A Queen Comes to Power: An Heir Comes to Rise Book 2

by C. C. Peñaranda

  “Yes,” was all she could whisper through her wave of grief.

  “That’s why I’ve made my first decision as king. This”—Nik waved a hand over the beautiful cityscape—“will be renamed. To reflect the dawning of change.”

  Faythe frowned mildly in question.

  Nik’s smile widened, and without moving his eyes, he said proudly, “Caius City.”

  Faythe’s eyes pricked. She fought against tears from the burst of emotion that pierced her heart at the declaration. It was perfect. And beautifully fitting to forever commemorate the young fae whose bravery and sacrifice deserved to be honored for generations.

  “Thank you,” was all she could choke out in her emotional state.

  Nik didn’t respond. He didn’t have to. For a while, they both just stared out at the city that held a whole new meaning now, inaugurated with Caius’s memory for the whole world to see. Faythe wanted to remain in the peaceful moment longer than she knew she could. But there were still pressing matters and impending goodbyes to suffer.

  It was Nik who broke the silence first. “Varlas and his forces have retreated back to Olmstone. Neither I nor Agalhor forgive him for what he did and planned to do. But you were right. We all have one enemy, and we can’t afford to make new enemies out of each other.”

  Faythe felt her shoulders free of a heavy, looming weight. There would be no internal war. The alliance would remain despite the actions of Olmstone, and she was massively relieved for it. They would need the strength of unity in the face of what was to come.

  “I explained what I could to them about my father. They found it hard to believe. I’m sure they still have their doubts that his actions weren’t entirely his own.” Nik’s voice was thick with pain at the mention of his father. When she glanced at his hands, she found them curled into tight fists.

  It pained her to ask, but she had to know. “Orlon…is he—?”

  “Dead,” Nik answered sharply before she had the chance to finish. The muscles in his jaw flexed, and Faythe felt cold with his grief. “It was the only way—you heard Aurialis. So I took the Farrow Sword…and ran it through his chest.”

  Faythe didn’t move or speak to comfort him, perhaps out of shock as she let him continue.

  “He was still in there the whole time, and now I see the moments when he fought against the control on his will. He took in Tauria when the demon inside would have killed her too and finished off Fenstead’s royal line. All this time, he was still in there.” Nik shook his head, the pain on his face cracking deep within Faythe’s own heart. She reached out for his hand, and his balled fist uncurled to allow her palm to slide into his. He looked down at their joined hands before his eyes met hers, sparkling with emotion. “Yet when I took his life, he…he thanked me.”

  Faythe’s eyes stung to hear his voice waver. She reached up and pulled him into a tight embrace. She wished she’d been the one to do it, if only to relieve the lifelong burden he would carry as the one who ended his father’s life. Even if it was a mercy.

  “Then he would have seen the king you were becoming, Nik. He would be so proud of you.”

  His arms tightened around her, and she desired nothing more than to take the pain from him through that embrace. She knew it would be his act to shoulder and come to terms with within himself, just as she had learned to deal with the guilt of her mother’s passing—her role in it.

  When he released her, he looked at her with the same pride she held for him. Then his eyes grazed her from head to toe, a sad but knowing smile spreading across his cheeks.

  “You’re going to Rhyenelle, aren’t you?”

  It wasn’t really a question, yet Faythe felt compelled to explain. “I will never learn more about myself if I stay,” she admitted quietly.

  He gave her a small nod in understanding.

  “There’s one last thing I never explained to you about your Nightwalking. I guess I never thought you would ever have to use it,” he said somberly.

  Faythe frowned deeply. She didn’t think there could be any more layers to the ability.

  He huffed a laugh at her look. “Everyone’s reach has a limit. Some can walk through the mind only a street away, while others might stretch beyond towns,” he said. Then his eyes flashed to her chest before the emeralds pierced through her again. “But with an item gifted by the host, those strong enough can reach between kingdoms.”

  Realization dawned, and she inhaled, her hand reaching up instinctively to grasp the star pendant under her cloak. “How did you know I would need it?” she breathed in disbelief.

