“I believe she plays many musical instruments. However, King Cai is actually known as an accomplished painter.”
“Really?” Gwen questioned in surprise.
“Yes. Do you recall the painting of Princess Gwendolyn in their private dining hall? That is his work.”
The information stunned Gwen. She pictured the king’s golden hair, gentle smile, and green eyes with the beginning signs of crow’s feet at their corners. He was not what she pictured a painter to look like. Then again, Gwen could not imagine any of the attractive fae she encountered being anything but models or celebrities. They really were crazy good-looking.
“What about you?” Aeron asked, pulling Gwen from her thoughts. “What are your hobbies?”
She shrugged. “Nothing too exciting. Reading. Spending time outdoors. I’ve always been pretty busy with school so free time is rare.”
“Perhaps we can arrange for an outdoor gathering soon? A picnic, maybe?”
Gwen stiffened. The offer was kind, and Gwen knew that Aeron was only trying to make her time at Summer Court more enjoyable. Despite those facts, a swift pain shot through her heart as the memory of her picnic with Kalan on Avalon Mountain surfaced... again.
Aeron saw her pained expression and correctly guessed the subject of her discomfort.
“I am sorry,” he began with all sincerity. “For how things turned out between you and the prince.” Aeron’s quick assessment of her thoughts and feelings made Gwen feel vulnerable. She did not like knowing she was so easy to read.
“Thank you.” Her response sounded automated as Gwen willed herself to appear indifferent. She spent too much time trying to close off her emotions to break down now.
“I am not sure if you desire to hear this…” Aeron trailed off, looking beyond uncomfortable as he switched his stance from one foot to the other.
“What?”
The duke ran his fingers through his hair; it was a gesture Gwen watched Ian do on numerous occasions. Aeron’s eyes searched hers as he tried to gauge her impending reaction. After a moment, he sighed. “Prince Kalan wrote to Their Majesties this morning. He inquired after your whereabouts.”
The news surprised her. It had only been a couple of days since Kalan approached her in the bookstore near her apartment. Gwen assumed it would be some time before he sought her out again. “Did he mention why he was asking?”
“Yes.” Aeron paused. His normally confident persona was masked with uncertainty.
“Go on.” Gwen braced herself for all manner of responses.
“The prince expressed concern over your safety. Apparently, his mother approached King Kheelen’s council and asserted you are a fae of dual-court birth. She is demanding your death.”
“What?” Gwen breathed out, her heart began to race.
“Kalan reported Queen Tanya has been searching for you, as we expected. It seems I retrieved you from the Human Realm only hours before Winter Fae searched for you there.”
Feeling as if her legs might give out at any moment, Gwen walked over to a yellow Queen Anne chair and sank into its stiff cushions. Dread filled her veins as she replayed Aeron’s words over in her mind. It was one thing to think you might be in danger, but another to have it affirmed with a death order.
Leaning forward, Gwen rested her heavy head in her palms. “The queen thinks I’m here?”
Aeron sat down in a matching chair across from her, his long legs almost touching her own. “Yes. She correctly assumes that Their Majesties would overlook the alleged threat of your heritage and protect their daughter’s child. Prince Kalan wrote to inquire after your wellbeing. He wishes to know you are safe and warn us of his mother’s threat. And…” The duke trailed off, seeming to rethink his words.
Gwen looked up at him. “And?”
His face was uneasy as he continued. “And… the prince expressed a desire to see you. Should you, in fact, be here at Summer Court.”
Gwen’s heart thumped loudly in her chest. “…and?”
Aeron’s eyes spoke of his sympathy. “Prince Kalan also revealed his ardent love and care for you. He wishes to be reunited with you as soon as possible and expressed a wish to protect you from the Winter Court threat.”
Gwen couldn’t help the groan following Aeron’s words. She was not surprised Kalan tried to warn her grandparents of the threat posed by Queen Tanya’s accusation. She couldn’t believe, however, that he made an offer to essentially turn his back on his court, his family, in order to protect her.
