Chapter 9
Aurora
Vespera leads me up several flights of stairs before turning down a narrow corridor.
From what I can tell, mine is the only room down this run of hallway.
She opens the door, watching me walk in before sliding a note into my hand that tells me dinner is in an hour, and she will return to take me to the dining hall.
I nod and she leaves swiftly, closing the door behind her.
I pity her. Whatever happened that caused her inability to speak makes me hollow. I think of Moira’s lively spirit and soft voice, and I wonder if Vespera would sound similar.
The room is pleasant enough. Grander than our home in Riverholm. Home. I try not to dwell on the fact that I’ve been gone for less than a day and I already miss the warm embrace of Soren and my friends.
In the center of the space is a plush bed, and I’m pleasantly surprised to find double doors leading to a small balcony. I open them, stepping into the cool air that caresses my face.
The valley below offers a breathtaking view, and my mind turns to Camryn. This has been her reality for months. Her only view of the outside world. A sense of guilt washes over me at how I’ve found happiness with Soren and the others while Camryn has been locked away. Alone.
I don’t linger too long on the balcony. I need a bath. Something to settle my nerves.
I retreat into the bedroom, passing by the bed and continuing through an arched doorway. Like the bedroom, the bathroom is decorated in an ice blue—from the tiles on the floor to the large stone bathtub that could quite possibly swallow me whole.
Although the room is better than I expected—no dark dingy dungeon in sight—there is a coolness about it that gives me chills. Before undressing, I slink back to the bedroom door and turn the lock, a sorry attempt at protecting myself in the palace of a powerful fae lord.
But it gives me a sense of protection, and I return to the bathing room and shed my clothes. I fill the tub and slide into the warm embrace of the water. My mind circles back to Camryn. Where is she? Is she hurt? I wish for the hour to pass quickly so that I can see her.
I suddenly feel incredibly isolated. Soren isn’t here, and Camryn is being kept from me. I can’t shake the feeling that this is a test. To see how strong I am—if I’m breakable on my own. I slip my head beneath the surface, hoping to drown out my thoughts.
Realizing the bath is doing little else for me other than getting me clean, I step out and wrap myself in a thick towel and move to the wardrobe in the bedroom. I wonder what attire is expected in a dark lord’s court.
I’m not disappointed.
I pull open the doors and gaze upon endless hangers of beautiful, luxurious garments. I groan at the realization that they are all gowns. Dresses have never been my thing, always preferring the practicality and comfort of a shirt and pants.
But when in a cursed fae lord’s mountain palace, maybe I can play the part.
My fingers reach for a deep blue gown made of decadent silk. It has a scooped neckline and sleeves that fall just below my elbow. The skirt hugs my hips before flaring out slightly to the floor.
Soren would love this gown on me.
The thought tinges me with guilt, and I think for a moment about changing. But he isn’t here and I have a role to play. Perhaps the dress can work in my favor. I swallow the disgust I have for myself at using my body to influence a male.
I rifle through the wardrobe until I find a pair of silver flats. Heels and I are not friends, and I will be damned if I break an ankle.
As I slip my feet into the delicately beaded footwear, there’s a knock on the door. I rush to open it, holding up the hem of my skirt. Vespera stands on the other side, a patient look on her face. An hour has passed quicker than I realized.
My hair is still damp and hangs heavy over my shoulders, leaving small wet spots on my gown.
I hold up my limp locks. “Sorry, I’m not quite ready. I need to do something about this.”
Vespera nods but stays in the hall. We stare at each other for several moments before she raises her eyebrows and gestures into the room.
“Oh, yes. Please come in,” I say, backing into the space.
Vespera moves across the floor to a small vanity beside the wardrobe. She pulls out the chair and motions for me to sit.
I hurry to the seat, lowering myself and watching her in the mirror.
She gathers my wet hair into her delicate hands, pulling it softly behind my back. Her iridescent green hands glow, and she runs them down the length of my locks.
Warm magic wafts over me. I close my eyes, thinking of Clara’s similar touch, and when I open them, my hair has dried into soft curls that shine in the light. I smile at her in the mirror. “That’s quite the trick.”
Vespera grins back and places a hand on my shoulder, keeping me in the seat. With another pass of her warm hand, the wet spots vanish from my gown.
I look down at the flawless garment. “Thank you.”
She nods and moves toward the door. I stand and follow her, nerves churning in my stomach. I halt near the doorway. “Do I look okay?” I don’t know why I care what Lord Arc or anyone else here thinks of me, but I need some sort of validation—a confidence boost.
Vespera turns toward me, and her gaze trails from my head to my feet. Smiling softly, she nods in approval.
I guess that’s the best I can ask for from someone who can’t speak. The thought of it makes my heart sink. She seems lovely. I take one last glance in the mirror, and she leads me out of the room.
We descend through a labyrinth of corridors until we arrive in a dim room that is similar in size to the throne room, but more inviting. I am the first to arrive at the long, expansive table that holds a smorgasbord of food. If I wasn’t so hungry, the overindulgence of it all would repulse me.
I take a seat in the chair Vespera slides out for me at one end of the table. I settle, smoothing my dress. Before I can ask if she will dine with us, she vanishes out the doorway in which we came. I guess not.
The silence is overwhelming, and I shift in my seat. A chill runs down my spine. I have the unnerving sense that I’m being watched. Taking a sip of water, I catch movement in the corner of my eye, and I turn to see Lord Arc stride into the room.
He glares at me like a predator. He’s changed into a crisp white suit that has a regal fae flare. The collar of his shirt is open, and I spy dark curves of a tattoo across his fair chest. I glance down at the table, chiding myself for looking at another man’s body.
