Chapter 42
Once again, Cela had outdone herself. I made sure to compliment her often, realizing this pleased her the most. I had certainly noticed the way the rest of the castle staff had taken kindly to me, and I attributed this largely to her. Any allies I could secure while I was here would help, and Cela was proving to be a valuable ally.
She had procured me a gown of glittering rose gold, with gold lace sewn into the bodice. The fabric swept over my breasts in two long streaks of fabric, tying together behind my neck and leaving my back completely bare. The skirt fanned out, flaring wide, with gold sparkles that shimmered as it moved. Cela completed the ensemble with teardrop-shaped rose gold earrings that hung low from my earlobes. She curled my hair, leaving it down per my suggestion. I wasn’t sure why I wanted it that way. But I couldn’t shake the sound of Fenn’s low voice as he told me how much he loved my hair when it was wild and free. And a small, embarrassed part of me hoped he would plunge his fingers into my curls like he had the night he’d kissed me.
Warmth spread over my skin, making my blood heat. What was I doing? I did not love Fenn, and it was cruel of me to expect anything to happen between us. He knew how I felt.
Which was… what? What did I feel for him? Not love, no. But… something. Definitely something.
Even so, it didn’t matter. After tonight, I would leave. Our bargain would come to an end. We would never have to see each other again .
The thought should have brought me relief. After all, I would finally be able to return home to forests and sunshine. I would be able to break the curse on my kingdom. All would be well.
I swallowed down my uncertainty and forced a smile as Cela stood back to allow me to look over my appearance. She had painted rouge on my lips and cheeks, bringing out the rosiness of my complexion. With the rose gold dress, and my natural flushed skin tone, my whole appearance seemed more pink. Even my hair seemed to shine with a more coral tint than its usual pale orange.
The final touch was a smattering of some kind of sparkling gel that Cela dabbed all over my skin, explaining that it was customary to adorn one’s body to look like the stars. When my arms moved, the faint glitter particles shimmered in the light.
“You look radiant, miss,” Cela breathed, her eyes wide with awe. “A vision. Truly.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Cela. You are a miracle worker! I never could have managed this on my own. Thank you.”
She curtsied, her face turning crimson, but her expression pleased.
“Fenn tells me the entire kingdom, regardless of their station, is invited to the fete,” I said. “Will you be attending?”
She grinned. “Yes, miss. I never miss it!”
I smiled. “I’m glad. I will see you there. You should go and get yourself ready. I have everything I need.”
“Are you certain, miss?”
“Absolutely. Thank you again.”
She bobbed another curtsy before leaving the room. I took a deep, steadying breath. I could do this. My stomach knotted at the idea of facing Fenn after… after everything. And the thought of summoning Mal, bringing him here among a crowd of hostile enemies? Would he even answer my call?
I knew he would. Mal never failed to come when I called, no matter the danger. He would lay down his life for me.
But that was exactly what I was afraid of. I envisioned the courtiers going wild with rage at the sight of a dragon, wielding swords and daggers as they tried to take his life.
But no. This was foolish. The kingdom needed Dragonfire. They needed Mal alive .
I tried to be comforted by this, but the knots in my stomach only tightened. My breath was shaky as I left my bedchamber, the soft silk of my skirt whispering with my steps. My sandals were light and comfortable, which was unexpected. In the Summer Court, I was always expected to wear tight contraptions that scrunched my toes and made me ache for days.
Then again, this court was already proving to be different. Looser, more revealing clothing, more cavalier behaviors, and a fete that brought the entire kingdom together. My court did nothing like that. All our balls and festivals were only for a certain group of people—balls for the courtiers, and festivals for the commoners. We never mingled.
But perhaps, with this alliance, that could change. I loved the idea of bringing our people together, regardless of class or social status. What a beautiful way to unite a kingdom.
It was so unexpected, so surprising, coming from a court that had a reputation for being brutal and deadly, full of darkness and despair. How had I been so wrong about the Midnight Court for so long?
I made my way down the hall and descended the staircase. Already, a low babble of voices echoed from below. I was reminded of my time in the Autumn Court, of the nerves that twisted through my body for an entirely different reason as I faced the brute who assaulted me.
But already, this was proving to be so very different. The lights in the sconces glowed a silvery blue, and they barely illuminated the staircase and foyer. A dome-shaped window was built into the vaulted ceiling, through which a glittering sky full of stars shone. The crescent moon gleamed, and with the low light in the palace, it allowed the moon to be the brightest source of light. I knew this was done intentionally. Halfway down the stairs, I paused to gaze up at the starry sky through the ceiling, my chest swelling with awe and wonder.
