by Dawn Brower
Susanna nodded and said, “Aye, I can do that. Now sit so I can do something with this mop of hair you have.”
Elodie did as her maid demanded. She brushed her hair until it fell down her back in waves, then separated it into sections. Susanna plaited each section and twisted them together in an elaborate coiffure. Tiny tendrils were left to dangle over her high cheekbones like spun gold. “There,” Susanna said as she admired her handiwork. “The crown will wait until after we have you dressed. It will take me a minute to weave the flowers together.”
“No need to rush,” Elodie said. “They’re not about to kick me out if I’m a few minutes late. After all, I’m the honored guest—the princess is never late.”
Susanna rolled her eyes and picked up her aquamarine gown, holding it out for Elodie. “Aye,” she said sarcastically. “Because everyone is waiting on bated breath for you to appear.” After she stepped into it, Susanna pulled it up and Elodie slid her arms through the butterfly sleeves. The skirt billowed out and had a sweeping train. Susanna laced her up and tied the ribbons at the back. “You’re a vision,” Susanna said. “Now sit so I can dress your hair with these flowers.”
Susanna brushed a lock of her hair back and picked up the flower. The lock escaped once again and she blew it out of her way as she stared at the blooms. The delicate blossoms shimmered in the candlelight as she worked with them, bending them to her will. Elodie became mesmerized by her skill and stared as she wound them together into a crown that accented her hair. Susanna dressed, then pinned the masterpiece to the top of her head.
Elodie was finally ready to face the guests, and more importantly, her stepmother. The regal princess side of her would walk in and steal their hearts away. The warrior half wanted to sharpen her blades for the war to come. When the time was right, she’d reveal all.
“Thank you,” Elodie said. “I wouldn’t have even thought of going if you hadn’t talked me into it. You’re a good friend.”
How sad was it that her one true friend was a servant?
“Think nothing of it,” Susanna said. “Now go and have fun. Find that handsome knight and make some memories you’ll look back on when you’re old and gray.”
Elodie laughed and hugged her. “I’m making no promises.”
The night was young, and anything could happen. Perhaps it would be better than she’d originally believed.
* * *
Elodie headed toward the ballroom and stopped at the top of the stairs. She stared down at the revelry and admired all the pretty dresses and handsome men. They really were something to behold. The decorations enhanced the beauty of the room, and the candlelit chandeliers gave it a soft glow. No one had yet noticed she was at the edge of the stairs about to descend. She searched for the one person she hoped to talk to but couldn’t find him. Where was Cale? He should be stationed along the wall, watching the guests. As a knight in the royal guard, it was his job to protect not only the family, but any guests they had at the castle.
Rapidly, she scanned the room and the edges where all the guards were in position. He hadn’t been at the door when she entered, and he was nowhere she’d expect to find him. Had he left already? Her heart thudded in her chest, and she realized she’d pinned a lot of hopes on actually seeing him again. What a fool she’d been, and she’d pretended for a moment she was smarter than the world at large. She wasn’t any brighter than any woman in the room. When it came to matters of the heart, any one was susceptible to hope and dreams. In that regard, Elodie wasn’t any different.
“They look like they’re having fun,” a male said.
She turned to find Daire at her side. His golden locks had been slicked back and tied with a dark blue band emphasizing his gorgeous face. She’d not seen him dressed in formal wear, and a part of her wished she hadn’t now. Black breeches hugged his thighs. The waistcoat and matching jacket highlighted his heavily muscled chest. Elodie steeled herself for the onslaught of his charm and prepared to be as churlish as possible. Otherwise, she might fall victim to it, and there would be no turning back afterward.
She kept a mask of boredom over her features and glanced over him as if she wasn’t letting her preconceived notions rule her. Did he think he was too good to be on time? When she boasted of a princess never being late earlier, she’d been joking. Bad manners and entitlement appeared to dictate Daire’s actions. Admittedly, if she’d cared, she would have been on time. Her stepmother had ticked her off, so she’d deliberately taken her time. Rationally, she realized she was being hard on him because of what he represented, but she couldn’t stop herself from reacting adversely toward him. She questioned every one of his motives and wouldn’t apologize for it. Had he been waiting for her so he could pounce?
