The Lost Fae (The Twisted Crown #3) - A.K. Koonce Page 0,46
until only Captain Beatrice, Johanna, and the queen are left. Both of the pirate’s plates are empty, but they lean back in their seats, content. Beatrice's arms are tucked behind her head. The position makes her hat lift off her forehead at an odd angle, showing off the black hair that's flattened underneath. Johanna slouches in her seat and grips the arms of the chair. She looks as if she lets go that she'll just melt into a puddle under the table. Maybe the rage inside of her is what's making her this way.
"Would we, uh, be able to speak to the queen? Alone?" Lincoln clears his throat and pushes his now empty plate away.
My stomach is satisfied and full, but I can't stop myself from finishing the last couple bites of oatmeal and fruit. Who knows when the next time we'll have a decent meal is?
"Whatever for?" Anastasia pouts as if she's forgotten.
We have not forgotten. I have not forgotten.
Not even for a moment, not even for the quickest breath. The memories of Jase on his knees next to Cordelia. The fire in Rowan's eyes as the queen whisked me away. Zeve and Lylix proclaiming my reign. A fearful court chanting my title. Calhutta, full of Fae stripped of their wings and their dignity. Young women in hiding, or free without the ability to carry children. I won't forget. Lincoln won't forget.
"I want to go home." Each word is edged with anger, my frustration at her innocent act.
"Oh, we'd all like to go home," Captain Beatrice chuckles. "Better get comfortable. No one ever leaves this place.
"We will, and Queen Anastasia is going to tell us how. She can choose to do so with or without your presence." I slide my gaze to Anastasia. "Your choice."
"I think you're going to want to hear our proposition." Lincoln tacks on.
"Fine. Fine. Captain Beatrice, please excuse yourself and your first mate. I'll find you after this little talk of ours." The queen is all but rolling her eyes.
I edge around her mind. She's more guarded than any human I've encountered so far, but after I run a mental finger over her wall I know that if I yank hard enough I'll be able to tear it right down.
Be gentle, or you'll break her mind.
Maybe that isn't a bad thing.
Trust me... it's always a bad thing.
My head turns, following the Captain and Johanna as they walk from the room. I sigh trying to be content with asking questions instead of breaking into her consciousness. But the urge is there, and we have the power to do so.
Last resort. Lincoln chimes. If she won't willingly give us the answers, then I'll enter her mind to make the suggestion or find the information myself. Carefully.
I guess with Lincoln being the more experienced of the two of us... I'll allow it. Turning back to the queen, I slip my hand under the table and rest my palm on Lincoln’s leg. The smallest of comforts.
"I don't know what you two keep getting at, because there is no way to exit The Lost Court. You enter and you stay." Her posture has gone noticeably stiff, her breathing shallower.
"I think that you know that isn't the truth." Lincoln leans toward her. "We've heard of The Lost Court before we arrived. Which means someone has made it back to tell the tale."
Her green cup, dotted with yellow flowers trembles in her grip as she brings it to her lips. I'm not sure that there is anything left in it at all, but she uses it to give herself time to think. My foot taps against the floor as I bounce my leg waiting for her response. She frowns at the repetitive noise and I force myself to stop.
"There is no exit," she repeats. "None that is known."
Words spill out of me at her vague answer. "And do the residents of The Lost Court know about your fountain? The one that washes away your wrinkles and keeps you young and living forever?"
Ziko laughs under his breath and shakes his head slightly. I'm not sure what he expected out of me. I'm not great at keeping quiet. Especially when I know things could be going so wrong in The Shadow Court.
Anastasia's face goes pale and I know we've got her right where we want her. I look at Lincoln, excited that I got one thing right. That my risk was not for nothing.