5. Chapter 5
Chapter five
T he two guards stationed outside of my room bowed to me before opening the purple doors. Erendrial followed me in, making his way to my study. On the table across from my desk were stacks of books that hadn’t been there this morning. I went over to them, peering down at the writing on the leather covers.
“Homework?” I asked.
“We will have to first teach you to read, but yes,” said Erendrial, sorting through the stacks of books.
“I can read,” I whispered.
He stopped, looking back at me with surprise. “Well, I am glad to see Gaelin was good for something other than—”
“—It wasn’t Gaelin,” I interrupted him, knowing where the comment was headed, “it was Levos Atros. He is … was a friend to me, when I was there.” The mention of Levos tugged at the empty part in my heart. Surely, he hated me and never wanted to see me again after learning the full truth. I dropped my head, trying not to show my weakness, as Erendrial had instructed.
“Levos Atros is an intelligent and well-rounded young alfar. They don’t put him to use effectively in my opinion, but I am glad he was a friend to you. Well, that makes my job easier. Never liked teaching much. Go sit at the desk and we can begin.”
I did as I was told, pulling the large velvet chair from the wooden desk. I had a feeling I was going to be spending more time in this chair than my bed.
Erendrial placed three books on the desk. He opened the first book to a page that had my family’s sigil marked at the top. “This is your family history. A detailed account of each member’s magical abilities and talents along with who they married. The rest of these books consist of every high and low house of alfar in our court. The first thing you need to learn is who possesses what abilities. This is a way to protect yourself and it will allow you to understand exactly who you are dealing with. Start with the high houses.”
I pulled the book closer towards me and began to read. For the next two hours, Erendrial answered any questions I had and filled in the blanks for me.
The magical powers of the mother and father didn’t necessarily fall to their offspring. Some alfar would have only one gift, while others had two. There was no way of knowing exactly what a child’s gift would be, which made keeping track of who could do what that much harder.
A knock came at the door and Atalee entered my room with a rack of clothing. I exhaled, thankful for her interruption. Erendrial perched on the edge of the desk looking down at me.
He smiled, seeming amused by my exhaustion. “When dinner is over, I want you to go over this again. Remember, the faster you learn, the faster you will be able to protect yourself. Also, try to sleep in the bed tonight. You begin training tomorrow morning and you will need a good night’s rest,” he said before heading to the door. “See you at dinner, princess.” He turned and gave me a small, exaggerated bow with that devilish smile spread across his face.
“Erendrial,” I said, before he could take his leave. “I know you’re just doing what my father asked but, thank you … for today. You were a lot of help. I appreciate it.” I forced a smile.
He nodded with a soft grin and took his leave.
I made my way over to Atalee, who was waving her hands across my armoire.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
She smiled and reached for the doorknobs. “Watch,” she said, pulling them open. Inside the armoire, a room as large as my study had appeared. It was filled with dresses, shoes, coats, covers, crowns, and jewelry, so much jewelry. I stepped inside in awe and shock.
“This was not here last night,” I said, remembering the small armoire that provided me with a sense of safety and comfort.
She laughed at me, rolling the rack of clothing inside. “Only you and I can access this. It’s enchanted to hide the more expensive pieces of your collection. Impressive, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Oh, I do,” I said, running my hands across the different types of fabrics of my gowns.
“This one is what you will wear tonight,” she said, pulling a bloodred dress out from the cart.
“Is there a holiday I wasn’t informed about?”
“Tonight, your father will officially introduce you to the high houses. They all know of you, but for him to recognize you in public among the court solidifies your place. It’s a formality of sorts.”
I nodded, not looking forward to being put on display. I was tired of being gawked at by these beings: judged for things I had no control over. I didn’t ask for this, nor did I want it, yet here I was being paraded out in the open like some show horse. I was well aware of the target on my back. No title would be able to save me.
I sat at the vanity in my room as Atalee worked my hair into a slick and perfect masterpiece. She redid my makeup, with a more dramatic black liner and a vibrant red lip. My lashes stood out from my lids, long and heavy. She glued gold jewels around my eyes and down my cheekbones.
