False Queen

by Nikki Jefford

  No sooner had the plates hit the table, than we heard singing from the corridor.

  “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Aerith.” Melarue appeared in the doorway holding a cake lit with twenty-two candles, Ryo following behind, joining the chorus. “Happy birthday to you.”

  “Mel!” I cried, scrambling to my feet, which wasn’t as easy as it used to be. Jhaeros was already out of his chair, helping move mine back. I rushed up to my sister. “What are you doing here?”

  “Blow out your candles first,” Mel said.

  I huffed in exasperation, which made several of the candles sputter. Taking a deep breath, I blew them all out. Mel set the cake with its smoking candles on the table.

  “Now, tell me what you’re doing here.”

  “But did you make a wish?” Mel asked, staring at me expectantly.

  “Yes, I wished for you to answer my question.”

  Sarfina snorted then took a sip of sparkling cranberry juice.

  “Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to wish you a happy birthday.”

  Unable to restrain myself any longer, I threw my arms out and squeezed Mel into a hug. “You certainly surprised me. I never expected to see you here.”

  My sister gently wrapped her arms around my waist. “I didn’t either. We tried to surprise you in Pinemist.”

  I looked over Mel’s shoulder, but I only saw Ryo, who avoided eye contact, going so far as to take keen interest in the tips of his boots. “Where is Devdan?”

  “He was being a pit head, so I left him behind in Pinemist,” Mel grumbled.

  Despite the stoic lift of her head, I could hear the hurt in her voice. My hands moved to her shoulders. Schooling my expression to one of serious intent, I said, “My offer still stands to shoot an arrow through him.”

  Mel broke away from me and huffed. “It’s not a big deal. Can we eat now? I’m starving.”

  “You’re starving?” I asked with a laugh.

  Mel took a seat beside Ryo. I turned to Jhaeros, and he raised a questioning brow. I was just as curious. As I made my way back to my spot, I heard Jhaeros tell one of the footmen to have an extra plate prepared. Ryo offered his breakfast to Mel, who accepted with gratitude.

  Sarfina set her juice glass down heavily. “Great. Now Dahlquist is to be overrun by elves,” she grumbled beneath her breath.

  “Shut up, Sarfina,” I said, earning myself a glare. I basked in it like it was gleaming rays of sunlight. She had no choice but to obey me.

  “So,” I said, settling back into my seat. “Tell me everything leading up to my birthday surprise.” In particular, I wanted to know what Devdan had done to upset my sister and what Ryo’s behavior had been like after portaling her to Dahlquist.

  Knowing Mel, the details I wanted most were the ones I’d have to pry out of her later. For someone who always wanted specifics from others, she could be stubbornly tightlipped relaying her own information. She was like a squirrel, gathering little tidbits up like nuts—while keeping her own for herself.

  First, she talked about the cake and where it had come from. My eyes drifted to the thick pink frosting. It did look delicious—a nice after-breakfast treat with tea. When Mel got to the part about showing up on Jhaeros’s doorstep, I asked how Fhaornik and Mrs. Calarel were doing. They’d become like family, and I missed them dearly.

  “Er, fine,” Mel said, popping a bit of egg into her mouth and quickly swallowing. “One was blind and the other deaf, and I just want you to know they were like that when we arrived.”

  “Everything is as it should be then,” Jhaeros remarked.

  “The butler explained the arrangement you made for a messenger to check the guest room every Saturday,” Mel continued. “Luckily, Ryo thought to check on your birthday. He portaled in at just the right moment.”

  My gaze slid to Ryo, who was grinning at Mel until he felt my stare. He cleared his throat.

  “I’m happy it worked out.” He tried to shrug like it was no big deal, but the dimpling of his cheeks said otherwise.

  “You portaled in?” I aimed my question at Ryo.

  He dragged his eyes off Mel and met mine only briefly. “Yes.”

  “What happened to dreamscaping?”

  “I improvised.”

  “You shouldn’t be leaving Dahlquist at a time like this, no matter how briefly.”

  Ryo frowned and shrank slightly in his chair.

  “What’s going on, anyway?” Mel asked, putting her arms on the table. “Are you in danger?”

