Chapter 26 #2
“That’s true.” She replaces her brush with another, selecting a disc-shaped container with pale-red rouge. “But part Fae and human relations cannot say the same.”
Interesting.
“Is that why this wedding is such a big deal?” I ask.
Jason is the leader’s son, but as an elected official, this degree of celebration seems excessive.
But if bondings are rare, it makes sense they’d want to create such a spectacle.
Thea nods. “Mayor Augustus and Lady Helen are aware of the stress the lack of eligible partners has caused. They hope the celebration will be a much-needed reprieve. But…I hope you will take care, my lady.”
I stiffen. “Take care?”
“It isn’t only your male companions who are seen as desirable.” She levels a meaningful look on me, then once more glances to the bedroom door. “And some Fae customs can be tricky when it comes to courting.”
The power in my veins constricts, and a trilling sensation courses through my blood, reminiscent of a hiss.
“I’m not interested in courting anyone.”
“Be certain that is made clear, my dear.” Her lips pinch together. “Very clear.”
My heart thumps, but I dip my chin, appreciating the warning. I choose to believe it was kindly meant.
Thea returns the gesture and resumes the task of preparing me for tonight’s festivities.
I stare at my reflection as she applies more makeup, closing my eyes for eyeshadow, not flinching when she runs a charcoal stick under my lids. All the while, Thea’s words replay in my head.
How much longer will we have to stay in Virendrell before the men Augustus sent to our ship return?
How many days will pass before the Fae can resume their journey to visit the Sea Fae?
How long will I be forced to walk on eggshells in this eerily pristine palace?
When Thea finishes, she ushers me to the dressing screen at the corner of the room. Her practiced fingers loosen the strings holding the straps of my gown over my shoulder, then slide it down my body.
I step out of the smooth material, covering my bare chest. Thea wraps a corset around my torso and pulls the laces through the eyelets. The boning presses against my flesh, and my ribs protest when she yanks the strings tighter, accentuating the curve of my waist before tying them off.
“Is this undergarment truly necessary?” I gasp, incapable of taking a full breath.
“I’m afraid so.”
Thea retrieves an emerald-green gown from the other side of the screen.
She slides the fabric over my head. The lovely satin slips over my curves, creating a sleek silhouette.
A slit rises up to mid-thigh. An inch of excess fabric gathers on the floor behind me, the train a pool of shiny, rippling green.
Thea nudges me out from behind the screen. “Come, dear. We must hurry.”
My steps are short, stilted, limited by the tight fabric wrapped around my thighs. “I’m moving as fast as I can.”
I shuffle forward and collapse onto the armchair. Thea kneels, helps me out of my sandals, and replaces them with a pair that wraps around my ankles with a pretty green bow. When I stand, the slit in the skirt widens, showing off the stunning footwear.
Thea clasps a thin, gold chain around my throat and slips matching bracelets over my wrists, then steps back with an appraising eye and a satisfied nod. “There. You’re perfect.”
I offer a tight smile. “Not too perfect, I hope.”
Wise eyes meet mine. “Knowledge is power. Now that you’re aware of the situation, you will be fine.”
I take a deep breath.
She’s right.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiles. “Now, let’s get you to a carriage.”
Our journey through the palace takes longer than Thea would like, but I can’t move any faster without ripping the gown or tripping.
By the time we’re walking through the main doors, there are only two carriages left in the semi-circular drive. A glance through the windows reveals they’re both already occupied. Maybe I’ll get lucky and be spared from this evening’s festivities.
Alas, the Gods aren’t smiling down on me.
One of the carriage doors opens.
“Lady Elara!” Leto leaps out and strides toward me with his muscular chest on display.
A pair of flowy trousers sits low on his hips. Their royal-blue color is vibrant in the afternoon sun.
He stops a foot away and bends into an overzealous bow. “You look ravishing.”
“I…uh. Thank you. You look nice, as well.”
He straightens and puffs out his chest with a beaming grin.
Thea nudges me toward the handsome contestant. “Lord Leto, will you accompany the lady to tonight’s dinner in your carriage?”
Wait… No!
“I would be delighted.” Leto lifts my hand and places it in the crook of his arm.
I have no choice but to allow him to lead me down the remaining stone steps.
The second carriage begins rolling away.
My gaze follows it, catching movement in the window.
Rian.
The Shadow Prince sits inside. His black eyes lock on mine. Unyielding.
For a moment, time slows.
The memory of his mouth against mine burns my lips.
A shiver races down my spine as I recall how it felt when his strong fingers pressed into my flesh.
How he pulled me into his body, as if he could not fathom there being any space between us.
Then a pale, jeweled hand lands on his shoulder, and time snaps back to its brutal pace.
Iris.
The mayor’s daughter leans in, her lips curving as she murmurs something into his ear.
Rian turns away from me.
The ache that follows is acute. Throbbing. Stupid in its intensity.
I wrench my gaze away before the carriage disappears around the bend, telling myself the tightness beneath my ribs is nothing but nervousness. Convincing myself it isn’t jealousy. That I don’t care what Rian does.
But as Leto takes my hand to help me into his carriage, the magic in my veins betrays me.
My power roils and snaps. The dark marks on my forearms mimic the agitated movements.
I settle on the bench facing the front of the carriage and press my quivering lips together as the cruel, simple truth sears into my soul.
I do care what the Shadow Prince does—far too much.
I need to change that. Immediately.
Because there is no denying it… Caring for Rian is a weakness.
And if Thea is right about the mayor’s plans for his daughter, it’s a weakness that will mark me as the enemy of the leaders of Virendrell if it’s discovered.