Kalan had to know his offer would not change anything. They could not be together, no matter what court they were in. Gwen wanted to cry as she felt a new fissure form in her already cracked heart.
“Why are you telling me this?” The question was not asked in anger, but sincere curiosity. It seemed Aeron could have never informed her of Kalan’s letter, and Gwen would have never known the difference.
“Because I meant it when I said you can trust me. I do not wish to hide anything from you.”
Slowly, Aeron leaned forward and took her hand in his. “While I cannot say I have ever gone through what you are currently enduring, I can say I know, too well, the pain of an impossible affection. You do not know me as well as Ian, but I hope you believe me when I say I am here for you just as much as my twin. I plan to do everything in my power to protect and help you.”
Gwen did not want to feel touched by the words, but she did. It was hard not to be reassured by eyes which so exactly matched the one person she trusted most in the world.
In an attempt to break out of his comfort and return to her sorrow, Gwen asked in a harder voice, “Why? Why do you want to help me so much? You don’t even know me.”
Without acknowledging her tone, Aeron simply smiled. It was a thoughtful and supportive smile. He brought her hand up and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“Well…” Aeron’s eyes shone with kindness and, if Gwen wasn’t mistaken, affection. “You are, after all, my princess.”
Chapter 9
The following days lulled Gwen into a routine. She would wake when the bright Summer Court sun roused her, eat breakfast with Ian, and spend most of her time exploring the Summer Palace with one, or both, of the twin nobles as her companions.
After their private discussion one week earlier, Aeron and Gwen began to form an honest and open friendship. Ian continued to hold the position as Gwen’s most trusted confidant, but Aeron managed to make himself an invaluable asset. While Ian often allowed his protective nature to dictate how and when he relayed troubling information to Gwen, Aeron showed no such restraint. The duke informed, discussed, and advised without hesitation. His actions proved his words from their private discussion were true.
It was nearing dinner time as Gwen made her way to the elaborate, formal dining hall. The hall was where all her evenings were spent following the declaration of blood vows. The archaic ceremony occurred four nights ago…
Gwen still cringed as she remembered the long line of Summer Nobles eagerly slicing their palms, letting their blood drip to the stone floor at her feet as they recited vows of fidelity to her. It had been the first occasion where more than her family and friends addressed her as princess. Hearing the honored title again and again on the lips of strangers, coupled with their devoted expressions and words, was nothing short of unnerving.
Gwen sighed as she wondered which of the many nobles were to have the honor of dining with her and her grandparents that evening. In an attempt to pacify the nobles’ eager requests to get to know their princess, Queen Orla proposed hosting evening meals for every noble family. Doing so would allow the nobles to dine and meet Gwen in a more intimate setting.
Gwen mastered her cordial, though indifferent, smile as a result of wining and dining with countless strangers every evening.
“Are you alright, Princess?” Jai’s deep voice vibrated through the air causing Gwen to stumble slightly. The stoic guard became friendlier since her first few days at Summer Court, but he rare
ly spoke unless prompted. It was a trait which often made Gwen forget he was near despite the fact he was her constant shadow of protection.
“Yes,” she replied softly. She tried to give a reassuring smile. “Just tired, I think.”
The look on Jai’s face spoke of his skepticism, but he did not comment further. The guard was around her too often to not pick up her emotional cues. With a quick nod of his head, Jai returned his attention to scanning their surroundings.
Gwen eyed the guard and was in the middle of pondering whether or not Jai had a family when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.
In the blink of an eye, Jai positioned his body directly in front of Gwen.
“Who approaches?” The guard’s voice boomed, void of the softness he used when speaking to Gwen.
“Lord Eilian,” her friend responded out of sight, but the guard did not relax his stance.
Gwen rolled her eyes at the guard’s back. She knew the guard recognized Ian’s voice, but Jai was nothing if not dedicated.
The footsteps continued to grow closer as Ian rounded the corner to their right. After visually confirming Ian’s identity, Jai moved aside.
Gwen let out a low whistle as she took in her friend’s appearance. “Looking spiffy, Ian.”
