She reached into her intricate braid, pulling out what looked like hair pins, but upon closer inspection, Ava could see tiny blades at the end of each.
“All done,” Quinn said with a sly grin.
“How many daggers do you carry?” Ava asked.
“Eighteen.”
Jorrar chuckled.
“Please wait here,” the soldier said. “Your next escort will arrive any minute.”
He disappeared down a hallway with the others carrying the weapons. Several other sentries watched closely from where they were stationed throughout the foyer.
“I feel very underdressed,” Ava muttered.
They wore their typical Monterre attire—brown pants and tunics in varying earthy tones, their boots covered in mud from travel.
“They’ll have clothing for us to wear,” Jorrar said. “Like when you were in Saxumdale and dressed in their attire. They’ll expect it here too.”
Though they had brought their own clothes, she knew it was a possibility they’d have to dress differently. And she was willing to do whatever it took to convince the king to help.
“Well, hello there. It’s strange to see all of you uncivilized earth fae in my castle. At least your filthy mongrels aren’t inside,” a snide voice spoke from their left.
Ava turned toward the newcomer as he strode toward the group.
Jareth. The prince and heir to the celestial throne. And Casimir’s half-brother.
23
Ava gave Jareth a withering look as Quinn muttered something under her breath.
“Hello, Jareth,” Ava said, narrowing her eyes.
Approaching, he raised a brow, violet eyes sharp as he inspected the group, golden blond hair brushing his shoulders. “Jareth? Not ‘Your Highness?’ Not surprising. You still don’t seem to have learned any manners.”
Casimir’s fingers tensed—still interlaced with hers—but he held his tongue. The last time they had seen Jareth, at the Summer Solstice ball, it hadn’t gone well. Jareth insulted Ava and Casimir had lunged across the table and slammed his head onto its surface, threatening him. Casimir had to control his temper, or risk ruining their chance of an alliance.
“Are you just here to insult us or did you need something?” Ava asked, ignoring the jab.
Jareth waved a hand. “I’m here to show you to your rooms. Come.”
They followed him down a long hallway with golden threaded rugs beneath their feet and glass windows revealing a breathtaking view of the city and the skies and clouds beyond.
“My father tells me you need access to our archives,” Jareth said.
“Yes,” Ava answered. “There seems to be some…inconsistencies with our enemies.”
“Hmm,” Jareth replied.
He stopped before a set of gilded double doors at the far end of the castle. Pushing one open, he led them into a large living area. Plush white couches and chairs sat around a roaring fire. A large dining table carved out of pale wood sat at one end of the space, a desk and worktable at the other. Luxurious fabrics draped across an open archway leading to a small outdoor space. Periwinkle roses framed a seating area centered around a small fountain, the forest where the animals had ventured providing a private backdrop.
“Well, here you are.” Jareth stood at the center of the room, hands in his pockets. “There are three bedrooms. You’re free to explore the castle however you wish. Dinner is at seven. And I suggest you all bathe beforehand.” He held a hand to his nose as if he was offended by their stench.
“Oh, and Ava,” Jareth continued, “I personally selected your dress for dinner. I can’t wait to see you in it later tonight.” He gave her a leering once over.
Casimir growled and took a step toward him, but Ava squeezed his hand and held him back.
Refusing to give him a reaction, Ava said, “I’m sure it will be lovely. Thank you.”
