Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
The night air helped to cool Meadow down after the little escapade in the carriage.
She should’ve scolded Laurie and Joseph for what they’d done, but she hadn’t been able to.
They brought out a side of herself that she’d never realized existed—she liked being adventurous.
Only with Laurie and Joseph, but still. It was fun and exciting, and she wondered what else they could encourage her to do.
Before she could dwell on how they hadn’t said they loved her or wanted her as their wife, they reached the festival area and her mouth dropped open.
Magical lights hung from cords that created a spiral shape over the open green square. Under the multicolored lights was a temporary dance floor. Off to the side was a stage currently filled with musicians playing alongside instruments infused with magic to play on their own.
There were also small stalls lining the square, with everything from food to clothing to small trinket souvenirs.
There were also stalls displaying their services, complete with examples of what their magical powers could do—miniature trees grown into shapes, animals who had multi-color coats that sparkled, and even a station where a fae witch female was shaping and changing hair color with magic alone.
It was such an open display of pride and fun and magic that Meadow had never seen before. Yes, there had been some festivals back in the US, but her father had never allowed them to go. Then she’d gone into hiding, and most definitely hadn’t been able to attend any.
Joseph murmured, “The sketches and articles I’ve read about the fae witch festivals didn’t do them justice.”
She smiled and looked up at him. “Hey, I’m a fae witch and even I’m impressed.”
A familiar, cool voice came from behind her. “I’m glad you like it, Miss Vale.”
She jumped and turned to find Dark Lord Khan a few feet away, near Leo and Yesenia.
For a second, she swore he looked uncomfortable with the crowd, but she had to be imagining it. Fae witches in this time period didn’t tolerate leaders ruling from afar, like in the future, and so he had to be used to the attention.
Meadow finally found her voice. “It’s beautiful, Dark Lord Khan. I’m glad we could come.”
He inclined his head. “Apart from my own residence, this is the safest space within my territory right now. Please enjoy the night. If you need anything, there are security guards stationed around the perimeter.”
She almost curtsied, but thought better of it. “Thank you.”
“Now, if you would excuse me. I need to show Dark Lord Yates around and introduce him later.”
Yesenia smiled at her. “I’ll come find you soon. Have fun, Meadow.”
Once Khan guided Leo and Yesenia away, she searched for River but noticed he was at a stall with Nora, looking at a kitten with rainbow-colored fur.
Laurie spoke up. “What would you like to do first, Emmy? Dance? Eat? Look at the stalls?”
She tightened her arms around each of theirs. “All of it! I want to do as much as possible.”
He chuckled. “As you wish. Let’s start with the stalls and wait for a slower dance, so we can all dance together.”
“I’m not the best dancer, even with my lessons. So you’d better watch your feet.”
Joseph said, “You’re far better than you think, love. And with us surrounding you, you won’t have to worry about your bracelet, either, and can just fully relax.”
Even though Meadow was getting better at controlling her magic without the training bracelet, she’d opted for caution tonight.
“Just make sure you two behave during the dance. Especially since I promised to stop by Nadia’s family’s booth, as well as Helena’s sister’s one, too.
And I don’t want to be kicked out for indecency before that. ”
Laurie whispered, “We’ll save that for our properly improper masquerade balls at Nyx’s Kingdom.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait. But for now, I think I see Nadia. So let’s head in that direction.”
They made their way around the sides of the square, and Meadow kept getting distracted by all of the proudly displayed items, made with and without magic, and how much more charm and character they had versus buying things from giant box stores or massive online platforms. Maybe they treasured things longer here since they were a bigger deal to purchase?
And even though she was tempted, she refrained from buying anything yet, wanting to see her friends first.
She reached Nadia’s brother’s stall. And even though it belonged to her brother, Nadia stood nearby and was helping out. She waved and came to greet them. “Meadow! You look lovely, and your vampires aren’t too bad themselves, either.”
“Your dress is stunning. A little different from the rest, but in a good way.”
All of them wore flowing dresses, but Nadia’s had small shapes embroidered along the hem, sleeves, and bodice. They almost looked like hieroglyphs, but not quite.
She traced some of the shapes along the top of the sleeve.
“It’s the old fae witch language in Egypt.
Few speak it any longer, let alone read it, but my mother loves to embroider it on clothing.
And since my brother runs an import business that often sells Egyptian items, ones that he combines with his powers of magical tricks to make things even more memorable for special occasions, it seemed appropriate to wear this. ”
Meadow had never met a fae witch who had light magic. They were usually referred to as magical tricksters since they could construct light displays that lay dormant until something was opened.
Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “Will he and the others put on a light-work display tonight?”
Nadia nodded. “That’s the idea, as long as the weather stays nice. But you don’t have to stay here and talk to me all night. Go have fun with your vampires! This is your first fae witch festival, and after all the training you’ve been doing, you definitely deserve some fun.”
“Thank you, Nadia. As long as you promise to have some fun yourself.”
“I will. My husband should be around shortly, and then we’ll dance.”
After saying goodbye, Meadow turned to Laurie and Joseph. “So, what should we do next?”
The music changed to a slower tune, and Joseph smiled. “Speaking of dancing, this is our song. Come on.”
Her heart raced as they led her out onto the dance floor. She really wasn’t that great of a dancer, and yet she knew how much Laurie and Joseph enjoyed it.
You danced with Joseph at the ball, after all. Trust them. You know you do.
