CHAPTER 36

Althea waited beyond the door, pacing grooves into the ground. Only when she heard our arrival did she stop. I held my breath, expecting to hear her disappointment as she greeted me. Days’ worth of silence unleashed as though she couldn’t wait to release it upon me.

She watched me with a calculating stare. When she spoke, her voice shook ever so slightly. “How is Duncan faring?”

My shoulders sagged forward, unable to hold the weight of his name. I shook my head, dropping my chin to my chest. “Unresponsive, still.”

Before I could look up, her arms were around me. A sob cracked free from my ribs as I buried my tear-slicked face into the mess of her red hair.

“I thought I was doing the right thing,” I spluttered. “I never wished to deceive you or make you feel as though I acted behind your back. I’m sorry.”

“Robin.” Althea’s voice was calm and controlled. “I wish I could tell you I’m not pissed off with you, but it is not in my nature to lie. But I have lost so much already.” Her voice cracked. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you, too.”

I peeled my face from her hair. Althea’s hands fell to mine, and we held onto one another, fingers coiled and firm.

“I’m so sorry,” I said.

“For saving the world, don’t be. For not including me in your plans, then I accept your apology.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to explain why I’d kept it from her, but Althea spoke before I could say anything.

“We will have time to discuss everything, but first, I want us to be reunited. Our courts have always held a close bond. It would be foolish for it to break now. And, for what it’s worth, I believe the decision you made was the right one, remember that.”

“You have all the right to be angry with me,” I replied, squeezing her hands.

“Undoubtedly,” she huffed. “And I will make you pay. But after, and only after , we set the world right. The world your decision has made safe from a demon god. Not just now, forever.”

Pride righted my posture. “I don’t deserve you.”

“I know, but I deserve you,” Althea replied, retrieving her hands from me. She nudged my shoulder as we both faced the closed door. “Do not let Gyah know I am telling you this, but even she has fought your corner. I don’t think she could have been prouder of you. Although, if she finds out I ever told you, she will suck the meat from both our bones.”

“Sounds about right,” I retorted. “With a tongue so sharp, it is no wonder you love her.”

“What can I say.” Althea winked. “There is something rather special about falling into bed, and love, with your personal guard.”

Erix coughed into his fist behind us, reminding us of his presence. My cheeks bloomed with heat, and guilt crept across my consciousness.

I was thankful when Althea drifted on soundless feet toward the door and pushed it open. Inside, the room was bright with the scent of food. My stomach rumbled for the first time in days. The promise of a full stomach enticed me to forget Althea’s comment.

“I will wait for you here,” Erix said coldly.

“Take the evening off,” Althea called over her shoulder. “There are no longer evils lurking in the dark. Robin will be fine.”

“You should know better than anyone, Queen Cedarfall. I made a vow. My word is bound. Robin, I will be waiting for you.”

“For me, or him.”

Erix’s eyes settled on me, answering the question without a reply.

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. That is 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.

Rafaela’s brows furrowed at my question. Her battered, torn wings twitched just as my own fingers continued to fidget on my lap. “My actions and desires have affected you enough, Robin Icethorn. I would not wish for you to concern yourself with the repercussions I have brought upon myself. The punishment which waits for me is not a new concept. Gabrial and I knew it would come with our success. I welcome it gladly.”

“But I do worry,” I said, sitting forward until my ass was on the edge of my seat. “All this talk of punishment does not sit well with me.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Elinor asked the questions likely running through all our minds. “Surely the Nephilim would listen if the heads of the fey courts petitioned for you?”

Rafaela smiled proudly, brushing off Elinor’s suggestion with an exhaled sigh. “Not even the Creator could cleanse me of my sins, Elinor Oakstorm. My duty, my purpose, was to protect the keys, but I went against it. I took it a step further and ensured they were destroyed. Whatever is waiting for me, I welcome it.”

She looked at me, and I was certain I saw tears swell in her striking eyes. “Gabrial will provide me with comfort. I go gladly, knowing I am a step closer to seeing my sister’s face again.”

Althea stood abruptly. Her chair clattered with a bang against the floor. “There is no denying my views on your decision and the position it put Robin in. But I can’t condone sending you back to the Nephilim if death awaits you. Actually, I refuse it.”

“Starting a war with the Nephilim over one life is not worth it,” Rafaela replied, voice clear and proud. “And there is no saying if death will greet me. My people are just and fair. I appreciate your wishes to protect me, but I am not in need. Believe me.”

I didn’t believe her, that was the problem.

I sensed Rafaela’s finality to the conversation, but the look I shared with Althea confirmed this was not over. Far from it, in fact.

We continued speaking for hours. In the windowless room, time was inconsequential as a concept. Only the melting of the pillar candles across the table and the ever-growing puddle of wax at their base was a signifier of how long we lost ourselves to conversation.

“Forgive me.” Elinor stood, face contorting into a yawn. “It has been a long few days, and I imagine those that follow will be no different. It is not criminal to steal a few hours of sleep before I have to face my council. Still, I sense nothing but resistance from them. Once this conflict has been dealt with, I will continue with the one which rages in the heart of my court.”

“Say the word,” Althea said. “And I will help where I can.”

“Doran surrounded himself with men whose narrow views did not vary. It will take some time to convince them of my rule, until I grow impatient and snatch it from underneath them.”

“Weak men are fearful of powerful women,” I said, echoing something my father had once told me. I couldn’t help but wonder if he spoke of my mother.

Elinor placed a fleeting hand upon my shoulder. “Julianne would have told you, given the chance, I have always enjoyed a challenge. Now more so than ever.”

My chest warmed at the mention of my mother. I wished Elinor didn’t have to leave so I could finally take the chance to ask her everything she remembered of her. Now the Icethorn key no longer dwelled within me, I couldn’t help but feel distant from her. It was as if the one physical thing tethering me to her had vanished.

As Elinor Oakstorm dismissed herself and slipped through the door, Rafaela also bidding farewell alongside her, Erix forced his way into the room under the muttering of apologies.

“Do you still struggle with the concept of personal space, Erix?” Althea threw her comment at Erix. It reminded me of a time, an easier one than this, when we were all friends without the horrible memories wedged between us.

My tired grin faltered as I looked at the frown that drew down Erix’s face. He looked directly at me, hesitation lingering on his parted lips.

“Erix. What is it?”

The shadow in his eyes frightened me. It was as though he’d seen something horrifying, as though he faced his greatest fear and narrowly survived it – again.

Erix looked at me with wide, all-seeing eyes. My heart plummeted through my chest. Panic seized at my throat and squeezed. The look on his face seemed to reveal my fear. One I had faced multiple times.

Duncan’s death.

I clapped my hands to my ears, refusing to hear the words Erix had to say. Except his words caught me off guard. They had me removing my hands slowly, lowering them back to my thighs as I tried to make sense of Erix’s revelation.

“Duncan is awake.”