by R L Medina
13
The day had come. I woke up with a splitting headache. Sweaty palms and tightened chest. My body already set to panic mode. Sacha didn’t come for our usual lessons. Instead, Grimera led me through activity after activity. Gown fitting. Hair curling. Ball etiquette and rehearsal. My mind spun. Was this what it was like for people on their wedding day?
Nausea, my ever-present friend, built up with each passing hour. I tried to listen to all the instructions, but worry consumed my thoughts. Run. I dismissed that idea quickly. Where would I go? Could I lock myself in my room?
When lunch time came, Grimera’s surprise was a breath of fresh air. Literally. A picnic in the gardens. No doubt, a distraction to keep my panic at bay. I followed her through the wide halls and outside gate. Heat hit me in a powerful wave. I squinted at the brightness, wishing I’d changed into a thinner dress.
“This way, Renée. Princess.”
I made a face. “Do you have to call me princess all the time?”
“Yes.”
Sighing, I scurried after her. Pebbles and red sand stirred as she glided above the walkway. The smell of campfire filled my nose, but where it came from, I couldn’t tell. Dark green cactuses dotted the path and rocky terrain, leading us farther from the palace.
The gardens turned out to be greener and lusher than I’d imagined. I expected more cactuses and other desert like plants, not a small jungle. Vines snaked around the tropical trees and pixies flitted from plant to plant. Giant flowers bloomed, vivid hues of red and orange. How did the plants survive the excruciating heat? Already my head pounded.
Grimera sighed in pleasure and led me to a grassy spot under a red, leafy tree. I sat down, thankful for the shade. Around us, the myriad of plants and flowers swayed and rustled. I blinked, trying to take them all in. How did they grow here? A clash of flowery scents drifted around us.
“Beautiful, isn’t?” Grimera broke the silence.
I nodded and eyed the basket she’d brought. My stomach rumbled in anticipation.
“Not like the Outer World.”
Her words rankled me. I frowned. “We have beautiful plants back home.”
She turned to me. “Yes. But I mean, these plants are different. These are alive.”
“So are the ones back home.”
“Their spirits are dead. Most of them.”
“Oh.”
I opened the basket and dug into the warm bread and fresh fruit. Her words echoed in my mind. Questions surfaced.
“Are we still on Earth?”
“Of course.”
I popped a berry into my mouth and chewed. “How does that work? How can the GRIMM hide a whole kingdom?”
“The ancient beings set up the barriers. None of the ordinaires or extraordinaires can move between barriers without the GRIMM knowing.”
“So, they know we came here?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t they stop us?”
“They don’t care if we leave the Outer World. They’d only investigate if we returned.”
Hollowness filled me. If. I glanced around at the hanging vines and large bushes. A giant fly with glittery wings buzzed back and forth. From the outside, Feylin didn’t seem so different from back home. The inhabitants were just… stranger. Though, they’d probably think we were the strange ones. What would the elves think of me when they saw me?
I took a bite of bread and swallowed. “What happens if I fail my presentation tonight.”
“You will not fail.”
I sighed in frustration. “What if I throw up on everyone?”
“That would be… regrettable.”
“I don’t think I’m ready for this, Grimera.”
She reeled back. As if I’d slapped her. I cringed. It was the first time I hadn’t called her Grandmere to her face. Sorrow surrounded her. I licked my lips, unsure of what to say.
Her misty hand touched mine. “You can do this, Renée.”
“If I do this, they will accept me?”
She wavered. “Princess Cindra’s court will pledge themselves to you.”
My lips twisted. They’d be forced to recognize me as my mom’s heir, but that didn’t mean they’d accept me.
“We should return. Get you ready.”
“Will I be allowed to leave my room after this ball?”
“With a proper escort.”
I sighed and picked up the basket as I stood. Great. I didn’t want Des following me around everywhere. And after ten years of watching me, he probably didn’t want the job either. Drinking as much of the view as I could, I followed Grimera back to the castle. My eyes darted across the empty land. So barren and bleak. I missed the coziness of the Gray Court. The smell of crisp leaves and damp moss. That little meadow. Would the Red Court courtiers be as harsh as the land?
