by A. K. Koonce
Lincoln is painfully silent.
"I'd beg to differ."
The Princess snaps her head up, her eyes wide as she gives me her full attention. She looks at me for a moment, before resuming her work. "That'll change once you are presented with all your options of Fae who aren't mixed breeds. Lincoln's a bottom tier lover. –Sorry, Linc—. There is a world of men more suited for a queen, ones that their people can respect and that will give you alliance."
The metal of my fork bends in my hand. I grip it with such ferocity that my knuckles are white and the muscles up my forearm visibly tense.
"I think you forget yourself." I grind out. "You forget that I'm the rightful queen."
"Ooh, sassy, I like it." Violet bats her lashes at me.
Kai's pen freezes. Rowan quietly lowers his boots from the table and glances between us.
"Are you two going to fight right now?" Rowan says with a slow smile.
"That's ridiculous." Violet laughs. "We're much more civilized than that. Plus, Lincoln isn't worth fighting over."
"Again, you're wrong."
I force myself to set my fork down, more concerned that I'd stab the sharp points of it into her pretty pale neck and the blue vein that runs down it.
Calm down. Lincoln reminds me. You're not yet used to the way your body processes emotion, now. Laugh it off.
Laugh it off?
"Ha. Ha. Ha," I say rigidly. Trying to calm myself, I take a long slow breath but the bitter rage of Lincoln's mistreatment, the frustration of the mistreatment of all Fae with mixed lineage, still glows with a scarily hot flame inside of me. They're just like me. I'm just like them. Violet's cutting remarks, all of their remarks, are against everything that I am too. Not just Lincoln.
At that thought, I feel Lincoln thoughts stir. A dark violent rage fills his thoughts, it stalls whatever conversation he is having with another guard in the Shadow Court.
"The Shadow Fae are my people." I start. "So we won't be talking down to them in my presence any longer. Understand? In fact, I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak about them, the way that you do, at all."
"I'll take it into consideration." The Princess gives me a fake smile.
"Yes, she will." Kai repeats nodding his head. "How about a change of subject?"
I narrow my gaze at Violet, who only relishes in the fact that she's getting under my skin. She may have gotten under Lincoln's too, which is quite unusual for him. Kai reaches from his seat, placing his hand on mine. He strokes his thumb over my skin as he was when I woke up today.
"Briar," he says in a hushed tone directed at me.
It takes me a minute to quit wishing a sudden and painful death for anyone who speaks against my people before I finally turn to look at him. I stare back into his golden gaze.
"What."
"I understand your concern... and the respect that you wish for yourself and your court, but it may take some time for us all to learn how to leash out tongues." His smile tilts upside down as he looks to Violet. "Especially for my sister."
"I'm taking offense to that," she quips.
"You're meant to." Kai lets my hand go and folds his hands across his slim waist as he tilts his head back against his seat.
Rowan roars a laugh, slapping the table. My fork bounces against the metal.
"But we have more relevant things to talk about," Kai says over his brother, who still cackles at his end of the table. "We can set up a meeting, now, with your court. Gives you a chance to meet the higher-ups and the people who will be directly advising you."
"Judging you," Rowan interjects.
Kai closes his eyes, inhaling slowly. It could be that I'm not the only one bothered by his siblings today. When he opens his eyes again, directly meeting my stare, he asks, "What do you think?"
"I think it's time." I sit up a little straighter. "Though it would do me a little good to get familiar with what I can do and how to do it first. I don't want to go in totally unprepared."
"With your magic, you mean?"
"Yes."
"I'm afraid, none of us will be quite qualified for that job. We've never been foreign to our powers. Lincoln might be the better one for the job." Kai sits forward, setting his hands on top of his work.
"Lincoln's not around to help." I grit out.
"Can't you too speak into each other's minds? Do that." Violet juts out her chin.
"It's not the same."