The red dress was stunning, which I was learning would be the norm for my new wardrobe. It was a floor-length dress with a train in the back. The bodice was tight, accentuating my waist. The neckline plunged down the middle, wrapping the stiff fabric around my breasts stopping just before my navel. The top of the neckline reached up on either side of my shoulders and curved into sharp tips that were capped with gold pieces .
The dress fell long and formed to my body the rest of the way down. Black feathers scattered the bottom of the hem and followed the slit up the left side of my thigh. I wore gold diamond high heels that matched the jewelry Atalee placed on me. My neck was left bare, until she brought out a jar of gold dust. She started under my jaw and then dusted my neck, chest, and down the center of my rib cage with the gold flecks. My crown sat on top of my head, completing the look.
I turned around to look at myself in the mirror. The Genevieve I once knew back in The Frey was gone. The scared, desperate young woman who was willing to sacrifice every part of herself to save her sister no longer stared back at me with tears in her eyes. I was a royal, and I damn well looked the part.
My green eyes blazed under the dark makeup. My lips seemed fuller than I remembered and my body— the body that I hated for so many months, was now draped in gold and riches. Atalee smiled behind me with pride.
“You are an artist,” I said to her.
She smiled, dropping her head. “You’re easy to get ready. Quite fun actually,” she responded.
A knock came at the door. She rushed over and bowed as she opened the door for my father. He stepped in, draped in a long black silk robe with red trim. It hugged his strong form as did the stiff pants he wore underneath. His gold crown, in the shape of flames, sat on top of his head. He rounded the corner, stopping dead in his tracks as he looked upon me. He didn’t smile, he didn’t blink, he just stared.
“Thank you, Atalee, that will be all,” he said.
I brought my hands in front of my stomach, fidgeting uncomfortably. He took slow strides towards me until he hovered above, lifting my chin with a single finger until our eyes met. He gave me a small smile and nodded. “You look stunning, my daughter.” He kissed me softly on the cheek before extending his arm towards me.
“Thank you … father,” I said with a forced smile.
Everything inside of me wanted to trust him, but how could I? He was the ruler of the dark court. He allowed the terror that occurred here. How would I ever grow to fully trust him?
I felt his eyes searching my face. “Is something wrong, daughter?” he asked.
“No … it’s just … I still have so many questions.”
He smiled softly. “We have time, I assure you. I know this all must be a lot to take in, but you are safe now. You are home.”
Home. A faint memory of safety, warmth, and laughter. Something I hadn’t felt since in the basement of the church back in The Frey. Would I ever feel that sense of safety—of peace—of happiness again?
We walked towards my door to exit into the hall. I held my head high with my shoulders back. My father was the king, and I was to be queen. I had to act like it.
We got to the doors of the throne room. The halls were mostly empty, besides a few servants. Everyone was waiting for us inside. Waiting for me. He looked at me one more time and nodded. I smiled, tightening my arm around his, and nodded back. We faced forward as the guards opened the doors slowly. The announcer at the threshold spoke loud and boldly.
“Everyone rise for the king and princess of Doonak. King Avalmon Drezmore, and his daughter and heir, Princess Genevieve Drezmore,” the male said.
Hundreds of people packed the throne room. They rose and bowed as we descended the aisle towards the thrones. The moment passed slowly while I took in each of their faces. Each of the court members smiled at me. I didn’t know who to trust: who would be my ally, and who would try to kill me. Each of them, rehearsed in the art of deception. A game I would need to learn how to play if I were to survive.
The purple and blue magic that swarmed overhead began to spark with lightning as we approached the platform. I kept my eyes forward, acting as if I was unfazed. We got to the steps and ascended to stand in front of the thrones. The queen bowed towards us with respect. I looked at my father as he took my hand in his and held it up. He looked out into the crowd, allowing a moment more to pass.
“High houses of Doonak, it is my pleasure to present my daughter and heir, Genevieve Drezmore of Doonak,” said the king. He turned to face me and lowered on one knee, smiling up at me with pride for the first time. His face in this moment would be a memory I would never forget.
