Guardians of Hellfire (Guardians of the Fae Book 2)

by Elizabeth Hartwell

  “That’s right. What do you say, Princess? Do you think you can handle one more?”

  I nod, fresh energy filling me as my love inspires me to one more effort, waving them over. “One more . . . all at once. Because our love is simultaneous.”

  Cole, who’s remained silent this whole time, nods. “It is. I love you. All four of you.”

  Chapter 32

  Eve

  “The Lady Lorelai says that you should wear this tonight,” the servant says, looking at the dress she’s delivering.

  When Deara told us yesterday that she was hosting what she called a Vale Feast, and that I’m to be the guest of honor along with my Guardians, to say I was shocked is an understatement.

  So a Feast in my honor? And the night before the full moon and my exorcism? With an army on our doorstep?

  There’s really only one thing I can say. “Thank you. Please tell Lorelai that I hope to do it justice.”

  The servant leaves and I look over the gown again, lifting it out of the box and marveling. I don’t know if it’s magic or just pure dumb luck, but it’s nearly perfectly-sized, the silky bodice shaped to hug my body while the gown flows all the way to the floor. There are no high heels like I’d expect, that’s not the Fae style, but still it’s easily the sexiest dress I’ve ever worn. That’d be easy considering I’ve never been one to dress up, but it’s still a magnificent dress. The pearly green fabric seems to shimmer and shift in tone as it flows through my fingers, and as I lift it I’m surprised when a slip of paper falls out. I pick it up, unfolding it and seeing it’s a note from Lorelai.

  In the library, find the book Social Graces, and read about the Declaration Dance. If you have two left feet, the Book of Common Spells will be helpful. Good luck.

  There’s another knock at the door and it opens to reveal Cole, an amused look on his face as he takes in the gown. “Lorelai always did have a great sense of color. What do you think of it?”

  “It’s beautiful,” I reply, sighing as I run my fingers over the gown again. “It’s . . . angelic even.”

  Cole nods, and spies the note Lorelai sent me, reading it. His eyebrow raises, but he says nothing as he folds the paper and sets it back down. I notice, and pick up the note again.

  “What is the Declaration Dance?” I ask him.

  “I will let you read all about it in the library, I’m sure the book will go into more detail than I can. But if you ask for a Declaration Dance, I will be more than happy to accept.”

  Cole leaves, giving me a small smile as he does. I wonder, and it’s hard not to run down the stairs to the library.

  The main hall of Vale Castle is enormous, with high stone ceilings that look like they’ve been enchanted with twinkling lights like the stars above. I can see shapes, like constellations in the night, although the stars in the Fae realm are different from Earth.

  Pausing at the top of the giant staircase that leads from the upper level, I feel my mouth dry up as I see the crowd. I know Deara said she invited some of the local families and the leading citizens of The Vale, but I didn’t expect this. The floor is crowded, hundreds of people, maybe even a thousand.

  “Impressive, isn’t it?” Lorelai asks from behind me, and I turn to gasp as she approaches. She’s clothed in deep blue, which I understand is part of the coat of arms of The Vale and is an image of loveliness. Her sky-blue dress glitters, shifting patterns of translucence coming through that reveal hints of a body that puts me to shame while not being too revealing. Instead, she looks like she is, a noblewoman and lady by birth and breeding, more of a princess than I think I’ll ever be. The only thing out of place is her mask, which is midnight blue and hugs her chin and face, flexing as she speaks and making it look almost like a second skin.

  “You look beautiful,” I reply, blinking. “I’m almost nervous about letting you near Jacob now, he’s going to dump me like last week’s lasagna.”

  Lorelai laughs, a blush coming to her alabaster cheeks right above her mask where I can see. “Thank you, but he’s obviously firmly around your little finger.” She takes a step back to give me a look. “I’m glad the dress will be worn finally, and for the right reason.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, stepping away from the stairs so as not to give us away.

  “It was the dress I was supposed to wear at my Declaration Dance. Maybe I was being foolish . . . I just wanted to see it worn.”

  I step forward, putting my hands on Lorelai’s shoulders. “You aren’t foolish at all. It’s an honor.”

