by Nissa Leder
“What do you mean?”
“We Summer fae were gifted the power of the mind. Each of us has our own unique form of the gift. I can enter dreams, Raith can see memories, some can see the future. Things like that.”
Cade wasn’t sure why he was telling her all of this. Perhaps it was the inquisitiveness that danced on her features, from her wide blue eyes to her parted peach lips. Or perhaps it was just a chance to talk to someone with genuine interest who cared to know about him and his life.
“But the Seelie and Unseelie Courts have all their power?” Scarlett sat up now and pulled her knees into her chest, her gaze ahead toward the waves.
“Cruel, huh.” Cade smirked. “They bound us to the realm and limited our power, while they can go wherever they please, full magic.”
“Do they get along?”
“God, no. They hate each other. But balance is required for the fae, and if one light court has full power, then one dark court must as well.”
“Dark and light?”
“The Seelie Court is good while the Unseelie Court is not, at least relatively. All Fae are out for themselves, if you ask me.”
Scarlett tilted her head toward Cade. “Even you?”
“Yes, for my people.” He would do what needed to be done to protect his people, including suck the woman in front of him dry of emotion if needed. Which meant he’d already said too much to her. But he’d felt her pain in that graveyard, and even if she knew she was just a piece in his puzzle, Cade didn’t think she could leave him.
“Come on, come in the water with me,” Scarlett said. “Please.” She pouted her lower lip.
How long had it been since he’d felt the ocean? Five, six years, maybe more? He looked at her pleading look. Who knew the next time he’d get the chance to be free. If he won the battle, he’d be too busy with royal duties. And if he lost… Well, he may never have the chance again.
He rolled up his pants. “Only my feet.”
“Yay!” Scarlett bounced up. She untied the green ribbons on the top of her dress then slipped the dress over her head, leaving her in her slip, her bra and panties peeking through the thin fabric. She reached out her hand and pulled Cade up, dragging him to the shore.
The water splashed against his ankles. Just as he remembered, the water felt pleasant against his skin, its temperature warm. As children, he and Raith would hurl their clothing off and sprint straight into the waves, no modesty between brothers.
Scarlett was in to her thighs now, not even bothering to hold up her slip.
“Be careful, the waves can become unpredictable,” Cade said. Not only did the waves have a mind of their own, but creatures roamed their waters. They should be safe this close to the castle, though. The water fae knew better than to attack here.
She ignored his warning and waded further into the sea. She twirled, water waist high, glancing at him with joy gleaming from her face. Scarlet held her arms out wide and tilted her face toward the sun. But she leaned back too far and fell backward into the waves.
Cade rushed to her, pushing easily through the water with his fae strength. Before he reached her, her head surfaced. Scarlett laughed as she stood. “I knew that would get you in here.”
“How conniving.” Cade wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her close.
Scarlett’s hair, now wet, shined in the sunlight. “You’re a fae prince. You need to have fun.”
He lifted her, her face inches from his. Gently, Cade pressed his lips onto hers. “This is more fun than I’ve had in a long time.”
They didn’t kiss again. Cade didn’t feed from her emotion. Once out of the water, he used his magic to dry them both. Scarlett glided the dress over her curves and tightened the ribbons across her chest. Her hair had dried, but still held its natural wave. She placed the flower headband back across her forehead, and Cade swore—minus her rounded ears—she nearly looked fae.
After they were back in the courtyard, Cade made the gate vanish behind them. Only he and Raith could use it, and he doubted his brother even thought about the ocean any more.
Chapter Fourteen
Cade escorted Scarlett back to her room then excused himself to attend to royal duties.
He had dried her with his magic, but she still felt salty from the seawater. She removed her dress and slip and made her way to the tub. Scarlett turned the knobs and water poured out of the spout. She was glad to be able to tend to herself. Having someone wait on her made her feel like a princess, but it seemed wrong. Even if Peony had chosen to be here, Scarlett didn’t need a servant.
