by Bonnie Lamer
Like the princess I am. It has never hit me before that I truly am a princess in this realm. I shake my head and snort. I sure don’t feel like a princess. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I stretch and yawn. I don’t know if I’m really ready for the day, and everything to come after, but I’m going to at least pretend I am. Maybe if I pretend hard enough, I’ll believe it eventually.
I go into my bathing room, which is humid from the constantly running water; almost like a sauna. Removing the nightgown Kallen made for me, which immediately disappears, I slip a toe into the Olympic size bath tub. The temperature of the water is perfect. Moving to the stairs - yes, there are stairs in my bathtub, I submerge myself in the water. I could probably swim laps in here, it’s so big.
I find shampoo and soap on a shelf along with a brand new loofa. Conscious of the fact that I have a time limit, I force myself to forego the long, leisurely soak I’m dying for. Instead, I wash my hair and my body, and am out of the tub in twenty minutes. Okay, maybe I did linger a little longer than I meant to.
Wrapping myself in the humongous towel Tabitha left for me, I walk back into my bedroom. Where Kegan is. I do a double take to make sure it’s not Kallen, because they do look a lot alike. Nope, not Kallen.
Hearing the door to my bathing room, he turns towards me where I’ve stopped in surprise. His eyes take a long journey from my head to my toes, and then back up again.
“What are you doing in here?” I ask making sure the towel is firmly in place.
“I came to wish you well for your meeting with Dagda.” He’s not talking to my face. That’s annoying.
“Don’t you knock?”
Finally meeting my eyes, he says, “I did knock. You must not have heard me.”
“No, I didn’t. So, you shouldn’t have assumed it was okay to come in. I appreciate you coming to wish me well, but I’m not used to having someone in my room when all I’m wearing is a towel. Will you please leave now?”
He inclines his head. “Of course.”
He says that, but his eyes are on another journey and I don’t like where they’ve decided to set up camp. “Kegan, I meant right now.”
With a smile that tells me he knew perfectly well that I meant now, he finally turns to leave. Reaching the door, he stops and turns around. “I am looking forward to our training this afternoon. Feel free to dress as casual as you are right now.”
I’m going to throw something at him if he doesn’t leave. And what’s up with him flirting with me? Isn’t there some unwritten guy code that you don’t go after your cousin’s girlfriend? “Kegan, get out before I remove you with my magic.” With a chuckle, he finally leaves, closing the door behind him. Training with him is going to be interesting if he keeps acting like this.
I sigh, remembering the days when I thought it would be great to be a normal teenager and have guy troubles. I was fascinated by the TV shows about ‘typical’ teenagers and their lives. It seemed so exciting with the constant drama and jealousy. After all, I had to live vicariously through them. Since there are no teenagers in a fifty mile radius of where I live, and I was homeschooled, I didn’t get out much. Or at all.
It turns out, my fascination was misplaced. I don’t want drama in my relationship with Kallen; and I don’t want to make him jealous. I’m going to have to let Kegan know that as soon as possible. Besides, Alita has a crush on him, and I know there’s an unwritten code about going after a friend’s crush.
Sitting down on the bench in front of the dressing table, I begin to comb the snarls out of my hair. During my bath, I was trying to figure out how I feel about seeing my biological father again. Other than being nauseated that I carry the man’s genes, mostly what I feel is simply anger. I’m angry that he tricked my mom into getting pregnant, even though she wouldn’t have met my dad or had me if he hadn’t. Okay, I’m torn on that one. But, I am angry that he wants me dead. I don’t believe for one minute that has changed. If he gets the chance, he’ll slaughter me like a cow, hang me on a hook and drain the last drop of blood out of me. And, most of all, I’m angry that I’m here to save him. If I have to have the man’s genes, why couldn’t I at least have gotten some of his conscience, or lack of conscience; then, I could just let the Pooka Fairies have him.
If I’m being honest, I’m angry with Isla as well. Who gave her the right to ask me to do this? The Sheehogue Fairies are supposed to be stronger than the Pooka, so why don’t they stop them? Then again, I remember what my grandma said. The Sheehogue don’t like to get themselves involved in things that don’t affect them. I slam the brush down on the dressing table out of frustration. That means I’m in a realm where I don’t like half the people because they want me dead, and I don’t like the other half because they can’t be bothered to lift a finger to help anyone other than themselves. And the Angels want me to make them all a big happy family. Yeah, right now, I’m angry with the Angels, too.
I take a deep breath to get my blood pressure back down to normal. Okay, I admit, I’m not being fair. I do like some of the Fairies I’ve met. I like Alita. Then again, she’s half human. I like Kegan, despite his little visit earlier. Again, half human. Um, I’m starting to see a trend here.
I close my eyes and take another deep breath. I have to stop thinking about this because I’m starting to draw magic. I agreed to do this and I’m not going back on my word. But, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to resent every second spent in the protection of the man who’s only my father because of biology.
