by VS Winters
"But I don't want that, I don't even know you."
"I am in the midst of a century-long war, Witch. There are a dozen things I could be using this time for. Yet, I am sitting in a room that I am obligated to provide for a Witch, in the middle of the night."
His eyes grew dark and I could have sworn they shimmered like stars falling from the sky. Suddenly the room went from warm and inviting, to cold and foreign. The longer I was around these creatures, the more it became apparent that they had a distaste for what they thought I was. Rowan moved closer, bringing his eyes level with my own. Despite feeling so small next to him, I stood my ground.
"I don't want you here any more than you want it. I'd love nothing more than to stop the silly Trials and send the lot of you away. Unfortunately, the law dictates that I cannot. Take comfort in knowing you are a weak, powerless little Witch. You won't make it past the first Trial."
Ouch, that was rough.
"What is your problem with Witches?" And why was I defending them? I wasn't one hundred percent sure that they had the right girl, despite the incident with Harper. Rowan squared his shoulders, returning to his full height, he thought about my words.
"My problem with Witches is that you and your kind are unpredictable. When I see a Demon, I know their evil intentions. Just as when I meet a Nymph, I know that they have nothing but good inside of them. Witches live in the grey area between light and dark. Your mother tipped that scale in the eyes of the kingdom, however."
Here we go again, someone I'd never met knew more than I did about my own mother.
"How did she do that?" I asked in a hushed tone. Rowan hesitated, his eyes locking with mine before he looked away.
"It matters naught, your mother has passed. That leaves you to take her place as Queen of the Coven. In turn, you are the most eligible of your kind to compete."
"What happens if I fail?" I swallowed hard against the dry ache in my throat.
"Should you fail or be bested, you will lose your status of nobility. But you will be free to return home."
"Sounds like a win-win."
He smiled, exposing a flash of perfect teeth. My heart fluttered, much to my disdain.
"Indeed. There is only one who I will support through the Trials, and that one is not you."
Rowan slapped a heavy palm upon the table and scooted back in his chair to stand. Not knowing the customary etiquette for being in the presence of a king-to-be, I followed his lead and stood to face him. That stare held a peculiar look as he eyed me without a word. It made me want to fling myself onto the bed and hide under the covers. I watched as the corner of his round bottom lip pulled upward.
"What?" I asked, digging fingernails into my palm.
"Nothing," He smirked and proceeded to move around me. As he did so, his knuckles brushed my bare thigh. The unintentional touch sent a layer of goosebumps darting across my skin. Had I not wanted to lightning punch that perfect nose and run for the hills, I might have savored it. But, of course, I did want to run, and he was the one forcing me to stay. The green eyes moved to mine, which had fallen to his lips for only a second. Much to my dismay, it caused him to pause mid-step.
"You are a lot less offensive on the eyes than most of your kind. I didn't expect that. Not that it is unheard of. Tamora wasn't a hag either."
Wow. Did he just call me 'not ugly'? And in the form of a compliment to my estranged mother.
"Well, thank you, but I don't think it matters what I look like. I'll be out of here after the first Trial."
"Please, see that you are."
Rowan walked to the large wooden armoire resting in the far corner and opened the twin doors to pull out clothing that shone like dewdrops on a spider's web. He cast it onto the bed and strolled through the door without missing a beat, his demeanor very much one that said he was someone in control.
The moment he had left and I heard the door click shut, I was at the window. My fingers were unsteady as I pulled up as hard as I could in an attempt to get at least one open wide enough to fit my slender body through. Repeating this method with each of them, I soon found out that they were stuck tight and I was left precisely where I had begun. With a speedy search of the room, I had a candlestick in hand and drawn over my shoulder, aiming straight at the polished glass.
Just before the sturdy metal could fly from my fingertips, something tugged at the back of my mind. If I did this, if I tried to escape, they would come for Ava. That is, if I could even find my way back to the woods, let alone the portal. My shoulders sank as I let the hoisted arm drop back to my side. Frustrated at the feeling of my life being so utterly out of my control, hot tears stung my eyes. I didn't want to let them fall. If I did, I wasn't sure they would ever stop.
