The Dark Pretender

by Nikki Jefford

  A young male began playing a lute. Tipsy elves gathered around him in dance and song. A female in a white flowing gown and a floral crown grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into the dance without asking. I couldn’t help laughing and going along with it. I could practically hear Oreal sneering from a realm away at the uncouth elven customs.

  When the song ended, I tipped my head and pulled myself away, grabbing several mini quiches as I passed a footman. It was a shame to miss tomorrow’s feast. Perhaps Reyna and I should leave after we stuffed our bellies. I’d told her we’d depart on the morrow, but I hadn’t named a time.

  I entered a maze of hedges, munching on the delectable puff pastries in solitude. After swallowing down a quiche and popping another into my mouth, I narrowly avoided a couple in the throes of pleasure. Changing course, I ventured deeper into the maze. Familiar voices stopped me in my tracks. Fraya and Helio sounded like they were on the other side of the hedge. I stopped chewing to listen.

  “We are lucky the Elmrays were available to attend this week,” Helio said smugly.

  “How do you know him?” Fraya demanded.

  “We met last year at Lord Barren’s fete. Remember that, Taine?”

  “How could I forget?” spoke a male voice that must have been Taine’s. “I came close to winning the ale-drinking contest.” The males laughed. Helio said something I didn’t catch, to which Taine replied, “At least I didn’t puke my guts out like Arli.”

  “Speaking of drink, you should enjoy a glass, or maybe a bottle. You’re more fun when you drink,” Helio drawled.

  “Maybe you should lay off a little,” Fraya answered curtly.

  A hint of anger and warning entered Helio’s words when he next spoke. “I hope you will not become a troublesome nag like my mother.”

  My stomach turned. No longer interested in Helio’s posh finger food, I dropped the remaining quiche on the manicured lawn and brushed crumbs from my fingers, tempted to punch my way through the hedge, grab Helio by the throat, and command him to speak to Fraya with more respect.

  Not mine to protect, I reminded myself. Not my problem.

  Fraya had picked this dickwad.

  “Don’t let me get in the way of your fun,” Fraya said sullenly.

  “I won’t.”

  I hurried along a circular stone fountain and crouched low as the males came into view and passed, bumping shoulders and laughing. Holding my breath, I waited, peering from the shadows as Fraya rounded the hedges. Her hands were fisted, and the look she shot at Helio’s back was one of pure loathing. She jerked an arm up and pressed her middle and pointer finger together, curling in the other three. Growing up, I’d seen Lark, Reed, and Ronin make the gesture at one another when the adults weren’t looking and assumed it was some kind of elfish insult. Fraya shook her fingers at her fiancé’s retreating form, scowling the whole while.

  Hmm. My heart hummed. Trouble in paradise.

  Pride kept me from standing up and asking. I’d put my heart on the line for Fraya . . . and she’d shot me for my troubles. I still had the scar on my right arm. If I hadn’t fled the throne room, her next arrow might have found my heart.

  I wasn’t foolish enough to delude myself that Fraya was capable of ever loving me again. I’d forever be the male who tried to take over Dahlquist Castle and put her family’s lives in jeopardy in the process.

  There was no coming back from that. I hadn’t understood it at the time or in the weeks—or even year—following, but I did now.

  I had for some time.

  Fraya and I would never be friends again.

  Fraya

  “Our star burned out years ago.”

  My eyes stung with unshed tears as I stared up at the black sky full of mocking glittered light.

  I never considered that Alok would stop loving me. But what else did I expect? And why did it hurt so damn much?

  Pitberries! I had more important things to worry about than losing the heart of a villain. Ugh. Priorities, Fraya. I had a baby in my belly and a psycho fiancé to escape.

  Head lifted resolutely, I made my way through the revelries, entering the quiet halls of Amberhill Manor lined with potted plants and colorful tapestries of frolicking forest animals. Once inside my guest chamber, I breathed easier. Obviously, I’d have to leave behind my trunk and gowns—and my parents’ carriage too. Mom and Dad would understand once I explained what happened. Mom would probably throw a party once she heard I no longer planned on tying myself to Helio Moongold and moving all the way to Goldendale. She made no secret of her wish for me to start a family with a nice elf in Pinemist. Soon, I’d have the family part, just not the nice elf end of the bargain.

