Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
T he wooden door creaked as Silas pushed it open. I stood there, stunned, taking it all in. I glanced around the room, surprised to find it was much larger than I anticipated. I trailed behind Henry and marvelled at the high-hanging beams adorning the lofty ceiling, the woven vines that formed the walls, and the tables carved from gnarled trees with roots twisting and turning beneath them.
The brothers navigated their way through the room with ease, their movements graceful. They were clearly well-acquainted with the surroundings, moving through it like they had been here countless times before. As they seamlessly moved through the crowd, heads began to turn in our direction.
I stared at the vibrant colours of the tall and elegant fae. A male with striking red hair, so vivid it seemed to glow in the dim lighting, held my gaze as he passed by. Silas shot him a warning look as Henry called over his shoulder. “Stay close, little halfling.” His eyes followed a passing woman carrying a tray.
We found a small table and settled in. I glanced around the room again. Music filled the air, a whimsical melody that seemed to come from every corner of the room—it felt alive, weaving through the crowd like a gentle breeze. Fae spoke animatedly to one another, laughing. Henry leaned in and pointed to a group in the corner, where male and female fae were entwined in close embraces, moving sensually and perfectly synchronised to the beat. They clung together, lost in the enchanting melody that floated through the air.
A stunning woman with amber locks arched her back and lifted her arms above her head—the pure embodiment of sublime grace. Her partner tenderly embraced her and gently stroked her back with his hands while his lips followed the curve of her neck in a reverent dance. Warmth spread across my cheeks as I watched in awe.
“That’s where all the fun is,” Henry said, grinning. I turned to face him, urging him to continue. “It’s the Equinox, Jayne!” He lifted his hands in the air. I looked at him, confused.
Leaning forward, Silas removed the blades from his sides and threw them onto the table. I took my eyes off Henry. I couldn’t help but marvel at the finery of the weapon. Their craftsmanship was exquisite, and the blades glinted in the light. The hilts were wrapped in black leather and engraved with delicate designs that seemed to dance in the candlelight. The blades were long, narrow, and razor-sharp, tapered to a point. I saw my reflection in the polished steel.
“It represents a time when day and night are of equal length. This signifies the beginning of a new season for the Autumn Court.”
“Well, yes, brother, this is all fact.” Henry glanced over his brother’s shoulder with a mischievous grin on his face. “But what you really should tell Jayne is that it’s mostly just four days of drinking, feasting, and fuc?—”
“Hello, may I offer you something to eat or drink?” We turned our heads to the stunning fae woman who had appeared at the head of our table. She was beautiful, with flawless pale skin, rosy cheeks, and auburn-painted lips. Different colours intertwined and flowed throughout her hair, a deep shade of red blending into a soft brown, which then faded into a muted gold.
I breathed in the scent of roasted meat and hearty stews, inviting me to indulge.
I went to speak, but paused before I turned back to Silas and Henry, anticipating their guidance. “We’ll take four servings of whatever’s on offer tonight,” Ronan said, re-joining our group. I mustered the courage to lift my gaze as Ronan removed his coat, meeting my eyes. He draped it over the back of the chair, revealing a brown shirt underneath with rolled-up sleeves and the two top buttons undone. His hair was wind-swept from the breeze outside, giving him an almost rugged appearance. My stomach fluttered when he casually leaned back in his chair, draping his arm over the back of it. The whole time, his eyes never left mine.
“Of course.”
I looked up at the woman, who swiftly shifted her attention to Ronan. She smiled at him, though I couldn’t blame her. Ronan was striking, after all, yet I found myself irritated by her blatant flirting.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” she asked, her voice dripping like honey as she stepped closer to him. She lifted her finger to trace a path down her collarbone, lingering on the strap of her dress to draw attention to the swell of her cleavage.
I gripped the edge of my seat, feeling my nails dig into the fabric. When the woman leaned in closer, I held my breath. I glared at Ronan, waiting for him to finally pay her attention, but his eyes remained solely on me. Before Ronan could respond, Henry’s booming voice sliced the tension.
“Whiskey!” he shouted from the other side of the table. He cleared his throat before adding,
“And wine! We’ll take both, darlin’. That’ll be all, thank you!”
The woman’s face fell slightly, but she mustered a smile before turning and walking away.
Moments later, she returned with a decanter in one hand and a plate filled with bread and cheese in the other. She set them down in the middle of the table, and Henry eagerly reached for the decanter. Henry’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as she poured the wine. He stopped to look at me before pointing it in my direction. Silas made a weird grunt in his throat while shaking his head in warning. He glanced at Ronan, whose annoyance was palpable. I sensed the tension grow between him and Henry.
