I took in a long breath then slowly exhaled. There was a part of me that felt better. He had to know his daughter was in danger. Taron had been so kind to me over the years. Much more than my own family. For that, and many other reasons, I owed him the truth. But, what he did with the knowledge was out of my hands. I was sure he'd do everything to protect Kalin, but how would he deal with my mother? What cost would my court pay for her poor decisions?
His face turned cold as stone. It was as if someone had flipped the switch from friend to king. “You made the right choice by telling me the truth. I will make sure you receive no further punishment.”
I shouldn't have pitied her. Mother deserved whatever she got, but I couldn't help it. Regardless of how awful she had been, she was still my only family. “What about my mother?”
Without any show of emotion, he said, “The council will decide her fate. How many others know about this?”
“Only my adopted siblings.” I had a bad feeling things were about to get really rough. After all he'd been through, there was no reason to involve Marcus any further. He'd never tell anyone what he knew. I trusted him completely.
He stood. “Very well.”
As far as I knew, nothing like this had ever happened in the history of the elementals. Sure, we have had our problems before the decrees, but no one had ever ordered the death of another royal child. Mother had committed the highest level of treason. She could be put to death for her crimes. “What are you going to do?”
Taron made his way to the door, standing directly under the frame. Waving at someone in the hallway, he said, “You need to focus on your recovery. I'll take care of the rest.”
A moment later, he was gone. Yeah, it was about to get real around here. Taron controlled himself, but he was pissed. I didn't blame him. Mother had threatened him in the worst of ways. Over the centuries, he had considered my mother an ally. Maybe even a friend.
Several female air elementals entered my room. They carried wash clothes and bowls of water. Diligently, they worked to remove the dried blood and cleaned whatever injuries Taron wasn't able to heal. There wasn't much I could do except sit and watch. I didn’t have the strength to move or complain. I wanted to go after Taron to find out his plans. But that wasn't happening.
I could only pray he wasn't too late to save Kalin.
Chapter Nine
Two days had passed without Taron returning to my room. Thanks to the healing herbs my energy was returning. I was walking around without assistance, but the healers wouldn’t allow me to leave my room. I was told there were guards outside my door for my protection. I guess I should have expected as much. Once Mother learns of my betrayal, I won’t be surprised if she sends knights to try to kill me.
My mind swirled with questions. I needed to know what happened to Kalin. Was she attacked by someone in my court? What punishment had my mother been given from the council? Had anyone hurt Marcus after he saved me? I thought about it for hours and hours until it drove me nearly crazy. I barely ate, sleeping only a few hours at a time. It was infuriating being locked in here, even if it was for my own good.
I sat up in bed when I heard chatter from the hallway. The guards in front of my door moved to the side. Taron stepped inside wearing his yellow council robes. His long blond hair was tied back in a low ponytail. He was both intimidating and regal at the same time. The dark circles under his eyes gave me the impression he hadn't slept much either. I didn't say a word as he sat in a chair directly across from me.
He kept his back straight, maintaining his regal demeanor. “As you may have guessed, the last two days have been quite eventful.” His voice remained as cold as the last time we spoke.
Nerves filled me. I wanted to blast him with questions but it seemed like patience would be best. I wasn't sure where our friendship stood after my revelation so I chose to tread lightly. “Yes, I figured as much.”
His eyes bore into mine with a seriousness that made me squirm. “I'm sure you have questions. Let me see if I can answer them. To start, Kalin wasn't hurt. She remains in the mortal world, unaware of what has transpired. More guards have been placed around her home to ensure her protection.”
“You're not going to tell her about any of this?”
“No. She will move here in less than one year. I don't want her to feel her life is in danger. I'd rather she enjoy what time she has left in her mortal life.”
This didn't seem right. His knights were certainly competent enough to keep her safe. She deserved to know the truth. I didn't agree with his decision, but I wasn't in any position to question him. I moved on to another topic. “And my mother?”
His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. Only days ago he discovered his only daughter’s life had been threatened—by her. “She was taken into custody by the council. She will be executed for treason.”
The words turned my blood cold. A part of me expected this outcome. But it was something else entirely to hear the words. “When will this take place?”
Without hesitation, he replied, “This evening at sundown. Immediately after, you will be crowned.”
“A public execution?” It was like someone splashed a bucket of cold water on my face. This meant I would have to watch my own Mother's death. Thanks to my coronation, it might seem to others that I was a participant. My stomach churned as I envisioned ripping a bloodied crown off her head and placing it on my own.
“Due to the nature of Prisma's crimes, the council has decided that these events will be stricken from our records. No one needs to know the circumstances of her death or her allegations against my daughter. This could cause civil unrest. Wars with one court pitted against another. No, we need to keep the peace at all costs. The elements must be kept in balance.”
He wasn't wrong. The courts agreed upon the decrees for this very reason. If the elements were to unbalance, it could cause natural disasters all over the mortal world. It could ultimately destroy it. As the protectors of nature, we had to ensure this never happened. “What about my adopted siblings?”
He crossed his arms. “They will not be punished. After the council investigated, it was determined they played no role in Prisma's plans.”
