“I can read emotions. It’s part of my conjuring. I can also kind of influence emotions, but that can be a bit more tricky... I promise to try to not look into your feelings uninvited again. Sometimes it sort of just happens.” The girl was nearly rambling. Still bent at the waste and staring the ground.
“Stand up.” I waited for her to right herself before asking, “What’s your name?”
“Olive.” She lowered her gaze to the floor in submission, waiting for direction. The girl seemed nice, though was thatreally who she was or a mask she wore? Her gift could certainly be dangerous if we stood on opposite sides.
“It’s fine, Olive. You just startled me, and I am afraid I have been a bit on edge since arriving. Much of everything here is new to me. I’m also not used to being around so many who conjure and are so open about their gifts.” I walked to the window and further pushed the drapes out of the way to lighten the space more. “Is this an okay area for the measurements?” I asked, pointing to a well-lit open spot in the room.
“It’s perfect.” The girl came to me, unraveled her tape measure, and got to work moving around me. Her steps were airy and light, her smile warm. She seemed pleased with having something to focus on.
“If you don’t mind me asking, where were you born?” I hoped the question sounded casual enough.
“I was born here. The Sidhe lands are my home. But I suppose that is not what you are searching for.” She paused, her gaze meeting mine. “My parents are Bavadrin, born and raised in your land.” She then turned back to her work.
Heat ran through me. I drew in a deep breath, willing to keep my emotions as neutral as possible. “How did they wind up here?”
“How does anyone wind up here?” She mumbled before saying, “It’s not important.”
My jaw clenched. “It is to me.”
The girl glanced over her shoulder at Shay, who sat in the center of the room watching us. “My parents don’t talk about it.” She turned back to me. “It’s best not to ask certain questions.” It sounded a lot like a warning.
“What happens if I ask those questions, anyway?”
Her brown eyes held mine for a moment, as if deliberatinghow to answer. “To you? Perhaps nothing. To someone like me, nothing good.”
“Are you afraid of Clause?”
She snorted softly. “Is anyone ever not afraid of a King?”
“My people do not fear me,” I said.
Olive’s lips curved into a smile. “Yes, they do. All fear leaders, even the kind ones. They may not fear you unjustly harming them, but they will then fear disappointing you. Either way, fear is fear. Trust me, I know how people feel.” She stood, stepping away from me. “All done. Now, regarding a dress, any likes, or dislikes?”
“Anything but black,” I answered with a shrug.
Olive arched a brow. “You don’t wish to match the King?”
“Considering I don’t even really want to be here... No.”
Her face lit up. “You really want to give me creative control, minus a single color?”
“Why not? If I hate it, then I am sure I could just wear one of my dresses from home.”
Olive’s eyes gleamed. “I swear to you, it will be the finest thing you have ever worn. I am the best of the best around here, with design and garment creation.” Her pride was clear with the certainty she spoke with.
“I have no doubts.” I offered her a small smile.
The girl dipped her head and moved to exit the room.
My voice stopped her just before she opened the door. “May I ask you something else?”
She turned, smile falling from her lips. Her gaze held mine, and I did not know if she was reading my emotions despite her promise not to. “You are free to ask whatever you wish.”
“There is a Lysian here by the name of Iona. Do you know where I can find her?”
Olive glanced around the room as if making sure no oneelse was around. “I’m sorry. I do not.” There was something she was not telling me.
I closed the distance between us, reaching for her arm. “Please. If you can help me.”
