A Dance Of Twilight: (A Fae Dark Fantasy Romance Stand-Alone )

Chapter 10

“I’m going into the markets today, Kathlyn. I also have to go and visit the committee to make sure the final touches for the festival and the tournament are ready.”

I knew I shouldn’t just leisurely sit in the bathtub while I had many things to do today, but it was the only thing that calmed my nerves as I still shook. I needed to wash off the impurity I felt deep within. The worry hit me that most lords wanted their wives to have only laid with them. After what happened to me, I would be considered impure and undesirable to most of them.

That choice had been taken from me.

I was still unsure if I should tell anyone. Mostly because I was terrified of being deemed insane. I already lived with the faeries, Mother said. Although a Fae myself, the faeries were the lower folk. The creatures who were neither human nor Fae, living deep in the forests.

They hid within the trees. In the blades of grass and in the flowers. They were hell bent on swapping their babies for ours, all while promising wishes but holding grudges if they didn’t get what they wanted. Truly, those faeries were the scary versions of ourselves.

“Well, your highness, if you wish to do all that, I must prepare you for the day. You cannot go without breakfast.”

Kathlyn stood behind the room divider and threw over the thick towel ready for me to take. Since I turned eleven, I had refused for any of my lady’s maids to help me bathe. This being the only time I got to myself in the castle, and it gave me some degree of control.

“Which dress would you like to wear today? I have the pale blue one ready,” she said casually.

“Actually, find me one of my lighter fabric dresses. The lilac one and I will keep my hair down for the day with no bonnet.”

“No bonnet! Hair down?! Your highness, won’t that seem too informal? What will the queen say if she sees you?”

Rinsing off the lavender and rose oil from my long ember hair, I stood from the bath and wrapped the towel around myself. Emerging from behind the divider, I found Kathlyn with her hands on her hips and panic on her face.

“My mother won’t be seeing me today. She is busy with wedding things. Also, I will also not be having breakfast. I am meeting Lady Gelda for lunch. I will be fine with a cup of tea and a few biscuits until then.”

I swear I saw the vein on her forehead grow in size as she worried more. She liked to do things the correct way, but I was fed up with taking orders or being told what I should and shouldn’t do. It no longer mattered. I wasn’t desirable anymore to any male. Any marriage I were to have now, would be out of principle and protection, not for love or the art of making babies.

The un-pure princess is what I would be called once they found out. All ladies went through extensive examinations when a man chose them to become their wife and I, even as a princess, was no exception.

There was a flash of red and my heart began to beat faster. I felt a little dizzy and stumbled a little as I stepped into my undergarments. Kathlyn quickly put her hand out to touch my elbow and balance me.

“Are you alright?” Concern laced through her voice as she looked at me, studying me.

“Yes, just a sudden change in temperature.”

She looked at me again with worry before she rolled her eyes. Letting go of me, she poured a glass of water and handed it to me. She then pulled up the lilac dress and zipped up the back.

The dress was my absolute favourite, but sadly I rarely wore it. The cotton, ankle length dress had a beautiful sweetheart neckline, with sheer lilac sleeves. A darker lilac velvet string hung around the waist, which Kathlyn tied into a little bow, giving my body an hourglass shape.

“Are you sure you want your hair left down, your highness? Perhaps we could put some of it up or in a braid?”

Looking at myself in the mirror, I watched as she showed me what my hair would look like up a little and I shook my head. Settling on two braids that joined in the middle at the back was as far as I would go. This kept the stray hairs out of my face.

Throwing on one of my lighter capes that was a light grey, and then a pair of shoes to match, I headed out the door. Kathlyn quickly rushed behind me as I ordered Marcus to prepare a horse.

“Will Miss Kathlyn need one also?” he asked as he walked just behind me.

“No, I will not need any escort today, aside from you.”

“But, your highness, the queen will be angry if I do not attend to you and your needs,” Kathlyn objected, as I guessed she would.

“Kathlyn, I will have Marcus. Should I need anything, I will send for you.”

I was on a mission. I knew Dorian would be here most of the day and I could not face him. My heart raced in my chest as I thought about him and his disgusting face. I wanted nothing more than to scream at everyone for allowing him near me.

Once we reached the side door and down towards the castle stables, Marcus made quick work to order the stable hand to prepare my horse. Within a matter of minutes, I was lifting myself up onto Juniper, my brown mare.

“I will be back in time for dinner, do not worry, Kath.”

Marcus mounted his horse quickly. Once he was settled, I clicked my heels into Juniper, and we headed out of the grounds towards the city.

I enjoyed the feeling of the wind rushing through my hair as Juniper jumped over something in the pathway. As she splashed through a puddle or two, I felt the thrill of it all. More often than not, I was prohibited from horse riding, it had been deemed too ‘unsafe’ for me. As a royal, I was meant to stick to carriage rides and never put myself at risk. Unlike Norok who was never questioned or banned from doing something he enjoyed.

I missed riding.

I knew Marcus would stick further back, giving me space—respectfully—he always had me in his sights. Even if he knew full well that if anything were to happen to me, it would be his head.

