Page 49 of Taken By the Fae King

“Your people have wings.” I turn to her. “Why are there bridges and stairs?”

“Fae fledglings cannot fly until they are three years old,” she explains. “And there are many who, for one reason or another, have either lost their wings or lost the use of them. Some even use nylluan to get from one place to another.”

“Nylluan? What is that?”

“They are similar to griffins, but a bit smaller,” she says. “They have the body of a spotted snow cat, an owl’s head and wings.”

A shudder runs through me at mention of griffins. “Nylluan are… friendly?”

She nods. “They are easily tamed, highly intelligent, and fiercely loyal.” She gestures to a tree next to the castle, with several large openings ringed around the trunk. “There are many in the palace rookery.”

I step onto one of the rope bridges to get a better view. It looks out over the city. There are several areas carved out for gardens and green spaces. They are so large, it would be easy to forget one was high up in the trees instead of on the ground.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur. “Like something out of a dream.”

“I haven’t yet shown you the palace gardens, but Kyven can give you a tour of them after you’ve eaten,” she says. “He spends much of his time out there in the evenings.”

Emryll leads me to the dining hall. Intricate carvings line the otherwise smooth, wooden walls. Floor to ceiling windows across the room look out onto the elegant city below.

Sylari is so different from Florin. It is light and airy, whereas Florin feels so closed in and heavily fortified.

As we walk down another hallway, a portrait of a Fae Queen. With vivid green eyes and wings, and long, flowing white hair, she stands tall and proud. A pendant with a teardrop-shaped, crystal gem hangs around her neck. “Who is that?” I point to the picture.

“That is our ancestor, Queen Ilyra.” Emryll places her hand to her chest in a solemn gesture. “She gave her life to save our people from the Wraith.” She points to the necklace. “You see the gem she wears?”

I nod.

“Her mate gave it to her. He was a prince from the Great Veil. The stone came from that place.”

“What is the Great Veil?”

“It is known as the World Between Worlds,” she explains. “A place of magic so great that only the strongest of casters, or those immune to such power can navigate its path.”

“Why have I never heard of this before?” I ask.

“Because the portal is heavily guarded, and our people are forbidden from trying to access it. The last person to survive crossing the Great Veil was King Danryk—Queen Ilyra’s mate.”

“Why is it so dangerous?”

“It is said that magic is wild and untamed in the Veil. But beyond that, I do not truly know.”

Although I have more questions, I realize that I’ll have to find the answers somewhere else. Fortunately, I’ve always enjoyed learning and I’m looking forward to unraveling the rest of this story.

The setting sun casts a warm golden glow over the entire city. The sky is a gorgeous display of oranges, pinks, and purples. The city is bustling with activity, as people go about their business, their wings glistening in the waning light.

The streets are lined with lanterns, containing Fae lights, which flicker to life as the sun dips below the horizon. The air is filled with the gentle hum of magic, and the distant sound of music and laughter.

Soft light spills out from the various houses carved into the trees. Their purple leaves cast a lovely, muted glow. Gold and silver lights dance and zip among the branches.

“Are those night pixies?” I ask, shuddering inwardly as I recall the tiny razor-sharp teeth.

“Yes. They are mischievous creatures.” She shrugs. “But they rarely bother anyone here in Sylari.”

I’m not sure that statement is as reassuring as she thinks it is. I’d hate to be one of therarepeople they might decide to take an interest in.

One of the servants approaches and bows low. “The king has sent his regrets that he will be unable to join you for evening meal. He has pressing matters to attend but will return as soon as he is able.”

I hide my disappointment behind a polite nod of acknowledgment. I suppose this was to be expected. After all, Kyven has been away longer than he’d intended. I’m sure there is much he needs to see to, now that he is here.

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