I try my best to relax my jaw, nervous that if I don’t, I'll start shattering my own teeth. Lincoln being in my head is not the same as teaching me. It's just not. I'd learn better in person too. But I also can't keep pushing this off.
Every second I wait, more Fae are terrorized or killed by Cordelia. Any human that wanders in with an unknown lineage is slaughtered. There has to be an end. I will be her end. I mean, maybe she'll step down and we won't have to escalate the issue any more.... but I doubt it.
I shouldn't need protecting from people who want me on the throne anyways. Plus, Kai will be there. Possibly Rowan... okay probably Rowan too.
"Set the meeting." I finally agree. "But one condition..."
"About time you start acting like the queen." Rowan picks at his teeth, smirking at me.
"What's the condition?"
Damn it, Kai is so good at ignoring his siblings, I note. That's something I could use improvement on. I'm sure I'll have to ignore stupid people all the live long day as queen. I just have to think about it like how I made myself distant when I was in a foster home that wasn't so good to me, or one that I was determined not to be good in.
"I want to see Jase first." Not want, I need to. I had to be certain that everything is as they tell me it is. I would not be at ease until I knew he was safe. He's all I have left and I'll protect him till the day I die. Which, seeing as I'm half Fae, probably will be for a very long time.
"I think we can manage that." Prince Kai flattens his hands and pats at the scroll.
"Good because that's nonnegotiable."
"Damn," Rowan continues to cheer me on. "You learn fast, human."
Not human. I think.
"And Lincoln can come," I tack on.
Were you planning on inviting me or just assuming that I'll be there?
I bite my lip. Would you like me to send a formal invite? Would that please you?
You know what, it totally would.
I'll write it up but, I expect you to be there if I go through all the trouble.
"Lincoln can come, I suppose. Though I don't think the court will find it necessary and it may get you off on a slightly different foot than what they expect," Kai answers, while Lincoln and I talk amongst ourselves.
"Is the court not made of Shadow Fae? Why would they be bothered by the head of the guard being in attendance."
"The Shadow Fae Court does have some titled Shadow Fae in it..." Violet speaks in a tone that says she's annoyed that it even needs to be explained.
Unfortunately, all my Fae strengths did not come with the complete comprehensive guide to my court. That I'll need to learn on my own. Still, I let her continue.
"There are other Fae. Pure Fae, who have been brought up their entire lives for the sole purpose of assisting the mixed breeds in a world that is fully Fae. Their opinions are valued above the rest. And that's without mentioning that Lincoln was a gift to Cordelia. His loyalty should be unquestionably reserved for her."
"His loyalty is only to Cordelia?" I repeat.
"I said, 'should be' don't go twisting my words like that." Violet's face puckers.
"I’m glad to see that your good mood has been spoiled like my sleep." Rowan points his gaze at his sister, pulling a braid over his shoulder and fiddling with the end of it.
I'll come. And it will be fine. I know how to handle the damn stuffy fools at this point. Don't worry about me while you make your decision. Lincoln's mind is split between listening in to our conversation and sitting through a small meeting on his end.
Kai and the others give m
e time to answer and I can see that they're waiting for me to be done with the conversation inside my head so that I can respond to them. That has to be very annoying, and judging by the look on their faces, it very much is. But I'll get better over time, I remind myself.
I pick my fork back up and with little effort straighten it back out again. I'm gentler now with my touch as I pick at my food that's finally cooled down. Pointing my fork, speared with another piece of meat, at Kai.
"Set the meeting," I say firmly. Then I smile, brilliant and wide.
Because I know that things are going to change for the better.
For me. For Lincoln.
For all of the Shadow Fae.
Sixteen
Wicked Bitch
Days went by before Kai was able to get word safely to the court about our planned meeting. Each one of them passed with such brutal slowness I swore time was going backwards. I filled my days with headaches from straining my concentration in mild and mainly unsuccessful attempts at magic. After days of trying the most I could manage was the appearance of looking different for only short periods of time. But like a mirage they would fade and I’d still be sitting in my same clothes.
