I overheard Jhaeros asking Devdan and Sana the same thing behind us. Their words became muffled beneath the shuffle of feet.
“It is coming along.” Keerla squeezed my hand. “We will get Mel back. She is a grown female. She can handle whatever comes her way.”
I knew Keerla was only trying to be reassuring, but Mel still had so much growing up to do and adventures to go on. She should have gotten to choose her mate when she was ready, and I should have been there on that day. I blamed myself for getting her mixed up with my in-laws. I’d never wanted to expose her to Faerie, and now, here she was—married to a Fae prince. I didn’t care who she ended up with so long as she was happy, but she should have had more time.
“Stop with the guilt,” Keerla said, poking me in the side with her finger. “You wear your feelings all over your face. I saw Mel and the prince together. It was obvious they shared feelings for one another.”
I snorted. “I wonder what kind of married couple they’ll make.” I couldn’t hide the bitterness from my voice.
“You make it sound like the kiss of death. Is that why you’ve put off claiming Jhaeros?” Keerla’s raspy laughter made me glare at her.
“I’ve been preoccupied as you well know,” I grumped as we entered the dining room.
Keerla gave me a final poke in the side. “Better hurry and mate him before that child is born out of wedlock. We saw your father on the way in, demanding to know when Jhaeros is going to do right by you and his first grandchild.”
I rolled my eyes and took my usual seat beside Jhaeros. When we returned, we were going to have to set some serious boundaries if my dad insisted on remaining across the street. If he wanted any kind of relationship with my child, he could start by respecting Jhaeros and me.
Bowls of steaming stew had been set out before our arrival—including an extra for Sana—along with a cheese platter and fresh baked bread.
I leaned forward and inhaled all the home-cooked aromas, my lashes fluttering briefly closed.
I wished we could stay a little longer. We knew it would please Mrs. Calarel to feed us a meal before we returned to Dahlquist. Sky knew we all needed our strength.
Royal guards started toward us, swords drawn, when we portaled back into the throne room. As soon as they saw who had arrived, they lowered their weapons and backed off.
Lyklor was seated on the throne. Sarfina stood beside him in a long powder-blue empire gown with a low neckline. She wore a large sunstone around her neck and a copper-tinted tiara on her blonde head. She smiled down smugly at our group.
A chill of unease rattled my bones. The pair of them had made themselves comfortable quickly. I hoped I hadn’t allowed a fox into the chicken coop. By rights, it was Lyklor’s kingdom, I reminded myself.
“Terrific, more elves,” Sarfina groused.
Ignoring her, I strode to the dais and up the stairs. “This is Keerla, Devdan, and Sana—three of Pinemist’s most formidable warriors. They’ve agreed to help us.”
Lyklor swung his gaze from me to Keerla to Sana and then Devdan, resting his eyes on the male elf.
“You should send them all back,” Sarfina snipped. “You will soon be king of Dahlquist. We don’t need them. Let Albedo have Ravensburg. What’s it to us?”
“I am not king yet,” Lyklor said, eyes still fixed on Devdan. “There has been no coronation. And a wise king wouldn’t alienate allies.” He flicked his eyes to mine.
I smiled in approval while Sarfina pouted. “Perhaps it is time we send Albedo glad tidings of our own,” I said.
This time, Lyklor shared my smile. I could practically hear the dark plots forming beneath his blond head. Maybe the liar would turn out to be the one Elmray I could trust the most.
News of Lyklor’s coronation would send Albedo into a fit. I wondered for the first time if there was a way we could lure him out of Ravensburg and back to Dahlquist. This time, it would take more than a feathers and lace ball.
Somehow he would need to believe he could capture the throne.
A campaigne board formed in my mind, but instead of game pieces, I arranged faces: Albedo, Liri, Lyklor, Teryani, Malon, Ryo, and Sarfina. I was no longer on the board. I was the gamemaster. All I needed to do was set everything in motion and anticipate all the variables.
It would be my greatest match in Faerie.
Let the battle of the kings begin.
