Page 38 of Till Kingdom Come

“What was she?”

“Hard to say just by looking. There are many types of Fae in Elven settlements. They work in the mines, as a general rule, or run the inns. Both males and females.”

“Oh.”

“Elves allow more visitors to their realm than Fairies ever have. You’ll probably see several kinds of Fae walking around if you’re here long enough. Daeneid is something of a trading center and attracts commerce from a lot of different tribes.”

I nodded and we sat down to eat the delicious venison stew the young men had brought us, in addition to a loaf of dark bread that was nutty and delicious, and an assortment of meat pasties, some lovely fruit pies and small honey cakes.

Bracca ate very little and drank way too much whiskey, in my opinion, but I didn’t dare say so. While we ate, he filled me in on what had been happening.

“When those lightning bolts started going off, it wasn’t only in the throne room. They shot across the entire city, near the top of the cave ceiling thankfully, and managed not to kill anyone. Some of the stagnant ponds near the drinking water started to run clear right away and walls that had begun crumbling stood up straight again. A sense of peace and tranquility fell over the city too. It’s difficult to explain, if you hadn’t felt how it was before, but it was really strong. Much different than the dark, unhealthy feel in the city before. That’s why the residents began gathering at the palace. To find out what was happening.”

“Are they still there?”

“The last I heard they were. Demanding to see you.”

“Oh no…”

“You’ll have to show yourself eventually. It’s a good sign,a chuisle. It means they want to know more about who you are. You’ll have to let them get a look at you.”

“I will. Maybe just not right this minute. Listen, Bracca, the throne screamed when I dropped my blood on it. Didn’t you hear that?”

He shook his head. “No. It must have been just for you. Look, I think Hendris is planning an event for midday tomorrow, so you’re in luck. You won’t have to wait too long to greet your new subjects.” He laughed at the moaning sound I made. “You’re a king now. You’ll have to be brave.” He took another drink of whiskey and stared at me. “You’ll be expected to name a Regent. This would be a good opportunity to do that.”

“A Regent? I thought that was only for children like when King Henry VIII’s son Edward VI took the throne. Or in case a king or queen became incapacitated.”

“Usually. In your English King Edward’s case, his realm was governed by a Regent’s council because Edward never reached maturity. They named a leader, and they all voted and agreed on how to proceed with matters of state.”

“Well, why would I need such a thing? I’m a grown man.”

“Yes, but you have no experience as a leader for one thing. You can’t even speak our language, and you were raised as a mortal. You have to know they don’t think mortals are very intelligent. In their minds, it’s entirely appropriate.”

“Well, I suppose, if you put it like that. At least until I find my bearings. But I still want to have my own say in things. The rest of it is a relief really. I’m not interested in government.”

He patted my arm and nodded. “You can just tell them you want your Regent to be me when they ask tomorrow.”

“Wait. I didn’t say that.”

He looked at me in surprise. “What do you mean? Of course, it will be me. I naturally assumed…”

“But you’re a Dark Fairy and these people seem to hate Fairies, just like your people hate the Elves. No, there’s been too much bad blood between you for that to work. I don’t think they’d be happy with that at all. I think maybe Hendris should act as my Regent until I can rule by myself.”

“Hendris!” He stood up abruptly, looked affronted and really angry.

“Yes…why are you getting so excited? He’s been in charge for years. It seems to me to be a natural choice.”

“Oh, do you think so? You, with all your vast, mortal knowledge of Fae kings.”

“I don’t claim to have any of that. But I like to think I know about people, even if they’re

Elves. I’m sure the people must like King Hendris and would feel better if he were around overseeing things. He’s the one they’re most used to and they trust him.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s always better for a king to inspire fear rather than trust, and I really don’t give a fuck what they’re most used to. I’m sure Hendris would‘feel better’if he were overseeing things too. Why the fuck are you worried about how he feels anyway? You need to stay out of all this and let me handle everything. You have no idea what you’re doing.”

I’m not sure if it were the condescending, angry tone or the patronizing attitude that infuriated me so much. Maybe it was the sneering look on his face, but something surely set me off. I jumped to my feet to face him. “I’m the true-blood and not you, Bracca! This is my decision to make!” I may have yelled it at him. “I may not have your vast experience and all,” I said, “but I’m the rightful king of the Dark Elves. I think you need to take a big step back and mind your own damn kingdom.”

He glared at me, his blood high now and nothing but cold fury on his face. Getting slowly to his feet, he nodded, his face was a mask of anger.

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