“Do you like?” I ask her, spinning around for her.
“It’s beautiful, Addie!” she says, her eyes as wide as her grin. She doesn’t often speak, the result of a history of always being told to be quiet, so her words are precious and it takes all of my self-control to hold the outpouring of love I feel for her.
“Well then, I guess you better come with me,” I say, holding out my hand and leading her into the closet where her small dress is hanging.
She looks at me with uncertainty and I can see she doesn’t understand. I nod my head, encouraging her. “It’s for you, Sophie.”
“For me?” she whispers.
“Yes.”
She chews down on her bottom lip and her eyes are telling me a thousand worries.
“I know this feels strange, Sophie.” I kneel down, taking her hands in mine and smiling. “But you’re safe now. You and I – we’re a pair. I’m here, and you don’t ever have to be afraid again.”
Her little face wrinkles with doubt.
“You never have to be afraid again, Sophie. Do you hear me?”
She nods and I see the ghost of a smile at the corners of her mouth.
“It’s really for me?” she asks, looking back to the dress.
I laugh softly. “Yes, sweet child, it’s really for you. Now, let me help you get dressed.”
Penelope comes to the door, ready to pounce on the poor child and dress her, but I wave her away. This is my job, now.
Her little limbs feel so fragile under my hands, and I try to hide my horror when I see the marks of abuse still on her body. Little scars and the ghosts of bruises cover her back and thighs. I feel my powers stir in the pit of my stomach and I have to force them back down. As I button up the back of her dress, I inhale the scent of her that lingers in her hair. I can’t explain why I love her, but I do.
Through all of these precious moments, I’ve not once thought about the impending doom waiting for me at the end of the night. Maybe taking Sophie under my wing has been a selfish act of distraction from it all, but in my heart, I know it’s more than that. She has brought me more light than I’ve had in a while.
Once she’s had her hair re-brushed, I take her small hand in mine and I’m not sure which one of us is trembling the most. We walk down to the Ball Room in silence until we arrive at the door. She looks up at me, looking for reassurance. I wish I had more of it to give.
“Are you ready, Sophie?” I ask.
She squeezes my hand and smiles up at me. As much as she’s afraid, she’s excited. I nod at the Vampyr who is serving as Master of Ceremonies, and he leads us in. Ready or not, here we come.
I glide into the hall, and down the stairs with Sophie’s hand in mine. She is the perfect distraction; her nervous giggles and the weight of her pressing into my leg gives me something to focus on other than the fact everyone is staring at me. I know I’ll have to get used to it, but for now, I’m not. Kellan meets me at the bottom of the stairs with my mother by his side. I ignore the look of disapproval on her face and curtsey, tugging at Sophie’s hand to get her to follow suit.
“Well, isn’t this a surprise. And what a delightful lady’s maid. How adorable. Everyone will be wanting one – you’re going to start quite the fashion, I’m sure,” Kellan chuckles but my mother veils a grimace with a smile: her eyes are as cold as they ever are.
“You both look majestic,” I gush. I’ll meet her coldness with kindness. A long time ago, Livvy taught me that kindness is often the best weapon in your arsenal.
“Thank you, Adelaide,” my mother says with an unusually happy lilt to her voice. I guess people are listening. “You look spectacular. How delightful you had Sophie a matching dress made. Very thoughtful. Your father is quite right, it’s going to be all the rage.”
Sophie’s eyes go wide at my mother’s words. I’m sure it’s the first time she’s ever been acknowledged by them.
Kellan’s eyes are sparkling with new-found happiness and I’m glad I could bring that back for him. He looks at Sophie and I know he understands why I need her. He knows what it is to love a child who isn’t yours, but who feels as if they belong to you; that’s why I know I can trust that Sophie will be okay.