“Leave her be, Henry,” Ronan said through gritted teeth. His protectiveness was beginning to grate on my nerves.
“Sure thing, boss,” Henry said with a mischievous grin. He drew back, but I ignored the exchange and spoke up.
“Pour me a glass, will you, Henry?” I asked him, yet I kept my gaze firmly on the dark-haired, silver-eyed faerie before me. I offered my flask to Henry, who filled it up. Ronan was quick, placing his hand over the top of it.
“Faery wine is made from everapple, Aleithra. It is not for human consumption.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. Was I suddenly a child? Glancing down at the reddish-golden liquid, its rich, sweet aroma enticed me in. I hesitated. “Taste me. Just one sip,” it purred.
“Well… it’s a good thing I’m a halfling, then, isn’t it?” I snatched it from his grasp and brought it to my lips. Surely, I deserved this—a moment to let my hair down. Tonight, I wouldn’t worry about what tomorrow held for me, consequences be damned.
Ronan stared at my lips as they brushed the top of the flask.
“Don’t!” he warned. I met his eyes in challenge before tipping back my head and chugging it whole, just to spite him. I slammed the flask back down onto the table, the force prompting other drinks to spill.
“Holy shit, Jayne!” Henry laughed. I shook my head and closed my eyes, battling the burning sensation as the wine travelled down my throat. I grasped the edge of the table. While the taste wasn’t completely unpleasant, the sour tartness to it was almost too strong to bear; before I could grimace again, a rush of sweetness hit me—a fruity taste unlike anything I had tasted before. It was sweet, tart, and slightly spicy. Warmth spread through my body.
I opened my eyes to find the three fae men studying me, concerned. Smirking, Silas reclined in his seat and crossed his arms. It was like he was settling in to watch a show.
“Are you okay?” I nodded at Henry yet squinted as my vision blurred and two of him appeared. Bewildered, I rubbed my eyes, attempting to clear my vision, but the duplicates remained.
I nodded, laughing out loud. They observed me in a way that was so peculiar it was comical. I giggled again. My voice sounded oddly muffled and unlike my own.
“Well done, Henry.” Silas rolled his eyes. “You have turned her into a giggling hyena!”
“Oh, stop it, Silas. First Ronan, and now you. Let the poor girl have some fun!”
Henry grabbed a piece of bread, clearly hungry, and stuffed it into his mouth. I followed suit, selecting a slice of cheese and bringing it to my lips. I chewed, noticing the gazes of those around me, watching me with a mix of amusement and curiosity. I reached for my glass of wine and took another large mouthful, feeling the velvety warmth spread throughout my body. I returned their gaze. Henry and Ronan began talking amongst themselves, their voices melding together in hushed conversation.
My internal musings slipped out into words. “Everyone is staring at me, Silas.”
“It is not you they are staring at,” Silas responded under his breath, bringing a spoon to his mouth.
I hadn’t noticed the waitress return with our dinner bowls, and I looked down at the steaming hot stew, momentarily diverting my thoughts. Well, who draws their attention? I tried to spot anything unusual around me until the room spun. I gradually closed and reopened my eyes, taking time with each blink. A calmness washed over me when my senses dulled, and my body succumbed to relaxation.
“It’s Ronan,” Silas said at last, gesturing to him with his chin.
“And why would they be so intrigued by Ronan?”
“Because they are aware of who he is, or rather who he was .” He coughed, placing his fist over his mouth to mask the slip of his words.
“Who he was?” I repeated. That made little sense. I was missing something. I tried to think hard about the words I wanted to say. Keep your words steady, Jayne. Focus. I leaned in closer, keeping my voice low. “Tell me, Silas. Who is he?”
He glanced at Ronan and then at me, appearing to contemplate something. However, he appeared to swallow his words, and it was then that I knew he had no intention of divulging any more information to me this evening. I let out an exasperated sigh and rose to my feet, feeling a sudden rush of clarity. “Very well then! Hold on to your secrets,” I scoffed, waving my hand dismissively through the air. What did I care, after all? Ronan stood with me. “No!” I held out my arm, halting him. “You–” I felt slightly uneasy on my feet. “You–” I repeated. I couldn’t find my words. What did I want to say? “You! Stay right there, Ronan.” My eyes roamed his chest and smooth skin. His muscles shifted with each breath, and the effect his presence had on me was undeniable.
“And why would I do that?” he asked, his voice low and smooth.
“Because I can’t think straight when you’re near me. I can’t think; I can’t breathe—I can’t… think.”
“Oh dear,” Henry said. Silas rubbed his temples, sighing.
