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Noah stood, taking a step toward me, and for the first time since his defense of Vanessa I looked at him, meeting his uncomfortable gaze.
A loud bang sounded, harsh enough to make me flinch before I cringed from the shrill yelp that followed. “What is going on here?” Vanessa screeched, having shoved the door open. “Why isn’t the prince feeding?”
“I just finished up. Are you all right, dear?” Noah asked her, walking toward her monstrous form. Yes, she was beautiful, but right now she looked absolutely rabid standing in my doorway.
“Of course. This means we can spend time together before the honorary dinner the queen is hosting this evening.” She reached her hands out toward Noah, beaming at him. “I am still absolutely in awe that she wants to throw such a wonderful evening for little old me.”
His own smile was radiant as he crossed the room to stand near her, taking one of her hands in his and kissing it gently. “We’re all excited you’re here.”
Watching them smile at each other as Vanessa batted her fae eyelashes was hard enough. Having them flirt in my bedroom while ignoring me made it slightly nauseating.
I shifted, hoping it was enough to remind at the very least Noah that he was in my room, and that they could take this elsewhere instead of being in my personal space.
Thankfully it was enough.
“Speaking of this evening’s dinner, before I go, Cora, there's a dress that should have been put with your things earlier. Queen’s orders, so no judgment.” Noah wagged a finger at me.
Vanessa’s gasp was dramatic and instant. “Oh Noah, your feeder wouldn’t possibly dream of speaking to you in disdain about a gift, would she? Is that a joke?”
I curtsied. “The prince’s humor is one of the qualities the Unseelie Kingdom praises him for. Usually the humor is like this, my lady. Laughable because we’d never dream of having our own voice like that.”
When I looked up at Vanessa, her face relaxed. Noah wasn’t smiling anymore though.
“Yes, well, make sure you're dressed appropriately.” He led Vanessa by the hand out of my room and left me in peace.
No matter how short-lived it was. I knew I had to hustle and get to Vanessa’s chambers to begin taking care of unpacking the remainder of her things that hadn’t been a priority on her first day here. All while she was frolicking around the castle grounds with Noah. Living carefree like I had been just a few days ago, before her arrival upended everything.
Staff hall rising time or not, I was up and might as well start taking care of Her Bitchiness’ things. I’d have to ask Ms. Trapsbury what a lady’s maid’s duties were specifically, but I’d been quickly given the rundown enough to know the first order of business was to unpack every bag the duchess brought, make her room comfortable, and then do everything she said when she said it.
The joy this would bring me was just palpable.
Lady Vanessa’s hall was silent, as if she wasn’t staying there at all. I’d heard more servants bustling through the rumored haunted parts of the castle than could be found now.
I pulled from my pocket the key I’d been given to the delightful duchess’ room. As far as I was aware, I was the only official lady’s maid assigned to Vanessa. I thought it was strange since when visitors had stayed for more than a night, they were usually given at least two.
Maybe that was part of my punishment from the queen as well. If I were running myself ragged taking care of the job of two servants, I’d have less time to be with anyone else.
The room Vanessa had been put in was beyond words. I thought when I’d first been shown to my own quarters many months ago it had been the finest room I’d ever seen. The more time I spent at the palace, the more I knew that was not the case. And this room, well it put all the previous ones I’d seen to shame.
The themes of soft golden hues, floral colors, and blue accents were everywhere, but it was much more floral than the Unseelie royal blue that was a part of the fae rooms. There was a faint aroma to the room like someone had been able to gather the beautiful scents from the garden and spray them here. It lingered gently in the background, giving it that magical feel that I’d learned more about since being here.
Noah tried to explain to me that the magic was still here, in the elements. It was how he fed and gained his own strength instead of feeding from humans. But so many of the fae could no longer tap into it. The war had turned the people too cold, and there were rumors that it was a curse on all fae. I wondered, with the magic I’d seen now, how remarkable the world must be when all magic was present.
There were fresh bouquets of flowers in many parts of Vanessa’s chambers, a nice touch by whoever of the staff had arranged it.
In the corner lay five ostentatiously large trunks. The queen wasn’t kidding when she’d said Vanessa may never leave, apparently, at least if her baggage was any indication.
“Here goes my adventure today,” I grumbled under my breath.
Piles and piles of dresses, undergarments, shoes, and more poured out of each bag. The amount that these bags held was incredible, and the more I unpacked, the more I wanted to scream.
Here I was, holding Vanessa’s underwear and folding them nicely into chest drawers while she was out spending the day with Noah. If the things he’d done for me in pure friendship had made my heart soar, I could only imagine what the things he did when he was in love were like. I was sure they were cozied up, while she fawned over him.
Straightening everything out, hanging each garment on hangers, singing the most obnoxious songs I could remember, nothing was working to drag my attention fully away from wondering what the two of them were doing.
For the first time since arriving at the Unseelie palace, I longed for home. A time before I knew this jealous feeling and the pain of rejection from Noah. Not knowing what friendship and romance were like was almost better than being here and watching someone you cared about playing their life out with someone else. And also dealing with losing them as a friend and confidant at the same time.
Going back and never knowing about Faerie seemed like the better option.