What was it about him she found so distrusting? Other than the fact he was a direct relation to her stepmother... He was too handsome, way too charming, and his skill with the bow had been enviable. She hated to admit it, but he almost appeared—perfect. Any other woman probably would be grateful to be betrothed to him. Elodie wasn’t any woman though. She was the royal princess of Zelnon and the queen in waiting. The male she married had to be trustworthy, loyal, and beyond reproach. Prince Daire left her with too many doubts to think he was the right guy to spend her life with. Matters of the heart aside, she couldn’t risk her land or her people.
“I suppose they do,” she reluctantly agreed. Cale wasn’t there, and she had no reason to expect him to be. Now she’d be stuck entertaining Daire for the night. “That is what a ball is designed for, is it not?” She raised a brow.
Daire shrugged. “More goes on at balls than dancing.”
“Such as?” She glanced up at him. What did he mean by that remark? She’d never done anything other than dance and partake in small talk at the balls she attended. What did he do at them that was so different?
“Sometimes,” he said. “If you’re lucky enough, you float, and if the gods are smiling down at you, a woman glances at you with a glint in her eyes. It makes you feel you’re capable of defeating those same powerful beings.”
Elodie repressed a grin. He was attempting to charm her again. She would not give him the satisfaction of realizing it was working. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t find it in herself to dislike him. That didn’t mean she trusted him. There was a huge gap between like and trust. He’d have to do a lot for her to bestow that honor on his shoulders. So far, she hadn’t seen anything that gave her the impression he was worth giving either.
“I’m sure if you try hard enough there is a woman down there willing to do that for you.” She kept herself poised and in control. “Don’t let me keep you from finding her. I’m capable of entertaining myself.”
He held his hand over his chest and said, “But what kind of future husband would I be if I abandoned my betrothed for another woman? Not one worth keeping.”
“Considering I don’t intend to honor that agreement, you have my blessing to do as you wish,” she encouraged him. “We’re never getting married.”
Daire’s lips twitched. “Haven’t you ever heard the saying, ‘never say never?’”
What was his point? “I’ll take my chances.”
Elodie walked down the stairs and continued to search for Cale. He had to be there. She didn’t want to admit defeat yet. Susanna was right, and it irritated her to admit that. Cale held a piece of her heart, and she wanted to have a moment with him to tell him that. Life was about taking risks, and she shouldn’t shy away from him now. When he was gone, it would be too late, and she may never have the opportunity again. She scanned the room several times, her heart thundering in her chest. Where was he? What if he’d already left? Damn it. She was an idiot. Her stomach churned as anguish settle deep inside of it.
“Who are you looking for?” Daire asked as he stepped beside her. “Maybe I can help you find them.”
“No one,” she said dismissively.
She hadn’t realized he was still dogging her heels. He had to give up at
some point. At least she hoped so. Unfortunately, he wasn’t showing any signs of leaving her alone. If she admitted she was searching for Cale, it would open her up to all kinds of questions. None of which she wanted to answer. Technically, Daire was her betrothed even if she didn’t have any intention of honoring the contract. It just didn’t feel right to admit to Daire that she wanted to find her knight.
“Then why do you keep scanning the room?”
Elodie gritted her teeth. Did he have to be so observant? There wasn’t a chance in hell she’d admit she’d been looking for Cale. How would she explain that? Daire would probably laugh at her, and she wasn’t about to give him ammunition to use against her.
“I’m observing the guests and making sure they are indeed enjoying themselves, as you’ve already mentioned. Plus, I wanted to see who accepted the invitations. Queen Fiona didn’t confer with me on the guest list.” She really had no idea who’d been invited or why. Most of them were nobles in the kingdom, but she wasn’t friendly with any of them. Not that they were enemies, but she didn’t have a personal relationship with a single person in the room. She’d never felt more alone in her life. Surrounded by hundreds of people, she had no one she could lean on. Was this a sign of how her life would be for the rest of her life? Would she always be on the outside looking in?