As I continued to ride towards the city, I slowed Juniper down to a trot when the road became busier. Carriages and people wandered in and out towards the main city gates.

I never understood why we as a family did not stay at our castle that was within the city. We lived predominantly at the castle just on the outskirts. Granted it was surrounded by the woods and a vast river. I hated how we were away from our people. How could we truly be the royal family if we did not live nearby and see how our people lived?

For the most part, the castle in the city was used for major events. Mostly the funeral of a royal, wedding of another, or a coronation. Norok would be wed there and then we would return to our home to celebrate shortly after.

This week however, the castle was being set up for the festival and the jousting tournament. I had suggested it was best the event be put within the grounds, as it was large enough. It also meant the people of our city could come along and join in. They could see the fun and cheer for their favourite knight or lord.

The guards stationed at the city gates bowed low as they saw my arrival with Marcus just behind me. Each castle horse’s saddle was engraved with our families crest, something for us to be spotted with.

“Good afternoon, your highness,” one of the guards said.

He was handsome, young, and clearly new to his post. Guards very rarely addressed me. Mostly they stayed silent unless they were spoken to. It was a nice change.

Smiling at him as I rode by, I heard the smack from his superior and part of me wanted to turn around and express my annoyance at him being scolded. Unfortunately, I had things to do and more important places to be.

Firstly, I needed to attend the final meeting to discuss the finishing touches for the tournament, and discuss the prize for the winner. I was thinking it could be a dinner with the king and a special granted request.

Well, a request within reason Father said. Mother said there should be a runner up prize and decided that I would host the runner up, and if Father didn’t like the winner, Norok would dine with them instead.

Clearly, she was going to use my tournament as a way to find me a husband. Granted, I was also using it for my own reasons, but she didn’t know that.

Dismounting my horse as I arrived at the committee house, Marcus took Juniper”s reins and tied both horses to the post outside.

“Shall I wait here for you, your highness?” he asked.

“I am sure the horses will be fine. Go and grab a drink or something. I will be safe here.”

He hesitated at first but knew I would stand my ground if he refused. Instead of arguing he bowed and headed across the street to one of the many taverns within the city as I walked through the doors of the committee house.

“Ah, your highness, welcome! So lovely to see you,” Matthew, the head of special events, said in greeting.

He was the man who had helped me organise the tournament in such short notice. Matthew smiled happily as he bowed, holding both his arms out. His suit barely fit him and looked as if it had seen better days. I made a mental note to organise him a new suit before the festival. I couldn’t have him stand there and address the king and queen looking a mess.

“Sorry I am late. I hope I didn’t keep you all waiting.”

“Nonsense, it’s always a pleasure to have you here. You didn’t have to come though. We know you are a busy lady.”

Matthew was perhaps a few years older than Norok, possibly by five or six years. He was married with five beautiful children, and although new to the events post, I was happy to hire him for the job.

The rest of the committee sat in a small back room. One that was littered with candles. There was a wall decorated with pictures with all the ideas for this year’s light festival.

They all smiled happily when I entered, and greeted me with respect before they went back to their discussion. I felt very much like an equal as I walked through the minefield of everything that was to do with organising the festival and took a seat.

Once I sat, everyone else took their seats, and the meeting began. Mostly it was a discussion about timings. When things were meant to start. When certain games of the day were to be played. Then how the evening party was going to play out.

The morning would be filled with a host of games, archery, bobbing for apples, and a talent competition, as well as a puppet show for children. The afternoon then was mostly taken up by the jousting, a sword fighting demonstration, and then finally the main event—the Festival of Light display—which would feature bonfires and fireworks.

Thankfully, Father has abandoned Mother’s idea of Norok having his wedding during the festival, and instead it would be the following day. This worked out wonderfully for me, as Lord Cole was part of the guest list for not only the festival, but also the wedding.

Which meant I would expect to see him a lot more over the coming days. I was hoping to catch him to discuss a few things, and perhaps grant him my favour as Norok informed me he was planning to enter the jousting.

Thankfully, the meeting didn’t last as long as I expected. Matthew insisted on escorting me to the tavern to find Marcus, expressing that no lady of my station should have to go in there alone. He was sweet and definitely embodied the protective father. However, I was quite happy to just leave Marcus where he was and do a little exploring myself. It was rare I had the chance.

“Thank you, Matthew, I will be alright from now on.”

“Are you sure, your highness? I do not mind keeping you company until your guard arrives.”

Sighing a little, I knew Marcus wouldn’t be impressed if I disappeared, but half an hour wouldn’t hurt. I was hoping I wouldn’t be recognised while dressed so casually, it would be nice to be treated as an equal outside as well.

“The king would have my head should anything happen to you.”

“Matthew,” I said, taking his hand in mine. I squeezed it tightly. “I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine. And the king will be none the wiser.”

Winking at him, I let go of his hand and headed into the tavern. Watching from the entrance doorway, I saw Matthew straighten out his shirt and then headed back towards the committee building. Turning around to look at everyone inside the tavern, I smiled softly at the sight. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Either drinking, singing a few songs—rather poorly—or laughing with friends. I finally managed to spot Marcus between the many bodies. He sat at the bar, laughing, and smiling at the barmaid as she leaned forward and topped off his drink. He didn’t notice me, and it was nice to see how much he was enjoying himself.

