Feyborne Chronicles

Chapter 32: Weaving Courtly Games

The castle's maze of ornate corridors and extravagant decorations showcased the wealth of the Summer Court. It hadn't been long since I last navigated these paths, yet the opulence sent a chill down my spine.

However, the grandeur felt alien to me, highlighting the vast gap between my former life and the present.

My mind wandered to Tiger, whose steady presence was a source of comfort. "How do you always seem to know what to do?" I inquired, anticipating his usual nonchalant shrug in reply.

Unexpectedly, Tiger replied in a deliberate, contemplative tone, "Lord Cheshire... it's instinct. I've... observed... those around us."

"Seems you're quite the observer then. There are moments I feel utterly lost," I admitted with a sigh.

"Follow... your... nature," Tiger succinctly advised.

Navigating through the castle, we ventured down an unfamiliar corridor, stopping before a modest door secured with a latch, flanked by two Fey guards.

"Lady Cheshire is here to see the prisoner," announced the Rabbit clearly.

The guards exchanged looks before their gaze settled on me, unmoving for what felt like an eternity. My patience fraying, I was on the brink of speaking out when Tiger advanced, his growl laced with menace.

The rabbit spoke, "Gentlemen, this is Tiger Cheshire, offspring of Lady Cheshire and the Winter Envoy. We recognize your commitment to your roles, yet I assure you, everything is as it should be."

The guards' hesitation was palpable. Exasperated, I sighed, "I get it, you have duties. But today's been against me, and I urgently need to see my sister. If you don't step aside, I'll have Tiger here adjust your limbs in ways you won't appreciate. Explaining to Lady Lysandra why I injured our hosts is the last thing I want. So, please, for the Goddess's sake, move."

The rabbit began, "No need for that, my Lady. They're just committed to their roles, very cooperative..."

Interrupting him, I insisted, "Then have them step aside, or I will." The rabbit's beady red eyes met mine, clearly at a loss for words. It was then a new voice chimed in, "This isn't necessary."

As I faced the source of the intervention, a towering Fey woman stood before me. Towering at seven feet, her build was imposing, reminiscent of a linebacker—broad and powerful, giving the impression she could easily overpower anyone with just a squeeze.

"My apologies, my Lady," she began, her voice commanding yet respectful. "These guards are under strict orders not to abandon their posts without my express permission." She glanced at the two Fey guards and gave them a firm salute. "Let her pass."

The guards responded immediately, unlocking and opening the door before stepping aside to grant us entry.

I proceeded into the room, Tiger trailing closely behind. The narrow entryway forced him to duck his head. The rabbit and the formidable Fey woman followed us in.

Purrlyn was positioned by the window, her attention fixed on the fading light of dusk. She pivoted towards me as I made my entrance, her face brightening with a smile. "Alex," she called out, her tone a blend of astonishment and comfort.

As I moved closer to Purrlyn, the sound of shuffling feet from our followers filled the room, prompting me to stiffen. "May we have some privacy?" I requested, hoping for a moment alone with my sister.

The towering Fey woman apologized, "I'm sorry, my Lady, but we cannot leave her unattended at this time."

Frustrated, I challenged, "She's confined to this room under constant surveillance. What threat could she possibly pose?"