  I tried to rest, but my mind was whirling. What little sleep I got came in fits and starts. The past intertwined with dreams and nightmares. Waking moments were filled with memories more painful than sharpened blades. For the first time in months, I didn’t mourn Conall. Instead, my heart cried out for Alok.

  I was pulled back to a summer month my family had stayed at Dahlquist. I’d been practicing archery alone in the courtyard when Lulu and Alok entered carrying woven baskets filled with pillar candles.

  When I smiled and waved, Lulu called out, “Hello, Miss Fraya.”

  “Love the highlights,” I said to Alok, taking satisfaction in the fact that he’d made them blue.

  He smiled and met my eyes, holding my gaze long enough for my heart rate to quicken.

  Lulu hummed to herself as she pulled the remnants of burned-down candles out of lanterns and replaced them with the new pillars.

  I returned my focus to the hay bales set up near the far wall. Zeroing in on the painted target, I pulled back my arrow and released. It zipped across the courtyard and hit the painted bull’s-eye. A thrill went through me. I nocked another arrow and set it loose at the next hay bale, then the next, working my way down the line my family had helped me set up. I didn’t stop until every bale had an arrow protruding from each bull’s-eye.

  “Remind me to never get on your bad side,” Alok said.

  Lulu had left the courtyard while Alok stood watching me from a couple feet away.

  Laughing, I held out my bow. “You try.”

  “I’ve never used one before,” Alok said, keeping his arms at his sides.

  “Take it,” I insisted. Alok took the bow, as I knew he would. I pulled an arrow from my quiver and handed it to him. “Now, aim for one of those hay bales.”

  With a good-natured grin, Alok nocked the arrow and released. No hesitation. It sent electricity sparking through me.

  The arrow flew over the top of the hay, hitting the stone wall.

  “Not bad,” I said with a nod. I’d seen countless beginners pull the bowstring back with weak grips that sent their arrows barely five feet before dropping sadly to the ground.

  Alok chuckled, handing the bow back. “I don’t see archery in my future.”

  “With that firm grip of yours, you could totally go for it.” The words were out of my mouth before I had a chance to consider them. They could be interpreted another way.

  When Alok stared into my eyes, I felt as though he was reading me like a book, taking in every hope, dream, and longing that I held dear.

  “I’d rather watch you compete in the elven realm,” he said.

  There was heat to his gaze that I didn’t remember from before. He’d filled out since the last time I’d seen him. I still remembered the feel of his silken hair in my fingers. I’d been comforting him at the time. I had no excuse to touch him now.

  “You should visit Pinemist,” I said.

  “What’s it like?”

  “It’s a quaint town surrounded by forest that fills with fog in the winter. There’s a market that takes place on a hill, and cute little shops below.” I grinned as I spoke.

  “It sounds really great.”

  “I’ve gotten to travel around a lot, but Pinemist is my favorite place.” My smile widened. “Want to help me collect my arrows?” />
  Alok and I each took one end of the hay bale lineup, meeting in the middle with the arrows. One by one, we put them back in my quiver.

  “Do you have a boyfriend back home?”

  My heart raced all over the place, liking where this was leading. “No. Are you offering?” I teased. I kept my eyes on my quiver as I propped it against the stone wall. When I ventured a look up, Alok was staring at me with hungry eyes that made my cheeks heat.

  He pressed our bodies together, pushing me against the wall as his mouth covered mine. That kiss, and all the ones that came after, was lightning and thunder. It was a storm that swept me away. No male had kissed me that way before and none would after.

  When Alok came up for air, it was to say, “I want to be more than your boyfriend, Fraya. One day I’m going to marry you.”

  I woke tangled up in my sheets, disoriented. Noticing that daylight played with the edges of the curtains, I threw the covers back and scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over the rug. Righting myself, I snatched up the pair of breeches I’d laid out over a chair the night before and quickly got dressed. Without the help of a maid, it was challenging to bind my breasts for the long ride ahead. I did the best I could before donning a blouse, leather waist cincher, and riding jacket. I secured my blonde hair in a messy braid.

