15. Everly
Everly
Chapter fifteen
Zaria curls the last strand of my hair, just as a loud knock echoes through the room.
“Just a minute!” Zaria calls out.
Standing up, I give her a grateful smile.
“Go on, take a look.” She pushes me toward the huge mirror.
As my eyes catch my reflection, my steps falter, and my eyes widen.
“Holy shit.” My jaw drops in surprise, and I step closer to the mirror.
Zaria chuckles behind me, but I can't tear my eyes from my reflection.
“Oh, wow,” I murmur, touching my cheek.
I rarely wear makeup unless the occasion calls for it, but I hardly recognize myself. My gaze moves over my reflection, the light playing off my features. Half of my thick blonde hair is pinned back, and the long, loose strands cascade down my back in perfect waves. The rose gold gown is stunning, its sweetheart neckline showing off my collarbone and shoulders. The gems on the bodice sparkle like stars in the night sky, catching the light with my every move. Gems have also been sewn along the bottom of the gown. They seem to climb up the dress in an intricate pattern almost the same as the tattoos on Maxon’s face.
“I love the delicate capped sleeves,” I whisper, reaching up and touching the delicate fabric that hangs from my shoulders.
“You look like a princess,” Zaria says, coming up behind me.
“Thank you, Zaria. You’ve done an amazing job. This dress, just wow.” I pause, looking at Zaria in the mirror as she packs away the supplies. “Aren’t you going to get ready?”
As soon as I speak, her wide brown eyes shoot to mine, and her furry ears twitch in response. “Umm.”
“Aren’t you coming?” I ask, suddenly nervous.
Zaria shakes her head. “I’m just a servant. I don’t attend balls.”
I furrow my brow, trying to make sense of it. “But Maxon is your friend.”
“He is, but he is my king first.”
“I’m coming in!” Raiden calls out, before stepping into the room. His silver eyes go wide when he spots me. “Well, you polish up nicely for a human.”
A light laugh falls from my lips, and I do a spin. “That's the nicest thing I think you’ve said to me.”
Raiden shakes his head, his lips curling up into a small grin, softening the features of his face. His wings are folded neatly against his back, adding a regal touch to the black fabric of his formal soldier’s uniform. A gold and red dragon symbol is etched onto the chest over the heart.
“You look quite dashing in that uniform.”
It’s my first time seeing Raiden in a soldier's uniform. While the other soldiers and guards dress more formally, Raiden usually wears simple black breeches and a tunic which he’s ripped the sleeves off. His sword is missing from his back tonight, but I’m sure there’s a weapon somewhere on him. Who am I kidding? He is a weapon.
“Would you train me to use a sword?” I blurt.
Raiden looks startled for a moment before laughing. “What?”
“I want to learn to use a sword. If I am to be stuck here, I wish to learn how to fight. You don’t expect me to just stay in my room all day and walk the gardens?”
“Well . . . ”
“Please.” I am not above begging if I have to.
“Fine. It would probably be a good idea, anyway.”
Unable to stop my burst of excitement, I fling my arms around Raiden’s neck and hug him. The big brute stiffens at the contact, and I pull back, thankful for the heels, as his height is really imposing. I give him a reassuring pat on the chest.
“Sorry,” I chuckle."I'm a bit nervous."
Raiden clears his throat and nods to Zaria. “We should be going.”
Zaria walks over, grabbing my hands in hers, and I catch her quick glance at my arm. My birthmark burns under the makeup she used to cover it.
“Be careful tonight. The court is full of vipers.”
I give her a soft smile and squeeze her hands. “I’m sure everything will be just fine.”
“We’ve got her,” Raiden says.
Zaria lets go of my hand with a nod. “Okay.”
Raiden opens the door, and we step out into the hall, my nerves abuzz with excitement as I hook my arm in his, leading me down the hall toward the stairs.
“How many are coming?”
“At least a couple hundred. This is for the noble fae, the lords and ladies mostly. A pre-coronation party.”
My heart speeds up. A couple hundred?
“So why am I attending?” I croak.
“The queen insisted you attend.”
“Why?”
“That's the question, isn’t it?” Raiden replies cryptically.
We walk in silence down the stairs, Raiden helping keep me steady in the heels. At the far end of the hall, I can see the massive double wooden door leading to the grand hall. The guards bow as we approach and pull open the doors, allowing us to pass.
A rush of excitement courses through me as we come to a stop at the edge of the balcony. The opulent grandeur of the ballroom is accentuated by the sweet, melodic strains of music that fills the air. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, ethereal glow over the swirling couples, their elegant gowns and tailored suits adding to the timeless allure of the evening. It's the most magical thing I’ve ever seen.
“Come on,” Raiden says, hooking my arm in his and leading me toward the grand staircase.