They didn't participate, but they weren't against it either. Throughout my life they had always agreed with Mothers’ every move. However, I didn't feel comfortable saying anything negative about them to Taron. If I did, he would likely have them executed along with her. I worried they might retaliate. But I couldn't justify threatening their lives over something they hadn't done…yet.
As soon as I entered the castle basement I wished I hadn't come. The stained cement walls echoed the sounds of dripping water. The air stunk like it was made of sweat and dirt. This place didn't fit with the typical images of the air court. To me, the air elementals had a quiet, peaceful beauty about them. Nothing like this dank dungeon.
One of the knights led me to a cell with an iron door. Simply touching the door could burn our skin, charring it down to the bone. For that reason, I stood back as the knight used a key on his belt to open the door. Once I entered, I blinked twice to make sure I had seen correctly. Mother sat on a metal chair in the center of a very small, square room. Her red dress had been torn in several spots. Her hair had been pulled back but pieces had loosened around her face. Iron handcuffs covered her wrists with dried blood around the edges. By her appearance, I'd guess she put up a fight before they brought her here.
There was nothing inside her cell. No bathroom. No bed. No food. There was just her, glaring at me with a look of total disgust. It wasn't the first time I'd seen that expression. The only time she ever smiled was when she was inflicting pain on someone else. Yet, even with everything that happened, my heart pained to see her in there. How I still managed to care for her I couldn't understand—I doubt I ever would.
“Have you come here to brag?” She chuckled. “All hail the fire court king!” she shouted, lowering her head in a mocking bow.
I t
hought long and hard about kicking her in the face. “Honestly, I'm not sure why I came. You certainly don't deserve my sympathy.”
“Does this have to do with your punishment, Rowan?” she asked. “Judging by my current state, I'd say I went lightly on you.” Leaning forward, eyes squinted, she said, “I should have killed you when I had the chance.” She lunged for me but the iron chains around her wrists held her back. They sizzled when she moved. It was the first time I'd ever heard her whimper.
The pain must have been intense because it seemed to calm her down. “You are here by your own doing, Mother. You have no one to blame but yourself.”
She rolled her eyes. “I did what was best for my court. That's what a ruler does. We make the hard choices others can't make.”
Anger boiled in my chest. “Like choosing to mutilate your own son? Was that one of your hard choices?”
She straightened her back, looking quite proud. “You were weak.”
I clenched my fists so hard my fingernails dug half moon crescents into my palms. “You wanted me to kill an innocent halfling.”
She stood, ignoring the iron as it burned her skin. “She is a danger to us all.”
I took several steps until our faces were only inches from one another. “You don't know that. This is all based on your own opinions. There's been no sign that she's the akasha.”
“You're a fool. You refuse to see what's right in front of you.” She shook her head. “You will bring doom to our court. I'm pleased I won't be here to witness it.”
“You know, I came down here contemplating whether or not I would beg for your life. Even after all you've done, there's part of me that will always care for you. Some small piece of me will always yearn for your acceptance, your love.” Tears welled in my eyes but I refused to let them go. After all she had taken from me, I would never give her the satisfaction. “But now I see you are beyond saving. You deserve what's coming to you.”
She laughed. “Only the weak yearn for something as frivolous as love. You aren't worthy of my approval. Certainly not my crown.”
Her hateful words stabbed into my chest. She never touched me, yet I was beaten and broken. In that moment, I bundled up all the emotions I felt for her and locked them away. Never again would I let anyone get to me as she had. “And yet, here we are. You are about to be put to death, and me, about to sit on your throne.” I grabbed her face, pressing my lips hard against her cheek. “Goodbye, Mother.”
Chapter Ten
This wasn't how I imagined this day would go. My coronation was supposed to be a celebration, the greatest day of my life. The fire court throne room should have been filled with fire elementals and high-ranking members of the other three courts. During the ceremony I'd kneel before my mother. She would say a few words then place the crown on my head. Afterwards, we would party for days honoring this significant moment in our history.
Instead, I sat on the edge of the bed in the guest room of the air court castle. There were no members of my court with me. Only three would witness my coronation: Liana, my mother's sister, and my adopted siblings. The rest of my court would hear about it once they learned of my mother's execution. There would be questions from many, but only a few would know the truth. As Taron had said, none of the records would reveal the details of her treason. The remaining council members felt this was the best way to keep the peace.
Staring out the window I watched the sunset. A purple hue filled the skies around the castle. It was incredibly beautiful. I wore my formal red ceremonial robes that Liana had brought to me. Underneath, my sword was strapped to my back, resting in its sheath. Carrying a weapon wasn't typical for this type of ceremony, but it made me feel safe. Against my mother's wishes I'd left the barbell in my eyebrow. It really didn't matter. Her death would come before I was crowned.
I stood when I heard a knock on my door. A knight handed me a letter, then exited.
Rowan,
I know this is a big day for you and I'm sorry I can't be there. But after everything that happened. After what I did to you. The pain I caused. I can't even look at you. I need some time alone to deal with everything. Don't look for me. That will just make things worse. I don't even know what more I can say right now. I'm sorry.
