'Do you like it?' Yakov stood beside me as I studied the picture.
'I love it. It’s so realistic.' I was sure I could count the leaves.
'It’s an area in the Scrodian Mountains, Queen Ariadwen loved that spot,' he said, a nostalgic look in his eyes. 'Which is why King Nikias commissioned this. Have you seen an enchanted frame before?' Yakov arched an eyebrow at me.
I shook my head.
'No, what do you mean?'
He pointed at the picture and I leaned closer. I gasped when I spotted the faerie flittering around a bush.
'What’s that?'
'That is faerie feeding on the nectar of that jurven bush. You’re able to see them because the frame is enchanted. King Nikias got it for his Queen when she was pregnant with Alek and couldn’t safely travel to her favorite holiday spot.'
I almost had my nose to it now.
'Are they expensive?'
'Yes, it is a difficult spell to cast, so they are quite rare.'
'Could Elena do it?'
Yakov frowned.
'Of course, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask the Archduchess for something so frivolous.'
I bit my lip.
Oops hadn’t meant to insult her.
'I’m sorry, I was curious. I’ve just been wondering how powerful Elena is.'
He gave me a sideways look.
'Very. Now let me show you the rest of the apartments.'
He led the way while I admired everything. I couldn’t get over how much space was set aside for just one person.
'And this is just the Queen’s Quarters? She wouldn’t share them?'
'No.' Yakov smiled at my surprise. 'The King has his own separate Quarters, and then there’s the Royal nursery and rooms for any Royal children.'
'Why do they need so much space?'
'They don’t, but this castle was built by the Thalian line and these rooms were set aside for the Queen, and so they have stayed since. It’s appropriate.' He shrugged. 'Other realms have even larger areas set aside for their royalty.'
My eyebrows shot up at that. We peeked into King Nikias’s Quarters and laughed when Audi thought she’d found something. She seemed rather disappointed to discover the dragon she’d been stalking was just a toy.
'It was one of Alek’s favorites,' Yakov explained as I examined the green and purple soft toy.
I placed it down in front of Audi who sniffed at it then shoved it over and ignored it. We chuckled, then he led us down an internal corridor and pointed out the nursery and the school room.
'And that is Alek’s room.' Yakov winked mischievously at me. 'Want to have a look?'
He laughed when I flushed red.
'No. Alek will show me when he wants me to see it.'
When I walked back into the room, I found all the girls awake and piled on Sian’s bed, chatting.
'Where’ve you been, Cat?' asked Loi.
'Yakov gave me a tour of the rest of this floor.'
I wandered over and climbed on the bed then told them about the beautiful picture. It inspired us to make a trip to the library, finally, and we spent the rest of the day there. It was a good distraction, we were nervous at the idea of starting our new, official life, and it gave me something else to think about as I fell into bed that night.
We were quiet when we woke and dealt with the usual morning stuff, then walked to breakfast together. The Great Hall buzzed with activity as we neared it, servants worked on opening the walls between the ballrooms and the throne room.
The castle had two ballrooms which were divided by the main corridor, and the walls on the corridor were bi-folding so that the two rooms could be linked for large events. The throne room linked to the outer most ballroom, which over looked the woodland area between the castle and inner gate. Stacks of the silver framed mirrors that we’d seen in one of the ballrooms leaned against the walls.
'Those must be going to line all the walls,' Loi said as we watched the frenetic activity in awe. 'Looks like it’ll be quite a night.'
The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be changing from nerves to excitement, and I smiled at the others.
'I think I’m looking forward to it.'
We made our way to our normal seats, and I was delighted to see Citaan and Gredel there.
'Hello. We wondered when we’d see you.'
Citaan looked amazing, as usual, and her baby bump was more pronounced. She smiled.
'We thought it would be easier to come over early on and get ready in the Griffon Guard Quarters. That way we can avoid the rush and dealing with security.'
