“You look…beautiful.” he finally said
“You look pretty fine yourself Guardian Worthing.” I smiled
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet jewelry box. “Here, these are for you.” he said gruffly as handed it to me
“What is this?” I asked. I almost lovingly stroked my hands over the velvet that was soft beneath my touch.
“They were my mother’s.” he answered
I looked at him perplexed before finally opening the lid. My breath caught in my throat as I saw the stunning three tiered diamond drop earrings that lay on the yellowed white satin.
“Mathias I can’t accept these.” I said. “I would hate to borrow them and lose one or even both.”
“You’re not borrowing them,” he replied. “They’re yours to keep.”
“Mathias...” I sputtered. “It’s too much…I can’t...”
“Will you please just accept these as a gift?” Mathias asked softly
I could only nod as I walked back into the house and set the box on a small table in the foyer. I swiftly took off my diamond studs and teleported them back downstairs. Gently I took Mathias’s mother’s earrings out and put them on, and I moved my hair out of the way to look at my reflection in the mirror.
They looked perfect.
“You may want to put these in water.” Mathias suggested as he produced a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. My jaw dropped again, flowers and jewelry? This night was certainly starting out on a surreal note.
“You brought me red roses and daisies.” I said, “How did you know they were my favorite bouquet?”
“I heard you mention it the other day in the florist shop.” Mathias said
I took the flowers from him and quickly set them in a vase full of water. When I finally returned to the hall where he stood I stopped short as a thought occurred to me.
“Is this a date?” I asked
“Oh for Christ’s sake can we go now?” he asked
I took my clutch and stopped by the door. Turning, I leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.”
Mathias just muttered under his breath before shutting the door and heading down the walkway ahead of me. I was grinning from ear to ear when he stopped.
“Milton took the golf cart?” I asked. When Mathias nodded, I took his hand, and I teleported us to the castle. When we arrived in the family room, I looked around and saw that it was empty.
“Are we late?” I asked. Mathias just nodded again and took my hand. We walked down to the ballroom in silence. The air between us crackled with electricity. I almost stopped and took us back to my house, but I knew that I couldn’t. I had to attend tonight. I was hoping to gain more insight into the Fae Lord’s and what makes them tick. That is if Mathias let me.
When we arrived at the ballroom, Mathias let go of my hand, and I walked into the room further. I spied my family and rushed over to their small group. We all complimented and admired our attire before Winifred announced that the first dance was to commence shortly. I watched as everyone paired off with one another. Even Julia, who looked radiant in her pale pink strapless ball gown, managed to get ahold of Jeremiah.
“Princess Willa.” Lord Cual said. “May I have this dance?”
I hesitated. I knew this dance was a big deal. Whoever I choose would seem like they were my favorite or chosen future groom. If I could get away with it, I would have picked Mathias in a heartbeat but I was well aware of the proverbial shit that would hit the fan. Instead, I narrowed in on the only other person I knew would be a safe bet.
“I’m sorry Lord Cual but I have already promised someone else for this dance.” I said regretfully
I rushed over to where Polly and Milton stood off to the side. “Milton, would you dance with me?”
Milton’s eyes bulged out of his head, and his mouth gaped open. Polly smirked and pushed him towards me. I took his hand, and as we were walking towards the center of the dance floor, I caught Mathias’s approving eye. I didn’t even need to have a silent conversation to know that he thought my choice was appropriate.
The small orchestra started playing the waltz and for a moment Milton didn’t move. I started gently to guide him around the crowded dance floor.
“Willa,” he whispered urgently. “I don’t know how to dance.”
“I don’t either,” I whispered back. “I figured as long as we don’t trip over each other and fall we’re all good.”
Milton nervously laughed and eventually began to relax. When the dance ended, he gave me a slight bow and turned to leave. I smiled at his departure. I was just starting to walk off the dance floor when I found myself swept up in someone else’s arms.
I stiffened when I looked up at Lord Machall. Although I could tell he was trying to exude warmth from his sherry colored eyes there was something in the depths that made my skin crawl.
“Lord Machall, I’m surprised at your boldness.” I said coldly
He chuckled. “I figured the only way I was going to procure a dance with you is if I caught you off guard.”
“Make no mistake, I will be sure to keep my wits about me as far as you’re concerned.”
“I do so love a challenge.” he said
“I’m not throwing down the gauntlet.” I replied. “I just want you to be aware of the consequences that your actions may bring.”
“Like you knocking my teeth out?” he asked wryly
“Oh, that won’t be the only thing.”
“A woman with a fighting spirit,” he said. “That is extremely arousing.”
I shook my head. I caught Mathias glaring at us out of the corner of my eye. “I have no wish to fight with you Lord Machall nor do I have any intention of encouraging you and your advances.”
“I think you may have an unflattering opinion of me,” he replied. “Maybe if we were to spend some time alone together you would realize I’m not such an evil, lecherous rake.”
“I have no desire to spend any time with you alone.”
“You wound me your highness,” he said feigning a hurt expression
“I don’t think you’re that upset.” I replied. “In fact, I think that this is all a little game for you. I’m sorry, but I’m not playing.”
