Nightsong

by Vella Wolf

  “I’ll have a look,” I said. Eed moved back to the doors, sliding them open, revealing a walk-in robe. Dresses, coats, shoes, and more lined one side of it, a row of dressers and compartments on the other. Three large mirrors sat on each wall at the end. Eed pointed to the first small dresser. Gently, I pulled the first draw open. It was filled with laced intimates, brassieres, panties, and goodness knows what else. I pulled out a bralette, as see-through as a window, and stared at it with horror.

  Eed huffed behind me, “If you are going to be a queen, you need to start dressing like one. No more breast bindings for you! How you managed it with your breast size, I'll never know.”

  I blushed madly at her words, “Haven’t you got something at least a little more comfortable?!” I exclaimed.

  Eed clicked her tongue again and moved to fossick through the lower draw. She pulled out a white silk brassiere. “This should suit you fine. Now will you remove the bindings or shall I?” she said.

  I blushed another shade of red and began to unwind the bindings. I covered my nipples with my hands as soon as the cloth fell to the ground.

  Eed sighed at me. “You do not need to be shy. I have served many women, and you need to move your arms so I can put this on.”

  I moved my arms sheepishly, and she walked behind me, placing the brassiere before my chest. I slid my arms through the straps and Eed placed the cups around my bust, clipping it behind my back. With a gentle touch, she adjusted it for my comfort. It sat firm but surprisingly comfortable on my chest.

  Walking back to the closet, Eed began to sort through a rack of dresses. “I was informed you are not used to the usual feminine attire, so I have prepared a light dress for you to wear this evening,” she said as she pulled out a garment concealed by a cover.

  Ugh, a dress. Eed pulled off the cover revealing a long dark mauve dress. I took off my pants and boots, and Eed lifted the dress over my head, easing it down onto my body. It was simple in design, thin straps, enough to cover my brassiere and a sweetheart neckline. The dress was well fitted around my chest, and the skirt spilled out gently below my bust, reaching the tips of my toes. I ran my fingers over the surface, an outer layer of sheer fabric sat over the top of a soft underlayer. It was comfortable for a dress, if not a little revealing, I could already feel the cold on my skin.

  After adjusting the dress, Eed pulled out another garment and two boxes. From the smallest package, she pulled out a black bead necklace. Fastening it around my neck, it dangled delicately above my bust. She pulled out a pair of matching earrings then frowned at me.

  “Your ears aren’t pierced, that’s something we will need to fix,” she mumbled as she opened the next box. A pair of flat, black velvet shoes. “I’m going to assume the only heels you are used to are the ones in boots. These will do until I can properly train you,” Eed said as she placed them in front of me.

  I stepped into them, frowning in return. Gods forbid what rubbish I was going to have to learn? Eed pulled out the final garment, a light black cloak. It sat gently on my shoulders, clipping onto the straps of the dress. I felt so much warmer. I stiffened as she ran her fingers through my hair, I wasn’t remotely used to this contact and grooming. Like before, she was very gentle and with a slight tug, pulled the tie from my hair, allowing the dark red locks to pool around my shoulders.

  “There. Much better,” Eed said as she finished neatening up my mane. Taking my hand, she led me to the mirror. I gaped at the stranger before me. I almost looked pretty. “No time for makeup, but you are lovely nonetheless. Come. It’s time to go,” Eed said as she led me from the room.

  We made our way down the hall to the staircase. As we neared it, I spied the set of stairs leading up to the next level. “On the roof, is that a greenhouse?” I asked, turning to Eed as we walked. Eed frowned at me, “Raest didn’t tell you about that?”

  I shook my head, and Eed sighed, the irritation as plain as day.

  “A special guest resides there, as for the details you can ask Raest if you wish. However, do not attempt to enter, they require solitude for their… health issues,” she explained in a sharp tone.

  I screwed up my face and began to question her, but she held up her hand to shush me.

  “Questions to Raest, but it would be better if you just ignored the floor.” Being told to ignore it had the opposite effect. I had just got here, and there were already new secrets. I had my doubts that he had just forgotten. Tomorrow. I would ask him tomorrow.