We settled down to breakfast when Kassie glanced up and gave a tiny squeal. I looked up to see the men had walked in, and felt a huge grin break out on my face.
Alek felt the tension that had been bothering him dissolve at the sight of Cat’s delighted smile. She raced over and threw her arms around his neck, pulling his head down for a kiss. Loud clapping and cheering brought him back to his senses and he gave a sheepish smile to their audience when they parted.
'Happy Birthday,' she beamed up at him.
'Thanks,' He smiled. 'Are you excited about the ball?'
She wrinkled her nose, making him chuckle.
'I wasn’t, but I am now.'
'Awww, did you miss me?'
She threw him a coy sidelong glance.
'Maybe.'
Breakfast flew by, and afterward we headed to the Solar. Alek and I were last, following Gredel and Citaan up the turret. Poor Gredel stressed about everything it seemed, and he insisted on holding Citaan’s arm as she climbed the stairs. When we reached the top he rushed to get her a seat at the table, and she flicked a glance our way. It read both exasperation and love.
I wandered over to the window and looked out at the Anguem range. The mountains were huge. They really had situated the castle well. Spying a small door set in the window, I peered out. It led to a narrow balcony I hadn’t noticed before.
'What’s that for?' I glanced at Alek.
He looked at where I pointed.
'That’s for archers, in the event that the enemy makes it past the inner gate.'
I nodded and stepped closer to the window for a better look.
'It looks rather narrow.'
'Well it wasn’t a design feature, Cat. It’s for just in case. Do you want to have a look?'
He opened the little door and led the way out. The others edged along behind us, and we stood in a row.
If I thought the view was good inside, it didn’t compare to this. I clutched tight to the waist height railing and looked over the edge. The forest that grew in the space between the castle and inner gate didn’t seem so dense from up here, and I could just make out the guards on patrol.
A squeak from Sian and a shuffling motion from the guys announced Audi’s arrival as she squeezed past them. Reaching my side she carefully stood with her front paws clinging to the rail so she could see what we looked at. It started everyone chuckling, and Sabyn reached out to ruffle her ears.
'Nosey creature,' he scolded her. 'Nearly shove us off just to satisfy your curiosity.'
The morning went by fast and it seemed far too soon that they were all off to get ready. Kassie clung tight to Rumal for a moment when he bent to embrace her.
'Not long,' he said, his molten eyes creased in affection.
She nodded back, unable to speak due to the lump in her throat.
Not long. It brought the jitters of nerves back on. They were whirled off to get ready. The Beautens bustled with people when the girls walked in.
I caught sight of the snooty Countess I’d met when we’d first arrived, and she pointedly ignored me.
Not a problem. I’d rather not have to talk to you anyway. It wasn’t until they moved me to the hair-stylists seat that I realized Melanite was beside me.
'Melanite!' I was pleased to see her.
She laughed.
'I saw you all when you first came in, did you only just notice me?'
'Oh
I’m sorry. I’m totally away with the fairies at the moment.'
Drat. I’d forgotten they exist here. The confused look on her face was amusing; she shrugged away my weird comment. We chatted, and I noticed Loi and Sian talking to a couple of the girls we met in Gartoll.
'How big an event is this usually?'
'I would expect a couple thousand to attend. Dignitaries from all over Elion and even further will come.'
'Really. How will they travel here?' I asked.
She thought about it. 'I know that those coming from Delanta and Lanion arrived in Elion last week. They’ll be getting ready in the town, and there maybe a few who are brought in by the Griffon Guard, though not Alek of course.'
The stylist tapped my shoulder and I had to turn away.
Loi admired her hair in the mirror. The stylist had teased the top of her hair and smoothed it over then clipped the top half of her hair back. She preferred to have her hair loose, so this was a good compromise and meant she could have a pretty clip too. Now that she was done, the stylist ushered her over to a couch where Sian was, so she could move on to her next client. Sian’s hair had been teased like hers, and it was all drawn into a high pony tail, highlighting her cheekbones.
