“Nerissa announced today that we’re going.”
I nodded. With all the party planning, I had been barely attending classes.
“It’s probably to distract us from the upcoming war.” Kristen pushed her potatoes around her plate.
“The party is to distract everyone. Make everything seem okay when the core is rotten. Amanda all but admitted it.” I watched a male fae servant stride over to me with a double tray that held my lunch.
I nodded my thanks to him. Apparently Onyx had hired more than one spy. He wove his way among the long wooden tables and out of the dining hall. I sighed, wishing I’d figured out a way to expose Lady Cardinal during the past week. But doing anything to upset the king was too risky. Freeing Thorsten had to come first.
I didn’t see Nathan that evening, and I sensed Amanda was to blame. She probably wanted us separated until the big moment to make the longing in our gazes look real when we reunited and made our huge announcement.
The next day, the day of the party, Amanda and Pierre descended on me as soon as the sun rose, lecturing me on how to walk, talk, and answer the media’s questions.
“You are to be clueless. The media loves surprise,” Amanda said as Pierre held up two gowns, one lavender, the other pink. “When they ask you why you think this surprise party is being held, you just smile and say you can’t wait to find out.”
“So Nathan is going to...propose.” My mouth was drier than the Sahara. Nathan and I hadn’t talked about this since I’d made the suggestion. Would my answer be binding? How could I say yes to him when I wasn’t sure what would happen to us after all was said and done?
Unaware of the turmoil raging within me, Amanda scribbled on her clipboard and took a sip of her black coffee. “The party will run from eight to three AM. Any surprises will happen near the end of the party. We need to let the suspense build. Let the media speculate.”
My heart thumped as I was left alone to dress in the Pierre-approved fashion. Tonight was the night. My heels were showy and uncomfortable. I slid my daggers onto my thighs, not worrying about exposing them under my billowing, coral skirt decorated with tiny, sparkling flowers. Once I was dressed, Pierre returned and worked his magic on my face, adding pink, glittery makeup that formed spirals near my eyes. Then he put my straight hair into a fancy updo.
With my stomach turning, I strode to the front gates of Vasara. Other students, including Kristen, were already boarding carriages. They were all weaponless and wore their green and tan uniforms. The Summer Court fae sure were intent on teaching the earthbound students their place.
I boarded a carriage with Amanda, who repeated her instructions during our ride. I nodded silently, too tense to really take in her words.
The Summer Castle was crowded when we landed, but I spotted Kristen as soon as I exited. It would’ve been easier if I could’ve talked telepathically to her, but telepathy wasn’t a skill Kristen possessed. Thus, I posed for the media as I waited for her to walk toward me, then turned my head to whisper into her ear, “Peony and Caleb should show up soon. When they do, make sure the fae around us get drunk on magic, so that no one trails us when we leave.”
Kristen nodded confidently. “Will do. Don’t worry about the media. I've got this.”
I wasn’t sure how she’d do that, but I trusted her. I walked past a few fae and entered the main courtyard. Nathan was nowhere to be seen, but more flashes surrounded me as the media descended on me like hungry vultures, blocking the rest of the partygoers from view.
“What do you think of this party?”
“Any idea why you’re here?”
“I don’t know,” I said with a fake smile, “but I can’t wait to find out.” Then I stood tall and walked through the reporters, proud that I’d given them my back like Amanda had schooled me to. My heels clicked against the stone floor as I searched the crowd. Fae in exquisite gowns and elegant suits stood everywhere. Servants carrying wooden trays with magical, bubbling drinks flitted around. Vasara students huddled in small groups, staring at the finery and keeping to themselves, looking too similar to the way they had back at Nocturnal Academy. The ruling class might’ve changed and they were no longer servants and courtesans, but their position sucked just as much.
Kristen broke away from the others and flagged down a servant, who ignored her before grudgingly offering her a pink drink with white bubbles. I recognized the colors of a flirting elixir thanks to our Potions class. With it in hand, she approached a tall palace guard stationed near the corridor that led to the dungeon steps and offered the drink. He seemed grateful and took a sip, clearly not worried about the elixir’s effects nor foregoing the protocol that he was on duty and shouldn’t be drinking. Kristen flicked her hair across her shoulder and engaged him in a conversation. Excellent, the more guards she could get drunk on magic, the better.
