“Be prepared for the worst, Your Highness.” Gwenn frowned. “Your hu—guest isn’t taking to it as quickly as we hoped.”
“Don’t listen to her.” Darach popped up next to me. “She’s jealous that you’re getting so much attention.”
I nodded but didn’t dare answer him. The last thing I needed was for them to believe me insane. My pulse quickened, nervousness coiling in my belly. I hated having an audience. Trust me, I was bad enough without having the added pressure.
“Relax,” Darach whispered in my ear. “I’m going to take control now, okay?”
I gasped as I felt his warmth beneath my skin. My body tingled. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling two heartbeats thrumming within me. This seemed so intimate, the way his movements meshed with mine. Our breathing leveled until it was the same.
This was so much like putting on a favorite sweater. Did it feel the same for Darach? Did the same warmth encompass him? But then another thought flooded my mind. What if he permanently possessed me? Was this some guise to take control of me? Maybe I should order him out of me and just face Gwenn on my own.
“Are you ready?” Gwenn’s voice broke through my thoughts.
My arms raised as Darach lifted his. “Yes.”
“Relax,” he said. “I won’t hurt you. You have my word.”
But what did I really know about him? Thing was, he’d had plenty of opportunities to do something to me before now. And I needed this small victory if I wanted to move forward. If it came to it, I’d fight Darach for control of my body. But for now? It was time to show Gwenn a nice surprise.
So I shoved my doubts aside and let him control my actions. If nothing else, it let my body get used to the maneuvers of fighting, which would only aid me in the future.
She smirked, bringing her weapon in an arc and jabbing at my chest. But Darach stepped to the side. He then swung our blade upward. It caught Gwenn’s and sent her makeshift blade flying. Her mouth gaped as if she didn’t believe what just happened.
“Well wasn’t that a lucky defensive movement,” she said when she picked her sword up from the ground. “Bet you can’t do that again.”
A small thrill wriggled in my chest. “We’ll see about that,” Darach whispered.
His words made me smile, and we took our stance once more. This time, Darach didn’t wait for Gwenn to come at us. Instead, he hefted our weapon and charged forward. She raised her sword to block our advance. But we dodged to the side and brought our blade upward, catching her in the ribs.
Her face reddened, and she rolled to the side and came up behind us. Darach spun us around, lifting our practice sword right as hers was about to come down.
The wooden swords collided with a loud thwack. She attempted to shove me backward with her strength. But with Darach’s help, I held my ground. My leg came up and caught her in the stomach, separating us and giving me enough room to drive my fake blade into her shoulder.
Sweat dripped down my forehead, burning my eyes. I blinked, then wiped my face on my sleeve. Gwenn let out a low growl and came at me again. But Darach twisted to the side then took our weapon and jabbed her in the ribs. She fell to her knees and stared up at me like I’d grown three heads.
“You’ve certainly improved. I’ll give you this round. But tomorrow, we’re having a rematch.” Gwenn gave me a forced smile. “Congratulations. Looks like you’re better than you let on. Or maybe you’re just better with an audience.”
I held my hand out to help her up. But she avoided it; instead she stood on her own, then wiped her palms on her breeches, her glance shifting when Nevin joined us.
“What a fabulous match. See, Gwenn, I told you that if anyone could teach her, it was you.”
If they only knew. But I grinned, too. Although Gwenn didn’t look happy about losing to me, I saw a brief moment of respect in her eyes, which was more than I could’ve hoped for. Maybe she’d eventually accept me, or at least be nicer.
Nevin reached for my arm, and I took a step back. He came up short and gave me a sheepish smile. “I’m proud of you. You’ve worked really hard. Gareth will be shocked to see how much you’ve learned in his absence.”
At that moment, I heard Darach whisper goodbye. All at once, my body went cold. My skin puckered with goose bumps. The fullness I’d felt before was gone. I guess he’d meant what he’d said, and I’d been right to take a chance on him. He had no intention of possessing me forever. He just wanted to help.
