The Dining Hall did not hold all of the party’s guests, only the number the room could accommodate. How the king and queen selected the fae to dine with them, Gwen had no idea. There seemed to be an equal amount of noble and common fae; at least her grandparents were fair in giving out invitations to their subjects. Gwen continued to play with her bracelet.
“Is everything alright?” Queen Orla noticed her granddaughter’s preoccupation with the jewelry. Gwen offered her a shaky smile. “Just nervous, I think.”
And confused, scared, and exhausted, Gwen added in her mind.
The queen smiled in understanding. “Don’t worry, Gwen. The hard part is over. Try to enjoy the party. Everyone is here to celebrate you.”
Gwen managed to hold the feeble smile until the queen turned her attention to an attendant. She dropped it and turned to observe the crowd.
Gwen knew she was, technically, Summer Court’s princess, but she did not feel like one. Gwen learned the court citizens’ admiration and loyalty were normal things for them to express and feel towards royalty, but it didn’t seem right to Gwen. She was just a normal girl.
Alright, maybe being fae wasn’t normal, but Gwen grew up in a perfectly ordinary environment in the Human Realm. It was an upbringing she would not trade for anything. In fact, Gwen knew she would give anything to return to her ordinary life outside of the Fae Realm.
While it was exciting to learn of her fae heritage and her abilities, Gwen wanted to go back to the way things were. Now, more than ever.
Gwen wanted to go back to when her life was not in danger at every turn, when she had freedom to go and do anything she pleased. Her new life might have started out intriguing, but the knowledge she gained turned everything into a burden and locked her in a practical prison.
Gwen looked at the table in the front row. Ian caught her eye and raised an eyebrow. He mouthed, “What’s wrong?”
Gwen had to blink back tears as she thought of how carefree her life with Ian had been, of how happy they always were. She remembered her high school years. Ian always looked out for her. She couldn’t count all the times he intervened when guys treated her inappropriately. At the time, Gwen hated Ian’s overprotective nature. Now, she yearned for her problems to be solved with a quick talk by her best friend. Gwen swallowed the lump in her throat. She didn’t think she could control her emotions.
Ian watched Gwen and his eyes grew wide once he realized she was upset. He moved to stand, but stopped; his eyes locked on something behind her head.
Gwen turned and saw Aeron standing to her right. He held out his hand. “Your Highness, might I have a word?” Gwen didn’t know where he came from, but she didn’t care. She grabbed his hand, happy to have a reason to excuse herself from the room’s constant attention. Belatedly, she recalled their odd encounter in her rooms. She hoped he would not bring it up in their current situation.
Aeron didn’t lead her far, only through the door at the back of the room. It was the door the meal attendants used to bring plates to and from the kitchens. Aeron and Gwen moved to the side as a fae with an armful of dishes approached. Everyone was so busy with their tasks, no one noticed their presence. Gwen’s shoulders sagged in relief. It was nice to have a break from being watched.
Except, she felt one pair of eyes looking over her.
Gwen turned to Aeron. “Thanks,” she said with sincerity.
“You looked like you were about to have a panic attack,” he replied with a worried expression.
“I was close,” she laughed, rubbing her eyes. “Everyone was staring.”
“Can you blame them?”
Gwen looked away, not wanting to engage in potential flirtation after what happened earlier in the evening.
“Look, Gwen, I’m sorry about–”
“Princess,” Jai walked through the door, calling Gwen. “Their Majesties request your presence.” The servants who heard her title immediately fell into bows and curtsies in her direction; many plates and silverware slipped to the floor in a clatter. Gwen closed her eyes and took a calming breath. When she opened her eyes, she donned a polite smile.
“Thank you, Jai,” she moved to the door, but stopped and gave Aeron a quick glance. “And thank you for the reprieve, Duke Aeron. I needed it, even if it was short.”
Not waiting for a reply, Gwen walked through the door Jai held open. Immediately, she saw her grandparents standing behind their chairs; both looked at her entrance. Taking Jai’s offered hand, Gwen ascended the dais’ steps and took her spot beside Queen Orla.