  I found myself in front of a room on the third floor. This door was larger than most in the hallway; thick, dark wood with a silver latch. Eed straightened my garments, flicking locks of hair back into place as she spoke quietly.

  “You are about to meet Fye Marsue and Ora Araluen. Fye is the ruler of the Sargen province and Ora, the ruler of Aralos. Besides being important people, they were close friends of Maelyn Nightsong and as such, have become family to Raest. You will treat them with the respect and warmth they deserve. Do you understand?”

  She lectured me as if I were a child.

  “Of course Eed. I would never act any less,” I said, masking my annoyance. I didn’t understand why she was concerned about my etiquette. Did she think I was that uncivilised just because I wasn’t a prim and proper lady?

  Without another word, Eed pushed the door open, revealing a medium-sized lounge parlour. The walls here were also painted a dark purple, black carpet covered the floors and lounges covered in cushions dotted the area. At the centre of the room sat a wide but low table, with stools and padding to match. Two figures sat around this table. Eed and I took a step into the room, the two women turning to us.

  “My ladies, I present Princess Sabyr Feros,” Eed announced.

  Without hesitation, the two rose from their seats, walking briskly to ambush me, their faces filled with warmth and joy. I held back a gasp as I realised one of them stood far taller than me or anyone I had ever met. She was a cat just like Esu, one of the Kera I suppose, but instead of his small stature, she would have reached over six and a half feet. Her face and coat were that of a snow leopard, a sharp, white toothy cat grin on her face. Eyes, like blue topaz, matched the colour of her garb. A blue sleeveless coat sat over the top of a white shirt, buttoned above her bust. Her pants were a tight grey legging, stopping just below her paws. The cat woman opened her arms wide as she approached, her massive hands gripping me.

  “Ahh! Come here child!” she called, crushing me in her hug. Her voice was laced with a strong accent. As she let me go, she ruffled my hair, and the other woman stepped in to take my hand.

  “It is so wonderful to meet you!” she purred, her voice sultry and warm. She was incredible in her own way. Her face was mesmerisingly beautiful, her lips and eyes painted a deep red. Across her rose-pink skin, flecks of gold sparkled, something like scales. Along the edge of her thorned ears, sat more of these scales. Horns like grey bone spiralled out of her crown, soft magenta hair cascading down her shoulder in a long braid. The dress she wore, a pale green, beaded with yellow flowers, hugged her curved, exquisite form. Of all her remarkable features, her eyes stood out the most. Instead of eyes like mine, or even a Kera’s, they were a swirl of colour. No pupil, no iris, just lemon, and amber glowing and swirling like paint in water.

  A pinch to the cheek brought me out of my daze. “You are so beautiful, the perfect mate for our boy,” the rose lady cooed.

  “Come! Sit with us!” The cat gestured back to the table, and the two turned to lead.

  Eed nodded at me to follow them, and as I walked behind them, I could see that each had a tail. One a sizeable fluffy snow leopard tail and the other thin and golden scaled. But the scaled woman had other secrets. Her dress was cut open at the back, exposing much of her skin and upon it lie scars, thick and deep, ripped into her flesh. I turned back to Eed in a panic, not knowing what to think. Her expression was a glower that told me that I should keep my mouth shut.

  “Let me know if you need anything,” Eed call
ed, and with that, she left closing the door behind her.

  The two women took their seats, beckoning me to take one at the head of the table between them. I sat on the puff, careful not to snag my clothes. The table was filled with biscuits, cakes, and multiple teapots with matching cups. My heart beat faster as they both turned to me.

  “I hope you like tea,” the scaled woman said, placing an ornate, gold teacup before me. From a matching teapot, she poured in a rich red mixture filling the cup to its gilded edge. I bowed my head in thanks, and the scent of citrus filled my nose. The cat picked up a black and red teapot, pouring it into her cup. A rich, bitter smell came to my nose.

  “Ora very fond of tea,” the cat said, her hand moving into her jacket to pull out a tiny flask. The cat winked at me as a clear liquid, absent of smell was poured into the cup. “For me, ales and spirits. Tea won’t keep you warm in the north!” she chuckled, taking a deep swig.

  So the rose woman was Ora, then she was Fye.

  “I can’t say I’ve drunk much of it, but I do like the bitter taste,” I said politely.