The court followed his lead and bowed again. I took a deep breath in, uncomfortable at the gesture. I tried to steady myself, but anyone who knew me could see through my mask. I looked to the right where Erendrial bowed. He drew his eyes to mine and smiled softly with a slight nod.
The court finally rose as my father, the queen, and I took our seats on our thrones. The rest of the members sat at their tables while the servants began to serve them the first course. Each house of the court appeared in front of us one by one, introducing themselves before kneeling in front of my father and I to pledge their loyalty to us, as custom called for when the reigning monarch announced their heir.
I tried to memorize their faces, noting unique things about each alfar. House Sollerum’s heirs were twins. Both of the male’s names started with H’s but I failed to remember them. House Tiflon’s patriarch seemed to be a kind, older alfar male. Even though I didn’t know him, something inside of me told me he was trustworthy.
He unleashed his magic, creating beautiful snowflakes to fall around me. Each white flake caught in my dark hair. I felt myself smile, entertained by his gift. The male grinned with glee, before bowing and taking his leave.
I was overwhelmed. I kept my expression cold and unfeeling, as I had seen my father do, yet, on the inside my paranoia was getting the better of me. Each court member that came before me I assessed, praying to the gods I would be granted a vision in order to see who would attempt to rob me of my poor, pathetic life. A few nights ago, I was prepared to die; yet now, something inside of me begged to live.
We eventually made our way to the dining table where we were greeted by my uncle and three cousins. We ate with pleasant conversation. Icici was on her best behavior with my father present. Vena spoke the most, trying to get to know me with personal questions about my likes and dislikes. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought she was genuine, but she was Icici’s sister.
An alfar woman with dark brown hair shot through with white stripes made her way over to me. She had white eyes to match her hair and a long face. Everything seemed long about her: her nose, lips, neck, ears, all of it. She was skinnier than most alfar females I had seen. She bowed in the presence of my father and then nodded to my uncle. I noted the smile that appeared on his face. Almost as if they were romantically involved. If they were she did not reveal any sign of satisfaction from his gesture. Her eyes turned back to me.
“What a joyous occasion, princess. My name is Lady Winnow Fellwood. I am the court’s seer... well, other seer,” she said softly.
“A seer,” I said with excitement. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” she replied. “I hope to host you in my chambers soon. I am curious to discover if there is any links between our gifts.”
“I would very much like that,” I replied.
She bowed without another word before taking her leave.
After dinner, we took our seats back on our thrones. The members of the high continued to line up, paying their respects to their king and new heir. Erendrial came up behind me and began to whisper who each member was and what their powers were. Some of them I recognized from my studies, but most of the information was new to me.
Once the formalities were through, the tables were cleared and music began to play. Lilian’s voice flooded the air as she sang in Latin. I turned to see her standing in front of the musicians on a small stage. I stood from my throne, walking towards her with a smile, remembering what joy and comfort her voice brought me. The alfar and humans began to dance on the open floor. They were elegant and fluid as they danced in a style I had never seen before. Red goblets of wine were passed around to the humans and alfar. As they drank, they became looser and more relaxed.
A male appeared in front of me that I recalled from the introduction ceremony. His eyes had been full of something like hunger, as they were even now. He was about six feet tall, with skin the color of caramel and brilliant green eyes, only a shade duller than my own. His black hair was combed away from his forehead, cleanly shaped and highlighted with red streaks. He had thin lips and a strong chin.
His black imprint started under his neck and traveled down his chest disappearing into his black shirt. Silver piercings lined each of his pointed ears. He smiled at me, revealing a beautiful white set of teeth that could light up a room. His broad, muscular shoulders pulled the fabric of his shirt taut. He might have been the most handsome male alfar I had ever seen.
He extended his hand to me.
“Princess Genevieve,” he started as he bent down, kissing the top of my hand softly. “I am sure you don’t remember but. I am—"
“—Therosi Servi,” I interrupted with a sly smile. “You’re one of my suitors?”.
He laughed, rising to a standing position. “Most likely your future husband, but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves on our first date,” he said, winking at me.
“Date?” I asked, pulling my hand away from his.
