The reckoning of the Summer Court felt like a long time coming. A revolution that began with the disenfranchised, before slowly poisoning the upper-ranks of Liling’s trusted guard. There was a hubris in assuming that his loss was what turned the tides within the inner court, but Ashir was thoughtful enough to deem it so. Those in his ranks, like the formidable Evelyn Hyun, had witnessed Liling’s right-hand man become subject to her perverse cruelty. Any leader that would turn against her most loyal, was one that promised nothing but misery. The seeds were planted long ago, growing almost painfully. And Arabella, like that seed of revolution, had grown with it. Even so, there was difficulty in determining the catalyst. What would take them from a griping and displeased inner court, and turn it into the toppling of the reigning monarch?
It was a question that seemed to plague the heavy-hearted Princess. The advisor had spent the better part of her life by her side. As a father, he had learned to become in-tune with the temperaments of his daughter. And although she was not his, Ashir felt a paternal sense of duty for the young Princess. A life and purpose that meant more to him, than even Ashir could comprehend. His dark eyes remain steadfast on the moving fae, lips curving into an understanding nod. “In this part of our world, there is pride in simplicity.” The Autumn Court’s culture was far from that of the Summer Court’s. They did not speak in layered sentences, or out-maneuver one another whilst sharing cold smiles. They simply lived and let live, turning to matters head-on. It was a reality that a younger, more ignorant man would condemn. But he was older, wiser, and more jaded now. What he would not give to share in their simplicity. “It takes great strength, to speak plainly and care for things openly.” Their homeland prided itself in anything but that, yet Ashir’s knew there was a strength that was required of it.
“Perhaps there is no time.” Ashir concedes gently. “The courts are moving faster than reason or sensibility demands. A High Lady is resurrected, another High Lord has come from exile, and marriages are underway to secure protection and fealty. We, fae, like to think we have time… But if our brothers and sisters are any indication, we may soon run out of it.” It was not his intention to strike fear in Arabella, but it demanded to be said. His own impatience aside, the world of fae was changing in a pace neither could predict. “Maybe it is time to begin doing something about it.” His tone is soft, conscious that such a suggestion was a delicate one.
He averts his eyes to the echoing boom of cheers, his ears ringing at the Princess’ sudden words. “A likeness?” He repeats, uncertain as a heavy dread falls upon him. It was a secret he kept close to his chest, guarding Liling’s secret as any true advisor did. Her charade was for the betterment of the Summer Court, she claimed. And at the time, Ashir felt no sense of loyalty for a nameless infant. Her life would certainly be grander, away from the cruel Lady’s reach. And what use would it be for Arabella, whose claim would be in a dire state, should it be revealed? “That is peculiar, indeed.” He offers hollowly, swallowing the thickness in his throat. “Was she bothering you? There are dozens of masters of deception out there. A fae glamoring her appearance is not uncommon, and con-men and women make a fortune out of it in Chaguan.”
“Agreed. It would be admirable if it weren’t so foolish.“ There was a melancholy to her words; a longing for a different path that never existed. Autumn was so open with their intentions and feelings, which made them the perfect victims for manipulation and deceit. Arabella could understand why the Court was constantly at odds with her own, as the High Lady would have gleefully and maliciously toyed with them for centuries. “To be brave means so little if you don’t live to see tomorrow.” But it was nice to dream about it.
His answer wasn’t a surprise to her, and she closed her eyes in resignation. She had been hoping against hope that there would be at least some additional years to train. There was so much she didn’t know, and to pit herself up against the High Lady herself would be nothing short of suicide, even with the growing support around her. “Yes...It may be advantageous to use these movements in our favour. With all the others in states of turmoil, we would be seen as no different. We could likely blame it on the humans too, if we were to be subtle about it.” The human labourer came to mind then, and Arabella found herself regretting the thought, as logical as it was. “But how would that make me any different from her? As far as the people are concerned, a Li Liu is a Li Liu, regardless of generation. Would that not confirm their feelings, in either scenario?”
Arabella nodded at his question, puzzled by the shift in the atmosphere between them. She passed him a quizzical look, before nodding. “W-well, yes, but it was so strange. I know what glamours look like. They’re polished to a fault. Clean. If this was a true glamour meant to deceive, then this one was perfect.“ Too different to be truly in her likeness, but too similar not to be of notice. And that feeling she had...it wasn’t like anything she had felt before. “I-I don’t remember much, for some reason, but I remembered her. It’s a bit hazy...“ The princess’ frown deepened. Even that in itself was unusual, given how much pride she took in her memory. But the more she tried to recall what happened following their short conversation, the more she found herself grasping at nothing.
“It just strikes me as odd. If she was aiming for flattery, she would have used my face exactly, don’t you think?“ It was something she had seen a few other Fae attempt with her mother, some with great success. The others...well, they hadn’t been so fortunate. “That level of detail can’t be replicated easily Ashir. You know how rare it is for people to see my face to begin with. So how could she have possibly known?“ Arabella asked, her expression turning grave. “I cannot launch a plan without knowing all the elements at play. Things are volatile enough as it is.“ She took a moment to look around them, knowing they were fairly well alone but keeping her voice as soft as a whisper laced with steel. “So are you certain that this is all it is? A coincidence?”