I shiver.They aim to be murderers?
Yes, I killed the heir to a rival court. I made the highest of fae courts fall into despair. Made them turn their eye to our lesser court. I killed an unkind fae that would have made an awful king.
But I killed a fae when I didn’t need to. If I’d known why, what possible purpose his death served, perhaps I wouldn’t hate myself so fully. Perhaps if I hadn’t known what it would cost me. Perhaps if it had been my own choice.
But none of those things are true. I lost a future. I lost a people. I lost myself. For someone else’s gain.
So my people, my queen, they look at me with respect. With appreciation. And I hate every second of it.
I so much more enjoy the hatred streaming from those nameless faces. The sneers. The jabs. Those I deserve. And once the pain comes I will relish it. I will thrive in the dark despair that has become synonymous with my name.
I am destruction.
“Thank you.” I don’t mean it, but I know there is no point in correcting her. No point in telling her how much I hate myself for what I’ve done. The act they so cherish as putting our court on the map is the one thing I hate most about my life.
The fact that I liked it—the moment his life seeped from his body, the rush of power that filled me—makes me hate myself even more.
“I am sorry your family couldn’t make it. They had other... engagements.”
I hadn’t asked about them. I have no siblings, and my parents are less impressed with my actions than the rest of my people. Especially considering, along with my banishment, I was forced to be disinherited, leaving my now barren mother without even the possibility of an heir. Never will my ancestors have another queen.
I’ve doomed them even as I lifted my court out of obscurity. Ironic.
A large male fae walks into the room, his chin lifted high.
“Brax here will show you to your room in the estate. You’ll be on the same floor as the other champions. Which I understand may cause some... interesting situations. All of the champions know the cost if they attack you outside of the challenges—they will be put to death without trial. None would risk it. But even so, to be safe, I am appointing you a guard who will be stationed outside your room at all times.”
A single guard? What exactly will that do? The champions are supposed to be the strongest of all the fae in the land. Of course many were picked for political posturing when others are really stronger, but Rev and his allies? They hate me and would easily overpower any single guard my court could provide. No, the High Queen’s warning is my only saving grace here. Because those two wouldn’t risk their lives or their positions in order to openly kill me.
For that, they’ll wait until the trials to begin.
A bird squawks, and I turn my head, grimacing.
Its beautiful white feathers ripple as it soars over us, circling like a bird of prey.
“Friend of yours?” The queen asks, and I cross my arms.
I take in a long breath. The queen isn’t a threat, but what if someone else has made the connection? The owl dips down and lands on the banister beside us. “Shoo!” I tell it, swatting the creature away. It screeches in annoyance and flies away.
Brax chuckles, an eyebrow raised.
“Do you require anything else before I retire?” The queen asks.
I swallow. “No, thank you.” I bow, my light hair swaying toward the ground as I do.
“I am looking forward to watching you defeat your enemies tomorrow. You will be great. I’m certain of it!”
I smile. That is the only thing I can agree with her on. I will be great.
Strategy may push me to conceal my true power as long as possible to keep the entrants guessing. No need to make my target any larger.
But by the end of the trials—I will be remembered for my power.
If the queen wants a show, I’ll certainly give her one.
***
IMARCH TO THE WINDOWthe moment the door to my chambers shuts behind me. I wave my hand out the window, and the snowy owl lands on my arm, talons scraping against my skin. I wince, but pull her inside.
