5. Emilia
Chapter 5
Emilia
T he journey to the Day Court was long and arduous. I’m relatively certain the lower part of my body will be permanently numb from this journey. It turns out that getting to ride on a ship wasn’t all that exciting because I spent most of it surrendering my breakfast into the sea, four hours of my head spinning and the sailors chuckling at my discomfort. In my defense, I have never been on a ship before. How was I to know that I needed to look at the horizon to prevent the sickness? Ugh, I still feel a little bit disgusted. Sigrid was kind enough to give me a few pieces of mint leaves to chew on, which seems to be helping. Thank the heavens.
After docking, dock workers and palace staff arranged our things and put us into the most beautiful carriage. The carriage was in the shape of a dome made from crystal, and as the sun hit its surface, beautiful colours danced around within it. Large, stunning white horses pull the carriage, larger than what we have on the continent and far cleaner. The inside of the carriage had plush seating covered in a velvety light blue colour. It all felt so surreal. When the city came into view, my breath was lost yet again. The road was paved with the most beautiful stones that, according to the footman I overheard, even glow at night. The sun charges them, and then they emit a subtle glow, lighting the city in the evening. Flowers and plants of all kinds cover the unpaved grounds. It feels like an entirely different world.
But even with such beauty, there is always ugliness, and you can easily tell that the Fae people didn’t want us here. But to no one’s astonishment, Lady Dahlia is happily off in a land of delusion, so she doesn’t even notice the stares and comments. Oh, to live such a carefree life. Finally, we make it into the castle courtyard, where many human nobles are unloading and heading into the castle.
“Can you believe they invited Lady Sibil to come to this!? And look at what she’s wearing! She looks like a poor beggar in those clothes!” Lady Dahlia exclaims to her closest confidant, Lady Jules.
“I bet she is only here to try to entice the King. She is a shameless flirt.”
The hypocrisy is apparently lost on these women, as they are both nearly falling out of their dresses. I have a hard time relating to them, though I suppose my job isn’t to relate to them but to eavesdrop on them. Pulling up to the main entrance is a sight to behold. The castle itself is enormous, with large glass windows decorating its entirety. With the sun hitting it from behind, you can see the stained-glass patterns in each window. I am sure the hallways are a kaleidoscope of colours, making you feel like you are in a different world. A smartly dressed Fae man comes down to welcome the nobles.
Meanwhile, the help is sorting out their things. Sigrid and I have been informed that we will be on the castle’s east side, and they will arrange for the luggage to be delivered there. I quickly walk over to Ethan to inform him of the plan.
“Apparently, they will deliver the luggage to the room. The gentleman over there will be taking it.” I say to Ethan, pointing over to the tall Fae man. Ethan gently puts down a large brown trunk and straightens to look at me.
“I see. I guess I will speak with him.”
We manage to make it to Lady Dahlia’s room and start organizing her things, but before long, her entitled self starts whining.
“Well, I suppose this room will have to do.” Lady Dahlia has been here for all of ten minutes and is already assessing the quality of the room. This room is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen. The four-poster bed sits against the wall with sheer curtains draping from the sides. The little sitting area with soft pink fabric creates a comfortable space to rest, and the curtains framing the large arched windows look like they are made of the finest material you could buy or make. Her estate isn’t nearly as lovely as this place. Some days, I wish she would spend a day in my old village. She wouldn’t last a day, and I revel in the thought. Lady Dahlia is ordering the Fae attendants around like they are beneath her, though I suppose she does that to all her staff. I don’t know why I thought she would be different with the Fae people. Spoiled doesn’t even begin to describe this girl.
“Emilia, this place is lacking. I heard there was a beautiful garden in the castle that rivals the High King’s, though I doubt it could compare. I want you to find it and bring me fresh-cut flowers, one of every kind. Also, I have an order ready for pick up in town at the dress shop. Fetch it.”,
I turn just slightly to see the vase full of beautiful fresh-cut white flowers sitting beside her bed, and because I can’t stop talking sometimes, I point that out.
“Lady Dalia, it looks like the rooms have fresh-cut flowers. Is there something you don’t like about it?”
“Emilia, you talk back more than a servant should.” She says with her hands on her hips. “Your only job is to do exactly as you are told. White is so boring. I need life; I need colour!” This woman is supposed to be a sophisticated young lady. “When I become queen–because I will–I will have to redecorate these rooms. Daddy will be so proud once he finds out I have caught the eye of the King. With me as the Fae Queen I’m sure Daddy will be elevated higher in the High King’s court. I just need to use all my charms to catch the Fae King.”
