Above us the sky was full of dazzling stars, so much brighter and more colourful than they appeared from Earth. And below, as far as the eye could see, the forest was alight with sunlamps twinkling in the treetops like thousands of fireflies. Leif flew with me wrapped in his arms, the cool night air whipping around my body, making me shiver.
‘It’s cold, Leif.’
‘I know.’ And then a moment later with a grin, ‘I thought we could both use some cool air.’
‘You’re so harsh.’
‘I love you, Marla.’
I admired the view both above and below. ‘Why are the trees so full of sunlamps?’
‘Because the trees are so full of Fae.’
‘But there are so many! Does everyone live in the trees?’
‘No, your family are River Fae. Others live in the mountains or on the plains.’
‘I didn’t see any houses when we were in the forest today.’
‘You would not have—they are hidden in the topmost branches. Much of the forest floor is too dark even in the daytime. The sun barely penetrates in places. When the Fae need to go there, they lower the sunlamps. You would have seen them at the markets today.’
The markets. I still couldn’t comprehend my discovery—a grandfather and a twin brother. The thought filled me with warmth. I couldn’t wait to find Lysander, to get to know him. I wondered how I might do that, where he might be. And then reality hit me. Aside from a birth date and name that he was unlikely to be aware of let alone using, I had nothing to go on. My body became tense as this awful truth settled on me.
Leif must have noticed because he said, ‘What’s wrong?’
‘What if we can’t find Lysander?’
‘We will, Marla.’
‘But how? We don’t know anything about him. We don’t know where he is, what name he’s using . . . We don’t even know if he’s alive!’
‘He’s alive.’
‘You can’t know that! I can’t even count how many times I’ve almost died!’
‘But you did not.’
‘But I might have.’
‘Marla, the Fae heal very well. I am sure you have not been so near to death as you believe. Your brother is alive.’
‘Do you really think so?’
‘Yes, so please, do not worry. The assembly is mere days away. Until then, I need to focus on that, but when it is done and you are free to make Faera your home, I will not stop searching for your brother until he is found. You have my vow on that.’
‘But how will you know where to look?’
‘I will search the entire Earth if I must.’
‘How can you, Leif?’
‘My love, your man is very gifted.’ He smiled—an attempt to soothe me.
I allowed myself to be soothed.
A moment later, he said, ‘Have you cooled down enough?’
I narrowed my eyes. ‘I don’t know, have you?’
‘I think so,’ he said. ‘But then again, I could be reignited at any moment.’ He grinned, and the stars lit his beautiful face and danced in his dark eyes.
‘I’m cool enough—you can take me back now.’
‘I was thinking I might take you to meet some of my friends.’
‘Do you think they’ll like me?’
He gave me an odd look. ‘Why would they not?’
I couldn’t answer. I didn’t know why I always worried about things like that.
Leif kissed my hair. ‘They will not like you, Marla, they will love you.’
Leif flew on for a few minutes more and then descended into the treetops. Hidden among the branches and seeming to spring from nowhere was a tiny house that appeared to be one with the tree. Leif landed and set me down on a miniature balcony. Everything was wood, the same colour and texture as the tree itself. Leif knocked on the little arched door and a woman called out, ‘Who’s there?’
She flung the door wide when she heard my prince reply.
‘Leif,’ she cried and tugged him through the door. He ducked just in time to avoid knocking his head on the doorframe. ‘You have been gone. Classin has missed you!’ She stepped back to look at him. ‘What has happened to you?’ She touched the last of the bruising on his face.
‘It is nothing,’ Leif said, and pulled me from behind him. ‘I have brought Marla to meet you. Marla, this is Tenay, mother of my friend, Classin.’
‘Finally,’ Tenay cried, reaching for me. She kissed each of my cheeks, fussed over me a while and then turned to face a small door set atop a short curving staircase. ‘Classin,’ she hollered in an attempt to make herself heard above the music coming from around the edge of the door. There was no reply. ‘Oh, just go up, Leif, he’s up there with Rowan.’ She turned to me and smiled again. ‘Classin will be so relieved to meet you, Marla. He was worried you’d not come.’
