by A C Wilds
“You’re welcome. It was nice…helping you get ready. You're different from the rest. I hope you’ll call on me for the next event.”
“Cross my heart, hope to…”
“Don’t!” she says with alarm. “I know you're from the human realm, but here riddles, rhymes, and simple promises can mean so much more. Please watch what you say, and only say exactly what you mean.”
I’m perplexed by what she just said, but it is understandable. I’ve read enough books to know about Fae contracts, lies or lack thereof, and how persuasion can take on the purest form. “I will…thanks.” I leave it at that because Dorothy strolls in.
Dinner and a Show
Azra
Dorothy seems flushed. She has her hands at her hips, and they are twisting the fabric in her skirt. She is a pretty girl and must be around my age or so. She appears to have a fantastic figure, although you can’t tell for certain because she has too many layers on. Her uniform is a simple dress with layers of cotton skirts over it and an apron tied at the waist. She wears a little bonnet to cover up her hair. It’s all very Colonial Williamsburg. I’d die if I had to walk around and do chores in that all day.
“Hi, Dot!” I say enthusiastically. “How do I look?” I question, as I do a spin. I am trying to be silly so that she can smile. I feel like she probably doesn’t get to do that enough.
I’m rewarded with a small grin and a nod of the head. “You look beautiful, Azra. Ready to go to dinner?”
Not really. “Sure, let’s do this.” I grab the heels that were placed outside of the closet and slip them on. It makes me around Dot’s height, so we look quite the pair as we walk down the corridors. She leads me down the same hallway, to the same double doors as last time. The guards are outside again, but they are dressed in dark gray suits, and their swords are extra shiny. Cass is by the window off to the side. He is dressed in a gray three-piece suit. His hair is neatly combed, and he looks like he also just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Ugh, this guy is so hot! It’s unfair really. My pulse quickens, and I swear he can hear it from all the way over there. Just as I am about to call out his name and get his attention, he glances over and sees me. He’s initially wearing a concerned expression, but it quickly turns into a huge grin and then a sultry sweep up and down my body. It looks like the prince likes what he sees.
He saunters over to me and takes my hand, kissing the back of it. “You look incredible. This dress is intoxicating, and red is most certainly your color.”
“Miniel is a pure genius. He took one look at my complexion and chose a color palette, or so he said. I don’t know how that works. The dress is awesome though,” I say, a little embarrassed. Despite having zero interest or plans in dating anyone, he is drawing me in like a strong gravitational field. I don’t know exactly when things began to change between Cass and me, but I’m starting to feel different around him now. The way he looks at me, it’s kind of nice. I wish I could get over him being fine with the status quo around here, but I’m not sure that I can.
“We should probably go in. I was waiting out here to escort you, if that’s alright,” he says to me. The look on his face seems to say there is more to it than that. Was this the reason he looked so somber when I entered the hallway? Could it have anything to do with this dinner?
“Before we go in, can you tell me what I should expect? I’ve never attended a royal dinner.”
“It is like any other dinner, except this has a whole bunch of very powerful and very old Fae who are the ruling class of the Seelie court. You will be seated on the left of my father, as is customary, and I will be on your left. My mother will be at the head of the table on the opposite side, with my brother on her right as her protector. There will be dignitaries and different influential Sidhe families in attendance. I will try to navigate through the questions and comments with you as much as possible to help. They have been instructed to keep everything light and semi-informal, as they know that you were not a part of this world until recently. If all goes well, we should be in there for around two hours, and then after we will meet with my father in his study, and he will explain what you being here means.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” I say, with a small gulp, because this sounds fucking terrible. How in the hell am I suppose to manage to speak to Fae royalty for two hours? My face must be turning green because Cass interrupts my myriad of evil thoughts.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but trust me, getting this out of the way will make staying here better,” he says, and then he leans into my ear. “This is a test Azra, one a lot of people, including my father, want to see you fail. Don’t let them provoke you. Don’t let them win. Show them that a girl from New York City can change the world,” he says in a whisper. Each of his words caress the inner shell of my ear, bringing goosebumps up and down my arms. At this moment, if we were alone and I didn’t have any morals, I would jump him.
