“Our job, as Fae, was to keep these creatures and other dangerous Fae from entering your world through our gates and wreaking havoc. Only a few chosen humans knew about what we did. That’s why our gates are in the national parks, where no one can destroy them.” She finished organizing and her pointed fingers ran over the map on the table gently.
“There are three portals to the human realm, each near a large city. Ours, which you found in Yosemite, is called Crysia. We are a people of leaders, protectors, and hope. We value nature, rhythm, and symbiosis—living together to make our world a better place for everyone, from the tiny little bunnies to the great queen. Everyone coexists and works together. Across the land, you’ll find many little villages. Everyone gets along fine for now and there are trade routes that keep industry moving. On the other side of the continent as you know it is a city of intelligence, truth, and the arts and sciences. Crystoria. They have the largest and most beautiful library.” Dris’s focus slipped as she dreamed of Crystoria.
During her fantasy moment, I wondered if I’d passed the portal to the city in my travels. Why did Tor bring me to this place, crossing over so much territory and peril with Dramens?
“Where is that one?” My curiosity held no use to me unless I voiced it.
“In the Great Smoky Mountains. You must see their architecture one day.” I frowned. More questions . . . always more questions than answers. “You said there are three. Where is the other?”
Her lips scrunched together in distaste. “The badlands. That is where King Verin and his army remain, feasting on fear and chaos.”
She shivered, bringing her hands up to rub her arms like she was fighting away a chill.
“Tor told me about him.”
Her face went from downturned to elated in seconds. “Prince Tor. Oh, you knew him?” she cooed, as if in awe.
“Yeah, he’s kind of my boyfriend.”
Although, I wasn’t sure if it was true anymore . . . a thought I tried not to obsess over.
“No way. He’s so handsome. And smart. And did you know he once tamed a unicorn? Yes! It was a black stallion he named Mars,” she gushed, her hands coming up to rest under her chin.
“I didn’t know that. He is smart and handsome, though.” My shoulders dropped forward, the desire to curl up from the feelings inside me taking over. How could love feel so close to betrayal right now?
“I’m sorry. I can see you care for him deeply. Let’s get back to our history lesson before lunch. I know you have a date with the queen for tea. She has the loveliest tea set made out of diamonds.”
Thoughts of Tor lingered, so I was happy for the distraction about Crysia, learning about the Fae realm, its inhabitants, and what happened to the magic that used to blossom in every nature core.
Chapter Fifteen
By lunchtime, my brain was tired from Dris’s knowledge . . . maps of the area from the castle through the shop districts to where artisan trade happened, to the east where the Hallowstag Woods rested then ended with the mountains called the Crescent Sisters.
I was told all about the ways of the Fae nobles and Queen Olyndria.
No one called her the Mad Queen to her face, but whispers surrounded Her Majesty. She spoke in words only she and her most trusted advisor, Ryka, understood. She was still the queen by her diamond core and her marriage to King Lachan, and no one challenged her throne except Verin, who had disappeared during the apocalypse. His castle in the badlands bustled with chaos. Hordes of his army went on raids, much like the Dramens of my realm.
Rune was the half-brother to Prince Tor, and though he was considered a prince by blood, no one in his family except Tor claimed him. His title and birthright was stripped, so he left with Tor to come here. He was chosen by the queen to be the head of Crysia’s army, and even I admitted he was a good fit. He was determined, focused, strong, and fast. I’d yet to land a blow on him in the few days I’d been here. Dris’s information made me more curious about him. Why did his family disown him?
“I’ve heard that while he has a prickly personality, to those he values he is utterly devoted, loyal, and dare I say sweet?” She had leaned in to whisper the last part to me, which only made me giggle. Rune . . . nice? That really was something belonging in a fantasy world.
“Time to go.” A gruff voice bounced off the tile floor, making my spine go rigid. Such perfect timing for him to show up when we were speaking about him.
“Hello, sweet Rune.” I couldn’t help poking him with my words and defiance. He made my life miserable, so I could do the same to him.
Twisting so I could get out of my chair, I looked him over with indifference and gestured for him to go so I could follow. His hand resting on the hilt of his sword gripped a little tighter. A small chuckle from behind me brought a smirk to my lips.
I thought I was on even ground with him at that moment, then of course I wasn’t able to keep my metaphorical footing when those tightly pressed lips of his relaxed into a smirk of his own.Shit. I didn’t know what kind of punishment I’d earned, but the look on his face said retribution was coming.
Without another word or glance at the Fae behind me, Rune walked out of the library.
“I’ll see you in two days,” I told Dris. I would come in for lessons every other day—one day training with the angry bear and then one day with her. The other hours of the day I’d spend earning my keep and savoring the sights of Crysia while I could.
Rune didn’t speak as we turned corner after corner. I expected him to lead me toward the throne room. Instead he walked us out of the castle and to the waterfall where Rune loved to knock me on my ass. The queen sat on a large golden blanket with a variety of little sandwiches and fruits on crystal plates. The diamond tea kettle and cups shone in the sun’s light, like a star beaming in the middle of the day.
“Majesty.” He bowed at the waist to his queen. Her eyes crinkled with happiness, and her gentle smile indicated love. It was the type of greeting a family member would give. He spoke no more as he walked away.
Looking around to make sure this wasn’t a trick, I noticed a sparkle by a tree in the distance of armor, and then another ten feet away from that one. Guards surrounded us just in case they thought I was a danger to her.
