In The Face Of Death

"Welcome to the Summer Court, your highness, Valerie. I'm sure the journey must have been long and tough. I'll arrange your room as usual and have you settled in." Valerie was greeted and welcomed with customary courtesy by his relative, the substitute high lord, as soon as he arrived at the Summer Court palace. 

"No, thank you, I plan to have just a short reprieve, then I leave for the heart of the mountain." Valerie told him. 

"The heart of the mountain?" 

His relative, Jagon, scrunched his nose in dissatisfaction, concern etched on his face. 

Jagon, despite having royal blood, lacked enough influence to claim his throne due to his mother's ruthless streak. Everyone knew not to cross the crazy summer Queen. Queen Maeve had systematically eliminated any potential threats to his position, be it uncles or relatives through threats or even death, though she wouldn't admit it.