“They look old—they’re all faded and white—but they’re definitely scars.” Fiona’s forehead knotted in thought as she stared at Tiki’s back. “Strange.”
“Fi, are you almost done?” Tiki’s nerves were getting the best of her. It was no small thing to be going to Buckingham Palace and especially when Lord William Richmond was one’s escort.
“All right, all right,” Fi said, reaching for a beautiful silk red rose that matched her dress. She stuck a few pins in her mouth as she worked to weave the red rose behind Tiki’s ear where her hair gathered and then hung down her back in luscious waves.
Clara came to a spinning stop next to Fiona and rocked unsteadily on her feet as she blinked in Tiki’s direction. “Maybe she should wear a crown.”
Tiki held her neck and head straight for Fiona and only her eyes moved over to where Clara stood examining her. “I don’t think Queen Vic would take too kindly to me showing up in a crown. I think I’ll leave that bit to the royals.”
“Why do they get all the fun?” Clara asked as she skipped away to twirl some more.
Fiona worked for a few more seconds then gave Tiki’s hair a pat. “There. It shouldn’t fall out no matter how fast Rieker twirls you.” Dimples appeared on both sides of her cheeks as she grinned at Tiki.
Tiki jumped to her feet, anxious to move. All this sitting and having Fiona ‘work’ on her was getting on her nerves. The emerald green gown made a shushing noise as the silky fabric slid to the floor and puddled around Tiki’s feet.
“Where are those shoes?” Tiki asked, pulling her skirts this way and that, looking frantically around the room.
“Calm down, Teek. They’re right here.” Fiona grabbed the shoes off a nearby table and knelt down to put them on Tiki’s feet. “What is wrong with you? You weren’t this nervous the first time.”
“Oh, yes I was,” Tiki replied. “But at least last time I didn’t know anyone and I had a mask to hide behind.”
Fiona backed up to survey her handiwork. Tiki held her thin arms out from her sides and twirled for her. The dress shimmered as she turned, flaring around her legs. Fiona clutched her hands to her chest. “Oh, Tiki, you take my breath away, you’re so beautiful.”
“The most beautiful,” Clara declared.
“Let’s hope Rieker thinks so,” Tiki whispered.
She kept one hand on the railing and lifted her skirts with the other as she descended toward the foyer. Below, Shamus, Toots, Johnny, Juliette, Mr. and Mrs. B. and Rieker stood with upturned faces watching her.
Tiki’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her escort. Darkly handsome in his black tails and vest, Rieker’s shirt was white silk tied neatly with a matching cravat. He wore a sash diagonally across his chest the same emerald color of her dress. Tall and straight, his dark hair was combed back away from his face, revealing the perfection of his features.
As their eyes met the emotions he usually worked to conceal were obvious as he stared at her with longing. Tiki’s heart fluttered in response. When she reached the bottom of the stairs he took the fingers of her left hand and raised them to his lips.
“You are breathtaking.” His lips on her skin warmed her and it was as if he had embraced her.
Tiki smiled and raised her eyebrows. “I could say the same of you, William.”
With one gloved hand clutching his black top hat, Rieker held out the other arm for Tiki to take as he escorted her out the door to an immaculate black carriage pulled by two matched black horses. Red plumed feathers danced from their heads and their silver bridles shimmered in the moonlight. This ride to Buckingham Palace was the complete opposite of the way she had managed to sneak into the first ball she’d attended at the Palace.
As they sat next to each other on the crimson, diamond-tucked seat, Rieker reached over and slid his gloved hand over Tiki’s, entwining his fingers through hers. “Are you nervous?”
Tiki leaned against his shoulder, tightening her grip. “A little. I just hope that if a—” she hesitated— “a stranger is at the ball tonight we’ll be able to recognize them. I’m concerned if they’re wearing a glamour they won’t look any different than the next person.”
“I know. That same thought has occurred to me. Especially if it’s someone who has been entrenched within the palace for a period of time, then no doubt they’ll be skilled at blending in.”
IT WAS A different experience to be delivered to the grand entry of Buckingham Palace. Sentries stood lock-kneed and impassive in their red coats and tall black hats, spears clutched in one hand, as their carriage pulled through the bricked archway into the Quadrangle.