  Lorelai’s excitement is evident, and she clasps me like a sister.

  “Oh, one thing,” I add as she steps toward the stairs. “After tomorrow night, do we officially start?”

  Lorelai pauses, and offers her arm. “Who says we haven't already?”

  I walk over, taking her arm as the musicians, who are arrayed around the upper level in a configuration that I assume only a Fae link could pull off in terms of conducting, strike up a tune that stops all action below us. Heads turn, and I can hear whispered comments as we descend the stairs.

  “Lady Lorelai Wintersong and the guest of honor, Lady Eve Carter!” a booming voice announces as we hit the bottom step, and the crowd breaks into applause. I can’t help but blush as Cole, looking resplendent in a midnight blue tunic and what I learned are traditional Fae trousers, approaches.

  “Eve, you are a vision of beauty,” he says, bowing deeply to first Lorelai and then me. “My home has never been graced by two finer visions of loveliness entering the Hall at the same time.”

  “Your tongue is as deft as your sword,” I respond, trying hard to hide my smirk as Cole blushes while Lorelai laughs silently. “I hope we stole you and Deara’s thunder from your entrance.”

  “The only thing stolen by you is four hearts,” Cole replies, offering his arm. “May I?”

  With a curtsey, I take Cole’s elbow and enter the party, stopping in a few steps as each of my Guardians stand before me. Noah’s white tunic looks big enough to be a tent, the high collar befitting him as he bows nearly to the tops of his shined black boots, while Tyler’s sunshine gold tunic hugs his body and gives him more width to his shoulders.

  “You two look like true gentlemen,” I greet them before turning to Jacob, my face unable to hold back the smile as I look at him. “A Highlander?”

  “Aye,” Jacob says as he adjusts the kilt he’s wearing, the black coat of a Fae style but the green, black and blue of his kilt different and unique. “You accept me as I am, and I am of both worlds. No denying it any longer.”

  He bows to me and I grin, taking his hand as I embrace all four of them in the formal Fae way. We gather, and I look into four sets of eyes that I know have changed my life forever.

  “Before this happens, I want to ask you all, do you want to do this? It’s not too late to change everything.”

  “I haven’t asked because I’d love to,” Tyler says softly, the party ignored as I look at my four men, “but what made you decide you want this? The Declaration, that is.”

  I pause, forming my words carefully. “When I first met you four, I was lost. I thought I may have even been going mad with the things going on in my head. And at first, even with you I thought maybe I was. I’m . . . I’m still not sure how all the details of this would work out. What I know is that as I thought of each of you, you’re all equally important to me. You’ve all laid claim to a hundred percent of my heart, and I in turn love you all with all I have. By math it’s impossible, it’s four hundred percent, but without all of you, it’s zero. You’ve given me love, you’ve given me purpose. You make me feel like I could actually be a Princess as you like to call me. Even though my life feels like I’m in more danger than ever, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you. All of you. And I want the entire Seven Kingdoms to know it.”

  “I don’t know about these three, but you had me at hello,” Jacob says, making me laugh. “Eve, if you want to dance the Declaration Dance with us, then what are we wa
iting for? Strike up the band.”

  There are nods all around the circle, and I swallow back tears of happiness. “Thank you. I think we’re supposed to mingle some first though.”

  It’s interesting, mixing throughout the party as my Guardians seamlessly alternate on and off at my elbow, talking with the guests. Fae balls are unlike what I’d read about, it’s both enormously formal with lots of curtseying, bowing, special greetings and the like, but also tremendously informal. It’s like, for the people of The Vale, once the formalities are over and done with, you’re friends for life, and nothing is out of bounds. For the next hour I get compliments, jokes, introductions to spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends and lovers. The Fae are much more open than I’m used to.

  I laugh, looking around. “The Vale is very different than what I first thought Fae life was like. Lunare is almost a whole different world, regardless of what the guys might say,” I whisper to Lorelai.

  She nods, taking a sip of her drink. “That court’s a nest of sycophantic vipers with a narcissistic bitch on the throne, supported by a network of fanatic wenches.”