  Ora smiled at me, small fangs clear in her grin. “Good, you’ll be having much more of it! Fye and I are going to be visiting often to help you and Raest get settled in,” she said.

  I must have looked a little concerned because Fye began to laugh beside me.

  “No need for face. We won’t be all in your business, just help with the boring,” Fye grinned.

  Ora gave me a gentle smile, waving at me to take a sip. I brought the cup to my lips, the liquid was warm but cool enough to drink. Taking a sip, the scent and taste of lemon and orange filled my mouth, sweet and bitter.

  “How is it?” Ora asked.

  “It is… remarkable. As if I was tasting fresh fruit,” I said in awe, eagerly taking another sip. Ora giggled lightly, taking another teapot and cup, this one painted with violet petals.

  “If you are fond of the bitter, this one is a mixture of black tea and cinnamon,” she said as she poured tea into the cup, placing it next to my current one.

  Fye scoffed and took out her flask again, waving it in front of me. “And if not to liking, I have plenty of spirits in this jacket,” she grinned. Ora frowned at her unamused and took a lemon looking biscuit from the tray before her. Her eyes wandered back over me, and I could feel them hovering over my ears. I thought coming here no one would be too interested in them, but I was proven wrong in half a day.

  “I have to say, and I do hope you forgive my rudeness,” Ora began to say, stopping to muse over her next words. “But I was so nervous when Raest sent word about how he had found a human bride. Now you are here though, I see he hasn’t made that mistake.”

  Fye looked a little worried and cut in before I could speak. “She means no offence to your kind. She means that humans don’t last quite as long. We both want our boy to have mate for life, not just a century.”

  I smiled to comfort her. “It’s quite alright, I take no offence. I myself wondered why Raest would pick my human sisters. But of course, he picked me in the end. Problem solved,” I chuckled lightly. Taking another sip of my tea, I watched as they both moved uncomfortably in their seats. They knew then. Some of it at least.

  Ora stood up abruptly, possibly an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere. Moving to a cupboard behind her, she pulled out a wrapped box.

  “This is a wedding gift from me,” Ora said as she passed me an elaborately wrapped gift.

  I pulled at the mauve ribbon, loosening off the top of the silver box revealing my gift. Delicate black lace and violet ribbon shimmered in the box. A full set of lingerie, garter, and stockings included.

  I lifted the brazier into the light and blushed. “Ora! This is completely see-through!”

  “That's kind of the point my pet. Raest won't be able to resist you.”

  “And gift from me!” Fye grinned, plopping a large, heavy black bottle onto the table. Ora rolled her eyes at Fye again as she began to boast about her prize. “This is bottle of one-hundred-year-old fire spirits! This was one of the first I ever made, kept for special occasion. No man can keep you as warm as this can!”

  “Is that something you often do?” I asked.

  “But of course, my favourite hobby! My home is capital of spirit and ale making in this land. It is little else but snow and ice up there. What better to keep off chill with a nice ale, hmm?” Fye said proudly, passing the bottle over to me. The cork was tightly in place, the glass so dark I couldn’t see the liquid inside.

  “Well, shall we open it?” I said as I handed it back to her. Fye beamed back at me widely.

  “I was hoping you’d say that! I’ll get glasses, Ora will kill me if I put this in her teacups,” Fye said.

  “Only because it’s likely to melt them,” Ora huffed, and with a roar of laughter, Fye got up and began to sift through a nearby glass cabinet. She came back with an armful of small glasses, placing one in front of Ora and Me, the rest placed in front of her. Using one of her enormous white claws, she speared the cork of the bottle, twisting it until it came out clean. A small amount of liquid, the colour of fire, was poured into each of our glasses. The smell was spicy, harsh, and pungent, I could feel it burning my nose.

  Ora crinkled up her face, taking the glass up to her mouth. “Well. Cheers, I spose,” she said, taking a sip of the spirits.

  I followed suit. The dark spirits ran over my tongue, the taste as harsh as it smelt, and within seconds of swallowing my throat and mouth began to burn. Ora and I burst into a coughing fit, placing the glasses back down to stop spillage.

  “My goodness Fye! Are you trying to kill the bride before the wedding?! This is like acid!” Ora managed to cry out through her coughs.