Ian wore an outfit that reminded Gwen of horse jockeys. His tan pants puffed out at his thighs and narrowed down to be hidden in dark brown, knee-length, leather boots. His dark green jacket covered a white linen shirt and the collar rose to his jaw line. Gwen, once again, felt as if she had fallen into one of her Jane Austen novels.
Ian shook his head ruefully. “I look like a fool. Why this is Queen Orla’s favorite style of dress? I have no idea.”
Gwen laughed at her friend’s exaggerated discomfort. “You look handsome. If we were back in Texas, I would have to beat the girls off you with a stick.”
“Nonsense.” Ian moved to her side and continued walking beside her with hands clasped behind his back.
Eventually, Ian would take Gwen’s arm to lead her into the dining room. However, after days of feeling like she was being directed and led about like a child, Gwen finally complained to her best friend. She knew it was a silly thing to whine about, but Gwen could not hold it in. So many things in Summer Court were strange and unusual and Gwen could do nothing about them. Except if it involved her best friend…
Now, Ian graciously made a point to only take her arm when socially necessary, allowing Gwen to feel a small sense of normalcy and independence. All too soon, she had to take his arm.
“Eilian. Princess.” Aeron greeted them as they entered the pillared dining room. He stood beside an attractive couple. The man was dressed similarly to Ian, but the lady wore a modern-day cocktail dress. Gwen felt a faint tickle of recognition, but could not place either of them.
“Brother,” Ian tilted his head in acknowledgement.
“Duke Aeron,” Gwen said at the same time. The friends shared a humored glance before returning their attention to the other fae in front of them.
“Princess Gwenevere,” Aeron bowed low. “Please allow me to re-introduce my companions. This is Lord Rane and Lady Ely. You might remember them from the Solstice Ball or the vow ceremony.”
With a polite smile, Gwen lowered herself into a well-practiced curtsy. Lord Rane and Lady Ely responded in kind. Though, they descended a bit lower out of respect for her position.
“Pleasure to see you again,” Gwen responded, putting to use the diplomatic skills she acquired over the past week. “Thank you for joining us this evening.”
“The pleasure is all ours,” Lord Rane answered kindly, his bright green eyes locking on hers. “My sister and I are delighted to have learned of your existence. And to think, we even saw you at the ball. How we did not realize your true identity, now that I look upon you, is beyond my understanding.”
Gwen chuckled as she thought of her green contacts and newly un-dyed hair. There were times she did not even recognize herself in the mirror. “I believe my appearance is much changed,” she offered graciously.
Lord Rane nodded, warmth flowing from his gaze. “Indeed.”
After a moment’s pause, the Summer Noble continued, “Mayhap I shall get a chance to share a dance with you in the future? I do not know if you remember this, but ours was circumvented by young Prince Kalan.”
Gwen’s face froze. Her smile remained on her lips, but Gwen worried she could not help the flash of pain cross her eyes.
In response to Lord Rane’s words, a scene at the Solstice Ball came to mind. Gwen remembered a handsome Summer Noble (it must have been Lord Rane) asking her to dance. She was moments from being escorted away when Kalan finally managed to overcome her attempts to avoid him and asked her for a dance. Gwen could still feel Kalan’s hand around hers as he led her out the dance floor. The memory caused Gwen’s chest to tighten and her constant state of unease to grow.
The nagging physical pain following her separation from Kalan only worsened during her days at Summer Court. The discomfort was nowhere near the level she experienced in the Human Realm, after leaving Winter Court, but that had been two weeks without seeing or touching Kalan. So far, she was only at day nine.
Even if she wanted to, Gwen knew she would not be seeing the prince soon. Since the defalutar potion remained in her system, Gwen’s ability to faze anywhere was at the discretion of her grandparents. King Cai and Queen Orla would never allow her to make an impromptu visit to Winter Court. No matter the reason.
“Yes,” Gwen managed to finally reply to Lord Rane’s offer in a distant voice, still dwelling on her bittersweet memories. “Perhaps we shall.”
