15. Chapter Fifteen Rhowyn
Chapter Fifteen: Rhowyn
I quietly seethed at this Queen turning her back and so rudely dismissing me. The whole meeting had been so fake, and I’d struggled to keep from rolling my eyes and scoffing at the bitch. I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore and didn't know the laws or customs in Avalon, so it was better to keep it all locked down until I could get far away from here. Thankfully, I had plenty of practice with hiding my thoughts and emotions. I had a flawless poker face after I’d learned early on as a foster child that it was better to keep everything to myself. If this bitch thought I was giving up on returning to Earth, she had another thing coming. I was nothing if not stubborn and determined to a fault.
A slender, weasely-looking man approached our group as the Queen sat regally on her throne, a huge golden and flashy monstrosity that screamed look at how awesome I am . The man must be this Jensen she’d instructed to take me to my room. He bowed to Lennox before turning to me. “Please follow me.”
That was another thing that pissed me off. Apparently, Lennox was a prince who had gotten his asshole ways from his mother. With this new information, I no longer wanted anything to do with him since there was no way I could trust him now. Dick.
I followed Jensen without a word, still not giving anything away about how truly livid I was with this whole thing. The guards were holding the throne room doors open for us all as we passed, and they closed with a thud behind us. We trailed silently down large, ornate hallways decorated in gold, with precious stones accenting the swirling designs. Everything screamed filthy rich and was so outside of what I'd ever known that it made me uncomfortable. It never failed to anger me that some people could have so much wealth while others were born starving, never knowing an easy day in their tragic lives.
I tried to pay attention to the directions but gave up after ten minutes of walking. There were just too many twists and turns for me to follow. I sighed at the realization that I wouldn't be able to sneak my way out of here, which I was sure was Queen Bitch's intentions.
My simple life had been so turned upside down, and my gut told me that this was just the beginning, that everything would get so much more complicated and soon. Instead of allowing it to overwhelm me, I compartmentalized and focused on what was right in front of me, the here and now. All I could do was take it one day at a time. In so many of my dark times which had threatened to overwhelm me, I fell back on this technique, and it had never failed me once. I had always just put my head down, blocking out any distractions, and barreled through whatever was holding me back. I had no plans to change my stripes now.
Finally, Jensen stopped in front of a door and bowed in deference. “Miss Hunt, this will be your room during your stay. Your maids will join you shortly to assist you in any way and ensure you are ready for tonight's ceremony. Your things are already in your room.”
Biting back my desire to take my frustrations out on a man who was simply doing as he’d been instructed, I replied, “Thank you, Jensen. I'm sure I'll be okay from here.”
He startled at my words as if unused to kindness from others. Which really shouldn't surprise me due to this bitch queen, but it did, and anger flashed through me. It took nothing to show appreciation with words and yet, so few people did. It was one of my pet peeves and really told me what was in the core of another person. If they couldn’t even use genuine manners, then they weren’t kind and honorable people.
Jensen nodded to me and then left me with Arryn, Baer, and Asshole. Not quite ready to address my anger with Lennox, I turned to face Arryn and Baer. “So, what now? Will y'all be staying nearby?”
Arryn shook his head, while Baer put a hand on the back of his neck in awkwardness. “My quarters are in the barracks with my men, but I’ll be nearby and at the ceremony tonight,” Arryn replied simply, disappointment flashing through me in response to his words.
“What about you, Baer?” I asked, hoping someone familiar would be near me. The last thing I wanted was to be alone in enemy territory.
“I'm not quite sure. My living quarters are at the portal, so I'm not certain where I'll be staying since my return here wasn’t exactly planned.” He blushed slightly at his admission that he was basically homeless.
I turned to Lennox, prepared to fight him to ensure Baer stayed close since that was one of my stipulations for coming here. Now that we were at the castle, I had no assurances that he’d uphold his word to let Baer stay. Before I could say anything though, Lennox said, “I'll make sure Baer has a room nearby and will be at the ceremony. ”
He sounded bored, but I was thankful he was keeping his word, so I bit my tongue, choosing not to escalate or create another issue. “Thanks. I'm going to take a shower and grab a nap while I can before tonight’s hoopla.”
