Chapter Thirteen
The morning, we left Lycanthyr, felt completely different to the day we arrived. The wolf pack still gathered to watch us leave, yet now the air seemed lighter.
Bared teeth and wary looks had welcomed us, but they had been replaced with smiles, low laughter and easy conversation. The quiet hum of people no longer braced for bloodshed. It was almost unsettling how quickly menace turned to warmth.
I sat on the horse in front of Rhael, my hands holding onto the saddle as he said his goodbyes. Rhael promised to send word to Magnus once he had secured another alliance. The two of them spoke with an ease that hadn’t existed before, almost familiar. It was good, for Rhael at least.
The memory of the night before refused to leave my mind. When I had woken, Rhael had already got out of bed, packing as if nothing had happened. The furs tucked in around me had still been warm, his scent clinging to my skin like a ghost that would not fade.
It had made my stomach twist, not because of what had happened but because of how it had ended. With me lying awake, staring at his back.
Questions pressed against my throat as we rode back to Vaetharyn in silence. The words were sharp and insistent even if I did not speak them aloud.
I wanted to ask him why he had rolled over, if there was a specific reason for him not expecting any pleasure of his own. My mind raced in circles, but my mouth wouldn't form the words.
So instead, I let my mind wander, as we sat in silence thinking of all the possibilities, I wasn't brave enough to speak.
Rhael didn't seem as eager to stop this time, once we had crossed the Nymph River, I had expected us to have a break, to find a place to rest.
However, Rhael just kicked the horse’s sides making it move faster. I had half expected the nymphs to be waiting for us, but the water remained still and silent. No sign of the deal making creatures that lived beneath.
Although as we crossed through the water, I could feel them watching us, watching the Fae King return to his kingdom with his human companion still alive.
We did stop eventually, though not until the night had darkened around us. The same tent was raised, the same belongings unpacked. Almost a mirror image.
There was only one key difference. The beds had been laid out as two clear separate spaces. Deliberately pushed as far apart as the tent would allow.
I said nothing. Climbing into the blankets in my cotton nightwear I wrapped myself up to keep warm, keeping my back to Rhael. The cold I felt was more to do with his attitude than the night air.
Four hours passed before Rhael woke me. Waking me with loud movements, my quilt being pulled from my body in a harsh fashion.
I barely had time to pull on my leathers, before he had me back on the horse.
I muttered curses under my breath, sharp and unfiltered.
All it earned me was a low laugh from behind.
By the time the obsidian spires of Vaetharyn rose before us, it felt like any kind of closeness we had developed in Lycanthyr had been extinguished. Rhael sat up straighter, his silver eyes fixed straight ahead as his jaw set.
I felt my breath hold in my chest, just like it had the first time I had arrived, the palace truly was beautiful. Dread coiled tight in my stomach, it was suffocating.
The gates opened and Vaetharyn swallowed us whole.
Servants paused mid step to bow, their eyes fixed on Rhael, almost looking through me to glance at their King. The nobles who had been sat lounging and gossiping immediately straightened, whispering amongst themselves.
I dismounted as soon as we came to a stop. Pushing myself from the horse sliding down its flank until my feet hit solid stone. Part of me wondered why he did not return us to the stables, but I was too irritated to ask.
Rhael didn't look at me as he handed the reins to a waiting servant.
“Return to your room, I have matters to attend to.” Rhael said, having already turned his back on me, the dismissal loud and clear.
I stood there for a moment, watching his back disappear into the castle, courtiers scurried behind him trying to get his attention. The familiar frustration rose in my chest, hot and unwelcome.
It was irrational, or at least that is what I told myself. Our roles were clear. One night with his head between my legs didn't change that.
I linger, for just a moment, waiting to see if there was any kind of reaction from him. When nothing came, I turned on my heel heading in the opposite direction. Dragging my pack over my shoulder deciding just to return to my room. It was a better option than waiting like a fool.
Penny was waiting for me.
The moment I stepped inside, she turned from the hearth. Her face lighting with curiosity and something dangerously close to relief. Her hands twisted together as if she had been pacing for hours.
