The pretty one with upturned eyes laughs. “You look like a hillbilly.”
“Who slept outdoors,” the plump one with pin-straight hair chimes in.
I don’t know whether to punch them or cry. I’ve never really had any experience with mean girls. But what if they aren’t being mean? Maybe they really are concerned for me. Maybe they’re right and I’m gross and pathetic. Look at them. They’re flawless and immortal.
“Am I really that bad?”
The tall one surveys me with pity. “It won’t be easy, but you do have a certain—natural—appeal. I’m up for the challenge. Are you with me girls?”
The younger ones nod and laugh.
“I’d kill for some mascara and a touch of lip-gloss,” I venture, timid. I’m trying really hard not to remember all my previous encounters with Gabe and Kaillen and be retroactively self-conscious about my lack of make-up. It’s not like Jacob packed a toiletry bag for me. They just dumped me in the van.
“We’ll need a lot more than lip-gloss and mascara,” the tall one clucks.
I appraise the room. How and when did they haul all this stuff out here? It’s a legitimate set-up. A full-length mirror leans against one wall next to the only window. A dresser with a washbasin and water pitcher stands in the corner next to an open armoire, displaying dozens of stunning dresses in endless colors and fabrics.
They lead me to a swivel chair in front of a small elegant vanity. Bottles of perfume and jars of creams cover the top. An elaborate compact holds more eye shadows than I’ve ever seen in one place outside of Ulta.
I hold my breath before looking in the mirror. I don’t look that bad. Not like the swamp creature I’d been expecting based on their comments. I just look like plain old me. Maybe a little more wild than usual, but the maidens can tame me.
The tall one spins the chair around. “You poor thing, I’m sorry you had to see that. Don’t fret. We’ll take care of everything. But no peeking. We want it to be a surprise.” She begins applying creams and makeup to my face while the other two work on my hair.
I listen quietly while the maidens chat with each other, occasionally remarking on one another’s work with an appreciative click of the tongue or admiring “oooh!” It isn’t long before they’re finished.
“No looking yet,” the pretty one says. “We must dress you before you can see the finished product.”
I sit with my back to the mirror wishing they’d hurry. I’m behaving like Margaret said to, reminding myself that in the big scheme of things I really have no clue what I’m doing and should always listen to people who do. But I’m fidgety. It’s one thing to brush and moisturize. I’m going to a meeting in the woods, not a fashion show. I don’t want to offend the maidens, but I don’t want to get in trouble for being late, either.
“We’ll start with some lingerie, of course,” The plump one bosses. “I know how you mortals depend on your Victoria’s Secret.”
“Oh, she doesn’t need lingerie,” the pretty one protests. “Look at her! She’s perfect au natural. Besides, it would defeat the purpose under this…” She pulls a shimmering silver floor-length gown from the armoire. It’s sleeveless and backless and appears to be…sheer. She brings it over for me to admire. All three maidens gather around my chair as if waiting for me to stand up and put it on.
They’re joking of course. There’s no way in seven hells I’m wearing that.
I look at each of their faces. “You’re joking, right? I don’t think this is what Margaret had in mind.”
“Aunt Meg may have power over you, Lady. She has no power over us,” the tall one says.
“Lady Emily, I think it best you hurry,” the pretty one admonishes. “I believe I hear some elves coming up the path. They’ll be displeased if you keep them waiting.”
“Thank you so much for your help,” I’m determined not to show my abject fear. “I think I’ll just wear what I have on. It’s a gorgeous gown, though. Maybe another time?”
“I am afraid we cannot allow that,” the tall one says as if she’s speaking to a difficult child. “It wouldn’t be proper.” Her smile is sweet, but danger glints in her eye. “It will be best if you cooperate.”
I don’t know why, but these maidens want to humiliate me. If they get me in this dress they will succeed. I have to get away.
I drop my head in what I hope looks like sincere apology. As I stand and reach for the gown I hook my foot around the base of the chair, sending it crashing into the vanity.
Chaos ensues.