Over Nevin’s shoulder, I saw Darach. He glowed brighter, as if he’d been dipped in sunshine. His gaze met mine, and he gave me a lopsided grin.
I mouthed the words “Thank you”. He nodded then disappeared.
“The three of us should have lunch,” Nevin said, escorting me toward the palace.
Gwenn came up on my other side, carrying our weapons. “I underestimated you. But I promise, I’ll never do that again. You’re the first one to best me in years. But don’t think I’ll let it happen again.”
Pride bubbled inside me. Okay, so I’d had help beating her, but it felt so good. My smile widened. “It’s okay. I understand.”
When we crossed into the gardens, a sudden, sheer pain overtook me. “Oh my God.”
I dropped to my knees. A scream tore from my lips, and I clutched my chest.
Something’s wrong.
Everything hurt. My body felt like it was on fire, and I fell forward onto all fours.
Please make it stop.
“Salome? What’s wrong?” Nevin dropped down beside me.
No. This isn’t happening. I gasped for air. My lungs burned. I couldn’t breathe.
“Salome? Answer me. Are you okay?” Nevin tilted my head back.
It was then I realized it wasn’t my pain I felt. It was Gareth.
“Gareth!” Damn it! “What’s wrong? Please. Answer me!”
For a brief second, I thought his mind opened up to me. But then the doors slammed shut.
“Gareth.”
Tears ran down my cheeks. Nevin quickly lifted me into his arms. “Salome, answer me? What’s wrong?”
“I-I think something’s happened to Gareth.” I sobbed, burying my head against his tunic.
“I’m sure he’s fine.” He glanced at Gwenn.
“Nevin’s right. Gareth’s the strongest soldier in Summer. He’ll be all right.”
I wanted to believe them, but I’d sensed his pain. And he wouldn’t have closed me off like that unless he was trying to hide it from me.
“Let’s get you to your room.” Nevin carried me into the palace and upstairs. “Everything will be okay.”
But somehow, I knew it wasn’t. Gareth was hurt. And I was too far away to do anything about it.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Salome
The hot bath water did nothing for my nerves. Steam rolled up around me like mist in a graveyard.
“Gareth, can you hear me? Please, answer.”
My wrinkled fingers gripped the sides of the tub as I waited, but still he didn’t respond. I hadn’t sensed him through our link in a couple of days.
What if he’s dead? I swallowed hard. No. I won’t believe it. He’s probably just healing.
I squeezed my eyes shut. “Gareth, if you can hear me. Please talk to me. I need to know you’re okay. I need you.”
Tears trickled down my face, and I pushed myself to my feet. Rivulets of water trailed down my skin. I grabbed the towel and wrapped it around me. Summer air blew through the opened balcony doors, but despite its warmth, goosebumps broke out over my body. I shivered and hurried to dry myself off.
Once finished, I slipped into a long white nightgown and sat on the edge of my bed to brush out my damp hair.
Okay, there was no need to freak out yet. I mean, the same thing had happened when Gareth fought the trolls. We’d lost contact then, and he’d still come back to me.
But this is different.
I set my brush on the trunk at the end of my bed then slid beneath my silken covers.
The scent of my rose shampoo wafted in the air as darkness settled in. I propped my head up on my pillows and stared at the star cluttered sky.
With a sigh, I rolled on my side, and my eyelids fluttered shut. The light sound of wooden flutes drifted into my room, relaxing me like a lullaby.
The room is filled with bones and ice. In the corner, someone cowers, hands covering her face. When she looks up, I gasp. “Kadie?”
But she doesn’t answer, instead she stares across the ice glazed room to where a girl is propped on a stone block. A blade gleams beneath the candlelight. Before I can turn away, I watch in horror as an axe comes down, severing the girl’s head from her body.
Blood sprays the snow colored floor. Kadie screams.
A laugh echoes through the room. I turn to find Grisselle sitting on a throne made of skeletons, giggling and clapping.
So much blood. So many bones.
