The Twelve Dancing Princesses

by K. M. Shea

  A smile still budding on her lips, Quinn glanced at Roy.

  Her longtime friend looked awful. He had dark circles under his eyes; his hair was horribly mussed; his clothes were crusted with dirt, and he sported a glorious black eye. He wouldn’t meet Quinn’s gaze and instead was back to kneeling by her bed.

  “Roy, it’s fine.”

  “No, it’s not.” Roy shook his head. “I should have had more control. By Gallant, Guy had more control than I did!”

  “Guy also had more control than Kenneth, which likely means he has far more determination than we give him credit for, or his independent and self-focused attitude makes it harder for things like curses to affect him.” Quinn meant it as a joke, but Roy didn’t even blink.

  Quinn sighed. “Roy…”

  “We were the closest, Midnight.” Roy rolled back onto his heels and crouched, though his eyes were fixated on Quinn’s coverlet. “Since we enlisted at the same time, we’ve done everything together. Years of friendship, and I tossed it away because I was jealous.”

  “You were tricked by magic,” Quinn said. “Not jealous.”

  Roy shook his head. “I don’t think the curse would have gotten me so bad if I hadn’t already been holding a pity party for myself.”

  Quinn shifted under the covers. “What are you talking about?”

  “I was jealous of the time you spent with the Elf King,” Roy said. “I knew I was being petty when I started accusing you of caring more about him than the band, but I was frightened. You’re my best friend, Midnight. I didn’t want to lose you.”

  “I never would abandon Gallant,” Quinn said softly.

  “I know, but things were changing, and…and I knew you liked me as more than a band mate,” Roy blurted out.

  The silence hung thick and heavy in the room.

  “Oh,” Quinn said after a pregnant pause.

  “But last night when I taunted you over it, I didn’t mean it, Quinn! Please believe me! That was the curse! I never said anything to you before not because I didn’t like you, but because I knew I wasn’t right for you,” Roy blurted out.

  She tilted her head as she studied Roy. He’s being truthful…she realized with some surprise. “What do you mean?”

  Roy ran his hands through his hair—displaying exactly how it had gotten so disorderly. “Us together, Midnight, would be like hitching up a horse and a unicorn. You’re far greater than me—far greater than anyone in Gallant. I always knew that. In the end, we’d never really match up.” He sighed. “But that Elf King! As soon as you started talking about him, I knew. He sees you, Quinn. He sees your valiance, your unending loyalty, and he can and will give you the world in return.”

  “Roy—” Quinn started.

  “I thought I let you go a long time ago, Midnight, but I didn’t. I was jealous, and even though I knew the Elf King was worthy, I didn’t want to lose your friendship.” He shook his head and stared down at his feet. “And because of that, I nearly killed you myself.”

  Quinn thoughtfully studied her friend. I am relieved, in a way, that he knew. It makes me…happy…to know that he valued our friendship. Yes, he hurt me last night, but this is Roy. “I forgive you, Roy.” When her words drew his gaze back to her, she waited a few moments and smiled. “I’m fine—at least I’m on the mend. And if you hadn’t attacked, the elves wouldn’t be free.”

  “But I didn’t have to—”

  “Enough,” Quinn said firmly. “Stop harboring guilt and pain over this. Do you hear me?”

  Roy nodded meekly.

  Quinn waited a few moments, then let her smile turn playful. “Though you’re right about one thing.”

  Roy warily dunked his head. “What?”

  “We never would have suited. You know far too much,” Quinn teased.

  Roy finally smiled, some of the light returning to his eyes. “It feels good to have dirt on the future Queen of the Elves.”

  Quinn groaned. “I hope I’m not crowned Queen of the Elves. I’m a human; it would be a joke.”

  “You saved them,” Roy pointed out.

  “As did Angelique.” Quinn sighed and briefly pinched the bridge of her nose, then returned her attention to Roy. “What are you going to do about the princesses?”

  Roy scratched the back of his head. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’ve already decided against marrying Princess Alena. I was mostly saying so out of spite because I knew you don’t like her.”