And soon Joseph was behind her, his hands on her waist, as Laurie took her hands. They began the intricate dance of moving and twirling, alternating which person she faced.
They weren’t the only trio on the dance floor, and even some older children were dancing, too.
Between the lights overhead, the music, and the laughter all around her, Meadow couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy. Oh, she loved being naked and in bed with Laurie and Joseph, too. She always would.
But for a girl who’d been in hiding for so long, never getting the chance to experience life, it was magical.
Just as the music died down, someone screamed. Within seconds, a thick, dark smoke rose up from the dance floor.
For a beat, she wondered if it was just part of the theatrics. However, as the other fae witches started shouting and running away, someone crashed into her. Before she could fall, Laurie and Joseph surrounded her, and Laurie asked, “Are you okay?”
“I-I think so.” She coughed as the smoke thickened. “What’s going on?”
Joseph spoke up. “Given the magical protections, some fae witches invited to the festival must’ve turned traitor and are attacking.”
The smoke, the shouts, and the constant jolting made Meadow’s heart race, and she instinctively touched her training bracelet.
You need to keep your emotions in check, as best as you can. Otherwise, you’ll make it worse.
She let Laurie and Joseph maneuver her to the edge of the dance floor, deftly pushing aside anyone who would’ve run into them.
Meadow focused on breathing, which wasn’t easy given the smoke. It thinned a little along the edge of the dance floor, and when she could finally stop coughing, she asked, “Did they do this to go after Khan, Leo, or both?”
Joseph replied, “I’m not sure, but probably both. For now, the most important thing is getting you to safety. After that, we’ll go find Leo, Nora, and your siblings.”
Laurie spoke up. “I can go and look for my brother and sister by myself. You should stay with Meadow.”
Joseph gripped Laurie’s shoulder. “No. Our guards can protect her. Everyone thinks we’re indulgent, lazy vampires who don’t know how to fight, and it might make either of us a target regardless of the truth. Whereas our guards look the part, and will be more of a deterrent.”
Laurie grunted. “But you learned to survive on the streets and then taught me. I’d trust you more and can take care of myself.”
“It’s chaos out there, Laurie. We need to go together to have any chance at all. And the clock’s ticking.”
Laurie stared for a few seconds before nodding.
The image of either one of them being attacked and something going wrong sent a shiver of fear through her. Meadow gripped both of their arms and stated, “Let me help you guys. I’m sure I can do something with my magic.”
Joseph kissed her quickly. “I know you could, love.” He gestured behind her. “But the guards are gathering the children and the elderly together, and they need your help and magic more than we do.”
Her eyes heated at the thought of him going out there and dying. “No, Joseph.”
Laurie cupped her cheek. “No one’s magic will work on us with our rings on, and that puts us at an advantage. Remember, vampires are physically stronger than fae witches.”
She glanced between them, wanting to argue.
And yet, the growing number of vulnerable fae witches being herded into the great hall made her hesitate.
Joseph said, “They need you, Emmy. We’ll send some of our guards as well, to help protect everyone.”
Laurie nodded. “Trust us, Emmy. Because coming back to you is a bloody strong motivation to stay alive.”
She placed her hand over Laurie’s on her cheek, and the other on Joseph’s chest. They wanted her to trust them. And maybe a few weeks ago, she would’ve scoffed.
But now? They’d done everything they’d ever promised, and they knew this time period far better than she.
In other words, Meadow needed to be smart and not let her stubbornness or determination to prove herself put everyone in danger.
Finally, she nodded. “Just promise me that you’ll both come back. Since vampires can’t lie, that means you’ll do everything you can to fulfill it.”
Joseph smiled. “Even without a vow, we’d move heaven and earth to be with you. But yes, I promise to come back to you, love.”
Laurie spoke up. “Me, too. No matter what, we’ll make it back to you.”
A tear rolled down her cheek, but she forced herself to say, “Okay. I’ll help protect those in the great hall. Just don’t do anything stupid.”
She wanted to demand that they stay with her. And yet, they were right. She’d stated many times that she could protect herself, and if she could also save the children, she would.
Unless the enemies have protection rings or bracelets on.
As if reading her thoughts, Laurie slipped a small pistol into her hand. “This is magically infused to hit threats to your life. It won’t miss, and it’ll give you time to get away.”
More tears threatened to fall, but she willed them away. She could do this. She had to do this.
She took the gun. “If you see River, help him, too.”
Joseph touched her cheek. “Of course.”
Laurie placed a hand on her lower back. “Come on. Let’s get you safe inside with the guards and children. I think I see Helena there as well.”
As they reached the entrance to the building, Joseph kissed her, and then Laurie, before both stepped away. Laurie winked at her. “Until later, my love. I expect to be rewarded handsomely for my bravery.”
Joseph rolled his eyes, but before Meadow could reply, they both gestured toward the great hall at her back. They watched until she was inside, then they disappeared into the smoke.
She didn’t have time to be sad or dwell on what-ifs because in less than a minute, Meadow was overseeing a large group of children and the elderly, with more fae witch guards around the perimeter than she could count.
Helena was also inside, speaking with one of the guards, as were some of the fae witch council.
She played with her training bracelet and kept an eye on the door. Part of her wanted to storm out and help Laurie and Joseph.
And yet, the rational part of her brain knew she didn’t have enough control over her powers to be of help in such dangerous circumstances.
But if it came to it, she’d do whatever it took to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. And so she went over to Helena to see what she could do, and then readied herself for battle.