The Fate of Crowns: The Complete Trilogy: A YA Epic Fantasy Boxset

by Rebecca L. Garcia

  Cedric snapped his fingers. “Winter?”

  “Yes. Sorry.” I looked at my waffles. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

  “Sorry if I brought the mood down.”

  I shook my head. “I’m under a lot of pressure. Vahaga and the lords also overturned my decision to send forces to Berovia to attack Kiros.”

  Cedric’s eyes widened. “Are they mad?”

  “Quite, but I hope I can prevent it. I only need to persuade one of the lords to change their minds about the vote to send men to fight Kiros, and the whole thing will be put to bed. I have Edur’s vote, and my best bet is Gregoir.”

  Cedric raised his eyebrows. “And how you do you plan on making him do that?”

  I pressed my fingers against my temples, closing my eyes for a moment to find comfort in the blackness. “He loves coin, and I will ensure his pockets remain lined and his lands intact if he goes with me on this. As a new queen, I have plenty to gift, inherited by my father. These parcels of land I inherited will serve as my leverage.”

  “Cunning.”

  “It’s not any different than what my father did, minus the threats, but for now, I need to keep my head above water until I can figure things out. Once I know what strings I need to pull on, who I need to bribe and befriend, the easier it will become.”

  His eyes lit up. “You’re a little scary when you’re being devious.”

  The darkness inside of me agreed, building slowly while Cedric finished eating. The room was alive with people bustling for their food. I spotted Florence a few tables over, her blonde waves pulled into a high bun. Adius sat next to her, dressed head to toe in red and gold. They must have come in while we were talking. He was probably on a break.

  I scanned the room for Morgana, but as always, her absence was felt. I wanted to talk to her about what was happening. I was queen, we’d won the battle, and I was alive. Yet every time I went to find her in the few moments I had spare, she had avoided me. I swore I had caught her crying one time she hurried out of the room before I could catch her, but she turned away too quickly to know if what I’d seen was simply light catching against her eyes.

  “Are you not feeling well?” Cedric asked, pulling me from my thoughts. “You look sickly.”

  “It’s probably something I ate.” I said lazily, not wanting to show the growing faintness in my bones. Whatever was in me was getting stronger by the day.

  “Excuse me.” I said before I ran to my chambers.

  The room was dimly lit. The area where my father had fallen was darker than the rest of the stone floor. The four-post bed beckoned me. Tears fell down my cheeks. I wasn’t sure what I was crying about; the list was long. Being alone for the first real time had my thoughts racing. Recently, I was passing out as soon as my head hit the pillow from exhaustion, but as I lay down, I felt more awake than ever.

  The feelings bubbling below the surface grew stronger. I couldn’t cope with them. Jolting, I sat up, then jumped off the bed and to my drawers. I sifted through my old belongings until I found the drawstring bag. Inside were the capsules filled with crushed herbs that Morgana had given me the last time I was here. I swallowed them with a cup of lukewarm water, but a small part of me knew they wouldn’t work. Things felt different now.

  The darkness in my body sent shockwaves through my fingers and toes, numbing them cold, then stinging them back to life. With my mouth agape, I tried to reason it was simply a sensation of anxiety, but the feeling felt forced.

  A voice tinkered in my mind ever so softly, like a name caught in a breeze. I couldn’t make it out, and it left as quickly as it had come.

  Was I going mad?

  “Knock knock.”

  “What?” I snapped, feeling my rage pour over. “Who says ‘knock knock’ instead of actually knocking!” I twisted the ring on my index finger, rolling my shoulders as I did. I wasn’t in the mood for visitors. I whipped my head around at the sound of footsteps.

  Corbin. Lord Abor’s eldest son. The candles caught the light on his cocoa-brown waves, which reached his shoulders. The green in his eyes were so deep, they reminded me of the Forest of Tranquillium. He stood lean and taller than I remembered from the last time I was here, sporting a devilish smile. He was an image of his mother. “I heard you were back,” he said with a casualness that could outdo even the likes of Blaise. “How are you faring?”

