Rawn stepped forward. “Sire, if I may,”
“Ah, now there is a face I recognize.” King Dagden motioned him forward. “Rawn Norrlen of Greenwood, I have not seen you in—how long has it been? Ten years?”
“About so, sire. It pleases me to greet you once more. Allow me to introduce my companions: Lady Dynalya of North Star, Lady Lucenna of the Magos Empire, Zev of Lykos Peak, and Prince Cassiel of Hilos, third son of the High King.”
Cassiel winced at his identity being revealed. Lucenna stared at him, and the courtiers quieted. As much as he hated the feeling of being exposed, there was no danger of them knowing who he was.
King Dagden’s neutral expression shifted. “I sense the divinity flowing in your veins, Cassiel Soaraway. I know your father, though it has been some time since I saw Yoel last. This court adheres to the Accords. You need not be afeard, nor hide here, divine prince.” He held out a hand, the indication clear of what he wanted.
Every instinct bracing, Cassiel inhaled a breath and slipped off his coat. The fae gasped at the sight of his black wings. The king and queen didn’t seem shocked by his appearance, so he had to assume they were really old for it not startle them.
He bowed. “You are most gracious, sire.”
“Do give my best to your father.”
Cassiel’s stomach clenched. He most likely wouldn’t tell his father about this meeting. He had left Hilos under the guise that he would go to Hermon Ridge and stay with his uncle. If his father knew he was gallivanting about Urn, risking the exposure of Celestials, there would be repercussions.
“Forgive our intrusion. We were not aware we had arrived on such an auspicious day,” Rawn continued. “We were traveling through your land when Lady Dyna became gravely ill. By some miracle, Princess Keena arrived precisely at the right moment. Thank you for allowing her to be brought here for healing. You have our utmost gratitude.”
Pursing his mouth, King Dagden sat back on this throne. “Ah yes,that onesaid you lot would be coming. He was right, after all. I do hate it when he’s right.”
Rawn raised his eyebrows. “Pardon?”
“The Druid foresaw your arrival,” Keena whispered to them.
Cassiel stiffened and exchanged looks with the others. Well, it certainly explained some things, like the fairy princess appearing at random and the prepared clothing.
“It so happens that we wish to meet the Druid, Your Majesty,” Rawn said. “We seek his counsel.”
Queen Calixta grinned, exposing a row of sharp, translucent teeth. “Interesting.”
King Dagden crossed a leg over the other. “I trust you did not come to my wedding asking for favors without bearing gifts for my queen.”
Cassiel expected nothing less. The fae always made deals. One could not receive without offering, ask without giving.
“My gift to Your Majesty would be a gown that changes color,” Lucenna announced. “Whatever color you desire.”
Calixta pursed her lips. “Impossible.”
Lucenna waved a hand in a show of anticipation.
The sea fae twirled a lock of blue hair around her finger pensively. “Very well, let us see this miracle.”
Lucenna snapped her fingers, and Calixta’s gown changed to all shades of purple, then pink, and peach. She laughed gleefully as it shifted to yellow.
“Marvelous.”
“A sorceress,” King Dagden mused. “I have lived for many ages and seen more than you can imagine. But a sorceress, now there is a true rarity to behold, as is the laughter of my bride. To witness this is a gift enough.” He glanced at his queen, a small curve in the corners of his mouth softening his stern face before it faded when he looked at them again. “That dastardly Druid may be somewhere hereabouts. Search for him if you must, but I ask you to do so without disrupting the festivities or causing any harm to those in my court. This is my wedding after all.”
“You’re welcome to eat, drink, and gorge at your leisure,” Queen Calixta added, her sharp nails tapping on the arms of her throne. “Let it be known in kingdoms far and wide that King Dagden is a gracious host.”
They bowed again and backed away from the dais for the herald to announce the next royal guests. A courtier greeted Keena, and she stayed behind, roped into conversation.
“How did you make her dress change colors?” Dyna asked Lucenna curiously.
Lucenna smirked. “A simple illusion. Nothing more.”
Cassiel shook his head. Then it wasn’t truly a dress that changed colors, only a spell that made it seem so. She sure enjoyed playing her tricks.