'You pleased?' Loi arched an eyebrow at her.
Sian smiled and ran a hand over it.
'I am, it’s very sleek. It’ll look great with my dress.'
They both fell silent. Observing the chaos, as stylists raced around, tripping over one another and clients voiced loud opinions about each others hair and make-up.
'It nearly reminds me of our last night on Earth,' Sian said nostalgically. 'Just crazier.'
Eventually Kassie and Cat were done, and the four of them walked back to their room. The corridors and turret were crowded with guests and staff dashing about, and it was a relief to slip into their room and close the doors. Ada had dropped their dresses off, and they hung from each of their dressing table mirrors, with a pair of matching shoes below.
We had about an hour to kill, and I paced the floor in nervous anticipation.
I couldn’t lie down, thanks to my hair, which had been curled and then pinned so it cascaded down like a waterfall. I was to wear it draped over one shoulder the stylist had insisted, after she gushed over the color. It made me laugh. Sure my hair was pretty but with the fabulous blues, greens, and violets I‘d seen today, I didn’t think it compared. The stylist had shrugged and informed me red hair was unique.
So I still stand out. Even on a different world. Figures. Audrey could sense my mood and it made her agitated. I studied her for a moment.
What will I do with her this evening?
As I pondered, a knock sounded on the door. I was surprised to find Ada there.
'What are you doing with Audrey tonight?' she asked, seeming a little anxious.
My jaw dropped.
'Do you read minds too?' I asked in amusement.
'Nnnoo,' she stuttered. 'It’s just, I haven’t a partner this evening and I intend on leaving early. Everyone’s focus will be on the ballroom, and I’d feel so much safer if Audi was with me. Would you mind if she stayed over in my room?'
I almost laughed at the look of concern in her eyes. It was very sweet and solved my problem in an instant.
'Audi, do you want to visit with Ada?' I smiled down at my furry critter who ignored me while she fussed over the diminutive fabricer. The other girls laughed and I said, 'I think that’ll be fine.'
'Will she behave at the ball?'
I blinked in surprise.
'The ball?'
'Yes I want to take her as my ‘partner’,' Ada giggled, an impish look in her eyes.
'Umm, I think so. Perhaps put her on a leash so she can’t wander off.'
Ada excitedly said, 'Oh, I have a whole outfit planned for her. She’s going to look beautiful.' She cooed at the dog, and I watched the two of them head off.
Time seemed to vanish as we rushed about to get dressed and make the final touches. As I checked myself over in the mirror, a heavy knock announced the men's arrival. Everyone froze for an instant and stared at one another, giggling like silly sixteen year olds. My anxiety vanished, replaced by super excited butterflies, and the others seemed to feel it too. Loi and Kassie hopped with excitement.
'Sssshh!' hissed Sian as she headed for the door and we assumed poised faces.
I could feel the hysteria rise in my chest as I focused on the door and not on Loi, who shook with suppressed laughter. The hilarity dissolved as we watched the men enter. They wore what must be their formal uniforms and looked amazing. I’m sure I just gaped at Alek for a good few minutes.
The uniforms were black, double breasted, collarless blazers and slim straight leg pants. Silver accentuated the black with three bands on either wrist, a stripe down each leg and on the front edge of their blazers. Even the row of buttons fastening the blazer were silver. A red epaulette on each shoulder and boots finished the look. Being the Royal member of the guard, Alek had a sash added to his uniform. Caught by the epaulette on his left shoulder it came across to his right hip and was red, with bands of color in the middle.
Alek smiled down at Cat, who hadn’t spoken a word for several minutes. She was beautiful. The green dress showed off her figure to perfection and the color looked stunning on her. He felt a sudden pang of nerves. It almost made him laugh, of all the things to make him nervous, it was this woman who stood before him.
The others chatted and made their way out of our room while Alek and I still stared at each other. I listened as their voices grew faint then arched an eyebrow at Alek and broke the silence.