She climbed into the tub as it filled. The warm water soaked into her skin, relaxing and loosening her tense muscles. She dipped her head under. When it resurfaced and she opened her eyes, her heart raced. Raith stood there, leaning against the wall.
“What do we have here?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“Get out.” She clenched her teeth.
Bubbles formed in the tub as the water turned off. “Better?”
At least her body wasn’t on full display now. “Can I help you?”
“You make me curious.”
“I’m glad.”
“And you’re spunky, too.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m here to give you some advice.”
Peony’s warning played through Scarlett’s mind—I listen and you should, too. The next time she decided to make an escape, she wanted to be more prepared. When Raith had found her in the courtyard, she’d sensed he might help her. Staying on his good side could be a smart decision.
“I’m listening.”
He stepped away from the wall, staring at her with his bright blue eyes. “Be careful of my brother. He’ll do anything to win the crown.”
“And you won’t?” His I’m-only-here-to-warn-you game didn’t fool her.
“I didn’t say you should trust me.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
He turned away from Scarlett. “And be careful where you explore alone from now on, lest you wind up something’s lunch.”
Then he vanished.
How’d he know about that creature?
Scarlett enjoyed the rest of her bath free of any more interruptions. She tried desperately to recall more about the night she’d tried to escape. Something had happened. Something she couldn’t remember. Something Raith somehow knew about.
When she went to the bed to slip her dress back on, she found an orange tipped fuchsia rose lying across it.
Cade didn’t return until the next morning, his mood so different than when they were together at the sea. It wasn’t that he was in a bad mood, but he was stiff compared to the free-spirited moment they shared just the day before. After a night of bad dreams, Scarlett wasn’t the girl at the sea anymore either. The pressure in her chest that had flared in her sleep eased minutes after Cade arrived.
He told her that Peony would be in that afternoon to help her prepare. Tonight was the opening ball to officially commence the challenge for the Right of Heir and he wanted Scarlett to be his date.
She wondered if it was strange for a potential future king to bring a mortal to such a big event, but she didn’t voice her concerns. Scarlett spent most of the day reading a book she found on a shelf in her room. It was full of fae versions of fairytales, even darker than the ones the Grimm brothers wrote. She considered strolling out to the courtyard for some fresh air, careful this time and staying well within the castle boundaries, but decided to open a window instead. The last thing she wanted was to run into Raith again. She would see him soon enough at the ball tonight and be forced to listen to any more brilliant advice he had—if Cade allowed him to talk to her, that was.
Peony arrived as the sun dipped behind the forest, its orange glow still lighting the sky. “Miss Scarlett.” She curtsied when she entered the room, a large garment bag in her hand.
Scarlett curtsied back. Earlier that morning, she’d spent an hour practicing. It seemed like an important ski
ll in the fae world. Peony’s eyes widened. “Should I draw you a bath?”
“I already took one.”
“Then I will do your hair.”
After Scarlett put on her slip, Peony curled her hair into long, loose curls. She pinned a strand from each side back at the crown of her head and added a silver leaf headband. Then, Peony painted her face with peach colors, light eye shadow and a glossy lip.
Scarlett followed Peony back to the bedroom. Once there, Peony opened the garment bag and pulled out a lavender dress. She held it up for Scarlett to see. The lacy top had a halter strap and a heart shaped neckline. The skirt was chiffon and fell to the floor.
“It’s gorgeous,” was all Scarlett could manage to say. It was the prettiest dress she’d ever seen. Peony helped Scarlett into the dress, buttoning the long trail of buttons on the back.
Scarlett took herself in as she glanced in the mirror. The dress’s silver belt cinched at her waist, matching the leaf headband, which sat perfectly like a crown on her head.
“You look lovely.” Cade stood in the doorway, in a deep brown coat with embroidered silver swirls paired with brown leather pants and boots. “Are you ready?”
