A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Fifteen

“D id either of you know about the history of my surname?” I asked as Daxton teleported us inside the walls of the Aelius castle. He grimaced from the strain on his magic but quickly concealed evidence of his discomfort. His expression relaxed as he released his hold on me and Castor.

“No,” they answered in unison.

“But,” Daxton added, “it does fit your history due to your father’s status and your ability to produce a powerful command that can affect High Fae and shifters alike.”

“I need to learn to control it,” I said as we marched forward. I didn’t want to waste any more time. I had to face High Queen Minaeve. I had to find out what the next trial would be.

Even if I was offered the tonic of the sleeping dead, rest wouldn’t come for me. There was too much to do and so little time to do it. I didn’t even bother to change out of the slip that Daxton conjured for me on the beach. I personally didn’t give two shits about what I was wearing when I addressed the queen and her court. The scars of my victory were painted on my flesh, in my mind, and on my soul. No amount of finery was going to cover that. I would walk into Minaeve’s court a different person from who I was only a night before.

My mind raced with the knowledge King Malek shared. My ancestors were the first ever shifters created by the Heart of Valdor and the Gods.

Throughout generations of our people, alphas fluctuated between a handful of different family bloodlines. The reign of a pack leader lasted until another shifter surpassed them. It could be decades or perhaps a handful of years. A shifter gifted with the strongest magic rightfully held the title of alpha. Power wasn’t a privilege or a right. Instead, we saw it as a responsibility to serve our pack and family.

Opposite to how Queen Minaeve ruled over her people.

“You’ll learn to control your powers, Skylar,” Daxton said with encouragement. “All you need is practice. You need a chance to work with your gift instead of hiding it. It’ll take time.”

“We don’t have time.” I closed my eyes and shook my head in frustration.

“I’m not volunteering to be her test subject,” Castor added. “I’ve experienced the effects of her alpha command thing before, and it’s unnerving to lose control of yourself like that.”

“I didn’t mean to do it,” I said remorsefully. recalling the night I used my magic to force Castor to answer my questions about Daxton’s injuries. It wasn’t one of my proudest moments, but I was grateful for the outcome.

“Right.” Castor sighed. “Imagine what else you could have made me do in other scenarios. That would be exciting—” Daxton and I stopped in our tracks, and Dax gave him a look that, for once, silenced his mockery.

“Don’t push me, Castor,” I said. “You’re tempting me to use my gifts to command your silence.”

“That would be the best day.” Daxton laughed, clearing his throat before speaking once more. “We’ll help you in any way we can, Spitfire.” Daxton shot his brother a firm warning glare.

Castor narrowed his eyes and scoffed. “ Fine . I may not want to, but I can’t deny that this gift you seem to have may just, in fact, save your life. And in turn, all of our lives in the process.”

“Glad your logic decided to take over, brother.”

“I can still surprise you? Oh joy , lucky me,” Castor taunted with a heavy sigh.

Daxton discreetly stroked my upper back with his fingertips as his hand came to a rest on my shoulder. “Ready?”

I nodded, and together, the three of us returned to the Court of Aelius.

The gold-plastered arching doorways leading to the throne room, where we had danced the night before, opened as we approached. The raised platform holding the singular throne of power held the fae queen, who waited patiently for us to approach. Disdain painted her menacing turquoise eyes, highlighted with faint purple accents and flecks of gold.

The High Fae crowded in from all sides, wearing elegant garments decorated in colors of green, silver, and red to honor the realms from which they hailed. Most fae from Crimson City had darker complexions but, not all wore red. Some donned silver as well.

Silver Meadows was an open realm, welcoming to anyone who pledged loyalty to Daxton and his crown. Since Adohan took the ruling seat from his father after he perished in the wilt, Crimson City began adopting a similar governance model.

Aelius, however, didn’t. They remained isolated under the high queen’s authority and power. Seamus hadn’t seen a reason to share their practice.

This evening, males, females, and even children were in attendance. All three kingdoms had sent representatives to witness the trials, but from the shocked expressions and gawking faces, I could tell they had hoped but in reality none of them had expected me to survive.

