The Evanescence (Fallen Soul Series) - By Jessica Sorensen Page 0,60
waiting for me to say or do something, like give a speech. But about what? How insane is this is? I look at Tiny and he cracks his eyelids open and gives me an encouraging nod.
“I think they want you to say something.” Aislin tells me, prodding me in the back, urging me to step forward.
My jaw hangs to my knees as I stare at her, baffled. “What the hell do I say? Hey, thanks for bowing?” I shake my head and huff a breath in frustration. “I don’t even get what’s going on.”
She shrugs. “I don’t know, but it’s good, though. It’ll get us out of here.”
I turn around to the Faeries scattered across the land as Aislin gently shoves me forward. Tripping over my feet, I catch myself, and stand up straight, feeling idiotic as I cover my mouth and clear my throat. “Well, this is quite a surprise,” I say in a nervous voice and Aislin snorts a laugh. I glare at her from over my shoulder and she shrugs, stifling more laughter. As irritated as I am, it’s nice to see her smile again, even if it’s at my expense. “And I guess… I guess I’m honored to be your Empress.” I glance around at them all. “Even if it’s because of this.” I take the pendant out of my shirt and move it to the outside.
Giggles, gasps, and whispering spread amongst the Fey and I notice that in between them are Sprites; they’re the ones making all the noise. I wonder if, because I’m Empress, I have the power to make them shut up.
Tiny rises to his feet with his sword pointed upward to the sky “May I speak with you, Empress?”
“Um... sure… and you can call me Gemma.”
Laying his spear on the ground, he weaves around the Fey, flattening the grass with his large feet as he makes a path to me. Tiny glances at another guard as he passes him. He stands up, and together, they make their way towards me.
When they reach me, their large, lofty bodies block out the sunlight and the temperature descends in the shadows.
“My name is Wilhelm,” the guard introduces himself, with a solemn bow of his head. “I’m one of the Protectors of the Fey.”
I extend my hand out for him to shake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
He hesitates and then reaches out, covering my hand with his, giving it a rough shake. “So, it’s true… you do have the Cornu Lepore?” He eyes the necklace with his fiery red eyes.
I nod, glancing down at the necklace. “I do…” I glance at Tiny. “You saw it, didn’t you?”
He nods. “When we were taking your friend away.”
I suck in a breath, wondering what it means. Wondering if Luna knows. Wondering if I care.
“That gives you the right to become our leader—our Empress.” He steps to the side so the crowd can see me. The sunlight hits the pendant and reflects across the grass, the trees, the Feys’ faces. “Our ruler.”
“I don’t understand, though,” I tell him as I trace my finger across the red teardrop. “I thought this pendant gave me the ability to control your world, but it had to be seen first… but only you saw it… how does it even work? I’d think you guys wouldn’t be so happy about it.” I wait for him to respond, holding my breath.
“There’s a large amount of Fey that are growing tired of Luna and her antics,” he explains. “Luna wants a war. She wants to control the Fey—our world—however she wants. Things used to be different, you know. We used to have freedom, make choices together, but now it’s what she wants.” He waves his arm at the Fey and, pushing up from their knees, they rise to their feet; some holding spears, some with their wings expanded, some even have Sprites on their shoulders. “We want a change. We want out freedom back. Once I told them about you and the Cornu Lepore, we saw the opportunity to change our lives—make things better. With your help, of course. You can become our Empress and give us our freedom so we no longer have to be slaves to Luna, getting punished,” he winces, “whenever we don’t go along with her.”
I’m not sure what to say. All I ever wanted was an easy ticket out of here. I think back to my vision and how I walked to the throne like I belonged there. Is that what it