Chapter Fifteen
Melarue
Flames erupted from my right palm. I curled my fingers, extinguishing the fire, unfurled them, and called forth the flames yet again. I stood with my back to the room, and to Gem, Magnolia, Lulu, and Heath, who were planning out what I would wear for the upcoming week, including shoes, accessories, and jewels.
Earlier I’d been stuffed in a silver gown with a rib-crushing bodice and bell-shaped skirt. A gray tulle collar itched my neck all the way up to my chin. Copper beads wrapped around my throat over the fabric. There were white silk roses attached to the elbows and lower back of my gown, and a network of copper wiring around the bodice and long sleeves. The frock was equal parts ridiculous and stunning. Long, gorgeous curls cascaded down my back. The top section of my hair was swept back and secured with pins and a baroque crystal and rose-gold headpiece.
Albedo threatened to withhold food from Ella any day that I did not wear a tiara. I hadn’t thought it possible to hate the bastard any more than I already did, but apparently, there was no limit to the layers he continued to add—layers that were choking me like this gown.
Fire flared once more from my palm. To anyone inside the suite, it would look as though I was staring out the window, but I wasn’t. I studied the mate mark on my left palm. I stared until my eyes went out of focus.
It still felt like part of a ruse.
The door to the suite opened and closed.
“Prince Ryo,” Lulu sang out.
Ever since Albedo had given our union his approval, my entourage had taken to fawning over Ryo. Nothing over-the-top like Giselle and Jana, who had been banned from our suite, but the servants’ delight irritated me like the tulle around my neck.
I kept the fire burning in my palm and my back to my mate.
“Ahem. Melarue, this is your new lady-in-waiting.”
I whirled around, the flames going out as I did.
A petite young female with light red-and-brown hair stood beside Ryo. Her hands were clasped together, and her head slightly bowed. She wore a simple cream gown and had a delicacy about her that the other servants lacked.
“Don’t you think I have enough help already?” I asked in exasperation, waving my arm in the direction of my entourage.
What the freak, Ryo? I’m not here to play princess. Don’t let the tiara fool you.
The female kept her head bowed.
“She is also a companion,” Ryo said. When I glared at him, he added, “Give her a chance.” He placed his hand on the female’s shoulder. “Please make yourself comfortable.”
“Sure,” I griped. “Have a seat. Maybe later we can braid each other’s hair and use our plaits as nooses.”
“Mel!” Ryo stared at me wide-eyed.
I shrugged.
With a hefty sigh, Ryo walked into his wardrobe room.
“Can I assist you in any way, my prince?” Heath asked, dashing after him.
Magnolia followed them. Reluctantly, I joined the group inside the chamber, where Heath helped tie a white cravat around Ryo’s neck. I hoped he made it nice and tight. Ugh, I didn’t want to think that way. I was mad at Albedo, not Ryo. My mate just happened to be around more, which meant my mood swings inadvertently redirected themselves his way. I didn’t like it that Albedo acted as though our claiming was exactly what he wanted.
Magnolia crouched over a row of boots, inspecting each pair.
“You look beautiful, Princess,” Ryo said as Heath spiffed him up. Ryo’s eyes were on his own reflection in his vanity mirror, so he missed my glare. “But it is best if you dine in our suite tonight.�
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Flames were now licking up my chest, threatening to burn the tulle off my neck. “Why is that?” I demanded.
“Isadore has been in contact with Albedo. She is joining him for dinner this evening, along with the bride she has selected to be his queen.”
I made a choking sound. The tulle and beads weren’t helping.
My one hope that Albedo would open the castle to prospective brides, allowing Teryani to send in an assassin, was dashed. I wasn’t thrilled to hear the witch would be in residence either.
“Who’s the lucky female?” I asked sarcastically.
“I’ll find out tonight. The only reason I ask you to stay here is because I’d rather not draw any of the witch’s attention to you.”
I curled my fingers, irritation spiking through me. I understood that it was the safe—and sane plan—but I also wanted to see what was going on, not be sequestered to my room. Ryo was just looking out for me. Ugh, I did not need a male to take care of me. But losing my fire magic scared the living daylights out of me. As long as I had my powers, I still had a strong advantage, no matter how much Albedo made me dress up.