“Elara, I am glad you are back. You should have sent word, I would have run a bath,” she fretted, looking me up and down.
I hadn't showered in three days, my hair was still in the braid the wolves had done. Mousy brown strands all over the place. Dark circles lingered under my eyes, an indication of how tired I was.
“I am fine,” the words came easily. Her raised brow told me she didn't believe me.
Penny crossed the room anyway, fingers already working at the buckles of my clothes with practiced efficiency. The soft humming sound she made was meant to soothe, though it did little to settle the restless edge inside me.
Layer by layer, the journey was stripped away. Leather fell to the floor, the smell of wind and travel was replaced by clean linen. Once I was naked, Penny wrapped me in a soft silk robe that could not have been more different from what I had worn for the last three days.
“You look tired,” she murmured. I didn't protest as her hands guided me closer to the fire.
“I am ok, I had a decent bed to sleep in.” I told her, sinking into the chair. I neglected to tell her that the King had also shared my bed, twice. The less I spoke about what happened between Rhael and I, the better I would feel.
“Was Lycanthyr dreadful? I have heard wolves can be so feral and ruthless,” she whispered, as if she was cautious of someone listening.
“They were ok. Although I am not sure if I can share much.” I admit, turning my head to look in her direction.
“Of course, I did not even think,” she admitted, her hands busy as she undid the braids in my hair.
“You didn't, you were curious. I would be too. Ask questions and I will see if I can answer.” I smiled watching a light dance in her eyes with excitement. It was strange how used to Penny I had become.
She was brash and harsh at times, but I also knew underneath there was something that resonated with me so deeply.
After all, she was not Fae. As an elf she was still seen as less than by the nobility and whilst she was higher than me, I had a feeling she understood how I felt all too well.
“Was the Wolf King what you expected?” she asked, brushing my hair away from my neck taking great care around my scar. It was something she did now even subconsciously, accepting it was part of me. It was rare for Penny to even ask about it now.
“I am not sure, he was frightening at first, but I can understand why his kingdom does so well,” I explained tilting my head to the side to allow her to brush oils through the tangled wavy mess.
“And King Rhael?” Penny asked, her eyes lingering on mine as she put the brush down running her hands through my hair making sure the oils were even,
“He was himself,” I told her. That was the most honest answer I could give without tearing open a wound I was not ready to examine.
I wanted to trust Penny, to tell her everything that had happened, but I was not sure what she knew already about my role here in the castle or the King. I wasn't about to risk my life telling her something that would later become idle court gossip.
Penny studied my face and I could tell she wanted to ask more, but instead she pressed her lips together as if silencing herself. Her hands worked in the oils to my scalp, her fingers massaging so well that I closed my eyes enjoying the sensation.
“You will need to bathe before dinner, I will get it drawn now. The court is very anxious to hear of the alliance” she told me and I tried my hardest to not to roll my eyes. Of course they were, this was Vaetharyn. Nothing stayed quiet for long.
The Fae Court dinner felt more like a performance than people sitting down to eat. Polished black floors gleamed beneath floating crystal lights.
Long tables were arranged with surgical precision, with the nobles sat in perfect order along them. Robes and long silk dresses littered the space, everyone looking their best to attract the favour of the King.
I was back to being dressed in structured silk, as was Penny’s preference. Deep black silk clung to my torso, moulded to my waist with subtle boning, that forced my structure upright.
The neckline was high, modest by court standards, yet the tailoring was flawless enough that it showcased my curves without showing too much. Sleeves long and fitted narrowed into cuffs at my wrists.
A thin silver chain had also been fastened against my neck, it was supposed to hide the rest of the scar that poked from the top of my dress. I hated it, but wore it anyway just to save Penny from moaning.
I took my seat amongst the nobles, some of them turning their noses up as I sat down. Deeming being sat next to the human an insult, but no one said anything outwardly.
Rhael sat at the high table, posture immaculate, his crown gleaming between the lights. He did not look at me as I sat down, but the way he stiffened told me he knew I was there.
His hands clenched into fists against the polished table which stood before his throne. I could remember how imposing he had seemed the first time I had seen him sit there, but now there was something about him that was even more menacing.