  “Oh, relax,” Sarfina sang out, flicking her ponytail over her shoulder. “No one here is in any danger.”

  “And how do you know that?” My eyes narrowed on my sister-in-law.

  Sarfina sat up taller in her chair. “Cousin Albedo accepted my invitation to the palace ball and assured me himself that he meant none of us harm.”

  “How very kind of him,” I said. My sarcasm was lost on Sarfina, who nodded.

  “He is not the tyrant Liri made him out to be. You’ll see.”

  “Cirrus wasn’t fond of him either,” I reminded her.

  Sarfina’s shoulders sagged a little upon hearing the name of her favorite brother. “He also hadn’t seen Albedo in a long time,” was all she had to say before returning to pick at her breakfast.

  Right, because Fae were such overachievers when it came to self-reflection and personal growth.

  I finished my breakfast then asked Jhaeros to cut me off a corner piece of the cake—which had the most frosting. Mel smiled happily as I took my first bite, closed my eyes, and said, “Oh, sweet yumminess. I think we need to move to New York.”

  Jhaeros chuckled and stretched his arms behind him, which pushed out his taut, muscled chest. I stared in appreciation, but Jhaeros didn’t notice. He was already on his feet, looking down at Ryo.

  “Ready to start practice, Ryo?”

  “What kind of practice?” Mel demanded.

  “Fencing,” Jhaeros answered.

  “I can help, you know. I learned a lot from Keerla—enough to beat all my opponents in a tournament to guard Aerith.” Mel scooted back in her chair.

  “Not so fast,” I said. “I haven’t seen you in weeks. We have lots to catch up on.”

  “We do?” Mel’s eyebrows pinched together. “Can’t we talk later?”

  “I want to talk now.”

  “And the queen gets what she wants,” Sarfina said, rolling her eyes.

  I didn’t bother looking at Sarfina this time as I flicked my wrist in her direction and said, “You are dismissed.”

  “I’ve got a thousand final preparations to make for the ball before this weekend, anyway,” Sarfina informed me as she stormed out of the dining room.

  “Is it a birthday ball?” Mel asked in confusion.

  “Sky, no. Just a ball.”

  Mel’s gaze was so intent on mine that she missed Jhaeros slip out with Ryo. “Should you really be drinking and dancing at a time like this? Don’t you need to hold down the fort?”

  “First of all, I’m not doing any drinking. Secondly, I don’t plan to dance any more than necessary to keep up appearances. Yes, I am holding down the fort, and I am keeping my enemies in my sights.”

  Mel scooted her chair back in, placed her elbows on the table, and rested her chin on her hands. “Tell me more about who we’re up against.”

  “First tell me what’s up with Devdan.” And Ryo.

  One thing at a time.

  Mel dropped her arms and scowled. “He didn’t want to come here. He was all like, ‘Everything’s fine. She’s got Jhaeros and an entire army at her beck and call.’”

  “Well, he’s not wrong there.”

  “Doesn’t mean I don’t want to see for myself.” She grasped at her hair.

  “First fight?” I flashed her a knowing smile.

  “I guess.” She huffed. “I suppose you and Jhaeros agree on everything all the time, or if he doesn’t agree, he politely keeps his opinions to himsel
f.”

  “Oh, we fight.” I laughed. Mel’s head shot up. I didn’t mean to sound so gleeful. “Half the time we spent together at the Monster Ball, we were bickering.” Maybe not half, but a good chunk. I wanted Mel to understand that arguing was perfectly normal—and even healthy when it meant expressing repressed feelings.

  “What happened?” Mel wanted to know. “How did you make up?”

  “Kissing helped.” A sly grin lifted my lips. “And the sex helped even more.”

  “Bleh. I should have known.” Mel squeezed her eyes shut. “Gah! I’m not like you, Aerith. I don’t feel like jumping a male’s bones every two seconds.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” I said, taking a sip of tea, all proper. Ha!

  Mel opened one eye to stare at me. “Are you telling me you had sex with Jhaeros at the Monster Ball?”

  “Mmhmm.” I held my teacup close to my lips, taking another sip.

  “In front of all the guests?” Mel demanded.

  “Hardly. We went to a private room.”

