Strange, but there was a bit of comfort considering they might call me one of their Anomalies, only elven.
The three women set about telling me secrets of the prince—he enjoyed carving wood into little shapes, he preferred being out of doors, he had a silver tongue that charmed the surliest of folk.
“Jonas is the man who will laugh away his frustrations and fears instead of admitting to them,” Mira said. “My father does the same, and it’s aggravating.”
“I am certain even if the prince wished to confess unease, it would not be said to me.”
Livia frowned in the mirror, but said nothing, merely finished settling the silver chain around my braids.
“You have a lifetime to find out, I suppose.” Mira helped me fasten the back of my gown. “This is stunning, by the way. Are these crystals?”
She pointed at the bodice coated in glimmering gems along the bust, designed to appear like branches of a tree.
“They are called heart glass. Traditional stones used for Dokkalfar vows. It is said a man will see the joy in his bride’s heart on their vows.”
“Rather romantic.” Livia beamed at me, like she wanted me to feel some sort of gladness.
For others, perhaps. I asked that no heart glass be on my gown. Like my other requests, it was ignored, another slight to remind me my heart was cold and darkened by cruel magic. It was a subtle way for my people to show my new husband the truth of his bride.
My folk were brilliant at never allowing me to forget who I was.
When Livia tucked a woven band over the crown of my head, she lowered her voice. “Skadi, battles are behind us. I know this vow was brought for a purpose, but it does not need to be a wretched thing.”
“I was always destined for arranged vows, Queen. I hold no ire and no joy for this day. It merely is.”
“I admit, I did not see Jonas gaining the title of husband, at least not so soon.” Livia placed her hands on my shoulders. “But I have known him all my life, and he will never harm you.”
My jaw tightened. “I harmed his brother.”
“He does not do this because of Sander. This isn’t some grand scheme of revenge. He wishes to keep your folk and ours safe.”
“From me.”
Livia shook her head. “No. From Arion and any more feckless schemes he might make to overthrow fae and elven lands.”
I almost believed her.
“Beautiful things can come from arranged vows.” Mira pressed a hand to her heart and bowed at the waist. “Me, for example.”
I arched a brow. “Your folk?”
“Yes.” Without a word, Mira helped herself to a rouge lip stain in front of me and dabbed her own lips in the mirror. “My mother and father were arranged to stop wars, curses, and all manner of mayhem turns ago.”
Curious. “I suppose heirs are produced even without affection.”
“Oh, I assure you, my parents are affectionate. Ridiculously so. They’re beautifully devoted to each other. Love came, even with arranged vows.”
“Could be you, elven.” Celine didn’t look at me, her gaze was trained on a loose bead on her own gown.
Mira nodded. “Celine would know all about romance?—”
“Earth fae.” The sea fae snapped her head up. “Don’t speak it.”
“What? Speak of your new lover?” Mira wiggled her brow. “Why? All I want to know is every bleeding detail, is it so much to ask? What has it been like with such a burly man in your bed?”
Red flushed Celine’s dark skin, but she faced Livia. “Why do you bring her?”
The Ever Queen laughed. “Because Mira has ways to get folk talking.”