I’m not the only one to notice his happiness, there’s whispers all around the palace about the change in him; and everyone seems very happy about it. “Now then Addie,” he says. “We have a few minutes before the whole room will want to talk to you, but shortly your mother and I will ascend to the thrones and I will announce you to our friends and family. Your throne will be the one to my left. I will ensure that a stool is placed next to it for Sophie.” He reaches out a hand and places it on top of her head and I feel Sophie fold further into my skirts. It takes all of my composure not to wrap him up in a hug in that moment. “You will receive your crown before you are seated and then we will then introduce your suitors. After that, the night is yours so, enjoy it. We’ll have a nanny from the nursery arrive at eight-thirty.” He leads my mother away from me and I look out at the faces below me. I don’t see a single one that I recognise and for a minute, I falter. I still don’t understand why Michael had to leave on an errand tonight of all nights; although part of me suspects my mother’s hand in the matter. People start to part in front of me and there is some general commotion before I see Rose bundling towards me.
“Addieeeee!” she squeals throwing herself into hugging me.
“Rose, you’ve only been gone a few days!” I laugh at her enthusiasm, but I have missed her, too. “You look fabulous!” She has a sweetheart, dusty-pink dress, which almost shines gold in the light – and it hugs her in all the right places before falling to the floor.
“A few days is a few too many, if you ask me,” she says sticking her tongue out at me. She looks down and sees Sophie hiding behind my skirts. “Now then, I don’t believe we’ve been formerly introduced,” she says crouching down to Sophie’s level and sticking out a hand. “I’m Addie’s best friend, Rose.”
“Princess Frostheart?”
Rose nods and smiles, but still Sophie doesn’t take her hand so she drops it with shrug.
“I’m Sophie. I’m Addie’s best friend!”
Rose laughs. “Yes, how silly of me. Of course. I meant to say, I am Addie’s second best friend,” she says standing and winking at me.
“Well, Sophie, any best friend of Addie’s is a best friend of mine, so how about you call me Rose?”
Sophie nods before suddenly launching at Rose and hugging her, much to both of our surprise.
“Well, I guess you have a new friend, Rose!” I laugh. “Would you mind watching her for a while, whilst I go and do all this crazy stuff?”
“Sure thing. Benny is going to love her. She is adoooorable!”
“Benny’s here, too?” I ask with audible relief. “Where is he?”
“He came as my parents’ guard, so he’s with them at the minute. I ran away, so I’ll likely be in big trouble. Luckily, I have this little cutie to distract him,” she says, squeezing Sophie’s hand.
“You make sure he gives me a dance later.” I say. “I haven’t seen him in far too long.”
“I’m sure he’ll love it.” She laughs before turning and heading back towards her party with Sophie in tow. I watch after them for a while, pleased, and a little pained, that Sophie has gone off so readily with Rose. I laugh at myself, not recognising this new side to myself. Now to deal with my new life and the whole pile of crazy it entails. Kellan is already speaking, and the room has fallen silent. I turn and see him stood at the far end of the room, his throne behind him, and my mother sat to his right. She looks happy enough. She’s a practiced liar.
“Now then,” he continues. “As I am sure you are all aware, we have recently been reunited with our daughter, whom we thought lost to us forever. Princess Adelaide, would you please come forward?” His voice booms across the hall, prompting me to walk towards him. Murmurs surround me and I can literally hear the thoughts of the gathered guests
. They all want to know what really happened to me as a child. Where I’ve really been? Who I really am? It’s to be expected and I answer their curious stares with by pushing my shoulders back and lifting my head high, walking towards Kellan in the way a princess should. When I come face to face with him, I curtsey low.
“Welcome back to us, daughter.” He says, placing the small crown on my head – even so, it weighs a tonne and it takes me a moment to steady my head. He takes my hand and guides me into the waiting throne. I note with pleasure, the small stool placed next to it, as promised. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome your Princess Adelaide Valoire.”
Applause erupts and I smile at the sea of faces below me. Kellan’s words hit me. Princess Adelaide Valoire, my true name. It sounds strange to me, but I suppose it would.
Kellan lifts his arms and the court falls quiet again.
“Tonight, as is our custom, the Princess Adelaide will be introduced to her potential suitors. I now invite them to step forward and formally introduce themselves.”