Geoffrey pulled the horses to a stop and one of the queen’s men held the door for them. Rieker stepped down through the small opening first and reached back to take Tiki’s hand. For a second, she felt like royalty as she gathered her gown and stepped down from the carriage.
Rieker smiled at her and tucked her hand under his arm. “Shall we go mingle?” His lips curved in a half-grin.
“Lord William Becker Richmond and Miss Tara Dunbar.” The crier announced them into the ball.
Before them, a kaleidoscope of flowing skirts and black suits swayed around a huge room. Tiki caught her breath at the sheer magnificence before her. Music filled the air. Chandeliers sparkled from the high ceilings. Tall pedestals ablaze with candlelight were positioned in long rows. Soaring walls, covered with deep red wallpaper, were lined with large, gilt-framed pictures, giving the spacious room surprising warmth and intimacy. The gold ceiling above was divided into rectangles of gold and etched with deep blues and reds.
For a moment the dark images of the Palace of Mirrors filled her mind, a stark contrast to the color and brightness before her. What would the Palace of Mirrors be like when the Seelies were in power? Would it be bright and light like the vision before her now?
As they stood poised on the top of the steps Tiki became uncomfortably aware of the number of heads who turned to gaze at them with abject curiosity.
“What are they looking at?” Tiki whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
“They are looking at you, of course.” Arthur’s dry voice at her elbow startled Tiki.
“Hello, Prince Arthur.” Tiki dipped into a curtsy.
“Because,” Arthur continued, as he strolled alongside Tiki into the room, “William has never brought a female companion to a ball before.” His eyes had a mischievous glint in them. “You are the first and they all want to see the creature who has captured the elusive Lord Richmond’s heart.”
“Arthur.” Rieker’ voice held a warning. “Don’t be telling tales out of school. You’ll fill Tiki’s head with a load of rubbish and she’ll be afraid to be seen in public with me.”
Tiki’s cheeks burned at the innuendo in Arthur’s comment yet at the same time a strange pride glowed inside her chest.
A young lord, dressed in coattails of grey silk, greeted Rieker and pulled him away.
“I’ll be right back,” Rieker said to Tiki over his shoulder as he disappeared into the crowd. “Arthur, mind your manners.”
Left alone with the prince, Tiki laughed to hide her embarrassment. “Well, if that’s the reason people are staring I’m sure it won’t take long for their curiosity to be sated. Then they’ll wonder whatever possessed him to invite someone as plain as I in the first place.”
Arthur reached for Tiki’s hand. “Trust me when I say that no one would ever consider you plain. I’ve no doubt that jealousy will sharpen some tongues tonight, but the fact remains you are the one who is here with him.” He smiled at Tiki and bowed over her fingers. “You should never forget,” he added in a low voice, “that William’s love for you is a powerful truth.”
Tiki tried to hide her surprise at Arthur’s comment. It was almost as if he’d been privy to the terrible tug-of-war her emotions had been playing inside her heart. She watched the prince’s back as he departed, a new confidence filling her. If Arthur accepted her as a match for William, then anyt
hing was possible. As if in response, Rieker came up behind her and slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his conversation with a different well-dressed lord and his young daughter.
“Charles, have I introduced you to Miss Tara Dunbar?” Rieker made the introductions as if there were no class distinction between Tiki and the middle-aged man. His white hair was wispy upon the top of his shiny pate and the buttons across his stomach strained against the white silk fabric as he gave a slight bow. “So pleased to make your acquaintance. Allow me to introduce my only child, Marie Claire.”
The girl was about Tiki’s age, with a rosy bloom in her porcelain cheeks that matched the beautiful, demure gown of pink velvet she wore. Her red hair however, would have favored a cooler color. There was a glow of excitement in her eyes as she stood next to her father. The girl’s cheeks turned even pinker as she curtsied to Rieker, clearly smitten. “She is sixteen now, after all,” her father said, “and allowed to attend parties.” Charles smiled fondly at her, clearly doting.
