Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

R osa took a secret delight in watching Balthasar unobserved. He looked like heaven in an elegant three-piece tuxedo as he glided through the crowds, putting his guests at ease in his presence. His reputation must not have been an exaggeration. Rosa had seen the flicker of panic in the eyes of the other Gwaed Gam and the guarded respect in others.

To her, he was just Balthasar—the man who had come to her rescue, who had painted her. The man with a fierce facade put on for the world but had no place when they were alone. She turned to see him finally notice her. For a moment, the look on his face was raw and desperate with desire and panic before all the shields went up. It didn't matter. She had seen the look she was aiming for.

The dress that Eli had given her was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. When she put it on, she had instantly felt striking, strong, confident, and every inch Balthasar's match. She was about to move to join him when her hand started to burn.

The large double doors blew open in a rush of cold air, the sound of beautiful singing rising like a sea around them. Rosa could smell all her favorite things, and she knew what was coming.

The Seelie began to file into the room in shimmering gleams of light. Like Celyn, their clothes had a distorted feel of old and new. The women wore elaborate ballgowns made of rose petals, another of butterflies, and another looked like the scales of a fish. The men were all tall and stately, their strangely curved eyes taking in the room with amused delight.

Rosa saw Celyn walking on the left-hand side of the most stunning man she had ever seen. He was almost seven-foot-tall, and his long fox red hair had been tied with a black ribbon. He had topaz eyes and wore red and purple that accentuated his striking coloring. On the top of his head was a crown of whitethorn leaves.

Rosa shook as she clutched the pendant of her necklace tightly and the clouds that had been filling her head cleared. They were still beautiful but in a way that screamed of unnatural danger.

Eli and Balthasar stayed where they were in the middle of the staircase, the high ground, and allowed the faerie leader to ascend to meet them. They bowed politely to each other, two faerie lords meeting as equals. Eli's glamor that made him appear human melted away, and Rosa's heart pounded in her chest at the sight of his true face. His hair grew longer, twisting with wild black curls about his head and shoulders. His eyes that were usually a pale green bled emerald, his skin developing a pearlescent sheen like the other fae in the room.

"Ryn Eurion, welcome to Gwaed Lyn," Eli greeted, his voice resonating through the halls, his timbre altered to be darker, deeper, filled with authority and danger.

Rosa's heart felt as if it would give way in her chest as the fairy tale came rushing back to her. It was no wonder that the Autumn Queen had been brought to her knees by him. He was desire itself.

"Bleddyn Seren Du," Ryn answered, "you honor the Seelie with your lavish welcome."

"I take it that the lovely Autumn Queen will not be joining us in the celebrations?" Eli asked.

Rosa sucked in her breath. She could feel the tension in the room as tight as a bowstring. You have stepped in the middle of an ancient feud, Rosamund Wylt. You shouldn't have come to the ball tonight.

"As you can imagine, the queen is extremely busy. It's a hard task to rule both the lands of Seelie and Unseelie. She sends you her regards, Bleddyn."

"A shame. I had hoped to get reacquainted with her after so long. I have fond memories of the last time we met." Bleddyn smirked as Ryn flinched. "But tonight we must let history stay in the past where it belongs. To the Seelie, I bid you welcome in my house. Let you want of nothing while you are here and let you fear nothing while under my roof."

Then he laughed, and it was as if his laughter was a pin to the bubble of unease. Everyone stopped frowning and started smiling as music began once more. Drinks were poured, and everyone was comfortable again. Rosa followed the crowds up to the ballroom, careful not to step on anyone's feet.

"My dear, what a lovely dress you wear," a tall faerie lady with cat eyes commented to her.

"Thank you."

"These jet pins in your hair have an aura of the ages about them. They are from the Fields of Night Drops, are they not?"

"I couldn't say. They were a gift from El... Prince Bleddyn," Rosa answered with a smile. She really would have to find a way to thank him for the night. She doubted if any human had seen so many fae in a thousand years. None that had lived to tell the tale.

The faerie lady touched a pin with a long finger. "Oh, yes, I'm definitely right. They are made from distilled night tears. An excellent gift."

