Page 37

T he castle was radiant in the mid-afternoon light.

Beams of sun glimmered through arched glassless windows, as the breeze wound its way through the hallways keeping the space at a balmy temperature.

The sounds of running water and the laughter of citizens wafted inside, a pleasant and comforting noise.

As their party continued through the castle, Ava found herself wondering about how the fae in Eorhan lived their lives without the modern amenities she was used to back home in the human world.

Was the weather always this pleasant or did they have to worry about seasonal changes?

Did they have plumbing or running water?

What were those strange glowing lights in all the lanterns they used in place of electricity?

She knew if she asked Raine, he would smirk and say something about magic.

So, she kept quiet, preparing herself to meet the king, trying to muster the courage to face what would come next. What her fate would be and if her life would be spared.

She scratched Aro’s head as he ambled through the castle, allowing her reprieve from her leg as it throbbed incessantly. She hoped the healers here could help with the pain.

They wound through the extensive hallways, iron lanterns hanging from the stone ceilings to illuminate the way.

The walls were composed of a pale golden stone glowing with a soft light.

Lush rugs of greens and browns were laid along the paths, framed by artwork on the walls depicting motifs of animals.

A small rabbit asleep by a stream, a pack of wolves howling, a glimmering lizard basking on a rock.

Where there wasn’t artwork, there were plants and flowers surrounding them.

Hanging from every window and even along the walls and ceiling were green vines of every shade.

Flowers of bright pinks, blues and purples brought a fairy-like feel to the space, attracting dragonflies and fast little birds reminding her of hummingbirds.

“We’re here,” Casimir said from in front of Ava, pulling her from her observations.

They had stopped in front of a large set of double oak doors, displaying a tree carved into the wood. The Elderoak. Trying to keep her shaking hands still, she took a deep breath and looked at Raine standing to her right.

“Remember what I told you.” He smiled warmly.

She nodded as the party moved forward yet again, heavy doors swinging open.

They entered a massive throne room, ceilings even higher than the halls, concealed by lush greenery and more flowers.

Walls to the left and right were dotted with more of the glassless windows, providing the same cool breeze throughout the rest of the castle.

Hundreds of colorful lanterns of different shapes and sizes brightened the space, illuminating a large wooden throne with the Elderoak carved into the back.

Seated upon the throne was the king. Thorne Everwood, Raine had told her.

Though seated, she could tell he was tall and muscular, as most other high fae men seemed to be.

Dressed in a tunic of forest green lined with gold, dark brown pants and boots, he emanated a sense of restrained power, inspecting her with a scrutiny that seemed to know her every thought; a frankness that made her heart race.

Like he was watching for her to do something rash, ready to defend his kingdom at a moment’s notice. It unnerved her.

Appearing to be in his mid-forties, but likely much older, a golden crown of vines sat upon his scarlet red hair, tiny emeralds adorning each leaf and glistening in the sunlight.

Turning his piercing green eyes to the rest of her party, he smiled as he greeted his friends. Though he appeared warm and friendly to the others, he regarded Ava with scrutiny and distrust.

“Tell me… who is this strange woman sitting on Aro, General?” He looked pointedly at Ava, his low voice smooth and powerful.

“We found her near our camp a few days ago,” he replied.

The King’s eyes paused on her calf. “Your leg is injured. Can you stand?”

“I’ll try.”

Raine walked closer and held out his hand to help her down. As Aro knelt, Ava swung her leg over, wincing as she landed on the floor and placed all her weight on her good leg. Leaning against Raine, who had offered his arm for her to cling to, she straightened herself up and feigned confidence.

Aro turned and lumbered out the still open doors, guards giving him a wide berth as he disappeared down the hallway.

“What is your name, human?”

“Ava,” she responded.

His eyes flashed briefly, but he collected himself, leaning back on his throne before continuing, regarding her even more intensely than before.

“Your Majesty,” Quinn asked. “Are you alright? ”

“I’m fine,” he assured his friends and then turned back to Ava, preternaturally still on his throne. “Tell me, Ava .” He emphasized her name. “How did you arrive in Eorhan?”

Hesitating and remembering what Raine told her she answered carefully. “I…” she cleared her throat. “I was tricked.”

He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to add more details. “Go on,” he urged.

“First, I’d like to make a request,” she said, gripping Raine’s arm tightly.

Casimir coughed as the group looked her way.

The King raised a brow. “A request? From a human woman? Why would I grant such a thing?”

She remained silent, mulling over what to say next.

Sighing, he waved his hand again. “What is your request?”

“I’m exhausted, starved and hurt. I would like to see a healer, get some rest, have a real bath and eat some food before I answer your questions.”

Despite her brief bath in the stream, her hair was still filthy, her shirt was covered in dirt, and she had blood stains on her ripped pants from the attack on her leg. Suddenly self-conscious, she forced herself to meet his stare and did not look away.

“Why not answer my questions now and then receive those things you’ve requested?” Thorne asked as the rest of the group silently observed their interaction.

“Because I don’t know you. Therefore, I don’t trust you. You might change your mind and throw me in the dungeons after I tell you what you want to know.”

He stood up and strolled down the steps, his hands clasped behind him, and stopped before her. His eyes bored into hers. “I could throw you in the dungeons right now for your refusal to answer my questions.”

“Try it and see what happens,” she seethed, a flare of her temper showing. She would not be a prisoner again after what she’d gone through. Refused. They would have to kill her before she’d let herself be locked away.

“What are you doing?” Raine whispered.

Thorne stepped closer with a feline grace. “Are you threatening me?”

Ava gripped Raine’s arm as her voice trembled. “No. That’s not what I meant.”

“Explain,” he said, anger sizzling in his eyes.

“I was already a prisoner at Deidamia’s camp for weeks,” she stated. “I want to help you. But I won’t be locked away again.”

Thorne backed up and looked her up and down. “You stabbed one of my captains.”

“I—” she tried to explain but he held up his hand.

“Do not interrupt me.” He paused, waiting for her to comply. She remained silent. “You stabbed one of my captains and rumors say you brought the daemon queen back to Eorhan. But—” he looked at her pointedly. “I will grant your request.”

“Thank you,” she said, shoulders relaxing.

“I’ve spent many years building up this kingdom to its true potential. Though we occasionally capture prisoners, I’m not in the business of putting a helpless woman in the depths of our dungeons.”

Ava scowled at the word ‘helpless’ but remained silent, letting Thorne finish.

“Ava,” he said, piercing eyes meeting hers.

“I will give you quarters to stay in while you recover. It will be heavily guarded, and you are not to leave your rooms without an escort. I will allow you to rest and provide you with the comforts you need. We will reconvene in three days’ time when you will tell us everything. ”

“Thank you.” She bowed her head .

He took one step closer to her and added, “But do not speak to me like that again. I may not be so generous next time.”

“Understood.” She nodded, shivering at the unspoken threat in his voice.

“Casimir,” Thorne said, looking at the general. “I’m putting her in the empty suite adjacent to yours. Please take her there now and send for a healer.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure she’s watched closely.

” He turned toward Ava. “Can you walk?” She nodded.

Though she didn’t know how she’d make it, she was determined not to show weakness in front of them.

Casimir turned, not waiting to see if she would follow and made his way toward the doors. “Let’s go.”