While I’ve been lost in my own thoughts, I’ve not been paying attention to my surroundings and nearly walk into the back on the guard in front of me. He opens the double doors to the day room and ushers me inside before closing them behind me.
Soft music fills the room, joined with the singing of birds filtering in from the open doors to the gardens at the back of the rooms. I feel a pull towards the garden and can’t stop my feet from moving. I’ve never been in here before, even in all the times I was here as a child. The lightness of the room surprises me considering its owner, but it makes me feel safer and lighter than I have in a long time. Like nothing outside of this room really matters.
“There you are, Emilia.” I turn and see Queen Lanora descending the stairs from the mezzanine level of the room by the entryway, I hadn’t even noticed it in my wonder of the gardens. She looks the same as she did, except harder. The lines of her face seem sharper with her blonde hair pulled back, and her eyes more scathing. “I have to admit, I didn’t think you’d come.”
“We all have our roles to play,” I tell her honestly.
“That much is very true, but I have to wonder exactly what role it is you’re here to play. You’re not like the others. We have history, your family and mine. You and Cade were once close. That makes me question your presence here even more than the other sniveling little brats.”
“I will tell you what I told Rowan; I am here because of our history. The people of Rivinea have been through so much over what seems like a millennium, and that sort of distrust and dislike will be hard to overcome. If our people can see that my family and yours can put the past behind us, forgive and move forward, everything considered, then there is no reason that they can’t do the same. Our history isn’t exactly a secret, so the joining of our houses would be even more significant than just the joining of two courts.”
“And I’m sure Erion coming home would please your parents?”
“Of course, it would. My family lost a lot over those few days,” I tell her honestly
“And they don’t mind sacrificing their only daughter?”
“I don’t think they see it as a sacrifice. It is all for the greater good.”
“I have heard rumors of the changes in your parents since that day. Stories of their parties reach even the furthest of ears.” She pries, and I try not to flinch.
“Rumors are nothing more than that. My parents are fine. Of course, they grieve for one of their sons, and have hoped for the safe return of the other.” She circles me, assessing my responses, and I try not to hold my breath. I feel her presence on the outskirts of my mind as she tries to pry, to get inside and find out what she truly wants to know, but thanks to my grandmother’s teachings as a child, my walls are basically impenetrable.
“Tell me, Emilia. Is it hard for you being back here? Knowing that if you’re successful in this game of my husbands, you’ll live in the place where your twin brother was killed?” Her question is followed by another mental assault, and I focus on keeping her out while grinding out my answer.
“Of course, it is, but I knew it would be. Remaining bitter and full of hatred about things I have no control of and can’t change isn’t going to get me, or our courts anywhere. I hold no ill will towards you or your family. I want to stop the wars, stop the suffering of our lands. You said yourself, Cade and I were close once, I don’t see any reason we can’t be again. I’ve already been reconnecting with Rowan, so I see no problem with moving past our history.” The lies taste like copper on my tongue, but I keep my pain nestled down inside me, where it will need to stay, forever possibly.
“You’re not like the other girls; they were all so easy to read.”
“I imagine they were; they’re not as familiar with your . . . talents as I am.”
“Yes, well, there are still many things that you do not know, Emilia. Remember that during your time here. You can leave now.” She waves a hand, and the main doors to the room open again as I am dismissed. Relief pours through me, and I head towards the exit and my respite.
“Oh, and I heard Rowan already dismissed one of the girls because of you, Emilia.” Her voice rings out behind me. “Be careful to remember which of my sons you’re meant to be here for.”
Chapter Six
I’ve been here for a week, and I already want to claw my eyes out and risk my father’s wrath. All it has consisted of is time alone, or with the other potentials for Cade’s wife. I have not seen even a whisper of Rowan or Cade or much of anyone except for Cibyl, who is apparently our keeper and is in charge of making sure we stay in line. She’s also the one who informed us yesterday there will be a public presentation this week to the royal families from both courts, where we get to present ourselves officially to Cade and essentially parade around and show why he should pick us. Rumors have been flying around here about the health of the king, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s why we’ve not seen any of the Vasaras. I try not to take much stock of rumors, but when I have nothing else to busy my mind, it's hard not to speculate and distract myself from the ridiculous notion of presenting myself.
It’s fucking archaic and belittling, and I have no choice but to be on best behavior. My father will be there, watching, making sure I’m keeping up my end of our deal, though I have no idea if he is keeping his. For all I know, Oberon is already dead, what’s worse is I wouldn’t put it passed my father, but I have to hope that he’s keeping his word.
I stare up at the ceiling, I know I should get dressed, prepare for the day, but I honestly have no will to move. The door bursts open, and I gather the duvet under my chin.
“Wakey, wakey, Emilia. Ladies do not laze in bed all day; we have much to do before your presentation this evening!” Cibyl bursts into my room like the unwanted ray of sunshine that she is, and flings the curtains back, my eyes water at the sudden brightness.
“It’s not even that late, Cibyl.” I sigh, resigned to the face that my hope of doing nothing is shattered and pull back the duvet. “And what do you mean the presentation is tonight?”