  “Honesty seems to be one of your strong points,” I tease lightly. “I never have to worry about what you’re really thinking. Speaking of which, I don’t want to mix business with pleasure, but what of Lysette?”

  She shakes her head. “So far, no movement at Winter’s Pass, toward The Vale or away. She seems to be waiting for something. What that is, I haven’t been able to figure out. But come, it is time for the dance.”

  The center of the Great Hall clears, and up on the balcony, the musicians play a fifteen second refrain that serves as notice to all that a Declaration Dance is about to begin. The meaning of the Declaration Dance is somewhere between a betrothal and a marriage, and in the old days was used by families to show a merging of their bloodlines.

  After the fifteen seconds, Lorelai steps to the center of the floor. As the eldest daughter of the family, it is her right to do so, and she holds up a hand, a whisper of Faelight drawing all attention to her.

  “The Lady Eve Carter has requested this Declaration Dance.”

  I step to the center of the floor, curtsying to her as she curtsies back, and I turn. My Guardians have taken up their positions flanking me on both sides, and as the music starts, I step forward.

  The books were very clear on the protocol for this. If I’m to Declare with multiple men at once, I go from youngest to oldest.

  Just as I’m about to start, I’m shocked when out of the corner of my eye, I see the Dark Rider, but move on. I tell myself that after this, after tomorrow night, I’ll never need to see the him again. Let him watch, but he can’t ruin things now.

  My fears are totally relieved though as Tyler accepts my hand and we step out, the slow beat counterpointed by the Fae equivalent of violins as we step through the complicated figure eight pattern of the Declaration Dance, the symbol to represent infinity. Tyler is a vision of love as he and I look into each others eyes, and as we finish our round, he smiles, mouthing I love you before stepping back, and Noah’s next.

  I repeat the dance, my heart rising with every step so that by the end I’m smiling, almost giggling like I’ve been dosed with faerie cum when Cole completes his turn and I open my arms to all four of my Guardians. This part I wasn’t sure how it’d work out, but as they surround me, it feels so natural as their hands all rest on me. I’m half-carried, half-spun through a final iteration of the infinity, repeating four times, each time twisting slightly so that by the time I’m set down and the music stops, I’ve etched the symbol in eight different directions. I’m surrounded in the eight warm arms of the men who I vow to love, protect, and honor for the rest of my life.

  Chapter 33

  Eve

  “Lorelai, you must be joking,” Jacob says, looking at Lorelai as the hall finishes emptying. I can read the emotion and desire in his eyes, and I can understand. We did the Declaration Dance, we’ve had a public coming out of our time as a group. It would seem natural for the five of us to retire to my bedchambers for some action. “I mean, I pull some pretty bad jokes out, but you’re taking the cake.”

  “Unfortunately, I am not,” Lorelai says, standing on the stairs and crossing her arms over her chest. “Tomorrow is a ceremony that is even more important than tonight’s Declarations. Eve needs to be . . . well rested. Focused.”

  Jacob opens his mouth, but Lorelai raises a brow and Jacob’s mouth snaps shut with a click as his lips press together so hard his mouth almost disappears. Jacob struggles against the force holding his mouth closed before glaring at her, and Tyler can’t help but hide a snicker.

  “Can you teach me that trick? I’d love to be able to shut him up.”

  Lorelai just smiles. “I’m sorry. I know that after a Declaration Dance, all five of you must be eager for some time alone, so I’m not saying this lightly. But Eve must be allowed to rest. Tomorrow is a big day.”

  I go to protest, but Cole speaks up. “Lorelai is right, as much as I hate to say it. And besides, if Lysette is going to attack, this would be the time. I’m sure the word has reached her about what we are doing here, and Lysette is no idiot. She will know once Eve’s bracers are off, things could change.”

  Lorelai nods, and looks at me. I know the decision’s in my hands, and I nod slowly. “I understand.”

  Lorelai seems pleased and Jacob finds himself able to speak again. “Fine, let’s go play soldier boy of the watch with Cole. At least it’ll give me something physical to do.”

  “Thank you,” I reply, kissing each of them deeply before pushing back, my body throbbing with need.