“Miss Aurora, you look lovely this evening.” Lord Arc lowers into a seat opposite me, a significant distance between us.
I purse my lips and glare at him. “And where is Camryn?”
He chuckles and grabs his glass of red wine, swirling it as he lifts it to his lips. “Patience, my dear. Vespera may be lithe and swift, but your human friend does not possess the gift of speed. She shall arrive momentarily.”
The mention of Camryn’s humanness reminds me of my duty here. I have to inform Lord Arc that the travelers are descendants of the half-blood fae that fled hundreds of years ago. Not only does he have my best friend, but we can’t possibly go up against his father and him.
Approaching footsteps down the hall catch my attention, and I burst to my feet, my heart racing. Vespera appears in the doorway, but my attention falls to the slim woman behind her, whose voice is filling the room.
“It’s about damn time someone tells me something. You can’t just keep me in the dark forever!”
Time stops and I blink several times to ensure I’m not dreaming. My legs move, but I don’t remember crossing the room. Camryn’s gaze shifts to me and her mouth gapes open, her eyes wide. “Aurora!”
I fling my arms around her neck and crash into her harder than I mean to. But she is real. And she is here. Tears stream down my face before I can stop them.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” Camryn grips my shoulders, shaking me as if to ensure I’m real.
I wipe my eyes and choke down my sobs of joy. Months of pent-up emotion have unleashed itself, and I struggle to regain control. “I’m here. And I’ve missed you so much.” Camryn’s eyes fill with tears and she scans my body. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
I shake my head. “No. No. I just arrived about an hour ago. I was so worried about you.”
Lord Arc clears his throat. “Yes, yes. There is much for you to discuss. Let’s eat and recount your stories as we dine.” He stands beside the table, gesturing for us to take our seats.
I notice the empty chair and place setting beside Lord Arc, and Camryn grabs my hand, pulling me to it. She silently stares into the fae lord’s eyes as she grabs the back of the chair, dragging it to the opposite end of the table, pulling me along like a rag doll.
She releases my hand, striding back to snatch the plate and flatware. I lower into my seat, my nervous gaze on Lord Arc. There’s a hint of amusement on his lips, as if he’s used to her antics.
Camryn settles into her seat next to me and starts filling her plate. “Tell me everything.”
She’s slimmer than I remember, and my chest aches at the toll this has taken on her.
I open my mouth but look across the table at Lord Arc, his icy gaze penetrating my skin. How much do I want to divulge?
Camryn watches me. “Don’t mind him. He’s just an old coot.”
I choke on my wine, appalled at how openly she speaks of someone who can probably kill us with a single thought.
To my surprise, Lord Arc chuckles. “As you can see, Miss Camryn has made herself very comfortable in my court.”
“Save it,” Camryn snaps. “I am not part of your court. I’m a kidnapping victim.”
I look at Lord Arc. “What does she know?”
He tilts his head.
“About the travelers? And your curse?”
“He hasn’t told me anything about his curse, other than he can’t leave the area.
All I know is that it must have something to do with the women he goes after.
He won’t answer my questions about why he keeps me imprisoned here or if it’s possible to go home.
” Anger burns in Camryn’s voice and tears well in her eyes.
I reach across the table to squeeze her hand. “Well, I’m here now and it’s time we clear things up, right?” I narrow my eyes at Lord Arc.
He takes a sip of wine and swallows. “I suppose you’re right, Miss Aurora. After all, I’m sure you have learned much from your fierce, sentinel lover and new friends.” His lips curve into a smirk.
Camryn looks at me with wide eyes. “Lover?!”
I sigh, delving into the story of the past several months.
I tell her about how terrified I was when I got lost in the woods, and how Soren found me at the right time.
How Clara healed me. I tell her about Olin and how I know she will love him.
I talk about me and Soren’s journey across the realm.
How we fell in love and defeated Isolde.
But I conveniently leave out the part about how I have gained fae powers.
That detail, however, does not go unnoticed by Lord Arc.
Camryn picks at her food while she listens to my story.
I take bites between breaths and when I finish talking, Lord Arc chimes in.
“How noble of you to sacrifice your chance to return home to save your work from Isolde’s wrath.
I should punish you for killing my highest commanding sentry.
” His face turns solemn. “But I believe you forgot to explain exactly how you killed such a powerful fae.”
Lord Arc eyes me with skepticism. Even though I want to be transparent with what I know about the travelers and the rebellion, I don’t want to show all my cards to Lord Arc.
Not until I am sure I can trust him. If that is even possible.
I take a breath, deciding to bend the truth.
I shrug. “I guess I gained some magic ability while I was battling Isolde. All I did was touch her and my hand turned into a burning light.” I look from Camryn to Lord Arc.
“We think maybe being near Soren and his enchanted weapons caused me to absorb some of the fae magic.” I swallow the lie.
“How very curious,” Lord Arc ponders. “And do you still have any of those powers now? I know you can shield your thoughts, which may be possible for a human with the proper training. But the fire in your veins, does it remain?” He narrows his eyes at me.
I clear my throat. “I haven’t experienced a threat since Isolde, so I haven’t needed fae magic.”
Lord Arc nods slowly. “That makes sense, but perhaps we should test your theory.” His icy gaze pierces into mine and my heart races. Camryn’s eyes dance back and forth between me and Lord Arc, words escaping her for once.
I straighten in my chair, my magic tingling to life beneath my skin. “What do you mean?”
“Let’s see if a threat calls your magic to life.”