“It’s really not that hard to understand.” She tuts at me and continues muttering to herself, and she dives into my closet before emerging with what I’m assuming are my choices for this god-awful day.
“I’m a big girl, Cibyl. I can pick my own clothes.” I stand and stretch as she eyes me with disapproval.
“Yes, well so far today all you’ve done is stay in bed, and it’s already midday! Your behavior doesn’t exactly scream queenly, princess or not. Now will you please get yourself cleaned up, we have to go meet Master Rowan before we start the preparations for tonight, and everyone is waiting on you!” She thrusts a black dress into my hands and shoos me into the bathroom, where I lock the door and lock her out. I lean back against the door and take a deep breath. This is going to be a long day.
***
We walk through the familiar maze that is the Winter Palace, and my pulse races as I realize where we’re heading. I’m not ready. I thought I’d have more time before I saw it, before I was back there. Panic claws up my throat, and I struggle to draw in breath. I try to fight the panic threatening to take hold of me as the edges of my eyesight darken, and I know I don’t have long to get a hold of myself before I make a scene, and I hate the attention. I focus on three things. Three things I can see. Cibyl. The floor. My shoes. Three things I can feel. The smooth silkiness of my dress. The old, scratchy tapestry on the wall beside me. The smooth wall behind it. I take a deep breath, and I can feel myself starting to settle.
“Emilia, please. Come on, we’re going to be late!” Cibyl scolds, with a disapproving tut. Obviously, she’s not my number one fan and has no patience for my gentle sensibilities. It’s one of the reasons I never really had any friends outside of my brothers and the Vasaras. Most Fae are hard, brutal, there are some like me, but most live in the realm of humans, where we can glamour ourselves and blend in. But for me, that was never really an option. I tried it for a while with my gra
ndmother, but I grew too weak away from our world. No one really knows why, it’s unheard of for our kind, but again, it was just another thing to make me even more of a weirdo in our community.
I hear Cibyl sigh, and start walking again to catch up with her, shoving down the dread I can feel bubbling away in my stomach again.
“Ah, Master Rowan, thank goodness we found you. Maybe your presence will incite the princess to get to where we need to be going.”
“Cibyl, are you aware Emilia’s brother was killed just steps from where we are? Have you considered that could be a reason for her lack of want to follow you hastily?” She pales at his words, not because of me, but I think for fear of being scalded by Rowan. “I think, that maybe you should apologize to Emilia, and maybe be more mindful during her stay here. After all, she could be your next queen.”
I cover my mouth and cough to hide my snort of laughter that threatens to break the sinister outlay of Rowan’s words. But then it hits me. I really could be the next queen. Holy shit.
“I apologize, Master Rowan. I did not know. I did not think.”
“It is okay, Cibyl.” I reach forward and touch her arm, and she jerks away from me. Sometimes I forget how warm my touch must feel to the Winter Fae.
“I’ll take her from here, you’ll just need to collect them before the presentation this evening,” Rowan tells her before offering me his arm. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine, I just wasn’t ready, and I had no time to prepare because I had no idea where we were going. Why does she hate me so much?” I look over my shoulder and see her figure disappear around a corner.
“Cade was always her favorite when we were growing up, and after everything happened, she saw what happened to Cade. I guess in some way, she holds you responsible for that, or at least your family.”
“What do you mean, what happened to Cade?”
“Not my story to tell, sweetheart. Now let’s get you to the others so we can get ready for this monstrosity later.” I sigh and take his lead, but if he thinks I’m going to forget, he’s sorely mistaken. I follow his lead and take a deep breath as we enter the ballroom. Now this room looks different; it looks so light. The walls are washed in white, with gold accents matching the exterior of the palace. I don’t get a chance to get lost in my memories because the sound of the other girls hits me. There might only be three of them now, but my god can they cause a racket.
“Ladies.” Rowan clears his throat, and they all go quiet. He releases my arm, and I go to stand with them, reminding me of my place in all of this. I’m just another pawn.
“Tonight, is going to be different from anything you have experienced, and there is going to be a lot of people here, I suggest you leave your humility in your rooms. My brother can be cruel, my father more so, and they’re going to want to see just how far you are willing to go to be Queen of the Winter Court. It is no real secret that my father will be stepping down in a few years, so he and my mother want to make sure whoever takes their place has the stomach to do what is necessary for the realm, but they will also want you to be strong, regal, and most importantly, know yourself and what you are capable of.” He lets it sink in before he continues, “This is not going to be easy, and I would urge you to consider all of these things before you walk through those doors this evening.”
“But we’re still royalty; surely this won’t be too bad? Our parents would never accept anything too insane,” Arabella says, looking really quite terrified at the prospect of what could happen, and the reality of what she’s signed herself up for.
“My father believes in the old ways. It doesn’t matter who you are at Summer Court. Here you are just a girl wanting to be queen. Your status whilst catered to here, is not really acknowledged in full. It is by grace that you are treated like royalty while you are in our lands, but not by right or law.”
