The next morning arrives far too quickly after another restless night. I’ve lost track of the last time I truly slept soundly. My mind is a whirlwind, replaying the map and the library over and over. It’s not just the names on the map; it’s the way Leigh described them, her words tugging at something buried deep within my memory. The library, in particular, felt like stepping into an eerily familiar dream—a scene I’ve wandered through countless times before.
As I change, I fumble with the dress Leigh left for me—a deep gold gown that shimmers in the light, its rich hue reminiscent of autumn leaves. The fabric is smooth and cool, almost like silk, yet it carries an unexpected weight in my hands. My movements are sluggish, each action feeling disconnected, as though I’m wading through a haze of confusion.
As I prepare to meet King Baron, a storm of emotions churns within me. Excitement clashes with apprehension, leaving my heart racing and my stomach knotted. Questions about my strange abilities, Kendry’s secrets, and my role in this growing darkness swirl in my mind. Meeting the king feels like a chance for answers—but after Garet’s wary tone last night, I’m not sure what to expect from his father. Baron hadn’t seemed thrilled about me being brought here, and that unease lingers, making me wonder if he will be an ally—or something else entirely.
As Leigh appears, her presence is a welcome distraction from my racing thoughts. “Ready?” she asks with a smile that’s more genuine than the one I’m trying to force.
I nod, trying to project more confidence than I actually feel. My eyes drift to her gown—similar to mine, but in a vibrant green that makes her eyes pop and brightens her blonde hair.She looks like she just stepped out of a fairy tale, completely at ease in this world that still feels so foreign to me.
As we leave the room, the sheer wealth of the palace becomes impossible to ignore. The corridors are lined with carvings laced with gold that bring the walls to life—every leaf and creature so meticulously rendered. Sunlight pours through the tall windows, casting long beams across the polished marble floors, which gleam as if freshly washed by the morning dew. Arches rise high above, their curves elegant and purposeful, each one a testament to the skill of artisans.
Servants glide silently through the halls, their movements so synchronized it’s as if they’re part of an intricate ballet. They carry trays of food, adjust flower arrangements, and offer respectful nods as we pass, each gesture contributing to the seamless rhythm of the palace life. But as I walk through the corridor, I can’t shake the feeling of being a prisoner on the way to a final verdict.
Leigh leads the way with confidence. She gestures toward a grand hallway lined with elaborate tapestries and ornate lights. “You wouldn’t believe how many rooms this castle has,” she says, her voice taking on a nostalgic tone. “When I was a child, Garet and I used to play hide-and-seek with our cousins. There are secret passages behind some of these tapestries leading to hidden rooms only a few know about.”
She pauses, a mischievous glint in her eye. “One time, we stumbled upon a forgotten chamber that hadn’t been opened in centuries. It was filled with books and artifacts from the time of Eldorin himself. We spent weeks sneaking in there, exploring dusty shelves and imagining the stories inside each ancient tome.”
I can’t help but smile. Garet, the same merchant’s son I thought I knew back in Providence, darting through these halls, finding secret passages and hidden treasures—sounds like thefriend I remember.
“Sounds like you had quite the adventurous childhood,” I remark, genuinely intrigued.
Leigh’s expression shifts, her smile tinged with a quiet, reflective warmth. “It was an adventure and a challenge, growing up here. There’s always something new to discover, even after all these years.” Her tone holds a depth that hints at the countless experiences she’s had within these halls, a lifetime of memories layered beneath her words. I can sense there’s more she could say, but I don’t press—her smile says enough.
We turn a corner, and ahead looms a pair of towering doors, their dark wood intricately carved with scenes of fierce battles and centaurs. The centaurs, caught in dynamic poses, charge forward with bows drawn, their muscles tensed in a lifelike display of strength and agility. Warriors in elegant armor engage in combat with these majestic beings, their expressions etched with determination. The intricate detailing of the carvings makes the scenes feel animated, as if the figures might step out of the wood at any moment. Briefly, my mind flicks back to the gates I saw in Providence, but before I have time to comprehend the similarities, Leigh speaks up again.
“We’re here,” her tone shifting to something more serious as we approach the throne room.
As I step into the throne room beside her, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the space. The room is immense, with high ceilings that echo every sound. Tapestries hang on the walls, depicting what must be Astermiri’s storied history. The air carries a blend of incense and the faint aroma of polished wood.
At the far end, elevated on a platform, sits the throne of Astermiri, which commands attention with its dark, polished wood and inlays of emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. Its high backrest features sweeping curves and elaborate metalwork, while the seat is draped in deep crimson fabric. King Baronoccupies it with a presence that commands respect. His blonde hair is neatly combed back, framing a face weathered by centuries of rule. His piercing eyes seem to take in everything. He wears robes of deep blue, the rich fabric textured, with subtle patterns woven into it that shift in the light.
Next to him stands a woman radiating regality and warmth—the queen, I presume. Her hair is elegantly styled, framing a face that exudes kindness and poise. Her gown, crimson with golden vine patterns, complements the opulence of the throne room. Her emerald-green eyes meet mine with a welcoming smile that makes me feel just a bit less like an intruder.
Garet stands nearby, clad in his palace uniform. He looks every bit the dutiful son and protector.
Traitor.
His gaze flicks between his family and me, making brief eye contact before looking away. Good, he should feel awkward.
Behind the king and queen, several figures stand in a semi-circle—advisers or counselors, most likely. They’re dressed in robes of varying shades, each one reflecting their role or rank, with symbols hinting at their specialized fields. Their faces are solemn, eyes sharp as they’re ready to take in every word exchanged between King Baron and me. Some clutch scrolls, their fingers idly tapping as if eager to record the outcome, while others hold tablets, their gazes flickering between the king and me, assessing, measuring. I can feel their judgment, like a dozen invisible threads pulling at me, weaving me into their complex web of court politics.
As we approach, King Baron’s voice fills the room, “We have been eager to meet you.” He gestures toward an empty chair positioned at the table before him.
“Please,” he continues, his tone leaving no room for argument. “There is much we need to discuss.”
I step forward, bowing awkwardly while forcing a smile. “YourMajesty,” I say, fighting to sound composed despite the nervous tremor in my hands. This man holds my fate in his hands, and the way he watches me—calculating and detached—only heightens the unease curling in my chest.
I take my seat, struggling to still the whirl of thoughts. King Baron leans forward slightly, his smile more measured than warm. “Evangeline,” he begins, his voice smooth but cold, a practiced calm that feels more like a mask than reassurance.
Wow, we’re laying it on thick with the formalities.
“I understand you’ve endured quite an ordeal,” he continues. “We are all eager to learn more about you—and how you came to wield such remarkable light.”
Not wasting any time, are we?
I draw in a steadying breath, choosing my words carefully. “It’s... still a mystery to me, Your Majesty. I’ve never done anything like that before. It just happened when I was in danger.”
His gaze sharpens, piercing through my careful response. “I see. So, you’ve never experienced anything like this before?”