As we walked back, fiery wings soared above us. Grimera trembled as the bird screeched and circled us.
I sucked in a breath. “What is that?”
I am guardian to Princess Cindra of the Court of Flame. You do not belong here, halfling. Cursed. Child of shame. Heir of nothing.
Her words cut me with precision. With another cry she flew out of range, sending sparks of fire falling as she left.
Grimera shuddered. “Fiammetta.”
The harsh voice echoed in my head, feeding my fears. What if the courtiers felt the same?
Disregarding my reluctance, the little brownie stood on the chair and held up the mirror for me. I stared back at the petrified girl. This isn’t going to work, my eyes seemed to scream. My brown freckles stood out beneath the pale goo they’d tried to use to cover them up. Red angry splotches dotted my face, as if in retaliation for the attempt. I sighed.
“No. No, no. That won’t do it all.” Grimera entered the room. She rushed towards me and waved the brownie away.
“Fetch the water,” she commanded.
I flinched at her tone. “I think I’m having an allergic reaction. I should probably lie down.”
She turned to me, body wavering. “You’ll be fine.”
I groaned. “No. Really. I feel sick.”
Her shimmery hand touched my forehead. I scrunched up my nose, hopeful she’d find me suitably unfit for the presentation.
“I’ll bring you some tea.”
My shoulders slumped. I didn’t want tea. I wanted to hide under the covers until all the courtiers left.
Grimera paused at the door. “Wash that paste of her face and start on her hair. Do not mess up that gown.”
I sent the little brownie an apologetic smile.
Why is she snarling at me?
Her thoughts startled me. My eyes widened in horror. Why was I hearing them now? So far, I’d been blocking thoughts and emotions easily. The presentation. What if everyone’s thoughts filled my mind at once?
The brownie blinked at me and offered a damp towel.
“Thank you, er… what is your name?”
Her lip trembled. A trick?
I shook my head. “No. No trick. I just realized I didn’t know your name.”
Her large brown eyes bugged out even further. I frowned. Was it me? Had I scared her? Guilt filled me. Why hadn’t I ever asked her in the weeks I’d been there? My cheeks flamed. Mom would be ashamed.
“Mag. Maggie-May-Mag, but you may call me Mag, Princess.” Her words were barely a whisper.
“You don’t have to call me princess.”
She blanched. An image of a dark prison filled my mind. Somewhere she’d been or somewhere she feared she would go? My fists clenched at the thought.
“I’m sorry.” I blurted. “I don’t mean to scare you. Do you get in trouble if we talk?”
She averted her gaze and shrugged. “Only if it displeases Princess Cindra.”
Dread coiled inside my stomach. “What happens if you displease her?”
Her furry little ears twitched. “The guards burn us or send us to the dungeon.”
Anger rose inside me. This wasn’t right. How co
uld my aunt allow this? Mom would never let it happen in her court. Worry gnawed at me. Had my aunt brought any fae from my mom’s court to her castle?
“I won’t let them hurt you.” The authority in my voice startled even me.
Thin eyebrows shot up into her brown, pointed hat. She bowed and gratitude swelled in the air around her.
With a trembling hand, she brushed out my hair. I looked down at my silky layered gown. Red and gold like everything in the Court of Flame. By far, the most beautiful dress I’d ever worn. Would Sacha be there to see me in it? I snorted. What did it matter? I’d be too busy focusing on not throwing up to try to impress him. Watching as Mag braided and pinned up my hair, I tried to sooth my rattled nerves.
Just one night. One presentation. Then it’s all over.
But would it be over? My gut told me this would only be the beginning. The words of Aunt Maloret came back, echoing my worry. I’d have to face all the courts. What if I failed?
After finishing her work, Mag led me out the door and bowed. I rose on shaky feet and followed. She bowed again and waved for me to follow her down the hall. The opposite direction Grimera and I had gone earlier. My heart pounded and sweat gathered. It couldn’t be time already.
