Chapter 2 – Neve
Chapter 2
NEVE
T he Tower of the Living and the Dead rose above the other buildings of Avaldenn. Only Frostveil Castle loomed larger, its white-hawk-topped spires reaching for the waxing moon.
Though the name of the holy building mentioned one tower, that was inaccurate. A series of circular pillars spun out from the largest, tallest central one, like a giant spider web of interconnected buildings. It left me no question from where the complex took its name. A ten-story masterpiece of black stonework, the central tower was as dark as Frostveil Castle was white. And up close, the black stone came to life, as though the masons had splashed the smooth stones with glittering mica. A night and the stars—the very objects the starets and staretesses living inside studied and worshipped.
According to Vale, the Heart Drassil grew at the center of that imposing tower, and that was where we would wed. As we approached the gate, I leaned back so that only Vale could hear me.“Are there rules?”
“Rules?” Prince Vale echoed, his breath grazing my ear and making my neck tingle.
“For going inside.”
I believed, as most did, that our magic was from the stars, gifted by angels who used celestial power to create all magical orders. Some fae, however, believed something far deeper than me. The most religious among us thought gods had been the ones to create all magical orders. That they had lived amongst the stars before dying.
A smaller faction among the religious decried that belief. The most religious fae claimed the gods weren’t dead. That they were resting. And one day, they’d awaken.
No one knew for sure what would happen if they woke up, and I’d never thought too much about it. Until recently, vampires had dictated my life. Now fae lords did. I didn’t need revived gods adding their opinions too.
“Just be respectful,” the prince replied. “Oh, and when we stand before the Drassil, it will be barefoot. An old custom.”
Considering we were in Winter’s Realm, I deemed that particular old custom a silly one but said nothing as Lord Riis spoke with the guards. A moment later, the gate squealed open, allowing us access to the Tower grounds.
“Prince Vale, prepare to speak with the Grand Staret,” Lord Riis called over his shoulder as we passed through the gate.
No one spoke as we stopped at a hitching post, tied up the horses, and strode through the outermost smaller towers down a little path made of that same sparkling black stone. The snow-dusted path led to the central tower. Double doors rose before us, spanning at least two stories. On the doors, a painted moon glimmered like the heavenly body itself.
Lord Riis’s massive fist came down on the wood three times, and the right-side door cracked open to reveal a wide-eyed female faerie wearing a black smock dress with gold stars circling the high neckline.
“My lord?” She stared up at the Lord of Tongues, questions in her eyes. She couldn’t have been over sixteen turns and appeared to have been roused from sleep.
“I’m Lord Riis, here with Prince Vale and Princess Saga. We wish to see the Grand Staret.”
The youngling blinked at the mention of Lord Riis’s name, but when he mentioned the prince and princess, her eyes snapped past the Lord of Tongues and widened. Belatedly, she opened the door fully. She curtsied and as she did so, her wings rose a touch. They were shriveled, reminding me of Roar’s wings. Was she another victim of the blight that Roar had told me about? She was certainly young enough to have been affected.
“Apologies, Prince Vale, Princess Saga, and Lord Riis,” said the youngling. “I didn’t recognize you. Only beggars come in the night. And of course, as a novice, I don’t leave the Tower often, so I’m not so familiar with your faces.”
Even if she frequented court daily, her confusion was understandable. Blood had frozen on Prince Vale’s clothing and Saga was far paler than I’d ever seen her. I doubted I looked any better.
“I take no offense,” the prince replied. His sister echoed his sentiment, and the girl’s shoulders loosened before Lord Riis pressed the matter, making her tense once more.
“The Grand Staret. Where is he?”
“He’s asleep, my lord.”
“Wake him.”
For a moment, the novice looked like she might argue, but she opened the door and allowed us inside. I spied a single chair across from the double doors. Her post for the night. A book lay atop her chair. Judging by how she had looked when she’d opened the Tower’s doors to us, the book had not been exciting enough to keep her awake.
“Please, wait here while I fetch him.” The novice shut the doors, latched them, and scurried off, her fast footsteps echoing as she rounded the curve of the main tower and disappeared from sight.
