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The Regent
The tragic death of his wife has fueled his prejudice. He no longer trusts any of the magic-using races, and tensions are especially high with Fae representatives here. They seem loyal to the Queen of the fae, but have expressed concerns that the humans will betray us. The only way we are going to convince everyone is with time. But Donavan and I are worried for the children’s safety. I am worried for Sahra. Donavan agreed to aid me in casting a protective spell on them this evening before we depart in the morning. On another note, I have spoken with Daimis about the way he’s been treating Sahra. He is still young and immature, but I can already see the great man he will become. I told the boy of what is to come, and how Sahra will need his friendship more than ever. He humbled himself in front of me and promised to make things right with Sahra again. I could tell the separation these past weeks has been just as difficult for him. They need each other, they just don’t know it yet.
And that’s the last passage. I stare at the empty pages in confusion. I thought I would find out what his motives were for killing the king and releasing the shadow demons into our world. Or information on the magic he used. A spell.Something. But there’s nothing in here that even suggests he was planning anything that happened the night of the Blood Moon.I was supposed to find answers, not more questions. Where was my father planning to take us? It says we were going home. What home is he referring to? The only home I’d ever known was here in the castle. Was he going to take me to his birthplace? I have no idea where that could be. And why was Daimis supposed to go with us to this unknown home? And what plans was he referring to?
Ugh. I throw the journal onto the bed and pace the room. And what drives me the craziest is that Daimis knows some of the answers, but I can’t very well go ask him. Not without revealing who I really am.
A knock on the door has me running to grab the journal from the bed. I quickly stuff it into my boot before Mrs. Dower enters with a large box in her hands.
“Afternoon, Miss,” she says in a chipper tone. “Are you excited about tonight?”
“Tonight?” I shrug. “Should I be?”
“Why, yes! Tonight is the Harvest Moon Ball.”
“It’s the night of the Harvest Moon?” I completely lost track of the days since I’ve been in the castle. I look out the window and sure enough, the moon is high in the sky and already a sliver of yellow shades part of it. By nightfall, the entire moon will be yellow. I vaguely remember attending the Harvest Moon Ball in the castle when I was young, but the celebrations we had in Hydenglen are the most memorable.
Each of the sections in Hydenglen has its own traditions for the Harvest Moon. Des and I would visit them all. It was one of the only times the water sprites and the ogres would allow others to visit, and witness their beautiful ceremonies. A pang of longing fills me at the thought of never seeing another Harvest ceremony in Hydenglen again. I wonder, not for the first time, if I am missed there.
“You’re in for quite a treat,” Mrs. Dower sets the box on the end of the bed.
I shake my head. “Oh no, I won’t be going.”
She gasps, her hand going to her throat, and glares at me as though I’ve affronted her.
“I don’t really have time for that,” I explain. “I leave tomorrow. I should be preparing for my departure.” I can’t attend a silly ball with everything that’s going on. And if I’m being honest, I don’t want to miss my sparring session with Daimis. It has become my favorite pastime. Now that I know I can trust Daimis again, our friendship has taken on an old, yet new, life. I feel like I have my best friend back, and I don’t take any time with him for granted. Although, I still have to be guarded around him, so that I don’t slip up and let him discover any true identity.
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Dower says. “Your presence has been requested. Therefore, you will attend.”
“Requested?” My heart skips a beat. Kellan hasn’t come by to visit me since the night we kissed. I’ve asked Mrs. Dower after him and was told he’s been preoccupied with matters of the Kingdom. While I know his distance is for the best in the long run, it doesn’t help the sting of rejection from hurting any less. Like Daimis said, I’ll only end up hurting him. There’s no point in carrying on anything romantic with Kellan when I’m not planning on sticking around after the quest. Besides, his father is my enemy. And yet, I can’t help hoping that he’s the one who requested I attend. “Who?”
“Not sure, miss. The package was left in my quarters along with a note to help you dress.”
She lifts the lid off the box. “There are a couple of selections for you to choose from.” She pulls out the first dress and it makes a swishing sound. “This one would be perfect with your eyes.”
The materials and craftsmanship are exquisite. The dress would fetch a hefty price on the black market. It’s an ice-blue, short-sleeved, off-the-shoulder dress with an overly jeweled bodice and full skirts that waterfall from the top of the waist in the traditional style of court.
Mrs. Dower smooths the skirts. “Isn’t it just lovely?”
“No,” I say a little too quickly. Mrs. Dower looks at me questioningly. “I mean yes, it is, but it’s just not me. Can I see the other one?” I can’t wear a dress that resembles the last dress everyone saw me in. No matter how different I am now, I don’t want to risk it.
She sets the blue one aside and pulls out a deep, blood-red gown that takes my breath away. It’s long-sleeved, and the deep V-neckline bodice, which goes even deeper in the back, is made of a thick lace, that will show skin peeking throughout on the shoulders and arms. Small rubies are artfully sewn into the lace, adding a subtle glimmer. The material is snug all the way to the hips, letting out about halfway down, with a high slit splitting the skirts. Under the red lace are layers of black shimmering silk that shows through, especially at the slit. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s chillingly representative of the dark power that resides inside me. It’s nothing like traditional court fashion, but it’sme. And suddenly, I’m dying to put it on.
After Mrs. Dower helps me into the dress, she lets my braid out and arranges my waist-length, wavy hair to one side, using a ruby-encrusted comb to pin the tumbling waves over one shoulder. She adds a large ruby necklace and earrings that must have accompanied the dress.
“On loan,” she says with a pointed glare.
And yet I’m already contemplating where I can hide them. They’ll fetch a small fortune. But I just give Mrs. Dower a demure nod. She then applies black to my eyelashes and lash lines, red to my lips, and rouge to my cheeks.
I stand in front of the mirror and am perplexed by the woman staring back at me. I’ve always been called pretty, beautiful even. But never in a glamorous way. I’m used to seeing a badass, black-market dealer with good looks to use as a weapon when needed. But the woman in front of me now looks like a queen of dark power, reflecting my inner self. My features look sharper and more mature with the makeup. A rose with thorns. I feel powerful.
“My goodness,” Mrs. Dower says, clasping her hands together. “I’ve never seen anything quite like you before. You’re truly stunning, miss. Why, you look even more beautiful than the fae queen, I reckon.”
I give her a smile. “I don’t hate it.”
She chuckles, knowing full well that I love it.
I thank Mrs. Dower and make my way to the ballroom, feeling both excited and apprehensive. I’ve always loved a good celebration, but I have to remember I’m still among enemies. My ridiculous, and utterly useless, heeled shoes click on the marble floors. As I approach the ballroom, the music echoes through the halls, filling me with excitement despite my concerns.
