“Female Fae are not allowed in politics?” I asked gently.
Her smile faded at her own words, and she continued. “Not in this kingdom. I think if the Temple’s Council did not have such a strong grip on the High Lord’s rulings, things would be better.”
I was shocked. I did not know what to say. The pause was long and painful, and I could tell this troubled her deeply.
She exhaled a tense breath and continued. “Anyway, the mate bond process is rather simple. The Fire Fae have rich traditions in everything we do, but the mate bond is our most sacred sacrament. First, the male will ask the female to wear his mark. In our culture, it is a small burn symbol worn on the chest, over the heart. The mark istemporary, though, until you complete the next two steps,” she explained.
“Which are?” I asked.
She grinned with a cheeky smile. “Well, the next step is the physical union. Then, traditionally, the morning after is the sacred ceremony that seals the bond through blood binding and makes the male’s mark permanent.”
“Does it hurt?” I asked.
She looked extremely uncomfortable and said, “Oh… um… well, I am sure the High Lord will be very gentle, but the first time there is an initial pinch.”
“No, not that, Calpurnia. I am not a virgin. I meant the burn mark!” I chuckled.
She sighed in relief, and we shared a long, refreshing laugh as she shook her head. Then she explained, “Guardians, no. The burn mark is nothing. It feels similar to a sunburn for a couple of hours."
Okay a sunburn I could handle that.
She continued, and a hint of sadness crept into
her tone, "or so I've heard.”
“You have not found your mate yet, Calpurnia?” I
asked, picking up on her shift in emotion.
The corners of her mouth dipped, and she shook her head as she
answered, “Oh… no. I have not. In our realm, power is what makes you a desirable mate. Since my blood tests showed that my magic was next to nothing, I was pretty much outcast by my family for being an embarrassment. My community thought I was worthless. No one would employ me. The High Lord saw me begging in the streets of town and offered me a job in the castle, and my life has been wonderful ever since. The staff is like a family. I have a spacious room and all the food I could ever want.”
She paused, then added softly, “I know he is a little rough around the edges, but there is good in him, Delilah. Just give him time.”
I smiled. I was happy for her, happy that she had found a place in this cruel realm to call home. I was also surprised to learn that the fire fuckhead had a heart and was capable of kindness.
“I think someday a handsome Fae male will hear your intoxicating laugh and fall head over heels for you,” I reassured her gently, tucking a rogue strand of hair behind her pointy ear with a warm smile.
She returned my smile and said, “Thank you, Delilah. I just knew we were going to be best friends.”
I had misjudged her initially, and oddly enough, I could see us being good friends too.
The clock chimed, and Calpurnia insisted on bathing and dressing me for breakfast. Apparently, every meal here was a formal event. I was more in the mood for cereal in bed.
She wanted to dress me in another lavish gown, but then I spotted a little black dress tucked all the way in the back. It was silky and simple, with thin spaghetti straps and a straight neckline. The drama lay in the risky slit that ran from floor to hip.
Calpurnia hesitated. I could tell it was not her taste. She seemed to prefer color and sparkle.
So much sparkle.
Still, she humored me and pulled it from the armoire. I paired it with the black glass heels from last night, a high ponytail, and simple, clean makeup.
I did a once-over in the floor-length mirror and was not prepared for what I saw.
The color had returned to my face. My dark circles were gone. My frame was a little less bony. I looked softer. Healthier. More womanly.
It had to be the magic in this place. It was everywhere. In the air. In the water. In the food. Even sleep felt magical, and somehow my mortal body was drinking it all in.