  “Some would greet me as Your Majesty.” My eyebrows raised.

  “Some would.” He smiled.

  The boy who’d once played with my brother, sword-fighting in the gardens, had filled out. Muscles rippled beneath his white shirt.

  “How did you get up here?” I didn’t know why I bothered asking. He could get around anywhere. He knew the castle better than most. “What do you want?”

  “Ah, a better question.” He placed a finger in the air. “Lady Avery.”

  “What about her?”

  “I like her.”

  “Straight to the point.” I pursed my lips. “Nothing changes with you.”

  “Yes, well, I like to get what I want.”

  I huffed. “She is ex-mistress to the former king. Would you rather not have someone untainted?”

  He gasped, feigning shock. “How judgmental of you.”

  “She whored herself to my father to get what she wanted,” I said snarkily. “Why would I ever grant you permission to marry her, which is why I presume you’re here? You need permission.”

  He chewed on a nail. “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “You didn’t think about being nice to try to get your way?”

  He tapped the side of his head. “It did cross my mind.”

  “The answer’s no.”

  He sighed. “Well, I’ll be damned. I guess we can’t marry then. Thanks all the same.” He turned on his heel.

  “You gave up far too easily.” My eyebrows furrowed. “Wait…” I tapped my fingers against my dresser. “You never did want to marry her. She pressed you, and you knew I’d say no so you could continue to have your way with her without committing. That’s why you didn’t try to charm a yes from me.”

  He shrugged. “Like you said, the answer’s no.”

  I shook my head in disbelief. “In that case, I have changed my mind. You can marry her.”

  To my surprise, he smirked, then headed for my door. “Oh, I think I’m going to enjoy you being queen,” he said before he stepped outside. “Goodnight, Your Majesty.” He stretched the last two words, leaving me teetering on the edge of rage more than I already had been. Had I been played?

  He’d held a grudge against me for years for that stupid rumor. So I’d told a few people I had caught him kissing a boy. It wasn’t like it was untrue. Lord Abor was furious at the knowledge of what his son had done. In hindsight, I was harsh for telling on him. He had every right to kiss whomever he wanted, and I’d outed him to the entire court, so I could hardly contain my surprise at his disdain for me.

  I did wonder, however, why he was trying to marry Nissa if he liked men. Unless it was ruse. Nothing less than what she deserved.

  I sucked in a deep breath. I felt myself becoming crueler by the second. The thing in me lavished in it, wanting more. It was easier than ever to tip into spiteful thoughts, but my nature wanted different. I wanted to be tolerant, kind, and understanding. All the things Cedric was. I tried to deny the harsher parts of myself, but the more I tucked them away, the louder they got, wanting to be acknowledged and bringing malice into every new thought.

  A guard opened my door, and I buried my head in my hands. “Can’t I get a moment of peace?” I cried, wanting some relief from the constant questions, meetings, and discussions. I’d barely had time to catch my breath, and I wanted to scream.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty, but your mother has arrived.”

  EIGHT

  After all this time, I’d forgotten her disapproving stare and pinched frown, only to be reminded of the hurt she’d caused me by her presence. If I had it my way, I’
d have had her remain on Inferis, but being queen meant bowing to others under the pretense of them obeying me.

  “You’ve aged,” I stated as she approached me through the arched doorway. A small audience had gathered out front. Everyone was looking at us.

  Vahaga nodded in my direction, his gaze pointed, his lips pulled into a thin line.

  “Mother.” I swallowed my pride, then forced a small smile.

  The skin under her eyes had lost contact with the bone underneath, or it appeared that way. Her lips were as pale as the white skin around them. Her graying-brown hair had been knotted up and around her silver crown. “Daughter.” She shifted her gaze from my face to my dress. I’d changed into the most scandalous dress I owned from Lepidus court in time for her arrival. Knowing how much it would upset her brought me some solace.

  “I hope your journey was well.”

  “It was.”

  We stood for a moment, exchanging pleasantries, until Cedric joined my side. He’d gotten my request. “Lady Rose Mortis.” He dipped his head.

