Confused, Kalan responded, “I am sorry. I do not understand that reference.”
Gwen waved her hand, smiling to herself. “It’s nothing. What’s on the third floor?”
“My parent’s rooms.”
“What?” She asked, startled. “We’re not going to their rooms now, are we?” Gwen’s gaze darted to the top of the stairs and then back down to the bottom, as if she were debating running back the way she came.
Kalan tried to suppress his amusement. “No, we are not. You won’t be meeting my parent’s until this evening.”
“Oh,” Gwen exhaled, relieved. “Good.”
Kalan continued his tour and showed Gwen the palace sitting rooms, family dining room, and Throne Room, all of which were located on the second floor. Leading Gwen back down the grand staircase, he then showed her the last room in the North Wing.
The Great Hall was more than twice the length of the Throne Room, making it the largest space in the palace. It took up most of the first floor and had the ability to be even larger by opening the back doors that lead out into the royal gardens located on the side opposite of the main courtyard.
Standing just a few feet past the Great Hall’s garden doors, Kalan watched Gwen as she looked around the garden. He couldn’t help but smile as the wonder ever-present on Gwen’s face during the morning somehow became even more so. She was grinning from ear to ear as she turned to him, causing his heart to leap in his chest.
“This is amazing!” She exclaimed, moving closer to his side. “Can we walk around?”
Kalan was just about to say yes, when he was interrupted by another voice from the Great Hall.
“Prince Kalan, are you out here?” Lord Leo, his father’s secretary, appeared behind them.
“Ah, there you are,” he huffed out upon seeing Kalan. “I apologize for the interruption, your highness, but the king requests your presence in his study immediately.”
“Whatever for?” Normally Kalan would not have questioned such a summons, but normally he was not enjoying the company of a beautiful female.
The secretary, obviously taken aback by his reply, remained silent. Kalan sighed and turned to Gwen before responding to Lord Leo again.
“Forgive me, Lady Gwenevere,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I must postpone the rest of our tour. Perhaps Ronan might show you more of the grounds, should you be up for it.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” she assured him kindly, even though there was a flash of disappointment in her eyes.
Kalan bowed slightly, bending his head to place a small kiss on the back of her hand. The prince was enchanted when Gwen’s cheeks flushed at his gesture.
With another apologetic glance to Gwen and, also, Ronan, Kalan turned to Lord Leo.
“After you, Lord…,” he trailed off, noticing how the secretary’s attention was not on him, but behind him. Looking over his shoulder, Kalan realized it was Gwen who held the lord’s attention, and Gwen was returning the gaze.
However, where Gwen’s gaze was simply curious as she regarded the other fae, Lord Leo’s gaze seemed to be one of astonishment… and awe.
Kalan saw red, interpreting that the male’s attention stemmed from a place of physical attraction.
“Lord Leo,” he bit out, not at all appreciating the secretary’s continued scrutiny of Gwen. “Shall we.”
“Ye… Yes, Prince Kalan. Of course. Good day to you.” He spoke to Gwen before turning and heading back through the garden doors. Lord Leo did manage one last glance back to the girl, causing Kalan to growl a curse under his breath.
That old bastard better steer clear of her, Kalan thought crossly as he followed him to his father’s study. She deserves better than that bag of bones.
Kalan realized his objection on the grounds of age were silly. Even the oldest of fae never looked to be older than a quarter of a century–their everlasting youth making it impossible for one’s age to be determined by appearance. Couple that with immortality, and unions of fae with centuries separating their age weren’t considered odd nor were they uncommon.
No. Kalan’s objections were based on one simple fact.
The fact that Kalan did not wish for anyone to pursue Gwen.
No exceptions.
Chapter 16
Later that day, Gwen woke from a nap in her guest room.
After Kalan left them, she and Ronan spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon exploring the area outside of the palace, but inside the large stone wall she saw upon first arriving.
