Ch. 19

It's been days and we haven't heard anything from Arkell. We buried Comac under an orange tree, that way he can help us even though he's not here.

I'm sitting under the shade of the tree when a large panther steps in front of me and bows. "How can I help you?" I ask with mild malice.

"I ask that you come to the castle with me. King Arkell would like to see us." He bows in respect toward me.

I place my hand on the ground and take a deep breath."I'll be right back." I stand and walk a few steps.

He crouches down.

I shake my head. "I'd rather not climb onto your back. I am capable of walking on my own."

"Of course" He walks beside me." "I'm well aware of the situation, you have my condolences."

"Thank you."

We walk in silence the entire way. Once we reach the throne room, I am met by all five rules, Arkell the Griffin, Tigress, Wolf, Bear and then there is an empty seat. The panther that escorted me changes to human form and sits in the empty seat.

"Thank you for retrieving her for me," Arkell says.

The Panther king just nods.

"Fae, please have a seat." He gestures to a mat in front of all of them.

I kneel on the mat and wait patiently.

After a moment or two of silence, the Tigress finally speaks.

"We have done our investigation and it was indeed Junko that killed your spouse. She manipulated a young male and his friends into doing it. She took your young into the forest as well."

A lump in my throat forms and I do my best to swallow it down.

"Having said that, we leave her punishment up to you."

I can't hide the shock on my face.

"Me?"

They all nod.

"It's only fitting since your house is the victim." The Bear King's voice is deep and rather loud.

"If you'd like, Fae we can give you options."

They must be able to see that I'm overwhelmed. I didn't expect to be making life-altering decisions. I nod quietly.

"Your options are these. She can be placed into slavery, can be your slave for life, or we can banish her to the Forgotten Lands."

"You have a week to decide." The Tigress chimes in.

"Don't keep us waiting." The Bear King bellows.

"Fae." Arkell grabs my attention. "Go home, I'll be there soon."

I nod and leave the room. I have a huge decision to make, and it's not going to be easy.