“Ah, Elodie dear,” a male said. “I’m glad to see you’ve finally arrived.”
She turned at met Abram’s gaze. The other person she wanted to talk to that evening. Good, maybe she could ask him if he’d really approved of the betrothal. It would’ve been easier if Daire wasn’t by her side, but she wouldn’t let that prevent her from interrogating her guardian.
“Are you?” She lifted a brow.
“What?” he said, confusion filling his gaze.
“Glad I’m here?”
“Don’t give the old man a hard time,” Daire chastised her.
How dare he? Why was she surprised? Of course, Daire would stick up for Abram. He probably saw him as an ally. Well, that was too damn bad. She wasn’t going to be held back by anyone.
“Elodie doesn’t mean to be rude,” Abram said. “She’s not used to having so many people in the castle. It’s good to see the two of you getting along so well. It’s nice when two young people can find accord and a reason to hold a relationship together.”
“Are you senile?” Elodie asked. It was the only explanation. “Prince Daire and I do not get along. We never have.”
“I wouldn’t go that far…” Daire frowned. “We’ve barely had an argument since I arrived.”
Elodie spun on her heels and faced him. “You’re not even supposed to be here yet. Queen Fiona said you were arriving tomorrow.”
He shrugged. “We made good time. I’m not going to make excuses for being punctual.”
Abram glanced from Elodie to Daire. He crinkled his brows together and opened his mouth and closed it several times. Elodie wasn’t sure what was going on in his head, but it was clear he was at a loss for words. She couldn’t really blame him for that. Daire made her speechless on a regular basis.
“I’m going to let you two work this out on your own,” Abram said and walked away.
Elodie’s cheeks heated and she clenched her fists. The need to hit something, preferably Daire, was growing rapidly inside of her. His actions drove her to violence. If they actually married, he might not survive to see what being a king looked like.
“Great.” She turned and faced Daire. “You chased him away.”
Daire shook his head several times and closed his eyes. “Elle, sometimes I wonder if you realize what a harpy you are.”
Jerk. His opinion of her shouldn’t bother her, but it did. It was perfectly acceptable to dislike him and tell him often. To openly berate her though… Game on. He didn’t realize what he unleashed by opening his mouth to criticize her.
“Insults will get you everywhere,” she smirked. “Would you like to share a few? Now that sounds like jolly fun.”
“I have a better idea,” he said and lifted her hand into his. “I believe this dance is mine.”
Warmth spread through her at his touch, and she didn’t appreciate how it made her feel. She enjoyed it a little too much. She yanked her hand out of his. He couldn’t realize he affected her in any way. It wouldn’t help her cause to dissolve their betrothal. “You presume too much.”
Dancing with him was the last thing she wanted to do. She spun on her heels and walked right into a solid chest. Glancing up, she met Cale’s dark blue eyes. The muscles in his cheeks were clenched and his lips were a flat line. He wasn’t dressed as a knight, and instead was wearing formal evening wear. His dark jacket made him even more devastating to behold. That was why she’d been unable to find him. Oh, how handsome he was… Her heart leapt inside of her as she met his gaze. She swallowed a lump that was forming in her throat. Tiny sensations danced across her skin as she teetered on the edge of giddiness.
“Dance with me,” he said, holding his hand out to her. It was almost as bad as Daire’s demand. Cale’s was at least a borderline question. Elodie didn’t have to think twice. She placed her gloved hand into his and allowed him to lead her to the floor.
“I thought you’d left,” she said, lost in his gorgeous face. It had been mere hours and she’d missed him. How was she going to survive never seeing him again?
“Not until morning,” he replied, softly locking his gaze with hers for a moment. It was magical for the short time it lasted. When he glanced away, it left her cold. The words that followed only added to the chill seeping through her. “I told you earlier. There was no reason to leave before then.”
