Page 132 of A Deception of Courts

If Althea noticed the tension tying Erix and me together, like thick but frayed rope, she didn’t say. Instead, she gestured for me to enter with a sweep of her hand.

“After you then, Robin.”

I mocked a curtsy, echoing the title Erix had used for Althea. “How gracious, my queen.”

One sharp punch from Althea into my shoulder had me stifling a laugh. Then we both entered, leaving Erix to disappear as I closed the door on him.

The three remaining heads of the fey courts sat around a polished wood table in the heat of a modest room. At the head of the table waited two thrones, each carved from ivory bone which seemed to glow in the dim light of the room. Delicate vines twisted around the formation of bone. Across it, buds of blush pink and purple flowers, each one wilting sadly with the lack of an Elmdew presence.

Althea sat at my side, back rigid and expression stern as she focused on Rafaela, the only one who didn’t sit. Elinor Oakstorm was to my other side. I felt her look at me with a strange gaze which sang with longing. Her thin, jewelled fingers lay on the table before her, tentatively brushing up the long stem of her glass of amber-toned wine.

My glass was left untouched as my fingers busied themselves, plucking at a loose thread across the material of my trousers.

“Aldrick is dead. The Defiler is forever trapped within the realm with no promise of ever being freed again. I do not need to be the one to remind you we all have sacrificed much in this fight, but it is over.” Rafaela practically shivered with glee as she spoke. “Your displeasure toward Robin is misplaced, if there is anyone you must be angry with, it is me. I made him vow to keep quiet, and he did as I asked. His compliance is what secured this allyship, and thus saved the realms.”

The deed was done. Both threats had been removed from play, and the keys were destroyed. Which was what Rafaela had always wanted. What she and Gabrial had conspired to complete behind even their fellow Nephilim’s backs. An act that the rest of the Nephilim didn’t agree on, clear from her treatment since. I just hadn’t had the chance to find out why yet.

“But they are not all destroyed, are they?”

Rafaela flickered her attention to Elinor who spoke over the rim of her glass.

“No, not at this moment,” Rafaela replied.

“So, even now, you would you wish to see the Oakstorm key destroyed?” Elinor questioned, her stare boring through Rafaela. “It still lingers within me. Could this not pose a threat in our future, immediate or distant?”

“What good is a quill without ink?” Rafaela dismissed. “One key is useless without the rest. My fellow Nephilim likely prepare for my punishment. Cassial will not be pleased. I imagine it wouldn’t change my outcome if I went against them and destroyed the final one.”

“Then, for your sake, perhaps we go forward with the knowledge the Oakstorm key remains intact.” Elinor smiled brightly, undeterred by Rafaela’s tone. “I am complacent with the confirmation that this is over.”

“Not entirely,” I added. “Wychwood is bathed in unrest. Elmdew is without a leader…”

“And Cedarfall finds itself with a warrior for a queen,” Althea finished for me, offering me a sideways smirk. “I think we will be fine.”

“That isn’t what I was going to say,” I replied curtly. “It is going to take time and strain to help Wychwood heal.Thatis what we must focus on now. Looking ahead, not back.”

“I think we can all agree with Robin on this matter,” Elinor said, patting my thigh with her hand before returning it to her glass. “Our main priority is seeing the courts regain composure.”

“Do not concern yourselves with Cedarfall, I will see all wounds are stitched and healed. Just as I am sure you and Robin have the ability to gather control of your own courts.”

“And what of Elmdew?” I asked. “Is there a clear line of succession?”

My attention drifted to the empty thrones, wondering who would find themselves upon it next.

“There is a boy,” Althea confirmed, voice as cold as the ice dwelling within me. “Barely walking. The young child was brought into the realm by surrogacy for the kings. His reign will not solidify for many years, so until then, his council must be iron-clad. For that, the three courts will need to lend aid to Elmdew.”

“I agree, but what of the turmoil in Durmain?”

“Leave the humans to the Nephilim,” Rafaela said, chin raised. “Your realm is not the only one which requires healing, nor is Durmain your responsibility. Aldrick sullied Durmain with his beliefs and thus left the once great Kingdom without a ruler. But now that the gate our kind have guarded is no longer a threat, it is likely my brothers and sisters will return to Durmain’s shores to help rebuild it in the glory of the Creator.”

“And this includes the Hunters?” I asked. “Not all of them have laid down arms willingly. Many will hide and wait for the next leader to emerge from the ashes of their newly titled martyr.”

I had longed to flee Rinholm and help chase the Hunters from Wychwood myself. Even after Aldrick’s defeat, I still felt like the fight was not over. We had won, and they sang about it, but why didn’t I feel like it?

“The Hunters will be dealt with. As Althea began, those remaining will be given a choice. How they survive after making that decision depends on them.”

There was fury in Rafaela’s voice. Powerful as her golden hammer, obedient as her belief in the Creator. I had no doubt Rafaela and the Nephilim would comb the realms, providing antidote to the poison Aldrick had spread, whilst burning out the last of those who still wore his mark with blinded pride.

“What about you?” I asked.

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