much as I could, reminding myself that someone of his wisdom and age knew the fruitless endeavor it would be to try to thwart whatever will she had expressed to him. I knew her well enough to know that she had already spoken with him, the threat unspoken but there all the same, about what she expected from tonight's ceremonies. She had a plan; of that, I was always certain.
“I know that many of you here tonight have never before witnessed the rite that will take place in a short while. With help from my priests, I will begin the ceremony to select our new Chosen. Upon completion, those who are Chosen will know who they are. I ask that you then approach the altar where I will solidify the choosing with another rite. This next one will be to select the four consorts that are destined for you, linking them to you forever. At the end of the ceremonies, I request that every Chosen and Consort stay here in Cashel Rí so that we can begin to prepare you all for the trials which will determine our new queen as selected by Avalonia .
“If you are not chosen tonight, know that once we are ready to start the trials, we will invite everyone back here to bear witness to the tasks that Avalonia has decided upon.” Master Jude concluded his instructions for the evening, jumping straight to the point. Despite the supposedly joyous occasion, the air was heavy with solemnity, and instead of cheers of excitement, the crowd remained silent as if mourning the loss of their current queen.
As Master Jude began the rite, I tried to steel myself to be chosen as a consort. There was no way my mother would allow me to gain freedom tonight, preferring instead to have any leverage on the future queen she could. I would be that leverage as the consort to the new queen, always having the ear of the monarch. At which point, I was sure Mother would see to it that her views made their way to the new queen through me.
As the chanting from Master Jude and the priests rose in volume, I looked over the crowd, each one transfixed on the rite taking place before them. I tried to spot the hopeful Chosen among them, each young female fae hoping that they would be selected. The smart or conniving ones hid that expression, not wanting to risk the wrath or jealousy from our current queen. Still there were a few who were either too foolish or too naive to keep the hope from their faces. Not surprisingly, I even glimpsed fear and terror on a couple of faces. It was barely noticeable, but having felt the sentiment many times over, I recognized it easily. My mask worked wonders for hiding that fear. My hope was that if I had to be stuck with a Chosen, it would be one of the ones smart enough to be afraid. They at least, had the wisdom to see that this farce was a means to an end for Mother. And they were humble enough to realize that they stood no chance against the power she wielded.
As I watched the crowd, my curiosity peeked through my indifference and feigned boredom. I saw a flash of pain on a couple of faces as one by one, the Chosen collapsed, none prepared for the agony. Their cries of pain sounded out in the silent room as the magic in the air peaked, the land reaching out and judging the Chosen women. The sensation of it washed over the room and out to those who were not of high enough standing in the court to attend tonight's ceremonies. The hair on my arms and neck stood up as it brushed over me, caressing me briefly before leaving me completely. Historically, the land, or rather Avalonia, our goddess, chose those with the strongest magic in them, and each of them would possess traits that would make them great rulers. Usually, the Chosen were all of nobility and should all be present tonight. Although, rarely, it selected someone of common birth for the honor.
Finally, the crying ceased as the women recovered, the magic waning. They were helped to their feet by those around them, their shaky limbs finding it difficult to support their weight. Smiling, Master Jude waved the women toward the altar, his eagerness evident. As each woman approached, she was directed to a spot in front of a grouping of cup, bowl, and brush. Each one appeared weakened from the experience but were slowly recovering their strength. Many were visibly paler, and some were even still shaking and unsteady on their feet, requiring more assistance than the others. I perused the girls wondering which one would be my queen and which one I might be chosen as Consort for. My eyes landed on Genevieve, who was standing on the corner furthest from me, with an almost smug smile on her face. Just as I saw it, the smile was wiped away, and she lowered her head, trying to appear meek and humbled.
I wasn’t shocked to see that she was chosen since she had already managed to garner favor from Mother through her ass kissing and ability to play the games often only found in court. She believed she was on par with Mother in her ability to build a facade, but I had always seen through it. And because she was so similar to Mother, I found it hard to hide my disgust at the thought that she might be my Chosen, knowing full well that Mother would love that pairing.