I walked forward as the crowds divided, allowing us to pass through.

Daxton and Castor entered behind me, following my lead. This bold gesture was sure to be noticed by every citizen in attendance tonight.

Idris stood with Adohan, near the steps, securely holding her to his side. Her dark brown eyes were wet, not from tears of fear or sorrow but from joy. You did it , she mouthed to me, placing one hand on her very pregnant belly. Thank you.

I inclined my head to her and smiled kindly in return. One down. Two to go , I mouthed with a wink.

Idris held a powerful essence with a compassionate heart that could break down the toughest barriers anyone could think to build. I knew that was how Adohan fell for her. The High Prince of Crimson City was cocky, perhaps arrogant to a fault, but he had Idris to center him and set him straight when he needed it.

The Crimson City high prince and his lady wore triumphant smiles that spread across the entire room. I watched as Idris clutched her mate’s hand and looked up at him with a beaming sense of hope that would encourage even the grandest pessimist to believe .

I didn’t stop until I was directly below the steps to the lone throne that held the High Fae queen.

Seamus stood beside Minaeve, casually leaning against the back of her singular golden seat. His tousled blond hair and eyeline dipped to his queen as I halted on the final step before her throne. Despite High Prince Seamus’s obvious devotion to his tyrant ruler, I sensed an unspoken tension between them.

Did Seamus truly love his queen? Was this devotion more than just a drive for power and control?

Minaeve’s glittering crown lay atop her head with an elegant arrangement of white flowers braided into her ebony hair. Her outward appearance hid a power-hungry ruler who only held her throne because she siphoned magic from others.

My gaze flickered toward her crown, the three shimmering stones decorating her brow. They hummed with foreign magic that likely caused her tanned skin to glow or highlighted the turquoise color of her rounded eyes. Regardless, I dreamed of the day this self-proclaimed queen no longer sat on her throne.

I couldn’t help but wonder how many of the High Fae supported her rule. What would happen to their lands if I unlocked the Heart? Even though I wasn’t a High Fae, I cared about what happened to the Inner Kingdom and its people.

I paused at the bottom step, my animal stirring in my center in response to the queen’s flaring magic. It spread out across the room, making everyone tense with unease.

“Before we reveal the second trial, there’s an issue that needs to be addressed,” Minaeve said slowly, her eyes shifting across the room.

Without warning, her shadowed vines of magic darted from her fingertips and spread throughout the crowd, whizzing around the High Fae in attendance, finding their intended targets. It happened so fast. Only the loud cracking sound of bones snapping indicated the deed was done. The limp, lifeless bodies of three High Fae in the court dropped dead on the white marble floor, two wearing green and one dressed in silver.

“Addressed,” Minaeve said.

I stilled. Disbelief rushing through me, followed by pure blinding rage. “What … What is the meaning of—”

“You don’t speak or question my court, shifter.” Minaeve’s magic filled the room, pressure building all around us. A firm warning that at any second, the queen could and would use her magic to kill those who she saw fit to address.

Still, despite her vast well of power, my amber-glowing eyes met her turquoise gaze without fear or trepidation. Very different from our first meeting.

How naive I had been then, but not now.

I made a silent vow to the Gods that when I released the Heart of Valdor, I would protect the High Fae kingdoms and help all of Valdor heal.

“Now … Champion,” Minaeve spoke like nothing had happened, addressing me with an honored title even though her tone was far from respectful. “You are the first… the only shifter to conquer the trial of the mind and retrieve the first key. We’re all honored by your bravery and celebrate your success.”

I highly doubted she believed I would survive. Maybe that was why she killed the others? Did they believe I would win and began whispering thoughts of a rebellion?

“Many of us are surprised that… you , out of all that have come before you, somehow managed to win. I wonder if the trials have weakened over the years.”Minaeve lounged in her golden throne, casually flipping her hair over her shoulder.

I clenched my fists, biting my tongue to prevent myself from lashing out without thinking. My knuckles turned stark white in my grasp.