Arryn and Baer said their goodbyes while Lennox remained quiet beside them. I said my own before I turned and pushed through the door to my room, my eyes gaping at the homey luxury I found past the threshold. If money were no object, this room would be exactly what I would have picked. The room was done in bluish-gray tones with warm wood accents. The wall color reminded me of a stormy sky, making me want to snuggle under the covers.
A seating area with a light gray couch and matching patterned chairs was arranged around a dark wooden coffee table that sat in front of a fireplace. A desk and chair were off to the side, and a vanity sat on the opposite wall across from me, both in the same dark wood.
Airy curtains fluttered softly in a light breeze, covering large floor-to-ceiling windows that opened onto a balcony. I walked across the room, drawn to it, wanting to see the view. What I found outside was stunning. A ceaseless ocean crashed against the rocks below, creating a tranquil soundtrack. I could live out here on this balcony forever.
Forcing myself to finish touring the room, I found a king-sized bed positioned between two doors and opposite the balcony, the comforter a navy blue with gray sheets and pillows. I couldn't wait to curl up and nap in it. Instead, I opened the door closest to me to find the bathroom. Again, my jaw dropped. The spa-like design was a complimentary mossy olive green with the same dark wood accents. A large sunken tub big enough for three with jets, a pillow, and a ledge created the perfect soaking tub. Next to it was a large shower with rain and waterfall shower heads and a bench along one side. Forget the balcony; I’d just live in the bathroom. The floor-to-ceiling window next to the tub allowed me a perfect view while soaking.
Deciding to postpone the bath for now, I went back to fetch my bag that had been left on the bench at the foot of the bed and returned to shower. I set the temperature to just shy of scalding, needing the heat to relax my sore muscles. Jumping in, I ran through the motions quickly, feeling grimy after the rough travel. Once done, I grabbed a towel to dry off with as I stepped out. I brushed out my hair, not bothering to dry it as my fatigue started to overwhelm me. Throwing on panties and an oversized T-shirt, I crawled under the covers. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light, my exhaustion claiming me.
A heavy knock on the door woke me as a couple of women entered my room carrying several bags between them. One was taller and younger than the other, as evidenced by the lack of silvered hair and wrinkles around the eyes.
“Rise and shine, Miss Hunt,” the older and curvier woman called out to me. “We have much to do and so little time to get you ready for the ceremony tonight. Have you bathed yet?” she asked me as she turned to face where I was still sitting up in my bed in shock.
She kept her head bowed slightly, briefly meeting my eyes. The younger woman stopped as she waited for my response, hands clasped in front of her and gaze on the ground. “I'm sorry, but who are y'all?” I asked, finally containing my annoyance at having my space invaded by these strangers .
The older woman chuckled softly, her wrinkles deepening as she did so. She was someone who smiled and laughed often, based on the deep lines etched into her face. “Oh, dear me, I forget you were raised in the human realm and aren't familiar with our ways.” As if sensing me starting to bristle, she quickly continued, “I'm Juniper, and this is Larissa. We're your maids while you are here at Cashel Rí during your trials. All the Chosen are staying here, and all have been assigned their own maids as well.”
She met my eyes with her last statement as if trying to convey something else with her words, but I wasn’t sure what she was getting at yet. Finally accepting their presence in my room, or rather the explanation of why and not finding a valid enough reason to dismiss them, I answered her original question. “Nice to meet you, Juniper and Larissa. Yes, I showered before my nap.”
She clapped her hands. “Wonderful. That will give us more time. Now, come along, and let's pick out a gown for tonight. We must have you ready to outshine the other girls.” She turned, gesturing for me to follow as she crossed to the bags they'd brought with them.
She began to open them all as I literally crawled out of the massive bed. I padded barefoot across the room to stand behind her. While she was much shorter than the other fae, she was still several inches taller than my 5'3” frame. She reminded me of a grandmother, and I couldn't help feeling drawn to her. She eyed the choices of gowns while also turning to study me as well. “I think this one will be the best choice for this evening.” She picked out a deep green gown that faded to a green so dark it was almost black at the hem but was light and airy in contrast to the heavy colors while also matching my hair.