“Congratulations, young ladies. The land has searched your hearts and found that each of you possesses necessary qualities that are essential in ruling and maintaining the magic between the land and people.” Master Jude paused, probably hoping that there would be cheers or some sign of joy at the selection. At the silence that greeted him, he frowned and then proceeded. “Now, I ask that each of you pour a small amount of water into your bowls from your cups, enough to make a paste. I will then come around to each of you, finishing this ceremony by painting symbols on your skin. Once I have completed the rite for each girl, the land will then select your Consorts. Each Consort, handpicked for you by Avalonia, will offer something that you need in order to be the best queen for us all. Please know that they each have their own qualities which make them best suited for you. Now, let us begin.”
Master Jude began making his way around the table, stopping at each Chosen to paint symbols on her skin. Once he made the final brush stroke, the symbols lit up with a white glow until it appeared to explode from them. As the magic was released, four men were selected. Most of the Consorts selected doubled over in pain, but a few collapsed like the women had, buckling under the intensity of the magic. However, a couple of them bore the pain with clenched jaws and fists, the only evidence of their discomfort. With each girl, I held my breath and braced for the pain of the selection, hoping to find myself in the last category and not the one to collapse. Mother would never tolerate that show of weakness, not from her own son.
But as the time passed and the number of girls dwindled down to the last, I found myself fighting hope again. Genevieve was the last girl, and my hopes were torn between knowing I' d be chosen as her consort and praying that I just might escape this life. I tried not to trust the bubbling in my gut, that voice that said I had a chance at freedom. Instead, I braced myself for the pain because I knew Mother always got her way.
The symbols on Genevieve's body lit up, growing brighter until the magic erupted outward. I closed my eyes, bracing for the inevitable impact. Again, I felt the magic as it whisked around me and caressed my exposed skin, my eyes clenched at the feeling. But I felt no pain, no discomfort, absolutely nothing as the magic left. I opened my eyes quickly at the realization, hoping Mother hadn't seen that sign of weakness. Four men were still doubled over in response, obviously having been chosen for Genevieve instead. I fought to keep the breath I had been holding in from exhaling too loudly or quickly, not wanting to give away my obvious relief. As I let out the measured breath slowly, I realized that I had escaped. I was now free, and as soon as the new queen was crowned, I could finally escape my mother.
A small part of me, a tiny speck deep in my gut, was saddened that while I felt the magic of the land pass over me almost lovingly, it hadn't selected me. It had found me lacking in some way. Maybe I really was broken, and the land could see that.
“Ladies, I want to congratulate you all on being selected to undergo the trials. It’s an honor to have made it this far. With that, I offer my hospitality to all of you and your consorts while you compete. After all, only one group of you will inherit Cashel Rí this castle and become the new rulers. For now, though, please follow Greta, our head of staff, and she will show you to your rooms. I hope you find them to your satisfaction, but should you need anything at all, please let Greta know. She will do what she can to meet your needs. If during this process you need advice or have any other questions, feel free to reach out to Master Jude or myself. Enjoy your evenings. My staff will be in contact with you to let you know of any planned events from here on out.”
I stood behind Mother as she spoke and played the gracious host. No one had ever been a better actress than her, except maybe me. She trained me well, after all. Master Jude and two of his priests stood behind and to the opposite side of me. Each of us knew Mother would want to have words with us after speaking with the newly selected Chosen and Consorts. I was personally hoping to make it out of this room without having to speak or having to expend any blood. As I had learned, the best way to do that was to hold my tongue and to keep my head down.
I watched the guests leave us, following Greta and chatting amongst themselves, Mother holding a beaming smile meant to portray pride and joy. As the last guest left and when the door shut quietly after them, her smile dropped. She thrust out an arm and whispered a shielding spell, one I knew would make sure that we weren't overheard, no matter how much noise was made. She then turned to face those of us left with a glare meant to cut. If only that was within her power.
