Feyborne Chronicles

Chapter 31: Envoy of Winter

As the grand silhouette of the castle loomed ever closer, an uneasy silence settled between us, broken only by the occasional crunch of gravel underfoot. Tiger stood tall beside me, a vigilant guardian in the gathering dusk.

He cast a wary glance toward the imposing structure and the Fey surrounding us. His unease was palpable.

"What's wrong?" I inquired.

He shook his head. "Many...summer..."

I simply nodded, acknowledging Tiger's concern. There were indeed many members of the Summer Court present in this escort, and with Tiger and I being the only ones clearly aligned with Winter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as well.

As we drew nearer to the castle, I noticed groups of people gathering on the other side of the road, cheering as Adrian approached the gates. Their excitement reached a crescendo with a resounding boom.

Amidst the jubilation, I began to discern a more diverse array of Fey. From elegant Elves to gruff Trolls and mischievous Goblins, Fey of all kinds lined the path, their expressions a blend of curiosity and reverence. Yet, despite their varied appearances, the Winter Fey among them appeared subdued, their usual vibrancy dimmed as if burdened by an unseen weight.

"Something is off," I muttered to Tiger, sensing his silent agreement as he took a step closer to me, within arm's reach. His behavior struck me as unusual, but I realized that I was being drawn into the intricate web of Fey politics.

As we proceeded, my thoughts turned to the state of the Winter Court. It seemed as though we were constantly overshadowed by the other courts, our strength and influence diminishing.

With the loss of our Queen and a noticeable decline in power among the Cheshire's, we had undoubtedly fallen from grace. But had we fallen too far? What would it take for us to reclaim our former glory? And why did I suddenly find myself caring so deeply about the state of Winter?

Before I could delve further into these thoughts, the grand gates before us creaked open, unveiling the courtyard beyond.

In the courtyard, the noble houses of Summer stood lined up on either side, their presence imposing yet graceful. Among them, Father stood alone next to Lord Rabbiton, his facade of indifference belying the turmoil I knew lay within.

In the center of the crowd, a tall structure dominated the scene. Atop a platform, raised by the strained efforts of numerous gnomes, stood Lady Solara and Queen Titania. The gnomes' faces bore a mix of strain and determination, hinting at the weight of their responsibilities, quite literally. These were the same individuals who had served the previous king, and with my newfound knowledge of their kind, I couldn't help but wonder if their current plight was a form of punishment by the Courts.

Lost in contemplation, I was abruptly brought back to the present as Tiger tapped me on the shoulder, prompting me to refocus my attention.

With Queen Titania's majestic presence commanding the attention of all, she stepped forward, her voice carrying like a soothing melody, enveloping the crowd in a warm embrace.

"Loyal subjects of the Summer Court," Queen Titania's voice rang out, her words carrying a regal authority that demanded respect. "I present to you the first envoy from the four courts." Her gaze swept over the assembled Fey, pausing briefly on me. Uncertain of how to proceed, I hesitated until Tiger's subtle encouragement urged me forward.

"Alex Cheshire, Lady of the Winter Court," I introduced myself, trying to maintain a steady voice despite the fluttering in my chest. Queen Titania's welcoming smile provided a semblance of comfort amid my nervousness.