It was breathtaking. I couldn’t deny it.
A small smile lit my face as I descended the final steps, weaving through various figures to make my way to the outer courtyard. Most of the people here were eager nobility or castle staff, the bulk of the guests having not arrived yet. I recognized one of the maids as a friend of Cela’s and nodded politely at her.
I also swept past Lord Northall, who wrinkled his nose as I passed. He had been one of the lords vehemently opposed to my union with Fenn. I kept my head held high as I passed, not even bothering to acknowledge him.
After tonight, everything would change. He would probably despise me, yes. But tonight, Fenn and I would prove just how much this alliance could change things for the better.
When I stepped through the open double doors leading to the courtyard, the chill of night swept over me, raising the hairs on my arms. I rubbed them to ward it off, then sucked in a sharp breath as I took in the scene before me.
The courtyard opened up to a vast and expansive field surrounded by trees, with faerie lights stringing from branch to branch, glowing with that same light blue ethereal glow. Across the field was the brilliant silver river, which seemed to shine even brighter than the moon. Sparkling lights glistened from within the churning water, which I knew now to be the stardust embedded in the sediment below. Several braziers lined the river bank, but they were empty, waiting for the fire of a dragon to fuel them. Fenn told me the magic of the faerie lights would ward off attacks from the unseelie, but the lights only lasted an hour.
The soothing sounds of the river mingled with the sweeping melody pouring from the courtyard balcony where the musicians played, all of them wearing elegant finery. Some would lay their instruments down to join the dancers in the field, pausing their playing to participate in the revelry without a care in the world.
I found myself grinning at the sight. This fete was so informal, so inclusive, that even the musicians could stop their playing to enjoy themselves. I watched as a courtier downed a glass of sparkling fire wine, laughing as she climbed the steps to the balcony, and picked up a lute to join in the music.
Raucous laughter filled the air, echoing in the open space. There were people everywhere. They spread from the courtyard to the field and across the bridge that spanned the river. The crowd was so vibrant, so full of life, so carefree. It was no wonder Fenn behaved in such a flippant and easygoing manner, when he was accustomed to revelry such as this. Men and women of all shapes and sizes danced together, drinking fire wine and singing along with the music. A circle of dancers had large, gossamer wings spreading from their backs as they joined hands. I recognized the red cloaks of a few witches, and my heart lurched until I realized they weren’t Ruby, Jade, or Sapphire, but witches I did not know.
I had tucked the lavender glass vial they had given me into the bodice of my gown. Just in case. I was sure I wouldn’t use it, though.
On the other end of the field, I caught sight of a pair of figures spread on the ground under the cover of a tree. The man’s hand was up the woman’s skirt as she writhed in pleasure.
My face heated at the sight, and I inexplicably thought of Fenn with his hand in a similar place while I moaned, urging him onward.
I averted my gaze from the sight, suddenly feeling flushed. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar messy chestnut waves and cocky smile. Was Fenn here yet? My stomach fluttered as I looked for him.
Just when I had decided he must still be getting ready, I turned back to the palace doors and found him standing there, one arm casually propped against the door frame. My throat tightened as I gazed over his trim, muscular form. His midnight suit was fit to perfection, particularly tight around the muscles of his bicep as he leaned into it, watching the merriment from afar, a small smile on his lips. His waistcoat had an intricate silver design sewn into it, and his vest was decorated with gleaming silver swirls that sparkled in the moonlight. Sparkles shone on his cheekbones and neck, likely from the same gel Cela had put on me.
Gods, he was a masterpiece, standing there with perfect nonchalance, his expression soft. I could drink in this scene all day and never tire of it.
In that moment, his eyes locked onto mine, and he straightened, his jaw going slack. He, too, looked me over, his emerald eyes gliding slowly from my head to my feet. I stood there, feeling a restless energy swell within me as he scrutinized me. Slowly, we made our way toward each other. I wasn’t sure who moved first, but after a few steps, we closed the gap between us, standing on the steps of the courtyard.
“I—” He swallowed, his throat bobbing. His eyes darkened with desire and lust as he stared at me. He huffed a breathless laugh and leaned close to me, his breath tickling my ear. “That dress is a far more dangerous weapon than any dagger you’ve threatened me with.” His voice was low and sultry and made my toes curl.
I laughed, too, my face flushing. I tried not to focus on his cheek so close to mine, or the way his cool mint and pine scent enveloped me. “You cut a fine figure yourself, Fenn.”
He bowed, then offered me his hand. “Shall we announce ourselves to the public?”
My heart fluttered in my chest for an entirely new reason now, but I nodded and took his hand. It was time.