Returning the candlestick to the bedside table, I shuffled across the lush carpet until I reached the skillfully folded garment Rowan had thrown at the bed. With a look down, I expelled a puff of air. As much as I didn't want to accept the gesture, my clothes looked like they had been dragged through a hog pen.
I removed the soiled shorts and tank top and pulled the beautiful silk gown over my head. It stretched just past my toes and felt like butter against my skin. Fine lace hung from the low neckline in a way that would have made a seamstress weep. My fingers traced the pattern as I scanned the space for a mirror. A vanity sat near the entrance. I approached to find a bowl of cool water with a clean white cloth draped over the side.
It wasn't a shower, but nevertheless, it felt great to wash as much of the grime from myself as I could. I took note of the bruises on my throat. A consequence of my two encounters with Harper, no doubt. I exhaled a sigh of satisfaction and eyed my reflection. Despite hours in a forest, and getting tossed around like a rag doll, my hair was still moderately tame. Studying the beautiful nightgown, I found that it hugged me in all the right spots. Under any other circumstances, I might have even whirled in it.
Rather than making a bigger fool of myself than I already had that day, I returned to the bed. It looked like paradise with the dense maroon quilt and down-stuffed pillows. I all too eagerly slithered into it. My body sank into what felt like a cloud. A remarkably warm, amazing cloud. Ava would have loved it.
Damnit. I brought my hands up my face and into my hairline. My cellphone had been in the duffle bag. Would there even be service to call home from another realm? No, presumably not. I'd just have to suffer in solitude without an occasional call to check up on my sister and father. Had I any option other than sacrificing my sister's well-being, I'd be out of here in a heartbeat.
Even if it meant wandering alone in a deadly Fae forest, I would have leaped at the opportunity. I stubbornly reminded myself that it was a waste of time to speculate. All I needed to do was wait for the ridiculous Trials to start. Then I'd allow myself to lose and be home in a flash. Even the prince himself didn't want me here. I guess him not being king yet meant he couldn't bend the laws at will. What is the point in being the leader of your own kingdom if you have no power over what occurs within it?
I shoved the image of the magical jerks from my mind. Trying to focus on what was important, I reminded myself of Ava. How she was always more interested in my social life than I was. How that was her way of showing her affection for me. And it worked, I never doubted my little sister's love for me, not once. Bickering with her about it was just a method of self-preservation.
I was lonely and Ava could see that, despite my constant effort to prove otherwise. She definitely would have been salivating over the stupid prince. Too bad he was the reason for me being in this mess to begin with, or I might be drooling too. Not that how I viewed him was relevant. If the rest of the competitors looked anything like him, I would be a weed amongst roses. I wasn't ugly by society's standards, I just wasn't a flawless elf, or whatever Rowan was.
Besides, he had already made it perfectly clear what he desired. It was the same thing that I did. For me to leave and forget I had ever been there.
Sleep weighed heavy on my
eyelids the longer I mulled it over. No matter how much I didn't want to find out what the next day held in store for me, I couldn't fight slumber forever. Letting my eyes close, I relaxed my limbs and allowed dreams to take hold of my mind.
Chapter Six
"Miss? Miss?"
The unfamiliar voice startled me, rousing me from sleep. Ungluing my eyelids from each other, I gazed at the tiny, strange woman standing at the bedside. Clearing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up and elevated an eyebrow at her. She stood three feet high and had large ears that drooped over her small shoulders. Her shining golden eyes were wide, as her little fists hooked together at her bosom. She bobbed her head at me.
"Morning, miss, my name is Ellie. It is my pleasure to tell you that I will be your servant during the Trials. I didn't want to wake you, it's just that you've been sleeping most of the day and Prince Blaive is holding a reception in the grand hall. We've not got long to get you fed and outfitted."
