“Good point.” I toss that book down and pick up another.
I’m just opening the first page when the library doors are thrown open.
A cold, flat voice cuts through the comfortable quiet. “Changeling, come.”
“Gwenarie?” I stand and drop the book onto the side table. “What are you doing here?”
“What makes you think you can question me?” She narrows her perfect eyes. “We’re leaving. Come, get dressed. Not that it matters. You look like a peasant nightling no matter what you’re wearing.”
“Gwen,” Lunarie’s quiet voice barely makes a dent in her sister’s fury. “Come now. You said this would be a pleasant gift for both Emma and the king.”
“I know what I said,” she hisses. “But I can’t take her out looking like a ragamuffin.” She points at my makeshift pants and loose tunic.
“We’re going out?” I have no idea what’s going on, but the thought of visiting Sonnen, the large town that abuts the palace, piques my interest. I wonder what it’s like there, though I do worry that the people will fear me because I’m a nightling.
“She’s taking you shopping.” Lunarie claps her hands with excitement. “A beautiful new gown for you to wear at the next nobles’ banquet. It was Gwen’s idea.”
Tritus gives me a skeptical look, then shrugs.
“Come.” Gwenarie snaps her fingers. “Stop wasting my time. I’ll meet you at the carriage entrance.” Turning on her heel, she sweeps down the hall.
Lunarie sends me an apologetic look and follows her sister.
“I guess I better go?” I can’t tell if I’m more surprised or confused. Perhaps equal parts of both.
“Sure, just keep your eyes open for the blade that will inevitably land in your back.” He stares after Gwenarie with a dark look. “But she wouldn’t be stupid enough to harm the king’s consort. Surely.” He doesn’t sound so certain. But I’m not missing my chance at going out, even if it’s with Gwenarie. Lunarie’s with her, so that tempers her a bit. At least I hope it will.
“I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Be careful,” he calls as I leave the library and hurry to my room.
Lucidia is puttering around my closet when I walk in. Once I’ve explained the trip to her, she has the same skepticism that I share, but she helps me dress quickly and shows me to the carriage entrance.
Gwenarie is waiting, and she eyes my light green dress. “You’ve dressed her like the strumpet she is. Well done.” She turns and climbs into the carriage, and Lunarie follows.
Lucidia doesn’t let much emotion show, but she still manages a glare at Gwenarie, then turns it on me. “Behave yourself. You are the king’s consort. Act accordingly.” She drops her voice to a whisper, “And watch out for that viper.” With that, she hurries back into the palace.
Gwenarie glowers at me, a cruel expression on her flawless face. My stomach drops, and I have the urge to turn around and run back into the palace. Maybe that’s what she expects me to do—to run from her. But I won’t. I’ve never run from trouble. That’s how I ended up here in the first place. I thought I was escaping the consort life, but in fact, I ran straight for it. With a sigh, I follow the sisters into the carriage.
They climbed up easily, their fae grace giving them a lightness that changelings can only dream of possessing. I lumber after them, attempting to make it look just as easy but failing. The coachman closes the door, then climbs up front and starts the carriage rolling.
We travel the palace grounds, soldiers at every entrance. It’s more guarded now than when I arrived. The seeker has set the entire court on edge, though Gwenarie doesn’t seem bothered. The palace recedes, ivy covering the great wall separating it from the town outside. High, wispy clouds flirt with the sun, dappling the landscape in shades of beauty.
The sisters sit across from me, their faces similar but different. Lunarie’s is a little rounder and fairer. Gwenarie is what nightlings think of when they imagine Daylands high fae. Perfection in every one of her pores, her golden skin and eyes shining, and her blonde hair done in glorious waves.
“Looking at what you’ll never be?” she asks. “I realize you’re nothing more than a whore for the king, but it must truly bother you that he only uses you for rutting and nothing else. For example, he won’t take you to any balls or have you with him for his progresses through the realm. You’re meant only to be on your back.”
“Gwen.” Lunarie frowns. “You don’t have to be so crass. This is supposed to be a way for us to smooth over the differences you’ve had and—”
“Hush.” Gwen takes the same sharp tone with her sister as she does with me. “It shouldn’t mind what I say about it, especially when I speak truth.”
Did she just call me ‘it’ again? What was it Solano had told me to do when it comes to the ladies of the court?Choose your words wisely. I can do that. No problem.
“You’re the one he was supposed to marry, right? You thought you’d be his fated mate, but when the bond never formed, you assumed he’d marry you because of the promise his father made.”
“Hewillmarry me.” Her tone is laced with malevolence, her eyes flashing.
I lean back, feigning nonchalance. “So that’s why you hate me. I’m riding your stallion at all hours, and you’re sitting in your room looking at yourself in the mirror and trying to figure out why you aren’t the one. It’s sad, when I really think abo—”