I take a step back because the sensations he is causing are getting to be too much. I drop my head down and close my eyes for a five count. I let out a huge exhale and look up at him, “OK, let’s do this,” I say, and without waiting for his response step up to the doorway. The two guards bow to both of us, and the guard on the right opens the door. Leaning into the room he yells, “His Royal Highness, Prince Cassiel, and the Changer Azrael.” Going back into his position, he leaves room for us to walk through the door. Cass grabs my hand and places it under his elbow. I can feel all the tight muscles of his upper arm. He smells good too, like rain on a spring day.
We walk into the massive room, and all talking stops. There are Fae of every kind here in this room. Most look like Cass and his family, but there are some that are what you could only call truly Fae. All are impeccably dressed and are dripping with the finest jewelry that you have ever seen. Even though Cass doesn’t have one, his brother Daniel is wearing a crown. He is a bit shorter than Cass, but still regal in stature. They have the same blond hair and grey eyes, but you can tell Daniel favors the Queen Consort. He is standing by their mother, and she looks murderous. Breathtaking in her floor-length lavender gown, she looks ready to rip someone’s head off. I hope beyond all hope that it’s not because of me. This night is going to be so fucking long.
“Ah, they have finally arrived!” the King bellows from down on his side of the table. This makes Cass quicken his pace and by extension, mine as well. We approach the King, and Cass bows slightly while I stand there and look around. It seems like they are all waiting for something, so I smile politely and say “Hello.” This gets a big laugh out of the King.
“Oh, Azra. I sometimes forget that you weren’t brought up in court life. When one approaches the King, one must bow.” He says that last word with so much power that I almost crumble right then and there, but I don’t. I look him in the eye and say, “I will keep that in mind for next time.” He doesn’t look pleased by the outcome of this event, but he lets it go.
Nodding his head to me, I go to sit down, but Cass catches my arm. “Please wait until my father sits. I know that you aren’t familiar with the rules, but I’d rather you not end up killed because you act rudely,” he whispers.
I acquiesce. It seems only fair to want to keep my head for the duration of this dinner. I need to know what is going on, and this looks like the only way I am going to get answers. As soon as the King sits, the rest of us do as well. The servants begin to bring out the food, starting with a soup course. It smells divine, although I can’t tell what it is. The conversation starts around me, and I am soon lost in the sound of others talking. I try as hard as I can to pay attention and focus on the individuals around me, but they are talking about things in which I am not privy. Soon my mind begins to wander, and I start thinking about Red. Our ride this morning was fantastic. You could tell he was eager to please and wanted to do a good job. I wonder why they kept him as a companion horse? Was it because he didn’t connect to anyone, or did no one even try to work with him? Are there not experienced riders here? Ca
ss looks at me then, putting down his spoon. I want so badly to reach out and grab his hand for comfort. My feelings are all mixed up, and I can’t begin to understand why I’m starting to warm up to him, even though I know nothing could ever happen between us. It’s so wrong.
“Azra, how do you like the palace so far?” a blond-haired Fae asks. She is tall and thin. Dressed in a modest black shift with a fantastic diamond necklace around her slender throat. I blink at her for a few seconds trying to conceive how she could possibly be asking me this. Don’t these people know I am a prisoner here? Don’t they understand that I have no choice? I glance at the King, and his face is set in stone. It’s almost like he is daring me to say something. I look over at Cass and see him shake his head slightly. I decide to take his advice and respond the way they would expect.
“It’s fine. Thank you.” See, not too bad. Didn’t give anything away, but wasn’t fake about it either. The Fae’s expression turns to confusion. It seems she doesn’t know the dark side behind these walls. Again, another piece of the puzzle I need to find out about.