I wondered why someone who didn’t know me would care.
Leif let himself into a tiny room, taking care to duck his head as he entered. This house was not made for princes. More than half of the room was taken up with a wide bed low to the floor. Two brown-haired guys, their heads bent over guitars, sat cross-legged in the middle of it. They looked up when Leif walked in. ‘Leif!’ they exclaimed together, and jumping up greeted him with bear hugs.
‘Who have you brought to see us?’ the taller of the two said with a wide grin. ‘Please God let it be Marla! But I fear it cannot be so.’
‘Ah, but it is,’ Leif replied, his face full of pride.
‘But how?’ the same guy said, his quick green eyes full of curiosity. He obviously knew the story.
‘It’s too long a tale for now, but wait—let me introduce her.’
‘Of course, my apologies,’ the young man said, with a slight bow in my direction.
‘Marla, these are my friends, Classin and Rowan.’ Leif gestured to each of them in turn.
‘Hi,’ I murmured, giving a little wave.
‘I cannot say what a relief it is to meet you,’ the green-eyed Classin said. ‘I don’t know how you come to be here, but oh, how I have suffered in the waiting for you.’
I looked between him and Leif.
‘Quiet,’ Leif said, and smacked the back of Classin’s head.
‘I will not!’ Classin said, whacking Leif right back. ‘Marla, your betrothed has been impossible with his pining for you. And, I might add, a threat to my own happiness.’
‘Really,’ I said, smiling.
‘Yes! He has been unbearable. “Oh, where can my love be? Oh, why can I not find her? Oh, what am I to do?”’ he mocked, throwing the back of his hand dramatically to his forehead. He was quietened only when Leif took him in a headlock and rumbled him to the ground. They wrestled each other in the tiny space, bumping into furniture and knocking things over until Classin finally called out his surrender. He got up after Leif and brushed himself off.
‘Hardly a fair match, my friend,’ he said to Leif. ‘Besides, I speak only the truth and you know it.’
Leif grinned. ‘Speak it some more, Classin. Come, let’s hear more truth,’ he dared.
Classin held up his hands. ‘I think not.’
‘Where is Haigen tonight?’ Leif asked after a moment. ‘I thought she would be here. I was looking forward to introducing her to Marla.’
‘Oh yes, that should be entertaining,’ Rowan laughed.
‘She is at home. You know she’s not allowed to stay here through the night,’ Classin said.
‘I recall,’ Leif said. ‘But surely her parents know by now you can be trusted.’
‘It is not me they do not trust. You know Haigen well enough yourself, Leif.’
‘Of course,’ Leif murmured.
‘I feel like I’m missing something,’ I said.
‘Haigen is my twin,’ Rowan told me, with a twinkle in his brown eyes. ‘She’s a bit of a wild thing.’
‘But Classin, could you not have taken Haigen home if she had come out tonight? Surely you and Rowan together would have been protection enough. Y
ou are a member of my father’s guard after all.’
Rowan said, ‘Nobody goes out after dark any more. I will be staying here tonight.’
‘I noticed the skies were empty. What’s going on?’
‘Has your father not spoken of it with you?’ Rowan asked, surprised.
‘I have been away; I only arrived home today and have barely spoken to my father.’
‘So you do not know that my father is attending the king tonight? People are vanishing, Leif. King Telophy has called the High Guard to a conference to discuss the crisis,’ Rowan explained.
‘I should be there,’ Leif said.
‘Go then,’ Classin said. ‘Will you come back tomorrow, though? Marla can meet Haigen then.’
‘If we are able,’ Leif said, leading me away.
Leif’s mother was waiting when we arrived at the castle. She was pacing the length of the entry, her face pale and wretched, her hands clasped tightly together.
‘Oh, Leif,’ she cried, her face flooding with relief when she saw him. She came to him and clutched his arms. ‘Your father waits for you.’