“Look at what you have done to me! I can’t even speak properly,” I slurred.
“You can’t speak properly because of the Faerie wine you just drank!” Ronan glared at Henry, his eyes burning with fury.
“No, it’s snot.” I paused, pointing at him. “It’s you!”
“And where is it you want to go, Jayne?”
“I am going to dance.” I spun in a circle and pulled at my pants as though it were a skirt I could fluff and twirl in.
“Absolutely not.”
“I am,” I declared, extending my hand towards my glass and taking another sip of wine.
“You need to eat and get some rest.”
“What I truly need,” I said, “is to dance !”
I wanted to feel the rhythm in my bones and the music pulsing through my veins. The men looked at me with a mixture of surprise and amusement: Silas with his eyebrow raised, Henry smirking, and Ronan with a look of concern. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
I rolled my eyes, and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Ronan let out an irritated huff and shot Henry another murderous glance.
“Very well. If that’s what you desire, then I shall come with you.”
He shifted his chair aside and approached me. However, as he was about to reach me, a voice emerged from beside me, prompting me to turn my head.
“Well, well, well,” the voice chimed, a mix of amusement and mockery. “You know, I could have sworn I saw the three of you walking through that door tonight. But then, I thought to myself, no .” He shook his head dramatically. “No—it couldn’t possibly be. It’s been what?” He glanced at Silas and Henry. “Thirty-six years without a word from any of you, even after all we went through, and now, poof , here you are, without even the courtesy to inform me of your arrival.” He placed his hand over his heart, feigning injury. His eyes found mine, and he scanned me intently. “And it seems you’ve brought a guest. My, my, where did you find such a stunning creature?” He reached for my hand. “My lady.”
The Fae male had fiery red hair and striking features. His face bore the evidence of a tumultuous past, with lengthened scars that crisscrossed his visage. Yet, despite such marks, his features remained resolute and undeniably captivating. The angles of his jawline and cheekbones lent to his air of elegance, accentuated by the ethereal quality emanating within him. His piercing eyes, the colour of embers, held a mesmerising allure that held me captive.
In a hazy, wine-induced state, I surrendered my hand to his grasp all too willingly. He smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes as he leaned forward and pressed his lips gently on my hand. He held my gaze for a moment. I glanced at Ronan, who stood with his arms crossed, a composed expression on his face. I examined his features, searching for any signs of anger or unease, yet found none. Instead, there was a subtle glimmer of amusement in his eyes, almost as if he found the situation rather entertaining.
“Jayne, allow me to introduce you to Sebastian, Lord of the Autumn Court,” Ronan announced. I felt a momentary jolt of unease.
“Oh, Ronan, you know how much I despise formalities,” Sebastian interjected with a wicked smirk.
Henry and Silas both stood and walked over to greet him; smiles overtook their faces.
“It is good to see you,” Henry said, playfully delivering a slap on his back. Silas joined in, extending his hand in warm greeting. When Ronan approached his old friend, a youthful radiance graced his face. His grin illuminated the space between them.
“Years have done little to change you,” he chuckled. “Perhaps they’ve only added a few fresh scars, but that is all.”
I followed the lines etched on Sebastian’s face. Still, it was as if his scars only amplified the intensity of his presence, imbuing him with an enigmatic charm that was impossible to ignore.
“Don’t forget you first introduced an iron blade to my face, Ronan.”
“Is it my fault you were too slow on your right foot that day? Tell me, if we were to duel again, would this still be the same outcome?” he shot back, teasing. I listened to their familiar exchange; the friendship between them was evident. Laughter filled the air, enveloping them in comforting warmth.
He lifted his hands in the air in surrender. “As long as the women have no objections, my battle scars don’t bother me in the slightest. I wear them proudly, unlike you, who is fortunate enough to conceal them,” he remarked. I thought of the scars on Ronan’s back.
“Your family must not have been pleased. Why is it you haven’t let a healer attend to them?”
“I am the youngest of all my brothers, with no prospect of inheriting a higher title. They couldn’t care less about me, but you?” he pondered, studying him. “Ronan of no court.” His words dripped with sarcasm, and I gave him a strange look, wanting to dissect every possible meaning. He didn’t give me a chance. “How long do you plan to stay with us?” he asked.
“Just for the night; we have business in the Mortal Kingdom.”
“Hmm,” Sebastian hummed knowingly, as if fully aware of the matter Ronan referred to.