He examined me from head to toe. His eyes wandered over my figure slowly as he lingered at my hips and then chest. “I may have spoken too quickly. How about I ask for a dance first and then we will go from there,” he said, extending his hand back out to me.
I took it with reluctance, cringing at the physical contact. I looked back at Lily, knowing I would eventually have to smooth things over with her. He pulled me into him, placing his hand on my lower back while the music slowed. My body lit up and not in a good way .
I forced my eyes down to the floor, trying not to feel his warm breath breathing down onto my face. He led us across the floor, twirling and gliding me along with him. My feet fumbled trying to match each of his steps. I had no clue what I was doing. I looked up into his mesmerizing eyes. He was smiling down at me, his eyes hesitant and curious.
“You are more than I had expected. Being what you are.” he said.
“A half-breed, you mean?” I replied with an attitude.
He laughed, spinning me around once. I almost lost my balance as he pulled me back into his chest. “Direct. I like that about you. There are a lot of things I find that I like about you in a short period of time.”
“Oh, besides my crown,” I said, trying to pull away from him.
He tightened his grip on me, pulling me back in. “You do not have to fear me, Genevieve. If I am lucky enough to become your husband, I will treat you with respect and honor. Your happiness I will strive for, I promise you this,” he said softly.
I looked back into his eyes, trying to read him, like I had seen Erendrial do to so many others back at the light court. “Why would my happiness mean anything to you? Marriage here is just a contract. A power play, nothing more.”
He nodded, with a smile. “Usually, yes, but I would like something different. I’ve had my fair share of affairs and Jestu’s, and frankly I am bored.”
“So, I would be just a means of entertainment? How romantic. ”
“A bit of romance wouldn’t be so bad, now, would it?” he said softly, dragging the side of his thumb down my cheek.
I trembled at the action. He pulled back. Someone passed a red goblet to Therosi. He took it, still looking at me, before taking a drink. He smiled, licking his lips, and then passing the cup to me.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Ambrosia, from the Greek gods. It gives you quite the high if the right amount is consumed.”
I took the glass, looking down at the clear sparkling liquid inside.
“If this is the first time you’ve had it, take a small amount and wait to see how it affects you.”
I brought the cup to my mouth and hesitated before the liquid could touch my lips. Therosi gently tipped the bottom of the glass up, encouraging me to take it. Before the ambrosia could slip past the rim, a hand snatched the cup from mine. I looked up to see Erendrial passing the red goblet to a human servant as he stood facing Therosi.
Erendrial casually slid his hands into his pockets, squaring off his shoulders while he cooly sized Therosi up. “Is this your plan to win her heart, Servi? Getting her high so she will forget who you are?”
Therosi laughed, shaking his head in annoyance. “Lyklor, why is it that you show up at the most inconvenient times?” asked Therosi .
“Inconvenient for you maybe, but not me. I find my timing quite spectacular.” said Erendrial, taking a step closer towards Therosi.
“No harm done. If Genevieve didn’t want the ambrosia, I wasn’t going to force her. I wouldn’t do that to my future wife. I do want her to like me, after all,” Therosi said, winking at me.
“She is Princess Genevieve to you, and she is not your wife yet, Servi,” Erendrial said. “The king would like a word with you, Lord Servi,” he said, placing his body in between Therosi and I.
Therosi looked as if he wanted to shred Erendrial to pieces. He took another step forward, now chest to chest with the ambassador. He moved around Erendrial and bowed in front of me.
“It was a pleasure to get to spend a few brief moments with you, Princess Genevieve. I hope we get more chances like this. And please, remember what I said to you about our future. I hope you consider my proposal,” said Therosi, kissing my hand before taking his leave.
Erendrial turned, taking me in his arms as he began to dance with me to the sound of Lily’s voice. “What was his proposal?” Erendrial asked after a few seconds of dancing.
“Therosi said that if he were to become my husband, he would want a real marriage, where my happiness would mean something to him,” I said, feeling stupid for even letting the words pass my lips.
Erendrial huffed, tightening his hand around mine. “Therosi wants to be king, that is all. Don’t believe any promises he makes you.”
“Just like I shouldn’t trust anything you tell me?” I asked him smugly.
