42. Danica

Danica

42

D awn's light trickles through the sheer drapes, casting my chamber in a golden hue so faint it's almost ethereal. This is the day I confrontthe Sun Court's King and Queen, and the gravity of the occasion hangs over me like an oppressive yoke. While I'm shouldering this burden, Alina, ever the sprite with her wispy touch and that smile that always stops short of sincerity, hovers about. She presents a gown, its modesty a stark departure from the usual skimpy attire I've been sporting—a welcome change.

The gown is subtle yet undeniably elegant, reminiscent of the early light that now bathes my skin. It's a cascade of cream-colored chiffon, soft as a whisper against my body. Embroidered sunbursts adorn the bodice, their rays stretching out in gold and palest yellow threads, catching the light with every movement. The sleeves are sheer, flowing down to my wrists where they cinch in tight cuffs detailed with tiny pearls. The skirt falls in gentle folds to the floor, each step revealing an underlay of rose gold that shimmers like a sunrise.

Alina snaps the final button into place at my gown's back, and that's when I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the full-length mirror. A surge of reassurance floods through me as I take in the sight—I'm the embodiment of royalty, exuding an undeniable strength that seems to radiate from within. This gown is more than just fabric and thread; it's a suit of elegance, my battle attire for the challenges that lie ahead.

"You look beautiful," Alina breathes out, and this time, her smile is the real deal, with no pretense or artifice in sight. It's a genuine expression of admiration and respect that warms me.

"Thanks," I shoot back, pivoting away from the looking glass to face her squarely. "I feel... fitting for the occasion."

And it's true—I do feel fitting like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I'm meant to do. This sense of purpose and destiny is a heady feeling that buoys me up like a rising tide.

I pause for a moment, considering Alina with a thoughtful tilt of my head. "You know, I don't think I've ever asked you about your life here at the Sun Court. How long have you been an attendant?"

Alina's eyes widen slightly, surprised by my interest. It's clear that she's not used to being asked about herself and having someone take a genuine interest in her life and experiences. "Oh, I've been here for a few years now," she says, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "It's a good life, serving the court and being a part of something greater."

I nod, understanding the sentiment all too well. "I can imagine. It must be rewarding, in its own way."

"It is," Alina agrees, a genuine smile gracing her features and lighting up her eyes. "And if I may say so, My Lady, it's an honor to serve you. Your presence brings a new light to the court, a sense of hope and possibility that we haven't felt in a long time."

Her words touch me deeply, striking a chord within my heart that resonates with the truth of her sentiment. I reach out to give her hand a gentle squeeze, feeling the warmth of her skin against my own. "Thank you, Alina," I say softly, my voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me. I hope we can become friends during my time here."

Alina returns the squeeze, her eyes shining with warmth and hinting of something that might be tears. "I would like that very much, My Lady," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

I quickly switch topics."Okay, now please tell me. Just what in the hell was in that wine?" I ask, my mind replaying last night's uninhibited antics with vivid clarity.

Alina, trying to maintain her composure, smiles demurely. "It's a signature blend of our vineyard. As I mentioned, it comes with a certain... zest."

"Zest? That's like calling a wildfire a spark," I quip, my eyebrows arching. "Felt more like a liquid love potion if you ask me."

With a grace that matches the poise of her giggle, Alina nods. "Indeed, it contains a... passionate additive," she says, her diplomacy shining through her amusement. "It is a treasured essence, one that has kindled fires in our realm for many generations, My Lady."

I can't help but gape at her, my jaw dropping in a mix of shock and admiration. "Wait, wait, wait. You're telling me you guys have been spiking your wine with some ancient, magical horny juice for hundreds of years?"

Alina nods a hint of pride in her smile. "Indeed, My Lady. It's a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of our winemakers."

I shake my head, a grin spreading across my face. "Well, damn. You guys sure know how to party.

Alina's laughter rings out, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Indeed, My Lady. It helps…relax, in a sense—keeps the peace."

At this moment, I feel a connection forming between us, a bond of friendship and understanding that transcends our differences in rank and station. It's a reminder that, beneath the trappings of court life and the weight of destiny, we are all just people searching for connection and meaning in this strange and wondrous world.