  It was still early when I emerged from my room, the halls of Amberhill peaceful. But my adrenaline spiked in warning. Time to ride like the wind.

  The young stable boy looked startled when I rushed in. “My lady?”

  “Please fetch me my horse, the gray gelding with the white star between his eyes,” I said, straightening my spine.

  “Yes, ma’am.” The lad walked down the barn, peering into stalls. I wished he’d hurry up. I forced myself not to tap my booted toes while he saddled my horse, Evening Star. Once the bridle was in place, the lad turned to me. “Would you like a leg up?”

  “I’ve got it,” I said, taking the reins from the lad before hoisting myself over the saddle. I took a seat and gave Evening Star a gentle squeeze with my calves.

  Morning sun reflected off Amberhill’s southern facing windows. Farewell, I thought as I trotted down the lane. It was a long straight road. I could feel the manor looming at my back like a boulder that might roll after me and crush me into the pebbles and dirt.

  I’d almost made it to the main road when I heard the sound of hoofbeats thundering from behind. My grip tightened on the reins. Evening Star neighed. I debated kicking him into a gallop.

  Helio’s friend Arli slowed his horse beside me, walking him directly into my path. He had brown hair buzzed on the sides and a thicker mop mussed up on top. Arli flashed me a sideways grin.

  “Good morning, Fraya. And where are you off to?”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Fraya

  Pitberries! Did that asshole have his friends watching me?

  “I’m out for exercise and fresh air, not that it’s any of your business.” I flipped my braid over my shoulder and lifted my nose in the air.

  Arli smiled without warmth. “Isn’t that fortuitous? I’m out for a bit of air and exercise myself. We might as well ride together. I recommend the fields east of Amberhill.” He raised his brows in challenge.

  Sighing, I turned Evening Star around and trotted back to the illustrious prison, seething the whole way. Once reaching the field, I urged Evening Star into a canter, racing Arli for show. After returning to the stable, I jumped down, handed my reins to the stable lad, and nodded at Arli. “That was invigorating.”

  “Same time tomorrow, or perhaps earlier?” The knowing smile on Arli’s lips made my skin crawl.

  What would he tell Helio?

  Pits!

  Escaping was going to be harder than I’d anticipated, and that made me furious. I shouldn’t be trapped in the first place. This wasn’t fucking Faerie. Who the hell did Helio think he was?

  On the way to my guest chamber, I asked a maid to prepare me a bath. Once the water was ready, I undressed and sank into the soothing warmth. As I soaked, I went over my options. I could demand that Helio let me go. What would he do if I told him we were finished? Would he try to stop me? Hurt me? My protective instincts flared up at that. My belly had swelled the slightest bit. I wouldn’t risk harm to my baby. No, the smartest plan was slipping out. But Helio would probably have more eyes on me after learning I’d gone out riding alone toward the main road early that morning.

  I’d have to appear happy to be at Amberhill. My stomach churned.

  “You can do this, Fraya,” I said soothingly.

  I ran a cloth gently over my skin, calming my mind. I still didn’t know when or how I’d sneak out.

  You could ask Alok to portal you out.

  I gritted my teeth.

  Alok would crow at the opportunity to play the gallant hero. I bet he’d love to see me beg him for help.

  Never happening! I’d find another way out. I didn’t care if I had to dress up as a scullery maid and hide in an outgoing cart. The thought of having to sneak out at all sent a rage through me that felt strong enough to boil my bathwater. For the first time in a year, I wished I had my bow and arrows.

  Lunch was served in Amberhill’s grand dining hall. Long interconnecting tables stretched between the walls like train cars from the human world, chugging through a tunnel.

  I wore a pale pink semi-sheer dress with a sweetheart neckline and puffed sleeves that stopped above my elbows. My hair hung in loose waves over my shoulders, covering my breasts, which were unbound. After my failed escape attempt, I’d gone for a more docile look, hoping to throw Helio off.

  I sat beside him at the table. He’d made no mention of my early-morning ride, but I knew better than to relax. More likely, he wanted to keep me on pins and needles a bit longer.

