“I prefer Virgie.” My voice came out much huskier than I’d intended.
“Virgie it is.” Nathan slid aside a pile of parchment papers. “Mentalist abilities like yours are very valued. You can help your earthborn brethren gain forgiveness before King Peter, among other things. Your role is a vital one, Virgie.”
“Forgiveness? Do you mean forgiveness for their ancestors fleeing the faeland so many generations ago because they didn’t want to die in the war or the plague? From what I understand, we earthbound fae are more important to the Summer Court than ever since we never got infected with the infertility plague the Winter Court spread.” I was treading on thin ice, but if they were planning to use me or someone else for breeding, I needed to know. Knowledge would allow me to prepare myself and develop a strategy.
“You are an intelligent, young woman. I can see why King Peter and my sister have high expectations for you,” Nathan said calmly, not going for my bait. He folded his hands on his desk. “The Summer Court is merciful, unlike our Winter cousins. King Peter has suffered many sacrifices recently, but he is willing to give the earthbound fae a second chance. You can guide them all in the right direction and help them earn salvation.”
My fists balled with anger. Nathan had completely ignored my breeding question and spoke of the Summer Court as if it could do no wrong. His eyes were veiled by the fantasy he wanted to see. How could he be oblivious to how evil King Peter’s two children had been and how his court had turned their heads away from the slavery taking place on Earth? The burning injustice of us being punished for our ancestors fleeing a war rose in my throat, but I managed to relax my facial muscles and sit still. No need to show Nathan my cards.
“So, I’m supposed to control the other fae,” I said calmly. “Then what? Am I to lead them into battles?” Kristen had pretty much made peace with marching into death but that didn’t make it right. A lump rose in my throat. Was my role in the Summer Court that much different from my original goal to run a brothel back in the vampire society?
But at least with a brothel, I would be making the decisions. Here, it would be the royal family pulling the strings.
“That shall be seen. Currently, we are in a cold war with the Winter Court and are not dispatching soldiers anywhere. First and foremost, our goal is to teach former earthbound fae loyalty. When they swear loyalty to the Summer Court, they shall find redemption. Part of the vow is to agree to fight the king’s enemies. With you, Virgie, the disgraced can learn to take their rightful place in the faeland. You can help heal their hearts and minds and elevate them.” Nathan’s deep voice carried authority. He was 100 percent sold on what he was spewing.
As alluring as his voice and conviction were I, however, knew his vision was unrealistic. But for now, I had to play along. “I see. Is there anything else I need to know?” The Commander might be hypnotized by King Peter’s propaganda, but I would keep up my walls. The vampires had never managed to brainwash me and neither would the fae. I leaned in closer, allowing my voice to become seductive. “Is the King worried about something happening? The vampires attacking the faeland in retaliation for the fae blowing up the school?”
Nathan’s expression darkened, and he broke eye contact with me, then tapped his fingers on the desk. He knew exactly what I was doing, and I had to fight hard to keep my face relaxed as to not betray my disappointment, surprise, and annoyance. Because even with my new power, it seemed that I was not in charge. It might work on fae like Kristen, but when it really mattered, my power was useless.
When Nathan looked at me again, his gaze burned with determination. “Virgie, there have been rumblings of the Winter Court planning for war.”
I blinked. Despite being immune to my mental abilities, Nathan had just revealed a lot of information. Why? To gain my trust? To make me feel like we were on the same team?
“You’re going to send the earthbound fae into battle first.”
“Nothing has been decided. But our numbers were decimated by the Barren Plague and we must do whatever it takes to protect our land and citizens.” In addition to fierceness, something else entered Nathan’s voice. Nostalgia and maybe hope? What did it mean? Who was the man behind the shield of authority?
“I understand.” I thought back to Onyx at Nocturnal Academy. With her being a Winter fae and the daughter of King Olwen Vinter himself, I’d be fighting her and her troops. She had helped me during the Wild Hunt and I’d repay her by preparing earthbound fae to destroy her. And I had always thought Peony was the bitch.
