AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I patted her back, playing along, but I had no doubt Orla wanted me dead, especially after my reception by the Summer Fae outside. I was a threat to her even if I didn’t want the throne.
These people couldn’t get past their own egos.
When Orla released me, my traitorous body had me glancing at King Kieran, and we locked gazes again.
He’d been watching me.
“I’ll come get you when dinner is ready.” Kaley bowed her head slightly to me. “Remember, it’s a night of relaxation before the big day.”
“Tha—t’s nice.” This time, I stopped myself, but damn, I had to break my particularly horrible habit of polite responses.
As I followed Maeve, I could feel the others’ attention on me. I wasn’t narcissistic; I could feel the hairs on the nape of my neck rise. All my life, I’d avoided being noticed. Now I had everyone’s attention, and it was growing worse by the minute.
I ran my hand along the golden banister, needing to ground myself. When we reached the second floor, my jaw dropped. This hallway was all gold, much like downstairs, with five doors on each side, right across from each other. An archway bowed over each door, every arch covered with flowers that reminded me of summer and spring: begonias, amaryllis, clematis, roses, and impatiens of all colors. The sweet floral scent eased my stress and made it easier to breathe.
Maeve tromped all the way down to the last thick wooden door on the left. She removed a key made of vines with pink, green, and blue flowers intertwined within it and unlocked the door.
I stepped inside, taking in everything.
The room wasn’t as large as the one at Orla’s castle, but it was big enough for a bed and two sky-blue velvet chairs. Every inch of the space looked summery. I drew in a deep, calming breath.
“Keep this key on you at all times.” Maeve shut the door and handed me the item. “The fae can glamour it and make a copy.”
Any sense of comfort the surroundings had provided vanished. “You’re acting like they’ll try to kill me here and not wait for the trial.”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” Maeve closed my fingers around the key. “Once the trial begins, even killing someone in their sleep isn’t off the table. That’s why you must make sure you keep your door and windows locked and your blinds closed at all times.”
I sat on the bed, which was just as soft as the one back at the castle. I ran my hands across the silky lilac blanket. “Don’t worry. I want to survive for as long as possible.”
She held my gaze. “You are a warrior, and you have it in you to win this. You’ve got to stop thinking you’re human and embrace your magic side.”
“I am human.” I patted my chest. “Even if I have blue blood and can manipulate vines. I was raised on Earth, and one week of training won’t change me.”
“If you stop fighting your nature, everything will come back to you faster.” Maeve placed her hands on my shoulders. “Trust me, I see the magic within you. It sparks off you when you’re in the garden, and especially when you’re alone. You just have to open yourself to it.”
“You’re desperate to see something that’s not there. I fear that I’m going to disappoint you after you’ve invested so much in me.”
Her brown eyes warmed. “Just promise me that, during the trial, you won’t be so close-minded. That you’ll do everything in your power to win. That’s how you can repay me for helping you train. That’s the favor I want in return.”
After everything she’d done, how could I not promise her that? “I promise.”
Her body relaxed. “Good, but make no more promises to anyone else. Death is the only way out.” She nodded, dropping her hands and taking a step back. “I don’t feel anyone’s presence, but I’ll take a quick look and then head downstairs. I’ll be back to visit you as soon as I can, and I’ll be there to watch the trial tomorrow.”
“I’ll see you then.” I didn’t want her to go, but it was better if she left. I’d only put her in more danger.
While she moved to the closet and glanced through it, I stared out the window next to the bed. She headed into the bathroom, and I took in the full, vibrant trees outside the window and noted some fae strolling through the parklike area and talking. The view was breathtaking but made me feel more like a prisoner.
When Maeve came back out, she went to the door. “Lock this behind me. And remember your promise.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I teased.
She gave me a tense smile and left.
For the first time since I’d arrived, I felt truly alone.
I didn’t know how long I stayed in the bathtub, but the warmth was so comforting that I struggled to get out of the water, which resulted in me having to rush to get ready because I had no damn clue when dinner was. The sun was already setting, so I knew it had to be soon. The day had gotten away from me.
My closet was full of dresses and armor. I didn’t even see any nightgowns, so bedtime would be interesting.