  He gulped ale from his tankard, shooting me looks as if daring me to tell him to slow down. I had half a mind to tell him just that, especially when it would encourage him to do the opposite of my request.

  Drink yourself stupid, Helio. Drink yourself to death.

  If only I could be that lucky.

  I’d planned to ignore Alok altogether, but that was one scheme that proved unnecessary. His sister sat at the far end of the table, talking with a white-haired female, but Alok hadn’t bothered to show up for lunch. I tried to discount my disappointment. He was a childhood crush that needed burying in a deep grave covered in stones.

  Taine hiccupped beside Helio, slurring out some foolish story about a drunken brawl they’d gotten into with some young ruffians while passing through a village tavern. Their laughter made me grit my teeth. A young footman worked his way around the table, refilling tankards. I wasn’t in the mood to even pretend to drink. Every bone inside my body groaned to get up and leave the company of these buffoons.

  I’d been so stupid meeting up with Helio at an inn on the outskirts of Pinemist after he’d come calling. Depression and drink had led to my worst mistake. I had only meant to hook up briefly with the charismatic elf from Goldendale. He’d cheered me on for years, even when I wasn’t available. I thought sleeping with him would help me move on.

  I wanted to go back in time and shake some sense into myself.

  Sticky fingers trailed my lower arm. Helio’s hand slipped under the table to my thigh. His grip tightened. I could feel bruises forming beneath the gauzy fabric of my gown. All the while, Helio kept drinking his ale, not looking at me.

  “You shouldn’t be out riding alone,” he said in low warning. Helio’s fingers dug into my flesh like he meant to pull a chunk out of my thigh.

  I eyed the knife beside my plate. A sick sense of excitement buzzed through me as I considered plunging it through his hand. In that moment, I didn’t care about stabbing my leg in the process. Bring on the pain. I’d been numb for so long. What I felt now was volcanic and glorious.

  Then I pictured blood. Bright red blood, spurting from the wound, staining my fingers.

  My stomach churned. I swayed slightly on
the bench and reached for the edge of the table to steady myself, stopping short when an amber wave of ale gushed down Helio’s arm and over his chest. Abruptly, his hand left my thigh.

  He screeched in outrage.

  “I am so sorry.” The lad with the carafe hastened to grab linens from the table and dab at Helio. The poor young server was shaking as he swiped at Helio. “It just came gushing out before I could stop it,” he said frantically.

  “Get away from me, you blundering clod!” Helio turned on the bench and shoved the lad.

  The pewter carafe fell from the lad’s fingers and clanged over the flagstones. “Please, forgive me,” he cried.

  “I will not,” Helio thundered. “You are finished. You hear me? What kind of footman can’t even hold on to a carafe? You’re supposed to pour ale into the tankard, not on your master. Who hired this imbecile? I want him gone. Do you hear me?”

  Footmen scurried around the table. One of them grabbed the lad by the arm, dragged him to the dining hall doors, and pushed him out.

  More footmen rushed forward with cloths, dabbing at Helio, who swatted them away.

  “Don’t bother,” he snapped. “I need a change of clothes.”

  After he stormed out, Taine and Arli burst into laughter before returning to their drink.

  I left my lunch half eaten and headed for the kitchen. Maybe I’d get lucky and stumble upon a delivery in progress. Maybe I could sneak away on the back of an empty cart while Helio was changing. I hadn’t seen his third friend, Vocla, which made me uneasy. Who knew where he was lurking? Maybe he had his eyes on the stable.

  I looked from side to side around every corner, searching for a glimpse of Vocla’s ash-white hair with black tips.

  The hall runners turned to hard stone as I made my way through Amberhill’s service area. There were no more potted palms lining the halls and few windows, making the corridor appear dank even in the middle of the day.

  “Well done.”

  A familiar male’s voice made my spine stiffen. I pressed my back against the wall and peered around the corner, catching sight of Alok standing in front of the lad who had spilled ale over Helio. Inky hair curtained the side of his face as Alok leaned forward, dropped coins into the lad’s open palm, and patted him on the head. The lad pocketed the coins, jutted his chin, then walked purposefully down the hall.