  “Some of the other princesses are quite nice,” Quinn said.

  Roy shrugged. “Yes, but I’ve been thinking I’m more suited for the life of a soldier, not a prince.”

  “You should do whatever makes you most happy, but don’t forfeit this just because you feel bad for the way things went,” Quinn warned him.

  “I know. I’ll try.” Roy smiled wanly, and the door was thrown wide open with more force than necessary.

  Guy banged into the room, unapologetic at his blatant interruption. “Great news, Quinn. I feared you were going to get fat from eating rich food when you no longer have the active lifestyle of a soldier once you’re crowned queen, but it’s not necessary. Elves run, hop, and leap everywhere. It’s exhausting just watching them.”

  “These are just the civilians you’re seeing,” Leigh declared as she followed Guy inside, bearing a wooden tray laden with food. “Imagine what the warriors are like.”

  Kenneth ghosted in behind the pair—also carrying a tray of food. He set it on Quinn’s bed—or more accurately, Emerys’ bed—then bowed gravely to her. “Quinn. I am glad to see you are awake.”

  “And I’m glad to see all of you,” Quinn said as she reached for a cheese-crusted roll.

  Leigh grunted and set about peeling an apple with a knife she slipped from her wrist guards. “I didn’t know if His Majesty the Elf King would let us ever set foot near you again, but it seems he understood what the curse was like.”

  “We failed you,” Kenneth said.

  Quinn shook her head. “No.”

  Kenneth’s jaw jutted out in his stubbornness. “We were too weak.”

  Quinn reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “We each have our different strengths.” She paused, feeling out the moment before she dared to add a bit of humor. “Mine just happens to be playing bait.”

  “Glory be,” Leigh groaned as she finished slicing up the apple. “If His Majesty ever learns of what we had you do, he will likely officially petition King Dirth for our dishonorable discharge and imprisonment.”

  “I’m a soldier in Band Gallant,” Quinn snorted. “He knows we live on risks.”

  “You used to be in Band Gallant,” Guy said. “Somehow I doubt you’ll be a Farset soldier much longer.”

  Quinn hesitated, rebelling against the idea. I’ve always wanted to be a soldier. Joining Gallant was my dream come true…but it would be foolish and unrealistic to expect to stay a soldier when I marry Emerys. “Yes,” she said carefully. “But even when I am gone, no matter who enters or leaves Gallant, we’re family. Forever.”

  “Forever,” her band mates chorused back to her.

  Guy clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Great, then let’s eat as band mates. I’m starving, and we used your name to get the best possible food.”

  Leigh rolled her eyes. “You are awful.”

  “Awfully good at getting us great food, you mean!”

  The barest hint of a smile settled on Quinn’s lips as she watched her band mates swarm the food. Things will change—drastically. Even if I still have my friends, I won’t have Gallant like I used to…but different doesn’t mean worse. I have Emerys, and even if he is crazy enough to crown me queen of the elves, I’ll have his people too.

  The thought comforted Quinn so as she laughed with her band mates—aware that it might be one of the last times they dined together as a band—her smile was entirely genuine.

  For Gallant.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later, Quinn stood by the four statues in Ja
sper Circle, dressed in the most expensive outfit—a pale blue tunic lined with white fur to stave off the chill of winter—she had ever worn in her life. Her hands were tucked into a fur muff so she could play with her dagger without Alastryn seeing, for the royal elf was trying to limit the number of weapons Quinn carried on her person.

  She smiled as she watched Kenneth, Roy, Leigh, Guy, and Bridget stand in a row before Emerys.

  A great number of elves stood to the left, while the right side of Jasper Circle brimmed with humans, including King Dirth, Queen Orsina, and the twelve dancing princesses.

  The day had been set aside to celebrate everyone who had played a role in ending the elves’ curse and driving out the goblins. Everyone was happy and lively despite the cold temperatures, and not a soul dared to suggest it would be more appropriate to hold the party at Brandy Crest than Jasper Circle.