“Attention, everyone!” Nathan clinked a spoon against his cocktail glass. All chatter stopped and all heads turned to the archway at the end of the main courtyard where Nathan stood next to King Peter and Prince Percival. King Peter’s golden leaf crown was relaxed, and he wore a smile that could’ve almost been described as pleasant if one didn’t know him well. Percival puffed out his chest, as always proud of himself that he’d been born into a monarchy. The media clicked away, and Nathan paused, only resuming when the picturing-taking died down. “Thank you all for coming here tonight. His Majesty would like to speak.” Nathan bowed and King Peter stepped forward. Behind my back, I dug my nails into my palms at the sight of the man who had bound Nathan into painful slavery.
“My court. I am honored to have you all here tonight to celebrate the continued prosperity of the Summer lands.” King Peter’s tone was soothing, and I had to pinch my arm to avoid being lulled into a trap of safety. “Silly rumors have spread about strife here in the Summer Palace, as well as rumblings about a war. Rest assured, both are lies. I will protect the Summer Court as I always have for the last three hundred centuries.”
The crowd cheered.
“All families squabble from time to time, but I’m pleased to announce that Caleb and I have mended our relationship. I feared his loyalty wasn’t fully dedicated to the Summer Court, but he has proven that his actions were mistakes taken by a young, brash mind.” King Peter let out a dark chuckle as he stepped aside. “He will be a better son from now on.”
Behind him, Caleb and Peony stepped forward. Caleb wore his green and gold suit, and Peony a happy yellow dress. Caleb bowed lowly, and Peony curtsied. “Your generosity is boundless,” both chorused before Caleb led Peony out into the party, not meeting anyone’s gaze.
Fire sparked within me at the humiliation the king put his own son through, but it was overshadowed by worry. Caleb and Peony’s release meant the king’s plant was completed. He had found a way to make Summer warriors resistant to the cold Winter lands. I’d have to tell Onyx when we returned a hopefully undamaged Thorsten.
I glanced at Kristen, who nodded. She’d ensure no one followed me as I disappeared with Peony and Caleb. Kristen flagged down another servant. This one carried blue, sleepy-looking drinks, and she grabbed two. Nathan stayed close to King Peter, ensuring he wouldn’t go to the throne room.
I slipped out of the main courtyard, where the crowd thinned, and into a narrow corridor that connected separate parts of the castle, then waited for Caleb and Peony, who arrived a minute later.
Caleb spoke first. “Nathan will keep King Peter distracted. He doesn’t often leave his throne room and prefers to keep his head on his shoulders during parties.”
“I have someone distracting guards,” I said.
“Great.” Caleb squeezed Peony’s hand. “Are you ready?”
She nodded. “Yes. I don’t think we should open the portal to Onyx until we change Thorsten back. Her entering the palace will be too dangerous and will trigger the alarm.”
“Makes sense. All right. Let’s do this.” My heart thudded, and my palms were a sweaty mess. I wished we would
’ve waited longer until the party was in full swing and the Summer fae were distracted with the magical drinks, but that wasn’t an option. King Peter never stayed long at his social gatherings. He would return to his throne room soon.
Caleb led us through narrow passage after passage. We walked down steps and then back up them again. At last, he pushed open a narrow, wooden door, and King Peter’s throne room spread out before us. Through the side entrance, I spotted the tall trees that made up the wall’s pillars, towering toward the night sky. The branch throne stood empty, but three guards patrolled around it. I sent out my mental influence to them as we remained in the shadows. They strolled past the cactus that was Thorsten, not paying him any attention.
What a bummer you’re not allowed to party tonight. Even the other guards get to enjoy the night, I whispered into their minds.
“This sucks,” one of the guards said.
“Well, hopefully he’s back soon and we can leave. Biggest party of the year, and we get to pace around trees that don’t need protecting.”
