Page 30 of Their Chosen

Trying to keep my thoughts from spiraling downward, I focused on the scenery around me. While the trees around us were similar to the trees on Earth, these were much larger than any I had ever seen before. Their bark was an ashy gray-brown color, with several low hanging branches and an emerald, green foliage spreading out around us to form a tunnel of sorts and blocking out most of the sunlight.

Despite not finding a direct source of light, the tunnel we rode through was surprisingly not dark, and I could feel the warmth increase as the morning passed. There was some source that allowed us to see everything clearly without the shadows changing. It had to be a constant source of light to create such an effect, much different than the sun moving on Earth and the shadows I was used to.

A small breeze fluttered the green-blue leaves and brushed against my back and neck, instantly cooling any discomfort from the heat, and leaving me quite comfortable. For all intents and purposes, it seemed to be the perfect summer day, the same as yesterday, but I found that I was unable to enjoy it.

I always thought I'd love to travel, to see all the cultures and history the world had to offer. However, now that I had finally gotten an opportunity to do so, although not exactly what I'd had in mind, I couldn't help the sense of trepidation that continued to increase as we drew closer to our destination. My gut tried desperately to tell me something, but whatever it was, I couldn't figure it out. My anxiety continued to climb, and Meadow was starting to dance around under me, obviously feeling what I was projecting.

I took a deep breath and exhaled some of my tension. Whatever it was, I still had to go forward. I still had to speak with Master Jude to undo this whole chosen thing. There was nothing more I could do except ensure I paid attention to my surroundings closely. I needed to take in the small details, which was the best way to find the threats against me, ensuring my survival.

Slowly, I began to notice the trees starting to thin, indicating we were about to reach the end of this forest. At least that's how it went on Earth. Not much longer, my assumptions were confirmed when I spotted a large swathe of sky on the horizon. Hopefully, the capital wasn't much further from here.

Although I wasn't hurting or in pain anymore from our grueling ride, I still felt exhausted by everything that had gone on the last couple of days. I was looking forward to an actual warm shower and a nap.

Once we had cleared the trees, we all drew to a slow walk on the top of a hill, Baer and Arryn pausing while I caught up. They watched me as I took in the valley below us, which was full of homes, animals, and fae all bustling about. Behind them all was a large wall surrounding a fairytale castle that felt like it had been plucked straight out of a Disney movie.

My eyes widened at the sight. The occasional animal could be heard from this distance, but I paid them no attention as I gawked openly at Cashel Rí. Every little girl dreamed of having a castle such as this, but they really never believed it possible to obtain. And here I now stood, that dream within reach for me if what these men told me was true. Not that I'd know what to do with such obvious wealth or that I'd want all that it entailed, but to know it was real was unfathomable to me.

Baer chuckled at my reaction, and I turned to face him. “I didn't think it was all actually real,” I told him now that I was confronted with the truth.

“Everything we've told you has been the complete truth,” Arryn responded, his face remaining stoic as he watched me.

“I guess I didn't want to believe it. A part of me was still hoping this was all some delusion,” I said, turning to stare at the sights before me. The rest of the soldiers continued around us.

“Why didn't you want it to be real?” Baer asked me, but I could see the question in both their eyes.

“I don't know. I guess it's because if it was real, then that meant that everything I had ever known, up until now, was all a lie. Believing I was going crazy was easier to accept,” I replied honestly, my words trailing off as that reality set in.

“I can understand that,” Baer replied gently before continuing, “But just know that whatever you need, no matter what it is from here on out, I'll help you with it as best I can. You're not alone as long as I can help it.” His vow struck something deep within me. No one had ever promised me something like that before.

My throat tightened, and my eyes watered. Unable to speak, I nodded and then went back to assessing the scene. I wasn't able to take in any more details, my eyes watering and clouding my vision. Blinking the tears away, I took a couple deep breaths, just allowing myself a moment to come to terms with it all while using the excuse of studying the castle.