Marcus
I growled. Crumpling the note in my hand, I set it on fire. He was the one person who I could count on, and now, he was gone. He didn't want me to find him. I didn't know for how long. Maybe forever. And there was nothing I could do about it.
Something about his words felt permanent, as if I'd lost my best friend.
I was still reeling from Marcus's letter when another knight came to escort me downstairs. The design of the air court throne room didn't look anything like my court. The rectangular room was massive. Flags with the air court symbol hung high along the cathedral ceiling. White pillars lined the walls with limestone statues of elementals. My boots clicked on the marble flooring as I made my way toward Taron. He sat on a throne made of clear crystal. It was the same stone used on the outside of the castle.
Air elementals in traditional yellow robes made up the audience. They stood in small groups, whispering as I passed by. I couldn't blame them. They knew my mother was being put to death. I must have seemed like a monster coming to watch. If I had a choice I wouldn't be here. The thought of any execution disgusted me, even more so because it was for my own Mother. But I kept my emotions in check, walking face forward as if I wore horse blinders.
One of the knights led me toward a chair near the king. There was an area cleared out in the center of the room. Within the space was a wooden chopping block and an iron axe. Since they planned to behead her the execution would be quick. Her suffering minimal. After all the hateful things she had said to me I shouldn't care about her pain, but I did.
In the far corner Liana leaned against a wall in her formal red robes. A single tear ran down her cheek as she glared at the execution area. She hadn't been close with my mother, but she was still her sister. Glancing around the room I searched for my siblings. I didn't see either. Perhaps they had chosen not to attend? I wasn't surprised. They had always been closest with my mother. If I found this event horrifying, it must be intolerable for them.
The whispers ceased as they brought Mother into the room. There was an air court knight on either side of her. She had cleaned up since I last saw her. Her hands were still locked in iron cuffs, her hair had been braided down her back, and her torn red dress replaced by a thin white gown. With her pale skin she looked innocent and ethereal. It wasn't until she glared at me with her eyes filled with hate that I truly recognized her.
The crowd parted, making a pathway for the knights to take her to the make-shift guillotine. As she knelt in front of the wooden chopping block, she kept her focus on me the entire time. I forced myself not to look away even though my insides twisted into tight knots. She expected me not to watch. To be weak. But I refused. An executioner, wearing a black mask to cover his face, came to stand at her side with the axe in hand. He glanced up at Taron, awaiting his command.
Taron stood. “Do you have any last words, Prisma?” he asked.
Mother remained silent.
“Very well,” Taron replied, waving his hand at the executioner.
He nodded, raising the axe over his head.
I inhaled deeply, forgetting to let it out. It seemed as if I had slipped into a dream. Everyone around me was motionless. I was numb; I couldn't move even if I wanted to. Why had it come to this? All of it could have been prevented by mother expressing her concerns to the council. Now, because of her foolishness, I had to watch the only parent I'd ever known die.
The executioner swung the axe, but instead of taking off Mother’s head, it sunk into the chest of the closest knight. A cloaked woman ran to my mother. She gripped the cuffs around mother’s wrists. Fire burned out of her hands, melting the iron shackles. Her hood dropped back—Selene. Other fire elementals hidden under yellow robes blasted balls of fire into the cro
wd. Screams erupted as panic ensued.
“Guards,” the king shouted. Knights raced in from every doorway with blades raised. Within seconds, Taron was gone; taken to safety using a hidden doorway.
During the mayhem the executioner pulled a knife out of his side pocket, slicing the neck of the closest knight. I knew it was Valac before he ripped off his mask. Selene wouldn't have done this without him. My fists clenched at my sides. This was his idea.
He helped Mother to her feet, then shot a line of fire into the crowd, creating a pathway to one of the exit doors. They both took one of her arms over their shoulders heading toward the exit.
No way was I going to let this happen. Rage overtook me. My fingertips ignited into burning flames. I flung my robes over my head, the cloth catching fire. By the time it reached the ground all that was left were shreds of charred fabric. I unsheathed my sword, pushing my way through the crowd. One of the fire elementals stepped in my way. A ball of fire formed in each of his hands, but before he could throw them I plunged my iron sword into his belly. His skin seared, still smoking even after I pulled back. He collapsed onto the ground.
I ducked as an air elemental used her wind magic, flinging her attacker into the adjacent wall. Swords scraped against one another while pained cries filled the room. I put my hand over my mouth; the air reeked of burnt flesh. I couldn't see my siblings but I didn't stop shoving my way forward. A male fire elemental cornered a cowering air female. He was about to burn her when I sliced my weapon into the side of his neck, partially decapitating him. Blood smeared across my blade, lightly splattering my face. I wiped it off with the back of my hand.
The world around me faded away when I caught up to my siblings. They were moving much slower than before. They had used too much of their element; they were physically weakened. As they were about to exit I stood between them and the door. Mother's head hung low with her eyes closed. I pointed my weapon at Valac's throat and said, “You're not taking her anywhere.”
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