Somedays I practiced leaping off the edge of my bed hoping my wings would flutter and lift me up off the ground. It rarely worked and when it did it was only for half a second. Even with a running start I couldn’t quite get the rhythm to keep me steady and afloat before coming crashing down on my knees. It was the least I could do on my own to pass the time. Finally, the day had arrived for the meeting, and with equal importance, my chance to see Jase.
I'd changed my outfit nearly a thousand times—I have a thousand different options—and settled for a white gown. It made me look more regal, in my own opinion, though much more skin is shown than would be appropriate for the human world.
This dress only has enough non-sheer fabric, on the upper half, to cover up my nipples. Other than that, it's simply white glitter over boning that holds the structure of the dress. The neckline dips down revealing my belly button before the skirt gathers purposefully to look as if I'm constantly holding it up for me to walk. Which consequently, makes it much easier for me to walk.
That's partially why I chose the garment. I wouldn't want to introduce myself to the people who will be, in Rowan's words, judging me for the rest of my life and then fall flat on my face. Though, I do find it harder now to be that clumsy. My body's more aware of my surroundings at all times, not to mention, the upgrade comes with better balance.
A gift box arrived this morning, the contents of which I now have draped over my shoulders and down my back. Snow colored fur, spotted in greys and creamy off-whites, was fashioned into a simple shawl that clasps with a single diamond studded button at my neck. My wings will be a surprise today.
Kai, Rowan, and I have been stuffed into a small, unmarked carriage. It's remarkably... plain. Much less than I even imagined for a carriage that would belong to someone with little money. Much like my dress, we can see the construction of the vehicle from the inside. It's only mildly worrying that I swear I can see a nail inching out of one of the boards. No one else seems to even notice.
So instead, I look down at my dress. A few leaves cling to the bottom of the skirt in the back where it touched the trail leading to the portal. I'd learned on my own well enough, in my waiting for this event, how to use my powers to change my appearance. My forehead still shines with the effort of the challenge. I mean, I was able to do it.
To anyone who saw me on the streets before I stepped into the waiting carriage, I looked just as plain as any other Shadow Fae. A long plain skirt, a billowing blouse, thin slippers for shoes, and a light hooded vest that I covered my hair with so I wouldn't have to think about changing that. The moment the door closed I let my magic go and the dress expanded in the seat.
Both Kai and Rowan's pauper appearances dissolve as well. My gown even creeps into Rowan's lap, where he sits next to me. He gently pushes it away from him.
"If it bothers you, you could go sit next to Kai." I lean down and peel a brown leaf off my dress.
"And miss my chance to sit next to you? No thanks." He holds out his hand. "If you're nervous, I could provide you some comfort."
I turn to look out the window at the beautiful city of Calhutta. "Not today." Not ever, I should say.
"We'll be there shortly," Kai assures, ever the gentleman. "We're actually meeting in a place of worship."
That drew my attention. "A church?"
"Yes. Though it's the faith of the old, old, old, testament. You're probably unfamiliar."
I nod as if I understand. My knee bounces against the carriage floor. I'm just waiting to get to this church to see Jase. And Lincoln. Oh, and can't forget, I have to start trying to gain some sort of traction and following so that I can kick the wicked bitch out of the Shadow Court and off my throne.
"Stop it," Rowan crosses his arms. "You're bouncing the whole dang carriage."
"If you keep shaking your leg like that, the poor boy will get motion sick." Kai pouts out his bottom lip.
I give him the smallest of smiles, and fight to still the restlessness of my leg. Settling on folding my hands tightly in my lap, I turn to look back out the window. Rising high above buildings white brick glitters in what's left of the sun behind the clouds. High peaks look carefully crafted and lovingly managed and not at all what I would call an old church.
"Is that it?" I point.