I scrunched up my forehead as the pressure built. The king will be gone for a while. You can at least get a drink. It will make it more fun. Check out those Vasara fae
“Hey, we should at least grab a drink,” one of the guards said.
The second guard nodded. “I heard those earthbound fae are here and that they’re crazy for us real fae.”
The third one grinned. “Easiest lay ever.”
I wrinkled my nose in disgust but maintained my focus as the guards gave into my mind control and headed for the doorway.
Caleb peeked around the trunk of a tree. “They’re gone. Peony, you can do this.”
She nodded and stepped forward, but I grabbed her wrist. “Wait. What if you get blamed for this?” The king would come down on her hard.
“I’ve worked out my false truths for when he asks if I had any involvement.” Peony’s voice quavered, but her hazel eyes shone with determination. “Caleb drilled me. He knows how his father works. I’m prepared, and I want to do this.”
I let go of her, hoping she was right. Together, the three of us stepped out of the tree cover and walked over the cobblestones. With the night sky overhead and the double doors open to the party, we were exposed. “Hurry.” The sooner we got this over with, the better.
Peony stepped in front of the cactus that was Thorsten and circled her wrists before raising her arms. “Caleb, as soon as he’s changed back, open the portal. Onyx can explain everything to Thorsten once he’s back.” Peony’s brows drew together in concentration as vines sprouted from her fingers.
I kept my attention on the open doorway, sensing the three guards nearby, flirting with a group of girls. Caleb pulled me back into the trees, hiding us. Why have all of us exposed when it wasn't necessary?
Peony’s vines circled the cactus, then wound around it tightly. Thorns broke off it and rained onto the ground. I hoped that wasn’t hurting Thorsten. Peony muttered as the cactus’ shape shifted under the vines, growing taller and wider. A groan sounded from under the vines, but Peony continued, sweat pouring down her temples.
At last, she retracted her vines. Thorsten stood there in his black armor and blue cape. Then he collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest, as if he was having trouble breathing.
“What--” Thorsten started. “What?”
My heart raced. He looked intact. But how was his mind?
“It’s all right. We’re sending you back.” Peony stepped forward, and Thorsten’s red-rimmed gaze fell on her. He was hungry, of course. His vampiric nature must’ve hated the lack of blood in the last weeks. Thorsten trembled as he eyed Peony's neck.
I grabbed Caleb’s elbow. “Open the portal now. I don’t think he can control himself much longer.”
“You’ll be with Onyx soon,” Peony said as Thorsten eyed the vein on her neck. She backed away.
“Not so fast.” King Peter’s voice slithered over me, and I whipped my head to the main entrance. How was he here? I hadn’t heard or sensed him. I swallowed hard as my limbs froze. With Caleb and I hidden behind the side trees, the king’s whole attention was on the center of the room—on Peony and Thorsten.
14
Virgie
Coming out of my shock, I tried to step forward to shield Peony, but Caleb’s strong hand held me back.
Virgie, don’t, he spoke into my mind.
I paused, shocked he knew I could use telepathy.
If we expose ourselves, we’ll all get in trouble and won’t be able to help anyone, he continued.
Slowly, I nodded as I feared I might vomit. Standing back while the king punished Peony and Thorsten wasn’t what I wanted, but Caleb was right. Coming to their aid would only incriminate us and prevent us from helping them down the line.
The king advanced into the center of the room, and Caleb pulled me toward the exit.
I resisted. How can you just leave her?
My father’s punishment will be more severe if he knows that I’m involved, Caleb replied.
The king huffed and stepped into view as Thorsten continued to gasp. “Peony Palmer, so much promise, yet such a disappointment.” The leaves on his crown slowly curved.
“What did you do to me?” Thorsten growled, finally reclaiming his ability to speak.
The king released two sets of vines from his palms. One wrapped around Thorsten’s torso and lifted him from his kneeling position and high up into the air. The other trapped Peony. The drawing of blades sounded behind the king, and I counted twelve guard minds, ready to protect their ruler. There was nothing Peony and Thorsten could do. Fighting would only make this worse.