Wine was poured into the cup in front of me by an elf I didn't recognise. The dishes were served next. I ate mechanically lifting the fork to my mouth as I just tried to make it through.
In the Wolf King’s hall I had been watched, expected to perform. Here I was ignored, everyone around me pretending I did not exist. Honestly, I was not sure which one was worse.
My mind raced back to how it had felt sitting with him in Lycanthyr. How his hand had lingered on my waist, tracing the edge of my underwear.
The sound he made as my ass pressed against him. All of it seemed like a fever dream, and part of me wondered what would happen if we did that here in his court. How would the people react?
The thoughts were shattered by the sound of the doors crashing open and a messenger stumbling through the tables. His cloak was torn and he appeared breathless, like he had not stopped running until he laid eyes on the King.
It took me a moment to realise he was also splattered with blood. Instantly Rhael was on his feet, his throne shoved backwards scraping against the floor, as the hall erupted into a mass of whispers and worried glances.
“Your Majesty, there has been another attack. Just east of here.” the messenger gasped, falling to his knees as his blonde hair stuck to his forehead. From this angle I couldn't tell what race he was, but he was tall so most likely fae or maybe even Elvin. Not that I was trying too hard to look.
“Was it the same as before?” Rhael questioned, his eyes fixed on the messenger, dilating the silver almost completely replaced by black. I sat rooted in my seat watching him frozen.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the messenger nodded and a collective gasp reverberated around the room, as nobles began to get up from their seats as panic set in. Ruining the careful order of the hall.
“Fuck!” Rhael snapped, the curse ripping through the air like a blade. His face contorted with anger as the shadows around the room crept ever closer, clinging to Rhael's mood like a second skin.
The nobles worried whispers became louder as guards began to move through the hall, their orders bellowing out joining the chaos. Yet still I didn't move, despite my brain telling me that the mood Rhael was in, would be the wrong time for me to do anything other than flee.
Olesia, Rhael's sister, pushed towards her brother, distracting him for a moment as the pair engaged in a heated, whispered discussion.
The Fae Princess appeared to be pleading with her brother, who was having none of it, his hands clenched tighter at his sides, drawing his shadows closer as his words came out in shallow, hissed, whispers.
I watched as Olesia stomped her foot before turning and leaving the room, disappearing in the sea of panicking nobles and in that moment, I wished I had run.
Rhael’s face turned, his eyes colliding with mine, his mouth twisting into a scowl as he stalked towards me. I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves and for the first time since meeting him I was truly afraid.
“I suggest you get up and get out of here.” He snapped his eyes looking me up and down, his upper lip curling in disgust. It was the first thing he had said to me in hours and yet I wished we had stayed in silence.
“Fine.” I say standing, keeping my voice steady even though it took so much effort to stop my bottom lip from quivering. I would not cry. I hadn't cried in years, so I had no idea why his tone was now hitting deep into my soul.
“Elara,” he hissed as his fingers wrapped around my wrist, his grip like a vice as I turned to face him. My eyes wide and concerned, he had never gripped me like this, it hurt.
“What?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly as I take in a deep breath, my hands shaking in his grip.
The man looking down at me was not the same King I had seen before, this one was under attack and Rhael was dark at the best of times, now he was looking as though he wanted to drown himself in his enemy’s blood.
“Stay in your room tonight, do not come out. No matter what you hear, what you think you need to do. It is not safe and I cannot be held responsible if you are broken in the process.” He whispered, pulling me closer for a fraction of a second before he released me leaving my head spinning.
I didn't argue or demand to know more. I wasn't even sure I could form the words if I wanted to.
I ran.
Ignoring all of the nobles watching me, the servants whispered as I pushed past. I wanted to get to my room, lock the door and for the first time in my life, do as I was told with no questions asked.
That night the noises were horrific, the sounds of crashing reverberated off the walls waking me up from an already fitful sleep.
My eyes bleary as I listened to the uproar of Rhael’s anger being unleashed below.
I had no idea what he was doing but from the sounds of it there would not be much left of the Obsidian Court by morning.