Winter.
Winter is coming for me…
“Noooo…” Kadie yells.
“Nooo!” I bolted upright in bed, sweat running down my forehead.
My door burst open, and Gwenn rushed in, sword drawn. “Salome? What’s wrong?”
“Oh God, I-I saw the blood and bones and snow. Grisselle was there. She had my friend.” I choked back a sob, shaking as I knotted my blanket in my hands.
She lit several candles, her face pale. “I think I’d better get Nevin. He’s better suited to dealing with human emotions.”
Gwenn hurried from the room, and I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm myself. For a moment, I thought I saw Darach’s image in my mirror, but it disappeared when Nevin busted in.
“Salome? Are you okay?” He sat on the edge of my bed.
“I had a horrible nightmare,” I sobbed as I went on to explain the gruesome details.
He tilted my head upward and gave me a startled look. “Are you sure you saw Grisselle?’
“Yes, she’s not someone I’d ever forget.”
He smoothed my hair from my face. “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”
I sniffled. “I-I don’t think I’ll be able to go back to sleep.”
Nevin stood, then hefted me into his arms. “You’ll stay in my chambers tonight. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”
We walked down the hall to his room. A lone candle burned near his king-sized bed. Dark blue drapes were tied back at the posts, revealing a mountain of blankets and pillows. The rest of the room was in shadows, but I made out a few marble statues, and the weapons rack near the far wall.
He set me down on his mattress. “Here, climb under the covers. I’ll sit in the chair and keep an eye on you tonight.”
“A—are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“Yes. Now get some rest.”
The scent of fresh cut grass and honey tickled my nostrils as I tugged his blankets about my shoulders. My gaze met his, and he plopped down into the chair next to me. He reached out and stroked my face.
“Sleep well, Salome.”
I yawned, fighting the tiredness until at last, sleep won out.
Sunlight spilled into the room. I stretched out and, with a sigh, flung my legs over the edge of the bed. I noticed Nevin asleep in an overstuffed settee. His dark lashes brushed his cheeks. Without the worry lines creasing his brow, he seemed so innocent and young.
For a moment, I watched him, trying to gauge if he was truly asleep or not. My gaze slid over his room once more to a mahogany desk in the corner beneath a tapestry of a wild stag. On top of it, I noticed the letter from my grandmother.
Quiet as I could, I moved across the floor. With a glance over my shoulder to make sure Nevin still slept, I picked the note up and slid it from the envelope.
Nevin,
I received your letter in regards to Salome having powers. I cannot answer that at this time. The only thing I can tell you is she belongs in Faerie. There was a reason I discouraged her from falling in love with you here in the human world. I feared she would lose her life to the curse, and that would have forsaken us all. She has a greater purpose than you can imagine. And my life has been spent preserving her and her innocence. If Salome falls, so do we all.
You must keep her safe while she’s in Faerie, for her time is coming to do great things. I do not know what your intentions are, but I hope you will heed my words and not do anything foolish. Tell Gareth he must do everything in his power to keep her from Grisselle’s clutches, which means it might be time to move her to the Summer Palace where your magic is stronger.
My borders are still holding, but I don’t know how long they will remain safe. Things are coming to fruition which were foretold long ago. Send my love to Salome. Tell her we love her and miss her. Remind her she is strong and she’ll know what to do when the time comes.
Always,
Doris
My fingers trembled as I read the note again. What the hell did this mean? Why did I need to come to Faerie? Did I really have powers after all? If so, was that why Nevin had pushed so hard to have me be his queen? None of this made sense. And if Grandma knew something, why hadn’t she told me?
Nevin shifted in the chair, and I quickly shoved the letter back in the envelope and pretended to stare out the window. After a moment, I glanced at him again and kept looking, wondering when he’d wake up.Then his eyes opened, and he caught me staring.
“Why do I feel like an art piece in a museum?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
He stretched his long legs, then stood. “No, I needed to get up anyway. I hope you slept well?”