In here, the scent of smoke—incense—hung heavy. Like the outside, the inside of the Tower of the Living and the Dead glimmered. Artists had etched constellations into the stone hallways. Torches affixed to the walls made the constellations shimmer. I took a moment to study the one right across from the door but could not name it. Heat flushed my face. Though my lack of knowledge about the dead gods had never bothered me before, standing in such a place of grandeur and reverence, I felt like I should know such a thing.
“What if he says no?” Sayyida whispered, gray-blue eyes wide. She exchanged a look with Marit, who chewed on her bottom lip and twirled a lock of fire-red hair between her fingers. “What then?”
“He won’t,” Prince Vale shot back, his tone defensive.
Sayyida snorted, but as a knock came at the main door, she opted to stay quiet and open it. Powerful floral scents wafted inside, preceding three females, two faeries and one nymph, who scurried inside with Clemencia at their heels.
“The rest were, um, occupied,” Clemencia said, catching Lord Riis’s eye.
“These three will do. Lella, Dagny, and Minthe, how would you like to leave the hustle and bustle of the city? You could move to a smaller brothel in a nicer town?”
My confusion cleared. These were whores in Lord Riis’s employ.
“With better pay,” the faerie with cascading red curls and a large bosom stepped forward, speaking for the lot.
“How does triple your earnings sound?” Lord Riis offered.
“I want a madame position and pay, my lord.”
Lord Riis let out an amused chuckle. “I should have seen that coming. Yes, Lella, I can make that happen. With one condition.”
“What’s that, my lord?” Lella asked, full eyebrows arched and eyes glinting.
“Tell as many people as you can what you’re about to witness. Do it as fast as you can. While you travel, and after you settle into your new home.”
“All we need to do is gossip?” Lella’s lips tilted up until she looked like a particularly satisfied cat. “I guess it’s good that pretty young thing”—she nodded to Clemencia—“pulled the three of us from the Warmsnap Tavern, isn’t it, my lord?”
Lord Riis’s lips curled up in amusement. “I have to say, she chose well. Minthe? Dagny? Are you amenable to moving your contracts, spreading the word, and, of course, earning more coin?”
Minthe and Dagny agreed, and by the time those short-winded negotiations finished, Sir Caelo had arrived with two other figures in tow.
In the time since we’d last seen him, the knight had removed his glamour. His hair was short and black once again, and his bright blue eyes were alert as he brought the newcomers inside.
One, a reedy youngling of sixteen or seventeen, looked familiar. I was studying him, trying to place those warm gold eyes, when Prince Vale went to the boy.
“Filip, this is dangerous. I’m not sure Lord Balik would want you here.”
Filip puffed out his chest. “My father would be honored for me to attend your wedding.”
“You won’t convince him, Vale,” Sir Caelo countered. “He overheard me speaking with Sir Qildor.” Caelo inclined his head toward the other newcomer, a strapping knight with violet eyes and donning the heavy gold cloak of the Clawsguard. I’d seen him before too. He was the knight guarding Prince Vale’s door the evening I’d stumbled into the prince’s room through a hidden door. He’d seen me leave and remained quiet on Prince Vale’s orders .
“I tried to warn Filip off already,” Caelo continued, “but he claimed that as your squire, he should be here.”
The prince’s squire.
That struck a chord, and a memory of the day I’d met Prince Vale resurfaced. The squire had trailed the prince, a sword in hand. And he looked even more familiar because I’d met this boy’s sisters.
Filip was a Balik, from the noble house of the southlands, brother to Eireann and Baenna. I’d played nuchi with those ladies my first night in Avaldenn. Their brother looked much like them: the same honey-colored eyes and golden-brown hair, the same rich, terra-cotta skin tone.
“I don’t need to convince him.” Prince Vale’s voice took on a harder tone, to which the boy’s eyes widened.
“You wouldn’t order me away, my prince. I’m your squire, meant to be with you when you’re in danger.” The youngling paused, wisdom in his honey-gold eyes. “And surely, you are now. From what I heard Sir Caelo say, you will need as many reputable witnesses as possible.”
“And some less fine reputations too.” Lella sniggered.
