Page 62 of Crowns of Ice
Cocking my head, I contemplated what dynamic would develop between my guards and the Seary family if we were lucky enough to survive what was to come and be allowed to live a normal existence together.
A grin split my face when I imagined my mother and Nuwin being added to the mix. One thing I knew, family holidays would definitely be interesting.
By evening,we had all six looking glasses ready to deliver to Lord Crimsonale. Ilara’s family joined us as we left their tiny home to gather the fae of the hidden village.
Some of the fae here had been trapped within these icy walls for over twenty full seasons. Others had only been here months. Regardless, some were itching to be free, while just as many had accepted their new way of life.
Whatever the case, every single fairy here would be given the choice of what they wanted to do. They could join us in our uprising against the king, or they could stay here, behind my protected wards, while continuing to live in peace.
All I knew was that I would not make that choice for any of them.
“Gather round!” Tormesh yelled.
Fae shuffled out of houses and from the small shops and gardens dotting this veiled city. When everyone was present—all one hundred and seventeen of them—Ihopped onto a stone wall so I could better see their faces.
Ilara stayed on the ground, at my side, her black hair shining like obsidian against all of the silver and white-haired fairies.
“I’ve been told you’re all aware of the dissent growing within our land,” I said in a raised voice that carried through the air, echoing off the ice walls.
Several nodded. Others voiced their agreement.
“I’ve also been told that you know my father was ultimately behind our crops dying.”
Lips curled, and a few fae spat into the snow at their feet.
“Down with King Novakin!” One of the males raised his fist into the air and began pumping it.
Others joined in, their chants echoing his.
All of the fae here knew of my father’s true nature. He’d ordered all of their executions even though they were entirely innocent of any wrongdoings. None of them had deserved death. Not one.
I raised my hands, letting my wings flex slightly as I quieted the roar growing from the crowd. “It’s important that you understand that by leaving this hidden village, your lives will be at risk.”
“We know. We’re tired of hiding, my prince.” A female raised her voice above the others and jutted her chin up. “All of us are incredibly thankful for what you’ve done for us, but it’s time that we fight with you versus letting you fight for us alone.”
“Ock, Norleen’s right!” one of the males agreed. “Our fae need to know the truth about you, Your Highness. It’s time that bastard on the throne was revealed for who he truly is.”
Their energy and fervor rose again as magic began to simmer in the air. Their auras strummed steadily around us. I could practically taste their need for vengeance and freedom.
“Anybody who chooses to stay here will not be judged.” I looked as many of them in the eye as I could. “I created this village to keep you safe. You may continue to stay here and remain unharmed if you wish. I’ll continue bringing supplies as they’re needed. Nobody will be forced to leave these walls unless they choose to.”
All of the villagers looked to one another, some dipping their heads in obvious embarrassment.
A low growl rumbled in my chest. “Again,nobodywill be shamed or forced to leave these walls if they choose not to.”
“I would like to, my prince, but my daughter...” Ellosy, a female fae around my mother’s age, waved a hand toward the young girl at her side who wasn’t more than eight winters if I remembered correctly. “I can’t leave her.”
I nodded in agreement. My father had ordered Ellosy’s execution when he’d learned that she was telling other fae working in the kitchens of the dying crops. On the night I’d whisked her away, she begged me to bring her daughter with her. Her husband had died the winter prior, falling through the ice in a pondnear their home when he’d been trying to catch enough fish to feed his family. After his drowning, her daughter didn’t have anyone other than her, so I’d allowed her to bring the child, knowing that tearing them apart would destroy both of them.
“Nobody expects you to leave your child behind while you put yourself at risk.” Ilara jumped onto the wall beside me and threaded her fingers through mine. The contact sent a tingle all the way to my soul.
Her love pushed toward me, and then in a rush of magic, her white feathersburst from her back. A collective gasp emitted from the town. Her beautiful feathered appendages glimmered like freshly fallen snow. “Those of us who have enough magic to fight the king and don’t have young children that we need to protect will fight in the name of those who stay behind. We’re united in our cause, and united we will remain.”
“Indeed, Lady Seary!” Several males raised their fists.
“We stand united!” others shouted.
Ilara raised her fist as well, her expression fierce, her demeanor defiant.