He stopped, looking down at me with amusement. He leaned down to my ear, hovering there for a moment before speaking. “If you want a monogamous relationship, I suggest you take a human lover. You will never get it from an alfar. Especially not one from this court.” He pulled away, looking into my eyes, the silver mercury inside swirling around his dark pupils.
“I know,” I responded unfeelingly. I dropped my gaze from his as we drifted across the floor. He held me close enough that I could smell the faint scent of oranges and whiskey coming off him. I looked out in the crowd and watched as alfar and humans began to let their guards down as the ambrosia took effect.
A female came up from behind Erendrial, placing her hand on his bicep. He stopped dancing and turned towards her. She was a beautiful dark alfar with chestnut brown hair and black eyes. Her figure was tall and curvaceous with a full chest and a nice set of legs. Her eyes were large and almond-shaped. Her mouth was plump, and her nose was small and shapely. She looked at Erendrial and then back to me.
“Your Highness, my name is Rismera Calavi. It is an honor to meet you,” she said with a curtsy.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Calavi,” I replied .
Erendrial’s grip tightened on me before he pulled away, an odd reaction for him.
She rose and smiled at me and then looked to Erendrial. “Ambassador Lyklor, may I steal you away from the princess for a bit. I have a few matters to discuss with you,” she said.
“Of course, Lady Calavi,” replied Erendrial. He turned to me and nodded with a half-hearted smile. “Princess, I will see you in the morning. Please, remember what I said about your sleeping arrangements. I can assure you the bed is much more comfortable than your former sleeping place.” He winked at me before following Lady Calavi out of the throne room.
I made my way back to my father to tell him I was retiring for the evening. Two guards escorted me back to my room where Atalee was waiting. She helped remove all the makeup and the jewelry. Once she stripped me of my dress, I finally felt like myself again. She pulled my bed back and tidied the room before getting ready to leave.
“Atalee, before you retire for the evening, can you please send Lilian Thomas to my room?” I asked.
She nodded, taking her leave.
About twenty minutes later, a knock came at my door. A guard stepped inside the seating area of my chambers and announced Lily. I slid on my robe and made my way to the other room.
Lily was in a beautiful gold dress that complimented her hair and skin color. She held her hands together in front of her with her head down, trying not to look at me. Once we were alone, I gestured for us to sit on the couch. I could tell she was uncomfortable and didn’t know what to say to me after our last conversation. I took her hand in mine, trying to give her some sense of comfort.
“Lily … I am so sorry for the way that I spoke to you the last time we were together. I had no right,” I said.
“You’re the Princess of Doonak. You have every right to speak to me the way you see fit,” she replied.
I turned her to face mine. “I am your sister first and foremost. Always,” I said, taking her face in my hands.
Her bottom lip began to curl over as her chin shivered. “Do you really think that of me? That I should burn because—” she started to say.
“No, no of course not. I was just taken back by your choice. I am still trying to understand this place. It’s nothing like the rumors warned us, and when I saw Zerrial and the way you acted towards him, I just went into overprotective mode I guess.”
“I didn’t expect this to happen, Gen. I promise,” she said, with tears rolling down her face.
“Are you happy? Does he make you happy?” I asked.
She waited a few moments and then began to nod. “Very happy,” she whispered.
I exhaled with a forced smile. “Tell me about him. How you met, what he does. I want to know everything.”
She smiled at me, wiping her tears from her face. “I didn’t start singing until week three of being here. That was the first time I really got a good look at the dark court. He was captivated with me from the start. He made his intentions to bed me very clear.” She laughed at the memory. “I was naturally taken aback by his pursuit and didn’t return his attention. He never gave up. He started sending me gifts. Jewelry, instruments, poetry, flowers, the works. The poetry was my favorite. At first, I thought it was from a book he had found, but he told me he wrote it just for me.
“Then we started talking on a daily basis. He would sneak away to have lunch with me out in the forest. He would make me laugh and he didn’t look down on me for being human. For being a big brute, he is really sweet and thoughtful. After two months of getting to know him, I finally gave into my feelings and admitted that I cared for him.
