4. Evanee
Evanee
Cool air wrapped around me, carrying the scents of meat, cake, and roasted vegetables.
A light wind caressed my bare arms, causing goosebumps to skitter across my flesh as the thin white dress draped over me did little to block the chill.
Music played in the distance, but I stood away from the crowds of beings as they danced and celebrated and swayed to the slow beat of the drums.
The breeze shifted, dragging the overpowering sweet scent of the moonflowers to me. Their fragrance drowned out all others as they bloomed, reaching toward the full moon that would take center stage momentarily, stretching their delicate lilac petals and full leaves after a long slumber.
The last sliver of sun sank behind the mountains, far in the distance, and a raucous cheer echoed across the meadow.
The drums beat louder as the darkness took over. Another breeze ruffled my tangled hair. My skin tingled as it changed to a color that blended with the night, with small diamond-like specks shining brightly. I marveled at the change taking place—then it vanished.
I laughed softly and ran toward a small pond. Bright light reflected in the dark waters—my unique celadon-green eyes stared back at me like two beacons.
My gaze shot up as I sensed another—a flash of silver in the dark where someone walked toward me—a large, masculine silhouette.
My stride was steady as I moved toward him, brushing my hand over the moonflowers as I passed.
He drew closer, and my pulse quickened—I’d been hoping for this moment.
Of seeing him. Being with him. Excitement fluttered through my body as he neared, even as his features stayed out of focus—encased in shadow.
We closed in on one another. The features of his face coming into focus—the pointed ears, stubbled face, foul breath carried on the breeze…
“Now you’re mine!” he snarled, lunging after me—
“NO!” I yelled, shooting up in bed, panting, sweat plastering my hair to my face. My eyes adjusted to my familiar surroundings—the wardrobe, the window, even the chamber pot. The snores of the other girls eased my racing heart as I ran my hands through my damp hair.
My nightgown bunched around my thighs, exposing my legs and the ink around my ankles. The moonlight bathed me completely through the foggy window, and a groan escaped of its own accord as the ache flared to life. I dragged my back against the wall, trying to satisfy the phantom itch.
“You,” Blanche hissed from the open door. I jumped at the sound, growling back at her like some deranged beast.
Her annoyance was plain to see as she mouthed some foul words and hooked a finger, beckoning me.
The blood drained from my face, a pit forming in my stomach.
Was this about that guard? It had to be.
My hands shook as I pulled my boots on. I couldn’t go back to the dungeons.
I’d rather die than have Cressida violate me further with that fucking magic.
My steps dragged, as if boulders were tied to my ankles—I can handle anything, just not the dungeons.
Blanche sat down on the opposite side of the table, as I reluctantly stepped off the remaining step.
That step faltered.
Not him.
Nausea churned when the captain from earlier stepped out of the shadows, his presence commanding, gaze hard. Even Blanche sat straighter, her focus anywhere but that male and the authority that rolled off him.
I held his gaze—not gray eyes at all, but blue.
Like what I'd imagine the ocean to look like. His sharp jaw tightened as he looked me over in turn, and my breath hitched. Despite his beauty, I stared at his hand, where those talons had emerged. Cruel that such a beautiful creature might be my end. Would he slice my throat open with one of those claws? Or become whatever monster lurks beneath his skin and tear into me with his teeth? Maybe it’ll be mundane. A simple hanging—or—
“Evanee, step into the light.” Cressida’s sultry voice cut into my thoughts, making me jump.
“My, my,” she chuckled. “Are you sure that’s the one you want?” She turned a hungry gaze toward the male. My stomach dropped further. “This—frightened human?”
“There’s more than meets the eye with this one.” Amusement flickered across his face as he took in my thin nightdress and bare legs. I wrapped my arms tightly around my chest. Fury replaced my fear as his gaze shamelessly roamed over my exposed skin.
“If this is about earlier, that pig—”
“Silence!” Cressida hissed. “Do not speak unless spoken to.” Her red eyes flared as she looked down her nose, despite being shorter than me. I ground my teeth in an effort to stay silent.
Cressida returned her attention to the captain, face softening. “The Queen isn’t happy about this.”
“The Queen doesn’t get a say on the matter.”
What the hell does that mean?
“Wouldn’t you think it prudent, Cressida, that we not have a discussion of this nature in the presence of…” He glanced at Blanche, who huffed, staring daggers at him with her arms crossed. “Others?”