This woman is delusional. Charm? What charm? I hope I’m there when she finally sees she isn’t as impressive as she thinks. She may be a beautiful young woman, but even the money she uses to cover her hideous center will reveal itself eventually. Besides, we aren’t in the Human Kingdom anymore. We are in the Day Court. She may get what she wants when she wants it back at her home, but I have a feeling she won’t get the attention she wants here… which will make my job harder. I have no power. I am, as she says, a mere servant.
“Yes, my lady. I will go search for your flowers.”
“Good. Sigrid, get a bath drawn; the travel was terrible. I need to be bathed and ready for dinner tonight. Oh, and pull out the red dress, the one that makes my chest look big. That ought to get his attention, and don’t forget to grab…”
I roll my eyes and exit the suite as Lady Dahlia continues to yammer on. According to her, this place barely meets her standards. Meanwhile, I grew up in a two-bedroom house in a small village where the smell of wood burning was the fragrance of choice versus the scent of lilacs and roses, which seemed to float in the air in this palace. But as lovely as this place is, I would give anything to be in my old house making venison stew for my family because what a place looks like doesn’t make a home–the people inside it do.
The halls are vast, with one side covered in stained glass windows that look down onto the courtyard below. Every twenty feet, a Fae soldier wearing a dark blue uniform and a black sash around the waist stands vigil. Some of them have a sword on their waist, others don’t have any at all. I wonder why? All their weapons look like the Orcs have made them. They are strong and lethal. Most Fae, to my knowledge, have some power: fire, earth, wind, metals, and even mind manipulation, but I don’t know how to tell who can do what. I also heard something about certain groups having more power than others. I really don’t know. Maybe I can ask the servants here to satiate my curiosity. The Orc-made weapons are deadly on their own. Add in the Fae’s ability to use magic, and I would not want to meet them on the battlefield. Maybe it’s good they have kept to themselves all these years.
I presume the weapons are the finest the Orc Clans make. The Orc Clans live on and around the mountains on the continent, and the metals found in those mountains are strong. Over the years, the Orcs have perfected how to make excellent weapons, and for that reason, they are the major sellers and importers of such things. I heard some Fae have tried to make their own weaponry, but everyone still prefers the ones made by the Orcs.
I have my hands clasped in front of me as I pass each soldier. I have no idea where I am going, but I will take advantage of the opportunity to look around. The castle is massive! We are in the east tower, where all the human guests are staying. Before we made it to Lady Dahlia’s room, some of the servants told us the east tower was warded, so we couldn’t go anywhere the King did not permit. I can’t blame them for taking precautions. It’s not like they invited good, hardworking humans to the festival–they invited the rich and powerful, who, more often than not, are corrupt, selfish, and simply terrible human beings all around.
I decide it is best to get Lady Dahlia’s order and, while I’m out, go to the blacksmith to find out where to meet my brother. Leaving the castle wasn’t all that hard; navigating the city, on the other hand, is a bit confusing. The city seems to shine and sparkle like a crystal chandelier swaying in the sun. The buildings are made of soft grey stone with beautifully carved columns. The upper city is obviously where those with money live. The streets are clean, and the windows are made of clear blue glass, making it look fake with how perfect it is. The lower you go, however, things start to get a bit more crowded. People are dressed in more simple clothing, though much nicer than the simple people in the human or Orc populations. The main square where the shops sit is busy with people wearing elegant and simple clothing. It seems that they have no problem mixing together for shopping. Some shops are intricately designed to show off beautiful jewelry, while another shop is filled to the brim with books. It is an amazing place, and I wish I could explore it. A massive fountain sits in the middle of the square, with two smaller ones on either side. Carts with different coloured fabrics draped over them, the carts cover the square. Some sell food, and others sell scarves or wine. They are even selling small flying creatures–maybe they are used as pets? Not all Fae seem to have wings. I heard that only the royal family has them, but perhaps that is wrong.
It doesn’t take me long to find ‘Sharif’s Clothing’ and pick up Lady Dahlia’s order. Garrick said the blacksmith was in the lower city. Most places put the blacksmith a bit away from the main square so the created dirt and noise don’t disturb the shopper’s experience. A lovely Fae woman with pink hair points me in the direction I am supposed to go. Just behind the market square, I see a small shop with a forge and anvil just outside. The wall on the front of the shop holds tools and weapons for sale. Just as I approach, a tall, hulking Orc steps out from inside, he sees me coming and eyes me with suspicion. It isn’t within their nature to be trusting, but my brother said to come here, so this must be where he is working.
“Good afternoon, Sir. Is Dorgan Garrick here?” His eyebrows raise just slightly, and if you weren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t notice, though his shock is evident to me. He must not be expecting anyone, which is odd because Garrick told me to come here.
