Crown of Shadows: The Dark Kingdom Book Two by Jaci Miller

Author:Jaci Miller [Miller, Jaci]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798985630114
Publisher: Solitary Pen Press
Published: 2023-10-19T16:00:00+00:00

38

Faelin

With Dagget Ra in attendance on the dais as the queen’s guard, Faelin had stayed at the back of the colosseum. She had a clear view of the dais and Vallaria but was far enough away that she didn’t have to pretend to be interested in this ridiculous ceremony.

The lighting of the Seven Halos was an age-old tradition that dated back to when Exile was first settled and kingdoms formed. At first, only two Halos existed: one for Kasmire and the other for the Golden City. Although the two realms were at odds, the holy king wished for peace with the seaside nation. Kasmire added the Ravenia Halo to the ceremony after Vallaria’s ancestor won a war against the Gold Coast Empire and laid claim to an expanse of its land, thus creating the third kingdom and a new royal line. Again, the holy king lit a candle in hopes the bloodshed would eventually turn to peace.

Although the elves had been in Exile longer than any man, their candle didn’t come until the current king, Tirus Amorian, deemed the elves worthy of peace. “You, like all of God’s creatures, are worthy of his love, King Elvander. I will add a Halo in your honor.”

When Faelin’s father had told her about the holy king’s gesture many years ago, she’d laughed. “He called us creatures, Father. Like we are of the same making as the snake who slithers in the grass or the cows whose teats they pull for their milk. Why would we accept a token of peace from the holy city when we are the only realm who’s remained at peace for centuries?”

Her father’s response had always stuck with her. “There will always be a difference between the worlds of elves and man. Building a bridge between us where acceptance, no matter how small, leads to a world better for all is an arduous task. Don’t dwell on the misguided notions. Focus instead on the meaning behind them.”

“Do you intend to stand here all night?” Tae Minjung’s voice interrupted Faelin’s memories.

“I do.”

“Why don’t you come sit with me up front?”

“This place is too crowded,” Faelin said, her gaze rising to the bleachers. Built in an oval shape, the colosseum brimmed with people. The back half contained four levels of bleacher-style seating. At its front, a large platform where the rulers gathered backed up to a tall wall. There was only one way in or out. “I’d rather stay close to the entrance. In case I need some air.”

Tae squeezed her hand and winked, a sly smile on his handsome face. “You know where I’ll be if you need me.”

Faelin watched him as he walked away, her mind returning to the difficult conversation they had engaged in last night. Although she was dumbfounded at Yelin and her father’s insistence that she was a Myth of Three, what bothered her the most was that Tae had been going behind her back for all these years.

“Your father swore me to secrecy. To an oath I couldn’t break,” he said when she’d asked him why he hadn’t confided in her.

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