  Her nose wrinkled, creasing her forehead. “Who is this?”

  “Cedric. He’s my friend.”

  Her gaze trickled over his attire and the tips of his ears. “Ah, I was told of the faery.”

  A smirk danced on his lips when he shook his head. “Of course you were.”

  She frowned, looking from me to where Vahaga stood. “Let us not make a scene. We should take a walk.”

  There is nothing I wanted less than to be alone with her, but the stares of my court forced me otherwise.

  Cedric fell into step as we turned to walk inside. My mother grabbed my shoulder, a little too tightly. “Alone.” She looked at Cedric, her lips pursed. “You should take a stroll through our statue garden. It’s most enchanting this time of year. I’m sure even your kind can appreciate the beauty in things.”

  He scoffed a laugh, disbelief on his expression. “Remarkable.”

  “It’s okay, Cedric.” I swallowed thickly. “Ignore her. Most do.”

  “Find me after.” He shot a look at my mother and walked away.

  Taking my arm, she walked me through the main corridor and past the banquet room until we were alone, save for a few guards who were far enough out of earshot. “Get rid of that vile creature today before more damage is done.”

  “I will not send him away.” I balled my fist at my side. “Cedric is my friend. I will not hear of it.”

  “You’ll do well to follow in your father’s footsteps.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Vahaga and Lord Abor wrote to me, telling me of your challenging, frankly radical ideas.”

  “Of course they did. Also, it’s not radical to befriend light fae and not want to attack another kingdom while our numbers have dwindled.”

  “That fashion.” She looked me up and down. “If you can call it that.”

  “I like it.”

  She scoffed. “You look ridiculous. It’s way too revealing. Would you like your subjects to see you as some common whore?”

  I smirked. “I’ll ensure I have more gowns brought from Niferum. Perhaps I shall dress my ladies in them. The Ruby Circle is soon, yes?” I mentioned, referring to the age-old tradition where ladies would come to court to compete to become ladies of the princess or queen. “I will make them all follow the fashion. Perhaps I will even bring one of the fae on as one of my ladies.”

  She grabbed my wrist and dug her nails in, until they left pink crescent shapes in my skin. Her face was warped, her eyes manic as she glared into mine. “This is not a game, you stupid, petulant child. You will destroy everything you father built, and his ancestors before him. You besmirch the family name by conferring with their kind, and dressing like them. You are a Mortis. You better start acting like one.”

  I half smiled. “I am so, so glad I got away from this place enough to see you and my father for what you really were.”

  “Mind your words. I am still your mother. Where is your dignity?” She rubbed her forehead as if I had worried her enough.

  “Mine? Ha.” I gave her a look. With any luck, I could anger her more. “Did you know Cedric and I are together?” I was enjoying myself far too much. “He’s a great kisser.”

  “Enough!” she spat. “How dare you say such awful things?” She jutted her chin. “You will behave befitting a queen or else.”

  “Or else what?” I pushed past her, making my way toward the small courtyard where an isolated bench sat, frosted by the early winter chill. Bare branches reached downward from the three trees that shadowed the stony ground. “You’re unbelievable. I almost died, and your first words are a command to my actions back at court.” My voice raised. “I mean, I should have expected it. It’s what happened the last time.” The courtyard was empty, as it always was. “You never came to fight with us or to see me. I know you would have known about the battle before it happened, so do us both a favor and don’t pretend otherwise. You have eyes and ears everywhere. It’s how you always knew about Father’s plans.”

  Nothing changed in her expression. I searched her bloodshot eyes for a flicker of emotion, but she gave nothing away.

  “You’ve never shown me any love,” I said and wrinkled my fingers into the dark fabric of my dress.

  Her eyes rolled behind her closed lids. When she opened them, her nose wrinkled. “Stop being dramatic, Winter.”

  I narrowed my gaze, my jaw clenching as I stared her down. “Don’t test me, Mother, or I’ll show you dramatic.”