“If High Fae could enter, I believe this curse would’ve been broken long ago,” Seamus said.

No one is stopping you from trying, Seamus . I would love to see how the labyrinth would twist his psychotic mind.

“It’s the first step to rectifying the dark deeds that are damaging our world and its people,” I said in a flat tone that was neither harsh nor grateful to receive her praise. “It is my greatest wish for the wilt to disappear, and then you no longer have to strain yourself and others to combat against such a threat. Your magic will no longer be needed.” Daxton moved behind me, and I caught the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

The throne room became quiet, almost too quiet.

“Hand over the key,” Minaeve commanded, her tone flat with a hint of anger bubbling beneath the surface.

“No,” I said without pause. Was this bitch out of her gods-damned mind?

The high queen silently arched an eyebrow and leaned forward, glaring at me with daggers in her eyes. I had no doubt that had I been one of her subjects, she would have killed me on the spot for publicly defying her command. However, she was no queen of mine.

Minaeve, a look of displeasure on her face, placed her elbow on one of her crossed legs that opened to reveal the tanned skin of her upper thigh through the slit of her dress .

“I beg your pardon… shifter ,” Seamus said, spewing the word “shifter” like it was something beneath him.

Seamus glided over to her side as his hand wandered over her exposed thigh. He trailed his fingers under her dress, venturing them higher as he sank to his knees at her side. His mood was a combination of excitement and amusement as Minaeve threaded her hand through her lover’s hair and down to caress his chest.

“Do I need to remind you of where you stand amongst our kind?” Minaeve said coldly.

Rage seethed in my heart. The fae might be immortal and able to wield magic more freely than we could, but a full-grown shifter with control over their animal form made a formidable match.

“I said no.” I drew my shoulders back and hardened my gaze. Daxton and Castor remained where they stood, lending me their unwavering support.

“I believe the champion has given her response,” Dax said, and the queen’s eyes snapped behind me to glare at him.

This was a dangerous game to play. Regardless of my hatred for her, she was still their queen. With her siphoned abilities, she held their power and a commanding rule over all her subjects. I knew Minaeve wouldn’t kill me, but that didn’t mean she would hesitate to make a show of her reign in front of everyone here.

“You must give the key to Rhett,” Minaeve countered, keeping her emotions locked under a veil of tranquility that made me nervous. “Rhett is the keeper of the scroll, and he needs the key in order for the second trial to be revealed. ”

On cue, Rhett entered the room with the scroll delicately lying in his open-palmed hands. “If the champion would kindly grace me with the key, I can then read aloud from the scroll.” His demeanor was surprisingly indifferent. He did not balk at the three dead fae being carried away or the look of disdain on his queen’s face. It was almost like he expected all of this.

I clenched my fist around the key but saw no point or advantage in refusing this request. “Here.” I held out my hand.

Rhett’s dark hair brushed against his brow as his blue eyes scanned the trinket I held in my palm. His movements were swift and elegant as he glided across the floor to the steps below the queen. Once he reached me, he bowed to Minaeve before untucking the scroll and holding it out in front of him.

“If you would touch the key to the second eight-pointed star,” Rhett said.

“You don’t want to take it?” I asked.

“No. I don’t wish to see the horrors tied to the memory of this key.”

I nodded, recalling his unique gift of seeing the past through objects. I could only imagine what flashes of torment he would be forced to witness if he touched this key. It had dwelled in the labyrinth for nearly five hundred years, witnessing untold horrors.

Reaching out, I brushed the key against the ancient scroll, and magically, the second description appeared.

“What does it say?” the anxious crowd behind us called out. “Read it!”

Rhett seemed indifferent to the ranting and raving from the audience in the throne room. His eyes restlessly tracked over the writing on the scroll, undoubtedly putting the words to memory and analyzing what this task may hold.

“Well,” Rhett said softly so only I could hear him, “it seems now you have another monster to slay.”

“Read the scroll,” Minaeve ordered with Seamus now casually leaning against the base of her throne. His hands stroking her leg through the slit of her skirt.