“One more thing.” Nathan leaned in closer, and an enthralling, earthy scent hit me. “The fae love gossip and rumors. We need cooperation and peace among our kind and quickly. Whoever you talk to, you must always think about your role.”
I blinked. “I am to be the face of the newcomers?”
Nathan nodded, then cleared his throat. “Of course, we’ll also have to deal with the press to maintain an image.”
I didn’t know what he meant by that, but as he rose from his chair, I knew the conversation was over. Nathan was at least ten steps ahead of me. Would I ever manage to influence this man who was King Peter’s right hand? I sure hoped so, because a war was the last thing we needed.
Chapter 7
When I returned to my quarters, I discovered that Nathan had immensely underplayed the extent of what would be expected of me. A piece of parchment rested on my dresser and as I picked it up, I realized it was my schedule, probably written with a quill. Maybe even by Peony.
My timetable was from Monday through Saturday and had countless daily training sessions, all of the mental type, with names like Developing Intuition, An Introduction to Prophecy, and Developing a Mind Shield. While, unlike the other fae, I had no combat classes, my schedule sounded grueling. Before all these sessions started next week, I had to complete Prep and press conferences with The Fae Press and The Summer Court Newspaper, which might include photo shoots and interviews.
What the hell? Why would I hold a press conference? Clearly, there was much more going on here than Nathan had let on.
Not wanting to make a fuss, but in desperate need for answers, I left my apartment and stepped onto the tree stump staircase, which delivered me to the ground floor. I rushed past the huge tree and fountain, barely paying attention to its beauty and knocked at the door of Nerissa’s office. Would she be in? I hoped so since she was my best chance at getting answers. Nathan was vague. Caleb was aloof. And my relationship with Peony was too complicated for me to trust her.
Relief coursed through me when after a few seconds Nerissa’s soothing voice sounded. “Come in.”
I opened the door to her office and when greeted by Nerissa’s glow, curtsied lowly, which she didn’t discourage. Unlike Nathan, she seemed to like formalities.
“Virgie, how can I help you?” Nerissa rose from her tree root desk with incredible grace.
Okay, so Nathan had told her that I preferred Virgie to Vergeat, which was nice, but also kind of weird as it meant they had spoken about me in the last hour. Did the two share everything? I had to be careful.
I placed my timetable on Nerissa’s desk. “I’m afraid there must’ve been a mistake, and I received somebody else’s schedule.”
“The Summer Court doesn’t make mistakes,” Nerissa said, but despite this, she scanned my sheet of paper, tracing her finger down the calligraphy letters. “I know it might sound like a lot of courses, but we have faith that you will manage.”
There was the faith angle again. I shook my head. “I’m not worried about the workload. I’m a good worker.” At her raised, pale eyebrow, I quickly added, “But the photo shoots and interviews…Certainly they’re meant for a famous Summer Court fae, not for an earthbound fae like me.”
Nerissa smiled. “Ah, I see. Has Caleb not informed you about your heritage?”
“He mentioned that I was from a mentalist family on both sides, and that my father’s family in particular was very gifted.” I left it at that, not
wanting to repeat in front of a fae as angelic as Nerissa that my father was a drunk who had killed himself in a drunken stupor before I was born.
She smiled. “Right. Well, as an Everston you have public duties, especially since the public hasn’t seen an Everston in nineteen years.”
I gulped. “But I don’t know how to—”
“Don’t worry,” Nerissa cut me off. “Your first interview and photo shoot are toward the end of the week. You’ll be prepped before that as is outlined on your timetable.”
A knock sounded from the door. “Come in,” Nerissa said as calm as ever.
A female fae entered and curtsied. She was in leather armor and had pale green wings that indicated she had some plant magic in her family. “I’m here to deliver a message.”
Nerissa gave me an encouraging smile. “It will be fine.” Though kind, she spoke with the air that we were done here and that I’d get all the information I needed later.
Dismissed, I rose and rolled up my parchment. “Thank you.” I would have to remain in the dark until tomorrow.
Prep began the next day. The last Prep I had attended was Summer Prep in Nocturnal Academy where we fae were taught to please the vampires. This Prep turned out to have its own horrors.
