Page 55 of Crown of Ellova: Vol 1

“There are six courts. The Court of Green is mostly agricultural—those who tend farms, guard livestock, keep gardens, and grow or bake anything. Mostly food-related, really.”

“What are the other courts?”

“Well, besides Nueena’s, which is called the High Court, no court is greater than the others. Every court plays a vital role here. The Court of Shells is shipowners, sea crews, dock workers, fishermen, and sea guards, anything with relation to the waters around us.”

Two guards walk by, laughing at something. Their red capes flow behind them.

“What about them?” Leon asks before taking another bite.

“They are from the Court of Swords, protectors. Ellovian Guards, sentinels, blacksmiths, personal guards, and the defenders of Ellova.”

Leon looks thoughtful. “Is one born into their court, or is it by profession?”

“A little bit of both. You can be born and do the task your family did, or you can move around. Mostly, it all has to do with the powers fae are born with. All fae have some magic, but some are more inclined towards certain gifts. Gifts show up as dewlings. Most fae are drawn to where their power would be best used and where they can be taught by elders who share those gifts.”

Leon peers in the window of a bright apothecary with a touch of yearning but turns back to me to ask, “When did your powers first arise?”

The sudden sadness at the reminder of the magic I’ve lost hurts, but it is a happy memory, so I share it. “I learned I could manipulate metal at a young age. My mother could not understand how I kept crawling out of my crib until she saw the bars bent while I played with my toys in the kitchen in the middle of the night.” I let out a pitiful laugh and he joins in with sincerity.

“Have you always been a member of the Gem Court?”

“The Gem Court has always recognized me as a member oftheir court, even though I don’t live in Ellova all of the time. The metal-wielding of a jewelsmith is a rare gift and the Gem Court is home to artisans and crafters. Viella has been a member of every court over the centuries. We have plenty of flexibility here if someone chooses to go elsewhere. Each court has a unique need for all gifts and talents, but some are simply better suited for certain ones. The courts ensure everyone is cared for and all fae talents are used. Nyvenah and the High Court are entrusted with the care and stewardship of all of them.”

Shops are set up under bright-colored fabric or enchanted flowers. The small stores have vibrant window displays, and their sellers stand in the doorways, holding their goods out to entice the evening visitors. Cheerful cloth makers hold up fabrics dyed bright colors, and near them a spice maker gives out a dash of her blends for those interested in a taste.

I walk slowly so Leon can take everything in. He looks from shop to shop with wide eyes. This is nothing like the markets of Adreania, where most cannot afford anything being sold.

In the Court of Green’s rows, farmers have tables piled high with ripe fruits and seasonal vegetables from the east fields, their horses resting nearby from the long journey with heavy carts. The warm scent of spiced meats mingles with the bakery smells of fresh cakes. A cart selling peppers has its small blue flag up. I send up a thought of gratitude for whoever left extra from the Court of Shells.

I point to a fresh green pepper. “One please.”

He hands the plump vegetable to me and lowers his flag. I return to Leon, who has his back to me, watching a fae woman hold out small jars of honey from her family’s farm to those who pass by, a black Ink Court flag waving behind her.

I tap him on the shoulder, and when he turns around, I present the smooth pepper to him. “A gift for you.” I’m delighted when he seems genuinely touched by the small gesture.

“Thank you.” He takes a bite and offers it to me. “Would you like some?”

I shake my head with a soft chuckle. “No, you enjoy that.”

Leon is so handsome when he smiles my heart skips a beat, and I force myself to keep walking to avoid embarrassing myself.

Bright yellow fabric connects on the roofs above, welcoming us to the Gem Court’s section of the Lavencia market. I exchange greetings with the shop owners I’ve known for decades, but we keep moving until we reach our destination, not wanting anyone to ask me for something that would require my magic.

I enter the large shop made of blue stone, the Calendula, with its flower-lined windows that feature canvas-molded mannequins wearing elegant flowing gowns.

We are greeted by the assistants cheerfully sewing real flowers on corsets and helping to pick out fabrics in the front corner with patrons. There are four trees in each corner with clothing pieces hanging on every branch. Intricate lace tops and gowns with billowy iridescent skirts on display. With the coronation soon arriving, the shop is crowded with those looking for extravagant garments to wear to the festivities.

Tavien walks Leon over to the more masculine cuts, and they discuss colors. Nueena and I smile at Hiliyah as we peek into her private office. She stands behind a dress on the stand, watching an assistant, Cora, use her magic to pin up a skirt. Sharp silver pins hang frozen in the air near her hands, waiting to be used, and around the room, fabric swatches of every color hang by invisible strings.

Hiliyah has her long curly brown hair tied up in a large bun on her head and is holding sketches of the gown being worked on by her seamstresses. Her youthful tan face lights up when she sees us.

“Hello, hello.” She moves to join us but Nueena stops her.

“Please continue. We’re looking around. Finish your design.”

Hiliyah nods, and with a wave of her hand, a floating roll of fabric glides to her. She returns to supervising the construction of a gown the color of a raven’s wings, the bust covered in dangling teardrop gemstones that swing at any movement. A gown for someone in the Ink Court.

Nueena notices me looking back a few times. “How do you think Leon’s handling all of this?”

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