“Who’s asking?”
See, not trusting, but they are loyal. If Garrick said he was supposed to be working here, he would know why I’m here...I hope.
“Someone looking for the hawk,” I say.
I speak the phrase Garrick came up with to tell anyone that I was with him. It’s an ode to our pet hawk that we now use to send messages back and forth. This time, his brows reach nearly his long braided hairline. His mouth falls open slightly, making his tusks more pronounced. I guess he wasn’t expecting someone like me. I would have anticipated Garrick to explain, but apparently not this time. Sometimes, I think he does it on purpose, having the human maidservant coming up to the Orc blacksmith. He thinks he is so funny, but I guess it’s better to keep a sense of humour in this crazy time.
“Well, gotta admit I never saw that coming. He isn’t here today but wanted me to give you this.”
He leans down and pulls out a piece of paper and something wrapped in cloth. He hands me the items and turns back to do his work. There really isn’t much to say, so I turn and head back towards the palace. Before I get too far, I find a little spot between buildings to read my note.
Meet me tomorrow before dawn by the docks. There is a small warehouse at the end of the docks, warehouse number twelve. Be safe.
PS Father sent you a gift.
I fold the paper, tuck it into my dress, and unwrap the cloth to find a beautifully crafted dagger. The handle is made out of a strong wood with an intricate pattern along the handle. The blade is made of white iron, the strongest metal from the winter mountains and lethal to the Fae. He must be worried about me being in the Day Court because this dagger is made to kill Fae, not just animals, which is what my other dagger is used for. I slip the dagger back into its holder and tuck it under my dress. I will have to make something to attach it to my leg like the other dagger I carry.
After completing all my errands, I head back to the palace to find some of the flowers I am supposed to collect.
Returning and dropping off the clothes for Lady Dahlia didn’t take long. She was having tea with another lady from the High King’s court, so I’m not harassed further. There are two hours before the dinner, so I should, in theory, have enough time to get those silly flowers and return them so I can help Sigrid.
I make my way into the central portion of the castle, looking for any sign of a garden nearby. Wandering around the halls, looking out the large windows, I hoped to glimpse an outdoor garden space, but I couldn’t see one. After walking the same hallway twice, I realized I might need to ask for help. Ugh, this is embarrassing. It’s bad enough I’ve walked past the same guards twice, but now I need to explain that I’m lost. I think they probably already know that.
Just as I’m turning the corner, a very tall man dressed in what looks to be a soldier’s uniform is walking towards me. He seems different from all the rest, as he has more intricate designs on his uniform and a single sword swinging from his hip. He has short blonde hair that seems slightly unkempt, giving him a carefree look in stark contrast to his official clothing. His eyes are a beautiful sea-green colour, and his walk alone reveals his importance, aided by how the stationed soldiers bend slightly as he passes. I need to ask for help, but this soldier seems a bit too important. I should look for one of the servants—I’m sure they have the same culture as in the Human Kingdom. Help your fellow servants out, it’s basic servant etiquette. But now that I think of it, I haven’t seen any servants around. Maybe there are servant corridors like they have in the Human Kingdom. I would much rather ask a maid for help than this very tall, very handsome Fae man. While lost in thought, one of the tall vases that lined the walls and had previously gone unnoticed to me comes into view. One would think I would notice a vase nearly as tall as me, but they would be wrong. I jostle it slightly, squeak, and try to regain my balance, desperately trying to save the( likely extremely expensive) piece of art.
Out of nowhere, strong arms simultaneously keep me from falling and steady the vase. My heart pounds hard, the whooshing sound of blood in my ears making me feel a bit lightheaded, That was close. I don’t know the punishment for breaking royal art, but I don’t want to find out. Trying to take deep breaths, I look up to see who saved me and the rogue vase. I lift my gaze to be met by those same sea-green eyes sparkling in the sun. Are all Fae men this handsome? The man has his arms wrapped around me, holding me against his chest, and my heart is beating fast for an entirely different reason now. Get it together, Emilia. I have never been in the arms of a man before, excluding hugs from my brother and Father, so this is not a position I find overly comfortable. I push myself away from him to gain some much-needed distance. I turn to look up at him again and profusely apologize to this very important man.
“I… I am so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention, I didn’t see the vase until it was too late. Please forgive me.”
He doesn’t say anything at first, which makes me nervous. I don’t know what he is thinking, and to quickly try to escape, I tip my head down to show some respect. I hope this is respectful because I really don’t know what to do in this situation. Long fingers lift my face to look up, and I stare again into those lovely eyes .