“So nice to meet you,” Tiki said with a smile. The girl reminded her of a well-fed, prized hen. She could imagine the sheltered life in which Marie Claire had grown up. Tiki couldn’t help but picture how beautiful Fiona would look, dressed in a similar gown.
After Charles and Marie Claire left, Rieker turned to Tiki. His lips twisted in a teasing smile as he moved close and lifted her chin. The intimate pose brought a sharp memory of Sean tilting her chin in a similar fashion when they’d returned to London. For a minute, Tiki thought Rieker was going to kiss her in public. “Now, Miss Dunbar, where is that dance card?”
“William, surely you’re not going to let her monopolize you the whole evening, are you?”
Rieker and Tiki turned together to find Isabelle Cavendish standing there, familiar blue-green eyes staring back at them. Larkin. Tiki’s stomach surged with an unfamiliar emotion as her gaze swept the girl from the ground up. Was she glad the faerie had escaped Donegal? She didn’t know for sure.
Isabelle was wearing a striking gown of blue silk, the color of a sapphire. Her brown hair was pinned up in an elegant hairdo that cascaded in perfect sausage ringlets around her neck. Her long fingers toyed with an ivory cameo pendant that hung against the perfect skin of her chest.
“Larkin.” Tiki said. “I shouldn’t be surprised.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Larkin twirled once, sending her skirts flying about her ankles. “I always do love a party. Especially when you’re here, William.” She laid a gloved hand on Rieker’s chest and smoothed the silk lapel of his black jacket.
For a second, Tiki’s stomach surged with a jealous twist. How could Rieker resist someone so breathtaking? But she knew that was exactly what Larkin wanted her to feel.
“You haven’t answered the question,” Rieker said in a tight voice. “Why are you here? Your gambit with the stone and Donegal didn’t pay off. Frankly, I’m surprised you escaped.”
Larkin gave Rieker a shrewd look. “You don’t enter the pit of the snake unless you have an exit strategy.”
“Of course not. But surely, you’re done with us now.”
“I’m debating our next steps. We must push forward as time is of the essence.” A fan dangled from one of Larkin’s wrists and she tapped Rieker on the chest. Her eyes were as turbulent as the sea crashing to the beach. “It’s only days until Beltane and there’s already been an attempt on Leo’s life. Your queen is in danger as are both of you.” She snapped the fan open and shielded her face from all but Tiki and Rieker. “I need you alive.” Her gaze flicked over to Tiki. “Sadly, I need both of you.” Then she walked away.
“Arthur must have been right about ‘other forces’ being involved,” Rieker said under his breath. “I don’t think she’s here because of us.”
“No, she doesn’t seem to be.” Tiki watched the back of Larkin’s dark blue dress until she disappeared in the crowd of people.
“Let’s try to keep an eye on who she’s talking with tonight.”
The orchestra struck up a waltz and Rieker led Tiki into a throng of dancers. She slipped her right hand into Rieker’s much larger, gloved hand, as he rested his other hand on her tiny waist. With a slight nod, he began the dance. At first, Tiki had to concentrate and count the steps of the waltz in her head. But after a moment, she began to relax and the steps came naturally. The music soared around them, Rieker guiding her across the room.
The dance ended and Rieker twirled her to a stop. For just a second he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close so their bodies pressed together, his cheek warm against hers. Then he stepped back and bowed, a perfect model of decorum.
“Thank you for the privilege of dancing with you, Miss Dunbar.” He grinned at her. “As light on your feet as I imagine a faerie might be.”
Tiki smiled. “Who would know better than you?”
Rieker chuckled as he lifted two drinks off the silver tray of a passing footman and proffered one to Tiki. “Let’s go mingle with the crowd and see if we can spot anyone else who seems out of the ordinary. And remember to sip that. As I recall, you have a nasty habit of choking on fine wine.”
Tiki smiled and slid one hand under Rieker’s arm as he led her through the room. It was easy to talk with people she didn’t know with Rieker by her side. He seemed to know everyone in the room. They chatted with lords, barons, dukes and duchesses, all with more titles than Tiki could track, as if they were old friends.
She could see the curiosity burning in their eyes as Rieker introduced her, but aside from a few questions about her family, which she and Rieker had practiced answering before attending tonight, their conversations were pleasant and superficial.