I can’t seem to stop the way my heart picks up as I gaze around the large ballroom, searching for him. My eyes catch on a set of silver ringed, violet eyes and it feels like the world stops spinning. A million butterflies burst to life in my chest, leaving me breathless.
Maxon looks up at me from below, his eyes tracing over every inch of me. The heat of his stare feels like a physical caress, making my cheeks flush.
Damn it, I need to get myself under control.
Maxon starts through the crowd toward us, never taking his gaze away. I can’t help but admire how the black suit hugs his body in all the right places, emphasizing his masculine physique. The black shirt is undone midway down, showing off his tanned and muscled chest. The black clothing seems to bring out the intensity of his features. Plaits woven with gold rings are scattered through the length of his dark brown hair. My eyes roam his face, taking in every detail. The three sword earrings in his left ear, glinting in the light. The way some of the free hairs frame his features.
“He really should be more careful. You both should,” Raiden mutters.
I have no idea what he’s talking about, trapped as I am in Maxon’s gaze—unable to look away or speak.
Maxon’s eyes sparkle like gems as he stops at the base of the stairs to wait for us. When we finally reach the bottom, Raiden releases my arm, and Maxon's hand finds mine, his grip firm and comforting as he smirks down at me.
“You look absolutely stunning tonight, Stóirín.”
Unable to hold those intense eyes a moment longer, I drop my gaze. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Gosh, is it hot in here?
Without a word, Maxon turns, pulling me toward the dance floor. Panic begins to set in. I didn’t know any of these fae dances.
He can’t expect me to dance, right?
“Stop worrying. I’ve got you.”
He faces me, his palm sliding around my waist to pull me closer, our bodies fitting together seamlessly. My first steps are hesitant, but soon fall into a smooth dance, Maxon spinning me around, leading me into each step with perfect grace.
The world around us melts away, leaving only the two of us twirling, spinning, and gliding across the floor. I am so content in this moment; a feeling I’m not familiar with. His eyes brighten and we remain locked in each other’s stare.
Maxon pulls me closer, and the warmth of his body sets my heart to a racing pace. Moving his face closer, his cheek brushes mine, his warm breath on my neck, his hand firm against the small of my back. My heart races faster as I marvel at the sensation of being so completely enveloped in his presence.
As the music swells, reaching its crescendo, our bodies press together in a fiery embrace. He leans me back over his arm, my head falling back slightly and eyes closing, my body surrendering to the magic of the dance and the irresistible pull of the man in my arms.
My smile is so big that my cheeks hurt, but I can't seem to wipe it off my face. “That was amazing,” I laugh, my fingers digging into his arms.
Maxon’s eyes are warm and tender as he grins down at me, slowly lifting me upright before stepping back and releasing his hold on me. “I’m glad you enjoyed the dance.”
Out of nowhere, a fae man appears and whispers something into Maxon’s ear. Maxon's eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches as he gives the man a curt nod.
His attention returns to me, and he sighs in frustration. “The queen wishes to see me.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll find Raiden.”
Maxon appears torn as he looks around, and I feel a pang of guilt.
“I will be fine,” I assure gently, resting my hand on his arm.
Maxon peers down at me, something flickering in the depths of his eyes before he nods. Turning, he makes his way through the crowd toward the dais where the queen is conversing with a few other fae.
With a deep inhale, I square my shoulders and survey the room. Raiden is leaning against one of the massive marble pillars around the edge of the large ballroom, his hawklike gaze watching everything. I start making my way over when someone steps in my path. I look up into the cool, calculating eyes of a tall fae with dark hair.
“You must be the human. Everly, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s me. The lowly human,” I reply with a tight smile.
The fae's eerie smile makes me shiver with unease. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but my gut is telling me that there’s something off about him. His unsettling eyes continue to rake over my body, making my teeth clench and anger burn in the pit of my stomach.
“I can see why the prince has taken a liking to you. I, too, like curvy women.”
“Excuse me?” I growl, feeling my face heat.
“Have I offended you?”
Before I can answer, another voice cuts in. “You always aim to offend, Duke Wallcliffe.”
I turn my head and see a dark skinned fae with long black hair and tattoos covering every inch of exposed skin. He is not dressed formally like the rest of the guests, but in breeches and a plain white tunic. I can’t help but lean in closer and stare at the tattoos.
“Are they moving?” I ask in awe.
The newcomer chuckles. “Yes, my markings move. You must be Everly.”
Our eyes meet, and I respond with a nervous smile. “Yes, and you are?”
The fae bows at the waist. “Forgive me. My name is Nero. I’ve actually just been given a name other than the usual phantom, changeling, puca, or shapeshifter. It’s nice.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nero,” I reply, purposely ignoring this so-called Lord Wallcliffe.
