by R L Medina
She whipped towards me, making me jump. “But it’s a party.”
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “I don’t want everyone to be looking at me.”
“Well, of course, they’re going to look. You’re a Princess of Feylin.”
I flinched. I wish she would stop reminding me. Maybe other girls dreamt of being royalty, but I didn’t. Why would anyone want that much attention? I caught my reflection and averted my eyes. I didn’t want to see myself. Weak. Scared. So terribly, terribly out of my depth. They would not accept me. Definitely not as their princess.
“I’m not changing again.” I shook my head and folded my arms against my chest.
She sighed and led me towards the exit. I grabbed the tree roots and pulled myself out. Something that would have been difficult to do in a dress. The clearing was filled with fae. They turned in unison as I approached. All at once, their thoughts and emotions slammed into me. I reeled back, trying to form a barrier against it. How had mom done it?
Grimera was at my side in an instant, her cool misty touch calming me. I focused on building a wall in my mind and shutting everyone out. Silence returned to me and I sighed in relief. I gave her a grateful smile and walked with her as she led me in front of everyone. They looked at me expectantly. Some smiled. Dark, dangerous smiles.
Des grunted and met every eye. “She is a guest of Princess Cindra. She will not be harmed.”
I swallowed hard. Is that what they had been thinking? Without delving into their minds, I couldn’t be sure, but I didn’t think I wanted to know. Grimera handed me a cup of something bubbling. I took it and looked down into the strange clear liquid.
“Wine. Just one cup. Don’t drink anything else,” she instructed.
My eyebrows shot up. She was letting me drink wine? Was she afraid I’d go into panic mode without a relaxer? I shrugged and sniffed the drink. An aroma of oranges and cinnamon tickled my nose. Everyone watched as I took a careful sip. Sweet. It tasted nothing like it smelled. If anything, it tasted like a diluted Kool-Aid. They were all still watching, and I realized, they were waiting. Waiting for me to react.
I smiled. “Thank you.”
A cheer went up and was silenced by Des’s glare. Music played from somewhere and laughter filled the air. I relaxed as the attention pulled away from me. I’d always wondered what it would be like to go to a party back at school. Nothing like this, I was sure. Fairies and pixies flitted to and fro with armloads of strange looking fruit. Trolls and ogres were playing tug-o-war with a hollowed tree stump, wine sloshing out each time. Fauns and centaurs stomped out a beat as dryads and tiny sprites danced with each other across the sky.
A strange-looking creature waddled up to me. His large, wide set eye blinked and his long, bat-like ears hung down as he bowed. I gaped at him, wondering what I was supposed to say.
He clasped his clawed hands across his naked, furry body and opened his strange slit of a mouth. “Princess.”
The music stopped. Sweat beaded on my head as eyes turned to us. So many eyes. What was I supposed to say? I gave him a nod in acknowledgment, and it seemed to please him. He waddled back to his friends with a sharp tooth smile.
A fairy dropped something into my hand and flew off before I could thank her. I held up the bright purple fruit, giving it a sniff. Sugary and starfruit shaped. The skin looked soft and my stomach rumbled with hunger.
“I wouldn’t eat that if I were you, Princess.”
I dropped the fruit with a squeal and turned to see a bare-chested elf. His skin was dark like mahogany and looked as smooth as glass. Black dreadlocks framed a strong jaw and his hazel colored eyes shone with curiosity. My eyes instantly went to his ears. Long, and pointed. I stared in surprise. Besides Des, he was the only elf I’d seen so far. Where were the others?
“It’s fruit de somme.” He interrupted my thoughts.
I looked down at the innocent looking fruit. “Slumber fruit?”
“Makes you sleep. Sometimes a day, weeks, months, or minutes. It’s different every bite.”
His words caused a shiver to run through me. I would have eaten it if he hadn’t stopped me.
“Thank you.”
He flashed me a wide grin and bowed. I stood there awkwardly, trying to think of something to say. Why was he talking to me?
“If you are hungry, the yellow fruit is the safest choice. Or the nuts and seeds.”
“Thanks.”
“Does my dress offend you, Princess?”