More murmurs accompany four men stepping forward. I recognise Dante, who smiles at me; his coffee eyes sparkling with something I can’t put my finger on. Seeing him makes me feel immediately more at ease, but it also eclipses the sight of the other three.
It is up to the Master of Ceremonies to formally introduce the prospective suitors and I try to hide the obvious smile I have at the sight of Dante looking all bashful and uncomfortable.
“Princess, it is my pleasure to introduce our first suitor, the Honourable Dante DeVaux, from the bloodline DeVaux.”
Dante is still recovering from his deep bow as the Master of Ceremonies goes on to give me his credentials.
“He is first born and in line to take seat on our high council. His hobbies involve horse-riding, combat, and coin collecting.”
I press my lips together to stop the laugh but I can’t help the quirk of my eyebrow. He blushes deeper. I’m guessing he didn’t write his own introduction.
“Thank you, Earl DeVaux.” Dante takes his place at the side of the aisle. And although my attention should be on my next suitor, my eyes are reluctant to leave Dante.
“Next, is Duke Aleksandr Daarkgarden, nephew to King Daarkgarden.” The tallest of the four steps forward, bowing to me before turning back to Kellan and dropping to his knee. His ice-white hair frames startling blue eyes. He looks like the frost and I shudder. He also looks older than me, but as he is Fae, it’s hard to guess his actual age. “He is second in line to the throne. Their territory is Old Russia, with substantial gem mines and gas reserves. His hobbies are shooting, martial arts, and swimming.” He stands back up and takes a place beside Dante.
“Our third suitor is Sir Ambrose Winchester.” He steps forward, offering me a cheeky smile. He doesn’t look like the rest of them. I mean, yes, he’s been cleaned up for tonight, but you can tell this isn’t normally his thing. He looks uncomfortable in his suit and his long, shaggy chocolate hair is wild and untamed; he has mischief in his emerald eyes. If this was the first time I’d met him, I’d probably like him more than I do, as it is, he’s bottom of my list.
“Nephew to Queen Frostheart, he currently sits on their High Council and stands to inherit substantial lands to the west of the kingdom, which include several castles and herds of pure thorough bred cattle; they are lands rich in resources. His hobbies are, fencing, hunting, and painting.”
He joins Dante and Aleksandr, leaving the last guy standing. His jet-black hair sweeps across his face, hiding one of his eyes. His dark suit is accompanied by a Katana at his back. He looks solemn, as if he wants to be here as much as I do. It’s clear that he’s just doing his duty. Part of me wants to immediately pick him so we can be miserable together.
“And finally, we have Prince Naoki Goldenwind from our eastern territory; second born to the Goldenwind family.”
I’m waiting for the rest of the introduction, suddenly curious what quirky combination of hobbies he has and what he has to offer, but there’s nothing, as if he doesn’t need such an introduction – that his name is enough. My stomach flips at the thought that maybe the choice has already been made and that is why he looks so solemn.
The four men bow again in the direction of the throne platform and King Kellan rises. “Please stand, ladies and gentlemen, our suitors!” Applause erupts. Anyone would think this was a god damn game, not my life. I try to keep the frustration from my face, but I’m not sure I’m succeeding. This is my life and they’re treating is like it’s a popularity contest. Kellan sits back down beside me and pats my hand.
“They are good men, Addie, any one of them would make you very happy – and would be as good a husband as Prince to our people. The Goldenwind treasury overflows,” he says quietly into my shoulder. “They’re known for their wealth and considerable power – don’t be put off by Naoki’s performance. He’s a very skilled warrior. Just a little serious in company.”
I sigh. I’d known there was some kind of agenda. I’m sure he thinks he’s right, but I’m less invested in his opinion.
“I guess we’ll find out won’t we?” I say, resigned to my fate. I look over at Ambrose and Dante and try to imagine them being my husband, my lover. The thought isn’t terrible – it just isn’t great either. I miss Xander so much.
The ball is exhausting and I’m getting tired. I’ve danced with each of my suitors, and with a load of others, whose names I don’t remember. I’m currently hiding in the corner, being fed peach vodka by my new favourite person in the palace. I’ve not seen Rose or Sophie for what seems like hours and the thought distresses me.
