The guards soon arrived at my door after the servants had left. Their stern faces showing me nothing as they escorted me throughout the palace. My heart drummed with each step, the cold stone floor beneath my feet as a harsh reminder of where I was.
Ozzie if you can hear me I love you and the farm. Please tell aunt bea i miss her. I said to myself. In hopes that my beloved cat would be able to understand. It was worth a shot.
When we reached the throne room, the massive doors creaked open to reveal the imposing figure of the far king who was sat rested upon his obsidian throne. The room was filled with fae nobles their cold eyes fixated on me as they frowned in disapproval. Disgusted with who I was.
Kael still on the side on his father, his expression as unreadable as the guards as he watched me approach them. His gaze never leaving mine.
The Kings voice broke me out of the trance cutting throughout the silence of the room.
"Welcome child." he said gesturing towards the council.
I swallowed hard repressing the insult that was on the tip of my tongue. I needed awnseres this time not an argument.
"Why am I here?" I asked sternly. But while my voice sounded authoritative my hands were shaking in fear.
The King rose from his throne towering over me. His presence suffocating me his energy was very strong. My blood ran cold. "You are a valuable piece in this grand game of ours, Ember.The witches will do anything to protect you as you are their rightful heir. And I...." His smile widened eerily like the cheshire cats. "..intend to use that devotion to my advantage."
"Use me for what, i'm just a simple farm girl you and you son..." I said with malice. .. "you must have me mistaken for someone else."
" You my dear girl, are the missing Heiress of the Witch Clan. We have been at a constant war I want to rule over both kingdoms, you are the bait that will force them to submit to my rule."
My breath caught in my lungs as the weight of his words sank in. Heiress ? Me ? I chuckled at the thought.
But even if it is true using me to bring people down is not right. "You can't do this." I said my voice shaking in anger.
The king chuckled, his amusement echoed throughout the room. "Oh I can. And I will. But first you must prove yourself to the council. Tommorow you will be put in a trail to test you. Let's see if the precious witches precious savior is worth the trouble before we just up and off you."
My heart pounded in my ears nervous for what was to come. What the hell kinda medevil stuff is this prove myself ? I don't even want to be here. But to spite them I replied, " I'll survive your trial, and when I do you'll regret thinking you could use me." I said sternly looking straight into his silver eyes.
The kings smirk widened. " We will see tommorow."
And with that the council followed out the king as he walked to gods knows where. Can someone just give me awnseres. I sighed and went back with the guards.
"I'm coming." I said dragging my feet before exiting the throne room.
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My legs felt heavy once more as I was escorted by the guards, the chase from the other night was still taking its toll on me. And now I have to engage in potentially more physical activity? I guess aunt bea failed in that department. I couldn't help but recall what the King has said and his words echoed throughout my head .
i'm the bait.
Every instinct in me wanted to scream. All i kept getting met with was short responses that led to even more questions that were not getting awnsered. I felt trapped and all I was, was a pawn in this game. Was I really meant to go out like this? I sighed and played down on my bed once more. I sank into the bed immeaditly feeling the dress crinkle up around me, a reminder of how easily they could get me to do their bidding.
I slowly drifted off to sleep but awoken once again by Kael his expression still unreadable.
"Enjoying the show?" I asked annoyed.
He crossed his arms leaning on the door frame once more. "You held up better than I expected."
"Oh thanks, I'm glad i'm entertaining." I replied rolling my eyes. To which he just smirked.
Prick.
I shot up to my feet standing inches away from his face. " Why do I have to prove anything to him, what even is the trials for I don't have any magic at all. Neither of you care if I live or die so just send me back where I came from."
Kael flinched, the flicker of guilt in his eyes almost imperceptible. "The trial isn't just for him. It's for the court, the kingdom. You've been marked as a threat, Ember because who what you are. If you survive, they'll think twice before underestimating you."
"And if I don't?" I challenged.
Kael's gaze hardened. "Then you'll die. And they'll find another way to bait the witches."
Her breath caught at his bluntness. For a moment, silence stretched between us, the weight of the truth hanging heavy in the air.
"Why do you care?" Ember asked, my voice quieter now. "Why are you even here?"
Kael hesitated, his expression wavering before he straightened. "Because you're more useful alive than dead," he said curtly, turning toward the door.
Before he left, he paused, glancing back at her. "The trial begins at dawn. Rest while you can."
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Ember alone with her swirling thoughts.
YOU ARE READING
The Shattered Crown BOOK 1: CROWN OF ASH AND GOLD
FantasyEmber Valen has spent her life believing she was an ordinary young woman named Lola, she was raised by Beatrice, a quiet family friend with a mysterious past. But on her 21st birthday, Ember's world unravels. Strange magic erupts within her during a...