‘Why did he not call for me?’
‘He would have had you not returned soon. Quickly, go to him my son.’
Leif turned to kiss me. He lay his palm against my cheek for a moment and then left to join his father.
‘Come, Marla, I have prepared a room for you,’ Atara said, then added with a smile: ‘Do not worry, it is near to Leif.’
She must have read my mind.
She led me to one of Leif’s guest rooms. ‘I hope you find it pleasing,’ she said, as she opened the door.
The room was decorated in jewel colours. In the centre was a four-poster bed of emba, delicately engraved and hung with reams of gossamer. Crystal bowls overflowing with flowers adorned every surface alongside bottles filled with perfumes and potions, and golden lamps lit with sunstones. I went to the wardrobe and opened the door. Inside was everything a girl could possibly want—nightgowns in fine silks and sheer cottons, gathered skirts and dresses in shimmering fabrics, as well as fine and pretty jewellery. This lush and extravagant space had taken more than a weekend to prepare.
‘I’ve been expected,’ I said.
‘Yes,’ Atara murmured.
‘But Leif doesn’t know.’ I gazed around the room a moment longer before looking back to Atara. ‘If he’d known he would have brought me here for clothes instead of taking me to the market.’
Atara lowered her face and in little more than a whisper, said, ‘My king commanded the room made ready the day after our son vanished.’
My capture had only ever been a matter of time. The realisation sent chills all the way to my toes.
‘He seems to want me to be comfortable at least,’ I said when I’d recovered.
‘I am sorry that you are not with us under happier circumstances, Marla. For my son to find you after believing you lost, only to have you subjected to my husband’s temper, is a sadness for you both.’
‘But why did he even have me brought here? Leif said he wants me kept out of Faera . . . ’
‘Marla, I wish I could reassure you but I do not know what will happen. I have given up trying to predict anything where my husband is concerned. But I do know my son loves you and will not let you go easily.’ Her smile was small and resigned. ‘But you know this already.’
I nodded.
‘I will leave you to settle in now, but if there is anything you need or want—anything at all, you may ring the bell on the bedside table. One of the maidens will come to wait on you.’
‘Thank you.’
Atara wished me goodnight, pausing at the door to add, ‘Marla, just one more thing. Be sure to leave the windows closed till morning and the sunlamps by them lit.’
‘Um . . . all right—why’s that?’
‘It is unsafe not to.’ She didn’t elaborate and was already backing out the door, so I let it go, but the whole thing gave me the creeps.
Feeling worried and weary, I changed into a nightgown. After finding nothing in the ensuite that resembled either toothbrush or paste, I cleaned my teeth with a washer and climbed into bed, rolling onto my side. What I saw on the bedside stand beside the bowl full of flowers relieved my anxiety instantly. It was my jewellery box, together with a photo of my family. I blew them a kiss, then closed my eyes and slept.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
I woke early the next morning to unfamiliar birdsong—strange bell-like sounds and long sweeping whips. Sunlight poured through the window, falling on the bed. I kicked the covers off and basked in it. The rays kissed my skin through the gauzy fabric of my nightdress and filled my body with power. After spending a few minutes watching the wispy clouds drift across the sky, I got up and went to open the window to look at my first Faeran morning.
I looked across the lake to the shadowy forest beyond, recalling the multitude of sunlamps that shone like stars in its canopy the night before. Looking at it now, it was difficult to envision the extent of Faeran life that flourished there, so hard to imagine that a place so tranquil could harbour so much life—a sprawling city full of people nestled within the mystery of the forest. I inhaled deeply. The clean air nurtured my lungs and caressed my skin. Never had my body felt this wonderful before. Even the rashes that lived permanently between my fingers and toes and in the crevices of my elbows and knees had almost vanished for the first time ever. It was a miracle.
I yawned and stretched and padded down the hall to Leif’s room. He was sleeping still, stretched out on the enormous bed. I crawled in beside him, nudged his arm out of the way and, snuggling up against his body, draped my arm across his chest and went back to sleep.