Elodie hadn’t realized Cale could dance. She should have. He was skilled at everything else, so why would he have failed to learn something so basic as dancing. He twirled her around the floor, and it was almost like she floated. Daire’s earlier statement came to the front of her mind. She didn’t like having him there interrupting her time with Cale. Elodie looked up at him and did her best to etch his face in her memory. After this night, she might not ever see him again. If this was too be their final goodbye, she wanted to make sure it stayed with her forever. It hurt, but one day down the road she’d appreciate the effort she made now.
“I wish things could be different,” Cale whispered. It was so low she almost didn’t catch what he said. “If you ever…” He shook his head, dismissing his words away. “Just be careful,” he told her. “Trust no one.”
If he was so worried about her, why was he leaving? What did he know that she didn’t? “Don’t go,” she pleaded. “How am I to navigate the treacherous path I’m on if I have no one I can depend on?”
Cale stared down at her and she caught a small glimpse of his pain before he shoved it away and replaced it with the blank mask he wore so often. He didn’t show this side of him often. He had feelings, but he didn’t let them out for anyone but her. Her brave, stoic knight… He couldn’t really be leaving her. She refused to believe it.
The dance ended too soon, and Cale was leading her off the floor, not looking at her again. He stopped in front of the queen and bowed. Fiona smiled and said, “Well done, Sir Griffin.”
Elodie glanced at him and then at Fiona. Was he tasked with delivering her to Fiona’s side? Was that why he’d danced with her? That couldn’t be right? Cale wouldn’t betray her… No, he wouldn’t do that to her. He, more than anyone, realized how much she despised her stepmother. Susanna had told her to tell him how she felt. She couldn’t tell him what she herself didn’t know anymore? How could she have been so wrong about him? The deception he’d weaved stabbed through her heart. It made her question the world at large. How was she supposed to ascertain what was the truth?
Everything had changed in an instant, and Elodie didn’t know where to turn. So she didn’t say anything at all. Susanna had meant well but some advice was best not taken, and whatever feelings she had for Cale were hers to keep. She couldn’t very well share something that was tainte
d and may no longer true. Spinning on her heels, she took slow even strides out of the ballroom. Not once did she look back. There was nothing there for her anymore.
A Curse Flies
Elodie leaned against the wall and wrapped her arms around her waist. Her chest burned as she gasped for air—her emotions overwhelming her. The dress had to go. The tight lacing was cutting into her, making it even harder for her to breathe. She was almost to her chamber. If she had to, she would cut the damn thing off. What did she need it for anyway? As far as she was concerned, there would be no more balls for her. Dresses had always felt cumbersome and restricting.
Slowly, she made her way through the hallway leading up to the tower her chamber was located in. She had to stop several times, attempting to breathe. Finally, she found her room and pushed the door open, then stumbled inside. Candles remained lit on the wall sconces, and a fire had been stoked to keep the night chill out of the room. Susanna, however, wasn’t anywhere to be found. Elodie had hoped her maid would still be around to help her remove her gown. She would have to cut the laces to remove it.
She dropped to the floor by her bed and reached underneath. Skimming her hand over the cold surface, she searched for the one thing guaranteed to bring her relief. Her hand brushed over a rough wool blanket. She latched onto it and yanked out. Quickly, she unfolded it and relief flooded her at the sight. Her stepmother hadn’t taken every weapon from her. The short swords she practiced with would be missed, but the ones laying before her had more meaning. They had been her mother’s blades. Her father had given them to her on her sixteenth birthday before his death. Elodie pulled one of the blades out of the fine leather scabbard and held it before her. The polished steel gleamed in the candlelight, and flecks of light from the jeweled tip danced on the ceiling. Without giving it a second thought she reached behind her and slid it through the laces of her gown. It glided easily through and sliced them away. Sweet precious air filled her lungs as she was finally able to breathe.