“I should kill you for this, Peony.” The king’s wings glowed like pure poison. “But death will be too quick of a punishment, and I’m rather fond of your magic. Too bad I can’t strip you of it and give it to someone more worthy.”
Caleb dragged me into the side exit and the narrow corridor. “What are you doing?” I hissed. How could he leave in the middle like this?
“We need to make a public appearance. We can’t have my father suspect that we were involved.” His grip remained tight on my wrist.
Caleb dragged me through a few corridors while my mind spun and my ears rang. The king might lock Peony away forever. I couldn’t leave her. But Caleb, though thin, was strong, and I had no hope of using my mind powers on him, thanks to his mental shield. Finally, we reached the huge, double doors leading into the throne room. We couldn’t see the room beyond as a mass of fae had gathered, whispering behind the guards. Caleb released my hand and pushed past the gossiping fae as my heart raced. I tried to sense King Peter and Peony, but the throng clouded my mind.
“What’s going on?” Caleb demanded. “Let me through.”
The guards parted for him, and I tried to slip after him, but the guards blocked me. “This is a royal matter,” one said sternly. “Stay back.”
“Virgie!” A hand landed on my shoulder, and I whirled to meet Nathan’s worried gaze. But before I could explain what had happened, the king boomed, “Gather, everyone! I want all to witness what happens to traitors!”
The guards parted then, allowing us all into the throne room. A colorful river of fae entered, fanning out. Nathan took my hand and led me to the left side of the room, a spot near the throne. Caleb stood on the other side. King Peter no longer had vines coming out of his wrists, but Peony and Thorsten were wrapped tight in his green, makeshift ropes and kneeling before the throne. Chatter and speculation rose all around us and the media clicked away. King Peter lowered himself onto the throne, which rose with a groan of the tree branches.
The rest of the court fae and the Vasara students trickled into the throne room, escorted by guards. Percival was amongst the last ones to join. He stalked into the room, his disgusted facial expression telling me he was greatly annoyed with being torn away from the festivities. Once he took his spot behind King Peter, silence descended over the room.
Peony kept her gaze tra
ined on the ground, and I wondered if she and Caleb had agreed that if one of them got caught, the other would have to go free.
“This fae, Peony Palmer—” The king pointed at Peony like she was an object “—used transmutation to turn my prisoner from the Winter Court back into his original form.”
A few fae exchanged shocked glances, but no one dared to whisper.
“Peony went explicitly against my orders and thus should be executed,” the king continued, and I bit down on my tongue to suppress the scream rising in my throat. Across from me, Caleb went utterly pale but didn’t move.
“However, as I have use for her magic, I’ll show her kindness.” The king flashed a brutal smile. “She will swear the most complete and thorough loyalty oath to me.”
The room went completely still, fae too afraid to even blink. A chill bolted up my spine and Nathan’s grip on my hand tightened.
“Aren’t I generous? Why aren’t you clapping?” the king boomed, and the room exploded in hesitant applause that slowly grew louder. The leaves on his crown curled with displeasure.
“Long live the king,” the fae chanted in voices full of fear.
My jaw dropped. So the Summer Court already suspected Peter’s true nature. But they were too scared to act or show it. They weren’t as dazzled by the media as I thought. To blend in, I brought my hands together and mouthed the words.
Don’t use your magic right now, Nathan said into my mind.
I won’t, I promised. The king had noticed my attempt the last time. I couldn’t risk it again. I couldn’t risk exposing myself, or worse, becoming his puppet.
“Peony Palmer, step forward for the great honor of becoming my loyal servant.” King Peter didn’t wait for her to move, but with a hand motion, had his vines drag her forward. Next to her, Thorsten watched on, his red eyes flashing with hunger and anger, yet unable to do or say anything since vines had him in a tight grip and clamped down across his mouth.
“Kneel,” the king commanded when Peony was a few feet away from him. Her knees crashed against the ground, and tears filled her eyes. For the whole time I’d known Peony, I’d never seen her cry once in public.
The Nocturnal and Fae Prison Academy Boxset [A Complete Paranormal and Fantasy Series Boxset] Page 94