Though he already had the room’s attention, King Cai cleared his throat out of habit. “Ladies, Lords, and Gentlemen. Queen Orla, Princess Gwenevere, and I hope you have enjoyed this evening’s meal. We are sorry to say it, but we must depart your company to continue to our next event. Please, feel welcome to remain and enjoy the splendors of the palace.” The room bowed to the royal family in unison. King Cai held out an arm to his wife and escorted her down the steps and through the throng of people to the main exit.
Gwen followed, accompanied by soldiers on all sides. She only recognized Jai.
Out of the corner of her eyes, Gwen thought she saw a flash of dark hair. She turned and realized it was only a man raising his dark-sleeved arm to scratch his head. Gwen internally chastised herself for being paranoid.
Or maybe she was being hopeful... Gwen instantly shoved that train of thought away. Kalan would not be in Summer Court.
Once through the Dining Hall, King Cai led the group to the left and into an antechamber. The last guard through shut the door, giving them some privacy.
The king turned to his granddaughter. “How are you holding up?” He asked with concern. “Orla tells me you looked troubled during dinner.”
Gwen offered him a small smile. “I’m fine. I felt overwhelmed for a moment, but Duke Aeron helped me get a breather. I’m better, now.”
The king squinted as he examined her. “You only have to make an appearance in the Ballroom. Perhaps dance a couple times, and then you will be free to retire if you wish.”
“Thank you. I will keep that in mind.”
He nodded. “Shall we?”
With Gwen’s assent, the group moved to a private corridor which led them to the Ballroom. Despite the fact Gwen sat throughout most of the celebrations festivities, she felt exhausted. She tried to pump herself up for the physical dancing to come.
Her first dance was to be with Ian, and she smiled at the memory of them practicing the intricate dance style earlier in the week. The dance’s difficulty was not significantly greater than the Winter Court dances she knew. The problem was Gwen had to fight against her muscle memory of Winter dances; she ended up stepping on her friend’s toes countless times as a result.
The Ballroom was full of fae by the time the royal group arrived. Gwen pasted on a happy expression as they entered the crowd. Nobles were the majority at this festivity, and Gwen wondered if it was because she would be in closer proximity to those attending this event. Common fae weren’t bound by a blood vow to not harm her, after all.
The king and queen gave a quick greeting to the room before opening the dancing as the first couple on the floor. The orchestra started, and Gwen looked around for Ian. She frowned when he was not immediately in sight.
She stepped towards Jai. “Where’s Ian?”
The guard scanned the room and narrowed his eyes. “I do not know, but he should be here. He and Duke Aeron were to join Your Highness, here, immediately after dinner.
Gwen didn’t know what to do. Did she skip the first dance? She had a feeling her grandparents wouldn’t like it, but she couldn’t think of what else to do.
As Gwen was readying herself to ask her reserved guard to dance, Duke Aeron appeared beside her.
He glanced around, searching the crowd. “Where is Eilian?”
Gwen fought to look unconcerned to the numerous eyes in the room. “I thought he was with you.”
Aeron frowned and looked around
more. Suddenly, he stood straighter. Gwen followed his gaze and saw the king and queen making pointed looks their direction. They wanted her to dance.
Gwen nodded and she and Aeron faced one another. “Want to dance?” They both asked at the same time. The pair chucked in sync as the duke led them to the dance floor.
Once they were in the rhythm of the dance, Gwen allowed her eyes to continue searching the ballroom. She scanned many noble faces, but none belonged to Ian. She bit her lip.
“Don’t look so worried,” Aeron whispered, barely moving his mouth. “They can see it.”
Gwen released her lip and turned a practiced smile to her partner. “Any idea where he is?” She asked through her teeth.
The duke returned the grin. “He left my side to come here after dinner. I was distracted by an acquaintance.” His explanation made Gwen want to frown, but she fought the instinctual expression.
