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.
I wasn’t. I only wanted to sit next to her and hear her voice, even if it was gibberish. Some inner part of me yearned for her approval. This was the queen of Tor’s stories that I’d spent nights dreaming about. She’d fought in battles wearing golden armor with her brown hair braided back and a diamond crown on her head. She’d rallied her people together to constantly fight Verin, using her powers for good to save those beneath her. She was given great power and used it for her people. She went mad to give her daughter a fighting chance in the future.
Her brown eyes looked upon me and I grew heavy, like the weight of her world sat on my head. I could free her world from the onyx tomb, and this queen, whose loving smile made my world a little brighter, made me feel like I was the savior myself.
“Every fish has wings, and the trees do not lie. Fathers and water be here teatime.” She hastily grabbed onto the handle of the kettle to pour the tea but it fumbled ungracefully and clattered against the teacups.
My hands scrambled over to pick up the kettle, grabbing one of the cloth napkins to blot out the spilled tea. The queen stared off into the waterfall, unfocused and unaware of what had happened. I did what I could to set everything back up as it was, and even took the liberty of pouring myself and her some tea.
“Thank you, your highness, for inviting me to tea. I’ve really wanted to meet you beyond those few moments when I first arrived. Crysia is beautiful.” My words came out rushed as I then held my breath, hoping my words had reached her, wherever she’d gone in her mind.
It didn’t work. She focused on the waterfall like she stared at the love of her life. Tears fell from her eyes, but there was no movement from her elegant form, no hitches in breath or redness of skin. It was like a statue of a fountain had sprung a leak. I didn’t know what to say or do. I wanted to embrace the queen, except I didn’t know if I’d get an arrow in my back if I tried.
“I never knew a place like this existed beyond the fairy tales I’d read as a child. It’s wonderful what you’ve done here, and I can’t wait to see more.” The tea was warm as I took a sip and it tasted sweet, like it had drops of honey in it. I made myself a plate of the scrumptious sandwiches and one for her, as well.
She continued to stare at the waterfall and cry while I filled the void of sound on her part with my voice, telling her about myself and my life before I came here. I hoped she heard every word. Having a conversation was something I did when I was sad or stuck in my own head. It always made me feel better to listen to someone talk, even if they were simply reading a book. It usually brought me out my funk to think about something else. Maybe I could to that for her.
I ate, and she didn’t touch her tea or food.
“Then we were attacked by Dramens. They were going to take me and most likely sell me but I got him with an axe that had been left in the old shed by the river.” She moved and I squealed, my hand clenching my rapid-beating chest. She’d been still as stone for so many minutes that when she turned her head and began sipping her tea, I cursed. “Holy hell!” The cucumber sandwich in my hands dropped to the blanket.
The queen’s gaze came up to meet mine, her body leaning closer, and her eyebrows drawn together. She looked at me as if danger was near, and she was ready to run or fight for me.
“So sorry. Everything is OK. I promise.” I lifted my sandwich from the blanket and began eating it again. “See, nothing scary here. Everything is good.” I smiled and tried to make everything appear like it was fine, but the little pinched line between her brows stayed until it was time for me to be escorted back.
Rune appeared, as if he’d been called by the wind to retrieve me. “The queen needs her rest. It’s time to go.” His voice was kinder with no bite in his words. His normally hardened jaw had softened. The queen glanced at him with a sweet smile, the type a mother would give her child.
My curiosity begged me to dig for information about their relationship. Did the queen know Rune was in love with her daughter? Was that the connection that had them acting like she was his family? So many thoughts swirled inside me as I stood to leave.
“Thank you for your time. I hope that we can do it again soon. I really enjoyed myself.” I spoke the truth and did my best at a bow before strolling over to Rune. He watched me warily, probably wondering if I’d done something or pestered the queen.
The queen returned to staring into the cascading waterfall as if I was never there. Seeing her so broken, I wanted to cry. “Will she ever be OK?” I whispered to Rune once we were out of earshot, knowing that Fae hearing was better than humans.
“Some still have hope that when Nyx is released, it will reverse what has been done,” he answered softly, without looking my way. I knew the hope in his words. He believed his love would be saved, and her mother would be fixed, too. He didn’t need to say it; I could read between the lines.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Rune. The princess and the queen. I know you hate me for whatever reasons, but I really will try to save Tor and the princess.”
I had extended an olive branch between us, but he didn’t say anything as we headed to the kitchens for me to work until nightfall.
Chapter Sixteen
The ball was in full swing around midnight in the throne room. The rainbows reflecting from the swaying crystal tree painted the scene with magic, even though that element in this world was gone. I imagined what it was like before magic was lost: Fae using their gifts to their advantages to win friends or lovers or maybe to show their unique skills.
I was a wine girl for the night. Any Fae or creature who needed wine lifted a hand in the air and I’d rush over to pour some into a glass. As far as I could tell, Fae were like humans when it came to how they held their alcohol. Some could and some couldn’t. Many slurred their words while others remained composed with a light pink flush coating their cheeks.