  Heading up the stairs with Lorelai at my side, I shiver, half with holding back my desire, half with abject fear of tomorrow. “What’s it going to be like?” I ask curiously. “You’ve kept most of the details from me.”

  “I’m sorry about that,” Lorelai says, “but there is a reason. Every version of this ceremony is different, and a lot depends on the influence being exorcised. I can tell you that it will be as much a fight as a ceremony. That should help you guide your preparations. And remember, I am your ally in that battle. I will see you tomorrow evening.”

  Lorelai turns right, toward the staircase that will lead her to her study. I walk to my room, sighing as I sit down on my bed and look at the massive expanse of mattress, wondering if I can stretch myself diagonally and surround myself with all of these pillows so I can fool myself that I’m not sleeping alone.

  I doubt it. Still, slipping my shoes off helps, and I rub my toes, chuckling. “A week ago, the biggest luxury in the world was a nice bed and to stop walking so much, now you’re complaining that you’ve got too big a bed, and you want to get out on the trail again,” I chide myself. “Eve Carter, you’re a spoiled bitch.”

  Perhaps, but I love that I’m looking forward to the future with anticipation now. With everything bad that’s been happening, I needed that. Tomorrow, I lose these horrendous bracers, as beautiful as they may look. I can Link with my Guardians and form the deep bond that I know will bloom even more.

  “Don’t forget, you’ll get a new pair,” I remind myself, looking over at my non-binding set Lorelai suggested I wear as armor. They are pretty badass.

  I’m struggling with the releases on my dress when there’s a knock at my door, and I look up, hoping it’s my Guardians, and Lorelai realizes that not having them is torture.

  “It’s open.”

  I can’t help but be disappointed when a young, pretty Fae girl comes in. She’s thin, but with an honest face and straw-colored hair and she looks at me with polite deference. In her hands is a pot and cup, and the smell coming from it is amazing.

  “I was told to help you prepare for bed. This tea will help.”

  “Thank you, it seems I can’t quite get this tie to release,” I reply, turning around. “What’s your name?”

  “Cassandra,” the girl replies, smiling shyly. “Uhm, how about I get you the tea first, and I can work at t
hat while you sip? It looks like one of the tails got into the bow, and those are always difficult. I don’t want to cut the ribbon if I don’t have to.”

  “Of course,” I reply gratefully. “I wouldn’t want to return this to Lorelai damaged.”

  “Oh, that’s not going to happen, these ribbons are replaceable. But it’s an old superstition that cutting the ribbons on your Declaration gown is bad luck for the marriage,” Cassandra says encouragingly as she pours a cup of the tea. “Now, Lady Lorelai said you need to drink the whole cup, please.”

  I’m curious what else is in it besides tea, but I down the warm drink in three solid gulps before setting the cup down. “How’s that . . .”

  The world starts to spin, and I fall to my hands and knees, all the strength draining out of my legs with each breath. I blink, trying to turn my head, but something hits me in the side of the face and I’m pushed onto my back, everything still swimming.

  Above me in the swirling colors of the world, I hear an evil, gleeful laugh. “That was so easy,” a voice that sounds somehow familiar. “I cannot believe you’re that stupid. Then again, you are just a Halfling.”

  I blink, squinting as Cassandra kneels down, undoing a charm from around her neck and her face shimmering, her body changing until I see . . .

  “Lysette?”

  “I guess I made an impression, Halfling bitch,” she chuckles, pushing my hands away as I try to reach for her. It doesn’t take much. My muscles feel like I’ve got hundred-pound lead weights tied to my wrists. “Then again, you were stupid enough to leave me alive.”

  “Why . . . why?” I ask. “I should’ve killed you.”

  “You’re still strong enough to speak?” Lysette answers, impressed. “Must be the demon side of you. That potion would render most Fae unconscious in a few seconds. Very secret mix. You’ll die by my hands, and as the castle warns to the sudden discovery of your body, Cassina’s army is going to swarm over the hills, burning this wretched holdout to the ground. All of the Seven Kingdoms will know that Cassina is the true protector of the realm!”