I bolt for the door.
Before I can reach it all three maidens shrink to insect size and dart around me. Their wings blaze bright with impudent power.
“I told you she would be difficult,” one growls.
“Let’s help her get dressed Sisters,” laughs another. “We want her to look exquisite for her training.”
Streaming sparks of power zip around me. I’m trapped, helpless against their attack.
Twenty-Six
Xander dive-bombs the tiny maidens. They veer away from her, but aren’t deterred for long. She’s also feeding me images from Twist who is outside the cottage. While I thrash and try to defend myself I watch Gabe and Kaillen round the bend in the path. They’re almost here. I can’t let them see me like this!
Every time I gain some ground—a seam ripped here, a ridiculous spiked heel off there—they zap it right with Magic until everything sticks like it’s sewn to my skin. Outside, Gabe and Kaillen stare open-mouthed at the sparks of light and color shooting from the small window. My angry shouts and the maidens’ shrill laughter shatter the peace of the morning.
Xander shows me Kaillen and Gabe exchanging confused glances. They step off the path toward the cottage to investigate. I’ve got to get out of here. Is there a back door?
No. There’s only one way out.
Whatever. I don’t care anymore if they see me. I’ll run straight past them like they aren’t even there. The Fae can find someone else to open their Doorway.
Shit. The damn door won’t open. Did the maidens Magic the lock?
“Tsk, tsk, you’ll ruin your hair,” one of them laughs as I bang my shoulder again and again against the wood.
All at once the lock magically springs open.
I tumble straight into Kaillen’s arms.
His hands are everywhere. I disentangle myself and step back. Jungle drums beat a furious rhythm at my throat.
Kaillen and Gabe both stare at me, and my long, very snug gown with open mouths. It’s way more scandalous on my body than it ever was on the hanger. The neckline plunges between my breasts. There’s no back at all.
Gabe looks away embarrassed, but turns back to staring before long. If it weren’t so humiliating it would be kind of cute how hard he’s trying to figure out if the fabric is actually sheer or just really, really close.
I wobble in the heels. Kaillen’s arms surround me again as I struggle to find my balance. He doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to let go.
My hair falls all around my bare shoulders, getting in my eyes. I’m shedding blossoms from the countless miniature white flowers they’ve pinned in my curls. This is disastrous.
I kick off the heels and growl at Kaillen until he lets go. He chuckles as he steps back. Picking up the stilettos I hurl them with all my rage at the cottage. “Give me back my clothes!” The tendons in my neck are close to snapping.
Giggles burst from inside the cottage. The three maidens fly through the open window carrying my stuff.
“Riley! Sybil!” Kaillen shouts, disapproval clear on his face. “Breena!” But it’s too late. They’re gone.
I stomp my feet. Tears well in my eyes.
“Are you hurt, Lady Emily?”
Kaillen called me Lady. He’s never done that before. Is he mocking me?
I face both men. A crimson glow fro
m behind me lights their features. Great. It’s my wings. I’m blushing in my wings.
I need protection. Answering some voiceless inner command, the brand on my arm flares bright, transforming into the gauntlet and fitting around my wrist. Out of nowhere, the large black leather shield appears on my left forearm. I position it across my chest, blocking my body from their eyes as the dagger appears too. It hangs in gleaming silver filigree, loose and low around the curve of my hips.
I close my eyes and bow my head, silently begging the ground to open up and swallow me whole.
It doesn’t.
I straighten my shoulders, moving the elaborately styled hair back from my face. There’s only one thing to do: Pretend I’m not mortified. Holding my head high, I look both of them in the eye.
“Good morning, Gabe.” I can’t control the tremble in my voice and there’s nothing to do about the color in my cheeks and wings—which shoot off little sparks like they’re having a fiesta—but I won’t squirm. “Good morning, Kaillen. I’m sorry for knocking into you. And no, I’m not hurt.”
“You’re stunning,” Kaillen says.
Gabe’s mouth falls open.
I can’t help smiling. Kaillen seems sincere. “I look like an idiot.”
