AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Besides, the emissary was just one male. What could he possibly do?
The gardens were in full bloom. A provocative scent of blossomed flowers permeated the air long before we entered. The Day Court emissary was seated on a smooth marble bench in the southernmost corner of the garden. He was easy to spot, with his bright colored attire and golden hair. That and the council appointed sentry who hovered a few paces away, watching him like a hawk its prey.
He rose as we drew nearer, exuding confidence, his posture stately and gaze fixed. Once we were close enough to speak, like a fool, I forgot the protocol for welcoming noble guests at court and almost stumbled over a particularly prickly flower bush. The male was unlike any other I had seen at court.
His hair seemed spun of gold and the way it waved accentuated his severe bone structure. High cheekbones framed a lightly tan face and sumptuous lips. His eyes were green, but not easily described. They were the color of a new leaf. The color of the forest after a night of rain. And when he moved his head, this way and that, the color morphed, looking almost yellow in the sunlight.
Finn nudged my side, almost imperceptivity, but it was enough to force words to flow from my lips, “Hello,” I stuttered, “I mean, welcome,”Oh crap, I’ve forgotten his name. Alaricjustreminded me…“I—I hope your journey was a pleasant one.”
His lips parted into a half-smile, revealing two rows of perfect teeth, and a dimple in his right cheek.
Suddenly, it was far too hot in the gardens, and I itched to wipe the sweat from the back of my neck, “Your Majesty,” he responded, bowing, “My journey was long, but pleasant. It was an honor to receive your invitation. My name is Tiernan, and I offer condolences from the Queen of Day on the passing of your late mother.”
He didn’t seem like a savage. He seemed, well, very much like the Fae of my court, save for his looks and attire. But looks could be deceiving.
I nodded my thanks, “Please tell me if there is anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable.”
“I will,” he said, bending to pick a rosebud from the bush at his side, never taking his eyes from me. He stepped forward, causing Alaric and Finn to shift in response, stopping him from moving any closer.
I placed a hand on Alaric’s forearm and gave him a pointed stare. His jaw clenched before he jerked his head to Finn and they both took a step back.
Tiernan opened his hand, and I watched in awe as the rose bud opened, and grew, blossoming into the largest white rose I’d ever seen. He extended his hand and I stepped forward to take pluck it from his palm, twirling it between two fingers.
He inclined his head, “I shall see you this evening, majesty,” he said and strolled from the gardens.
Mere minutes stoodbetween me and the dreaded walk down the maroon carpet to the altar. Alaric, Thana, and Finn would walk behind me, and stand next to me on the dais. Kade was nowhere to be seen.
Thana grasped my trembling hand, and I tried to reign in my nerves. I could hear the chatter from the open alcove where we waited for the sun to set. It was tradition to wait until the sun had fully descended, and the waiting waskillingme.
Just walk up the aisle. Drink the damned water and walk out.Easy.
“Are you ready?” Thana whispered as the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the sky in violet light.
I wanted to groan, but the sound came out as more of a sigh, “I am.”
I stepped into view of the crowd, standing at the center of the blood-red carpet. The room quieted, stilled, save for a few gasps.
The dress!I had forgotten… A few whispers broke out among the assembly, and I saw more than a few glares of disapproval.
They waited. A throng of nobles and dignitaries—at least one hundred Fae gathered to witness the Blessing of the queen. Servants lined the walls, eyes downcast, waiting with platters of sweet, effervescent wine to serve once the ceremony was complete.
My heart thundered in my chest, scattering my thoughts into oblivion. One step. Two steps.That’s it, Liana, almost there.By step three, I lost all courage and stopped. But there was Kade, standing to the side of the altar, an uncharacteristically encouraging countenance on his handsome face. Blowing out a breath, I walked—no, almost jogged to the altar, afraid to lose my nerve again.
There were so many of them watching. Too many. The hairs on the back of my neck and arms raised at the feel of their stares boring into my back—judging me for breaking tradition.
I ascended the stairs and took my place in front of the wide golden cauldron. Thana moved to stand next to Kade, and Alaric and Finn were opposite them, on the other side.
My pulse raced, and I worked to quell the trembling in my fingers.
The water was alive. Below the thin layer of foggy blue was a liquid of indeterminate color. Not blue, as I had assumed, but transparent with shimmers of every color imaginable. It swirled, though no one stirred it, and seemed almost to glow.
The ewer and chalice sat atop a small swooden pedestal to one side. Quickly, I took the ewer and filled it, pouring from the spout into the chalice.
I faltered just before bringing it to my lips.What if…
I shook my head and tipped the contents back. It tasted—well it didn’t taste like anything at all. But it was cold. And then it was hot. The chill tumbled down into my stomach and then out into each of my veins as though I’d been injected with ice and fire.
With my Fae ears I could hear the assembly collectively take a breath and hold it.