  “I thought you said you played campaigne with him.” Mel folded her arms.

  “We did play campaigne, though we didn’t finish—the board game, I mean.”

  “I know what you mean!” Mel blasted with a scowl.

  I held back a laugh.

  “No wonder he came rushing to Sweetbell to call on you immediately after the ball.”

  “Yes, poor Jhaeros,” I said with a nod. “I corrupted him.”

  “Turned him into a sex addict.” Mel rolled her eyes, but at least she was no longer scowling. Dare I say, she looked slightly amused?

  “I’m not saying sex is the answer to every argument, but it is the quickest route to an outcome in which both parties are satisfied.”

  “Ugh, I don’t get it,” Mel said. “That’s the last thing I feel like doing when I’m angry.”

  “Your loss,” I said with a shrug. Mel stuck her tongue out at me. I laughed. “I’m relieved, actually. Devdan doesn’t deserve any kissing or loving after behaving like a pit head.”

  Mel sighed. “I was being a pit head too.”

  “How so?”

  “I basically told him it was my way or the highway.”

  I raised my brows. “Another Earth expression?”

  “My way or he could hit the road, get out of my sight,” Mel clarified.

  “Ah.” I rubbed my lips together in thought. “It’s one small fight, Mel. Nothing serious. I’m sure you two will make up—and probably fight again. It’s normal. And keep in mind, he’s your first boyfriend. If things don’t work out, that’s normal too. I was forced to marry Cirrus before I’d even had a boyfriend. Take it from me, don’t settle down too young. As you know, there are whole worlds out there filled with all kinds of males you have yet to meet.” I set my teacup down and stared into the yellow-tinted liquid, my sight going briefly out of focus.

  “I’m sorry, Aerith.” Mel’s soft voice reached through the haze of my memories. “Father had no right to sell you off like that. I would have rather lived in a hut or even beneath a tarp than trade you in for riches. I love you more than anyone in all the worlds.”

  Tears spilled down my cheeks before I ever felt them coming. Mel and I scooted back in our chairs at the same time and rushed around the table to embrace one another. I kissed her cheek, and she kissed mine.

  “All’s well that ends well,” I said, patting her back lovingly. “My path led me to Jhaeros. If I hadn’t married Cirrus, I would have never known that the love of my life was right in front of my nose.”

  Mel released a sigh. “He’s not so bad, but I don’t understand why you want to settle down and have his babies right away.”

  “Hey, now. You’re the one dating a pit head.” I gave Mel a playful push.

  It was no big surprise to me that Devdan hadn’t wanted to come rushing to Faerie. He wasn’t my biggest fan. If I wasn’t Mel’s big sister, he probably would have gone on snubbing me anytime our paths crossed in Pinemist. He’d been forced, like Sarfina, to suck up to me. Well, maybe that wasn’t entirely true. Thanks to Mel, Devdan had mellowed out and learned to enjoy life more fully. Being in love and having funds certainly helped.

  “I don’t know.” Mel chewed on her bottom lip. “I did kind of blow him off.”

  “Because you were concerned about me. But, as you can see, I have everything under control. I can instruct Folas to return you to Pinemist anytime.”

  Mel rubbed her chin, looking unconvinced. “You said these no-good cousins are coming to the castle for a ball at the end of the week?”

  I nodded.

  “I want to get a look at them before I go anywhere,” Mel said.

  “Are you certain you want to attend? It means wearing feathers and lace.”

  Mel’s frown was expected.

  “It’s part of the theme,” I explained. “I gave Sarfina full control over the affair.”

  “Ugh.”

  “Want me to call Folas in?” I asked with a chuckle. “All aboard the portal express to Pinemist.”

  Mel shook her head. “I won’t be scared off by scraps of lace and loose feathers.”

  “What about corsets?”

  “I have to wear a corset too?” Mel’s jaw hung open. “Do I have permission to smack Sarfina the next time I see her?”

  “I know the temptation, but no, I’m trying to keep the peace here.”

  “What if I tie her up with lace and tickled her with feathers? Poetic justice, right?”

  I laughed. “Nice try, but the answer is still no. You’ve given me some post-ball ideas, though.” I smiled wickedly and winked.