The aroma of sausage and eggs permeated my nostrils. I launched the cover away and hopped down from the bed with a yawn at my lips. Holding a hand out at the woman, she looked startled and took a stride backward. Rolling my eyes, I lowered the hand and scratched my scalp with the other.
"Sorry, Ellie. I kind of forgot that I'm not supposed to do that. I'm Eden Morris."
"Not a problem mistress," Ellie offered a meek smile with giant eyes flicking between my hands and face, she gestured toward the spread on the table.
"I wasn't told what you prefer to eat, so I brought you a variety. I do hope it is to your liking. If not, I, of course, can return to the kitchens and have them make anything else you'd prefer."
My eyes darted over the platters of food, affirming that my nose had not deceived me. There was a white oval dish holding a mass of sausages. Another was filled with boiled eggs and perfectly baked bread. Jams, butter, spices, and an assortment of other things that I didn't recognize sat there, luring me. My belly gurgled in response.
"Thank you, Ellie," I said with a grin and took a seat to dig in.
"This will be perfect. It smells wonderful."
I sampled a taste of the spiced meat. Flavor erupted over my taste buds. I devoured at least four of them before slowing down enough to find Ellie beaming at me from across the table. Geez, where are my manners?
"I'm sorry. Would you like some?" I pushed the plate of sausages in her direction and began to slather jam onto the sweet-smelling bread. Ellie gave me a kind smile but shifted the plate aside.
"Many thanks, but I already had my breakfast as well as midday meal, mistress."
I nodded in response and resumed my feast until my stomach couldn't hold anymore. Ellie picked up on this and bustled over to the armoire, where she began to extract strikingly exquisite gowns of all different designs. She carefully arranged them in a spread across the edge of my bed.
"These aren't all the dresses we have for you, but they will be suitable for the occasion. I am also well-trained in facial art, as well as hair styling if you'd like, miss."
Not wanting to soil the fine garments, I cleaned my hands and face with the towel from the table before joining Ellie in examining the dresses. They were all so captivating, but I decided on a reasonably simplistic design. It was a long gown in my choice color, black. Radiant jewels were embroidered over the sweetheart bust in clusters that diminished as they went further down, creating a dazzling starburst of sparkle.
The flowy skirt hit exactly at the correct length, making it so it was long enough to touch the floor but not so long that it would trip me while I walked. Ellie helped me into it and laced up the corset rear, pulling it so that my breasts pushed up in just the right way. She moved back to examine me and nodded in approval.
"Great choice, miss. Now, onto the rest. We haven't much time now."
I let her work on my hair and face until she ultimately gasped in satisfaction, retreating to allow me a look at myself in the mirror. She had kept my face mostly natural, with a swipe of rich scarlet across my lips and a bit of shimmery eyeshadow beneath my full, arched eyebrows. Braids started at both of my temples and joined behind the crown of my head, sitting atop the long crimson curls that came to my waistline.
Just as Ava had a mere two days ago, Ellie left two locks down to frame my face.
"It looks lovely Ellie, thank you so much."
She attempted to suppress a wide grin and bowed again.
"Mister Ommin awaits just outside of the room. Shall I beckon him?"
"I'm sorry, who?"
"He will be your escort to the event, mistress."
"Ah, of course, let him inside, please." Might as well act like I know what I'm doing here.
"Enjoy your day, miss." She bowed a third time and retreated through the door. Before it could shut completely, a pale hand grasped it. In stepped a man with skin similar to the color of the moon. His straight black hair was tucked behind his ears and tied in a ponytail that hung past his wide shoulders. His piercing, azure eyes grew as they met mine.
"Wow…" The wide, full lips setting above his muscular jaw fell open in a gasp as he pulled me in for a hug. I grudgingly allowed his embrace and wondered if all the men here were going to be gorgeous because I really didn't think my libido could take that. He smelled wonderfully of herbs and embers. Once adequately satisfied with his first impression, he moved back with his hands still planted on my shoulders.
"Lady Eden, you look absolutely stunning. One might confuse you with Fae-kind."
"Just Eden, please." I said, "Thank you, mister...Ommin?"