Ronan informed Gwen that all the area inside the wall was considered Court and was inhabited by many noble families and their staff year round. As a result, there were numerous stores of every type, built and maintained to serve the fae living there. Gwen had a wonderful afternoon sightseeing and was even introduced to a few of Ronan’s acquaintances they happened to run in to.
Tired due to her excitement keeping her awake most of the night, Gwen was eager to take Ronan up on his suggestion that she rest before the evening’s festivities. Gwen’s stomach tightened with nerves at the realization that she was hours away from meeting the king and queen of the Winter Court. She never met royalty before. Who had? Thankfully, Ronan was kind enough to educate her on the highlights of the protocol she was to observe for meeting the royals, though it did not remove her unease.
Deciding a relaxing bath might do the trick, Gwen stretched her limbs before rolling on her side and practically falling out of the four post bed. She walked to the marble covered bathroom, gasping as her bare feet touched the cold tile in the spa-like facility. She rushed over to the bath mat, relieving her of the cold sensation.
Adjusting the temperature of the water to a comfortably warm temperature, Gwen undressed as she waited for the Jacuzzi-sized tub to fill. Staring at herself in the mirror, Gwen absently traced her pointed ears, still not use to their altered state. Lowering her hand, Gwen’s eyes observed the paleness of her skin.
Last Spring Break, some of Gwen’s medical school friends planned a beach vacation to celebrate the completion of their latest round of exams. But after two semesters of studying her days away indoors, Gwen was worried she would be too pale and burn to a crisp should she step foot in the sun. The worry lead her to entertain the thought of using a tanning bed for a base color. Fortunately for her current situation, Gwen sat through enough genetics and dermatology lectures to choose to forego the tanning salon and spent most of her vacation under an umbrella. As a result, her skin met the signature Winter Court paleness requirement.
Funny how things work out.
Gwen closed her eyes as she sank into the warm water. Leaning her head back, she let all her muscles relax and enjoyed the blissful moment.
All too soon, the water began to cool, motivating Gwen to clean herself and hurry out of the bath. She wrapped her hair in a large, white towel after drying her body and putting on her underwear. Finding a fluffy blue robe on a hook, Gwen grabbed it and tied the belt around her waist.
Steam rolled out of the bathroom as she opened the door to the bedroom. Gwen was surprised to see Penny standing by room’s entryway.
“Lady Gwenevere,” the girl curtsied prettily.
“Uh… hi.” Gwen didn’t know how to respond, completely caught off guard by the girl’s presence. “Can I help you?”
“No, my lady,” Penny replied, eyes cast down. “I am here to help you. Prince Kalan has assigned me to be your lady’s maid during your stay at the palace. I have come to help you prepare for dinner this evening.”
“Lady’s maid?”
The young girl nodded. “Yes, my lady. I will assist you with your hair and dressing for the various occasions His Highness has instructed me to be prepared for. I hope it will not offend my lady, but I have taken the liberty of putting away your newly made wardrobe.”
“Not at all. Thank you, Penny.”
The girl made eye contact for the briefest of moments before returning them to the ground.
“I do
n’t mean to rush you, my lady, but we must prepare you for this evening.”
“Please, call me Gwen,” she told Penny, uncomfortable with the girl’s submissive demeanor. “Where would you like me?”
She gestured Gwen to the antique white chair placed in front of an ivory vanity table and mirror. She removed the towel and began combing the thick wet strands. As Penny worked, Gwen attempted polite conversation which the younger girl nervously participated in.
With strategic maneuvering of the comb and blow dryer, Penny managed to have Gwen’s hair shiny and dry in no time at all. The younger girl moved on to curling the long locks, securing the top half in a diamond encrusted barrette. Gwen had to bite her lip from protesting to the use of such an expensive accessory. She remembered Ronan repeating how important it was for her to act the part of a nobleman’s daughter. While Gwen was never one to wear such extravagant items, she was sure a lady from Ronan’s noble family would.