I blinked at him. “Dress?”
“My attire. You keep averting your eyes.”
Heat flooded my face. I shook my head and forced myself to meet his eyes. Taking a sip of wine, I tried to think of a witty response.
“No,” I blurted.
His eyebrow arched, and his mouth twisted into a grin that he quickly hid behind his own cup. It wasn’t a cocky grin, but an amused one. Not arrogant. His eyes looked kind and his smile genuine. I shook my head at myself. Way, way out of my league.
“Are you enjoying the party?” His voice was softer than you’d imagine for a guy his size. The kind of voice that could recite perfect poetry and sing. Yeah, he was probably an amazing singer.
I mentally kicked myself for staring at his lips. “Huh? Yeah.”
Averting my eyes, I looked for an escape. I had to get out of there before I made myself look like even more of an idiot. My eyes met Des’s and I sighed in relief.
“Excuse me, I have to go.” I bolted without a glance back.
Too fast. The movement made my head spin and a feverish heat spread across my skin. A heavy pressure pushed against my chest and I gasped for breath.
Oh, no. I was not about to have a panic attack right here in front of the fae. Was it the wine? I hadn’t even finished the one cup.
Des walked toward me. He nodded to the handsome elf behind me. I blinked in surprise as he headed right for him. Before anyone noticed, I slipped away. I set the wooden cup down on the ground and walked deeper into the forest, ignoring the dizziness. Bird calls echoed through the trees and sprites, tiny little specks of light to the eye, danced in the cool air. I made my way through the fog, looking for I didn’t know what. A secluded place to think? The fear of facing a malicious fae kept me from straying too far. I paused against a tree, taking in a deep breath to calm myself. The pressure disappeared and my head stopped spinning.
I continued. The path led up to a small, grassy clearing. Wildflowers dotted the hill in hues of purple and yellow and dragonflies and butterflies flew from petal to petal. It looked normal. Safe. I glanced around and found a spot to sit. Had mom sat in this very spot? A peace and stillness filled me. My eyelids grew heavy. I yawned and stretched. The grass was so soft and warm, and I was so tired. An alarm went off in my head, but I was too tired to care. I closed my eyes and gave in.
9
The sun was setting, painting the sky in a brilliant pinkish hue. I sat on the soft grass and admired the surrounding beauty. If it weren’t for the strange creatures, it wouldn’t be so different from back home. The Colorado mountains and pines flashed through my mind. Would I ever get to see them again?
A rustling sounded behind me. I shot to my feet and ducked behind a tree to peer out.
Trees trembled and leaves whipped in a frenzy, pushed around by an invisible force. My blood ran cold. What was happening? I watched in horror as the forest separated, making way for something.
A towering elf strode into view. My aunt? A glittering crown of ice stood on her pale blonde hair, its spires stretching high like spears. Her piercing blue eyes landed on me. Cold. Brutal. Her small, pink lips curled back in rage. Fear shot through my veins. I knew it in an instant, this wasn’t my aunt. The Queen. She’d found me already and the hatred that shone in her gaze shook me to the core.
“Come here.” Her voice came, surprisingly soft. Like a mother calling to her child, but it didn’t fool me. Cruelty radiated from her like a vine of sharp thorns, ready to spring toward me.
/> I stood rooted to the spot. Where was Des? Grandmere? Sweat beaded my forehead. I couldn’t run. I couldn’t hide. What could I do?
A cold blast hit the tree, covering it in ice. I shivered as the frosty air billowed around me. The Queen’s eyes narrowed. She twisted her wrist and the tree splintered into a thousand pieces, the sound roaring in my ears. I dove for the ground, covering my head as shards of ice and wood showered down on me.
Fear gripped me. I curled into myself, my heart pounding in my ears. This was it. This was how I died.
“No!” a panicked voice rang through the air.
Des was at my side in an instant, knives drawn. He stepped forward, shielding me. Grimera glided toward us, her body wavering in fear. I rose to my feet and peered around Des.
Facing off the queen, a dark-skinned elf stood. Fire lit both her hands. I sucked in my breath. Aunt Cindra.
