“You have a busy next few days ahead of you. Do you plan to set out for the Shadow Court immediately? I assume you intend to... escort her.”
I frown at the use of that word. Will it seem like the High Court is planting a new queen for the court? Will that even matter at the end of the day? I suspect not. “I do intend to go with her. But I suppose that’s up to her. If she’d rather go on her own...” My stomach twists at that thought. I find that I want to be a part of it.
I want to have a place in her new life, even if it’s not a permanent one.
“But there is something I’d like to do before we set out. A stop on the way.”
One of Rai’s golden eyebrows rises as he takes a sip of his new beverage, just delivered moments before.
“Caelynn and I would like to visit Black Lake,” I say, taking a long gulp of my own drink.
“Honeymoon?”
I snort. “Not exactly.”
Rai leans back in his chair. “You’re welcome to come visit my court any time of course. Come now; stay for a few days. I have something I’d like to show you anyway.” He swirls the gold liquid.
I simply nod. It’s a good plan. “I’ll just need to have our things sent to the Crackling Court. We didn’t pack much due to the rushed nature of our morning.”
“Do whatever you need, but I can provide anything the two of you may require.”
“I appreciate that.”
“I’d offer you to ride with me, but I didn’t bring a carriage.”
I smile. “And I’d say we don’t need one, but given Caelynn’s reputation, it’s safer in the High Court carriages. Especially here, so soon after a Shadow Court attack.”
“Then, it’s settled. I’ll travel back to my court and be ready to greet you when you arrive. No rush.”
I stand and grip Rai’s forearm “Thank you.”
“It is my honor.” He bows his head, squeezing my arm tightly.
Caelynn
The surface of BlackLake is so smooth it looks likes one massive shard of glistening glass. The lake is larger than I'd pictured—I can't see the other side. This is a massive sea.