“I would expect your answer to be a little more excitable,” she says. Just as I am about to open my mouth, Cass responds for me.
“Azra is acclimating well. She hasn’t seen too much of the palace or experienced court life besides the last two days. I imagine if you ask her in a week how she’s fairing, she will have rave reviews for it all,” he says with a laugh. It’s more like one of those fake rich people laughs, and they eat it up — everyone at the table responds with varying degrees of laughter, except for myself. This joke isn’t funny. Especially the part where they think I will be here come a week from now. My attention is drawn away from the clueless blond Fae, and towards Daniel. He calls my name and has a come-hither look in his eyes.
“Azra, I hear that you possess unique skills in breaking in certain unruly males,” he says, almost with a purr in his voice.
“I beg your pardon,” I reply, with my brows deeply furrowed and my face slightly twisted. It seems like Daniel has been drinking too much wine this evening.
A mischievous grin spreads across his face and he adds, “Yes, I’ve heard that you spent all morning with him, and that before even an hour had passed, you were climbing all over him and having a glorious ride.” My brain immediately thinks of Cass, and I worry that these Fae have some ability to read my mind and all of the steamy thoughts I’ve had about the prince. However, after a few seconds, I realize Daniel is referring to Red, and I let out a mental sigh of relief. I can tell that the younger brother gets off on trying to get under my skin. I decide I’ve had enough of this conversation, so I reach for my glass as a distraction, but before we break eye contact, Daniel winks and smiles at me. I would rather Cass’s stoic personality over Daniel’s juvenile behavior any day.
The rest of dinner flies by. The only good thing about it is the food. There is something magical in the cooking. And the wine. The wine is exquisite, and handsdown the best I have ever had. I wonder if they do some hocus-pocus to the grapes to make them extra sweet? I find myself waiting impatiently until the rest of the party disperses after dinner. The women are sent to have a cordial in the sitting room, and the men a brandy and a cigar in the lounge. I want to have my meeting. Thank the universe that the King feels our meeting is more important than schmoozing his visitors.
“Azra, will you and Cassiel please follow me into my private office? We have something to discuss,” the King says. Finally! It took him fucking long enough. Cass and I follow him through the dining room to a side door that leads us to another corridor. The two guards from outside the dining hall are flanking us. Whether they are protecting the King, or here for me, is unclear. We walk up one flight of stairs to another long hallway. It appears there are a bunch of offices up here. Walking to the back, another set of impressive double doors greets us. The King walks in first, followed by myself, and then Cass. The guards close the doors and take their positions outside of them.
As the King is busying himself by the mini bar, I take a look around. At first glance, it looks like a regular office. There is a massive desk with a chair in front of a big bay window. Bookshelves line the walls, and there is a fireplace in the corner of the room. A comfortable looking loveseat and two chairs sit perpendicular to it. It looks cozy and inviting. Upon closer inspection, you can see the luxury all around in here. The wooden desk is mahogany and looks hand carved. There is a brand new Mac on the desk and an expensive looking sculpture of the Archangel Michael sitting on the window sill. Egotistical much?
“Alright, we are all here. Now, let’s talk about why I have been kidnapped and what the hell is going on?” I demand to the room. I am truly sick of all of this secrecy. I want control of my life back. I don’t want to be here anymore as a prisoner. I am intrigued about my newfound powers, and I know I need to learn how to control them, but not in this place under these circumstances. As much as I love having found Red, and Cass is growing on me, I want to go home to my life. I want to forget I ever met these people.
“Right to the point I see,” the King says. “Very well, you need to do a task first, and then I will explain with a little tale. One that started a millennia ago, and still hasn’t ended.” He gestures toward the couch. I take a seat in a chair. No way am I being caught sitting on a loveseat with either of these men.
He goes over to a hidden closet in his office. He seems to press his palm to the wood, and a white light emits from his hand. The door pops open, and he grabs something from inside. It is wrapped in an intricately embroidered linen cloth, so I can’t tell what it is right away.