Prince Vale looked like he was about to argue, but before he could get a word out, heavy, rushed footsteps sounded. Others were coming. Lord Riis placed his hand on the prince.
“They’re here. It’s done, and the lad is right, anyhow. He should stay and bear witness.” The prince glowered at the high lord but didn’t argue, for at that moment, a tall and girthy figure rounded the curve of the building.
Despite the late hour, the Grand Staret wore robes spangled with starlight that seemed to shift colors from dark purple, to navy, to black, and even to silver as he moved. Though I was an expert on fabrics, I couldn’t say why the robes looked the way they did, but I was sure of one thing. They were meant to impress, to intimidate, to show power.
And they did. They also gave the ancient, wrinkled faerie an air of confidence that many didn’t have when faced with a stone-faced Prince Vale. This holy fae, however, marched right up to the prince and scowled.
“Highness, why in all the nine kingdoms are you storming into my tower so late?” His teal eyes dipped to the blood on the prince’s jacket before straying to the three whores. “And with such mixed company?”
So a bloodied prince was fine, but three whores was pushing it. I wasn’t sure I liked this holy fae.
“Staret Arkyn, I apologize for my state. However, I have need of you.”
The Grand Staret arched an eyebrow.
“This is Lady Neve.” Prince Vale took my hand.
He eyed me, my true visage still beneath the glamour. “Ah, Lord Roar’s”—he cleared his throat—“ acquaintance .”
My neck warmed. Had the high lords and ladies and holy fae of the city ever taken me seriously?
“Yes, well, that engagement is over,” Prince Vale replied. “And Lady Neve and I have decided to marry. You will perform the ceremony in front of the Heart Drassil. And you will do it right now.”
Grand Staret Arkyn paled. “You wish to marry her. Here.” He craned his neck to peer around Prince Vale. “Without the king and queen present?”
“Correct.”
“I see.” Grand Staret Arkyn let out a long, disapproving hum. “Quite unusual circumstances, my prince. I must say, very, very unusual. Might I ask why you are so rushed? Surely, it’s not because this, ahem , lady, has been defiled?”
I scoffed. Defiled my round rear end. This fae was behind the times if he thought anyone in this room was concerned about me, or anyone , being a virgin when they wed.
“My reasons for wishing to wed Lady Neve are none of your concern, Staret Arkyn.” Prince Vale’s hand strayed to his sheathed sword. “And I’ll have you know that should you choose not to oblige my request; you will meet a rather quick and dire end by Skelda .” He patted the hilt.
I nearly choked.
“I’d regret it,” the prince continued, “but not as much as not getting what I want. Her. Bound to me on this night. So make your choice, your holiness.”
Staret Arkyn’s chin lifted in defiance. “This tower is one of the three pillars of the Kingdom of Winter. Among the people, I am as influential as your king father. You wouldn’t dare.”
The prince leaned closer, blade glinting in the torchlight. “Wouldn’t I, Arkyn?”
Like a flash of lightning in a storm, his sword was out. I shuffled back, as did most of the others. Only Sir Caelo and Filip Balik remained where they’d been, unsurprised by the prince’s move. The prince pressed the tip of his sword against the thin skin of the Grand Staret’s wrinkled neck.
“Should you perish,” the prince continued, “your successor would automatically elevate to your position, would she not? I’m sure that, so soon after coming into power, she would be more than willing to perform the ceremony tonight.”
My heart was thundering. Would we spill more blood tonight? If Prince Vale made good on his threat, what would the repercussions be? Was it worth it to pile them onto the charges we’d soon face?
Stars, he was doing this for me. Because I’d made him promise to see me to safety, and Prince Vale didn’t break his promises. If he killed the Grand Staret, that holy blood would be on my hands.
My throat tightened as if the blade were pressed to my own skin. I couldn’t handle that. On a night of impossible and dangerous events, it was too much.
I was about to step forward, to tell the prince that we’d find another, that it wasn’t worth risking, when Grand Staret Arkyn spoke.
“I’ll do it.” The old faerie scowled. “But should the king ask what took place this night, he will be told all.”