“Would you care for a dance?” Nero asks.
“I was conversing with this young lady first,” Duke Wallcliffe argues, trying to step between us.
“I would love to.” Grabbing Nero's hand, I basically drag him away from that horrid man.
Nero chuckles as we move into the next dance. “I thought you could use a rescue.”
“Is he always so rude?”
“Yes.” Nero’s eyes take on a hard edge as he looks in the direction of Duke Wallcliffe.
“Even though that was a simple answer, it seems ominous.”
“Just stay away from him.” Though his voice is gentle, the warning is unmistakable. Nervously, I swallow and give a nod.
Nero lifts my hand and I twirl, the skirt of my dress flaring out and sparkling like gems in the sun. Pulling me in close to his chest, a grin spreads across his face.
“You’re an excellent dancer for a human. I wouldn’t think you’d know this dance. It is a traditional fae dance.”
I jerk in his grasp. He’s right. I've been dancing, my body moving freely and without thought.
“It’s okay, Everly,” Nero whispers. “You will remember when the time is right.”
The music comes to a stop, and with a final bow, Nero retreats and disappears into the crowd. I am at a loss for words, and my body feels frozen in place.
What did that mean?
My eyes dart to the birthmark hidden under the makeup on my arm, and a sudden sense of urgency courses through me. My eyes dart around, searching for any sign of where Nero went. I have a gut feeling that he possesses the answers I am seeking. I push through the crowd of fae, but I can’t see him.
Damn it.
I catch sight of Maxon next to the queen, conversing with two Lords. With a sigh, I spin on my heel, intent to find Raiden, but bump straight into another lady.
“Shit. I’m . . . ” I hold my tongue as Nix's words of warning about fae debts come to mind.
The fae woman snarls, her eyes piercing straight through me as she pokes me in the chest with her sharp nails. We stare at each other for several long moments, neither breaking eye contact. I recognize her immediately, it’s the fae woman who threw me in that small storage room.
She is dressed to the nines, in a slinky red dress, her dark hair curled around her shoulders as it falls to her waist. I notice the other women around her have fallen silent, keenly watching our exchange, with smirks on their faces.
“Don’t you have something to say, human?” she spits the last word as if being human makes me less than the dirt beneath her shoes.
Biting my lip, I shake my head. No matter what I say, the outcome of my situation remains the same.
Where is Raiden?
The fae’s eyes flare and she raises her hand. Is she planning on slapping me?
Without giving me a chance to react, Maxon appears in front of me. He moved so fast that I didn’t even see him leave the dais. And now he firmly holds the wrist of the female fae in his hand.
“Lay a finger on her again. I dare you.” His dark, menacing tone cuts through the air.
The female’s eyes grow wide as she stares at Maxon.
“You can’t mean to protect this– this human . . . ”
His jaw flexes as he stares down at her. “Touch her again, and she will be the least of your worries, Madeline.”
I might have stopped breathing as I stand here motionless. I’m not sure why, but the air in the ballroom feels charged with hostility, making me hesitant to divert my gaze. Maxon releases Madeline’s wrist, and he purposefully positions himself a little closer to me.
Taking a swift glance around, I observe a sudden hush that has befallen the room. All eyes are fixed on us, their penetrating stares resembling those of vigilant hawks. My attention is drawn to the queen, whose expression displays obvious disapproval and indignation. The radiant light from the chandelier illuminates her violet eyes, sending a shiver down my spine. The weight of the consequences for disrupting the ball suddenly feels daunting, and I am painfully aware that I may have to bear a substantial price for my actions.
I sense someone approach and meet Raiden’s gaze through the crowd. A wave of relief washes over me, and my shoulders instantly relax. The large fae moves gracefully through the crowd, his wings tucked tightly against his back. Raiden gives me a small wink, as if sharing a secret, before extending his elbow to me. Grateful for the rescue, I slip my arm in his and give him a weak smile. Maxon looks over his shoulder at us and Raiden bows slightly, and I dip my head.
“I will escort Miss Baker to her rooms, Your Highness.”
Maxon gives a sharp nod before his piercing gaze meets mine, and I feel a lump form in my throat. His eyes wander across my face and down before settling on the spot where Madeline poked me. I look down and see a thin trickle of blood. Damn, she has some sharp claws.
Maxon’s jaw is clenched so hard that a muscle in his cheek pops, and his eyes turn so dark they look like pools of inky blackness, with only the silver color flaring with magic. As much as I want to take his hand, to comfort him, I know it would only escalate the situation. It seems that he is barely managing to keep his anger under control.
Drawing in a shallow breath, I allow Raiden to lead me through the crowd toward the doors. The whispers and furtive glances in my direction do not go unnoticed.
Raiden gently pats my hand. “Pay them no mind.”