by Valia Lind
I have to be ready for anything.
Chapter 16
When we step through the portal, I have no expectations. The portal itself was much like the last time I went through it. Simple and fast. But what meets us on the other side is surprising.
We come to in a courtyard straight out of some fairytale. The large trees, bigger than I've ever seen, stand at each corner of the yard. They look like they are a thousand years old at least. The green of the leaves is the brightest I've ever seen. There are flowers everywhere.
The tree itself holds flowers, but they also cover most of the area around the walkways. The air feels fresher somehow, more so than even in the mountains near home.
"Where are we?" I ask, turning to look at Derek. He's rigid, his whole body tense. "Derek?"
"Summer Court," he replies, his voice clipped. Something is wrong, and I have no idea what it could be. I open my mouth to ask, but we're no longer alone.
A woman who looks to be in her mid-thirties has joined us. She's dressed in the most beautiful of gowns, light green and translucent. It sparkles as she walks. The vines that grow on the skirt look almost real. I would be more surprised if they weren't.
"I see you have finally decided to come," she says, her voice like a freshly blooming flower. She gives Derek a brief glance before turning her attention back to me. "Welcome to Summer, Avery Kincaid."
I stare at her blankly. She is not appreciative of my lack of manners. I must've left those in the human realm, alongside the beat-up car we returned to the rental place. I'm experiencing very hostile emotions toward her, and I don't understand why. I was determined to come in here with an open mind, but it feels like I already know her. And I don't like her.
"May I introduce," Derek is quick to jump in as the woman and I eye each other, "Queen Svetlana of the Summer Court of Faery."
The queen raises her chin at me, and I only continue to stare. I'm not sure when I decided to be this defiant, but it was probably somewhere between getting attacked and being cut to pieces in my dream. I am not in a good mood.
"She is a difficult one, Derek." The queen addresses my companion, finally looking at him again. "You look unacceptable. Better get changed. Off you go."
Derek is dressed in dark blue jeans and a dark t-shirt. If he doesn't look acceptable, then I'm sure she's even less pleased with me. I'm waiting for him to say something, maybe tell her he'll stay with me, but he does no such thing. With a polite nod at her, he leaves without a backward glance at me.
Now I'm angry and confused.
"You have caused quite an uproar, Miss Kincaid."
I've always enjoyed people calling me Miss Kincaid, but apparently, not in this case. Her words seem to grate on me, and it's difficult to keep the full hostility out of my gaze. I need to get a grip.
"It wasn't intentional," I reply, finally speaking, if only to hear my voice in this magical place. It sounds clearer somehow, just like the colors look brighter.
Queen Svetlana studies me. I know she doesn't miss a thing. Not the scratches on my arm, nor the green streaks in my hair. She's waiting for me to say something else, but I have nothing for her. I'm here. That's what she wanted, isn't it?
"No, I suppose fighting Derek and running away was not a planned out move. Teenagers can be so spontaneous."
Oh, I don't like the way she talks to me. I'm about to spontaneously punch her in the face.
What is wrong with me?
Stay calm, stay focused.
Stay calm, stay focused.
Stay calm, stay focused.
There is a definite imbalance here. I'm just not sure what's causing it. The emotions within me are boiling to the surface, and it's like I have no control over them. My magic sits comfortably inside of me, completely unbothered. It's a strange combination.
"Hmm, you are going to be something, Miss Kincaid. Very well. If this is how you want to play this, so shall it be. We have prepared a room for you. Nora will see you there. Make sure to dress more appropriately from now on."
Just then, a girl about my edge steps out from the shadows, inclining her head in greeting. She's also dressed in a gown, although hers is much less extravagant than the one the queen wears. I suppose I can't expect anything else. The queen must present herself above everyone else.
"You are not to wander the halls alone. I would not suggest you try," she adds, probably reading my defiant expression. "Stay in your room until I decide what to do with you."
"What to do with me?" I ask as the queen turns away. She pauses, as if not used to someone questioning her commands. Which I'm sure is the case and not something I'm about to do.
"Yes. You may possess a strong power, Miss Kincaid, but we are in a middle of a war. You are of no use to me until that power can be harnessed. Until then, off you go."
With that, she turns and leaves me standing in the middle of the courtyard, a million thoughts in my head.
Derek has abandoned me.
Apparently, my clothes are unacceptable.
And I am for sure a prisoner.
"Lead the way." I motion to the other girl.
Great, just great.
We don't go far. When Nora pushes the doors open, I'm met with one of the most amazing rooms I've ever seen. The bed sits to the right, huge in comparison to anything I've seen. The walls are covered in flowered wallpaper, but it doesn't look tacky at all. The trim of the room is made up of gold and silver. There's a window straight in front of me. I walk over to it so I can see the Faery forest stretching out beyond the palace walls.
There's a door opposite the bed, near the window. When I peek in, I find a very modern bathroom, even including a shower.
"I thought iron and metal in general was a no go for you guys," I say, glancing back at the girl.