“This is absurd. How bad will it really get? It’s a presentation. I think you’re just trying to scare us,” Centra blurts out, her usually tan skin looking awfully pale.
“No, I am trying to prepare you. Now, if you wait two moments, your meals will be served to you in here, as there will not be time for food this evening. You will each be called from your rooms in turn, and if you are lucky enough to pass this evening, you will return to your room. If not, you will be escorted to collect your things and will be taken back home. Remember, this is what you signed up for. You are not forced to be here. You asked for this, and you can leave at any time.”
As he finishes, the doors burst open and a ton of wait staff scurry into the room, preparing a table, and laying plates before food is brought in.
“Enjoy yourselves, ladies. I will see you tonight,” Rowan announces before his departure, sending me a sly wink before he turns and exits, leaving me with three now rather scared princesses. Thanks, Rowan.
***
I stand and stare at myself in the mirror before me and wonder for the umpteenth time what the hell I’m doing here. Maybe I could confide in Rowan, and he would help me, but he could still also betray me. I have to remember that these people are not the friends I used to have. They betrayed me once, they can do it again. Being friends with them is something I have to pretend to do, and I can’t get wrapped up in the lie of it all. I can never forget.
Sitting and waiting to face my undoubted humiliation tonight, I just need to keep a handle on my temper. I have a feeling burning the royal family alive probably wouldn’t go in my favor, though it could solve some problems I have. I laugh to myself at the absurdity of it all. Of all of this. At the fact that I’m still here, trusting my father to keep his word. I don’t know if I’m being more than a little stupid, but all I have is hope that he’s keeping his word. It’s not like I can even ask anyone, the only person I have on my side outside of these four walls that isn’t locked up is Lily, and she won’t go near the cages no matter how much she loves me.
A knock on my door announces the arrival of my escort, and I pick up the blood-red shawl that matches my dress for the evening and open the door. A man dressed in full warrior armor stands waiting for me on the other side. He motions for me to walk and falls in line behind me when I do. These last few weeks have been so very bizarre, but this might just be the strangest thing yet. I’ve never seen the military guards at the palace, in either court. They are usually stationed on the front lines or at the cages. The pit of my stomach drops as unease washes over me, I can’t put my finger on it, but something doesn’t feel right, where are the Hunters? This is usually their job, not our soldiers. Surely Rowan would have told us if the guard were going to be here during his terrible pep talk this morning? I open my mouth to ask him, but I can’t find the words. It is not my place here yet to ask such questions, but still, my head hurts with the questions swarming. I take a deep breath. Concentrate Emilia! You have more important things to worry about right now.
I round the corner and come face to face with two more guards on either side of the doors to the ballroom. I look to the mirror on my left and steady the gold leaf tiara woven into my hair, trying to calm the butterflies creating havoc inside me. The doors open, taking away my last seconds to compose myself, and then I’m drowned in light that follows me down the stairs as I descend into my personal hell. There are so many people in here. Royals and social climbers of the Winter Court, I try to see into the edge of the room, cast in shadows, but the light surrounding me blinds me from it. The applause continues as I make my way onto the stage, in front of the table where the Vasaras sit, with Cade to the left of his father, who is just an older, slightly graying version of Cade, and Rowan to the right by his mother. I curtsy as tradition dictates and hold my submissive position until I am released by King Earon’s words.
“Emilia Daarke. What a long time it has been! Maybe this time, when you leave here, it will not be in bloody circumstances.” His cruel smile takes up half of his face and I hear the laughter and spattering of applause from his audience behind me. I look to Lanora, whose face is unrea
dable. Cade sits stoically as if his father has said nothing, but I see Rowan wince slightly from the corner of my eye. I will not be baited, because that is exactly what they want.
“King Earon, it has been a long time. I’m glad the years have been kinder to me than it seems they’ve been to you,” I say sweetly, my insult obvious, but I know these people, I grew up with them. Trading insults is nothing more than a game to them. He pauses, and a hush descends across the room before his laughter belts out, the sound bouncing across the room, and I breathe a little easier knowing I’ve started well, and I’m not bleeding yet. Insulting the Winter Fae is a dangerous game. Sometimes they laugh, other times, they’ll kill you where you stand. Blood sport is nothing unusual to them.
Cade stands and circles me, blatantly taking in my form in the corseted dress, which hugs and accentuates every curve I have, trying to demean me without words. I stand and take it, being treated like a piece of meat, as is expected.
“You, Emilia, chose to return here after your twin brother was slaughtered here at my own hand, and yet, you still wish to marry me and become the queen of this court. Is that right?” Cade faces the audience rather than me, everything for their entertainment, and to make me feel like less than nothing.
“That is right, but must you really treat me with such disrespect. Someone who could potentially be your future wife, your future queen. Can you not even look at me when you address me?” I don’t see his hand as it reaches out and strikes me across the face, lightning fast, the shock of it knocking me off balance.
Summer Princess (Dark Fae Book 1) Page 8