Prince Vale sheathed his sword. “I’d expect no less, Staret Arkyn. Now, let us proceed to the Heart Drassil.”
The Grand Staret spun, his robes twirling out around him with the motion, and stomped down the hall. We followed, everyone silent, in shock at what the prince had done.
As I walked along the curve of the tower, I tried to shake the lingering fear from my body. In moments, I’d be getting married, binding myself to the House of Aaberg for as long as it took for the prince to get me out of this kingdom. Where I’d go after, where I could really find safety from the royal hands of Winter, I had no idea.
All that mattered was this night and the days after. That was when we’d learn if this insane plan would truly work. If we had a real chance.
The Grand Staret stopped before a set of double doors. “Touch nothing in this room.”
Was he taking us through his private chambers? No, surely the holiest of fae would have a bedroom at the top of the tower. What, then, was he so concerned about?
My answer came as I stepped through the shining black double doors and found myself in a library. My fingers itched, always unable to resist books, and in this grand, mysterious place, so many shelves waited to be plundered.
As we walked deeper into the library, the ceiling opened. Because it followed the curve of the tower, the room was in the shape of a crescent moon, like the scar over my right temple. Half of the space was open air and above models of constellations glittered, suspended in the air by magic. Against the wall we’d entered by, however, were stairs leading up to other floors. Ten in total.
I squinted, trying to count the shelves on each floor. There had to be at least a hundred shelves on each floor. Moon above, how many books did this place hold?
“There are more underground.” Lord Riis came up next to me, and I snapped my mouth shut. “Aside from the House of Wisdom and the Royal Library, there is none larger in all the kingdom.”
My lips parted as a sense of wonder spread through me. “It’s lovely.”
“Most of these books are dedicated to the stars and the history of our kind.” Lord Riis peered down at me. “I wonder what you might learn here, Lady Neve?”
The question was so odd that it ripped me from my wonder, but only for a moment because we’d reached a door at the far end of the library and the Grand Staret turned.
“The Heart Drassil is outside. Should anyone feel unworthy, I would suggest they remain here.” His eyes grazed over the whores, who glowered at the old judgmental fae.
“Neve, you still need to change.” Saga shuffled closer, past Anna and Clemencia, who had been following close behind me the whole way. “Can she change in the stacks, Grand Staret? No one is here, right?”
The holy fae frowned. “Be quick. We shall prepare.” He waved the others outside, but I stopped Sir Caelo.
“Before I do this, can you remove my glamour?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Sure. Would you like for me to do yours too?” The knight looked at Anna and Clemencia, but I answered for them.
“Only me. They might need the glamour still.”
I did not say that when this was done, when I was under Prince Vale’s protection, I planned to ask Lord Riis for a rather large favor .
No one disagreed, and Sir Caelo got to work, removing the layers of magic on my face and body, stripping it off until his hands dropped, and he took a step back. “Done.”
“Perfect,” Saga piped up. “Now she needs to clean up and change, so shoo.”
He opened the door, allowing in a stiff winter breeze before he slipped outside. Only Saga, Anna, and Clemencia remained with me.
Anna’s eyes shone with tears.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, all too aware I’d brought her back from the dead not even an hour ago. Was she in pain?
“I’m fine. Never imagined I’d see this day for you.”
I hadn’t either. Not really.
Back in the Blood Court, I never imagined that I’d marry. I hadn’t wanted to. There, slaves only remained married for as long as their masters kept both partners. Though I had to admit that, in my dreams, I sometimes imagined marrying someone, my soulmate, but that’s all it was. A dream.
And while I was attracted to Prince Vale, and my body definitely wanted him, I couldn’t say with certainty that I’d choose him under less dire circumstances. I barely knew the male, though admittedly, I liked what I knew about him.
“It’s not an ideal wedding,” I exhaled and looked to the princess. “No offense.”
“None taken. I love my brother but . . . No, this isn’t ideal. I think, though, that it’s right.” She paused; her lips pursed as if she wanted to say something more but she did not.
Stars, I wanted to ask her what she’d seen in that vision. But before I could, the princess extended my dress to me.
“What do you say we get you cleaned up and ready for your wedding, Neve?”