“Stand, Azra,” he commands me. I raise from my seat begrudgingly, and stand before him. It ticks me off to do what he says, but I need to know why I am here.
He unwraps the cloth revealing a beautiful sword. It is long and incredibly shiny. The hilt is golden and has a large diamond at the end. It glitters in the lamp light, and my eyes go wide with the sight of it.
“What is that?” I ask, mesmerized. It is so exquisite.
“This is the Changer sword. Only a true Changer can wield it. I want you to grasp the hilt, and we shall see if you really are the one who is capable of Changing the fate of the world,” he tells me, holding out the sword. I notice he isn’t holding it with his bare hands. He has a thick leather cloth wrapped around it. It looks ancient and worn. I wonder how old it is.
Before I can put too much thought into, I grab the hilt of the sword. A zing of electricity and energy jolt from the sword up my arm, and into my chest. I feel a blast of power at my core. My back arches as the power runs all through my body. I feel like I am one big ball of current. My hair is floating around my face, and I see my eyes in the mirror. They have bolts of lightning floating in my grey stormy irises.
The hilt of the sword begins to glow, and the diamond turns a beautiful purple color. It shines so bright, that both men shield their eyes. I don’t have to. My gaze is stuck on the stone, and I am drawn into someone else’s memories. I am standing on a battleground. There are thousands of Fae spread all around me dead on the ground. A man stands on a hill looking down upon the massacre. He is in armor, holding a sword in his grasp. There is a sinister smile on his face; he is reveling in the carnage. It sends a chill down my spine, and in this moment I know it is a younger version of Michael. This is the battle that gave the Light its control.
Looking down at the sword, I see the blood bathing it. I realize that the last Changer has caused all this death, and I am seeing this scene through her eyes. She is the reason the Fae lay at her feet. They made this war together, and she is happy about it. A wave of fear hits me as I am brought back to the present.
“That settles it,” Michael says, with glee in his eyes. “You are the new Changer. This is wonderful news.”
“What the fuck did I just see?” I question him. I think I am going to be sick.
“You know what you saw...victory,” he tells me, as he snaches the sword from my hand, careful not to
touch it. “Have a seat, I want to tell you a story.”
I sit, because I am so stunned that I don’t know what to do. I look over at Cass and see that he is pale in the face. I don’t think he wanted me to actually be the Changer. There is so much I still don’t know, but I know this definitely changes everything.
Michael has as seat across from me, and begins his tale. “At the beginning of time, the gods of old decided to create balance. For the universe to thrive, there must be light where there is darkness and vice versa. However, at certain times throughout all of history, the controlling power can shift from either Light or Dark. We are currently in a Light period. We have been for more than 2,000 years. The last Changer was able to tip the power our way, thus giving us control over Earth and allowing us the ruling hand here. The Dark court is stuck in the Faerie realm awaiting the next Changer to see how she will tip the power. The ruling court on Earth also controls the portals to and from the Faerie. Since I am that ruling power, I control all the portals. Your role as the Changer is just as it sounds. You can change the course of Earth. You can change it from Light to Dark.”
“What does that mean though? To change it from Light to Dark? How would I even do that?” I ask. His story makes sense, but I feel like he is leaving out so much. This is a lot of power for one person...err... one Fae to have. It must make this guy nervous.
“For you, it means nothing. Even though you are the Changer, you will not be doing anything with your newfound powers. The Dark do not know we have you, and therefore will never know that they could have had the opportunity to be in control. You see, Azra; you are mine. There will be no war, and there will be no choice. You are completely at my will, and I choose to use you however I see fit,” he says with an evil sort of glee. How anyone can believe that he is an angel is beyond me. He’s more like the Devil incarnate. His cruelness and greed are showing through. I know at this moment that I have to make every effort to get the fuck away from this palace and everybody in it. If I don’t, I will be stuck here forever.