“It’s alright. The vase is fine, and I am glad to see you were not injured.”
“Yes, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. You seem like a very important man. Please don’t let me hold you up. I… I won’t run into any more vases, I promise.”
He laughs and lets his hand fall to his side.
“What are you doing here, anyway? I assume you came with one of the caravans from the Human Kingdom?”
“Oh yes, um, I am one of Lady Dahlia’s lady’s maids. She has requested I get her some fresh-cut flowers from some garden. I am not sure exactly where this garden is, or even if I am allowed to go to it, but if she doesn’t get what she wants, she gets… cranky.”
He raises one eyebrow and looks at me. I suddenly feel very self-conscious. I mean, I don’t think I am horrible to look at, but the white and pale rose dress and apron make me very much a working woman. My hair is falling out of my bun and likely all over the place at this point in the day.
“Well, if she means the royal gardens, they are off-limits to the guests.I was assured that our rooms were adequately decorated with fresh-cut flowers.”
Of course they are! Here I am, wandering around in a Fae palace, apparently trying to steal the ROYAL flowers! My face is starting to burn red from utter embarrassment.
“I am so sorry, I had no idea. I really didn’t know who to ask, and I haven’t seen any servants to ask where I should go. Please forgive me. ”
I tip my head down and start backing up a bit. This is a disaster. Why couldn’t she just be happy with what she was given? Ah, that’s right–because she is a pompous, entitled prat. My breathing has become a bit shallow, and I realize I am panicking slightly. What if I get Lady Dahlia in trouble, and then she gets mad at me, and I lose this job and can’t save my father?
“Hey hey hey. It’s OK, just breathe.”
I try to take some calming breaths, but as the months have passed, my anxiety has only gotten worse. I was not meant to be a spy, I was supposed to help my father in his shop and maybe one day get married. I was not supposed to be a spy! Lately, I have only become increasingly paranoid and anxious. The longer I do this, the harder it has become–but I won’t let my father down. Not now, not ever.
“I’m sorry, please, if you don’t mind telling me where I could maybe grab some flowers. I won’t go to the Royal Gardens. Maybe there are some nice weeds I could grab.”
This apparently made this handsome man laugh; I mean, I really wasn’t joking. There are nice weeds. I’m sure I could convince Lady Dalia they are exotic or something.
His laugh seems so carefree, just like his hair. “As wonderful as it would be to see you bring weeds back to your mistress, how about I escort you to the royal gardens? I am sure the nobles in the human kingdom are similar to here, always expecting the world and punishing those serving them.”
“Oh, so you know what it’s like to deal with irritating and delusional nobles.”
“I’m afraid so, though my boss can take a joke. He has, on occasion, thrown me off the balcony.”
As he starts to lead me back down the hall, I nearly trip over myself. He can’t be serious, can he? Surely that must have been a joke, right?
“As in, literally throw you off the balcony?”
He is still laughing at this, which is mind-boggling because I don’t think being thrown off a balcony would be fun. Terrifying seems more accurate.
“I’m afraid so. He has a bit of a temper, and I am a glutton for punishment. But it’s always so fun to rile him up.”
“How are you not dead if he has thrown you off a balcony?”
“Ah yes, I suppose you might not know since you’re human. But some of us can fly–we have wings.”
And because I have apparently lost my mind entirely, I start trying to look at his back. He has no wings and his clothes don’t even look like they could accommodate them if he did. Coming back to myself, I see that he is looking at me, and obviously, my face heats in embarrassment. He doesn’t help by winking at me and walking confidently to our destination. As I reflect on what I’ve just done, I’m filled with trepidation. Was it rude to look? Did I just insult him by looking for his wings? Ugh, when will this day end?
Before I knew it, we arrived at a beautiful set of dark wood doors with intricate glass, showing the garden on the other side. He pushed the doors open and walked through. A gust of warm air flowed out of the door and hit me in the face, smelling of all things beautiful. The smile on my face was not forced but deeply genuine. I’m not sure of the last time I genuinely smiled.
“Here we are. We can’t spend too long here because I need to return to my duties, but you can grab some flowers for your mistress.”
My eyes can’t seem to comprehend the beauty I am looking at. I am in awe of the multitude of flowers in all varying colours, and I can’t believe such a beautiful place exists. A tall willow tree sits in the middle, and bushes upon bushes of gorgeous flowers cover the space. A stone path seems to weave around the flowers, making you feel like you are walking with the flowers, not cutting through them. I have never seen so much beauty in one place. Even back home, there were some flowers in the woods, but nothing like this. I feel like I have stepped into a new world, and I want to stay here forever.