“Fine,” I grumbled. “But I don’t need a companion or chaperone or whatever the heck that female is supposed to be.”
“I’d feel better if she stayed with you,” Ryo said.
“Why? Does she know kung fu?” I snorted. The dainty female looked like she could be pushed over with a feather. I doubted she was a secret black belt Ryo had found to protect me.
“I believe you will appreciate her company,” Ryo said cryptically.
Heath finished tying the cravat around Ryo’s neck and selected a tailored jacket while Magnolia helped Ryo into a pair of polished black boots. Seeing her on her hands and knees assisting him caused irritated heat to crawl up the back of my neck.
Ryo looked at himself in the mirror. He looked older in his fine-cut cloth. He even stood up straighter.
He turned away from the mirror and walked over to me, planting a quick kiss on my cheek. “I must tear myself away. I’ll probably be up late. Be a dear and keep the bed warm for me.”
I gaped at his back as he strode into the suite. I hastened after him, tripping over the long hem of my skirt as I did. I caught myself in time, but the stumble didn’t lessen the feeling of my heart about to explode.
“Don’t bother coming to bed when you return. You can sleep on the floor tonight,” I yelled at him.
Ryo stopped, but he didn’t turn around. Instead, he addressed Gem. “Gem, please see that dinner is delivered to Princess Melarue in our suite. Afterward, I suggest you and the rest of the servants allow her space. As you can see, she is agitated. Leave her to get acquainted with her new companion. A calming presence will do her good.”
“You pit head,” I hollered as Ryo ducked out.
I had no more fire in me, only black smoke. What in the seven hells was happening? What kind of misogynistic male had I mated? I hadn’t known Ryo at all. I shuddered thinking about how easily I’d given myself over to him.
Pitberries!
This couldn’t be happening. My brain spun out of control while my heart shriveled.
“Um, we should get the princess something to eat,” Gem said uncomfortably.
Magnolia, Heath, and Lulu hurried to follow her out. I felt like pushing a dresser against the door to block them all out—especially Ryo. He could keep his blessings to himself from now on. I only wished I’d waited to spread my legs. He’d sounded so sweet on our wedding night, saying we didn’t have to do anything, but I hadn’t been able to keep my hands to myself.
“I am so sorry, Mel,” said a soft voice.
I spun around. For several seconds, I’d forgotten about my new companion.
Head no longer bowed, she stared me directly in the eyes. “It’s me. Ella,” she whispered.
My brows jumped to my hairline. “Ella?” I whisper-screamed, rushing up to her.
She took my hands, squeezed, and nodded. “Ryo glamoured me to look like a servant named Kaylin. She is glamoured as me in the dungeons.”
Butterflies burst from my heart in a flood of happy relief.
“Don’t be mad at him,” she continued. “He told me your servants are spies for Albedo and that he can’t give too much away with them watching. He told me you blew your cover to save me.” Tears misted over Ella’s eyes right before she threw her arms around me and squeezed tight enough to choke off the last remaining air supply the gown afforded me.
I squeezed her back, overwhelmed with relief that Ryo managed to free Ella and wasn’t the prick he had made himself out to be moments ago.
“Hey, you covered for Aerith. It’s the least I could do.” I patted Ella’s back.
We pulled apart. A smile tugged up my lips. We had Ella. Did that mean we could get the hell out of there?
“How did Ryo convince a servant to switch places with you?” I asked.
“He promised to make her your lady-in-waiting as soon as we’re safe. Right now, she’s a scullery maid. As the princess’s personal attendant, she would have the right to a new wardrobe and an open invitation to attend balls with you.”
I screwed up my face. “Too bad she won’t ever get to do any of that.”
“At least she’ll have her fantasies to pass the time in the dungeon.” Ella shrugged.
I couldn’t worry about Kaylin. I’d never met her. Hopefully Albedo would go easy on her once we escaped and she revealed who she really was, along with Ryo’s trickery.
