Oh, Gods.
She truly did feel beautiful. Different, a little bit bolder than she was used to, but beautiful.
They had lined her eyes with black paint that winged at the edges of her eyes. A translucent golden shimmer had been dusted lightly on her cheekbones, her bare chest, and shoulders. And –wow, her body had never been out on display like this!
She wore a strapless wrapped top that covered her breasts, stopping just before her belly button. The fabric was of fine silk, lined with weaving golden threads.
A matching flowing skirt fell low on her hips, two slits on either side of the skirt. They had given her the sandals with strings that laced up all the way up her calves. Her long hair was left down,
She looked like an entirely different person. Airess stared at herself, and noticed that she felt different. She concentrated on the sensation, and realized it was the hum of power that thrummed beneath her skin. Her Magick felt stronger, more accessible, than it ever had before.
A knock on the door cut her time getting ready short. Airess was escorted out and down to the common room. Taryn was already waiting, sitting in a relaxed position as he looked out one of the windows.
Taryn tensed before immediately standing and turning to face her. His eyebrows lifted as he drank her in, lips parting slightly as his gaze trailed down her body. He walked over to her swiftly.
Taryn lifted a hand to scratch the back of his neck, eyes roaming her figure with adoration. “You are so beautiful.”
Airess’ cheeks heated at the compliment. “You clean up handsomely yourself,” she replied quietly, taking in his clothing, his hair. Taryn wore a billowing V-necked tunic with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the fabric light. His flowing pants were cuffed at the ankles. Half his hair had been pulled up, save for a single braided strand at his brow. His elemental earring remained.
She looked at him,trulylooked at him, and smiled. He belonged here. “You’ve finally made it home –”
An attendant cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly beside them. “We must escort you to the palace.”
Taryn and Airess shared a glance. She swallowed down her impending anxiety, but she couldn’t help but feel out of sorts. King Roznarr was entirely different than she had expected, despite their brief encounter. She thought he would be a cold individual with a commanding demeanor, but so far he carried himself as a casual friend. Airess bit back her worry and gathered her courage.
I am not my anxiety.
The attendant walked out, Taryn and Airess following through the gardens and into the palace entrance. They were led inside, weaving through several corridors until they were led out to a grand terrace.
“Wait here.” The attendant said, and left.
The terrace was as magnificent as the rest of the palace. Perched atop the capitol of Rune, they had a full view of the city and ocean beyond. The pillars making up the balcony railing were intricately curved, the material the same white stucco as the rest of the palace. Sheer curtains billowed along the railings, the humid wind beginning to make Airess’ hair frizzy.
The table dominating the center of the space was massive and low to the ground, embroidered cushions placed every few feet acting as the chairs they would be sitting on. Colored rugs lined the floors, each one layering on top of the other.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Airess commented, stepping towards the railing, placing a hand on the banister as she looked out to the horizon.
Taryn came up next to her and leaned onto the railing, still a little weak, no doubt after all he had endured in the past day. He pivoted to face her, brunette curls flowing around his face in the coastal breeze. He met her eyes, and sometimes Airess forgot how beautiful she found his molten irises. They glowed, stark against his tawny skin. He was so damned perfect.
Taryn flashed a subtle smile, but she knew him well enough to know he was hiding his pain.
“Airess,” Taryn said, tentatively placing his hand atop her own. His touch was warm.Kind. It was a small but intimate action, and one that surprised her.
“I owe you my life for what you’ve done for me.”
Airess pivoted her body to look up at him. She saw the gratitude within his eyes as he squeezed her hand, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her again. Perhaps he would have, if the double doors hadn’t burst open behind them.
Startled, Taryn and Airess broke apart and turned towards the doors.
In came Ismene, King Roznar, and another Fae female who had to have been the Queen Dowager.
“My lovely guests! You both cleaned up well. Especially you, My Lady,” Roznarr said in Mrkynian, taking Airess’ palm and kissing the back of her hand.
She fought her blush as she nodded in respect. “Thank you, King Roznarr. I am very grateful for your hospitality.”
“Please, call me Roz. No need for all the formalities.”
Airess felt the energy shift in the air immediately, the source of the change coming from Taryn. She glanced at him, shooting him a death glare to encourage him to contribute to the pleasantries, but he didn’t see her look, he was staring at Roznarr’s hand atop her own.