“I certainly hope you are not going to dress yourself with that much magic. The entire realm will be wearing dresses and heels.”
I turn towards Tabitha and smile. “Sorry, I’m still working through my feelings about all of this.”
“Of course you are, dear. If I was in your shoes, I would go into that palace and tell that man to go to hell, and walk right on back out the door.”
That’s a good plan. “Is that an option?”
She chuckles. “If I had my way it would be. Isla is a little more diplomatic than I am.”
“Lucky me.”
“Some would say so.”
My brows speed towards my hairline. “Like who?”
Tabitha shrugs as she moves behind me and picks up the brush. “You are about to do something many can only dream about.”
I barely refrain from rolling my eyes. Okay, I still half roll them. “I know, I know, I’m saving the realms and all that.”
She stops brushing my hair long enough to wave her hand in the air. “Pishah, that is not what I am talking about.”
I scowl as I look at her in the mirror. “What do you mean then?”
“You are going to face your enemy and both of you already know who is stronger. You are walking into his house, under your own free will, and showing him once again that you will not be defeated by him. You can hold your head high, and not be controlled by fear. And he knows you can leave the same way you came in, on your own terms. By both bloodlines, you are a princess. A fearsome princess, at that. You have the power to control your own destiny, and history will be written according to the direction you lead the realms. How many Fairies can say that?”
As she speaks, I feel my anger slipping away; being replaced by confidence and pride. I’m not sure how much of that is because of what she said, and how much is from her calming touch. Either way, she’s right. I do have control over my destiny. I have the power and the ability to go in any direction I choose. Tabitha’s right. Not many people can say the same thing. Squaring my shoulders, I sit up straighter. Yes, I’ve been given a difficult task, but I’ll complete it on my terms. I am not a pawn. I’m a princess. It’s time I started acting like one.
“Tabitha, I want to look drop dead gorgeous when I walk into the palace. I want to look like the princess I am. Think we can manage that?”
She chuckles. “That is my girl. With your beautiful face and curves all in the right spots, you will knock them dead at the palace, regardless. But, as you
said, we will make you look like a princess.”
Half an hour later, I’m ready. I hardly recognize myself. My hair is piled on my head in intricate braids and curls, and held in place with beautiful clips made of seashells. It’s laced through with a garland of ivy. My gown is made of the softest material I have ever felt. I think it’s silk, but I’ve never felt silk this fine. The color is a brilliant green that matches my eyes perfectly. It’s form fitting from its bodice, which plunges dangerously low, and down over my hips. From there, it falls into soft folds with a small train in the back. Strings of pearls are stitched in vertical lines from the bodice to the hem. I have never seen a prettier dress in all my life.
My eyes are lined with black, and my lashes are curled and dark. A touch of color has been added to my lids and cheeks, and my lips are a dark red. I’ve never worn makeup before, so it’s strange to see myself like this. I don’t feel like me. It’s like having another out of body experience.
Tabitha looks as delighted as can be. “I would love to see Dagda’s face when you walk in proud and pretty as a peacock. He is expecting a girl, not this strong, confident woman staring out from the mirror. You show him what you are made of and do not back down from him, or Isla, for that matter. Set your own terms. You show him you are proud of all the blood lines that run through your veins.”
The advice is so much like my mom’s that my eyes begin to tear. A tissue appears in Tabitha’s hand and she blots gently at my eyes. “You stop that or you are going to undo all of my handy work.”
I smile. “Thank you, Tabitha. For everything.”
Is that a tear floating in her eye? “Alright, you go on now. I am sure Isla is chomping at the bit to get you to the palace.”
I nod and stand up from the dressing table stool. I slip on the green slipper style shoes that match my dress perfectly. I appreciate that she didn’t make them heels. I haven’t worn heels enough to be comfortable walking in them, and I would hate to fall on my face. That would lessen the effect of my strong, confident image I’m trying to get across.
Kallen and Isla are waiting impatiently for me at the bottom of the stairs. A smile spreads across Isla’s face when she sees me. Kallen looks like he’s about to get hit by a truck and he’s too stunned to move. I think I’ll take that as a compliment. Our eyes lock, and a blush creeps up my neck and into my cheeks, as I feel the heat and desire radiating from him.
“Grandmother, I am leaving, but I will return this after…” Kegan has just stepped into the foyer and stops at the bottom of the stairs. He also stops talking when he sees me. After a moment, he says, “You are far too beautiful a creature to be with my undeserving cousin.”
Kallen smiles smugly. “And you, cousin, wear your envy on your sleeve. You should ask Tabitha is she can whip up a cure for that.”
“Boys,” Isla says in warning. “Kegan, I will expect you at two. Kallen, escort this beautiful young woman to the coach.”
Coach? Like with horses and wooden wheels on bumpy roads? Seriously? Being motion sick will be even worse than falling down. My face will be almost as green as my dress. Feeling glum now, I put my arm around the one Kallen offers me and we follow Isla through the house and out what must be the front door of the house. I think I’ll do some exploring when we get back, find out what all the rooms are for.