“Jayne, my dear.” His sapphire eyes captivated me, possessing a glimmer of intrigue. He swept my features as if hoping to uncover my deepest secrets and search for the truth beneath the surface. His gaze lingered on my eyes, tracing the contours of my face. There was no mistaking he recognized the essence of my humanity. I met his gaze with unwavering determination, refusing to shy away. “Please do tell. How is it I find you here, surrounded by these valiant guardians, like you are a treasure worth more than all the gold in the world?”
I shook my head, dismissing the notion. “I am no treasure, Lord Sebastian.”
“Oh, but you are.” He gently tapped the tip of my nose, his touch featherlight. “And the most captivating aspect of it all is you have no idea, do you?” He glanced at Ronan, and a knowing look passed between them. “Did I overhear you say you wish to dance?”
A playful undertone laced his voice, and his lips curled into a breathtaking smile.
I nodded eagerly. What in the worlds? This wasn’t me; it must have been the faerie wine.
“No,” Ronan stated firmly.
“Oh, Ronan. It’s the Equinox! We will just have one dance.” He lifted his hands, dismissing his protests with a gentle tsk. “Rest assured, my dear friend, I will ensure her safe return.” His voice brimmed with sincerity and a protective undertone, sealing his promise. He extended his arm toward me, a silent invitation to embark together. “Shall we?”
A smile played at the corners of my lips as I accepted his gesture and placed my hand in his, allowing him to guide me through the crowded space. I stole a quick glance over my shoulder, catching the sight of a very unpleased Ronan before he disappeared from sight. A soft chuckle escaped me, briefly relishing the moment.
“I must thank you, Lord Sebastian. It seems you are my knight in shining armour.”
It was like the room parted for us, creating a path. I couldn’t help but notice how the people reacted to the Fae Prince. Some smiled, some bowed, while others curiously whispered amongst themselves, peering up at him. It was evident his presence commanded respect and a sense of curiosity, their inquisitive nature homing in on me, too. He gave me a sideways smile.
“Oh, please. Don’t be silly. It is you I must thank! I was readying to come over here. No other ladies have caught my interest this evening.” I looked up at him, and he smirked, meeting my eyes.
“Hmm,” I continued. “I see. It must be hard to choose when you have a grand selection of beautiful women. Tell me, please, how this can be so gruelling?”
When the words slipped out, I wondered if I had crossed the line yet wonder filled his eyes. I doubted anyone had been so direct with him for a long time. I reminded myself of his stature and tried to hold back the apology, itching to escape. Before I could utter another word, he burst into laughter. I let out a quick breath of relief.
“My, my, little human,” he chuckled, and his words sunk in. “I can see why he has grown so fond of you—smart, witty, and not to mention beautiful.” His words hung in the air, and I clung to them.
Had Ronan truly grown fond of me? And had I grown fond of him? Sebastian spoke with a certain lightness that put me at ease. It was a welcome respite from the usual tension.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “How is it you’re familiar with the men I am here with tonight?”
He paused, seeming to ponder my question. How could someone who was likely hundreds of years old have such an uncanny knowledge of time?
“There was a time when our kingdom was at war with one another, but fortunately,
our courts struck an alliance. Our soldiers joined forces on the battlefield, merging their armies at the war camp.” His gaze lingered on me before he continued. “Ronan held a high-standing position, as did I, so we were forced to work closely together.” He smirked. “Let’s just say there wasn’t an instant camaraderie between us; it took some time for us to warm towards each other.”
I grappled with the revelation that Ronan belonged to the court and held a leadership position in the army. I was intrigued. I looked up at the fae lord, daring to ask, “How can that be? You said yourself that Ronan has no allegiance to any court, did you not?”
“Yes, Jayne. You heard me correctly, and what he tells you is true. Ronan belongs to no court now, but that hasn’t always been the case. He was, and always will be, part of the Winter Court, whether he likes it or not. He was born into it, and thus, his blood runs cold. No denouncing or running away can ever change that.” His words struck me like a ton of bricks, and small fragments of the puzzle slowly clicked into place. He had been a part of the Winter Court, just as I suspected. Now, the lingering question remained: what was the reason for his departure?
I staggered forward as a couple accidentally bumped into us. Lord Sebastian caught me in his arms, and I glanced to his side, watching two men, each holding a drum. The atmosphere came alive the more they struck the instruments. “Let’s test how long it takes for our dear Ronan to succumb to jealousy and sweep you away from me.”
I squealed as Sebastian spun me; I felt my hair flowing freely behind me, carried by the momentum of our dance. It cascaded in loose waves, following the path of our movements as if echoing the joy I felt in that moment. Sebastian picked me up and lifted me, and I laughed, looking up at the soft lights suspended above me. They came alive, swaying and twinkling in harmony with our dance. The luminous trails left behind followed my steps as though Lord Sebastian drew them to us.