"How silly of me," He patted a palm against his forehead and loosened his grip on me. "Yes, I'm Scott. I am your royal advisor, well, one of them. I will be guiding you through the Trials in the only way that I can; attempting to teach you to harness your abilities in the small amount of time that we have."
"Great. Except, I'll be losing, so it isn't necessary."
Scott withdrew, a strongly drawn frown taut over his lips.
"Why would you decide that you are going to fail?"
"Umm...I have no urge to marry a prince or perform in his contests. My father is dying, and my little sister is alone."
"Whoa," He huffed and returned to his position in front of me. "Eden, I'm sorry to hear all of that. Nonetheless, I refuse to support your idea to lose in the Trials. Your mother would never forgive me."
"My mother? How is it all of you here know her and I don't?" My eyes narrowed at this news.
"I'm not sure that it is my place to say, Eden."
"Whose place is it to say then? Because I'm getting pretty sick and tired of everyone I meet here bringing her up just to elaborate on nothing."
"Later," He said, winding his milky hands around my own. As much as I disliked it, the touch was calming. "For now, we have a gathering to attend. Shall we?"
Scott lifted an elbow for me to hook my arm through. Just before doing so, I realized that Ellie hadn't given me a choice of shoes. Scott elevated a dark eyebrow at me as I pushed on my muddy sneakers.
"It should be okay, right? The dress will cover them."
He vaguely pointed to the opposite side of the room and opened his mouth to speak but decided against it and extended his elbow again.
The castle had taken on an entirely new look in the daytime. The vast corridors were adorned with stunning artwork and carpeting that spread over the grey, impeccable stone masonry. I was glad that Scott seemed to know where to go and kept my arm locked tightly in his, considering that he might be the only person in the entire building with my best interest in mind. He steered us down numerous hallways as I reveled in the profoundly rich colors surrounding us, ranging from lovely sky-blues to inky black.
"So, how has your first trip to our realm been?"
"Well," I chortled, considering the question.
"So far, I've been assaulted by a Demon and transported into captivity. I was manhandled by the prince last night-"
"I'm sorry?" Scott halted so abruptly that I nearly tr
ipped over my own feet.
"He did what?"
"No, not like that," I shook my head. "I lipped off to him, and he had to assert his dominance."
Scott looked at me through narrowed eyes. His jaw tensed and relaxed in rhythm to his fingers, tapping my arm. He was obviously not thrilled about the bit of knowledge I had just shared. Shouldering me to a more shaded area of the hall, he spoke in a low voice, his eyes darting up and down the stretch.
"Eden, listen to me. Blaive is the prince, but he has no right to lay his hands on you." He stopped scanning for guards only long enough to provide me with an attractive, tender smile.
"If something like that happens again, you will let me know, won't you?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess...but--"
"No, don't second guess it. I'm here to help you. Understand?"
I agreed, not knowing what someone like him could do against someone like the prince. Or if I'd even spend time alone with that jerk, Rowan, a second time. Scott beamed at me fondly and yanked me into the hall just in time for an armed guard to pass through. Scott played off the little treasonous talk like nothing had just been said at all, bowing his head to the guard as we passed.
"What is this meeting, precisely?"
"It is part of the tradition. Blaive will present himself and talk about the kingdom for, well, who knows how long. The elf enjoys talking about himself. We could be there for the rest of the night."
"Great," I grumbled, already prepared to spin around and spend the day in my room.
"Can't we just skip it?"
"How I wish we could!" Scott produced a hearty laugh from deep in his chest. It made me smile, as though we were old buddies. Of course, he was a total stranger, even if he was the only helpful person I'd come into contact within this world. A roaring crowd could be heard the farther we walked. Scott brought us to a halt in front of a large set of doors.
"Remember, the people here are nobility. Speak with respect, no matter how much they might make you want to do otherwise. We are Witches, which means that they all share a common distaste for our kind. It is to be expected, no matter where you go here. Do not give them a reason to validate that prejudice. Alright?"