"That may have been the case before, but we have adapted. We kind of had to if we wanted to survive in the other realms. Plus, showers are so much nicer than medieval baths,” Nora says, walking over to lean against the bed. She seems more relaxed now that the queen isn't present. But even though she looks to be about my age, I doubt we could be friends. It wasn't like we were introduced organically. She's been assigned to me, which means she's a spy. Or a babysitter. Either one doesn't look good for me.
"You'll find everything here is pretty close to what you're used to. Sure, our clothes may seem outdated to you, but the amenities are all top notch."
The last phrase makes me curious. I turn to give her a questioning look.
"What? I don't spend all my time here. I graduated three years ago from a human school."
"Which one?"
"Thunderbird Academy. I'm sure you've heard of it." She says it like she doesn't actually know my history, so I decide to be honest. Not sure why, maybe simply because it's been a while since I've talked to a girl close to my age.
"I was supposed to graduate from there this year," I say, taking a seat on one of the chairs situated in front of a fireplace. Not sure why it's necessary, considering it's always warm in Summer Court. I do know my seasons, at least.
"No way! Is that where you found that book?" She sounds like any other girl I've ever talked to, and it makes it easier to answer her.
"Yes. Does everyone know about that?"
"Oh absolutely." She jumps up, landing on the bed and stretching out her legs in front of her. The light pink of her dress makes her look like she belongs in this room, matching the decor perfectly. "We felt a pretty big magic wave and then all the big names started freaking out. Those of us in the palace knew almost immediately because no one around here can actually keep a secret. I mean, some can. But most don't."
Not exactly sure how that's supposed to benefit the government system here, but oh well. Not my problem. Nora seems eager to talk. Maybe she's starved for companionship too. Or she just might be that good of an actress.
"You graduated and then what? Came here?"
"Yep. I thought I wanted to be an ambassador, but it turns out I'm really not that i
nterested in politics. I'm more of a garden nymph."
"Is that what you are?"
I really can't tell the difference between nymphs and fairies. Besides the ears. But I can't see Nora's with the way her curls fall over her shoulders.
"No, silly. I'm a royal fae from the house of Summer. There are a few of us running around. Fae really can't keep it in their pants."
"So, the queen is your mother?"
"Aunt, by name and blood only. She treats me more like a servant than anything else. They thought you'd adjust better if you had someone your own age around, and I'm the closest. Plus, the whole Thunderbird Academy thing. You know, things in common."
She's getting more bubbly as she talks. I wonder if she was nervous in the beginning too. I'm not about to spill my secrets, but I do feel slightly better with her here.
"Does that mean you've been assigned to watch my every move?"
Her laugh rings out, filling the space around us. I can't help but smile. She seems carefree and happy. I'm not sure why I expected only bad things by being here. Oh wait, it's because there are plenty to go around. One fae doesn't change that for the whole realm.
"I have, kind of. I'm supposed to help you learn the etiquette of the court. As you saw, auntie was not pleased with your outfit. But no worries, there is a great selection in your closet."
I point to the armoire near the door, and she nods eagerly. Pushing to my feet, I head for it, pulling it open. I realize it's not a standing closet but a cleverly disguised doorway to a walk-in closet.
Stepping inside, I find dresses of every color and shape hanging in the space around me. There are also shoes and nightgowns. That last one is a little weird but okay.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" Nora sighs from behind me. She's leaning against the doorway, gazing up at the dresses.
"They are. I'm just not a very big dress person.” Mostly, because I never think I can pull them off.
"Well, you're about to be. It's a sign of respect and nobility to be dressed in these. Others will have to be reminded of your status while you're here and dressing the part will help."
"My status?"
"You are not to be touched, by the order of the queen."
I'm not sure how to deal with that information, so I ignore it for now. Instead, I turn to the dresses.
"I suppose you'd like to help me pick one out?"
Chapter 17
Nora takes her job very seriously. She pulls out three top choices before she sets me in front of a vanity, which is also in my walk-in closet. Then, she starts on my hair.
"It's so long, and I love the green," she comments, brushing it out so she can curl it.
"The green is pretty new," I say, mesmerized by her movements. Since there are no heating tools here, I'm incredibly curious about how she's going to curl. She takes a strand of my hair, winding it gently around her finger. When she lets it free, it bounces up and down in a fresh curl.
"You're curling my hair magically?"
"Well, of course. How else would I curl it? Those heating things humans use are so damaging to the hair." She huffs and continues to make her way across my head. Her own hair falls down her back in large curls, blonde and shiny, even in this dim light.
Once my head is fully curled, she rearranges more than half to one side, pinning a section above my ear with a silver clip. With just a few moves, my neck seems longer and more elegant. She really is good at this.
"Next, just a touch of paint." She turns my chair toward her and leans over my face. "Close."
I follow her direction, closing my eyes, wondering why I'm trusting her to do whatever she wants. She could be painting me to look like a clown. Would I know? Or does my glamour radar work here as well? I'll have to test it out somehow.
Maybe I won't have to. The queen, or someone on her staff, will probably try glamouring the book's location out of me soon enough. Then my secret will be out. But at least I'll know for sure.