***
Gwen continued to be in a dazed state when the room finally sat down for dinner.
Ian, ever vigilant to her every need, picked up on Gwen’s distracted demeanor almost immediately. He managed to steer the conversation in such a way that Gwen’s lack of participation was not noticed by Lord Rane or Lady Ely. Gwen remained at her friend’s side, barely registering the guests’ words until they moved to their seats.
It took some time due to her distraction, but Gwen was finally able to place Lady Ely. The lovely girl was the Summer Fae Kalan danced with during the ball to draw attention away from Gwen as she danced with Duke Aeron.
Now that the group was sitting together, Gwen forced herself to acknowledge and speak with the various Summer Nobles around her. Though her conversation was limited, the eight strangers seemed pleased enough with her company. They smiled and nodded in her direction; often singing her praises to the king and queen at the head of the long table.
“Do not worry. Once we start to eat, you will not be required to speak as much.” Duke Aeron whispered the words in her left ear; his breath tickled her neck. She met his eyes and nodded, not sure if her response conveyed her gratitude for his comforting words.
A line of servants entered the large room from two heavy doors in the back corner. Each carried two large plates covered by a metal dome. They moved to stand in-between alternating chairs. Once they were all in position and received some unseen signal, each servant leaned forward and served the plates to the guest on the left, then right.
Gwen smiled kindly at the young man who placed her plate down. He fumbled with the heavy dish. Gwen bit back a chuckle as she watched his cheeks redden in embarrassment. While the nobles seemed at ease with her presence, the servants at Summer Court were far more timid around her.
Their behavior reminded Gwen of Penny. Her Winter Court lady’s maid had been terribly shy prior to Gwen’s successful attempts to befriend her. Gwen made a mental note to try and socialize with more non-noble Summer Fae. She would never feel comfortable at Summer Palace if half of its occupants treated her so strangely.
“Honored guests,” King Cai stood at the head of the table after the last of the servants exited the room. He raised his glass. “Queen Orla, Princess Gwenevere, and I hope you have enjoyed your evening with us. We are honored by your loyalty and servi
ce to our family during this strange time. We cannot thank you enough for your support. Please, enjoy your dinner, and let us continue to have a wonderful time.”
“Here, here,” multiple voices stated around the table, raising their glasses in the air to their king. Gwen quietly lifted hers, as well, before taking a small sip. She sat her glass down and was unfolding her ivory napkin when the sound of a loud crash emanated from one of the back doors to the room.
All heads turned towards the source of the noise. Out of the corner of her eye, Gwen saw Jai step out of the shadows and take position next to her. His hand tightly gripped the sheathed weapon on his hip.
Out of the back door, a single servant came running out. His pristine uniform was rumpled.
“What is it?” Queen Orla asked, her voice calm despite the scene. “Is everything alright, Drew?”
The servant, Drew, gulped. His eyes darted to the fae around the table before landing on Gwen. Instinctively, Gwen rose from her seat. Aeron and Ian did the same.
King Cai noticed the direction of the servant’s attention with a worried frown. “What is it?” He repeated his wife’s question with more force.
The servant’s panicked look grew as he relayed his message. “Your Majesty. Th-the princess’ taster… he has taken ill.”
Before the words could even register, Gwen felt a firm hand clasp her upper arm and pull her away from the table. She narrowly missed tripping over the heavy chair behind her. With a quick glance, Gwen confirmed the strong hand belonged to Jai.
At the same moment, Duke Aeron tore the napkin from his lap and covered the plate of food in her spot. The rest of the table’s occupants rose and hurried away from the table. Their eyes darted all around, trying to figure out what to do next. Ian and his twin moved to stand in front of Gwen, cutting off her sight of the room.
“What’s going on?” Gwen asked to no one in particular. Her attempt to step forward was negated with another sharp tug from Jai.
“How long has the taster been ill?” King Cai’s normally calm and controlled voice was replaced by one dripping with fury.
Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2) Page 6