  He smiled sadly. “I hoped you wouldn’t. But if you were ever lost or faraway, I wanted you to always have a way to visit a familiar face.”

  Tears filled the corners of her eyes, blurring her vision. Faythe blinked to force them back. “You have no idea how much it means to me, Nik. I owe you everything.”

  He shook his head. “I only helped you embrace what was already there, Faythe. Everything you are, everything you’re becoming—you always had it in you.”

  “You saved me more than once.”

  He huffed a laugh. “You do have a gods-awful habit of attracting danger.”

  She chuckled sheepishly. “I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.” She wanted to tell him what Aurialis told her about what still needed to be done. But she didn’t. Not yet. He was about to be crowned king and had his kingdom to think about. She wouldn’t get in the way of that.

  “At least you’ll be in more than capable hands,” he said. “I’ve seen the way Reylan is with you. I know he’ll look out for you as fiercely as any of us.” He didn’t have to add that it wasn’t by the command of his king.

  No—out of the initial unease, distrust, and denial, she and the general had managed to find something amiable together. Friendship didn’t seem like a fitting term to describe what it was. They shared something more…unexplainable, but to be treasured. She also owed a life’s debt to him as she trembled to think of the alternative outcome of her harnessing the ruin’s power.

  “Then there’s King Agalhor…” Nik trailed off as if not wanting to use the paternal term in case she wasn’t ready for it. She was grateful he didn’t. He shook his head in disbelief. “By the Spirits…I never would have thought the strange human I passed that day in the outer town could turn out to have not only an impossible ability, but an inconceivable twist to its origin. The untamed and untrained woman with a golden heart and a will of steel…” Nik looked her over with awe and admiration. She shifted tensely. “I never would have thought that human…would turn out to be Faythe Ashfyre of Rhyenelle.”

  Her cheeks burned. She was about to protest the new foreign addition to her name, but before she could, Nik went on.

  “But it’s so clear now. It was always there, yet no one dared to see it until they had no choice. The way you spoke to a room full of fae, of royals…you were the voice of reason in the midst of chaos. It was a moment I don’t think any of those there will ever forget.” Nik took a small step closer to her. “When you go to Rhyenelle, there will be those who will try to look down on you, Faythe. Always give them no choice but to look up.” With those last words, his hand raised to her face, fingers grazing to lift her chin high.

  Faythe choked on a hard lump. She had no words in response to Nik’s passionate speech that filled her with pride and confidence. “I’m going to miss you so much,” she all but whimpered. Then she fell into him, at ease under his warm embrace once more.

  “I’ll miss you too. We all will. But this is not goodbye. Not even close.”

  She squeezed her eyes closed and treasured the last moments in his arms. They’d been through so much together, and she struggled to think he wouldn’t be a part of her daily life anymore when she’d grown so used to his presence.

  “Promise me one thing?” Faythe mumbled against his chest.

  “Anything.”

  “Promise me…no matter how much land is put between us, no matter what
conflicts arise, no matter what names or titles might fall upon us…promise me we will always be just Faythe and a fae guard in the woods.”

  When they parted, Nik’s grin was warm and bright. “To Faythe and the fae guard in the woods,” he agreed.

  Faythe grinned, and they both chuckled, reflecting on their memories in those woods that she would always hold close to her heart. When their laughter ceased, Faythe weighed a final request for the king before she left.

  “Before I go…can I suggest something?”

  Nik said nothing as he gave a nod of assurance.

  “Despite my title as human emissary being a false frontage, it could be exactly what you need to bridge the gap between the humans and fae of High Farrow. Someone who understands the people there. Someone whom they trust enough to speak freely to.” She paused, momentarily weighing up her own thoughts. “There is no one more suited for the role than Jakon.”

  Nik’s expression turned wary. “It’s a fine idea, but I worry I would only place him in a position in which he would suffer the same scrutiny and prejudice you did. To an immortal, change does not turn over quickly. There will be many who will rebel, who will disagree, and who will be unaccepting. Do you really want to expose him to that?”