  “For your bravery and intelligence in following the princesses and uncovering the elven curse, Kenneth of Brochos Village, Roy of Green Scales Hills, Leigh of Navia, and Guy of Salt Skin Bay, you are named elf-friend,” Emerys said.

  As he spoke, an elf moved down the line and slipped a golden pendant over each of their heads.

  “Our halls and our hearts will always be open to you, forever more.” Emerys turned his attention to Bridget, who stood slightly apart. “In honor of your courage and valiance in combat, Bridget of Midnight Lake—Red Rider of the King—you are named elf-friend. Our swords and shields are yours, forever more.”

  The audience exploded into cheers and clapping—the humans making a great deal more noise than the taciturn elves.

  “Are you certain you don’t wish to be publicly acknowledged?” Quinn asked Angelique, who stood with her by the statues. (As Angelique was an enchantress, and Quinn didn’t quite fit in with the humans now that she was Emery’s betrothed, but was not comfortable standing with him for such a grave occasion, they were given the spot by the statues to mark them out.)

  “Very certain,” Angelique said. “If I could forget that night, I would.” She cleared her throat and gave Quinn a pretty smile. “It is also unnecessary given that the king named me an elf-friend while you were still unconscious.”

  Quinn nodded slowly. “I’m sorry you had to use your magic, but I thank you for saving us.”

  “It is my duty,” Angelique said simply.

  Quinn hesitated for a few moments, internally debating with herself. Do I say something…or not? It’s none of my business…but… “Angelique, if I may be so bold?”

  Angelique peeled her gaze from Emerys—who was now reciting some speech about co-operation between humans and elves. (The speech was probably written by Cynbryn and enforced by Alastryn.) “Yes?”

  “I know I have no right—I am neither royal nor possess an ounce of magic—but I wanted to tell you that I think your magic is marvelous.”

  Angelique sighed. “You are very kind, but I have no wish for consolation out of pity.”

  “But it’s not.” Quinn flipped her dagger faster between her hands as she struggled to organize her thoughts. “I’m a soldier. I have killed, plundered, and spilled blood. I know the pain of ending a life…but being a soldier isn’t really about death and destruction. It’s about protecting others and shouldering a burden so children can still play in the streets, villages can flourish, and civilians can travel without fear. Your magic is the same. You might shed blood and cause destruction beyond that of the typical reaches of magic…but you also do it to protect, to save. That’s what makes your magic beautiful—the heart you have behind it.”

  Angelique was silent for several long moments, and Quinn worried she might have insulted her.

  “I don’t know that I agree with you, but I thank you all the same. You have given me much to think about,” the enchantress said.

  Quinn shrugged a little and shifted her attention back to Emerys. He was still speaking, looking more noble and handsome than he had a right to in the morning light as he gestured with his hands. All the same, Quinn could tell he was chafing from the act as he occasionally brushed the hilt of his sword with his palm.

  “Are you ready for our journey?” Angelique asked.

  “I think so. Depending on what we find in Mullberg, we might need to purchase additional supplies.” Quinn tilted her head as she watched Emerys gesture at Bridget and Band Gallant, encouraging them to bow as the crowds engaged in another round of clapping.

  “Thank you for going with me,” Angelique said.

  “It is my honor.” Quinn flashed a smile at the enchantress. “I am only sorry we’ll have to travel slower than your usual pace.”

  “Not at all. We will still make extraordinarily good time given that King Themerysaldi is kindly lending you his mount,” Angelique said.

  Quinn grunted. “It is not out of the goodness of his heart, believe me.” Fluffy was Emerys’ fastest mount, so of course he was sending him with her. He was already complaining about her scouting trip to Mullberg with Angelique and was seeking to cut it short in every way possible. If he could cut down on her travel time, she would be able to return to the Alabaster Forest that much sooner.

  “I’m afraid to hope,” Angelique spoke in a wooden voice, her lovely face expressionless.

  “You fear what you will find in Mullberg? The state Lord Enchanter Evariste may be in?” Quinn asked.

  Angelique shook her head. “No, I fear he won’t be there.”

  Quinn’s heart ached at the defeated light in Angelique’s eyes. “We’ll find him. I promise.”