Cressida shrugged, her face impassive.
“My patience grows thin. As does King Raul’s. I’ve given Queen Valentina his direct order for the transport. All human slaves are his property as agreed upon in their… arrangement,” he growled.
Acid burned in my stomach, making my abdomen cinch. Even the Fae whispered of King Raul’s malice. They say that he… did things to the Queen when she couldn’t produce an heir. Awful things too vile to speak of. The rumors say she fled the moment the umbilical cord was cut.
My gaze snapped to the captain. Good looks, savior, and whatever else he may be—I didn’t care.
I’d already seen a glimpse of the monster sleeping beneath.
Whatever it was. He’s dangerous. There’s a reason that he’s the captain, and despite the niceties of saving me from the gruesome ogre, he’s got to be here to take me to a worse fate.
Cressida smiled slowly and steepled her fingers. “Very well. Callion, take her to the Queen.”
Callion, one of the Queen’s guards, whom I had definitely not noticed in the shadows, took two strides across the small space and snatched my arm, digging his fingers in as he pulled me for the door.
I fought against him, spewing curses as he pulled, hissing as a sharp pain shot like lightning across my back.
“I’m not going anywhere until I know what this is about!” I shouted, fighting to pull my arm from his grip, but he held on too tightly.
Cressida was by my side in an instant and opened her mouth to speak, but the captain cut her off.
“I’ll escort her to the Queen myself,” he declared, that dangerous tone returning as he bared his fangs at Callion. The guard instantly backed down, shoving me to the captain, who caught and steadied me. I jerked away, but he held onto my arm.
Cressida smiled tightly. “Surely the captain of the King’s guard has better things to do, no?”
He stared her down, a warning in his eyes.
“I think you and I both know that this is of the utmost importance.”
Cressida smirked, but stretched her hand toward the door. With that silent dismissal, he tugged me out of the building.
A shiver snaked over me as the night breeze hit my damp clothes. The moonlight hit next, and I instantly wanted to claw my skin off as the ache intensified.
“Here,” he said, removing his jacket and putting it on my shoulders. I stopped walking as the smell of pine and smoke engulfed me.
“Look,” I snapped. “If I’m being punished for turning down your subordinate—or striking him—don’t make up some story about the Fae King summoning me or pretend you care for my safety. Whatever game this is, it’s cruel. I can’t—”
“Stop.” He held his hands up. “This has nothing to do with earlier. He’s been… dealt with.” A darkness passed over his face. “I just need you to trust—”
“Trust you?” I scoffed. “I don’t know you. In case you aren’t aware, I don’t know anyone outside of these walls. I can only trust myself.”
He sighed. “I’m aware of your situation. My name is Aiden, and the King did send us to retrieve you. Now, follow—”
I stopped. “Why? How would he even know who I am?”
Aiden huffed. “There are bigger things at play in the Eastern Realm among the Fae than you could understand. You’re…” He stopped and shook his head. “You’re being summoned. End of story.”
“What about me?” Did he know where I came from? Where my family disappeared to?
“That’s all I can answer,” he shot back, making me recoil. His jaw ticked as he noted my reaction. “Come,” he growled after a moment and turned, dismissing the next question already forming on my tongue.
With his back to me, I turned toward the gate—closed. But that hole in the wall wasn’t far—
“I wouldn’t.”
I startled at the closeness of his voice, craning my neck as I turned.
He towered over me, his expression unreadable, but he was clearly irritated in the way he huffed like that angry stallion.
My pulse hammered against my ribs as he grabbed my arm once more and pulled me after him, my boots scraping along the stone path.
What the hell happened in my life before my memories were stolen, that would put me on the Fae King’s radar—a position no one would want. I highly doubted the Fae King knew any of the human slaves in his wife’s court. This had to do with that bastard guard from last night.
I wanted to demand answers, refuse to move until he told me what my fate would be in the north.
But I knew that to escape, I’d need to get away from this place and break the shackles of Cressida’s curse that bound me to it.
With a newfound purpose, I slowly rebuilt that net of restraint around myself, preparing for a game of patience and resilience.
I’d only ever been inside the kitchens and dungeons. That’s as far into the castle as I’d ever been allowed.
As we entered, I shamelessly gaped at the bright colors everywhere—entirely at odds with the dreary stone exterior. Pinks, yellows, royal blues—from the railing, to the vases sitting upon intricately carved stone stands.