Chapter Fifteen
Cade twined his arm with Scarlett and led her down the hallway. She felt good this evening, no twinge of pain creeping in. Were things getting easier? Or was Cade to thank? They walked down a set of stairs and through another hallway before arriving at the grandest staircase Scarlett had ever seen. The wide stairs with dark wood railing led halfway down the flight before curving the other way. Columns accented the top and bottom of the staircase. A male fae with mahogany hair, dressed in a suit, stood at the top of the stairs and nodded to Cade.
“Announcing Prince Cade and his human, Scarlett,” the fae man said.
Cade’s human? He didn’t speak the word in a vile manner, but something felt off about it. But what did Scarlett expect? That she’d be announced as his date? She kind of did. Definitely not being thought of as his human.
There wasn’t anything she could do about it now, so she let him guide her down the staircase. She stepped carefully, fearful of tripping in the heels she wore. The room below was full of fae. All flawless and dressed elegantly. Scarlett could feel something buzzing in the room, an energy of sorts.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Cade led Scarlett to the side. The floor beneath her was a luxurious tile, a silver and fuchsia pattern spreading throughout the room. They stood next to Kassandra and the king, who stared blankly ahead as if his mind was off in some distant land. Scarlett gave a small curtsy, which Kassandra returned.
“Announcing Prince Raith and his human, Natalie,” the fae man’s voice echoed through the room.
Natalie? As in her best friend’s name? It must have just been a coincidence. Natalie was a popular enough name. Scarlett’s gaze snapped to the top of the stairs. There, her best friend stood, arms linked with Raith’s. She wore a crimson, floor length gown with an opaque lace neckline. Natalie’s eyes doubled when she saw Scarlett. Her foot slipped on the stair and she tilted to the left. Raith’s hand quickly moved to her waist and kept her close.
When they reached the bottom stair, Raith looked at Kassandra and the king. Scarlett swore she could feel anger radiating off the Summer Queen when she took in Natalie, but her expression didn’t give any feeling away. Natalie kept her jaw clamped shut, her eyes wide with fear. Even her human instincts must sense the distaste pouring off of Kassandra.
“Let the dance begin,” the fae at the top of the staircase said.
The crowd drifted to the outside of the room, creating an opening in the middle. Cade guided Scarlett inside and spun her to face him. He bowed. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she curtsied. He nodded in approval. Then he pulled her close and they danced.
Piano music bounced through the room, but Scarlett didn’t see a piano. The desire to play consumed her. How long had it been now? Too long. The song was a waltz. Scarlett’s shoulders swayed to every third beat. With closed eyes, she envisioned her hands moving across keys to Chopin’s Waltz in B Minor, her mother’s favorite classical piece. Its sad melody sang in her head, blocking out the noise around her. A memory surfaced.
“Why do you always like the sad songs?” Scarlett asked her mom.
“There’s a beauty to sadness,” her mom replied.
Scarlett’s fingers played Fur Elise. “And this isn’t beautiful?”
“In its own way. But so overplayed.” Her mom grinned. It had been a good week so far. No complaints as Scarlett watched her take her pill every morning, and, more importantly, no voices.
Scarlett jerked herself from the memory and tore her eyes open. She couldn’t deal with her grief right then, not there in front of all those people.
Cade led Scarlett across the dance floor as Raith did the same with Natalie. Scarlett tried to keep her gaze on Cade, but she couldn’t stop an occasional glance to her best friend. Why was she here? It couldn’t possibly be a coincidence that Raith needed to bring a human to the ball and he chose her. Had Cade told him about her? Scarlett doubted so. Any time she saw the brothers converse, a smoke trail of animosity radiated from both of them. She doubted Raith would go to Cade for anything, especially not which human to select.
The crowd watched the two couples dance. When the first song was over, they stopped. Scarlett wondered if the crowd would join now, but no one moved. Cade’s expression tightened, then Scarlett felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Hello, love,” Raith purred. “Dance with me?”
Scarlett glared at him.