The Queen laughed. A harsh, jarring sound. “You would defend this human?”
Aunt Cindra’s chin lifted, her eyes narrowed. “Halfling.”
Cold air burst around us, sinking into my skin. Icy cold rage. The Queen whipped towards me. “Who is your mother?”
I trembled behind Des.
Aunt Cindra’s face hardened. “Your daughter.”
The forest fell silent. My heart thundered as I watched the exchange. The Queen’s lips curled back. Her sharp, pale features made her look more like living ice than flesh. There was no warmth there. Nothing human.
“And you brought her here. Did you think you could hide her from me? I will have her head and you will face the council for this treachery.” She turned back towards me. “And you. Vulgaire. You have been a thorn in my side for far too long. It will be my pleasure to see you back in my dungeon.”
Des stiffened.
“He has broken no law.” Aunt Cindra’s voice deepened. Flames sparked from her outstretched hand.
The Queen smiled.
“And the King has already pardoned Aubri’s daughter. You can’t touch her.”
Her smile vanished. “No.”
It was Aunt Cindra’s turn to smile. “Yes. The council has spoken, your Highness. We tried to summon you, but you were nowhere to be found.”
Fury flashed on the Queen’s face. “Watch yourself, stepdaughter. Your mother thought she could best me too and we know how that turned out for her.”
Aunt Cindra’s nostrils flared. Anger rolled off her in waves. Before she could respond, the Queen vanished, leaving behind a chill in the air.
Grimera laid her cool mist-like hands on my arm. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, but my thoughts raced along with my heart. She would have killed me on the spot. And the King. Had he known she was out to get me? What did it mean that I’d been pardoned? That they’d forgiven me for being a halfling?
“You are Renée?” Aunt Cindra’s deep voice startled me. I blinked at her. It was weird hearing our French dialect come from her. Mom’s sister. A connection to mom.
Her golden eyes stared back at me framed by the longest and darkest eyelashes I’d ever seen. Her red silk dress dragged the forest floor as she walked toward me. Des bowed and moved away. A look passed between them, something secret that I didn’t know what to make of.
She looked nothing like Mom. A flawless heart-shaped face, dark with flecks of gold. Black curls cascaded down, nearly touching the ground. Locks twirled and moved with her every step, one blazing red strand standing out among the others. Elf? She looked like a goddess.
“She doesn’t speak Elvish?” She turned an accusing glare at Grimera.
Grimera gave her a slight bow. “She does, My Highness. She’s just shy.” She shot me a pointed look.
I gaped at them. “You mean French? Elves speak French?” I asked in English.
Aunt Cindra’s nose scrunched up and Des shook his head.
Grimera smiled patiently at me. “Renée, your mother didn’t teach you French. She taught you Elvish.”
I frowned. “Why does it sound like French then?”
“There were many elves in the Outer World and when we left, the language stuck. Humans adopted it as one of their own.”
Aunt Cindra interrupted. “We shouldn’t linger here. I’d rather not deal with the Queen. Again. She is in one of her moods.”
Des scoffed. “When is she not?”
Her eyebrow arched and Des smirked.
Noticing my gaze, her face softened. I sucked in a breath.
“Renée, I never thought I’d meet you. And here you are. If only Aubri…” She bit her lip and squared her shoulders. “Come, we will discuss things later.”
I followed her outstretched hand to a floating red carriage. My eyes bulged. I’d never flown before. Heights made me queasy. I didn’t even like the Ferris wheel.
“Uh… do I have to ride that?”
Aunt Cindra turned to me. “And what’s wrong with my carriage?”
“Oh, no. It’s just….”
Grimera glided toward us and bowed. “My Highness, Renée has never flown before, but she would consider it an honor to ride in your carriage.”
I rubbed my unicorn charm and took a deep breath. A floating carriage. I could handle this. No reason to give the fae more reason to mock me. Drawing myself up, I forced my face into what I hoped was an agreeable smile.
Judging by her arched eyebrows, I failed.
I followed them into the flying death trap and steeled myself. Inside, my eyes landed on the red and gold embroidered cushions. The designs so intricate and mesmerizing, I didn’t notice the curious stares they gave me.