  “Psh. No taste,” the leopard snarled, downing her entire glass in one go.

  While the brew tasted abysmal, Fye was right about one thing. A feeling of warmth came over me, warding off the chill in the room. Out of politeness, I finished my glass, holding back the urge to cough. As the last drop ran down my throat, I could feel my head begin to fog. Goodness, it was strong.

  “I bloody hope the others bring something more palatable!” Ora whined as she downed an entire cup of tea.

  “The others?” I asked, my words noticeably a little slow.

  “Ophelia and Verona will be joining us soon,” Ora smiled, pouring another cup of tea. Fye began to pile up cakes on a plate.

  I had so desperately wanted to talk to Ophelia and Verona before, but now wasn’t the time. With the air uncleared, their presence here was going to be awkward. A large plate of cakes was plonked down in front of me, and a fork thrust into my hand.

  “Cake! Cake for you!” Fye said, pointing to the pile.

  “Oh, I’m not very hungry,” I lied.

  Fye picked up a small custard tart and shoved it in my face. “Bite!” she commanded, and I took it from her, taking a tentative bite. “I doubt you’ve eaten much and I can see my spirits getting to you! Fill your belly! We can’t have bride passing out before her party even begins?” she continued.

  “Party?” I said sheepishly. I didn’t think I could handle some big wedding party right now.

  Ora sighed. “By party she means us sitting here drinking along with the other girls for hours.”

  “That is best kind of party!” Fye spat, poking the air with her index finger. I chuckled in relief.

  “I can definitely agree with that,” I said as I finished off the tart.

  Fye continued to feed me, as twenty or so minutes passed. Ora and Fye spoke of food and decorations at the wedding. A knock came at the door, and with a rattle and a clink, Ophelia and Verona stepped in. As they bid us greeting, their faces paled when they looked over to me. With a few bottles in hand, the two came to join us. Verona sat next to Fye, placing her bounty on the table. Ophelia passed a bottle to Ora before sitting down next to her.

  “Chocolate liqueur!” Ora cried out happily, eagerly filling a glass.

  “Psh! Candy water,
” Fye hissed, sniffing at a red bottle.

  Ophelia and Verona took their bottle of choice, pouring themselves a glass. Ora filled my glass with some of the chocolate liqueur, encouraging me to drink. The conversation was slow to get started, a sense of uneasiness noticeable in the room. After enough drink, the room was filled with laughter and chatter. In a drunken haze, I listened to them, answering questions and adding to the conversation where appropriate.

  A few times, I noticed Ophelia staring at me, just a little now and then. Verona was about as chatty as always, the other three leading most of the topics. They gossiped about people they knew, so many names foreign to me. Before long, the conversation drifted to friends and family. Fye couldn't stop herself from bragging about all thirteen of her children.

  “I love all my kittens, but a mother can't help but love her oldest! My oldest boy, Mishi, strong, smart, and pretty! Just like his mother yes? If you weren't marrying Raest, oh you’d love him Sabyr! Maybe you have nice friend or sister for him?” Fye babbled, drawing another long swig of spirits to her jaw before continuing her rant.

  “Of course doesn't help when second-born Jahera is smart-mouthed and snippy to mother all the time. Wanted to drag them all here for wedding but all too grown and too busy! Too busy for king of Naedis! Ha! They lucky not reign of Krasus Blackthorn, he would have turned them into coats!” Laughter erupted around the table, and I wondered if it was entirely a joke.

  “What were your weddings like?” I asked.

  “Big! Lots of meat and ale, at least three hundred guests. Ora and Maelyn were bridesmaids! That was years before Maelyn had Raest. Shame, he would have made cute ring bearer!” Fye laughed.

  I hadn’t recognised the name from before, but I had gathered it was his mother. It felt somewhat wrong not even knowing the names of my soon to be husband's family.

  As I turned to Ora, she offered a gentle smile before speaking softly, “My parents didn’t exactly approve of my mate, so we took a different route. We wed in the forest with only a few friends in our company. It was magical. Looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” A wistful look came over her face, and her gaze fell to her teacup, “We would have been married one hundred and forty-three years, this year.”