Her eyes settled on Master Jude, her hands clasped behind her back as if she had to physically hold herself back. “Master Jude, please explain to me how it's possible that my son, heir to my title in the Winter Courts, one of the most powerful Fae in his own right, wasn't chosen as a consort? I thought I had made my wishes very clear.” As she spoke, her body strained in anger. While she wasn't yelling, she didn't have to; her ire was evident in every line of her body. Her hands remained clasped behind her back as she waited, not so very patiently, for Master Jude's response.
The priests beside Master Jude bowed in supplication, their hoods falling to cover their faces, but the old man held himself strong and upright. He wasn’t defying her outright but maintained his calm demeanor as if he already knew how events would unfold tonight. He held his own hands in front of him, his sleeves drooping to hide them completely. With a slight nod of his head in acknowledgment, he replied softly but with confidence. “Your Majesty, I can understand how it would appear as if the selections were complete, but I would like to draw attention to the fact that only fourteen groups left this evening.”
He paused as if waiting for Mother to draw the logical conclusion, but when that understanding didn't appear, he elaborated with an almost audible sigh, “In all the years past, there have always been fifteen contenders Chosen. We are missing a young lady and her destined consorts. This usually means that the Chosen is either not of the court or is not in attendance for whatever reason.”
Mother's hands released themselves to grab hold of her hips, her face shifting from anger to aggravation at the wrinkle in whatever plans she had made. “So, what does this mean? Do we have to wait for her before we can start? Or does that forfeit her ability to compete?”
“Usually, in cases such as this, the Chosen is aware of this and can find their way here to complete the rites. However, the magic tonight indicated to me that the girl is nowhere near us and may require assistance with her arrival. Normally, the trials won't begin without all Chosen and Consorts being present.”
“Do you have a way to find this chosen? And what does this mean for Lennox?” she snapped out as her patience wore thin .
“I truly believe that His Highness is indeed an intended Consort for our missing lady. As for finding her, I may have a way, if you will allow me a few moments to prepare a spell?”
“Continue. The sooner I have answers, the better off we will all be.” Mother gestured with her arm at Master Jude and his priests, her frustration and impatience notable in that movement alone.
Master Jude turned to his priests, and they whispered among themselves before rushing off to gather the needed supplies. While we all waited, I held myself still and avoided eye contact with anyone. I tried not to focus on the words Master Jude had spoken earlier about me almost being guaranteed as a consort for this final chosen. I knew my hopes of freedom had been too good to be true.
As Mother turned to speak with her own consorts, Master Jude stepped forward to interrupt. “Ahem. Your Majesty?” He paused to wait for her attention, her icy eyes meeting his, before he proceeded, “I will need a table or some other surface to work on should you wish for me to complete the spell here.”
“Very well. I'll have a servant bring one to us. How much longer will this take?”
“Not much longer, Your Majesty. It should work quickly, once my priests return, but I do want to caution Her Majesty that the spell may not work. However, I won't rest until we have found a way to make it work.” Master Jude rushed the words out, despite his confidence, aware that her patience was nearly gone.
“It had better work. It’s imperative that the trials begin as quickly as possible. You, of all people, should understand this need.”
“I will do everything within my power, Your Majesty, to ensure things run quickly and smoothly from here on out.”
My ears perked up at the allusion to weakness Mother had inadvertently presented me with. Since I had never been present during a transfer of power, I had to admit that I wasn’t exactly sure what would prompt the need. Like most, I had assumed it was because of a set time allotment for all queens, but now I couldn't be certain. Making a mental note to visit the library to see if I could find out more information, I kept my focus on Mother’s unpredictable movements.
The doors opened but instead of the priests, it was Callum who entered wearing the Cashel Rí servant's livery. His broad shoulders barely fit into the muted tunic, and his breeches were threadbare, conforming to his powerful legs. Callum and I had been close friends once and it hurt to see him in this position, knowing it was my fault he was. I was thankful he was still alive, though. Instantly, I knew why he was here tonight since this wasn’t his usual duties. He was Mother's message to me of what happened to those I cared about.
His parents hadn't been so lucky. They’d been put to death for treason against the crown for trying to lead the rebellion against Mother. Mother kept many of the children as servants after their parents tried to overthrow mine. A reminder to them all of who the Queen was and who they must now serve.