Kai leans forward to look out the window. He rests his hand on my knee just long enough to give the church a quick glance and then sits back in his seat. My eyes stay strained on the spot his hand had just brushed. It's unlike him to touch me without asking instead of letting his hand hover like a proper prince.
"That's it." His attention never fully meets mine. He chews on his lip, lost deep in his own thoughts.
It could be that he's just as nervous about this as I am. I think to myself. Even his heartbeat seems to be beating just a bit faster than normal. Well, the normal I've gotten used to in the past couple of days.
The remainder of the ride is quiet. I've practiced saying 'hello' in my head more times than I can count. At this point it doesn't even feel like it's a word anymore. I'm sure I'll stutter over it when I get in front of the small crowd. Or Jase can listen to my examples. He's never without an opinion.
My body wrenches forward with the sudden stop of the carriage. Rowan's thick skull smacks against the bare wood behind him. He hisses through his teeth and rubs the spot.
"I'll get the door. The church has been gracious enough to host us, but with our need to be inconspicuous I've asked that no help be in the building." Kai fiddles with the door handle. It creaks but doesn't move.
"Fuddy old thing," he curses. He jiggles it a bit harder and after a loud snap the door pops open. "Very good."
Kai offers me his hand. I gather the sparkling white material of my skirt in my hand, lightly stepping out of the carriage. My shoes tap against smooth concrete.... or is it marble? I look closer. Dark spirals of color have been infused into the stone walkway. What at first I thought was plain rock could very well be legitimate marble.
Outside of the carriage, I have a better view of the church. The marbling of the walkway weaves up the church’s steps that lead to a set of French doors. Each panel of glass is intricately painted depicting different scenes of angels and demons at war. The building as a whole is comparable to a mansion, with a couple of towers on either side that reach up toward the sky.
Rowan gets out behind me, gently guiding me forward as I gawk up at the marvelous building. I loop my hand into Kai's arm, admiring the stained windows.
"It's so lovely."
"Yes," The prince looks over his shoulder. "A very pretty church."
His odd demeanor, the tension riddling his posture, and the tone of his voice pulls me from the trance. I study the veins popping out of his neck.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes. Yeah."
He says sarcastically, "I just know that this needs to go well and I'm a little nervous. There aren't many people in the streets right now so there aren't many witnesses to our entrance. Though with as beautiful as you look in that white dress, they may mistake you for a bride."
"She looks like a goddess from my angle." Rowan adds from a few steps down.
"Lincoln and Jase should be waiting for us in the basement. The members of the court should be here soon." Kai pulls the French doors open. "You'll have a limited amount of time alone."
Alone. The word drifts into my consciousness for all of three seconds before I suck in a quick breath. The marbling has not only carried up the stairs but it fills the church’s entrance hall. The floor. The walls. All of it is marble. Specs of glitter shine back at us from within the stone as the sunlight follows us in.
This must have cost a fortune to build.
Kai leads me to another, smaller door. Rowan’s boots squeak with every step, they match the beat of my own pulse. The door opens to a small stairwell. It's dark with the exception of the light that comes from under the door at the bottom. There are voices on the other side, too.
"Do I look okay?" Jase's voice is shaky, and I can already picture him fidgeting. It brings a smile to my face.
Lincoln's gruff voice follows, with little amusement. "No one is coming here to meet you. I'm not sure why you're so worried about how you look."
"Isn't your brother going to be here?"
Lincoln chuckles. "He already is."
"What?" Jase's voice raises an octave and his feet shuffle like he is turning toward the door.
I reach for the doorknob. Kai's hand, clammy and cold, collides with mine.
"Allow me," he suggests.
I swallow the butterflies from my stomach that creep up my throat. I let the light of the room pour over me as we leave the last step behind. I don't care to take in the room, or the surroundings, or politely allow Kai to let my hand go. No. All I see is Jase and his large child-like grin as his gaze meets mine. His smile falls, his jaw dropping. I rip my hand away from Kai, and sprint to him.