Crown of Starlight

Chapter 7

(Sorry this took awhile to update! Will add more tomorrow ☺️🤍)

Azra dropped me off at the light realms border and left without a word leaving me alone with my thoughts. I threw my hood up, my only disguise as I began walking back through the golden city towards my home, reeling from the information he shared with me. A part of me was screaming not to believe a single word that comes out of his treacherous mouth but my gut feeling told me he was speaking the truth. Still, even if he does speak the truth, I won't ever trust him again. Even if he is my heartbond. A shiver ran down my spine, I clutched my cloak tighter to my chest, even thinking the word heartbond makes me cringe.

The streets leading up the palace where lively. Intoxicated light fae scattered the streets singing and laughing without a care in the world. I wondered, are they aware of the looming threats to our realm and people? Are they oblivious to the dangers beyond our realm or are they completely faithful that their Queen would protect them as so many other monarchs have done in the past. I decided to take the back alleys back to the palace, a quicker route, I know these streets like the back of my hand from the countless times I snuck out of the palace. I saw things my father wished to shelter us from. The poorest of our people, children begging for money and food, women offering their bodies for a bed to sleep in and high born fae preying on the weakest in our society. Seeing the worst parts of our realm was one of the reasons I hated being in the palace, hated being surrounded by high born fae who choose to turn a blind eye to the all the suffering around them. I suppose I too am part of the problem. I too indulged in the privileges of being high born. The constant partying and pointless use of my magic which instead could of been used to do good. Xander would do good, if he was king, if he had this magic, if he was here he would do good. If I must shoulder the burden of being Queen, I want to do good too. I want to be like him. I've always wanted to be like him. I just need to get the damn magic under control first.

"Yo ho ho and the Prince is....dead!" I stopped dead in my tracks. The alley opened up onto a dimly lit street. A large crowd of fae surrounded a small stage across the road. Lanterns lit with flickering balls of soft white light floated overhead. I peered over the shoulders of the onlookers. One actor lay in the center of the stage in a pool of what appeared to be light blood. One of these street performers was gifted with enough magic to conjure up this illusion. It took me a moment to realise that person pretending to be dead was supposed to be my brother.

"Oh no! My dear brother is gone. I guess now I shall have the crown for myself! It looks much better on me anyways!" A female in a blonde wig pranced around the stage, flicking her curls and swishing the skirt of her frilly pink dress. She lifted a crown, pausing to show the crowd before slowly placing it upon her head before curtsying dramatically to a increasingly rowdy crowd. I can deal with people openly mocking me but seeing them use my brothers death as entertainment awakened my power. It bubbled beneath the surface, ready to cause destruction. I spun around and began speed walking in the direction of my home. Weaving in and out of fae, the heat of my power warming my cheeks. You belong to me. I thought to myself with the hope my magic would listen. My palms began to shine, the magic lurking beneath my skin begging for release becoming evident. I tucked my hands under my arms and continued walking. You belong to me. I thought a second time, this time more convincing, more commanding, and for a second I felt the magic cool in my veins. For a second the magic didn't just listen, it obeyed.

"ENOUGH!" A familiar males voice shouted over the crowd. I paused and peeked up through my hood. A group of fae wearing gold cloaks stormed the stage putting a stop to the performance and Callahan was the leader.

"While you're all laughing at your queens expense, she's up there trying to find a way to keep you all safe from those creatures out there. Queen Aurora is brave and fierce....and she has a good heart and you should all be damn grateful she's the one wearing the crown because without her we would all be lambs to the slaughter" Callahan, with a hand on the hilt of the sword by his side began to exit the stage. The crowd was silent. I looked down at my palms, the light was gone and the sinking feeling in my chest was replaced with hopefulness from Callahans speech. Whether he meant what he said or he was just trying to maintain my reputation as a member of the royal guard his words soothed my heart and my magic. I made my way through the crowd. Hearing the crowd whisper as they all dispersed into the night.

I lowered my hood, to the surprise of the guards on watch. I ignored their stunned expressions as I walked past them and entered the palace. I headed towards Nuri's room. As her older sister I should of been there for her, I should of consoled her and been the one to comfort her but I've been so lost in my own grief that I failed to acknowledge her feelings too. I pulled the fastening of my cloak and folded it across my arms. As I approached the south side of the palace I could hear the faint sound of music. As I got closer to one of the main halls the music was so loud I could feel the base through the floor. The walls around me seemed to move with the beat. Hangings on the walls shook so violently I'm surprised they hadn't fallen off. I took a weary breath and swung the double doors open. I took a few steps inside the hall before freezing. Lights of all colours beamed around the room, drunk fae danced around the room, all of them with a drink in hand. Some fae sat in the corner with bottles of alcohol and questionable substances layed out on the tables. And in the center of the room, stood dancing on a table and wearing one of my mothers dresses....was my sister, Nuri.

"What...the....fuck."