AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The others made it back with no problem. Shivering, I wondered what had happened to my clothing, when Luna approached and handed me my jeans, underwear, corset, jacket, and circlet.
“I have a spell that brings things to me. I just…brought your clothes to me when Ulean whispered that you couldn’t transform because of them.” She looked pleased as punch, and I grinned at her.
“Thanks for the strip job.” I winked at her, then sobered. “Seriously, that’s a handy spell. Keep in practice. If I ever need it again when we’re out, don’t hesitate.”
She nodded. “I’m more than happy to help.”
We had a few minutes before meeting my father, so I hurried to my room and dressed again. Druise once more tightened the corset laces for me.
“Can’t we just do that and then use the busks to hook and unhook it?”
The look on her face spoke volumes. “We can, my Lady, if that’s what you choose to do. But…this is…what I do for you. I’m not sure how to be your lady’s maid, begging pardon. You don’t seem to need me.”
Feeling bad that I’d upset her, I flashed her a warm smile. “But I do, and I will more and more as time goes on. I don’t think I’ll need you quite in the ways a lot of the Queens would, but we’ll work out our pattern.” Motioning for her to sit down beside me, I waited until she uncomfortably complied. “Listen, Druise. I’m from a far different world than the life of the palace. And while I’ll adapt on some things, the Barrow will have to adapt to me on others. We’ll find a compromise that works for us both. Meanwhile, you keep doing what you do, and never fear—I like you. I’m not going to yank your job out from under you.”
She frowned for a moment, and then a smile broke through her gloom. “Thank you, Your Highness…because this position means the world to my family. It’s a step up for us—I’m the first one to stand this near to the Court.”
Then it hit me. This was how it worked here. This job wasn’t menial labor to her; it wasn’t beneath her. It was actually a boost in status and—most likely—payment to her family. And she’d been worried that I’d turn her out. And that would have been a supreme disgrace.
I patted her hand. “Druise, take heart. You’re my lady’s maid. Nobody else. As long as you are loyal to—” I started to say Grieve but stopped myself. It was time to think before I spoke. “As long as you are loyal to the King-Elect, and to me, then have no fear.”
As she dropped to her knees by my side and pressed her forehead to my hand, a soft bell chimed in the chamber. I glanced around.
“That is the summons to Court, Your Highness.” She quickly stood and stepped back, her cheeks flushed. “Are you dressed? Is there anything else you need?”
I glanced down. I was back in my jeans and corset, but my hair was a mess. “Would you mind brushing my hair again?” It would have been just as easy for me to pick up the brush, but I was starting to get it.
She beamed and motioned for me to sit at the vanity. The strokes of the brush felt good against my scalp, soothing me into a relaxed state.
Ulean swept up by my side.
Cicely, you did what you needed to in order to escape, but we have to find a way for you to control the winds. Lainule broke you out of the frenzy this time—
Lainule? You’re kidding! I didn’t know it was her.
Yes, she broke your concentration. She will tell you about it herself.
Wondering how Lainule had thrust herself into the plane of Air, I shook my head. Druise was finished with my hair, and so I thanked her, stood, and headed out to the Court, where Lainule was waiting with Wrath and the others.
She gave me a long look. “Ulean told me what happened. The Elemental wasn’t aligned with Myst, I think. But there are powers in the wild now that are chaotic and running mad. This was not your fault. But we have to take you in hand and teach you how to direct these abilities that the fan transferred to you.”
I gazed into her eyes. “How did…did you…”
“Remember, I told you that I owned the fan before you?”
I nodded, sensing that some sort of revelation was on the horizon.
“Cicely…the same thing that happened to you, happened to me. The fan’s powers—became a part of me. But I learned to control them.” She smiled then, tipping my chin up. “This is why I know how dangerous it can be to call them forth.”
“There’s more. The Snow Hag stopped us today.” I told them about what she’d said. “Myst is nearer than we feared. And her Shadow Hunters are regrouping.”
Lainule let out a sigh. “We’ll send out scouts. That’s all we can do for the moment, but at least we are forewarned.”
“And now, wife, I must take my daughter and her fiancé to see their new home. Your friends may attend.” Wrath motioned for me to follow. The others fell in behind Grieve and me, and we trailed after my father, out the door of the Court, while my mind whirled with thoughts.
Chapter 5
We exited the Barrow and I wondered just how we were to find our way into the realm of Winter. No one had yet told us how the realms were connected, and it wasn’t something obvious to figure out.