“I thought I’d find you hiding back here,” Kaden says.
“Kaden? You’re here! What the hell are you doing here?” I ask, my happiness evident. I’ve missed him so badly that I’m willing to overlook his betrayal at sending me here. I understand it now, he had to do it.
He looks different; more distinguished maybe? As if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. He looks a lot like Xander used to.
“I couldn’t miss this, could I? Plus, Michael made sure we knew about tonight and what it means. There was no way all these suitors were going to get your attention without me being here to check out the competition,” he says with a sad smile. Seeing my own smile fade, he switches faces, planting a broad grin on his face. “You look breathtakingly beautiful, Addie. Care to dance?” he asks, taking my hand and pulling me towards the mostly empty dancefloor.
“Of course.” I smile, following behind him as he leads me on to the floor. I can see a flurry of interest from the edges of the room. Kaden is not an aristocrat, despite his title and reputation. I close my eyes, blocking out the disapproving looks and the sudden whispered gossip.
Kaden wraps his arm around my waist, and his hand hovers on the small of my back. His other hand strokes my face briefly before taking my hand. No other man has held me like this in any of the previous dances, and I am sure it is adding fuel to the fires lighting up around the room – not that I care.
“I never knew you had moves,” I whisper, trying not to laugh.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Addie – but we have a lifetime to learn everything about one another,” he says, leading me across the floor. I hear the music but the rest of the room has fallen quiet, blocked out by the sensation of his body close to mine. I close my eyes and enjoy the feeling of contentment. Resting my head on his shoulder, it is the first time I’ve felt comfortable all night. The song draws to a close and he steps back from me. All I want to do is pull him closer.
“I’ve got to go, Addie.”
“What?” I ask, confused.
“I’m going to be gone for a little while,”
The Master of Ceremonies has approached us and is standing firmly by Kaden’s side making it clear he isn’t invited. Kaden looks to him and nods. “I’m going. Just one moment, please.” He turns his attention back to me. “I don’t know when I’ll get to see you again, Addie, but I swear I’
ll be back. Just don’t get too wrapped up in these schmucks while I’m gone, okay?” he says, brushing a strand of hair off of my face.
“Sir?” the Master of Ceremonies says sternly.
“Alright, alright.”
I sigh heavily. I don’t want there to be a scene. I have to live here with the fallout – and the old Addie, the one that would have just had a complete meltdown, has grown up a lot. “There’s no danger of that,” I smile softly. “Just be safe, okay? I can’t lose you, too.”
“I’m always safe. Goodbye, Addie,” he says before drawing me into a hug.
“Sir, I really must insist.”
“Alright, don’t get your toupee in a twist,” he laughs, squeezing me tighter before stepping back and walking away.
“Princess, your mother would like a word.”
I chew down on the inside of my cheek. “Tell her to wait.”
The Master of Ceremonies blanches and goes to protest but I’ve already walked away from him. I don’t know why that felt like a final goodbye, but something about it doesn’t sit well with me. I catch sight of Michael in the shadows. So that’s where he’s been – he went to fetch Kaden. He sends me a sad smile.
What just happened?
I can’t remember the last time I felt this nervous. I’ve already been for a run with Michael this morning, trying to burn off my nervous energy but nothing I’ve tried so far has worked. Penelope is pacing in front of me, yelling at me like a drill sergeant. I’m about to head out for my first every princess duty; I’m supposed to imprint on the minds of our youth, and they’re starting me off at my old Nursery. They gave me a few days to recover from the ball before throwing me in the deep end, but I really wish I had something to save me from this.
If they were sending me somewhere I’ve never been before, it might not be so bad, but I remember my Keepers from there and I don’t want them to look at me like I’m a disappointment, or like I’m not worthy. They each made such a big impression on me when I was a child, each giving me something different, helping to mould me into the headstrong, wilful person I am today. They helped me believe I could do anything. Now I’m going back to them as their Princess, and I’m terrified.
Soar (The Immortal Chronicles Book 3) Page 11