Mag led me to a giant, ornate door, guarded by two elves. She bowed to them and scurried away. Panic swelled. The guards bowed to me as music blared from behind the door.
Human. Halfling. Cursed. Why should we bow to you?
Their thoughts rattled me. Sacha said the noblesse could block their thoughts so were they purposefully not doing it? Maybe they didn’t know I could read minds. I took a deep breath and envisioned a barrier between us. Just like Sacha had taught me. Silence returned.
I rubbed my unicorn charm and swallowed down my fear. It didn’t work. My hands trembled and everything inside me screamed for me to run. Back to my room and hide until the dance was over. I hadn’t even entered the ballroom yet, and already my anxiety spiraled out of control. What would happen when the doors opened and the whole court turned to look at me?
Nausea filled me. Oh, no. What if I threw up in front of all the guests? My breath quickened, and a ringing sounded in my ears. Where was Sacha? Or Aunt Cindra or Grimera? I’d be happy even with Des’s surly face.
Was I supposed to enter by myself? A scuffling sound came from behind. I turned to see two rows of soldiers making their way towards me. Between them stood Aunt Cindra. Relief flooded me. I wouldn’t have to walk in alone. Her gold dress scraped the floor, poofy and billowy like a cloud.
She smiled. “You look glorious.”
I wrung my hands together. “Thank you.”
“Ready?”
My breath hitched. No. Dizziness struck me, and spots clouded my vision. A panic attack? Now? I groaned, clenching my eyes shut, willing my body to calm down. The sound of the doors opening with a boom snapped me back. I counted, breathing in and out as I let Aunt Cindra lead the way.
Courtiers dressed in layers of gold and red filled the room. Their shoes clacked on the smooth black floor. In the middle, dancers twirled, their fingers lit with fire. The crowd oohed and awed as their quick movements sent the flames spiraling and leaping into the air. Heat poured from them, spreading across the ballroom. Spices drifted from the steaming trays the slaves carried and flew back and forth.
My stomach knotted. I gripped my charm and forced my lips into a smile. Eyes. So many eyes. Turning all at once and landing on us. The path to the platform, loomed before me. I swallowed and trembled, sticking close to Aunt Cindra’s side.
All eyes turned to me. Their thoughts rushed through my mind.
Human. You don’t belong. Beast.
I rebuilt my wall, sealing all the little gaps and cracks. My own fear and worry drowned out their emotions. This was a dream. No. A nightmare.
I followed Aunt Cindra, my eyes on the stage, ignoring their stares. Beautiful faces painted with harsh colors and hair piled high in strange styles. Their clothes were gorgeous and their backs stiff as they bowed.
Despite the myriad of unnatural colors of their hair, skin or eyes, and their obviously pointed ears, they could pass for human. Like a bizarre high fashion show. I shuddered. This wasn’t dress up and their hard gazes held no hint of welcome.
I held up my dress as we climbed the short steps up to the empty platform. Was this the same throne room as I’d seen the first day? Where was Aunt Cindra’s throne?
Music stopped. All heads turned to watch us. A heaviness filled the room and fire lit the statues and torches scattered across the dance floor. I sucked in a breath, willing myself not to bolt.
“Tonight, I present to the Court of Flame, Princess Renée of the Court of Fur. Daughter of Princess Aubri of the Court of Fur.”
Whispers grew. I didn’t miss the fact that she’d left out my father. Staring down at my feet, I tried to focus on my breathing. My chest tightened.
Don’t panic. Don’t panic.
“She will demonstrate her magic. And you will pledge yourselves to her and acknowledge her as a Princess of Feylin.”
Silence. I looked up, noticing their clenched jaws and fists. I didn’t need to hear their thoughts. They didn’t want me.
I swallowed down my fear and threw a glance at my Aunt. She nodded encouragingly. I could do this. I’d done it so many times, now it came naturally. Scanning the crowd, I longed to see Sacha or Grimera. Or even Des. Then I realized, they were lower caste and Grimera not even fae. They wouldn’t be welcomed here. Instead the courtiers stared at me. Cold. Brutal eyes. Disgust, anger, and disbelief filled the room.