“How is Teryani?” Ella asked.
“Worried about you. She’s—” I cut off my sentence as the door opened.
Heath and Magnolia carried in a small table. Lulu followed them with a chair. Gem led footmen in with a covered tray, linen napkin, silverware, goblet, and full pitcher of wine. The footmen laid out a small feast then promptly departed.
“You may go as well,” I said to my entourage. “As my mate so eloquently stated, I am in a temper tonight.”
“Yes, Princess,” Lulu said, bobbing a curtsy before scuttling out.
“As you wish, Princess,” Gem said.
Ella rolled her eyes after they’d left. “I can’t believe how easily loyalties shift in Faerie.” She huffed. “Two weeks ago, those four were falling over themselves to please Teryani.”
“Faeries,” I said with a derisive snort.
“Yeah, except for Teryani,” Ella said.
“And Ryo,” I added.
Ella grinned at me. “Does this mean he won’t have to sleep on the floor?”
“Hmm, depends on how late he gets back.” I tapped my lips, and Ella laughed. It felt good to smile. “Are you hungry? Help yourself.”
We stood at the table and ate with our fingers. Ella poured wine into the goblet and offered it to me. Shaking my head, I handed it back.
“The guards are confused,” Ella said. “Many of them think Albedo is sneaky and undeserving of Ravensburg. Teryani inherited the crown fair and square.”
Well, maybe not fair, but she did earn it. Plus, her aunt had named her heir.
“I think the servants and guards are all just in survival mode.”
“Yeah, well, do they have to act so enthusiastic about it?” I rolled my eyes.
Holding on to the wine goblet, Ella pursed her lips in thought. “This realm is still new to me, as is court life and being mistress to a queen.” She took a deep sip of wine before attempting to offer it to me.
I shook my head. “Teryani should make you her mate, or is that not possible?”
“I thought she might want to produce an heir, but she said she’d sooner choose one the way her aunt Naesala did. I don’t think marriage or family particularly interest her.” Ella shrugged and took another sip of wine.
We polished off the remainder of the food.
“Now that that’s done, maybe you can help me out of this frock.”
“It’s lovely,” Ella breathed, looking it over with admiration.
“It’s a nigh
tmare,” I returned.
Ella stepped up to me. “I’m happy to help. I’m to be your lady-in-waiting, after all.”
“Not for long.”
Ella glanced at the door and pressed her lips together.
“We should do this in my changing room,” I said. “The entourage is always walking in on me whenever they please.”
“Faerie is quite liberated.” Ella offered a smile.
I plucked the tiara off my head on the way to my wardrobe. It caught in my hair, pulling at my scalp. Wincing, I gave it a final yank and set it on top of the vanity with a sigh of disgust. It had taken Gem and Magnolia forever and a day to get the gown on me. I figured it would take Ella a good hour, but she managed to undress me with remarkable speed—likely faster than even an eager male could have done. I was left standing in a white slip with a pretty lace trim, able to breathe again. I put on a long blue robe and returned to the suite’s little living room where we sat on the settee talking as the dusky sky dimmed outside my windows.
My entourage came for the dinner plates and to ask if there was anything else they could do. I sent them away. Soon, Ella was yawning.
“I should turn in as well,” she said, stretching her arms over her head. “Ryo arranged a room for me in the east wing. It’s not far.”
My heart fell. “What if you stayed here on the couch? We elves need to stick together.”
Ella shook her head. “It would look suspicious. I will come to you again in the morning. As your lady-in-waiting, I will be close at hand and ready when the time comes.” She winked.
I walked Ella to the door and kissed her cheeks. I would have liked to have her company longer while I waited for Ryo. There was no way I could sleep or lie still. To pass the time, I raided Ryo’s wardrobe, selecting a pair of breeches that usually molded to his legs. They fit me well. The shirts and jackets were all fancy and uncomfortable. Albedo controlled Ryo’s attire as much as my own, though Ryo was saved the aggravation of headpieces or jewels. Albedo seemed to want to keep anything glittery or gold for himself and me.
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