“WHAT DO YOU think?” Rieker asked several hours later as he pulled Tiki into a secluded corner. He cast a glance around the room, frowning. “I haven’t seen anyone beyond Larkin who looks questionable to me.”
Tiki brushed a piece of lint from the lapel of Rieker’s coat, letting her hand linger. “Only Larkin.”
“Wait here. I’m going to go ask Arthur if we can see Leo now.” Rieker strode off into the crowd and Tiki moved toward the wall to sit on an upholstered bench. It felt good to rest her feet. Though the shoes that matched her gown were beautiful and exquisitely made, they had very tiny heels on which she had to balance and the pointed ends pinched her toes. The old pair of boots she’d worn as a pickpocket had been shabby and the stitches were starting to give but at least her feet could breathe and she could run for her life, if necessary. A smile curved her lips at the thought of trying to flee in these shoes. She would be forced to run on her tiptoes. Or, better yet, she’d kick them off and run barefoot.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself.” Larkin—in Isabelle’s glamour—slid onto the bench next to Tiki.
“Where did you come from?” Tiki asked.
“Oh, I’ve been here and there, watching the crowd.”
It irritated Tiki at how vague Larkin always chose to be. For once, Tiki wanted to get some answers. She raised her hand to shield her mouth. “What do you know of the assassin Donegal sent after the Queen?”
To her surprise, Larkin didn’t hesitate. “I know he’s here in London.” The faerie’s voice was low and serious. “I’m expecting something to happen tonight. Donegal isn’t sure who is guarding the ring now but it doesn’t really matter anymore. His plan is simple enough: decimate the royal family, leaving London in chaos simply from lack of leadership. Sooner or later he will find who guards the ring of the truce and dispose of them as well.” She gave Tiki a side-ways glance. “Then the UnSeelie king will claim another throne.”
Tiki squirmed in her seat. “There must be something that can be done.”
“Perhaps,” Larkin said. “Donegal plays a dangerous game. To raise a liche from the night, you have to give over part of your own body. This one was said to have already been staked when he was found. Donegal must have made a significant offering to revive him.”
Tik
i cringed. “Is it true he’s eating the hearts of his victims?”
“Yes, that’s the one.” Larkin fanned herself and gazed around the room. “He could be here tonight.”
Tiki’s heart thumped against her ribs. “How is he stopped?”
“You can drive a stake through his heart, but there is only one way to guarantee he won’t return—you have to destroy the body of the liche so he can never be raised again.”
The whispered warning of the Dryad came back to Tiki. It was what she had said as well. She thought of the Ash stake that Sean had given her which she’d hidden in her bed chamber—just in case. That flimsy piece of tree hardly seemed enough to kill such a vicious creature.
Larkin tapped her fan against her knees. “We need a way to lure him to us. Creatures of his type often seem to have a predilection for young people.” She gave Tiki a calculating look. “We need someone to be our bait.”
Tiki scowled at the faerie. “I hope you aren’t suggesting me.”
“Actually, I wasn’t.” Larkin snapped her fan closed. “You’re too important to draw Donegal’s attention to you again.” Larkin toyed with the pendant that hung around her neck. “I was thinking of that girl who lives with you. The dark-haired one. What’s her name?”
The hair on the back of Tiki’s neck stood up. “What?”
“Oh, look.” Larkin pointed into the crowd. “Rieker has found a friend.”
Tiki followed the line of Larkin’s finger to the dance floor. It only took a second to recognize Rieker’s tall shoulders and dark head among the swirling skirts and coattails. He was dancing with a young woman with long dark hair. She wore a gown of red velvet with an off-the-shoulder neckline that emphasized her well-endowed chest.
Tiki gasped. “Is that—”
“Yes,” Larkin said in a voice that did little to hide the pleasure she was taking in the moment. “I believe it is Pashan. You met her before, didn’t you? Though her glamour does a good job of making her look mortal, don’t you agree?” Larkin’s teeth glittered as she smiled, reminding Tiki of fangs. “I guess everybody loves a party.”
The Torn Wing Page 19