“Surprisingly, yeah.” I wanted to ask him about the note, but I didn’t need him to think I was snooping around. Damn. I wondered if Darach might know anything.
“Listen, why don’t I walk you back to your quarters so you can change. Then I’ll take the rest of the morning off—take you someplace special.”
“Really? I mean, I don’t want to keep you from anything.”
“Trust me, I can use a break from court for a few hours. The Council has given me enough headaches in recent days.”
When we stepped into the hallway, several servants turned to stare at us. Mouths gaping, they went about their tasks, whispering to one another as they nodded and pointed in our direction.
“What’s up with them?” I asked when Nevin let me in my door.
“Um—they think we’re together.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
“They saw you come out of my room disheveled.”
“Nevin!” I swatted at his arm. “You have to fix this. Last thing I need are rumors spreading through the kingdom that we spent the night together. Especially since everyone knows I’m with Gareth. How do you think that makes me look?”
“It’s fine. I promise to take care of everything. Now get changed, I’ll be back in a couple minutes.”
Ugh. Sometimes Nevin was so infuriating—like now. I didn’t want everyone to think I’d been with him. With a groan, I whipped off my nightgown, tossed it on my bed, and grabbed a clean dress from my armoire.
Once I had it on, I twisted my hair up in a braid and waited for him to come back. It didn’t take long for him to reappear. When we left my room, he offered me his arm.
“So where are we going?”
“To my private gardens.” He ushered me down a back staircase to a large oak gate. There he produced a key from around his neck. He inserted the metal into the lock and twisted it. Soon, the barrier swung open and he led me inside.
“Wow.” I sucked in a deep breath as I spun to glance at the roses, violets, and lilies that grew along the walkway. Fountains sprayed overhead, like a water archway. “I don’t know if I’m gonna ever get used to how gorgeous this place is. Sometimes I feel like I’ve stepped into one of my fairytales.”
“That’s because you have.” He smiled, tugging me toward large stone stairs.
We climbed upward, the sound of waterfalls crashing as we neared the top. Beams of sun splaye
d across a grassy field, while trees rocked back and forth beneath the breeze. Nevin guided me to a great white oak on the edge of a creek. As we neared it, I noticed a swing hanging from its branch.
“Hop on,” he said.
“Seriously?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never been on a swing before?”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I have. Geez, I was like the queen of playground swings when I was in elementary school.”
I turned around, scooted on the swing, and clung tight to the ropes.
“Hold on.” Nevin gave me a push.
With a squeal, I whooshed through the air. I pumped my legs, going higher and higher. As the wind licked at my face, I felt like I was flying. I closed my eyes, imagining I soared through the sky.
“If you keep your eyes shut, you’ll miss the view,” Nevin said.
I opened my eyes and stared in awe. From this place, I saw the entire kingdom. The palace. The waterfalls. Trees. Flowers. It was so perfect.
“Amazing,” I said, glancing at him.
“I thought you might like it.” He reached out and slowed the swing. “I know things have been tough for you lately, but I want you to know that you’re welcome here. And I want you to enjoy everything you can.”
“Thank you.” For a brief moment, it felt like we were back in the human world. Back when he and I used to sit for hours on my grandpa’s hammock just talking, when I believed him to be one of my best and closest friends. Before I found out it’d been an act.
Guilt set in. I shouldn’t be having fun. Not when my boyfriend was out there somewhere defending Summer.
Maybe spending time alone with Nevin wasn’t such a good idea. Underneath all that arrogance, I knew he could be charming, and I didn’t want to fall for that trap again.
“What’s wrong?”
I gave him a forced smile. “Nothing. Just worried for Gareth.”
He frowned. “He’d want you to enjoy things. Not be cooped up in your room the entire time he’s gone.”
Before either of us had a chance to say anything else, one of his guards appeared. “Sorry to bother you, Your Highness, but the Council has requested your presence.”
“I ought to tell them to wait, but I’m sure they’ve heard some rumors this morning that I should set straight,” he said to me.
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