It would be rude to disturb him just yet.

Turning on my heels, I headed back outside while I lifted my hood up over my hair. I didn’t want to be spotted as I headed in the direction of the main square near where I bumped into Lord Cole last time I was here.

Window shopping was something Talia and I would do when we were younger. I walked past many shop windows, each decorated beautifully for the festival. A mixture of sun catchers and stars danced against the glass. The theme sunshine and starlight were the best yet.

It gave everyone a chance to be creative and put their own spin on the theme. They could mix up the decorations, or they could decorate purely with sunshine or starlight. The choices were endless. I loved seeing how everyone seemed to decorate and claim the theme as their own.

“A fruit for my lady!” shouted a merchant as I walked past his stall.

His smile beamed at me as he held out a bright red apple. I shook my head, thanking him before I continued on my way. I stopped at a stall filled with crystals, psychic cards, and potions. Magic was few and far between in this part of the world. Only a select few were gifted with the ability, and even then, it was rare.

“Good afternoon, your highness.”

The elderly female merchant nodded at me as she polished a piece of crystal and gestured for me to sit at her table. I didn’t hesitate, as I was a big believer in mystics. Sitting down as comfortably as I could, I watched as she placed the crystal down. She pulled out a pack of cards from her cloak pocket while simultaneously brushing a strand of loose black hair back behind her ear.

“How did you know it was me?” I asked.

“I have the gift of sight and felt your aura as you stepped in. I sense you are troubled.”

I laughed a little, assuming the bags under my eyes were what gave me away. Most people didn’t believe in magic or those gifted with the sight. They believed they were usually con artists who knew how to read people and watch their movements. I tried my best to wear a smile and not appear to be troubled, even though on the inside I was going through turmoil.

Perhaps she did sense something I could not hide.

“Please, I am not someone who will lie to you. I have this feeling that you are wandering lost, unsure of where you are to go from here.”

The seer seemed kind and sincere as she smiled. Her hazel eyes wrinkled a little at the corners. She held out her hand to me, waiting for me to take it—and for a moment, I hesitated. What was she seeing that I didn’t already know? Slowly, I reached for her hand, and she grasped mine.

She lifted my hand upwards before bringing it back down. When she looked at me, her eyes suddenly disappeared behind a white mist. My eyes widened, shocked by what I was seeing.

“You are shrouded with a great darkness sitting on your shoulders. It does not want to leave. It wants to keep you with it. Consume you. You must not let it!” she shouted.

I tried to pull away, but her other hand moved quickly and covered my hand, locking me in her grasp. She pulled me forward forcefully, and I fell into the table slightly.

“He who owns the darkness, someone you knew before, from a past life, perhaps. He wishes to claim you. Make you his. You must not let him snuff out your light!” she rasped.

She finally let go and as I stepped away quickly, her eyes returned to normal. She cleared her throat, appearing confused as she watched me rub at my wrist. Bruises from the tight grasp of her fingers were already forming.

“I’m so sorry, your highness, sometimes the forces take over,” she explained nervously.

“Y-yo-you said I am shrouded with darkness, and I must not let him snuff out my light. Who is he?”

“I apologise. All I see are flashes of images and words whispered to me,” she admitted meekly.

“What did you see?” I demanded.

“A man, two men in fact. Both are following you. But one of them is a trickster, playing a cunning game.”

Riddles. She spoke in riddles and her words confused me. Was she talking about the shadow man in the woods? Or perhaps Dorian? Maybe even Lord Cole? She looked lost as she stared at me, her eyes becoming glassy while she reached up and rubbed her temples.

“I am sorry I frightened you…here.”

Lifting up the purple crystal she was polishing, she held it out for me to collect, but I was frozen with fear. She placed it in the middle of the table and then left behind the curtain behind her, without saying another word or giving me any explanation of what had just happened.

Now alone, her words of darkness and tricksters played in my mind as I stared at the crystal. Without grabbing the crystal, I turned for the door. I did not need anything to remind me of this meeting.

Leaving quickly, I headed towards the Goddess of Light’s fountain and stared up at her, sending a silent plea for guidance—for help. My throat felt dry and my legs shook a little, likely from anxiousness. I”d received fortune telling before, but nothing like that. Fear welled up deep inside me as I thought more on it. Sitting down on the edge of the fountain, I tried to regain some sense of balance and normality.

“Are you alright, your highness?”

A sigh escaped my lips as I heard Marcus’s voice behind me. I was grateful it was him who had snuck up on me and no one else.

“Yes, thank you, Marcus.”

Turning around, I felt a lump appear in my throat as my heart began to race loudly, and the ringing in my ears started again. Standing just a few paces away behind Marcus was Dorian as he stepped out from a carriage, and he locked eyes with me.

I didn’t know what happened then. All I felt was the ringing grow louder and warm arms wrap around me tightly as the world went dark.