'So?' I spun in front of him. 'Whatcha think?'
His dark blue eyes fastened on mine as he stepped closer.
'Beautiful. Indescribably so.'
I flushed in pleasure. He reached out and gently traced his fingers from my forehead to chin making me shiver. Then he tipped my chin up and ducked his head to mine. The kiss was intense and made my head swim. Feeling me sway, he tightened his arms around me, deepening the kiss.
Pulling away, he held Cat for a moment before setting her back on her feet. Then he led her to the long seat at her dresser and placed a jewelry case in front of her.
I stared blankly at the large, velvet case he’d set on the dresser surface.
'What’s this?'
He smiled.
'Open it.'
She gave him a look of concern and bit her lip. Then she reached, picking the case up and eased it open. Sucking a breath in, she gasped at its contents. Alek was thrilled. He’d seen several sets he thought she might like, but Sian had said this was the one. The look on Cat’s face told him she was right.
Unable to resist any longer he demanded, 'Do you like it?'
I tore my eyes away from the glittering stones in the case to find Alek regarding me. His expression read pride, hope and a teensy bit of doubt.
I got all teary and laughed.
'Yes, Yes. Alek,' I paused as I looked down at them again. 'They’re beautiful.'
He laughed with obvious relief and delight.
'Oh good. I was sure you’d like them.'
He reached out and lifted the necklace, draped it around my neck and fastened it. We both stared into the mirror and admired the effect. I slipped the earrings on.
I didn’t think I had ever seen anything like these pieces before, and I’d never owned anything like them. The most extravagant pieces of jewelry I owned were the beautiful gold leaf earrings I’d left on Earth, and the amber ring Elena gave me. But these pieces I wore.
Wow. They took my breath away.
The necklace was crafted of, what looked like, blackened silver. It was made up of pieces that were shaped into twists, resembling leaves, and at the ‘mouth’ of each curved leaf a vibrant purple amethyst was set. The leaves gathered together to create a one inch wide band. At the front, more were gathered so it widened into an inverted triangle. From the tip of the triangle a large teardrop cabochon ameth
yst hung. The entire necklace glittered with amethysts. The earrings were each a twisted leaf shape, with an amethyst dangling from it.
I touched the necklace gently, feeling the edges of the leaves and the smooth, cool surfaces of the faceted stones. I really wanted to take it off so I could study it but knew we didn’t have time. Twisting around on the seat until I faced Alek, I knelt. Because he sat on the bench seat too, it meant that my collar bone was at his eye level.
'Do you like?' I purred, well aware that he’d be able to get a good view of my cleavage.
Really, what's the point of having it if you never make use of it?
Alek smothered the laughter he felt at Cat’s teasing. Instead, he placed a soft kiss on the white skin just above her breasts and smirked when she gasped.
'You know I do.'
Before he could chicken out, he pulled her back to sitting then spoke, 'Cat.'
He swallowed and tried again.
'Catherine, when we enter the ball together people will assume something. So I wanted to give you the option either way.'
She nodded at him, an expression of concern in her eyes.
'It’s just, well, you see, I’ve never entered an official reception with ah, a woman before, and…'
I stared at him, willing him to spit it out already. The nervous butterflies had returned tenfold and having Alek dither about what ever this issue was, made me feel ill.
'Alek. Please, what is the problem?'
'They’ll assume we’re betrothed.'
Cat’s eyes went wide.
'What? Who? And why?'
'Everyone. If we enter the ball together, it will be taken as an official announcement.'
She was silent, staring down at her hands.
So what does that mean?
I didn’t really know what to say, this was a lot to be confronted with.
Or was it?
Thoughts pinged around my mind again as I considered that fateful night we cast the spell.
We asked for our soul mates. It would appear we’d found them. Yes, there was the risk we could be wrong, but was it worth it?
The Arrival (Birthright Trilogy #1) Page 33