"Open."
I do, turning to look at the mirror.
"Wow."
Nora has added just a touch of pink to my eyelids, enough to make my eyes pop without over doing it. My lashes look longer and fuller somehow, but I don't see mascara in her hands. Even my lips have a bit of shine to them.
"I call it a natural glow," Nora says as I meet her eyes in the mirror. "You don't need any help, but a bit of sparkle never hurt anyone."
She smiles at me, and I can't help but return it. Next, she does a little twirl and heads for the bedroom. I follow her more slowly and find her standing in front of the bed, contemplating the three dresses she picked out. I would offer my opinion, but I have a feeling it won't help. She's set on this, so I let her have it.
After a few moments, she nods. "Yes, this one!" She explains it like she's picking a winning lottery ticket. The dress she chooses is exactly the one I liked the best. It has open shoulders, with small ruffles at the edge of the neck. The white flowers that cover the green fabric look lively and simplistic.
"Well, what are you waiting for?"
"Here?" I ask, because she's watching me expectably.
"Don't be so modest. Unless you want to? But like, I'll have to help you put the dress on, so."
"It's okay."
I'm not exactly comfortable, but she's right. I won't be able to dress myself, so I probably shouldn't be this uncomfortable. But I am. I know fae have no problem showing off their bodies, but that was never the case where I'm from. We kept to the norms. Or something like it.
When Nora pulls the dress over my shoulders, it feels like it's made for me. The material is softer than I expected it to be, and the bodice hugs my curves just right.
"What do you think?"
I step in front of the mirror, hardly recognizing myself. I look like a princess straight from those popular fairytales. My hair looks fuller and shinier, my neck long and elegant. Even my shoulders look like a model's. The dress comes in at my waist, accenting my figure. The skirt is just full enough to give me a bit more shape, without overdoing it. The skirt shifts against my legs, falling just above the floor.
"I love it." I open my mouth to thank her and then stop. I have to be extra careful about it. She grins at me anyway, clearly pleased with herself.
"Now, I'm supposed to take you to dinner."
"What?"
"Word of advice, eat small portions. Faery food is so addicting. Don't receive anything from anyone besides the servants. They'll put the food and drink in front of you, that's it. The council members will be present, and they will try playing games with you. They do it to anyone. While you're protected, they can still mess with you, so be on guard."
"Why are you telling me all of this?" I ask, turning to face her straight on. She sighs, cocking her head to the side as she watches me.
"Because I like you, and I haven't liked anyone in a while. It's not fun when people try to make you do things you don't want. While you're here, I have your back. My cousin says she learned about being a softy from me."
I narrow my eyes at that because it sounds familiar, but then a knock at the door makes me jump.
"That will be our cue. I'll be at the dinner with you but staying quiet is your best bet."
"And if I'm asked a question?"
I'm still not sure if I can trust her intel or not, but so far, she hasn't really said anything I wouldn't already be doing.
"Answer as specific as you can and then don't divulge any other information."
Sounds about right. I'm not exactly sure what I'm walking into, but it's going to be interesting. And bad. It'll probably be bad.
When we reach the main dining area, there are already people seated around the large table. They all turn as one at our entrance, eyes narrowed in suspicion or indifference. I'm a walking contradiction, that much I know. They don't know what to do with me any more than I know what to do with myself.
"Finally. Take a seat." Queen Svetlana calls out. Another fae, one of the servers, comes up to guide me to my seat.
It's on the left of the queen, near the head of the table. Once I sit, I realize a familiar face is right across the way. Derek.
He looks entirely different than the boy I've spent the past two weeks with. His hair is slicked back away from his face, a small band across it, maybe to keep it in place? He's wearing a suit jacket, open at the front with the collar up against his neck. His chest is bare. He looks regal somehow. That's when I notice his clothes carry the same shine as the queen's. Glancing between the two of them, a piece of the puzzle seems to fall into place.
"That is much better," the queen comments, looking me up and down, but I can't seem to look away from Derek. His eyes are on me as well, his expression distant. It's as if we’re complete strangers. I don't understand the attitude.
"The clothes really do make the man, or the woman in this case." As the queen continues, the rest of the table chuckles politely. Tearing my gaze away from Derek, I finally look at her. She turns her attention to me as well, a glass of wine poised at her lips. There's a smirk on her as she studies me before she leans her elbow on the table and takes a sip.
"My son has done a good job of convincing you to play along," she comments. I know she's waiting for the shock of that truth to bring forth a reaction. But I already figured it out. The band around his head is a crown, albeit a very cheap version, as not to upstage the queen. I still haven't spoken, and I can tell it's making the queen annoyed at me.
"You do not think he was a good choice for you?" She finally asks a question, and one I can answer readily.
"I think he did his job well."
The queen's laugh rings out again, as if she found that statement the funniest joke on the planet. Derek's eyes are once more on me. This time when I meet them, I match his expression. I keep expecting him to be a friend, but that's my fault. He has never been my friend, not for a second. Just a son, doing his mother's bidding. I can see that now.
Then why did he hold my hand while we slept?
No.