“Now, now.” He slipped his hand around Scarlett’s lower back. “Tradition is tradition.”
Cade’s eyes met Scarlett’s. “We switch partners for one dance. Then you’re mine again.”
There it was again, the possessiveness. Raith pulled Scarlett away before she could respond, but not before a chill radiated through her bones. If she didn’t discover a way to leave soon, she never would. Cade had as much as peed on her like a dog marking its favorite tree. But everything had grown more complicated now that Natalie had found her way to Faerie. Even if Scarlett found a way home, she couldn’t leave her there.
“I’m a much better dancer than my brother. You should be thanking me.” Raith grinned as he twirled her.
“Why her?” Scarlett asked.
“Your friend, Natalie? I thought you’d be grateful. A friend in such a strange place should be a comfort.”
“This world is dangerous. She shouldn’t be here.”
“Ahh, but you’re here.”
“That’s different.”
Raith’s hand moved lower, grazing just above Scarlett’s butt. He pulled her closer. “You’re not the only one trying to escape her demons.”
Did he mean that Natalie was running from something too? She was one of the happiest people Scarlett knew. The eternal optimist, the burst of sun on a gray-skied day.
“What do you mean?”
Raith’s gaze met hers. “That’s not my secret to tell. Just know she came here willingly.”
Scarlett glanced at her best friend. She’d been so preoccupied with her own problems, when was the last time she asked Natalie how things were going? She would have noticed if something was wrong, though. Maybe. Or had she been too busy?
“After the ball, take her home,” Scarlett said. “Please.”
“Such polite manners. I bet those big blue eyes work wonders on the human boys at home.”
“Quit patronizing me.” Her eyebrows tightened. “I should have known you were just trying to be an ass.”
Raith removed his hand from Scarlett’s shoulder and placed it on his heart. “You wound me.” He moved his fingers up to Scarlett’s chin and lifted it so her eyes met his. “I didn’t say no. We could work out a bargain.”
Her heart flickered. If there were a way to save Natalie, she’d do it. “What kind of a bargain?”
“A fae bargain.” Raith smirked. “If you
haven’t been warned, you should never make a bargain lightly.”
“Why would you tell me that if it’s you I’m bargaining with?”
He shrugged. “I’m in a good mood.”
The song ended and Cade, arm linked with Natalie, headed toward them.
“Meet me here at three in the morning, and we’ll sort out the terms,” Raith said.
“You can’t hurt her in the meantime. Or take advantage.” Scarlett would do what it took to keep Natalie from being sucked into this world, but she needed to know that she would be okay until she could make the bargain with Raith.
“After the ball is over, I will keep my hands to myself. But she has to finish her duties as my date.” He held out an empty hand. A pocket watch appeared in his palm. “Don’t be late or I’ll assume you’ve changed your mind.”
Scarlett took the watch and stuffed it into the side of her dress underneath the cover of her arm. Raith backed away from her with a wink. “Natalie, dear, another dance?”
Natalie looked nervously at Scarlett. She must not have known that Scarlett was here. What made her agree to come in the first place? Sure, Raith was attractive. If you liked the cocky type. Did Natalie come just to see another world? Had Raith told her he was a fae prince? Or was he telling the truth when he said Natalie was fighting some demon, and, like Cade did with Scarlett, Raith took away her pain?
Scarlett grinned at Natalie. She couldn’t find the right words to say, so she kept silent. But Natalie smiled back and Scarlett’s shoulders relaxed. Neither knew why the other was there, but they were still friends. And even though Scarlett was determined to get Natalie home safely, Raith was right. Having a familiar face in the unfamiliar world was nice.
With the second dance over, the crowd joined in. The ballroom filled with dancing pairs, twirling across the dance floor in coordination like the gears of a clock.
“Come with me,” Cade said. Scarlett followed him outside of the dancing, to the edge of the room. Plates of food and pitchers of wine filled the tables covered in cream-colored linens. “I have something to attend to. Help yourself to anything while I’m gone.”