A loud, rhythmical knocking reverberated through my apartment at the break of dawn. I opened my door to find a male fae with a bald head and dark skin standing outside. His pink-and-red suit with tapered legs complimented his magenta wings.
“Virgie, darling! I’m so excited to finally meet you.” He hugged me and kissed me on both cheeks.
I froze, but then quickly composed myself. “Please, come inside.” Noticing that he had brought two huge suitcases, which he’d dropped on the floor to hug me, I took one from him when he offered it. “You’re here for the Prep?”
He slapped his palm against his forehead. “Yes. Apologies, in my excitement, I totally forgot to introduce myself.” He giggled. “I’m Pierre, your stylist. I’m here to get you ready for the photo shoots.”
“Oh.” I deflated. I knew how to make myself look good. It was something that Mother had instilled into me from an early age. What I was really worried about was my conduct and how to phrase my answers for an interview. It was clear Pierre wasn’t here to help me with that.
I had just set down the suitcase when a second knock sounded, and Pierre opened the door. “Amanda! Just in time.”
Amanda was also a fae with magenta wings, but unlike Pierre’s fashionista look, her hair was cut into a short brown bob, and she wore a no-nonsense pantsuit. She could’ve totally worked in corporate America. She hadn’t arrived with suitcases, but carried two heavy totes that she put down in my living room. “I’m Amanda. I do royal PR and will prep you for your interviews.” She extended her hand, and I shook it. Her grip was strong and loaded with impatience.
Royal PR? Before I could ask anything, a third knock rang out at my door. Pierre opened it again and beamed at a servant fae who pushed a large cart in front of her. “Wonderful, I am starving!”
The servant fae set up in the living room—coffee, baked goods, fresh strawberries, waffles, and a plate of cheeses and grapes. My mouth watered at the sight. I hadn’t eaten much yesterday and my body was shaking from the lack of calories. However, under the watchful eye of Amanda, I didn’t want to screw up by stuffing myself. Relief flooded me when Pierre immediately popped a grape and a cube of cheese into his mouth while simultaneously pouring himself a coffee. Amanda too poured herself a coffee, unsurprisingly black, and declined any food. I wolfed down a waffle while Pierre took out all the dresses, shoes, and accessories he had brought, and Amanda studied a document she’d retrieved from her folder.
What had I gotten into? And what were the rules?
“Are you guys mentalists too?” I eyed their wings. Magenta was the closest color of wings I’d seen to my own lilac ones.
Pierre pressed a hand dramatically against his forehead. “I wish.”
Amanda snorted. “No, magenta means we either work in fashion, design, or communications.”
I nodded. “I see.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Has no one explained to you what the wing colors mean?” At the shake of my head, she tsked, “Unacceptable. Okay, basically the royals and the nobility have gold in their wings, often with hints of green or white. Green-gold wings indicate royalty and plant magic. Only the royal family has wings of that color.”
“And the Bitterbays?”
“Their golden wings mean they are nobility,” Amanda replied. Before I could ask if they had unique talents, she continued, “Bronze or brown wings mean someone is a warrior, but the army also has fae with green wings, who fight with their plant magic. Peach-colored wings indicate someone is a scholar. Your teacher Blythe has peach wings.”
“What about blue or silver wings?” I asked.
Pierre shuddered. “Ugh, that’s a bad sign. Blue or silver wings belong to the Winter Court. Blue-winged fae are their warriors. Unlike the Summer Court where only a few have plant magic, all of the Winter fae have ice magic.”
“But they’re much less versed in telepathy,” Amanda added quickly. “But enough of that. We need to get started with our prep.” Amanda gave me a tight smile. “The press here is ruthless. They’ll squeeze you for information. You can’t be rude or they’ll write you off as a diva, and nobody would like that, especially because of your earthbound history and what happened to your father.”
I nodded, glad that she was a straight shooter and wouldn’t waste my time. “What kind of questions will they ask me?” I didn’t like that knowledge of how my father had died was widespread. If the fae press was anything like the human press, they’d focus on the disaster angle.
