Page 50 of How to Claim A Shadow King

"That was uncalled for," Ter says, preening his wings again.

"It was not. I'm doing the best I can."

"You're not doing anything at all," Ter says grumpily.

"What is it you would have me do?" I ask the bird, my so-called familiar, slamming the brush down on the vanity top. The little jars of balms and perfumes rattle on their etched silver platters.

"You must learn to use and control your magic," Ter says, not backing down one iota.

"Is there something about me brushing my hair right now that makes you think that I'm not willing to learn?" I say, arching an eyebrow. "Or am I not allowed basic personal hygiene according to his greatness, the raven?"

Ter makes a choked sound of indignation and clicks his beak in annoyance. "Hmm."

"Well," I repeat, "am I allowed to brush my hair and get dressed, or should I go downstairs naked?"

"You are not naked," Ter says. "You are wearing your nightclothes."

It's my turn to harrumph, because he's not wrong about that. "You and I both know this would be an inappropriate outfit to wear outside of this chamber."

"And what I know and you don't know," Ter says, "is that the sooner you're wearing that outfit around Malakai, the safer you and the Wild Oak Woods will be."

I gasp, dismayed by his uncouth words.

"You don't have time for social norms," Ter says. "You are running out of time to make things right before the Seelie and Unseelie unleash the wild magic. Do you understand the danger you're in?"

"If you don't remember, I was the one who was chased through the forest by that creature," I retort.

Suddenly, brushing my hair no longer sounds appealing, and I stand up so quickly I knock the little padded stool over. The house rights it almost immediately, and I, slightly ashamed of my behavior, walk to the bathroom so that I can splash some water on my face and brush my teeth.

"Today is for learning magic, then," I say to Ter. "Am I wrong?"

"You're not wrong. All I am asking is that you be careful, and that you listen to your heart when it comes to Malakai."

That surprises me a little, and I stare at the bird for a long moment before I finally retrace my steps into the room and tug on the soft pants, overdress, and cloak the wardrobe selected for me.

The practical clothes are a godsend. The soft pants allow for actual movement, a stark contrast to the restrictive, heavy gowns I’m accustomed to, and the deep forest-green cloak feels like a protective shield against the world outside. I lace up the sturdy new boots, marveling at how well they fit my still-tender feet.

Ter watches me from the top of the mirror, his silence heavier than his critiques. “He left you something, you know. I’m surprised you didn’t see it right away.” He gives a little hop, then flutters down to the vanity.

I peer at where he’s pecking, and sure enough, there’s an old-fashioned brass and velvet box tucked in with the cosmetics. It’s heavier than I thought it would be, and I frown at the weight.

Not brass, I realize.

Gold.

“It’s a lovely box,” I say.

“Open it, idiot,” Ter crows.

I glare at him for a split second before curiosity gets the best of me and I do as he bids.

A crown is nestled among black satin, the likes of which I’ve never seen. Gold wrought to look like the rays of the sun, or a star, perhaps, with sparkling blue gems encrusted along each ray.

“It’s for you. When you decide to seal the bond.”

I snap the box closed, my heartbeat quickening.

I’m not ready for that. I’m not.