“As you wish.”

Daxton stepped to my side and discreetly traced his hand against the small of my back as Rhett read aloud, turning to the court.

“ To find the key that you seek, you must first defeat the beast. ” Rhett turned toward the room, leaving the parchment clutched in my grasp . “ To look upon my white crest is to know true death. I’m the king of my world, and only my equal can dethrone me. In the waters, I hunt, and in the darkness, I wander… now released from my silver cage of slumber. Between the slickened rocks, I creep, feeding on the weak and the meek. The first key will show the way to anyone who dares to come and play. My bars are gone, and now I’m free, but only the champion can take the second key. Two cycles of the Father shall pass and then I will forever be free at last. ”

I listened to Rhett’s voice as I read the words again and again, trying to make sense of what monster lay in wait for me. “I have to defeat some kind of beast,” I said, “in two months? ”

“A monster that embodies death itself,” Castor said, looking over my other shoulder. “Any ideas as to what this creature is?”

“I don’t want to make any speculation without further research,” Daxton said. “The library in Silver Meadows holds a collection on mythical beings thanks to our mother’s fascination with them. The clues are there. We need to figure out what monster we are facing to work on a specific strategy for Skylar.” He rubbed his chin, stroking his beard while reading the scroll again. “It also seems that anyone can enter this creature’s lair.”

“Who would want to willingly enter it is the better question,” Castor whispered. “You have to be out of your gods-damned mind to do something like that.”

“Thanks,” I said, glaring at Castor. “But why is this trial different than the labyrinth, where only I could enter?”

“Maybe it’s a test to see who’s foolish enough to enter the lair in the first place,” Castor murmured.

“Perhaps,” Daxton said. “Or the Heart of Valdor is testing not only your virtue and strength but that of its people as well. Are we worth saving if we don’t do all we can to help?”

Castor and I looked at each other for a moment before he scoffed and said, “Nope, I’m going with my first assumption. Foolish.”

“Or maybe the creature is hungry,” I said, recalling the monster from the labyrinth.

“Regardless, we still need to locate the lair,” Daxton said, “and see if someone besides Skylar can also enter.”

“Until we figure out what it is, no one will be safe, and no one besides me will be going in there to challenge it,” I said in a hushed tone so only they could hear me. “I don’t care if others can enter. This is my task. My responsibility.”

I looked at Daxton, who I knew was stupid or perhaps brave enough to contemplate entering the second trial with me. I wouldn’t have it, though. I couldn’t allow him to put himself in this kind of danger. Too many others were relying on him to lead and protect them.

“We’ll continue your combat training and ensure you’re ready for whatever you must dethrone in the second trial, Spitfire,” Daxton said with a proud grin. “Our warriors in Silver Meadows are the strongest fighters in the Inner Kingdom. We’ll make sure you’re ready. The trial of the body is a test of your physical limitations.” I knew it would come to this, and I was relieved to hear that Daxton was already anticipating it.

“Daxton,” Minaeve bellowed above the noise of the crowd.

We were lost in our conversation amidst the roar of the court doing the same. I almost forgot about her—almost. Again, luck wasn’t always on my side.

“Kneel.”

Daxton tensed as he lowered himself to a knee on the closest step before the high queen. I gritted my teeth in outrage for him. What could she possibly want now?

“Is it still Silver Meadows’ intention to guide and oversee the champion through the second trial?”

“Yes,” Daxton said. “As it was discussed beforehand. The trial of the body is a physical obstacle, and Silver Meadows holds the most skilled warriors in the Inner Kingdom. Bringing the champion to our lands to train prior to entering the second trial is the best plan for success.”

“And there are no other reasons why you’re so eager to take this shifter,” she sneered, looking at me, “ to your homeland? Could you not remain here and train her?”

“The second trial is in Silver Meadows,” Daxton said.

“It is?” I whispered to Castor.

He looked at his brother, tilting his head to the side with narrowed eyes that suddenly widened with clarity. He nodded, his mind meticulously working through the possibilities Daxton seemed to have figured out.