“Something’s not right.” She spun away from the duke in time with the music. He approached from behind her and placed one hand on her hip while the other was outstretched to hold her right hand. Gwen placed her left hand over his, which covered her hipbone. Side by side, the pair continued stepping to the music, down the middle of the dancefloor. The king and queen did the same ten feet in front of them.
“It is definitely unlike Eilian to miss something where you are concerned.” Aeron observed above her pointed ear. Other noble couples began forming two lines on either side of the royals’ dancing path. One by one, they joined in the dance.
“I need to find him,” Gwen said in a quieter voice, now that the room’s fae were in better hearing range.
“You need to stay here and enjoy the celebrations.” Aeron breathed into her ear, causing her to shiver. “I’ll find Eilian.”
The duke brought their hands over Gwen’s head and turned her counter-clockwise. He swapped his right hand for the left. Gwen placed her left palm against his chest; Aeron covered it with his right and effortlessly continued the dance.
“What if something happened?” Gwen asked as she followed Aeron’s lead into the side steps and paired turns.
“Then you will need to be far removed from it,” Aeron responded firmly. “Though, my money is on my brother being caught up ensuring security is up to his standards.”
“But he knew about the dance. Why would he miss it?”
Aeron shrugged. “I’ll ask him when I find him.”
Multiple couples joined them on the floor, rendering private conversation impossible. Aeron did his best to maintain a carefree façade for their observers, but Gwen feared she ruined the illusion with her nerve-wracking thoughts.
Ian would never leave me hanging like this. Gwen knew the truth deep in her bone; something had to be wrong.
The moment the dance ended, King Cai approached them and requested a dance with Gwen. The duke bowed to the king and told Gwen he would report his findings back to her before disappearing into the crowd of dancers.
The orchestra switched to a song which called for a dance very similar to a country two-step, only much slower and without the buoyant movements. Gwen did not need to try hard to not mess up this dance.
“You look lovely, Gwenevere,” King Cai smoothly led them into the throng of dancers. Though, most couples made way for the king and his granddaughter. “The very image of your mother.”
Gwen gave him a genuine smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” She addressed her grandparents formally during public events.
“I believe you’ve made quite an impression tonight.”
“Well,” King Cai continued after a short pause, “not just tonight. I believe you’ve made quite an impression the entire time you have resided at Summer Court. The queen and I are eternally happy you decided to embrace Summer Palace as your home.”
Not wanting to cause tension, Gwen bit her tongue to stop her correction to the king’s words. She did not decide anything at all. But, the fact was irrelevant. She was at Summer Court, and her grandparents proved to be nothing but loving and kind. Gwen could not begrudge them their actions. Just like Ian during her formative years, the king and queen were simply trying to protect her from harm.
“Thank you,” Gwen repeated. Then, she added, “I know I might not show it all the time, but I have enjoyed my time with you and Queen Orla. I appreciate all you both have done for me.”
King Cai gave her hand a light squeeze. “Now, now,” he smiled. “Enough sappy talk. This is your celebration. How are you enjoying yourself?”
The two fell into polite conversation, and Gwen found herself laughing repeatedly at the king’s well timed jokes and expressions. Gwen was sad to see their dance end.
A noble, whom she couldn’t remember, stepped forward and asked the king for a dance with Gwen. She intentionally kept her eyes from rolling with the fae’s request to her grandfather and not her; she knew he was just observing protocol.
King Cai quickly granted his approval, and the tanned noble led Gwen to their dance.
Gwen tried to observe the man with discretion, only sneaking peaks at his features when he was distracted by a step or turn. He was handsome, of course, and taller than typical fae. Gwen would place him around 6’ 6”. She noted he would really stand out in the shorter human population; women would be all over him.
Glancing around, Gwen smirked. Apparently fae women have the same taste as human women. The princess saw more than one pair of green eyes eagerly trying to catch her partner’s attention.
Feeling brave, Gwen voiced her observation. “Your company seems sought after.”
Gwen was charmed when she saw the blush creep over the noble’s cheeks. “What do you mean, Your Highness?” His reaction showed he knew exactly what she meant, but Gwen obliged his question with an answer.
