The Maker, the Teacher, and the Monster by Leah Cutter

Author:Leah Cutter [Cutter, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literary, Oregon Coast, Steampunk, Young Adult
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Cornelius turned his face up to the stars and laughed. Finally, after all his work, the bonfire was a success. Flames leaped high in the dark night. Stars laughed with him, twinkling in the sky. Even the moon sent her beams as blessings on the dancing figures. The ocean glowed darkly beyond the beach.

Of course, not all the royals Cornelius had personally invited had shown up. Fewer servants and warriors as well.

But there were still over thirty who had shown up, who spiraled up into the air, screeching their delight. This was just the first of several fires, Cornelius was determined. More fairies would show up at the next. And then more, and then more.

By midsummer, he’d have most of the fairies in the kingdom participating: Maybe not all the royals, but the servants and the warriors. They’d all support his rule. He’d show the priests—everyone—that he had been meant for the rule.

Maybe it was time for him to pursue being declared king. It would take time, and patience, and some political maneuvering, but that was something Cornelius had and did well.

And here he’d been complaining about the impatience of the warriors! Cornelius had to remember that spring always followed winter. Gideon and Imogene may have been right—their people were waning.

However, Cornelius was going to do something to make sure that they waxed again. He smiled from his position on the sidelines, watching his people enjoy themselves, though he also itched to join them.

The warriors grappled in midair, tumbling as they conducted mock battles far above the searing flames. They’d rise and fall, flinging each other around roughly. Cornelius was glad that these warriors protected his kingdom: Their fierceness filled him with joy.

Servants conducted a complicated dance that Cornelius had never seen before, weaving around each other gracefully, spiraling up and down. He was going to have to learn it, someday. It reminded him of a field of flowers, gracefully bobbing with the wind, interacting with the bees flying up and down.

The royals, like Cornelius, mostly stayed on the sidelines. Sometimes one would join in, dancing and screeching for a bit, before merely watching again. Neither Gideon or Imogene were there. Then again, Cornelius hadn’t directly invited them.

Off in the distance, surrounding the fire and the fairies in a wide circle, floated Thirza and her people. Cornelius wondered if maybe they could be enticed to join the dance, or if they took turns guarding and celebrating.

None of the priests had shown up, which disappointed Cornelius. Had Sebastian decided that they didn’t approve? Cornelius had thought they’d all be there. But they’d all stayed away. He’d have to ask Sebastian later.

When one of the younger royals—Eustace, wasn’t it?—gave Cornelius a flirtatious smile as she flew by, Cornelius spread his wide wings and glided after her, floating on the strong ocean breezes. There was no reason why he couldn’t also join in the dance, now and again.

Cornelius spiraled up, his fierce heart beating wildly in his chest. He’d never taken a mate: Had always assumed that none would have him.

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