“Our first time together he was so gentle with me. He made sure I was okay with everything that was happening. That night was the best night of my life and since then I’ve spent every night with him. He’s claimed me as his and the other alfar fear him enough to not try anything.”
“Are you two exclusive?” I asked.
“We don’t really talk about that part of our relationship, and I don’t push it. I don’t know if I want to know, but we fall asleep together every night. And when I wake up, he is still there, so I like to think so,” she said.
“And … he has told you he loves you?”
“No, but he shows me every day. I know the alfar have different opinions and outlooks on relationships than us humans, but I’ve never been happier than I am with him. As long as I am with him, that is all I care about.”
I gave her a small smile, trying to look happy. How could she not want to know if she was the only one he was sleeping with? How could she tolerate not hearing that she was loved and that she was enough? She wasn’t me, and I didn’t ask. I had to be happy for her, regardless if I agreed with the male she chose to be with.
“You said he works for Erendrial?” I asked.
“Yes, his right hand. Zerrial is a soldier and one of the deadliest alfar from what I have gathered. He doesn’t talk a lot about his work because Eren doesn’t allow it, but I know enough to know that Erendrial Lyklor is very dangerous and you should not underestimate him, Gen.”
“Yes, that seems to be the reigning consensus. What else do you know about Erendrial?” I asked.
“The court calls him the ambassador of lies and manipulation. He started from nothing and worked his way to your father’s table by outsmarting and outmaneuvering anyone who got in his way. The rumor is that he slept his way to power by bedding some of the high ladies. In return for his services, they offered to pay for his school and other materials and resources he used to get where he is.
“He has a group of dark alfar that are loyal to him to a fault. Zerrial, who can take the form of a beast. Leenia is a pusher and can levitate. Twin boys, Oz, and Voz who can hold any living thing in place. Doria who controls lightning and Evinee who can shoot bone spears from her hands. She can also turn her skin into armor. There is also his secretary, Firel. He is very young, but he can see and walk through objects.”
“So, he has his own private army?” I asked.
“They’re more like his family, but yes. Zerrial is loyal to him to a fault. He only ever speaks highly of Eren. Besides those seven alfar, everyone else despises him. I’ve seen him in action, and I can see why.”
“So have I,” I added, trying to commit his army to memory.
Lily let a few moments pass in silence before she reached out and took my hand. “Whatever happened to you … at the light court, I am here if you want to talk.”
I smiled at her, knowing I would never tell her of the horrors I endured. She would blame herself and frankly, I didn’t know if she could handle it.
“Do you miss him?” she asked.
“Who?”
“King Atros. Zerrial said you were his mistress?”
Did I miss him? A part of me cared for him, but no, I didn’t love him, that was clear to me now.
“I was his mistress,” I admitted.
She paused uncomfortably. “Did you … are you still a—”
“A maiden? No. He didn’t rape me, I agreed to it, but what he and I had wasn’t what you and Zerrial have. If I had a choice, a real choice, I wouldn’t have given myself to him. Especially under those circumstances.”
“I am sorry to hear that, Gen. Did he hurt you?”
“No, he never did. He was always gentle and caring, but he wanted me more than I wanted him. I could never love him the way he did me. Knowing I would only ever be his mistress. How could I love someone who kept me as a slave?”
“I understand,” she said while shifting uncomfortably. “Did he protect you from the others?”
I turned my head away from her, trying to stop the images of King Lysanthier from replaying through my mind. I began to shake, my skin on edge as if he was there, taunting me, touching me, forcing me. Everything in the room faded besides the crackling of the fire. My eyes grew heavy as tears fell from them.
Lily wrapped her arms around me and held me. She rubbed my hair as I cried into her chest. I sat in her arms for what seemed like hours before I could finally get myself together enough to pull away from her. Her face was wet with tears as she tried to give me a reassuring smile.
“Will you stay with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone,” I said.
“Of course I will. It will be just like back home in the church basement,” she said.
I laughed, taking her hand. “Yes, except, our bellies are full, and we have a bed adorned with fabric and material that is worth more than the whole church.”
We laughed together, making our way to bed.