Page 60 of Heir of the Autumn Queen

“My mother was caught stealing food at the age of fifteen to keep her younger siblings from starving to death. Her options were prison, which many do not survive due to disease and poor living conditions, or indentured servitude to the family she stole from. She worked for two years before she bore me, and then died when I was eight from a fever.”

I do some quick math in my head, rage running hot through my veins at the injustice I’m hearing.“Her contract was forthirty years, just for stealing some food to feed her family?”

“The length of the contract is determined by those who were wronged.” Felix’s tone is icy. However long it’s been since his contract was fulfilled, there’s clearly some long-harbored resentment toward the system.

“That’s completely unfair,” I say, gripping the fork in my hand hard enough to leave an imprint of the metal on my palm.

“I agree, but it’s the way things are,” Felix says, more resigned than a moment ago, as if he’s given up hope. I suppose it would be difficult to remain optimistic in the face of such injustice.

Has no one ever fought for these people? Championed their cause to ensure fair sentences?

“And your father?” I wince, fearing I’ve overstepped.

Felix seems unfazed by my curiosity.“My mother never spoke of the man who sired me, but I had no real father. If I had to guess, I would say she was an… unwilling participant in the events that resulted in my conception.”

“And of course, no one would’ve believed her if she said as much. Who would take the word of a servant over that of a highborn man?” I’m disgusted, unable to contain my disdain for what Felix and his mother experienced.

“I have been researching The Accord for many years now,” Priscilla tells me, cooling some of the anger inside me with her calming voice.“Searching for a way to make amendments to it, if that’s even possible.”

“Has it ever been done before?” I ask, hopeful.

“No… it has not,” she answers, disappointment flickering across her face.

“What about something besides The Accord? The Kingdoms have their own laws in addition to The Accord, right?” I ask, remembering what Finn told me about the punishment for rape in the Winter Kingdom.

“Yes, they do. But those are determined by the council members in each kingdom, and the council members are—”

“Are appointed by the kings and queens there…” I cut Pricilla off, shaking my head.“It’s a closed circle. No one can do anything from the outside.”How did I never realize how these rules could affect people so deeply?I knew of them, learned of these things in school, but never actually considered how they would play out in the real world.

“Indeed.” Felix understands what injustice like this costs better than most.

I sigh, resigned to let the issue rest for now since brooding about it won’t change anything. But suddenly, the idea of being queen doesn’t sound so scary, knowing there are problems that need fixing. If I’m successful in removing Selena from power, I’ll work to find a way to change the laws of the Autumn Kingdom and make them just, give the people a voice.

“How long will you be staying with us?” Priscilla asks, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“I’m not sure,” I answer honestly.“I don’t want to intrude.”

“Nonsense,” Priscilla says.“It is an honor to host the Golden One.”

I huff a humorless laugh.“Why do you all call me that?”

“The prophecy. You haven’t heard it?” I cock an eyebrow in skepticism, and Felix looks to Priscilla for approval before he shares it. She gives him a nod, so he tells me.“A harbinger of change, a beacon of hope, in a world divided; The Golden One shall rise, bringing justice and peace. Through trials and tribulations, their purpose shall unfurl, bringing light to the waiting world.”

My eyebrows are raised so high on my forehead I think they’re touching my hairline.“And you think that’sme? The bringer of justice and peace?”

“Your ancestors were very powerful beings. There is great power in your blood,” Priscilla says.

“But I already told you, I don’t have any power.” I lean back in my chair and rub my temples in frustration.

“Your power is dormant, but—”

“I’m afraid we cannot tell you anything else,” Priscilla cuts Felix off before he can say more.

I look between them, noting the tension there, but decide they must be confused; there’s no way I can be who the prophecy is talking about. I might be Solana’s heir, but nothing more.“Can you point me in the direction of my room?” I’m suddenly too tired to keep up pleasantries, especially considering the heavy subject matter.

“Of course.” Priscilla stands to lead me there. I follow her through the stone corridors and bid her goodnight once we arrive at the door.

I collapse onto the small bed and try to sleep, but I’m unable to get that damned prophecy out of my head. When sleep finally does come, all I can hear is Felix’s voice repeating those words over and over and over.

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