Callum carried in a wooden table on his own, keeping his head down and trying not to make eye contact with any of us. I made no move to acknowledge him since any favored treatment would only draw Mother's wrath. Mother sauntered over to him anyway, trailing her finger up his bicep as she studied the flex of his muscles. “Callum,” she cooed, “please put the table over here.” She pointed to the corner opposite me.
As he walked that way after a quick “Yes, Your Majesty,” he bent over to set up the table. Mother ogled him the entire time, with no care for who else was in the room. Apparently, her son and consorts served as nothing more than a cool breeze on her obvious desire. It made me sick to think of her using him in that way .
Thankfully, before she could go further in her pursuit, the priests returned, and they began to set up the supplies for the spell. Callum slid further into the corner behind the table and out of the priest's way. Smart to keep them between him and Mother since he couldn't leave until she had dismissed him.
Master Jude started to combine the ingredients and began his chant more quickly than I thought he would. He built in tempo and volume as he continued before finally placing a compass on a chain into a bowl. He finished by turning the bowl over on top of a map. As soon as the contents touched the paper, it ignited and burned out suddenly without even leaving a wet spot or scorch mark behind. Magic hung heavily in the air, and we all stepped in closer as if drawn forward by a string, helpless to stop our trajectory.
“What is this?!” Mother exclaimed as she got close enough to the table to see the map. Over her shoulder, I glimpsed a map of Earth and was also just as shocked, barely containing a gasp of my own.
“Your Majesty, during the earlier ceremony, I felt the magic leave the castle and travel a long distance. While I wasn't certain, I felt that the Chosen must be on Earth. Another reason why I felt she wouldn't be able to make it here on her own, like someone who resided within our lands would surely be able to do. I had wanted to confirm my suspicions first before I suggested the idea. However, I have enchanted this compass to work on this map to allow us the opportunity to locate our missing Chosen.”
Master Jude picked up the compass, opening it with a flick of his thumb and holding it over the map of Earth. As the compass moved over the map, the needle spun, allowing him to narrow down her location. “Ah, it appears the Chosen is in this area called Texas, USA.” He closed the compass and turned to face us all but startled backward into the table when he realized how close we had come while he’d been narrowing the location. Gathering himself, he spoke again, “Now, this compass should also work on Earth to help us find the exact location of the girl.”
“Surely this girl can't be human !?!” Mother exclaimed with disgust, her lip curling at the thought.
I slowly slid backward and out of their direct eyesight, careful not to move too quickly as Master Jude continued, “Certainly not. The girl must have very strong magic if she can be found on Earth. Which is why I believe His Highness is her chosen consort.”
They both glanced at me as I held myself still, not wanting to draw further attention from either of them. “But how did she get to Earth?” Mother asked, turning back to Master Jude.
“Now that I do not know. But I figure you could inquire about that yourself upon her return.”
Mother turned away from everyone and started to pace, one hand going to her chin as she pondered and marched. No one dared interrupt her. She would speak when she was ready. After several minutes of silence, she turned toward me. “Lennox, you shall lead a small contingent of soldiers to Earth to collect this Chosen. You have five days to return.”
She turned to Master Jude, not waiting for my response. “What if we can't find this Chosen? Can we then begin without her?”
“I'm not sure. We have never tried to hold the trials without all the Chosen present. None have ever been unavailable or lost before.”
She turned back to me. “Return in five days, with or without your Chosen. We will prepare for the trials to begin in seven days. And Lennox, should you fail to return without this Chosen, you won't like your punishment. The trials must begin soon, and we can't afford any further delays. Is that understood?”
I bowed in acceptance of the blatant threat. “Yes, Your Majesty.” I knew that should I return in five days without the Chosen, Mother would have no further use for me. I wasn’t sure I would survive being useless to her, knowing what she did with those who no longer served their purpose.
“Good. You leave first thing in the morning. I suggest you prepare.” She spun around, her gown flying out and around her as she made her exit. Everyone but me could breathe easily again. I looked at the clock to see it was almost three in the morning, knowing I still had to select a group and gather supplies for Earth. It was going to be a long five days.