“More than one pair of eyes are following you around this dancefloor, Lord…?”
“Bryce,” he responded, appearing not at all offended Gwen did not remember his name. “And I am sure it is your presence, in my arms, which is bringing me attention. If I am receiving any, that is.” The coloring in his cheeks deepened with his embarrassment. Gwen felt a twinge of regret at teasing him. Bryce did not seem as comfortable with praise as other nobles she had met.
“I hope you do not find me rude,” Gwen began with sincerity. “But, how old are you?”
“Nineteen, Your Highness.”
Gwen smiled, understanding his relatively subdued personality. He was barely an adult. Though, she acknowledged, he looked much older. Gwen forced herself to stop dwelling on his looks; he was way too young for her.
“I’m almost twenty-four,” Gwen offered in exchange.
His lifted the corner of his mouth in a polite smile. “I know, Your Highness.”
“Friends call me Gwen.”
The young fae’s smile grew. “Mine call me Bryce. I’m sure my parents will be thrilled to learn the princess considers me a friend after one dance.”
Gwen couldn’t help but laugh at the confident statement; it was accompanied by the reddening of his ears.
“Is that who convinced you to ask me to dance? Your parents?” Approaching her now seemed like something this shy young fae would not typically do.
Bryce nodded. “Though,” he added, “I’m sure you are more familiar with my mother’s brother. He is your main bodyguard, I believe.”
Gwen grinned. “Jai?”
Lord Bryce’s eyes brightened. “Yes. He has told our family much about you. All good, I promise.”
Gwen shook her head in mock disbelief. “You mean to tell me, Jai actually speaks? In sentences? I don’t believe it.”
The couple laughed, drawing the attention of nearby dancers. Gwen tried to school her face despite her amusement.
“Yes,” her partner answered. “Uncle Jai usually reserves speech for when it is absolutely necessary, but he seems unable to stop singing your praises to those who will listen. He thinks very highly of you.”
Gwen’s eyes softened at Bryce’s words. “I thi
nk highly of him.”
Their dance was moments from ending when a sharp movement caught Gwen’s attention out of the corner of her eye. She looked and saw the mentioned guard making sharp gestures to her.
“I think your uncle is requesting my presence,” Gwen told Bryce. He glanced over to Jai, as well.
“I believe you are right. Shall we?”
Within moments, the pair stood before Jai. Duke Aeron appeared at her side, wrapping his hand around her free elbow. Gwen opened her mouth to ask him to let go when she noticed his expression. It was tense. She turned to Jai and noticed the mirrored look.
“What is it?” She asked both fae.
Jai turned to his nephew. “Bryce. Go to your mother. Tell her I recommended you all need to leave the palace. Faze home the moment you are out of it’s boundaries. Do you understand?”
Gwen’s eyes grew wide. “What’s going on?”
“We have to get you out of here,” Aeron said as a vague answer.
“Bryce, Go!” Jai nearly shouted to the younger fae. Bryce spared her a worried glance before he listened to his uncle.
Gwen turned to her guard. “What’s going on? Where’s Ian?” She glanced anxiously between the two fae.
Aeron’s words were a relief. “We aren’t sure, but King Cai has ordered you to be barricaded in the nearest safe-room. Come, we must go.”
Safe-room? Gwen nearly tripped as Aeron pulled her forward. Jai stepped to fill Bryce’s spot and helped tug her along, while helping her keep balance.
“I don’t understand. What’s happening? What do you mean, ‘safe-room’?”
The Summer fae did not answer her. Instead, they continued escorting her out of the Ballroom without so much as a sound. A gnawing uneasiness began to surround Gwen’s chest.
Jai and Aeron continued to guide her until they were out of sight of any other fae; each glanced to their sides and behind during their walk. Gwen vaguely wondered where the rest of her usual guards were. The group of three to four males always fell in with her whenever she went from one location to another.
This isn’t good.
Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2) Page 14