“That’s what he is.”
“That’s what fools call him when they want to reduce him to something monstrous. Uther is Dreadfae, yes. But he’s also the reason I still have a kingdom. When Kairosmade the deal, the clans were in chaos. Some wanted to march on Skaldir immediately. Others wanted a new king.” She set down the hairpin. “Uther spent months traveling between the territories, convincing the heads to follow me.”
“Why would they listen to him?”
“Because they respect him.” She met my eyes in the mirror. “He could have taken the throne himself. Mountain Clan would have backed him, but he fought for me instead.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach.
“So yes, he’s Dreadfae. But he’s loyal, clever, and one of the few in this realm I’d trust with my life.”
“Will I be safe around him?”
“You’ll be alright. Just don’t wander too far.”
“Why?”
“Fae events can be overwhelming for mortals. Lots of drinking and absolutely no concern for moderation. Some enjoy food that alters the mind, and others like to lose themselves in other people. You might find more than dancing in the shadows.”
A flush crept up my neck.
She grinned. “You don’t have to participate, of course.”
“I guess I’ll be the only human there.”
“Yes, but there’s nothing to worry about,” she said, patting my shoulder. “They’ll stare and whisper, but nobody will risk offending my brother.”
Hopefully, they wouldn’t look at metooclosely.
I stood, checking my appearance again. The woman in the mirror was nothing like the thief who’d run through Skalgard’s alleys. She looked…beautiful. Beautiful enough for a fae king.
Would he look at me the way he had in the library?
No. Tonight was about escape, not impressing him. Even if part of me wanted to see that heat in his eyes when he saw me like this.
My hand drifted to my stomach, pressing where the pain throbbed. Then I smiled, looping my arm through hers.
“Then let’s give them a night worth remembering.”
The courtyard was unrecognizable.
Golden light rippled over the revelers, washing everything in warm amber. Thick moss carpeted the ground—soft beneath bare feet. Long tables groaned under the weight of spiced meat and honey-drenched fruit, bread steaming from the ovens. Barrels of ale stood open. Fae dipped tankards directly into them, laughing as the foam spilled over. Crystal flutes lined another table, filled with glowing liquid.
Above us, the trees had disappeared. The dense canopy that normally blocked the sky was gone, replaced by endless stars. They burned impossibly bright, closer than they should be. Like I could reach up and touch them.
Drums pounded a primal rhythm. A female played a flute, the melody weaving between the beats. Stringed instruments joined in, adding to the wild energy.
And the fae danced. Not the stiff, courtly steps I’d imagined. They spun and leapt, bodies pressing close before breaking apart. Heads thrown back in laughter. Wild. Uninhibited. Beautiful in a way that tightened my throat.
Elwen nudged me. “Impressed?”
“It’s incredible.” My pulse kicked up as I scanned the faces. “Where’s Kairos?”
I shouldn’t want to see him one last time, but the dress felt heavy on my skin. After tonight, I’d never know if he’d actually cared, or if I’d been right that I was just useful.
“Probably drinking with the other clan leaders.”
Guards were posted near the entrances, as expected. I’d already stashed a bag with supplies in the forest. I’d get to its location, change clothes, and use the map hidden in my boot to guide me home.