“Please sit.” My aunt’s command interrupted my thoughts.
I scurried to an open spot across from her and between Des and Grimera. When had I stopped thinking of her as Grandmere? Her ethereal form floated above the seat and tickled my face. Ah. Yes, when she’d lost her glamour and didn’t look like the grandmother I knew. Sadness filled me. Sure, she was still the same… but it was different now.
The carriage jerked, forcing me out of my thoughts. My fingers dug into the bench as we swayed. I took a deep breath, my stomach lurching as we ascended. I didn’t dare look out the window.
I tried. I really tried to listen as Aunt Cindra prattled on, but my stomach kept doing flip flops and all I could think about was keeping my food down.
Her brows knitted together. “Are you well? Your face has changed color.”
Des’s eyes snapped to mine. Bile rose up. Oh, no. Oh, no.
He jumped out of the way and pushed me towards the window. Just in time. I watched in horror as my previous meals fell below and disappeared into the tree-tops. Clutching my stomach, I groaned. Way to leave an impression.
The carriage fell silent. I gratefully accepted the cup of water Grimera held out for me and refused to make eye contact with anyone. My face flamed.
“I’ll send for the healer as soon as we’ve landed.” Aunt Cindra spoke first.
“Thank you.” I blushed.
Des’s lip curled. I didn’t need to hear his thoughts to understand. I’d disgraced myself already. Shame and anger coursed through me. What did they expect from me? Trying to earn their acceptance would be useless. Another world. Another place I didn’t fit in. I wrapped my arms around myself and turned to face the window. Closing my eyes, I pretended to sleep and ignored their hushed discussion.
How could you leave me so unprepared, Mom?
Desert replaced forest. Rocky red mountains dotted the ground below. In the distance, dark winged creatures flew. I sucked in a breath. Dragons. Real. Live. Dragons. I squinted, trying to make out more details. Dizziness struck me, and I turned away from the window, not wanting a repeat of earlier.
Warm air blew into the carriage.
I sniffed. “Why does it smell like something is burning?”
Des snorted. “Court of Flame. Everything is burning.”
Aunt Cindra pursed her lips. He smiled at her. My mouth dropped open. It was the first real smile I’d seen that wasn’
t smug or cruel. Grimera’s words came back to me. Was there something going on between my aunt and her assassin spy? Noticing my stare, Des’s smile turned into a scowl. I whipped my head back around.
“How can it go from cool to hot so quickly?”
“The fairies. They work to manipulate the weather,” Grimera answered.
I frowned at her. “The fairies control the weather?”
Aunt Cindra’s chin lifted. “The royals determine what kind of weather for their courts. The fairies follow their command.”
Slaves, I remembered. I cringed. The whole idea of slavery and a caste system rattled me. Where would humans fall on the scale? Apparently, we didn’t even make the bottom tier and had to be killed on sight. I shuddered at the memory of the Queen.
A black stone castle came into view. My eyes bulged. This was really happening. Panic swirled inside me. Breathe. Relax.
As we floated closer, I noticed the sparkling jewels engraved in the black stone. Gold, red, and green sparkled in the darkening sky. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Despite my nerves, excitement crept in. What other wonders would Feylin hold?
“Brace yourself.” Des’s voice cut through my thoughts.
I yelped as the carriage made a sharp descent. Snatching my eyes away from the window, I gripped the seat beneath me. My eyes clenched shut. With a deafening and jarring thud, we landed. I sighed in relief. First carriage ride and I survived. Though the thought of more in the future made me queasy.
“Des.” Aunt Cindra nodded to him.
He lifted his hands towards me. I flinched. Shadows grew around me. They crawled over me like spiders and sank into my skin. My heart raced as I tried to shake them off. They sank deeper, cold and biting.
“They won’t harm you. The shadows will hide you,” my aunt explained. “Just until things settle in the White Court.”
Her words did nothing to quell my fears. I shuddered and nearly bolted out of my seat as my arms disappeared, followed by the rest of me. Invisible. Why couldn’t I have that power instead?
“Keep your mouth shut and this will work,” Des huffed beside me.
