Zev frowned at her. “This is about reuniting with Dyna.”
“Of course, it is, but my goals haven’t changed.”
Rawn said. “However, we arrived without payment, my lady.”
“Then we’ll win his favor another way. I’ll not waste this opportunity.” She turned away and slipped into the left tent.
Cassiel glanced at the stone path weaving through the steps. Dyna was close. He could feel her. The bond had grown stronger the day prior, and the ache in his knee had nearly faded, letting him know she was healed. Why was he feeling her pain? Cassiel couldn’t let himself think about it now. Princess Keena had kept her word, so he had to find the patience to believe they would see her soon.
His clothes were beyond filthy. So were the others. They reeked of stagnant water and charred fish.
“We find Dyna, and we leave,” Cassiel said. “Tonight. Regardless if we meet the Druid or not.”
The fae made him nervous. He didn’t want to stay any longer than they needed to.
Zev nodded. “Agreed.”
Cassiel walked into the right tent after Rawn, and Zev followed. Three steaming baths made of brass waited inside. Each with a small bench of oils and soaps. Clothing neatly hung from the rafters. There were no privacy screens to be had. Well, then. Now certainly wasn’t the time to be fastidious.
He stripped off his clothes, ignoring the others. As soon as Cassiel stepped into the hot water, he nearly groaned in content as it soothed his aching muscles. He heard a slosh as the Zev and Rawn did the same. They scrubbed off the filth from the past three days. Steam filled the tent, mingling with the scent of fragrant soaps. If it had been any other day, Cassiel would stay in the bath until he became a prune. They quickly got out, dried off with the provided towels, and sorted through the clothing laid out for them. It was easy to tell which belonged to who.
The first set was a dark green brocade jacket and cream-colored trousers. On the right breast was the insignia of a Dynalya flower in open bloom. The sigil of Greenwood. Rawn frowned at it thoughtfully.
For Cassiel, they had laid out black pants, a loose black shirt, and a formal black jacket embroidered with silver threads. On the right breast was the insignia of Hilos: wings expanding from a crowned sword lit aflame. The clothing had a special fold on the back, as did the clothing of Celestials to accommodate wings. Some fae had wings, but for it to be embroidered with the sigil of his kingdom was unnerving.
Cassiel got dressed and slipped on his enchanted coat over his clothing.
For Zev, they’d chosen a deep blue tunic made of fine cotton and dark gray pants. No sigil, but a small embroidered crescent. Once they were finished, they made their way outside. Lucenna waited for them with the fairies in a gown of shimmering layers of deep purple wrapped around her lithe frame. It contrasted well with the lilac of her eyes. The outline of her diamond-studded medallion shone beneath the sheer layers.
“They won’t allow us to bring our belongings,” Lucenna informed them.
“For the safety of the King and his court, weapons and travel bags must remain here,” Keena said, her slippered feet landing on Lucenna’s shoulder. “We must take your horse to the guest stables as well. I give you my sworn word we will keep your belongings safe and waiting upon your return.”
And because the fae swore nothing they couldn’t keep, Rawn accepted on their behalf. Cassiel reluctantly handed over his pack. They each put their bags within Lucenna’s enchanted satchel, which she spelled against anyone opening. Then one of the guards changed size in a sprinkling of gold, standing tall and imposing in his armor. Taking the reins from Rawn, he led Fair away with their belongings.
They followed the princess and her guardsmen along the stone path into the borough. Drums beat in coordination with a flute and lute. Soon they came upon a row of immensely tall, pale white trees, forming a wide corridor made entirely by their trunks. Overhead, the canopy of branches wove together in a deliberate design. The music grew louder, combining with the hum of joyous voices.
“Hurry along now,” Keena told them with a brilliant smile. She flew through Lucenna’s hair, fluttering her wings. “We’re already late.”
They followed her into the borough packed with fae. Most danced while others ate the delicacies piled on the tables decorated in moss, flowers, and dew. There were so many creatures. It was hard to differentiate them all. Some even looked human, or perhaps they were.
A woodland nymph spoke animatedly with a young woman in a white gossamer dress. Pin thin straps held it in place, leaving her shoulders bare. Sheer sleeves covered her arms, cinching at her wrists, and the flowing skirts ended above her knees. A crown of white flowers sat on her head. Brilliant red hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.
Cassiel knew it was Dyna before she met his gaze. The floating lights overhead glinted in her emerald eyes. She was as beautiful as the rising dawn. Something swelled in his chest, lifting the heavy apprehension he’d been carrying. Her gaze crossed his face with a softness that eased the remaining weight off his chest. Trickling through the bond came Dyna’s relief and a flash of what he thought might be happiness. His first instinct was to wrap his arms and wings around her, to physically feel that she was safe and whole.
Her health had tremendously improved since he’d last seen her. Nothing was out of place, but…
Cassiel glanced at the pale scars above her knee. The sight of it filled him with irritation and guilt. He should have gone to her, but his feet stayed rooted on the ground. That sliver of an opening closed, and Dyna’s wall solidified in place, barricading her end again. He should never have told her how to block him. Weeks ago, he had wished to stop sensing her. Now that hardly anything came through the bond, he never knew what she was thinking.
Zev rushed past him and yanked her into an embrace. “Dyna, I was so worried about you.”
“I’m perfectly well.” She gave him a wavering smile. The one she offered Rawn and Lucenna was more genuine. Slipping away from Zev, she hugged them both.
“I’m glad you are back in good health, Lady Dyna.”
“You look much better after nearly crossing Death’s Gate,” Lucenna said.
“Kenna said I was sick.”