“I’m not playing a game. When I know what I want, I go after it.”
“I fully appreciate that.” I said. “But I have to tell you, I have no interest in you that way.”
“That’s a shame because you interest me a great deal.”
“Sorry, Macky but you’re not my type.” I said. “There’s nothing that you can do that will ever change my mind.”
“Oh, I’m sure that there are plenty of things that I can do rather well that will have you changing your tune,” he said with twinkling eyes. “I must say, all this verbal foreplay makes you even more desirable.”
“Yeah I know, my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.” I said dismissively. “I agree that it’s nice to spar with a worthy opponent but that is the only kind of activity you and I will ever engage in together.”
“I have to be honest Willa,” he said. “I don’t think anyone woman has ever turned me down.”
“Seriously?”
“Very serious,” he said smiling. “Now I’m going to have to try even harder to woo you.”
“That could be a bit awkward.” I said, starting to enjoy myself
“Why is that?” he asked
“Because after your little stunt today there is no way my Guardians will ever let you be alone with me.” I explained
“Really?” he asked. Before I knew it, I was being swept up and teleported. My heart started pounding furiously. Not only was I somewhat frightened but I was also furious. I looked around and noticed we were in a small, empty, reception room off the foyer. Although we were relatively close to the ballroom, we still had vanished out of sight.
Mathias was probably wild.
“How dare you.” I said with disdain. “You had no ri
ght to do that.”
“I merely was trying to prove a point my lovely Willa,” he said as he leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I will do my best to have you any way I can.”
I didn’t even think. I just balled my hand into a fist and swung at his face as hard as I could. My fist started screaming on impact, but I felt a perverse sense of satisfaction when I saw his nose spurting blood.
“Arrggg.” he yelled. “Why you…”
“Crazy bitch?” I finished. “Yeah, I am. I warned you what would happen if you tried something again.”
WILLA! Where are you? Mathias roared in my head
I’m in the reception room off the foyer. Bring a handkerchief
WHAT? WHY?
Because I think I broke the asshole’s nose
I backed away from him and crossed my arms as I waited for Mathias. He immediately sprinted in the room and grabbed Machall, who had tried to teleport. I saw the fear and disbelief that flashed in his eyes as he took in Mathias’s expression.
“What in God’s name is going on here?” my father yelled as he raced in behind Mathias. My grandfather Kelvin and his small army of Guards had also followed him. Oliver and Riah came in a second later.
“Are you all right?” Oliver asked
“I’m fine.” I answered. “My hand may be broken though.”
“Let me see Willa.” Oliver ordered. I held out my hand, and he ran his long fingers over my injury. Tingly warmth had spread over my hand before a loud crack made me jump. I yelped in pain, drawing everyone’s attention. After a few seconds, the pain dissipated and I flexed my hand slowly.
“Thanks.” I said to Oliver
“It wasn’t broken,” he answered. “You just had a small fracture.”
“Lord Machall this is the second time you’ve made an inappropriate advance towards my granddaughter.” Kelvin said
“Forgive me Prince Kelvin. I just wanted to talk to the Princess in private.” Machall answered
Mathias growled and tightened his hold. I saw Machall’s Adams apple move furiously as he tried to swallow air.
“Mathias, please move out of the way.” Kelvin said in a low voice
Mathias growled, and I bit my lip. This situation was going to get ugly real fast.
Kelvin walked up to Machall and, much to my surprise, punched him in the stomach. Mathias dropped him almost in disbelief. I could tell by the look he gave Kelvin he approved of what my grandfather just did.
“If you ever touch her, teleport with her, or even use your magic on her without her consent again, you will find yourself rotting in the dungeons beneath the castle for the next several hundred years. Do you understand me?” Kelvin asked in disgust
“Yes, your highness.” he panted while holding his stomach.
“Apologize to Willa.” Kelvin ordered
Machall made his way over to me wheezing. I backed up and leaned against my Uncle Oliver. Riah had put his hand on my shoulder in comfort. What they didn’t realize is that I didn’t want to be near him, not because I was afraid of him, but because I was afraid of what else I would do to him. I never considered myself a violent person but at that moment I wanted to rip his head off and play a round of kickball with it.
“I am sorry Willa.” Machall said. “I never meant to frighten you. I suppose I’m used to the games of court, and it is not only accepted but quite reasonable to teleport off with someone.”
“We’re not in the court of Fairlia.” I replied
“No, we are not,” he replied. “Please forgive me. I promise it will never happen again. Not only because I obviously overstepped my bounds, but I have no desire to have you break any more parts of my body.”
I have to be honest. He did look contrite. I’m sure his sexy; I’m going to take what I want attitude was a hit in Fairlia but to me not so much. I nodded my head and watched him limp out of the room.
“Willa I am sorry for Lord Machall’s actions.” Kelvin said
“Don’t worry grandpa. I can take care of myself.” I smiled. “I did admire your boxing technique. Maybe we can hit some punching bags together later?”
My grandfather came over and kissed my injured hand. “I’m sure I can learn a lot from you.”
