Chapter 19

Bailey was hauled through the courtyard gates into the sithen proper, Eostre dragging her by her elbow. The hall that she entered was large, flagstones underfoot making up the floor. There were murals lining the walls, brightly colored and alien.

"Jayce gave us a quick rundown of the last day or so. How are you holding up child?" Eostre's voice was soft, concerned.

Bailey took a moment to consider. "I'm not entirely sure how to answer that. I'm exhausted already, and we've barely begun. So many things are happening at once, my grandfather's murder, my attack in the forest, the sithen acting odd when I entered. It's overwhelming."

Eostre nodded at her side, "The sithen hasn't recognized a rising royal in a long time. It certainly has taken a shine to you, the bells tolling your arrival were loud enough to be heard throughout the whole sithen. All of the Court would know that Jayce's Queen has been found."

They stopped at an ornate wooden door, runes carved deep into the wood, scroll wor