“Trust me Lady, that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Kaillen steps closer, wiping a traitorous tear from my cheek with his fingertip.
Gabe’s hands ball into fists. “We should go.” He retrieves the preposterous shoes from the dirt. “Here.” Kneeling beside me he slips them on my feet.
“Thank you.”
He clears his throat as he stands. “Do you want to change?”
Frustration makes me scowl. “I can’t. There isn’t anything better in there. Trust me.”
“And to think I was dreading this meeting,” Kaillen murmurs, exactly like a chivalrous knight.
Gabe glares.
“May I carry your shield, Lady?” Kaillen offers.
“Um, no thank you.” I’m surprised roman candles aren’t exploding from my wings.
“I may never forgive myself for this.” Kaillen sighs dramatically, removing his linen jacket and holding it out for me to slip into.
I hesitate a moment before consciously letting go of the defensiveness I hold all around me. The gauntlet flares bright again. All three weapons wink out of existence.
Gabe doesn’t know where to look. Kaillen makes no effort to hide his appreciative gaze as he helps me into his jacket with the opening in the back to accommodate my wings.
At the same time, both men extend their arms to me.
“Thank you.” I hook my elbows through theirs. Together we walk down the path toward the clearing.
“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” repeats in my head over and over, “this cannot be happening.”
Except that it is.
I’m going to strangle those mean-girl maidens and then light myself on fire.
I hold tightly to both men’s arms as we go. The heels are break-neck tall…one misstep on the dirt path and I’ll crack my head open for sure.
I look mad-as-a-hatter traipsing through the forest in Kaillen’s coat backwards over my almost see-through evening gown. The jacket smells amazing, though, and at least I don’t feel naked anymore.
I glance up to find Kaillen staring at my lips. A small sound escapes the back of my throat, part cough, part gasp. On my other arm Gabe tightens his grip. I look up at his lean handsome face. He’s pissed. His jaw contracts as he stares straight ahead. Is he mad at me? For taking Kaillen’s arm? For being dressed like this? No. I know why he’s pissed. He’s pissed at Kaillen for flirting. He’s pissed at me for enjoying it.
Those maidens had better watch their backs. I’m going to be the quickest study any Fae has ever seen. As soon as I learn how to use Blaze and Keen I’m going to teach them I’m not some easy target…
I freeze in my tracks, pulling Gabe and Kaillen off balance. They turn to face me on the path, eyes questioning.
“That’s it! I think I can do it!”
Kaillen and Gabe look at each other, confused, then back at me. “Do what?” Gabe asks.
I kick off the stupid heels. “I’m Magic.”
Slipping out of Kaillen’s coat, I hand it to him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Would you both mind turning around for a second? You’re making me nervous.”
They turn around.
I’ve remembered the part in Aidan’s dream where my clothes kept changing. I was wearing a ridiculous dress just like this when I opened the first box.
What if I can change this dress?
This is the perfect chance to try using my powers for something other than summoning the weapons. Not that I even know how that happens or where the weapons go when they aren’t with me.
I know nothing about seeing or manipulating the elements with Keen, but my wings pulse with the elemental energy of Blaze. What if I can use just a tiny bit of it to change my dress with Intention? I have loads of Intention.
I visualize my shoulder blades from the inside, feeling my way back with tiny hands to where my skin ends and my wings begin. Right away I smack into something solid, some kind of barricade where my human body stops and my Fae body starts.
You aren’t different people stuck together with superglue. You’re all the same YOU. Ava’s voice glimmers in my ears. Accept all your different parts. Sooner would be preferable to later. Her tone is gentle, amused.
Mentally I feel along the barrier separating me from the Blaze locked in my wings, searching for any openings.
There, a seam! If I can only open it a tiny crack…
I hesitate. Massive power presses against the barrier, a swollen river behind a dam. If I open it—even just the teensiest bit—will it become unstable? What if the dam doesn’t hold? What if letting out just a little isn’t an option? Maybe I should wait until Quince can guide me?
