His promise to not take me until I ask.
Chapter 13
Solena delicately moves the last strand of hair into place, then reaches into the jewelry box and selects an emerald comb. She slides it through the crown of braids atop my head, being mindful of the sharp tines, and does not let go until it sits precisely right. A hint of a smile cracks her focused expression.
“Perfect,” she mutters.
I rise from the dressing table and stand before the mirror to take myself in. Not long ago I would have called this monstrosity, disgustingly opulent, almost grotesque. But now such careless words would be an insult to the maker of this stunning gown. The emerald green fabric, rich and lustrous, clings to my skin like liquid silk. The bodice is daringly fitted, its sweetheart neckline plunging low to reveal the curve of my collarbone and the swell of my chest. Tiny emeralds and diamonds trace intricate patterns along the fabric, catching the light with every movement. Delicate, off-the-shoulder sleeves leave my arms bare, draped in thin, jeweled chains that sparkle against my skin. Cinched at the waist, the gown flares into a skirt that flows like a waterfall of green silk, heavy with theweight of countless jewels and the hem is adorned with intricate beadwork, forming swirling patterns that cascade to the floor, with a train that sweeps behind me like a living thing.
Solena spent a long while braiding my brown hair into coils and pinning them in place, but leaving a curtain of soft waves to frame my face. With a spattering of white powder and a sweep of heavy black eye makeup, I am ready to meet my unwanted subjects.
“You are beautiful, your grace,” she says, an admission that she does not give easily.
But there is a softness to her voice, and she was so gentle while doing my hair and makeup. I’m so nervous about tonight, and a kind word would not go a miss. Is there enough goodwill between us?
“The queen says the thrall houses will not welcome me. What does that mean? What will they do?”
Solena is reluctant to speak at first, and I fear our relationship is unchanged. Formal and unfeeling, but then she exhales. “Most thrall houses are loyal to House Mordorin and will take up their swords when called. But there are some that do not want to go to war again. Their own houses have already dwindled in numbers after The Betrayer’s Battle, and Fae children, especially High Fae, are not easily conceived. It can take years for a couple to produce a child, far too long to replenish an army.” Her eyes scan the room as if searching for prying ears. “House Mordorin needs all the thrall houses to swear an oath to battle if they are to defeat the Legion. That is what Orios says.”
My jaw falls open. “You mean the Blades they have in Baev’kalath are not enough?”
Again, Solena’s eyes dart around my chambers. She leans toward me, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Protection for The Grove. That is what they promised you, isn’t it?”
I nod, hanging on her next words.
Solena’s head dips and she looks up at me from under her brow. “They barely have enough to protect Baev’kalath, let alone your lands.”
My head shakes in soft disbelief. “But that means… if the thrall houses do not accept me…”
“Then both our homes could fall to the Legion,” Solena finishes.
“But I have seen the power of the Mordorin,” I say emphatically. “I have seen Daedalus turn to smoke. I have seen the Blades soar through the air and fight like beasts unleashed.”
“Orios says not only have their numbers waned but also their gifts. Even with runes, some can no longer void walk, and there are even those whose wings refuse to spawn when summoned. He says it is a punishment from the void for their weakness.”
A hundred more questions sit on the tip of my tongue.
But they retreat when Arax opens the doors.
“My princess. Your guests await you.”
Solena curtseys and turns to leave, but I grab her wrist before she can escape. “You will come with me to the banquet as my handmaiden,” I say, my tone firm, but only because I do not want her to refuse me if given an option.
Her head jerks back in surprise. “Your Highness?”
I lean closer, urgency threading my voice. “I know nothing of Fae politics. I don’t know who anyone is or what I’m supposed to say or do around them. I need you.”
For a moment, her glare softens, vulnerability flickering in her eyes. “You… need me?”
I nod, my heart pounding. “Please, Solena. Come with me to this banquet, so I don’t make a fool of myself.”
In this moment of desperation, I lay myself bare before her, vulnerable and exposed, waiting for her answer.
“We would not want that,” she replies. “I will need a moment to make myself presentable.”
A wave of relief washes over me. “Take your time. I am in no hurry.”
As Arax and I wait for her return, I decide not to spare him from my anxiety either. “Will there be many there tonight?” I ask, fidgeting with the jewels adorning my dress, their cool touch doing little to calm my nerves.
