Chapter 14
The large gatheringspace the stairs deposited me into is connected by two massive doors to a waiting hall that leads to Vena’s audience chambers. She sits on a golden throne, surrounded by thorny roses and hummingbirds. Her rich, dark skin is offset against the sea-foam blue gown she wears and the bright green, bat-like wings that extend from her back. Her dark hair is piled high on the top of her head, pinned in place with gold-dipped flowers.
She’s speaking with three individuals when we enter. But as soon as her gaze lands on Davien and I, she shoos them with a wave of her hand.
“Davien.” The way she says his name is with deep reverence. “Our king has finally returned.” Vena stands, holding out both of her arms as she approaches. “I apologize I was not here to greet you properly on your arrival.”
“You were strengthening our western front. There is no slight.” Davien clasps forearms with her, hands nearly back at the elbows. They lean forward and when I think they are about to kiss, they tilt their heads in opposite directions, giving a peck on each cheek.
“You are gracious.” She gives a small curtsy and a bow of her head before releasing Davien. Then she turns to me. I can feel her demeanor cool some as she makes her assessment. “This is the one.” It’s not a question, so neither Davien nor I answer. Vena narrows her golden eyes as she approaches me. She grabs my cheeks with her hands, tilting my face right and left. “I can see the power in you…a mighty force that your human body struggles to contain.”
“A power that is rightfully mine.” Davien steps toward Vena as she releases me. Even though he acts like he is a king to most, he seems more of a follower in Vena’s court. “How do I free the magic of kings from her?”
Vena purses her lips, continuing to stare at me. “The power has imprinted on her. I see it coursing through her every vein. It trails her every movement.”
“Really?” I lift my arm, watching for magical sparks of light like when Davien flew, or when Giles performed his camp-making ritual. There’s nothing, and I find I’m mildly disappointed. If I’m going to be hunted for having magic, I want to reap the benefits of having magic. I want to feel as powerful as these people regard me. Not…myself. Same old Katria as I’ve always been.
“It’s not beyond freeing, is it?” Davien asks.
“Let’s hope not.” Vena’s lips tug into a frown. “This will require research and study before we decide on the best course.”
“We don’t have time—”
“Our borders are secure,” she interrupts Davien with a smile, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I know you have spent your life worrying about decaying barriers and ancient rituals fading with the passage of time. But this is not your ancestral home in the Natural World. We are strong here in Midscape. We are your warriors, future king of the fae. You can entrust us to keep you safe while we deal with the final stage of reclaiming your power. We have all waited this long, we can wait a bit more.”
“Even if the borders are safe…won’t I die just from being in Midscape?” I ask. Davien’s friends made it a point to tell me just how certain my demise was for hours when I first arrived.
Vena looks me up and down once more. “Do you feel like you’re dying?”
“Well, no…” I trail off.
“You certainly don’t look as other humans have by now. You’re not withering away.” She approaches me and places her fingertips under my chin, tilting my head left and right. “In fact, you’re luminescent. Have you had our food yet?”
“Yes, in the woods.”
“And how did it taste?”
“Normal,” I say. Emphasizing how delicious it was seems unnecessary.
“Normal?” Davien repeats. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
I shrug. “I was starving. I thought I might have been hallucinating.” The lie tastes like licking freshly polished cutlery. He suspects the lie, too. His eyes narrow skeptically.
“Eat again,” Vena instructs. “And inform Davien or myself immediately should anything change in flavor or nourishment. Though I suspect it won’t.”
“Why? There has never been a human—other than the Human Queen—who could live in our world. Not since the Fade was erected.” Davien folds his arms over his chest.
“I suspect it’s because of the magic within her. It’s healing her wounds, is it not? Perhaps it is also turning our food into sustenance for her, despite her being human. Or maybe it’s because the magic is a part of this world that exists within her. There’s no real precedent for what has occurred, so any explanation is viable.” Vena shrugs. “She’s alive, so that’s really all that matters, yes?”
“I definitely prefer being alive,” I chime in with the obvious. “But does that mean once the magic is out of me I’ll begin…withering?” I can’t muster the strength to say “die.”
“If my speculations are correct, then yes.” Vena nods. “So we will make certain that when we do remove the magic from you, we are also able to return you to your world in short order.”
“Could the magic be used up in keeping her alive? She’s not of this world. Her connection to it can’t strengthen the power.” Worry streaks across Davien’s face. Worry not for me, but for the magic in me. I press my lips into a bitter smile.
“I doubt the king’s magic will be used up by a human so quickly.” Vena’s words are careful. She doesn’t explicitly say no. She says she doubts, not a firm yes or no. I have to be mindful about the language of the fae. They can’t lie…but that doesn’t mean they’re always sworn to the truth, either. I think of all the times my father emphasized the tricks of negotiation—those skills will serve me well here.
“You might be right.” Davien purses his lips. He no doubt hears the same thing I do. But nothing more can be done. We’re all trapped in this unconventional circumstance. “What can I do to assist you?”