  Faythe was conflicted in her answer. She wanted to protect him, but she also knew it wasn’t for her to decide.

  “I only ask that you extend the offer of the position. I believe he would appreciate the idea, and even if he does not accept, he may want to help in other ways.”

  Nik’s smile lifted her doubt that he might object. It was his choice as king, after all, to grant and remove anyone’s station. Faythe looked at him—really looked at him—and saw the coat of authority he wore, so proud and humble.

  “I will extend the offer. But you have my word that Jakon and Marlowe will receive my protection in High Farrow no matter what they decide.”

  Faythe gave a nod, overcome with elation at knowing her human friends would be safe and protected in her absence. Though they didn’t have to fear a malicious king, it brought her great joy to know her friends would stay united.

  The door to Nik’s room opened, and Faythe glimpsed the flowing green of Tauria’s gown before the Fenstead princess stepped out to join them. Nik and Faythe moved apart, and she exchanged a sad but happy look with Tauria as she strolled over, pulling Faythe into a tight hug.

  “I always knew you were destined for more than we could ever comprehend.” Tauria released her but took her hands. “This castle is going to be awfully dull again without you.” She pouted a little.

  Faythe laughed. “You’ll have your hands full keeping an eye on the new king. Someone’s got to make sure he’s doing his job right.” She cast a teasing look back at Nik who rolled his eyes.

  Tauria giggled. “I suppose you’re right.”

  Faythe’s grin fell to a bittersweet smile. “You made me feel welcome in a castle where I wasn’t welcomed by many. I can’t thank you enough, Tauria.”

  The princess squeezed her hands. “No—thank you, Faythe. You helped me more than you’ll ever know. You’re not just a friend; you’re family.”

  She gripped Tauria’s hands in warm, mutual gratitude.

  “Rhyenelle forces left an hour ago. You’d better go now if you want a chance of catching up,” Nik said quietly from behind.

  Stepping back from Tauria, she turned to him with a lazy smile. “Are you kicking me out of your kingdom?”

  Nik chuckled softly. “Never, Faythe.”

  Faythe was jogging down the castle halls when a familiar blonde and brunette couple come into view around the corner. In her high of freedom, she didn’t slow her pace, colliding with Jakon who rumbled with laughter as he caught her with a stumble backward. Faythe held him for as long as she could when they steadied, and from his equally tight grip, it seemed he was in no rush to part either. She closed her eyes and breathed his woodsy scent she would never forget. No amount of time apart could dull any memory of her dearest friend.

  Her feet met the ground again, and the two only separated for long enough to pull Marlowe into their embrace. The three of them laughed with no exact cause. Laughed until tears filled their eyes and their hearts filled with the image they would cherish of the last moment they had to hold onto until they saw each other next.

  Faythe’s decision to leave was made all the more bearable knowing her two human friends could stay in the castle by Nik’s indefinite invitation. Jakon and Marlowe had each other plus the protection and friendship of Nik and Tauria now too. Nothing brought Faythe more joy than to know they would all be safe and together until she returned.

  “Don’t go wreaking havoc over there,” Jakon teased. “I won’t be there to bail you out this time.”

  Faythe wiped her teary eyes, her smile bright. “I can’t make any promises.”

  With a chuckle, Jakon tousled her hair. She batted his arm away playfully, but her chest warmed at the familiar habit she would never admit she loved.

  “You’re on the right path, Faythe.” Marlowe’s arm tightened around her waist. “This is only the beginning for you.”

  Faythe squeezed her back in gratitude, eclipsing her reserves and anxieties. “I’ll miss you both. So much.”

  “We’ll see you soon,” Jakon said. “You get one letter to us, and we’ll be packing to head south—to stay or to rescue, just say the word.” While he said it with an edge of humor, he was fierce in his eyes. She didn’t know what she ever did right in her life to deserve such devotion, but there was nothing she wouldn’t sacrifice or risk for her friends in return.