Pierre stepped in front of me and held two dresses up, a pale salmon and a fuchsia number. “Keep going, you two. I’m just trying to figure out what will go best with your skin tone.”
“Maybe something red,” I volunteered, not liking either dress. Mother always said that it brought out my Asian and Caucasian features.
Pierre shook his head vehemently. “For a first interview? No. Anyhow, red is not a popular color here. Nor is black, for that matter.”
I nodded. Of course. Those had been the colors of the vampires. The vampire students back at Nocturnal Academy even wore red and black uniforms. “What about silver or blue?”
Amanda shook her head. “No, absolutely not. They are Winter Court colors.”
I nodded. That made sense, too. It would be best not to piss off the people I was trying to impress. “So what can I wear?”
“White is universal, but too much of it will make you look like a Winter fae,” Amanda explained. “The war may be over between us, but the effects of the plague will take generations to recover from. The tension will not vanish any time soon, or ever.”
I swallowed, thinking of Onyx again.
Amanda turned to Pierre, who tapped a finger against his lip as he glanced at the contents of his suitcase. “I don’t think we can get away with gold.”
“Just do a light pink. They love pink, especially for the whole romance angle.”
“Great idea.” Pierre opened the second suitcase, grabbed a few rose-colored gowns, and smiled.
I flinched, even though these shades looked better than the salmon and fuchsia. “What romance angle?” It sounded better than breeding, but I wasn’t aware of any romance involved in this.
Amanda rolled her eyes. “You’re a high status fae, and the press is always interested in your personal life, including who you’re dating.”
My mouth dried. High status? Dating? “But I’m not seeing anyone. I just got here two days ago.”
Amanda nodded and sat on the piano bench, tapping a quill on a piece of parchment. “Yes, and that’s why I think it’s unlikely they’ll ask you about that. Now, let’s get to the important Q & A. How will you explain your position on the earthbound fae coming to the Summer Court?”
I thought hard, trying not to ge
t distracted by Pierre holding dresses up against my shoulder. “It’s a great opportunity for the earthbound fae to reclaim their magic, get a chance at a better life, and make the Summer Court stronger.”
Amanda shook her head. “No. Leave out what’s in it for the earthbound fae. The press and the Summer Court won’t care about that. Say that the earthbound fae have great potential and are a wonderful asset. Promise they’ll work hard and assimilate.”
I gritted my teeth. “But we don’t know that.” Also, I saw the situation as an opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship, not a sales pitch for the Summer Court to get earthbound fae.
Amanda gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “That doesn’t matter. What matters is what the public wants to hear, especially with a lot of them nervous about allowing earthbound fae in.”
I nodded, knowing I had to play along until I got a chance to influence Nathan or someone in a high position and get rights for the earthbound fae. For the next several hours, Amanda prepped me on political answers, answers meant to calm the public on the presence of earthbound fae, who might be angry at the deserters. I might’ve escaped the vampire regime, but the Summer Court had just as many rules. While Amanda made me memorize answers she had manufactured for me, Pierre chose several rosy outfits, complete with accessories and shoes. Almost everything was in shades of rose and white.
As the sun set on the horizon and both said their goodbyes, I collapsed onto my bed, my head pounding and whirling with information. I was to sway the public’s position on the earthbound fae. I was to be their face to the faeland and justify King Peter’s decision to train them.
What other roles would I be asked to play?
The routine and the grilling continued for two more days, but with each passing day, I felt slightly better about the upcoming interviews and photo shoots. Amanda’s questions felt like quizzes I had studied for and the correct answers came flawlessly from my lips. Pierre stopped crowding me as much when he turned his focus to jewelry rather than entire outfits and colors. Once I had mastered the questions, Amanda moved on to my pose and mannerisms which were no less complex and rehearsed. She and Pierre ganged up on me when it came to how I walked, how I moved my head, and how I held my shoulders. Oh, and the smile took a lot of work, too. My muscles were sore by the end of the week, but Amanda’s satisfied tone and Pierre’s clapping told me I had made progress.
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