The Last Changeling by Chelsea Pitcher Read Free Book Online Page A

shrieked. “Her beloved heir—”
    â€œ Symbol ,” I corrected. “And I hardly thought she would notice. Is she being terrible to you?”
    â€œYou know the Dark Queen. Any dissatisfaction, and she lashes out.”
    â€œI am sorry for that.”
    â€œDon’t be. It has strengthened our resolve to be free. Lady,” Illya’s voice dropped away, as if she had t urned her head to search for spies, “your followers are disquieted by your departure. They fear you have abandoned us.”
    â€œI told them I was going on a quest. That should be enough for them.”
    â€œYou forget your origins—”
    â€œI never forget.” I clenched the phone tightly in my hand. “I can never forget.”
    Illya softened her tone. “It was difficult enough for them to trust the daughter of the Dark Court. The daughter of the Queen. And now, when you have finally gained their allegiance—”
    â€œBy working ceaselessly and tirelessly to unite servants from all corners of the Court—”
    â€œYou leave us with barely an explanation. How can you expect none to question your loyalties? If they knew you’d even set foot in the wasteland … ”
    â€œThey will know what they need to know, and so will you.”
    â€œLady—”
    â€œPeace, sweetness,” I said, wary of my regal mannerisms returning. “They’ve trusted me this long. Can you not convince them to trust me a little longer?”
    Illya’s breath beat against the phone like wings. “I miss you,” she said finally.
    â€œDon’t,” I replied, a response born of nobility. All that power. No love. “You know how to contact me if anything goes awry.”
    â€œIt won’t,” Illya said, and the clarity of her small voice was surprising. “Everything is going to happen the way you have planned. The Court will fall and we will be free.”
    â€œThen you understand why you must do as I ask. No matter what the Queen or her hideous courtiers do, you must not succumb to their cruelty. Be brave, Illya, for all of us.”
    â€œI will,” she promised, pausing a minute. I knew what she was going to ask before she gave life to the words. “Read me the riddle?”
    â€œIt isn’t safe. Anyone could be listening.”
    â€œOh, who would be listening there? Even the Seelie fey are forbidden from entering the wasteland. I could help you decipher it.”
    I sighed. Who could argue with that voice? Scanning the darkness for any possible spies, I pulled the curling leaf from the pouch I’d strung around my neck. The Bright Queen’s writing glowed softly against the green:
    â€œ Bane of the darkness, perfect for light,
    Steal him away in the dead of the night.
    Bind him with blood, this young leader of men,
    And bring him to Court before Light’s hallowed reign. ”
    â€œ Light’s hallowed reign ,” Illya hissed as I curled the leaf back into its hiding place. “But that’s—”
    â€œBeltane, I know. Three weeks away.”
    â€œIt isn’t enough time!”
    â€œIt has to be.” I tucked the pouch into the collar of my nightgown, away from prying mortal eyes. “Now help me with the rest of it. What do you make of bane of the darkness ?”
    Illya was silent a moment. Then, in a low voice, she said, “The worst of humanity. Probably the one with the most power.”
    â€œExplain.”
    â€œThe one with the most power will be the most corrupted.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought,” I said, thinking of the two faerie queens. “And the riddle does ask for a leader of men. But how can that be perfect for light ?”
    â€œI am more interested in why the subject is male,” Illya mused.
    â€œPerhaps the Bright Queen wants more than a toy … ” My gaze traveled to Taylor’s window, and lingered.
    Illya’s gasp brought me back.