As soon as I step outside, my eyes bug out of my head. Yeah, there’s a coach. It’s black, with soft red leather seats on the inside, and a coachman sitting up top. What it doesn’t have is wheels. It’s hovering about two feet off the ground. And there’s not a horse to be seen anywhere.
Isla smiles at my surprise as we settle ourselves on our seats. It’s like being in a flying living room it’s so comfortable. “Not what you expected?”
I shake my head. “Not at all. Are you making it float?”
“No, that is why I have a driver. I do not want to be bothered with the tedious magic it takes to drive a coach. That way, my mind and my magic, are free to dwell on other, more important things.”
A thought hits me. “You said you hired him. Does that mean that you have money in this realm?”
With fine-tuned condescension, she says, “Of course, dear. Not everything can be created with magic. Wood and bricks are needed to build houses, but they cannot be held together by magic. The process to cut them and place them can be done by magic, but to keep them from falling down, it is necessary to use nails and mortar.”
“There are also many Cowan Fairies that do not have enough magic to create what they need. So, they must purchase or trade for those things,” Kallen says. That’s the first thing he’s said to me since he saw me on the stairs. He’s been admiring me, though. And, he isn’t condescending at all. That’s a nice change. I slip my hand into his and he gives mine a little squeeze.
I don’t ask any more questions. I figure I can get info about life in the Fae realm from Alita or Kallen later. Instead, I focus my attention on the scenery. We’ve moved inland, away from the beach, and the coach is moving along a well-worn road. Or above it, I should say. On either side, we are surrounded by trees, and in the distance, there are great craggy bluffs that break up the horizon. I’m amazed at how quickly we went from sea shore to forest.
I can identify some of the trees we pass from my botany lessons with Mom. The cypress trees are tall and slender, mixed in amongst pines and eucalyptus trees. My first sighting of a koala bear confirms to me that I am definitely in Australia. I crane my neck as we go by to watch the small animal eat his leaf. Kallen smiles at my fascination.
“A little different from the trees at home?” he asks.
I nod. “I recognize some of them, but not all.” We round a bend and we begin to travel through trees that have to be as tall as the empire state building. When I saw their tops from the distance, I assumed we would be travelling uphill as we passed them. We’re not. They are simply the tallest trees I have ever seen. “What are these?” I ask in awe.
“Mountain Ash trees,” Kallen says. “Look up there.” He points to the very tops of the trees. “There is a wooden path amongst the highest branches for Fairies to walk and see the world as a bird might.”
I smile. “I guess you don’t go up there much.”
“I do not, but I would love to have the opportunity to take you.” The thought of being here and actually being able to do some sight-seeing sounds way too good to be true. Maybe it’ll happen.
It only takes about fifteen minutes to get to the palace. As we approach it, I try really, really hard not to be impressed as the coach draws near. But, I am. The palace is almost twice the size of Isla’s mansion and it looks a lot like a Scottish castle from my realm. There are bastions on all four corners, but instead of a circular shape, they are pentagons, giving more originality to the design. I bet there’s a magical reason for that, as well. It stands about four stories high. The stone face of the palace is polished white stone, as smooth as ivory. Large windows all around ensure that the palace will be flooded with light. Outside is a garden of such beautiful flowers, it’s hard to believe that a man who tried to kill his daughter lives here. And there’s a river running through it. Yup. A river. Not around it like a moat. Through it.
It’s hard to see where it disappears into the palace because a stone bridge that spans the river close to the house hides that from view. It is similar to a circular drive where drivers can let off their passengers at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the front door. Five stone steps lead from the bridge to the massive double oak doors.
We step out of the coach and there is already someone standing with one of the double oak doors open, ready to greet us. He steps aside as we approach and he invites us in. I feel his eyes linger on me, and I don’t think he’s admiring my dress. I have to keep in mind that everyone inside this palace has undoubtedly planned my death at least once. Probably many times.
Okay, I can’t help it. My mouth drops open as we step through the doors and onto a balcony overlooking the vast foyer
. The river is flowing beneath us through the center of the palace, the sound of the rushing water bringing a peaceful feel to the room. About twenty feet in, the river is split in the middle by the most gargantuan tree I have ever seen. This has to be another Mountain Ash. The largest tree I can think of from home could fit inside this tree twice. It’s so tall, it disappears into the cathedral ceiling. Once past it, the river comes back together and continues its journey through the house.
“This way, please,” the man who must be the butler says. He leads us down one of the two marble stairways from the balcony to the foyer.
The floor of the foyer is a mosaic of brightly colored scenes. Some are idyllic, with happy Fairies doing everyday things, and some are battle scenes, gruesome and fierce. I’m sure if I spent enough time here, I would understand a bit more of Fae history just from this floor. But, that’s not going to happen.
