Page 111 of Royal Lies

From what I heard things weren’t so different when the King of Blood and Shadows ruled but at least he provided decent accommodations rather than just tents and sticks for humans to live on. At least he gave food and decent clothing. Sure humans were slaves but we weren’t sleeping on rocks and dirt. We weren’t cannibals or a display of entertainment for the fae. I wasn’t saying we should let the King of Blood and Shadows rule again, but at least when he ruled the desert still had rain.

Hell, I heard it wasn’t good for the fae either. In the time of the Duchess of Autumn, even the fae have been starving, turning to humans as a source of delicacy. Once we killed the Duchess I was going to rule, I was going to help make this court better again, better than any of its former kings and queens or duchesses and dukes. I just wanted to avenge my mother. She wasn’t my blood, hell she was human, but she raised me and my friend. She helped raise all of us in the rebels. She gave us as much food as she could scavenge. She built us a good enough tent to shield us from the sand storms. Each year I watched her smile through the toughest of times, through her own hunger, even through her constant beatings by the noble fae.

So why- why did they have to hang her of all people? Why did they choose her to be raped and exiled on a stage like some jester on display? She was the reason werebelsformed.

I try not to think of it. Her smiles at us like nothing was wrong like we didn’t need to worry or cry as we watched them ram into her. It was like she was nothing but a hole to stick their meat in. I remember it all, I have to because that rage I felt then was the only fuel driving me right now. Forcing me not to give in. Because I knew if I did my friends would also suffer the same consequences as Ms.Maybell. ?All the fucking speeches about mercy and a shortened sentence were false.

Fae couldn’t lie, I knew that but I also knew that every word that came out of the Duchess’ mouth wasn’t the truth either.

Something tells me that the traitor of a brother I had knows that. He knows what happened to the shadows that used to guard us humans that have turned against us. He knows what happened to our family members that we don’t ever see again, not even on the podium. The only question was why did he follow her? Like all fae, I had a gift, light magic. My affinity, which is rare for most fae to have at all, was mind-reading.

I read his thoughts, I knew he wanted what was best for fae and humans alike for the whole realm, so why did he betray me?

I blinked wearily at the question the guard was asking, “For the last time who were you-“ His words were cut off as he fell to the floor. For a moment in the urine-drenched cage, I thought I might have succumbed to my delusions. You know the ones you get after being tortured for too long because before me was a man in a suit and another in some formal wear.

”Gods, does it stink in here.?” I heard the first man say as the world continued to spin.

“Yes well,it isa dungeon.” The other man replied, his voice slightly lilted, almost lyrical.

“You sure he’s the guy?” The first spoke again crouching down to my chained form.

His dark hair smelt heavenly in my current state. When you haven’t smelled anything but rat dung, blood, and piss for the past couple of weeks even water would smell good.

“Who-“ I began my voice cracking from the strain it took on my vocal cords to speak before black enveloped my consciousness.

The last thing I heard was, “Yes, now hurry. We’ll stage a coupe another time.”

Eli

I was waiting for that bastard to answer when finally a ripple came through my hand mirror. I had been ignoring the man hoping that maybe if I didn’t contact him he would forget our little bargain. Since it also didn’t pan out well, surely the bargain was no longer in place, right?

“Finally, what took you so long?” I barked out as soon as the green hair of that bastard, Alexander, showed up. His green piercing eyes, cold and empty of any joy they once held were the first to settle as the rippling stopped. Maybe that should have been my first warning, the lack of emotions he dawned was so different from the panicked idiotic man I first believed him to be.

“Eli, how good of it for you to call. I was expecting you to call once Akasuki was back with you. It has been a while since she left the spirit realm. Don’t tell me you're going back on our bargain?” The sight of his face was enough for me to grit my teeth.

“Please, I am a fae of my word. I’m just letting you know thatyourplan A didn’t work on her.” I spat out already too infuriated that I had to work with this bastard of all fae in the first place.

“I know, she broke out of our meetings some time ago,” Alexander rolled his eyes, causing my boiling rage to come sprinting out. I nearly threw the hand mirror across the floor. I was so peeved that he didn't think it was fit to tell me these things. He dares to question ifIwas the one who would break our bargain. The way I see it, him not telling me about Everetta's escape from her limbo was a direct violation of what we agreed upon.

“And you didn’t think of telling me?” I roared out while also trying to maintain a cool level-headed tone. I stared at the red powder lining the edges of my room.

“No, I didn’t because I know you don’t have any intentions of following our end of the bargain. If it wasn’t for the magic binding us I’m sure you would have backed out by now. Which is why I’m informing you now that I will be coming to get Akasuki in a month, have her ready for me unless you want to face the consequences of a failed bargain. I’ve already given up on Everetta. It’s clear she has no regard for your realm or her life. I will save what I can. As far as I’m concerned Aki is the only one who has a shred of humanity out of youROYALS.” Alexander spat before the line went dead. I gawked at his audacity slamming the mirror down and sending its bejeweled emeralds scattering across the floor. It was then that I noticed something. The uppermost drawer was slightly a jar.

Growling I moved to close the opened cabinet, my father's dying words replayed in my mind, “Check my drawers.” At the time I thought it was nothing. After all, it was just the nonsense of a dying man, but it was my father. If it was his final wish maybe I should grant him just that. It was probably nothing anyway.

I reached down and pulled the drawer wider, its dark wood a smooth yet rugged feel under my fingers as I pulled out a letter addressed to, me?

Confused, I wondered how he might have known me in this life. He'd never even met me before I came to the court. I open the red waxed seal, the signature wolf head stamped into it.

Dear Eli,

My most idiotic son, and the most like me. I can not say much for there is magic in the air that binds my tongue. I am sure you haven’t noticed anything strange being the caring little pup you are. You always were the most spirited but also the most foolish. You won’t hesitate to defend and protect your family and friends, just like I once had. And it is because of such foolish actions that I am where I am now, dead. So, let me give you a bit of warning my son. Do not trust the girl with bright hair as golden as the sun. She will only cause you more pain and sorrow. Do not protect her either, or care for her in any manner for she is her mother in all sense of the word. Above all, I know I am a man of very few words and even fewer endearing sentiments but know that I, the King Of the Wolves, have always loved you my true children.

Let my princess know that although she may be stubborn and cold like snow she is her mother's daughter, as for my son, my true son, whatever his name shall be in this life for I know my son and he is not the bubbling idiot who I had given birth to in this life, let that son know I did appreciate his mind and steel heart. As for you, my little pup, the child that resembled me the most. I did love your mother, and I did love you, how could I not, you are me and I am you.

I have done some things I am not proud of. I have made mistakes but you, my children, and especially you, my little pup, have never been one of them. I am proud of all of you, mydear children. Which is why I must warn you again, do not get involved with that woman, she is far more dangerous than her gifts imply.

Love Your King Father,

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