  Mel’s face wrinkled as understanding dawned over her.

  Three, two, one . . .

  “Ew!”

  I laughed harder.

  “So worth it to see the look on your face.”

  “Somehow I doubt you’re kidding,” Mel grumbled before jogging toward the door. “I’m going to make sure Jhaeros is showing Ryo all the right moves.”

  “Jhaeros knows what he’s doing.”

  “You better be talking about swordplay,” Mel yelled from the hallway.

  “That too,” I yelled, biting back a laugh. She was so easy to tease, but I don’t think she realized how skilled Jhaeros truly was with a sword. He just didn’t go flaunting that fact around. Kind, sexy, and humble. He definitely deserved some gratitude.

  I hurried out of the dining room, rushing between the blond twins who stood like statues on either side of the door. “Hey, Mel. Hold up!”

  My sister stopped and turned slowly, a look of exasperation crossing her face.

  When Folas and Galather moved to follow me, I held up a hand. “Give me another moment with my sister.”

  They frowned but stayed put.

  When I reached Mel, I lowered my voice. “Since you’re staying a while longer, I’ll have a room made up for you in the royal wing.”

  “Thanks, but no thanks, Aerith. I need my own space.”

  Such a stubborn butt.

  “I understand, but I think we should find something for you that’s not in Ryo’s wing of the castle.”

  “Why? What’s wrong with Ryo?” Mel’s eyebrows pinched together. I was reminded of how young she still was, how innocent. I wanted to keep it that way as long as possible.

  “Nothing, other than I’m pretty sure he has a crush on you, and I don’t think it’s wise for you to be sleeping so close to his room.”

  Mel’s cheeks flushed. “What makes you think he has a crush on me?”

  “Little things, like the way he talks about you. Apparently, you’re quite memorable, Mel.” I offered her a fond smile. Of course Ryo would fall for Mel. How could he not? She was lively and good natured, beautiful and brave—my amazing little sister, who literally brought light to all those around her.

  The smile that had been spreading over Mel’s cheeks retracted, and the tone of her skin returned to normal. “You have nothing to worry about. I am good at guarding m
y heart.”

  Just don’t guard it so tight you don’t open yourself to love either, I thought as Mel strode down the hall and turned a corner. The corridor felt dimmer the moment she disappeared.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Aerith

  L

  ittle by little, the air left my lungs.

  “Maybe not so tight,” I suggested as Peridot laced up my black bustier. I caught her wince in the vanity mirror, which made me laugh. I should be the one wincing. An instant later, the stiff fabric loosened slightly. We both double-checked the front to see that it remained snug, my breasts pushed up and half on display. Better guests look at my boobs than my belly. I couldn’t go full corset with the baby growing bigger every week.

  Bustier secure, Peridot attached a black silk and lace skirt that was loose, comfortable, and swishy. To finish the dress, we added a set of beautiful black sleeves that ruffled at my elbows. I turned from side to side in front of the mirror and took it all in, including the tight blonde curls Peridot had fluffed out and pinned all around my head. Black feathered clips poked out of either side of my curls with a black crown that stood out against my blonde hair despite its dainty size. It was for show more than anything else. The Fae needed to know who was in charge of Dahlquist.

  “All eyes will be on you tonight,” Peridot murmured.

  Me, my breasts. Same difference, I guess.

  “Thank you for your help, Peridot.”

  A grin lit up her face.

  “My pleasure, Queen Aerith. Have a wonderful time at the ball.” She curtsied before leaving my chamber. As soon as she had, Folas entered. I’d sent him into the hallway while I got dressed.

  “Is Jhaeros on his way?” I asked, toying with the black lace mask on my vanity table.

  “He is just completing a final inspection of the wards,” Folas said.

  We’d called in three mages to place wards over the entire castle, preventing any portaling in or out and no dreamscaping, with the exception of Galather and Folas. The royal wings already had permanent runes etched into the walls that prevented anyone other than the current resident from dreamscaping or portaling in or out of their quarters. Liri had explained that in addition to keeping out would-be assassins, it also prevented siblings from disturbing one another in their bedchambers uninvited, whether in the flesh or in a dream walk.