“The silver cage of slumber refers to the silver ores that run through the ancient volcanic rock faces on the southern territories of my realm. No other land holds those magical threads,” Dax said.

Minaeve pressed her lips together and narrowed her brow. It was clear she couldn’t dispute Daxton’s reasoning, and she wasn’t happy about it.

“I must admit that I’m the eager one,” Castor said, kneeling at his brother’s side. “I wish to take Skylar to our home for reasons besides training. My brother has his role as guardian … while I confess to other less honorable intentions and an infatuation I can’t escape.” Castor’s charming smile stretched across his face as he took a second to glance back in my direction.

“Infatuation?” Seamus asked. “From you, Castor? You expect us to believe that a shifter has kept your wandering eyes at bay?”

“Does her beauty not transcend that of the Mother herself?” Castor asked with a sly sparkle in his eye. “Or her courage and selflessness, perhaps? I believe these attributes add to her radiant beauty, only making this rare gem even more enticing.”

“You speak of her as though she is an object,” Seamus said .

“She’s the object of my desire.” Castor tilted his gaze upward, challenging Seamus to question him further.

I silently watched and waited, hating this dance of the silver tongues.

The turquoise gaze of the queen drifted between Castor and me. I had no idea if she believed us, and I didn’t know what the consequences would be if she found out the truth. Her calculating stare bore into me like the tip of a sharpened blade, barely skimming the surface of my skin, pressing hard enough to leave a mark but not enough to kill. Then I felt it. The whisper of her magic circled around the barriers of my mind.

Be careful … young shifter. The hearts of mated offspring are never fully sated without the bond of a true mate. I detect no magic of a mate bond emanating from you. You may have the dalliance of an Aegaeon prince, but it will never last. He’ll soon tire or dispose of you. I suggest you guard your heart for what little time you have left in this world, mortal.

“Was that a threat?” I did my best to cage my rage as the queen spoke to me inside my mind. I was starting to get really fucking annoyed with voices in my head.

“A warning,” she said before turning her attention to Castor. “Do you intend to wed this shifter after you have publicly flaunted your deed of bedding her? Or is this just merely a dalliance?” Her brows furrowed with suspicion. “As your high queen, I need to know the intentions of the royal bloodlines and succession of the realms should your action result in a child growing in her womb.”

Concealing my outrage at that comment was the hardest gods-damned thing I had ever done in my entire life .

“The concept of my family line has yet to be addressed,” Castor said, eloquently answering without so much as a hint of a lie. “This delicate topic has yet to be addressed due to the uncertainty of her living past today. But I can’t deny that having her marry into my family name is tempting … if she survives.” Castor was earning his silver tongue today. I couldn’t bring myself to glance anywhere else in the room, knowing I had to play my part.

“I can handle my personal affairs. I don’t need guidance or permission from the High Fae courts,” I growled. “What I decide to do with my life, who I decide to sleep with, and how I spend my days after the trials is my choice.”

“A choice I intend to try and relentlessly persuade my way,” Castor said with a sing-song tone that I knew all too well. He was executing our ruse beautifully. And, well, I was … trying.

During this exchange, Daxton remained utterly silent. His expression mimicked stone, and his gaze was glued to the steps. I didn’t dare look his way, or else the roles we were trying to play would fall apart entirely.

“You do know their kind is easier to breed, right?” Seamus snickered. “Perhaps you’ll overthrow your brother with a fruitful line of succession while our high queen finally earns Daxton’s vow and seed.”

Utter disdain rolled through me. “I’m no one’s prized breeding tool, nor do I condone others being treated as such,” I said. “If I wanted a life reserved for child rearing and station alone, I would’ve stayed in Solace as the alpha’s mate and allowed another to take my place.”

“Interesting remark. And yet you feel it is appropriate to indulge with Castor of all people? ”

“No one wishes to die a virgin,” I said. Rapid blinks from Castor and coughs from the crowd indicated that I had successfully thrown everyone off a step. “Cas has a sparkling reputation and the most experience out of everyone here. I figured, why not go out with a bang?”

