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His eyes narrowed as he stared at me, trying to will me into submission. But that was not going to happen. My stomach gave another lurch to remind me why I didn’t want to travel in this blasted thing any longer. When he looked away, I knew I’d won.
Just like the first time I was brought to the palace, the Fae soldiers surrounded me, leaving one of theirs behind to guard the litter. And just like the last time, I could barely see two paces ahead of me.
It took me until we were nearly at the palace that I realized why they wanted me to use the litter. It was the same reason why they were closing in around me until I was invisible to anyone. And why I hadn’t been given new clothes.
Nobody in the kingdom would see my face and realize who I was, dressed as I was in my peasant garb. If I disappeared, nobody would even remember how I’d entered the palace as the newest member of the royal household.
Chapter twenty-nine
Myentouragehadbroughtme straight to a suite in a different part of the palace.
I’d be hard pressed to find my way back to the main courtyard after traversing one corridor after another, then going up a flight of stairs and down two flights of stairs. I didn’t even know which level of the building I was on.
There were no windows here, but it didn’t feel oppressive because of its spaciousness. The commander opened the door, and I entered a large room with two doors on either side.
He informed me the king would see me later in the afternoon, and that I’d be provided with suitable clothing and refreshments. After he left, two Fae women entered, carrying a large bag between them. They were older and better dressed than the two girls who’d looked after us at the Olwen’s tavern.
Both women curtsied and remained near the door with their eyes lowered. Their dresses were lovely. Fabric panels in pink, beige, and pastel blue, wrapped like petals around their slender bodies, giving them the appearance of spring flowers.
They were about my height but seemed fragile and insubstantial compared to me. Their eyes were bright silver and their pointy ears clearly visible through their fine white-blonde hair.
I didn’t know what to say to them. After a good minute, the silence grew so awkward, I wanted to walk away and pretend they didn’t exist. Thankfully, they exchanged glances and decided to take the initiative.
The older one said, “My name is Margiad, and this is Delyth. We will look after you, milady.”
As she spoke, she avoided my gaze, as did her friend. It made me feel weird—maybe I had to get used to being waited on, but enough with this deferential bullshit. Especially since I looked like something the cat dragged in, compared to these two exquisite Fae women.
I painted a bright smile on my face and said, “Thank you. Would you be able to get me some new clothes? I really need to get out of these.”
Pulling the fabric away from my arm, I exaggerated a grimace to lighten the mood. “I’ve been in these dirty rags for far too long. By the way, you can call me Beth.”
Delyth’s hand flew to her mouth to stifle a gasp. She stammered, “I… That is not appropriate, milady.”
Oh, for goodness’ sake. “Look. I grew up in the human world. We don’t do the bowing and scraping. I’m not comfortable treating you like I’m better than you.”
Judging by the shock on their faces, I wasn’t getting through to them. Not that I’d expected it, anyway. Women hadn’t managed to break the patriarchy in our own world. Why did I think I’d break centuries of caste structures with one short conversation?
“So, did you bring me some clothes?”
Margiad curtsied. “Yes, milady Beth.”
Small steps. I waited while she opened the bag and pulled out a dress. She held it up, and I inhaled sharply, overcome with the need toownthis thing. The fabric was as silky and light as the dresses Margiad and Delyth wore. The difference was in the color.
Theirs were soft and light like spring. This dress was dark-blue, like a midnight sky, studded with precious gems across the tight bodice. The hem was embroidered with silver thread. Night flowers grew from the bottom, filigrane tendrils reaching all the way to the deep neckline.
I forgot to breathe as I took in all the details, the silver fabric peeking from slitted sleeves, the train attached to the shoulders, flowing down the back. The color was perfect for me, setting off my pale skin and reddish hair. The dress would shimmer across every curve of my body, making me look like a queen.
While I was entranced in the garment, Delyth had opened the door to the next room. “Come, milady. We will draw you a bath first before you get dressed.”
I lit up at the suggestion. I’d thought I’d have to scrape myself down with a cloth and limited water. The idea of sinking into a hot tub and soaking away the dirt from between my toes and other bits was enough to give me raptures.
“Oh, my God. Yes, please.”
Margiad carried the dress and placed it reverently over a chair. Then she followed Delyth to help her while I finally got a chance to take in my surroundings.
There was another door, and when I opened it, I found myself in an opulent bedroom with a king-sized bed, piled high with silk and woolen blankets.
The sheets were made of fabric with a higher thread count than was possible in the human world. The blankets draped across the bed were so soft, I couldn’t even begin to guess which animal the wool had come from. The walls were made of stone, their roughness contrasting with the silk tapestry depicting flower scenes. The floor was smooth marble, but not cold underfoot, as I’d expected.