I don’t think too much time had passed when an alarm clock of kisses woke me again. I was enfolded in Leif’s arms but before I had time to enjoy it, he was getting out of bed.
‘Hey,’ I protested. ‘Come back.’ I held my arms out to him.
He smiled and came back into my embrace.
‘You didn’t even say good morning,’ I murmured against his hair.
‘Good morning,’ he whispered. But before I could get too comfortable he was climbing out of bed again, this time bringing me with him.
‘Is there a fire or something?’ I complained as he set me on my feet.
‘There will be if we stay in bed.’ He laughed. ‘And then I will be late.’
‘Late for what?’
‘I have commitments with my father today.’ He ran his hands through his tousled hair.
‘Your father? How can you even speak to your father after what he did to you?’
‘Look at me. I’m fine.’ He held his arms out and turned a full circle to demonstrate. He sure was fine, every centimetre of him. And not a blemish remained on his toned and powerful body. ‘It’s not for my father’s benefit anyway,’ he continued, as he headed for the bathroom.
‘Who’s then?’ I asked, following him.
‘The Fae of Telophy,’ he answered, as he turned the water on and stepped into the shower.
I pulled my nightdress over my head, threw it out the bathroom door and followed him into the shower.
‘Marla,’ he groaned, but gathered me close against him and began covering my face and neck with succulent kisses. ‘We really shouldn’t—’
‘Oh hush,’ I murmured, eyes closed, head tipped back to receive his kisses as I savoured the sensation of his big, powerful body pressed to mine. ‘We’re practically married.’
But it was the wrong thing to say, because he released me instantly, reminding me we weren’t yet married. Then keeping his eyes averted from me, he began to wash himself—quickly—describing the contents of the bottles and jars as he used them before handing them to me to do likewise. This was a shampoo made from cotabean and eldenflower and water from the river Gosi. One of the maids had created it especially for him. That was a scrub made from the juice of the oleara fruit mixed with mud rich in minerals from the salt lakes in Aren. He’d got it from a
market when last he was there. He told me every detail of that day while I massaged it into my skin—such a luxury to be free to use such things. And this was a soap made from the oil of the . . . I stopped him right there with my laughter and was surprised—when he finally allowed himself to look at me—to see a pained expression on his face. ‘I told you this was difficult for me, Marla,’ he said quietly. Then he picked up a small jar of jade-coloured paste and after taking a scoop on his finger passed the jar to me. Then using the finger dabbed with paste he proceeded to clean his teeth. The mystery from the night before was solved. Leif finished off without another word, then left me alone, snagging a towel from the shelf as he bolted out the door.
‘So what are we doing today?’ I asked as I came out the bathroom a short while later, wrapped in a fluffy white towel. Leif was already dried and dressed.
‘I have to accompany my father on a visit throughout the regions of Telophy.’
‘Am I coming with you?’
‘Not this time. I’m going to take you to Asher this morning. You will spend the day with your family.’
‘I’d rather go with you.’
‘It’s not possible.’
‘But—’
‘The decision is not mine,’ Leif interrupted, before I could argue. ‘If it were, then of course I would take you with me. Now quickly, get dressed so we can be on our way.’
I did as I was told, going to my room and choosing a floaty thigh-length dress in lime green before following him downstairs.
‘Where are we going?’ I asked as he passed the main rooms and carried on down the stairs.
‘I thought we would eat breakfast in the kitchen today.’
‘Is that usual?’
‘It is for me.’
Leif was adored. There really was no other way to explain the attention that was showered on him. Little stabs of that increasingly familiar and unpleasant emotion carved my insides up as a kitchen full of beauties greeted him with wide smiles and sweet curtsies before they began fussing over him. There was a stray hair to pat into place here, a speck to be dusted from his bare shoulder there, a napkin to be placed on his lap after he was seated—all with darting, touching hands. And I’d been worried about Janet—this was the markets all over again and worse!
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