“My… my!” Seamus bellowed with laughter. “I admit I’m jealous you got to take her maidenhead, Castor. It would have been so sweet to pluck her fruit from the tree.” The floor and the air surrounding us began to freeze. Castor moved to make it seem like it was his magic, but I could feel the difference. It was Daxton’s rage fueling this magical shift.

“Stand down, Castor,” Minaeve commanded. “Enough of this nonsense bickering.” And for once, I couldn’t agree more with the queen. “The fate of this shifter will be discussed later. There are still two more trials for her to master, so this topic is a waste of time.” Her gaze then turned back to the kneeling Daxton, who kept his head bent toward the floor. “When will you depart, Daxton?”

“We … will—”

“Immediately,” I interjected, pushing myself before the kneeling princes to confront the queen. “We’ll leave immediately. There’s no sense in waiting.” I didn’t want to be here any longer than I absolutely had to. Leaving tonight might be tortuous and tiring, but it gave us time that we desperately needed.

She glared at me. “It seems so. The gate to the second trial is already open, and according to the scroll, the creature inside is free. You must make haste to ready yourself for the task ahead. Two cycles of the moon will pass sooner than you think.”

“We shall accompany them,” Adohan announced with Idris at his side .

“That’s surprising… with your mate’s condition, Adohan,” Seamus said.

“Indeed,” Minaeve agreed. “Why do you wish to accompany them? Should you not be resting and preparing for the birth of your child?”

Idris affectionately touched her rounded belly, giving the room a soft smile. Adohan intertwined his fingers with his mate’s before he addressed the room. “We appreciate the concern, High Queen. But our child still has time to grow. We wish to witness the success or failure of the shifter firsthand. Besides, Silver Meadows may have the strongest warriors and Aelius the cleverest minds, but Crimson City holds the slow-burning flame of resilience. My people have weathered the devastating attacks of the wilt more than any other region, and yet we continue. We still thrive. Our fires are always burning.”

“Crimson City will help guide Skylar in preparing for this task alongside Silver Meadows,” Idris said.

“I don’t believe you were addressed, Lady of Crimson City,” Minaeve spat, rising to stand at the side of the golden throne. This was a direct attack on Idris’s lack of station in the High Fae courts. In their eyes, Idris held no true position.

“You do not speak amongst our circle unless spoken to first.” The line between Seamus’s brows deepened as he paused. It looked as though he wanted to say more, but something was holding him back.

Personally, I thought his opinion on this was complete and utter bullshit. Yet I held my tongue, taking in Castor’s teachings and putting them to use.

I could see the fire in Adohan’s eyes burn as flames licked across his darkened skin. “Be careful how you address my mate. Regardless of a formal title, I will not stand for anyone disrespecting her. ”

“She’s not recognized as a royal,” Minaeve said as Seamus stepped toward Adohan. From his body language, he intended to use more than just his cunning words to make his point. Daxton immediately arose from his kneeling position and fronted Seamus’s approach. He didn’t say anything—the look of death in his eyes did that for him.

Seamus’s eyes widened. He was no match for Daxton, and he knew it. “You’re fortunate in your allies, Adohan … But it won’t save you in the end.”

“Seamus,” Minaeve said. “Don’t allow him to get under your skin. This is below you, come here.” And like the good lap dog he was, he dutifully returned to his master’s side. He bent to kiss Minaeve’s cheek and then trailed a kiss down her neck. I watched as she closed her eyes and curled her lip into a half-grin. “Hmmm, yes,” she said in a soft moan. And suddenly, I felt the urge to dry heave.

“We’ll take our leave then,” Daxton announced, bowing to the golden throne.

“Go,” Minaeve answered. “We’ll travel to Silver Meadows in two months.”

Daxton nodded before turning toward me. “After you, Champion.”

Again, he was honoring me by letting me take the lead. I knew what the gesture meant, and above all, it showed his respect for me in more ways than his words ever could.

“Idris,” I said, “call the pegasi. We fly for Silver Meadows tonight.”