No. I’m determined. I will change this dress. Now.
Eyes closed, I picture two needle-thin funnels at the base of each wing. They begin the slightest flutter and then a hum as the smallest amount of power trickles out, racing through my bloodstream like an electric car on a track. It isn’t enough power to change the cut of the dress, but it’s enough to make it less sheer.
That will have to do. I’m too scared to siphon any more.
I imagine the air above my head filled with opaque silver light. When the image is steady, I pull the energy down around myself.
Awash with tingles, I open my eyes. It worked!
The dress is solid silver now, with no transparent shimmer. It’s still snug and low cut, but all in all it’s a success.
I carefully remove the tiny funnels and patch up the hair-thin holes in the barrier.
“I did it!”
Both men turn around. I grab the dress by the hem and rip a knee-length slit so I can walk. “Much better.”
Gabe’s face registers shock and admiration. Kaillen seems impressed and maybe a little disappointed.
“Come on.“ I take their arms and tug them forward. “We’re late!”
Twenty-Seven
Several eyebrows arch at my bare feet and formal attire as we enter the grove, but nobody says anything. There are three elves and three maidens waiting for us. Two elves named Marcus and Jack flank the General. Two maidens, who introduce themselves as Lizzy and Kaye, stand next to Lady Quince. They’ve been appointed squadron leaders, tasked with getting us all to the Doorway safely.
I don’t like being scrutinized by so many sets of eyes, especially when I’m bound to make a fool of myself, but in a weird way it almost helps being this insanely over-dressed. I’m so far out of my comfort zone in this gown escorted by two swoon-worthy guys who are both almost-definitely attracted to me that it’s like it’s happening to someone else. I manage to hold my fidgeting in check but fail
miserably to keep from blushing like a fool.
General Ian takes my hand in his and kisses it fondly. Quince grazes my cheek with her heart shaped-lips. The maidens wish me a polite good morning while the elves each bow slightly at the waist with a murmured, “M’Lady,” apiece. I allow myself to feel welcome, wanted.
The feeling lasts only seconds, though, before paranoia looms. They’re probably just being extra nice after yesterday’s cringe-worthy exchange between Jacob and me. Or maybe they realize how close they are to returning home and how skittish I am.
Gabe and Kaillen lead me to the moss-covered trunk of a fallen tree. A strong sense of déjà vu startles me. This reminds me of the place I saw in Aidan’s dream. The dirt is strewn with the same pine needles and fallen leaves. The same wild clover sprouts in small patches here and there, and the same birdsong trills in the branches of the ancient towering trees.
No. I’m confused. Aidan’s dream was of a paved lot with the Tree and Toad and the Three Boxes. He didn’t mention a forest with a fallen tree. Did he? But somehow I know this is the place I rested before striding across the empty lot and kneeling in front of the boxes. I look over my shoulder to the right, half expecting to see the dilapidated parking garage.
Nothing but canopy stretches to the horizon.
Everyone sits on various stumps and boulders spaced closely together around the grove. Quince is on my right, sharing the fallen tree. My fingers run over lichen emerging from the springy bark of the decaying redwood.
“There’s much to discuss.” Ian calls the council to order. “Our meeting with Drake was very informative. We are finally ready to form our strategy for returning to the First Realm. Our purpose this morning is to reach a consensus on a clear plan of action and begin Lady Alvey’s training. I ask that we put away our differences and work together in earnest. Our goal is close at hand.” His pronouncement is met with brisk nods and murmurs of agreement.
“First, we have news of the crimbal and their Master. Several weeks ago, just after Drake received the vision of Lady Emily, he felt a weakness in the Wall. Closer examination revealed a hastily repaired breach. Drake believes the crimbal entered the Second Realm through this breach. From the tracks he found, he estimates there are forty crimbal here at most. He has found no remnants of any other crossing before or since, and unfortunately, the repaired breach is too strong for him to break.”
Riven: Young Adult Fantasy Novel (My Myth Trilogy Book 1) Page 17