Larissa crossed behind me to reach for my shirt, and I turned, knocking her hand away roughly. “What are you doing? ”
She startled and lowered her gaze again, her voice shaking as she spoke. “I'm sorry, Miss. I was just trying to help you dress.”
I sighed; my intentions hadn't been to scare her. “It's okay, but I prefer to dress myself. I don't like others touching me.”
“Y-yes, Miss,” she stammered out meekly, still afraid of me.
Juniper jumped in quickly, taking charge again. “Alright, let's get you changed then, and we'll fix your hair and makeup after.” She handed me the gown, allowing me to head to the bathroom to change myself.
I returned to them shortly in the sleeveless gown, the straps twisted on my shoulders by design, leaving a deep, plunging neckline that didn't allow for a bra to be worn. The back consisted of twisted straps that crisscrossed while leaving most of my back bare and highlighting the new mark on my shoulder that proved I was Chosen. The hem brushed against the stone floor at the perfect length for my height, which in and of itself was rare, but the dress seemed made only for me, the color highlighting my olive complexion and ombre hair. The fit was snug but not tight, fitting all my curves perfectly. I had to admit that while I wasn’t usually a fan of dresses, I loved this one.
As I crossed the room, Juniper smiled warmly at me. “You look lovely, Miss.” She gestured to my vanity and the small chair in front of it. “Please sit.”
I did as she asked as she started to comb out my mess of hair and attempted to tame it into submission. Larissa headed to the makeup that was spread out in front of me. As they busied themselves, I couldn't help asking the questions that had been plaguing me. “What's the ceremony going to be like tonight? I just like to be prepared as much as I can be.”
Juniper's fingers snagged in my hair, pulling a little painfully. “Sorry, Miss,” she said while her eyes flicked briefly to Larissa, who still wasn’t making eye contact with either of us. The glance and slight tension in her posture made me nervous .
Finally, she decided to answer my question. “While we've already completed the spell to select all the Chosen, tonight we must determine who your Consorts will be that will undergo all the trials with you. All the other Chosen have already found their Consorts and have had the week to get to know them. We've never had to complete separate ceremonies before. No one was expecting to have an unknown Chosen residing on Earth, but I'm sure it will be no problem for Master Jude.”
“Will he be the one completing the ceremony tonight?” I asked her, knowing I still needed to speak with him about how to return home as soon as possible. I found myself liking Juniper and trusting her. The jury was still out on Larissa.
“Yes, Miss, he's the one in charge of all the ceremonies and the trials.” Her kind smile returned as she twisted my hair.
“What exactly are these trials? I know they're to decide the next queen, but no one's told me what to expect.”
“The trials are different for every selection process. No one really knows what this group of Chosen will face since they change every time. Each one is always different from the last, but their goals are the same. To test the potential queens to see who is most suited for the honor of ruling Avalon.”
“What if I don't want to be chosen? Much less a queen?” I asked her softly, not wanting to divulge my own thoughts or fears yet but needing an honest answer.
She paused briefly, meeting my eyes in the mirror before continuing. Larissa finished with my makeup, and Juniper turned to her. “Larissa, can you please fetch the brown sandals from the closet? None of these are quite right for Miss Hunt for the night.”
Larissa nodded, but hesitated a little before replying, “Sure, Juniper.” She walked away to the closet, leaving us alone.
Juniper waited until Larissa had entered the walk in before answering me quickly and quietly, “You must be careful, Miss Hunt, while here in the castle. There are always ears of the Queen everywhere who have no choice but to whisper what they hear to her.” She held my gaze, imploring me to understand the importance of what she was saying, her eyes flicking to Larissa again.
I didn't reply with words, simply giving her a quick nod and a pat on her hands which now rested on my shoulders, her work with my hair completed. I mouthed my thanks as Larissa came out, interrupting our moment. Juniper plastered a smile on her face. “There now, Miss, you look more lovely than all the other Chosen. You'll certainly have everyone’s attention tonight and will look the part of a queen.”
Larissa buckled my sandals, which wrapped up my calves, and smiled at me but still didn't make eye contact. “That you do, Miss.”
“Thank you so much, ladies. There's no way I could have accomplished all of this on my own.” They both nodded at me, pleased at my praise. I stood as the slit that reached my knees on both sides of the skirt caused the material to swirl and flashed glimpses of the leather sandals.