“Laroe, you may come up now.”
I followed her gaze to a dark-skinned elf. His face set like stone.
He bowed.
Aunt Cindra turned to me. “Laroe is a master of mind shields. Now, break his down.”
I shut my eyes and tuned out my pounding heart. I could do this. I had to do it. Taking a deep breath, I summoned the magic.
Come, on. Don’t let me down now.
14
A warmness tingled through me, and I winced as blood rushed to my head. The magic, a familiar presence now, coursed through me, giving me heightened senses. In my mind, I saw his mental shield. Layers of locks and doors. A fortress of metal and rock, keeping me out. I took a shaky breath and swept my hand across it. No sign of weakness.
How was I going to break through?
Sacha’s words came back to me. The secret was in emotion. Feelings could never quite be completely shielded and following the path of the strongest one would lead me to a weakened area. I spread out my fingers, searching. The voices and music faded away in the background. I tuned out the other’s emotions and focused on his.
Pride. Confidence. Revulsion. I hesitated. Each pulsed and throbbed with equal strength. Sweat dripped down my neck. The revulsion he had for me lashed out like a snake, making me tremble. I didn’t want to go near that emotion, but something told me it would be my best bet.
Swallowing my fear, I followed the thread. It wrapped around him so tightly, I couldn’t tell where it stopped and started. There. A crack. Faster than he could react, I summoned more power and pried open the shield. It trembled and bucked under my attack, trying to seal itself. No. I clawed at it, using all my mental strength to keep it open.
Something inside me snapped.
Pain roared to life. My body shook as the crack widened. His emotions and thoughts slammed against me, but I held tightly. Faintly aware of my gasping breath, I called on more magic and tore down his walls. They quaked beneath my power and shattered. His sharp cry echoed from far away.
Stop. Stop! His pained voice entered my mind.
I reeled back.
The crowd gasped, whispering together. Blood trickled from his nose. My gut clenched, my skin still thrumming with magic. He glanced at Aunt Cindra. She waved him away and he bowed stiffly, eyes refusing to meet mine. Guilt prickled me. Had I done that to him?
Aunt Cindra stood, smiling proudly at me. I
released my breath. Sweat coated my neck and palms. Was it over? Could I leave now?
“Bravo!” Aunt Maloret’s voice echoed against the walls.
My eyes landed on her as she made her way forward, sporting a gaudy black cocktail dress.
She flashed me a smile. “Do it again.”
I gaped at her.
Aunt Cindra stiffened beside me. “The presentation is over.”
She pouted. “But I didn’t get to see the whole thing.”
“Pity.” Aunt Cindra’s voice fell flat.
Courtiers made room for her as she walked towards the throne. Aunt Cindra’s fists clenched by her sides. Anger rolled from her in waves. With a wave of her hand, she commanded her guards to block the platform.
Aunt Maloret smiled.
I watched their exchange in confusion. Grimera told me that my Aunt Maloret wasn’t welcomed in the other courts because of her fairy ancestry, but Aunt Cindra allowed her to come before. Weren’t they working together to find Mom? Why the animosity?
Aunt Maloret’s eyes twinkled. She swiped a glass of wine from a fairy’s tray. Courtiers scurried out of her way, anger rising in the room. Before their emotions and thoughts could drown me, I built my defenses.
“What happened to the music? This is a ball, no? Dance.” Aunt Maloret spread her arms, creating shadows.
Fury lit Aunt Cindra’s face. She lifted her chin. “Enough. Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare summon your creatures, Maloret.”
She smiled. “But nobody’s dancing. I need someone to dance with.”
With a silent command, Aunt Cindra ordered the musicians to start. A lively tune bounced off the stone walls. Courtiers paired off, throwing nervous glances at the Black Court Princess. Aunt Maloret chuckled and tipped back her glass. Throwing it to the floor with a loud crash, she jumped into the middle of the dance floor and to my surprise, started spinning.
Aunt Cindra sighed. Her eyes slid to mine, and she smiled.
“You did well, Renée. Your mother would be so proud.”