I smile at Alina, feeling a sense of peace and contentment settle over me like a warm blanket. "Well then, my friend," I say, my voice light and teasing, "shall we go and face the court together?"

With the crown in place—the final gleaming touch to my ensemble—I swiftly take a final look at my reflection. This is it—the moment when the mirror tells no lies and the regal figure staring back holds the weight of destiny.

It's showtime.

Alina grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. "Let's do it, My Lady," she says, offering me her arm in a playful gesture of camaraderie.

We strut out to rendezvous withRhyland,Erik, andFaderyn. The trio looms like towers of power, but their expressions turn all puppy-dog the moment they lay eyes on me.

Erikemits a low whistle as we approach, his eyes widening in surprise as he sees me in my formal finery. "I never thought I'd see you don a gown willingly after our last debacle with courtly attire," he says, a hint of teasing in his voice.

That gets me chuckling—a quick snort that's more about jittery nerves than anything else. "Let's just say it's nice to be sporting a little more fabric real estate today," I quip back, smoothing my hands over the lush skirts of my gown.

"You look beautiful, Little Huntress,"Eriksays sweetly, his eyes softening with genuine affection.

Rhylandsaunters over, all soft gazes and gentle touches, and weaves his fingers through my carefully coiffed locks. "You look stunning,Angel," he murmurs, his voice dipped in honey and promise.

"Thank you," I breathe out, feeling a flush of pleasure at their compliments. But even as I bask in their admiration, I can't help but inquire, "And where's our dear Luci tucked away?"

"He beat us to the punch, mingling in the throne room with the rest of the crowd,"Rhylandtells me, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You knowLucian—he's never one to miss a chance to work the room."

I nod, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Of course he is. Probably charming the pants off of every Fae in sight."

Faderynflashes me a toasty grin as we buddy up toward the throne room, his eyes twinkling with mirth and mischief. I toss a quick smile in return, all the while dodging his gaze so as not to spill the beans on my little spying spree earlier.

As we approach the massive double doors of the throne room, I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders and lifting my chin in a show of confidence and determination. I may be a mortal in a world of immortals, but I am also the prophesied savior of the realms, and the pomp and circumstance of the Fae court will not cow me.

Let the games begin.

T he throne room is a spectacle to behold—the ceiling soaring sky-high, graced with frescoes that whisper tales of ancient Fae mysteries. Light bathes every inch in a soft glow; shadows don't dare encroach here. The King and Queen perch on their thrones like twin stars brought down from the heavens.

Queen Titania Solariaembodies her title—The Radiant Queen. Her hair flows around her like molten bronze, each strand vibrating with inner light. Her eyes are summer skies come to life, set into a face that speaks of centuries of wisdom held within an eternally youthful visage. Her gown rivals the morning sky—a diaphanous creation in hues of yellow and white chiffon that floats around her slender form as if it has a life of its own.

King Oberon Aurealisis her perfect counterpart—The Light King—tall and slender with sharp features that cut a regal silhouette against his throne. His hair is like strands of pure silver moonlight cascading past broad shoulders, while his eyes hold glints of icy blue ringed with gold that seem almost otherworldly in their intensity.

The space brims with Sun Court Fae, arrayed in pew upon pew—a holy assembly on a supernatural power trip. As we enter, I sense the weight of their gazes locking on us. The murmured chatter abruptly cuts off, like someone hit the mute button on the whole crowd.

I stride down the grand aisle, feeling the intensity of countless eyes trying to bore into our souls. Keeping my cool, I march toward the dais where the King and Queen sit, their gazes fixed upon us.

"Lady Danica," Queen Titania declares, her voice resonating throughout the chamber, melodious and imbued with the comforting warmth of sunlight caressing exposed skin. "We eagerly invite you to recount your journey to our distinguished court. Our esteemedAxilyahas graciously shared some details concerning you and your passage, yet it is from your own words that we wish to learn. Please enlighten us on the nature of your quest and disclose how we might bestow our assistance upon you."

I mentally brace myself for a scene straight out of a Game of Thrones high-stakes intrigue. I've binged enough to know the drill—smile like you know all the secrets, stand like you hold all the cards, and keep your cool like you're the puppet master.

