I dismounted as soon as we came to a stop. Pushing myself from the horse sliding down its flank until my feet hit solid stone. Part of mewondered why he did not return us to the stables, but I was too irritated to ask.
Rhael didn't look at me as he handed the reins to a waiting servant.
“Return to your room, I have matters to attend to.” Rhael said, having already turned his back on me, the dismissal loud and clear.
I stood there for a moment, watching his back disappear into the castle, courtiers scurried behind him trying to get his attention. The familiar frustration rose in my chest, hot and unwelcome.
It was irrational, or at least that is what I told myself. Our roles were clear. One night with his head between my legs didn't change that.
I linger, for just a moment, waiting to see if there was any kind of reaction from him. When nothing came, I turned on my heel heading in the opposite direction. Dragging my pack over my shoulder deciding just to return to my room. It was a better option than waiting like a fool.
Penny was waiting for me.
The moment I stepped inside, she turned from the hearth. Her face lighting with curiosity and something dangerously close to relief. Her hands twisted together as if she had been pacing for hours.
“Elara, I am glad you are back. You should have sent word, I would have run a bath,” she fretted, looking me up and down.
I hadn't showered in three days, my hair was still in the braid the wolves had done. Mousy brown strands all over the place. Dark circles lingered under my eyes, anindication of how tired I was.
“I am fine,” the words came easily. Her raised brow told me she didn't believe me.
Penny crossed the room anyway, fingers already working at the buckles of my clothes with practiced efficiency. The soft humming sound she made was meant to soothe, though it did little to settle the restless edge inside me.
Layer by layer, the journey was stripped away. Leather fell to the floor, the smell of wind and travel was replaced by clean linen. Once I was naked, Penny wrapped me in a soft silk robe that could not have been more different from what I had worn for the last three days.
“You look tired,” she murmured. I didn't protest as her hands guided me closer to the fire.
“I am ok, I had a decent bed to sleep in.” I told her, sinking into the chair. I neglected to tell her that the King had also shared my bed, twice. The less I spoke about what happened between Rhael and I, the better I would feel.
“Was Lycanthyr dreadful? I have heard wolves can be so feral and ruthless,” she whispered, as if she was cautious of someone listening.
“They were ok. Although I am not sure if I can share much.” I admit, turning my head to look in her direction.
“Of course, I did not even think,” she admitted, her hands busy as she undid the braids in my hair.
“You didn't, you were curious. I would be too. Ask questions and I will see if I can answer.” I smiled watching a light dancein her eyes with excitement. It was strange how used to Penny I had become.
She was brash and harsh at times, but I also knew underneath there was something that resonated with me so deeply.
After all, she was not Fae. As an elf she was still seen as less than by the nobility and whilst she was higher than me, I had a feeling she understood how I felt all too well.
“Was the Wolf King what you expected?” she asked, brushing my hair away from my neck taking great care around my scar. It was something she did now even subconsciously, accepting it was part of me. It was rare for Penny to even ask about it now.
“I am not sure, he was frightening at first, but I can understand why his kingdom does so well,” I explained tilting my head to the side to allow her to brush oils through the tangled wavy mess.
“And King Rhael?” Penny asked, her eyes lingering on mine as she put the brush down running her hands through my hair making sure the oils were even,
“He was himself,” I told her. That was the most honest answer I could give without tearing open a wound I was not ready to examine.
I wanted to trust Penny, to tell her everything that had happened, but I was not sure what she knew already about my role here in the castle or the King. I wasn't about to risk my life telling her something that would later become idle court gossip.
Penny studied my face and I could tell she wanted to ask more, but instead she pressed her lips together as if silencing herself. Her hands worked in the oils to my scalp, her fingers massaging so well that I closed my eyes enjoying the sensation.
“You will need to bathe before dinner, I will get it drawn now. The court is very anxious to hear of the alliance” she told me and I tried my hardest to not to roll my eyes. Of course they were, this was Vaetharyn. Nothing stayed quiet for long.
The Fae Court dinner felt more like a performance than people sitting down to eat. Polished black floors gleamed beneath floating crystal lights.
Long tables were arranged with surgical precision, with the nobles sat in perfect order along them. Robes and long silk dresses littered the space, everyone looking their best to attract the favour of the King.
