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I swallowed hard, but I’d learned not to protest. It only frustrated me and whoever had paid the “compliment.” I still wanted to escape this prison, but I wasn’t ready. Not really. “Shouldn’t we be packing things for me to use while I’m gone?” While I’m still alive would’ve been the more accurate description.
“They’ll have everything you need there.” Enid pursed her lips. “You’ll still live a life of comfort.”
I barked a laugh. “Oh, so at least I can sleep in a bed that feels like clouds before dying. How reassuring.”
The three women glanced at each other. Fae couldn’t lie, so if nothing else, I had that going for me.
After donning this dress, I’d sneaked into the bathroom to grab my knife and added the dagger Maeve had given me to my other thigh. I had two weapons to defend myself with.
A knock sounded on the door. Maeve entered, keeping the door open. “It’s time, Your Highness.”
I flinched, not liking that honorific, but we were in front of others. I nodded at the women who had been kind enough to help me, though they asked tons of questions at every opportunity. “Thank you—” I started.
Maeve hissed, reminding me of my faux pas.
All three women’s eyes widened, and the smiles that quickly followed chilled me.
Maeve hadn’t been kidding when she’d said not to thank anyone. Lesson learned, but unfortunately, I’d already thanked all three women.
I held back a groan. I’d be dead soon, so I wouldn’t have to worry about favors.
That thought didn’t actually provide any comfort, and now my armpits were sweating.
“Come on,” Maeve gritted out, taking my arm and tugging me through the door.
We walked toward the dining area where we’d met the High Court Fae the night of my arrival. I kept waiting for a lecture, but Maeve didn’t do anything but scowl.
Somehow, that was worse.
“Where did you disappear to after training?” I rolled my eyes, remembering how Orla had interfered.
“I had to make sure your room in Rioghail Tower was secure. I left men there to ensure nothing happened between the inspection and your arrival.”
My body tightened. What threats was she expecting? I wanted to chastise her for not warning me, but I kept my mouth shut. She’d done more than enough, and I didn’t need to upset her since I was leaving and there was no telling if I’d make it back.
In the dining hall, we took a right, heading in the same direction as the sexy—er, I meant the Winter King had gone. The door led to an open foyer with curving white stone stairs that swirled up several levels from the floor. Colorful flowers lined the banister, their scent perfumed and fresh.
I wanted to gawk, but Maeve led me to a large door that took us outside to the front of the castle. A lavender carriage covered in matching roses waited for us with two unicorns—unicorns! What the hell?—hitched to the carriage. One was pure white with a mane and tail of light pink, sky blue, and a color that could only be called sunshine, matching the ends of my hair. Matching flowers were woven into its hair, and its horn looked like solid gold. The other unicorn was dark teal with a mane and tail of bright sunshine, purples, and blues that reminded me of peacock feathers. Its horn matched the ice-blue color in its mane. Both were gorgeous in a completely different way.
The unicorns watched as I stepped into the carriage, and magic buzzed stronger in the air. The carriage smelled of sunshine and roses, and I sat on a lavender-cushioned seat that molded to my body.
As soon as Maeve settled across from me, the carriage jerked into motion.
Gripping the sides, I caught myself before I fell over. “What about Orla? And who’s driving the carriage?” I hadn’t seen anyone up front.
“She’s already there, along with the High Court and the other competitors. You’ll be the last to arrive.”
Of course I would.
“And the unicorns know where we need to go. Why would someone guide them?” Her brows furrowed.
I didn’t have the energy to reply and explain how things worked on Earth.
She must have understood because she waved a hand. “You’d best take a moment to decompress. You won’t be able to breathe freely again until the end of the trial.”
Not up for conversation anyway, I settled into the seat and watched this strange new world flash by.
The journey to the tower was gorgeous. Leaving Sambradh Castle, the edge of the grassy mountain range had surrounded us with warmth. As we made our way south, we passed a pond full of glistening crystal-blue water. Then a land steeped in the warmth of summer appeared, filled with trees that reminded me of dogwoods blooming with flowers in blues, pinks, whites, and purples.