  “You are the ruler of a kingdom, need I remind you? Everyone is watching your movements. You wear our name. You are the face that will guide Magaelor, continuing centuries-old traditions that are the foundation of this monarchy. I will not have you ruin it because you’re feeling hurt.” She scoffed. “I have done my duty by you. I have taught you everything you know.”

  I laughed and licked my lips. “It showed. You taught me all the wrong things. Traveling, I saw truths you did your best to hide from me, but I saw them anyway. You want me to be like you? I’d rather lose my crown and die then live such a pointless, boring existence. I will do what I believe is best for Magaelor because it is my kingdom.” I paused. “Not yours!”

  She barely moved. She stood statuesque while listening, silently judging me. “You are young. Perhaps this was a mistake. Maybe you need a regent.”

  “Don’t you dare even attempt it. I’m over the age to rule.” I growled under my breath. “You have been brought here because I said it could be so, and I can just as easily send you away.”

  Her left eyebrow quivered, then raised. “The lords will not be pleased with you if you do.”

  “What if I don’t care? They’ll pick their battles with me because they know they have many to fight. Why would they waste them on you? You are here, for now, to keep the peace and make a good impression.” I took a step forward, closing the gap between us. “If you say another word to me, I will send you back to Inferis where you can live out your miserable existence in that cold, gray castle. Understand?”

  “Once you’ve come to your senses, I will forgive you for speaking to me in such a disparate tone and place it down to youthful arrogance.”

  “I hate you,” I said, my lips pressed tightly. “No. Wait. I despise you. Understand this, Mother, you are welcome to hold your breath waiting for an apology because I will never, ever give you one.”

  “If you won’t send him away for me, do it for your people.” A lock of hair had come loose from her tight bun, so she pushed it out of her face. “They have been through enough.”

  “I believe they will survive the fae’s presence and my dresses,” I growled. “Get out of my sight, before I have you dragged from this courtyard to your room on the other side of the castle.”

  She clicked her tongue. The darkness in me tugged my attention toward a rock lying next to a gray tree trunk. It whispered for me to pick it up. I imagined hitting her with it, watching crimson soak the ground and her eyes turn empty. A sinister grin crep
t upon my face, and my fingers flexed.

  “Winter!” Cedric’s voice saved me, as always.

  My mother looked him down as she passed him. She shot me one final glance before disappearing into the corridor.

  “How was it?”

  Tears pricked my eyes. “Everything I expected.” I took a deep breath, my gaze darting to the rock for half a second.

  ***

  Yawning, I peeled my eyelids open and squinted at the spray of white light coming through the double windows. I stretched out, rolling back my shoulders and smiling as satisfaction rippled through my body. A good night’s rest did wonders. No one had disturbed me, as requested. After the day I’d had yesterday, I wished I could have spent the next week sleeping it off, but duty called.

  My feet hit the rug that shielded them from the cold, polished stone floor. I stood, letting my white dress fall around my ankles.

  Let me in, a voice in my head whispered.

  My eyes widened and I froze, rooted to the spot. Was I going mad? I’d hoped to find Morgana yesterday, but with meeting my mother and the afternoon meetings, I was so tired.

  “Go away,” I whispered back, hoping I wasn’t descending into insanity. Something pinched inside my chest, palpating my heart. I closed my eyes and breathed through it, using Birch’s breathing techniques to calm me. It was the darkness. I wanted to stamp it out, but something told me it wouldn’t be that easy. Willpower alone wouldn’t get rid of it.

  Maids entered my room, ready to get me dressed for the day, distracting me from my dark thoughts. They lit the fire, and the smell of logs burning and ash tinted the air.

  The head housekeeper, Ada, met me as I left my room. She curtseyed, lifting the emerald skirt of her dress up a couple of inches as she did. “Your Majesty, Lady Montague was hoping to have an audience with you regarding the preparation for the welcome ball.”

  I sighed. I had so much to do already this morning. I needed to make time to find Morgana before I turned mad. “Tell her to come now if she wishes to talk, as I don’t have time later.”