Chapter 16
Part of me hopes Rahk won’t be waiting outside our chamber. Of course, he is. Why does he have to be so dependable? I stride past him and launch into instructions for preparing to leave. “Please arrange for a carriage—”
“Already done,” he says, matching my pace.
“Each fae we brought needs to be accounted for. I won’t have one getting left behind and wreaking havoc.”
“Already done. Your warriors are guarding them now.”
Each order is met with the same answer, that it’s already been done. I stop, frowning. “Did you do all this?”
“Me? I’ve been guarding your door since last night. Edvear did everything and reported to me early this morning that once you gave the word to leave, they’re ready.”
I give a rueful chuckle. “He is always a step ahead of me. I’ll be quite bereft when my father gets around to killing him.” My tone isn’t quite as cavalier as I intend.
Rahk glances at me, too knowing. “It went well then?”
I look up. “What went well?”
He merely raises an eyebrow.
Last night.
“It was fine,” I reply, quickening my step.
“Are you . . . blushing?”
“Why would you ask such a ridiculous question?” I growl.
Rahk’s jaw falls open. He grabs me by the shoulder, accusation heavy in his thick brow. “Did you—? You said you wouldn’t! You know you can’t risk an heir!”
“I didn’t!” I snap, flinging off his arm. “Of course I didn’t. I’m not an idiot.”
“The color on your face might disagree.”
“Keep talking and the color on your face might start having opinions too.”
Rahk chuckles and says nothing more. I wipe my hand down my face. Great Kings, am I actually blushing like a maiden? This is a pathetic turn of events. I need to pull myself together. Yes, I almost kissed her a few minutes ago, but it means nothing. I maintained my control, and I will keep maintaining it.
Staying focused will be much easier when we return to Faerie.
I stand before the mirror, the empty tray on the table and my maid gone, holding yesterday’s veil in my hands and considering it when the door opens.
I turn, find Ash looking at me, at the fur-lined sky-blue travel gown I wear, at my hair bound up into a bun at the nape of my neck, then down at the veil in my hands. “Don’t even think about putting that back on.”
Somehow, that makes me almost smile. I drop the veil and face my husband, clasping my hands before me.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
My heart gives a nervous little jolt, but I nod. When he extends his hand out to me, I take it and grasp my skirts in the other as he escorts me out of the bridal chamber. The white roses have wilted, leaving petals fluttering down to the threshold like ghosts.
“Your trunks have been loaded,” Ash continues, hardly looking at me. “If you still want to say farewell to your family, they are waiting for you at the entrance. You may see them alone, should you prefer that?”
“I’d prefer you come,” I say quickly, and then regret it. “I-i-if you w-wish.”
“I have nothing drawing my attention elsewhere.”
I’m not imagining it. He’s more distant now. I hope it wasn’t something I did or said, or perhaps I did not do or say? I shove the thought away. If he’s still distant when we arrive, I’ll consider it then. Not before.
“T-thank you.”
He takes me straight to the entrance of the palace, where a line of servants stands at attention before the great double doors flanked by armored guards. Footmen stand at the handles, ready to open them.
Father’s chin is lifted as Ash and I walk through the door. My sisters are to his left, in order from youngest to oldest. They still wear their veils, making it impossible for me to judge the expressions on their faces.
“Prince Trenian,” says Father.
“King Roland,” replies Ash with a sardonic smile.
“It has been a pleasure.”
Ash’s cold grin widens as he tugs me closer to his side. “The pleasure was all mine.”
Father’s gaze shifts to me. I duck my head. “Farewell, daughter.”
I don’t respond immediately, using the time it takes to curtsy to carefully gather my words on my tongue, so I do not stutter. “Farewell, Father.” When I rise, something hot sparks inside me, and I meet my father’s eyes for the first time this morning. Anger. Anger that he gave me to a man he was certain would abuse me. Anger that he’s giving my sisters to similar men. Only Amelia seems to be marrying a true gentleman.
I’m angry that he made me feel small my entire life.
It’s that anger that hones my words as I go one by one, saying goodbye to each of my sisters by name without stuttering. When I get to Amelia, her shoulders shaking subtly, I throw decorum to the wind for possibly the first time in my life. I reach out and wrap her in a tight hug. She hugs me back, her nails digging into my bodice as a choked sob puffs her veil.
“I love you,” I whisper to her, swallowing back my own tears. “You are my dearest treasure in the world.”
“How do I know you will be alright?” she whispers so quietly no one else can overhear.
I tighten my arms. “He is good, Amelia. He was kind to me. I know I will be happy with him.”
“Are you sure?”
I smile, give her another squeeze, and step back. I wipe away the lone tear that escaped my guard. “I’m sure.”
Then suddenly, a bolt of frantic energy hits me. The servants packed for me. I don’t have anything that I’m attached to, except—
“My plants!” I gasp, whirling around, as though they might be sitting by the door, just waiting for me to scoop them up. “I didn’t—”
“Plants?” Ash asks, and then turns to the line of servants. “Fetch the princess’s plants at once!”
“They’re in your trunks!” Amelia assures quickly. “I made sure they didn’t get left behind.”
I sag in relief, and share one last grateful glance with my little sister before Ash offers me his hand. “Then are you ready, my darling?”
I draw a deep breath and place my hand in his. “I am ready.”