  “Thank you for attending—may our celebration continue!” Emerys shouted, interrupting the conversation.

  Quinn and Angelique joined everyone in applauding.

  Emerys slipped away from the festivities before Bridget and Band Gallant even turned around to face the crowds.

  “You would think Alastryn would have had her fill of celebrations, but no, she has not,” Emerys grumbled as he joined Quinn and Angelique at the statues.

  “I think she’s doing it more for us humans than you elves,” Quinn said. “We haven’t been dancing night after night, and I think just about everyone in the country is joyful for the recovery of friendship between our people.”

  “You’re right, probably. But it still is deplorable.” He pressed his lips to Quinn’s temple before he offered Angelique a nod. “Hello, Angelique.”

  Angelique slightly inclined her head. “Your Majesty. How goes your plan to find the wanderers?”

  “Well enough. The Black Swan Smugglers know where most of them are. For now, the biggest concern is building enough power to break their curse.” Emerys tilted his head as he thought. “We hope to have them back well before spring.” He eyed Angelique. “At which time, you will return Quinn to me.”

  “We’re not making any promises,” Quinn said firmly. “We don’t know what we will find in Mullberg.”

  Emerys frowned. “But I cannot bear to be parted from you for so long.”

  Quinn rolled her eyes.

  Angelique looked back and forth between the pair. “You don’t believe him?” she asked.

  “Oh no, he’s not lying.” Quinn assured her. “But he doesn’t want me to be gone long not because he loves me, but because he doesn’t wish to face Alastryn alone.”

  Emerys painfully grimaced. “She’s already setting up table arrangements for our after-wedding reception. You can’t leave me with her like that—she’s a madwoman!”

  “I have confidence you will survive somehow,” Quinn said dryly. “And if you stopped calling her an old hag and a madwoman, that might greatly increase your chances.”

  Emerys grumbled and stuck his nose in Quinn’s loose hair.

  A slight smile creased Angelique’s lips. “I am very glad for you that you have found your beloved, King Themerysaldi.”

  “So the act is back, is it?” Emerys asked.

  Her captivating smile still in place, Angelique said, “Would you like for me to turn you into a frog? I have recently had a
chance to practice such a spell.”

  “Ouch, a touchy subject. Got it,” Emerys said.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I must go speak with King Dirth and Queen Orsina.” Angelique glided off, joining the crowd where everyone stepped aside for her, clearing the way without her uttering a word.

  Quinn watched as the enchantress joined the king and queen, her eyes lingering on the princesses. Carrill and Cassya were not present—Bridget said that King Dirth had not yet decided on an appropriate punishment for them, but rumor had it he was considering sending them to live with their grandparents in the country. Princess Alena was there; however, her cheeks seemed to be perpetually pink in embarrassment as the elves gave her a wide berth. The younger princesses looked happier, though, than Quinn could ever recall them being.

  As she looked on, Princess Brittany slowly approached Band Gallant. They were too far away to hear, but after she curtsied deeply to the party, Quinn was willing to bet she was thanking them.

  Roy bowed gallantly to her and said something that made the princess laugh. They continued to speak together as other members of nobility claimed Leigh’s, Kenneth’s, and Guy’s attention. Well, Quinn thought with a smile as Roy offered his arm to Princess Brittany, who took it before they strolled away. Perhaps a royal wedding is not quite out of the cards yet.

  “Is there something so utterly fascinating about Green Scales?” Emerys asked in a snarky tone.

  “I’m just noting how he and Princess Brittany are interacting,” Quinn said.

  Mollified, Emerys nudged closer to her and rested his head against hers so that his lips brushed her ear. “It pleases you?”

  “I like Princess Brittany,” Quinn said. “She is so quiet, she comes off as snobbish, but I think she has a kind heart.”

  “You think most everyone has a kind heart,” Emerys grumbled.

  “It’s a good thing I do, or I might have crushed you out of sheer irritation when I met you as a mouse,” Quinn said.

  Emerys laughed and wrapped his arms around her. “I really will miss you when you’re gone.”