  With a final farewell embrace, Faythe left Jakon and Marlowe where she knew they would be safe and well cared for, within the city. It didn’t prevent the twist in her chest to walk away, but she willed her feet to move, knowing it was what she had to do for the chance to discover herself.

  She rushed out the side castle door, heading for the stables. She would need to get on the road fast to catch up with Rhyenelle and not risk the long journey alone through unventured territory.

  Faythe broke into a jog, and when she rounded the corner to enter the horses’ stables, she stumbled to a halt. It wasn’t the two dangerously loose horses that skipped a beat of her heart; it was the silver-haired rider who stood lazily by the side of his brilliant raven mare. Faythe was momentarily dumbstruck at the sight of Reylan. Next to him and Kali, another white-and-brown horse was also equipped for riding.

  “Took you long enough,” Reylan said by way of greeting, a knowing smirk on his lips.

  Faythe still gawked. “How did you know I would change my mind?” she asked, stunned he’d stayed behind for her when she had never told him of her plans to go.

  Reylan simply turned to the horses, keeping a slight crooked smile. “We’d better get on the road. It’s a long journey back,” he said, ignoring her dumbfounded look.

  Faythe willed her legs to move toward the stallion Reylan stood beside, waiting for her to mount first. She hesitated for a second in her daze and then slid one foot into the stirrup and hoisted herself on top of the large beast with confidence. Something else she had him to thank for despite his taunting teaching methods to get her to overcome her fears.

  When she looked down at him, she swore she saw a slight twinkle of pride in his eyes. But it was gone as he turned, mounting his own black beauty in a gracefully swift motion. Faythe’s cheeks flamed, and she had to avert her gaze from the thoughts that swirled in her head as she shamelessly observed the movement.

  Leaving the castle gates, Faythe didn’t turn to look back. She had said her piece to her friends with their blessings to look nowhere but forward.

  They trotted slowly through the city, and she tried to ignore the gawking fae and then the humans who stared blatantly in the outer town as they passed. Faythe looked around the dreary brown buildings for a little longer than she did the city. Though it wasn’t in sadness. She knew her memories would be forever inlaid in the cracks of the stone street
s, and a part of her heart would always belong to High Farrow. This was not goodbye.

  When they were past the bustle of humans and fae, slowly walking over the grassy hills, Faythe looked over them as if she could see all the way to the Kingdom of the Phoenix. The sky diffused hues of red and orange, torched and aflame, as if it beckoned her there.

  After a long, peaceful silence, she brought up something on her mind that had been left unsaid since their last rocky conversation. “I never thanked you, Reylan.” She looked at him through fresh eyes, with a new perspective as it dawned on her. “I might not have survived it without you.”

  His look softened. “You don’t have to thank me. What use is my ability if I can’t use it to steal immense power from ruin-wielding humans?” he said in light humor.

  She smiled a little, and then it fell in awe as she went on. “I don’t just mean for your help in the throne room.”

  His look was puzzled.

  “The white lion was impressive…but I think I preferred the silver bird.”

  Reylan’s eyes flashed in surprise, and he huffed a short laugh. “It wasn’t my proudest form. Great perspectives though,” he said casually, not knowing just how much it meant to her.

  In the darkest moments of her imprisonment, while her mind was toyed with to distort reality, she couldn’t be sure the returning stubborn bird wasn’t an illusion conjured up in her loneliness. But since the throne room, alongside the horror and heartbreak, three words had chanted quietly on subconscious repeat until she figured it out.

  I never left.

  Remembering Reylan’s transformation from his legendary white lion form slipped the realization into place. Reylan really had never left. Never let her feel abandoned or alone.

  “You didn’t leave. Why?” He didn’t owe her an explanation, yet she needed to ask, to know if he had stayed with her out of friendship or as his sworn oath to his king.

  Reylan was quiet, and for a moment, she thought he might refuse to give her the answer. Then his sapphire orbs bore into her, and she almost missed the hint of pain in them when his look hardened.