Here goes nothing—I summon my inner Emmy winner and lay on the performance of a lifetime.

I dip into a curtsy, nailing it despite the gown's theatrics, then look up to meet their royal stares. "Your Highnesses," I start, my voice smoother than expected, given the internal acrobatics. "I stand before you not merely as an outsider from a foreign land but as a bearer of both promise and trepidation for our collective futures."

King Oberon leans forward slightly, his gaze piercing yet not unkind. "Speak plainly, Lady Danica," he commands gently.

I lay it all out—the whole wild ride about Azrael's scheme, hobnobbing with Morty, the creeping darkness looking to RSVP to the end-of-world party, and this crown of mine that likes to play peekaboo, equipped with more tricks than I can wrap my head around. I spill aboutRhylandand our cosmic connection that's basically laughing in the face of Father Time, and I map out my epic quest hitchhiking across the seven realms to snag thestones—because apparently, it's the realms' VIP ticket to beating the dark and hitting save on our collective asses.

"I am, believe it or not, the direct descendant ofElysiumhimself." Yeah, it's not your everyday family tree, and I half-wonder if they'll buy the revelation or if I'll need to bust out some celestial birth certificate as proof.

Their faces serve as an ever-changing canvas as I talk, painting a vivid picture of curiosity, worry, and comprehension. It's like watching clouds drift across the sun, each emotion casting a different shade over their regal features.

"May we ask you to prove your power? That you are indeed who you say you are…" King Oberon inclines, raising his brow in a silent challenge.

I knew this would be a requirement perFaderyn's explanation of these Fae and what they represent. They are beings of power and magic, and they will not accept my claim without tangible proof of my own abilities.

So, with a deep breath, I reach within myself, tapping into the wellspring of power that thrums through my veins like liquid starlight. I conjure my light, feeling it build and grow within me until it bursts forth from my hands in a dazzling display of radiance.

First, I show my white fire, letting it wreathe my hands in a shimmering aura of pure energy. The flames dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows on the throne room's walls, but I keep them controlled with steady breaths and an iron will.

Then, I shape the light into a sphere, molding it like clay between my palms until it glows with an inner luminescence that rivals the sun itself. With a wink and a playful grin, I blow the sphere towards the King and Queen like a bubble, watching as it floats gracefully through the air before resting above their heads.

The Fae monarchs stare at the sphere in wonder, their eyes wide with awe and perhaps a hint of trepidation. Of course, they have seen magic before—they are creatures of magic themselves—but it's been cut off to all Fae, and they've never seen it like this and never wielded by a mortal with such ease and mastery.

I can feel the weight of their gazes on me, the pressure of their expectations, and their doubts. But I stand tall and proud, my chin lifted and my eyes shining with the light of my own conviction.

There is a moment of stunned silence, broken only by the soft rustling of fabric as the Fae shift in their seats. And then, slowly but surely, a murmur of excitement and anticipation begins to build, growing louder and more insistent with each passing second.

"The prophecy is true," someone whispers, their voice trembling with barely contained emotion.

"The savior has come at last," comes another voice.

This is my moment, my chance to prove myself worthy of the title that has been bestowed upon me.

And I will not let it pass me by.

With a final flourish, I release the sphere of light, letting it dissipate into a shower of glittering motes that rain down upon the assembled Fae like stardust. And as they gaze up at me with a mix of wonder and respect, I know that I have passed their test—that I have proven myself to be the savior they have been waiting for.

Queen Titania leans forward ever so slightly—a graceful gesture that seems choreographed by nature itself. "You are indeed who you claim to be."

I nod once.

"You bear a considerable weight upon your shoulders," she reflects audibly, her expression one of earnest contemplation. "Displaying such fortitude and resilience in journeying today speaks volumes of your courage. We are aware of the Darkness..."

At her words, I subtly incline my head, an expression of thanks for acknowledging my tale and plight. It's a subtle gesture but carries the weight of my genuine appreciation.