“Willa, do you want to go home?” my dad asked in concern
“No.” I almost shouted. “I’m not going to let him ruin my night.”
“I think Rocky is going to be fine.” Riah smiled.
“I just need a minute to freshen up.” I replied. Everyone but Mathias left the room. I turned to face him. His expression still was one of fury. I reached to touch his cheek, but he turned away.
“Mathias.” I said. “It’s over.”
“I’m going to end up killing him at some point,” he sighed. “You do realize that?”
“I have a better punishment.” I said. “Let’s chain him up outside the house and make him pick up dog poop?”
Mathias looked thoughtful. “That’s not a bad idea.”
I smiled. All I wanted is for Mathias to calm down. I prayed daily that we could keep the fact that he was the Rau a secret forever. He leaned down and put his forehead against mine in a familiar gesture. I realized with a start that this was the way he usually calmed himself down. I closed my eyes to soak in his warmth and reluctantly pulled away a few silent minutes later.
We walked back into the ballroom a few minutes later, and I fervently hoped that the drama for the night was over.
Little did I realize tonight my whole life was about to change.
Chapter Fourteen
The next few hours were almost mild in comparison. I tried to keep to the sidelines as much as I could, but it was next to impossible. When Lord Braonan asked me to dance Mathias snarled, and I had to calm him down in my head.
I let the Earth Lord lead me on the dance floor, and Mathias stayed within a few feet. Even though, I had reached my limit on interacting Fae Lord’s I knew I still needed to keep this charade going. So I smiled and tried to engage him in conversation. I was hoping maybe he would slip and say something to arouse my suspicion.
“Lord Braonan, tell me more about the Earth Realm.” I said. “My father remembers it as being a beautiful forest with the most wondrous evergreen scent.”
He flashed me his dimples before answering. “In my opinion it is the most peaceful and beautiful of all realms. We have tried to preserve the beauty that surrounds us by incorporating our homes and business to flatter rather than just let the nature provide us with ornamentation.”
“There’s nothing quite like a walk in the woods is there?” I asked wistfully. “I grew up in the desert, but we did venture north a few times, and I fell in the love with the majestic trees.”
“The trees in the Earth realm are our guardians,” he replied. “They provide us with nourishment and protection from the elements.”
“It sounds lovely.” I said. “My best friend Polly is a wood Nymph. Woodlia is your neighbor I believe?”
“Yes, I thought I saw Ms. Woods earlier,” he smiled. “The Earth Fae acts as protectors to the wood Nymphs.”
We continued to chat until the dance ended. Bran, as he told me to call him, gave me a slight bow before he disappeared into the crowd. Before I could leave the dance floor Lord Cual appeared in front of me and asked for my hand.
I saw Mathias stiffen out of the corner of my eye. I was pushing it dancing again with the next to last remaining Fae Lord, but I was determined to act calm.
“Princess Willa,” he said. “I heard you have a mean right hook?”
“It’s only mean when someone tries to kidnap me.” I answered
He chuckled. “I am so sorry you had to go through that ordeal. Please know that I am not as barbaric as Machall.”
“I would never even dream that you would do such a thing Lord Cual.”
“Please call me Cal,” he said. “I hate the name Cual. I don’t know what my mother was thinking.”
“So tell me Cal, how is your island differe
nt than ours?” I asked curiously
“Our island is more tropical,” he replied looking thoughtful. “The Water realm is more in keeping with the West Indies.”
“The West Indies?” I asked. “Oh, you mean the Caribbean?”
“Yes.” he said. “Our climate is milder, our vegetation lusher, and our residents wear far less clothing.”
“Count me in then.” I grinned
The rest of the dance Cal continued extolling the many virtues of his island. My mind started to wander after the first minute. Although Cal was charming, he seemed to be a bit self-centered. I also suspected he wasn’t very bright. I found it extremely difficult to imagine this man planning a masterful invasion.
I spied Polly over in the corner and started to make my way over to her. Lord Fonn placed himself directly in my path. What surprised me the most though was the fact it was not my Aunt Alvie on his arm but Sabine.
I decided to ignore the leggy brunette, “Good evening Lord Fonn or should I call you Uncle Fonny?”
He gave me a tight smile before answering. “Lord Fonn will be fine.”
“Willa.” Sabine said in her sickly sweet French accent. “You look lovely this evening. Your dress is charmingly simple.”
I gritted my teeth as I took in her appearance. Her long black lace dress had a plunging neckline and two generous slits up either side of her leg. With her over made up face and severe bun, she looked like she was doing her best to appear seductive. I almost, but not quite, felt a small twinge of pity for her. Sabine looked like a woman that was trying way too hard to be noticed and admired.
“Thank you Sabine.” I said just as fake. “Your dress is interesting. Did you order it from one eight hundred hooker chic?”
Her eyes narrowed into slits. “This is Valentino.”
“Really, wow,” I asked in disbelief. “I guess it’s the kind of dress that looks much better on the runway or a model.”
“Princess Willa.” Lord Fonn said rather snotty. “I’m sure you didn’t mean to offend the lovely Sabine.”
“I have to be honest with you.” I said. “I totally meant to insult Sabine.”
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 52