“Would you like to do your own makeup, or may I?” Penny asked, looking slightly hopeful to be given the task. In the short amount of time spent with her, Gwen deduced that Penny enjoyed arranging hair. Gwen supposed she shouldn’t be surprised if the girl liked to apply makeup as well; she remembered finding the task fun when she was younger.
“If you do not mind, I would rather you do it. I’m sure you are much more skilled than I am.” Penny gave her a sweet smile at the answer and began retrieving cosmetics from the vanity’s drawers.
Turning so her back was to the mirror, Gwen sat still as makeup was applied, closing her eyes at the appropriate times.
Penny worked meticulously, her brushstrokes steady and slow. So slow, that Gwen had to stifle her impatience to see the results. She didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot with the already timid maid. She managed to get very little information out of the girl regarding herself, but Gwen was determined that she would eventually earn the young fae’s trust and hopefully become her friend.
Finally, Penny finished. Gwen opened her eyes and was met with a wide grin. She smiled in return. “That good, huh?” She asked playfully.
The grin grew. “You are beautiful, Miss Gwen,” she answered, stepping back to allow Gwen to rise.
Shaking her head at the girl’s addition of ‘miss’ to her name, Gwen stood and turned to the mirror.
She stilled.
“Penny...,” Gwen breathed, taking in her reflection. “It’s…” There were no words.
“Do you like it, Miss Gwen?” Penny asked, mistaking her stunned reaction as displeasure. “If you do not, I can remove the cosmetics and begin aga–”
“No, Penny,” Gwen cut her off, turning to face the girl. “I love it. It’s amazing. I’ve never looked so good in my life!”
Penny blushed and bowed her head. “I’m glad you approve, Miss.”
Not able to resist another look, Gwen turned to the mirror and was once again blown away with her appearance.
I look like an airbrushed model.
Penny disappeared from behind her only to return moments later with Gwen’s corset and evening gown. Obligingly, Gwen untied the robe so Penny could lace up the torture device. Immediately following the corset, Gwen slipped into the navy blue dress, loving how perfectly it fit her frame following its alterations.
Gwen couldn’t resist swaying from side to side as she observed herself in the mirror. She could not recall spending so much time staring at her reflection. Gwen made a note to try and not become vain with all the extra beauty treatment she was bound to receive at Winter Court.
Penny gave Gwen the silver gloves to put on as she retrieved a pair of matching silver shoes from the closet. They were peep-toe pumps, accented with glittering stones. Gwen prayed that they were not real gems.
Ensemble complete, Gwen gave Penny a twirl. “What do you think? Will Their Royal Highnesses be impressed?”
Penny giggled. A small victory for their friendship. “I believe so, Miss Gwen.”
After a few moments and some light discussion, Penny took her leave, giving Gwen a small curtsy before exiting the room.
No longer distracted by another’s presence, Gwen’s nerves returned full force. Wanting some fresh air, she made her way to her room’s balcony and relished in the soft breeze that brushed her face.
You can do this, she told herself as she stared at the outdoor lights illuminating the courtyard in front of her. Just don’t slip up about being the daughter of the Summer Court’s murdered princess and you will be fine… piece of cake, right?
“Lady Gwenevere?” A voice carried up to her from below. Curious, Gwen leaned over the railing, wondering who knew her well enough to recognize her from a distance. It was Sir Torin, the guard she first encountered upon entering the palace.
“Sir Torin,” she greeted with a small wave. “Nice to see you again so soon.”
“And I you,” he returned with a handsome grin. “I apologize for the impropriety in speaking with you like this. I just saw you and couldn’t pass up the chance to speak with you.”
Even from thirty feet, Gwen could make out the flush rising on his cheeks with the admission.
“Not at all, I am glad you did. Are you going to the North Wing for dinner this evening?” She asked as she glanced around, hoping not many fae were around to hear their exchange. Luckily, the second flood was not so high that it required yelling to communicate with someone on the ground level.
“I am acting as a guard there,” he supplied, straightening his shoulders. “Extra security was requested due to the arrival of the Summer Court Ambassador.”
