Are you joking?He asks, his expression betraying his amusement, even despite the distance between us.Do you seriously think I would miss your first sighting as a Queen? Who else would point out your slip-ups?
Of course you are here to make fun of me,I muse dreadfully, as the Great Trumpets echo off the tall walls of the temple. The gathered straighten in their seats, and conversations pause.Golden filigree and jewel-toned banners gleam under the sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows, and marble columns carved with intricate runes soar overhead.
Jestin, sitting on my right, shoots a side glare.
Glaring back, I mouth, “What?”
I grimace as the occasional dart of scent hits my nostrils, not from the flowers decorating the temple, but a disgusting clash of perfumes.
I look around. Thousands of folks study me from afar, and I can barely stop myself from grinding my teeth to dust.
On the other hand, some watch with awe.
Others with utter terror.
One worried mother dragged her two boys outside upon spotting me. My Gram would have thrown them into the Fool’s Festival for the insult, while I had to sit tight and take it.
“I guess you don’t want to open the mass?” Jestin whispers, a plastered-on smile still fixed to his face, an impenetrable mask.
“I will be happy as a silent observer,” I reply, and he bites into his palm to stifle a chuckle before rising in one fluid motion and confidently striding to the speech platform.
“Blessed Solstice!” he greets the gathered, raising his hands. The folks are hooked already. Is it possible he is using some kind of charisma charm?
Because a Fae can’t be talented in areas other than drinking and whining,Aidon says.
Fuck you.
Oh, I will fuck you.
All talk, no game,I throw back, and Aidon’s answering grin sends a shiver down my spine.
“Today we gather to honour our beloved Gorok for granting us the simple gift of being here,” Jestin begins, his gaze sweeping over the pups sitting dutifully beside their parents.
“Let us remember our roots, so we may truly value all that we have.” He casts a glance towards the elders, who murmur their assent. He commands the crowd effortlessly, making each person feel seen, acknowledged, and valued.
“Fae-like lives were not always so prosperous,” Jestin continues. “Our ancestors wandered in the Spiritland before coming here. We used to be like ghosts.” Whispers ripple through the hall.
“They were hiding, starving, unable to enjoy the life we take for granted!” he shouts.
Fae-like are no longer adjusted to the Spiritland, Aidon muses in my head.
Why are you saying that?I think, but the question goes unanswered.
“They begged Gorok for a sliver of land to manifest flesh, and he delivered.” The crowd erupts into applause.
“THANK GOROK!”
“HURRAH!”
“But he did not abandon us to a foreign land without guidance. No. He is merciful!” Panic crawls down my spine as I brace myself, already knowing where this is heading.
“Gorok architected the first High Queen of all Fae-likes to govern and lead us into prosperity.”
“Yes, bless Gorok!” someone calls, though the hurrahs are scattered.
“And our Queens are beautiful, generous, fair, and wise!”
“Yes, yes!” the crowd responds.