“We must be on our way now. Someone will be here shortly to escort you to the ceremony. We’ll be back this evening to assist you in any way you need,” Juniper said as both women bowed slightly and then left me alone with my thoughts.
Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself but liked the reflection anyway. I hadn't lied when I’d told them I could never have come close to the artistry both had accomplished tonight. The most I had ever done on my own was simple eyeliner, some mascara, and a ponytail, usually preferring no makeup at all since I spent so much time sweating in the gym.
My heart panged, already missing my training that never failed to center me. I'd need to see if they had anything similar available here. If I had to continue through the trials and keep myself so contained, I would need my boxing as an outlet. The rhythmic movements put me into a meditative state, allowing me to work through my issues. It was better than therapy, in my opinion.
I wondered if everything here was stuck in medieval times, especially their thoughts on women. I knew they had a queen, but they also seemed to focus on the Consorts as being the balance the Queen needed to rule. If they were truly that backward, it would only be another reason to leave this place as quickly as I possibly could.
There was an air that seemed to permeate through the space, one of mistrust and danger, and everyone was jumpy and on guard. This wasn’t a place that I wanted to stay long, especially knowing how much I had all the bullshit games. Hell, I’d been here less than twenty-four hours, and already, I’d found out that one of my maids wasn’t to be trusted. At least, according to Juniper, but I had nothing telling me I could even trust her . It would be better to limit what I said and keep my cards close to my chest. That was something I could do without much effort.
I was glad I made Baer come with me. Having him and Arryn around would ensure I at least had someone to trust through this clusterfuck I had found myself in. Maybe that was why Lennox was such a dick, always wondering who he could trust, who was real, or who was using him. I couldn't even imagine growing up in that kind of environment.
My life had been pretty shitty, but after my first couple of homes I had found people I could trust, even if they never stuck around long. Like my coach who had gotten me into MMA, seeing an angry young girl spiraling and desperately needing an outlet. He even left me, but that wasn't his choice. Fucking cancer took him several years ago, but I would never forget how he had saved my life. So, I could only imagine what Lennox had faced growing up, finally understanding his actions, but I still didn't like him. There was no way I could be his friend or fully forgive him while he treated me like shit, but I could at least empathize with his situation.
A knock on the door startled me from my pacing, my nerves jumping higher now that the ceremony drew so much closer. I still didn't know what to expect or what exactly this ceremony would involve. I opened the door and did a double take. After making sure my jaw wasn't hanging open in shock, I took in Lennox’s stunning form. The man sure cleaned up nice in his dark pants and dark, flowing shirt that was embroidered in gold threads, a golden crown resting in his dark hair. If only he wasn't such a complete and total ass.
“Are you ready?” Lennox asked as he took me in. “You look nice, Rhowyn.” I started to thank him, but he interrupted me. “I hadn't been sure that was possible.” He smirked at me.
Biting back my wanted retort and reminding myself of my earlier revelations, I forced out a reply, “Thank you, Lennox. I even took a bath and everything. I had no idea what one of those even was.” Well, my sarcasm might be a little thick, but it was the preferable response. No insults included at all . When he stood there with a lifted eyebrow at my thanks, I continued, “Ready as I'll ever be.”
Lennox held out an arm, elbow directed toward me. I took it and allowed him to lead me down the hall. “You know, I've never been asked if I'm ready as many times as I have been since meeting you guys. It almost feels ridiculous and redundant.”
“Well, I will be glad when I can quit asking you that question. Maybe when you've finally run on back home, we’ll all get back to business as usual,” Lennox said in a bored tone as if stating facts or commenting on the weather, even if his words didn't convey the same message.
“You and me both. You know, you could help me speak with Master Jude alone so that I could get his help with that very thing,” I said, still refusing to rise to his bait .
“I think that's something I can arrange, but I won't be able to do anything about that tonight. I'll let you know when it's done. In the meantime, you just play along and act the part of a Chosen.” He said the last part as if he didn't think I could.
Little did the asshole realize I was a multi-faceted person capable of playing a dutiful role when I needed to. I just hadn't wanted to. It would be fun to prove the asshole wrong. “I believe we have ourselves a deal.”