Gwen, of course, heard of the impending visit from the Summer Court from her Winter sources, but did not know it was to coincide with her introduction to the monarchs.
Silence fell as Gwen tried to fight the newly strengthened nervousness Torin’s news brought on.
“Will you be at dinner, Lady Gwenevere?”
Snapping out of her momentary panic, she forced a smile. “I am. I will look forward to seeing you there.”
His smile lit up the night. “As will I. Until then.” With a bow, Torin turned on his heel and strode to the North Wing.
Gwen went inside, wrapping her arms around the nearest bed post for support and a little comfort. With uncanny timing, Ronan chose that moment to knock on the open door frame and enter. Taking in her expression, the guard’s smile quickly faded.
“What’s wrong?” He tested, stepping towards her with caution. If she weren’t feeling sick with nerves, she might have laughed at his fearful approach.
“Nothing major, I promise,” she answered, relieved as she realized that her words had to be true. “Just worried I will do something to embarrass myself.”
Ronan’s face softened. “Try not to be anxious. All you have to do is curtsy upon your introduction, and then you will most likely not speak to King Kheelen or Queen Tanya the rest of the evening. There are going to be many fae in attendance. Fortunately, the attention won’t be focused on you.
“Well…,” he continued, his eyes roaming over her as he took in her appearance. “With how stunning you look, you are bound to receive some attention. I am going to have my work cut out for me as your ‘closest relative’.” He faked an alarmed expression.
Gwen laughed, appreciating Ronan’s distraction. Her initial unease with the guard was slipping away as she spent more time with him. It helped that he no longer insisted she looked familiar. “Thank you. You look handsome, as well.”
And he did. Ronan was wearing a black tuxedo, looking like he just stepped out of a James Bond movie.
“Ah, thank you my niece. You make this old man blush,” Ronan returned, holding out his arm to a chuckling Gwen.
“Shall we?” He asked, an amused glint in his eyes.
“We shall.”
Chapter 17
After following Lord Leo to his father’s study, the secretary left and King Kheelen told his son the news.
“Duke Aeron is here?” Kalan asked in surprise. “I though
t we were not expecting him until two days from now.”
“As did I,” the king replied. He sat in his dark leather desk chair, fingers laced, observing his son’s reaction.
“I met with the ambassador just moments before sending for you,” he continued, motioning for his son to sit in the armchair across from him. “It seems the Summer Court feared encountering resistance upon entering Winter Court. To prevent that, Duke Aeron decided to arrive early. He offered his sincerest apologies at the inconvenience of being unexpected.” Kalan was unsure of his father’s true reaction to the early arrival, but he knew better than to ask.
“When shall I meet him?” Kalan sat, returning his father’s observatory looks.
“Tonight. He will be at the Court dinner.”
Kalan nodded, then it dawned on him. Duke Aeron. He knew he had heard that name when his father’s secretary read the letter from King Cai. Why didn’t he realize it sooner?
The prince stiffened as he remembered the Summer Fae, Eilian, revealing his brother to be Duke Aeron of the Summer Court. Wasn’t that the same brother who purchased the defalutar potion to hide Gwen? What if he recognized her? He and Ronan’s ruse of Gwen being his niece would be ruined.
Knowing his father was watching, Kalan did his best to maintain calm composure despite the turmoil inside. Eilian said he had not seen his brother since Gwen was a child.
Duke Aeron probably has no idea what she looks like now… right?
How could he have been so stupid? He should have realized the connection and delayed Gwen’s visit to Court until the ambassador left.
“The ambassador and I have made arrangements to meet tomorrow morning to discuss our Court matters,” King Kheelen continued, either not noticing or purposefully ignoring his son’s sudden unease. “I have decided that my initial discussion with him will be conducted privately, but I shall summon you when it is concluding in order to convey with you what has transpired.”
Kalan couldn’t stop his eyes from widening in surprise. “You wish to inform me first? Before the rest of your Council?”
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 14