“Come on, Killer. I'm sure the Queen is now aware of our return and will be waiting for us,” Baer prompted me after I'd thankfully composed myself.

I wasn't foolish enough to think that neither had seen my moment of weakness. They were both too astute for that. It seemed that I kept having more and more of those moments around these two, and I wasn't sure exactly what that meant for me.

Chapter Fourteen: Callum

I picked the rag up from the bowl of water, wringing it out slightly before holding it over my left shoulder and squeezing, allowing the water to run over my wounds. I hissed as the water stung every cut. Usually, I would be well on my way to healing, but the iron cuffs around my wrists blocked all access to my magic. That also included the ability to heal more quickly, one every fae possessed. Repeating the process, I strained to reach all of the wounds I could, cleaning the blood from my skin and trying to prevent infection. It took a lot of manipulation to reach as many as I did, but I couldn't cleanse them all now. Not without a shower or bath.

Knowing my time was limited, I refocused my efforts on applying the poultice I managed to make using an old family recipe and covering as many wounds with bandages as possible. I had become quite adept at this process over the year, but as the trials drew nearer, it was becoming a frequent necessity. I could only hope that my circumstances would change under the new reign, but I knew better than to rely on hope alone. There were too many people counting on me to leave it all up to chance.

A knock on my door sounded, and I slipped a loose linen shirt over my head before answering it. On the other side was a homely winter fae, most likely a maid or kitchen girl, her gown showing plenty of wear and repair. “Sir?” she asked quietly, her head bowed as she avoided eye contact with me, her body quivering in fear.

“Yes, how can I help?” I asked her as gently as I could, but I knew the fear was not in response to me, so there wasn’t much I could do to ease her discomfort. I ground my teeth together, the only sign of my temper I had allowed over the last several years.

“T-the Q-Q-Queen is requesting y-your pres-presence in the th-throne room,” she finally stuttered out.

“Thank you. I can find my way on my own,” I assured her, the instant relief on her face sparking more of my anger.

“Thank you, Sir!” she rushed out on a whispered exhalation before turning to disappear before I could change my mind and call her back. Smart girl.

I shut the door and began changing again. Apparently, my day of service wasn't over. Just another indication that the trials and unknown Chosen were hanging heavily over everyone in the palace. Pulling on my winter tunic, the one I was assigned to wear while in the Queen's company, the colors polar opposites to my beloved autumn orange, red, and deep green, I prepared myself mentally for being in the Queen’s presence.

I freshened up in the mirror, making sure nothing was out of place, so I drew as little attention as possible. Satisfied that I'd done the best I could, my appearance a far cry from just a couple of years ago, I squared my shoulders. My face and body were harder and stronger, my eyes lacked any warmth, and my scars formed a destination-less map all over my body. One scar cut across my cheek, through my upper lip, and served as a constant reminder of everything I had lost and could still lose. Those were things I couldn't change; my circumstances had honed me in ways that others could only imagine. I carried the ghosts of decisions that were never mine but ones I had been forced to pay for, in every possible way.

Striding through the halls quickly, I paid little attention to the exorbitant wealth and status that was so prominently on display. The excess had made me physically ill during the early days, just from considering the waste. Now, I just ignored it all because there was nothing I could do to change it or my situation. A state of numbness had overtaken me about a year ago, and it was the only thing keeping me alive and somewhat sane. I clung to it desperately, ignoring anything that threatened to bring me out of it. My days were filled with numbness interspersed with pain, and I was prepared to endure it as long as I needed to.

I paused at the side door to the throne room, the one only servants used, and took a deep breath, locking everything down again. As I entered, I found the Queen on her throne. Her four consorts stood two to each side of her, stoic and unmoving. I entered from behind and approached slowly and quietly so as not to draw attention. Servants bustled about, preparing for the reception for the lost Chosen, followed by a ball.

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