"And regarding this stone that you seek," she proceeds, her words emerging deliberately after a pause sufficient to coax a collective intake of breath in anticipation from those gathered, "I regret to inform you that it lies outside the scope of our wisdom and beyond the confines of our realm."

As her words fade, a gentle rustle stirs among the courtiers—a blend of astonishment and letdown that harmonizes with the descent of my own spirits. The room hums with their soft echoes, each murmur mirroring the heavy drop in my chest.

Firm in my conviction, I address the queen with determined certainty. "If I may, Your Radiance. I have sensed it—the unmistakable tug of the stone. It resides somewhere within this realm. With your permission," I pause, knowing this will certainly get a reaction... "I desire to venture to theCrystal Peaks."

The air erupts with gasps and the buzz of chatter, a testament to the audacity of my request. The queen's eyes flicker with concern, then questions.

Beside me,Faderynmutters urgently, "What are you doing? I've told you no one—"

But his warning is clipped abruptly as King Oberon commands the room. With authority that resonates in every corner, he declares, "Silence, please." The myriad voices fall away, leaving only anticipation hanging in the air.

If this elusive stone isn't playing hide-and-seek right under our noses, then it's rolling out the red carpet at theCrystal Peaks.Faderyndropped some pretty heavy hints back inWhispervale—something aboutUnicornsmoonlighting as top-tier security for a swanky realm-breaking or realm-saving knickknack. Connect the dots, and it's as clear as crystal—I bet my bottom dollar it's stashed up there.

Oberon's face carves a fresco of worry as he pivots my way, those kingly features all tied up in a frown that speaks volumes. "Do you grasp the gravity of your entreaty, my dear?" he inquires, his voice tinged with a solemn depth. "No soul has ever surmounted those formidable peaks and returned to weave their tale. The undertaking you propose bears the semblance of a death wish."

"I do, Your Highness," I assert with a confidence I hope is convincing.

Rhyland's voice sneaks into my mind, a silent murmur, "Are you sure?"

Without missing a beat, I reply internally, "Without a doubt."

On the outside, though, it's all poise and purpose, "I'm here on a quest for the stone—It's my destiny, Your Highness. My gut tells me it's up there in theCrystal Peaks, and I intend to get it."

The room erupts again with a symphony of sharp intakes of breath. But as Queen Titania rises, an expectant hush blankets the court. Each step she takes toward me feels like the tick of a grand clock, halting time itself. She's a cascade of radiance, exuding vibes of sunny days and carefree imaginings. Her smile is a work of art, all warmth and welcome, even as her gaze drifts to the gold crown perched on my head.

"May I?" she inquires, enchanted.

I nod, a bit amused. "It's pretty stuck on there, but you may touch it."

She raises her hand, her fingers graze the cool gold, and the crown sings a note of pure magic in response. "Extraordinary," she whispers with awe, veiling her tone.

Tears glisten in her eyes, creating pools of emotion too deep to wade through merely. "We feared you might be a myth," she confesses through a quiver of relief. "I—we…" her hands splaying wide, gesturing to the entire court, "have awaited your arrival through countless turns of the season. Welcome, at long last."

Then, like the dawn bestows light on the hopeful, she graces me with her pronouncement—where she fills the room with a promise, "You shall have our full support, Danica—the foretold Chosen One, the hopeful Savior of the Seven Realms."

The hall erupts into a symphony of applause and jubilant cheers. It's a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart, knowing these Fae get it—they get me and are on board with this wildly ambitious mission. Their support is like a beacon in the night, and oh, does it fuel the fire for the road ahead.

"But be certain of this," King Oberon's voice cuts through the air, solid as bedrock yet softened by the undercurrent of kindness that threads through his words.

Everyone goes silent. His eyes lock onto mine with a determination as unwavering as his stance, a clear testament to his resolve and the subtle warmth of his royal regard. "Your expedition to that treacherous place will not be devoid of tribulation. The path is fraught with peril, yet rest assured, we shall extend our aid to you in whichever manner lies within our power."

I dip my head, the universal sign for 'I gotcha,' but inside, my scientist's brain is doing somersaults, cartwheeling through every rational and empirical alleyway, trying to pin down what boogeyman could possibly be haunting the hills of the fabledCrystal Peaks.