He passed me onto the next man, who drew me close and twirled us. I looked up at him and smiled. This faerie had a mischievous glint in their eyes. He was handsome, with fiery crimson hair cascading in waves around his angular face; its vibrant hue contrasted his pale complexion. My heartbeat pulsed through my veins, and I couldn’t resist its magnetic pull. With each stumbling step, I drew nearer to him as one of his hands trailed down the arch of my lower back while the other rested on the swell of my neck.
Suddenly, an arm tugged me backward. “Hey!” I spun, ready to give them a piece of my mind. “Ronan!” I gasped, snatching my hand from his. “What are you doing?” He entered my space, his presence overwhelming. I swallowed, breathing in his delicious scent.
“Let’s go, Jayne.”
The faerie I danced with swiftly stepped in front of me, forming a barrier between us. “Hold on a second there.”
I peered over at Lord Sebastian, hoping for some assistance, but he merely smiled before mouthing, “I told you.”
“For goodness sake,” I muttered under my breath before stepping between them.
“Look, with all due respect, she wasn’t finished dancing with me yet.”
“ Dancing ,” Ronan scoffed, looking down at him. “She’s finished here. You can find someone else to dance with now.” Ronan locked eyes with me, but I stood my ground. In one swift motion, he picked me up, tossing me over his shoulder.
“Ronan!” I protested. “Set me down immediately.” I swung my legs back and forth, attempting to wriggle free from his firm grasp.
“Has anyone ever mentioned how stubborn you can be?” I lifted my head, attempting to see if I could spot Henry and Silas in the crowd.
“Put me down!” I pinched the back of Ronan’s legs, prompting a yelp. He playfully smacked my backside. “Ronan! People are staring at us!” I hissed, feeling queasy upside down.
“Let them stare!”
One of his hands released its grip on my legs, and I sensed him pushing the tavern doors open. As he strolled through, with me still draped over his shoulder, I felt the cool evening breeze brush the back of my thighs. I heard shuffling behind us, and I prayed it wasn’t the man I had been dancing with moments before, fearing Ronan would do something reckless.
“For goodness sake, Ronan. Are you attempting to incite a war here in the Autumn Court? What on earth did you think you were doing back there?” Henry’s voice came from behind us, and Ronan spun, spinning me with him.
“Did you think I would just sit there as that man laid his hands on her like that?” I was about to say something, but Henry spoke up first.
“Like what?” Henry questioned. “Ronan, he was just dancing with her. Are you going to start a fight with every man who glances her way?”
“Yes,” he growled.
“He’s right, Ronan. That was foolish,” Silas said.
Gently, Ronan lowered me to the ground on a tree stump beside his horse. Swaying slightly, I looked up at him. “You really are incredibly handsome,” I confessed with a sheepish smile. He briefly glanced at Silas and Henry, silently communicating with them.
“See? Look at her.”
My eyelids grew heavy, the effects of the faerie wine wearing off. I needed a good night’s rest.
“I’ll apologise and bid Sebastian farewell. Take her to my room, and don’t let her out of your sight, not even for a second. I’ll be there soon,” he instructed before heading inside.
I watched Ronan return to the tavern, then looked up at Silas and Henry, staring at me.
Pointing at Henry, I said, “You know, you’re growing on me.”
He grinned, and I turned my attention to Silas. “You, on the other hand, are a little cold.”
“Bahaha!” Henry threw his head back, laughing, and I joined him, bouncing on the tree stump and shrieking with laughter. I couldn’t recall what I had said, but it was funny nonetheless.
Silas walked toward me and helped me to my feet. “Okay, that’s enough honesty from you for tonight. Let’s go.”
Henry joined my other side, throwing my arm over his shoulder.
I didn’t take any notice of the walk to Ronan’s room, though I incessantly spoke the whole way there. My voice echoed as if in the distance, and my words flowed uncontrollably from the final effects of the wine.
I sprawled onto the bed, and it squeaked beneath my weight. I sank my face into the pillow.
In a half-delirious state, the door creaked open and closed. I didn’t need to open my eyes to know Ronan had arrived. Like almost every time he was near me, I felt him before I saw him. I instantly relaxed in his presence, with him being close to me again.
“Thank you.” I heard Ronan say before the door closed, and everything fell silent.
The bed shifted, and the weight of his body dipped the mattress. I felt the gentle touch of his finger along my jawline, and I sighed at the sensation, fully aware of his tender caress.
Leaning in so close, his breath grazed my ear, Ronan whispered words I swore to hold on to, and I urged myself to remember them even after the night faded into morning.
“My heart will always be yours.”