Rosa hadn't seen the final preparations to the ballroom, but Cecily and the others had pulled it all together spectacularly. The roof was hung with buntings of leaf and vine so that it looked as if they had stepped under a canopy of greenery. The fairy lights twinkled amongst the leaves and complemented the huge crystal and candle chandelier. Around the walls were magnificent tables of food, flowers, drinks, and elaborate centerpieces. Musicians positioned themselves on a small stage as a few of the fae produced instruments and began to join in until the melodies were swelling up around them.

"The honor of the first dance shall go to my esteemed guest, Lord Ryn," Eli said jovially.

The faerie smiled graciously and looked about the room for a partner. Rosa didn't think such theatrics existed in the real world.

You are in a ballroom filled with the fae and Gwaed Gam. I don't think this qualifies as real life.

Then the crowds were parting, and Ryn Eurion was standing in front of her with a smile before bowing low to her. Rosa watched Balthasar go pale next to Eli, who whispered something to his son.

"My lady, would you do me the honor?" Ryn asked softly.

Rosa felt herself take his hand before she could question it. "I should warn you, my lord, I'm not a very good dancer."

"Do not fear. I'm a very good dancer, so follow my lead." The musicians started a slow waltz, and Rosa allowed Ryn to glide her about the floor with practiced ease. Within a couple of moments, Eli lifted his hand and signaled everyone else to join in.

"I must admit I'm a little surprised to find a human in these proceedings," Ryn said as he pulled her closer. "Who are you, little rose?"

"I'm a friend of Prince Bleddyn's. He invited me here to witness such an important moment in history," Rosa said confidently. What had Celyn already told him?

"I don't normally pay attention to humans. Their lives are such guttering candles, but there is something strikingly familiar about you. Are you sure we have not met on another occasion?" He spun her out before pulling her back in close. The pendant hidden in between her breasts started to burn painfully.

"I think that I would remember such a fortuitous event," Rosa answered breathlessly.

"Excuse me, may I cut in?" Balthasar's voice was like cold water drenching her burning mind. Ryn turned to frown at the interruption. "Lord Bleddyn would like a word with you, Ryn."

"Of course, Leiddiad. I barely recognized you not covered in the blood of my people. Do try to treat my lovely partner with care. I'm not finished with her this night." Ryn smiled, but it was sharp and feral. "Until we meet again, little rose."

Rosa curtseyed but didn't offer him her hand, not after Celyn's kiss. Balthasar took her about the waist, gripping her firmly to him. Rosa's pulse raced as his hand wrapped around hers. She wanted to hang on to him like a child who had just escaped stepping on a snake.

"I see you are causing a minor stir already," Balthasar said softly. "Are you okay? Nobody has tried anything on you?"

"I'm fine. Not a hitch. I think Ryn was attempting some kind of compulsion. My necklace is still burning, and I feel like my brain is about to turn to mush."

"You are wearing it?" Balthasar's eyes went to her breasts appreciably, and she blushed.

"Of course I'm wearing it. That doesn't mean I'm silly enough to show it off."

"Good. There are some here that would try to hurt you just for having the guts to wear it to such an event." Balthasar's thumb ran over the back of her hand. "You look incredibly beautiful tonight. I wish we were alone so I could show you how much I appreciate this dress. Eli does know my taste well."

"You don't look half bad yourself. What was that word Ryn called you?"

"Leiddiad. It's my title amongst the fae. It means assassin."

"Your reputation precedes you even into Faerie."

"It wouldn't be a good reputation if it didn't." Balthasar turned so her back was pressed against him. "Does it frighten you?"

Rosa looked over her shoulder at him. He was so close, she could have kissed him. Her lips ached to taste his, but she resisted, knowing it could expose them both. "You don't frighten me, Regardless of what your reputation is." He moved her out of the circle of dancers to a quiet corner out of sight.

"Eli told me about Celyn's hex. I can't help but wish that Eli had sent you away to keep you safe.”

"You can't lock me away forever. I'm a part of this world now whether you like it or not. I would risk a thousand sleazy Celyns to see you in this tux. I would risk a hell of a lot more to get you out of it later tonight." He touched her neck slowly with his fingers.

"What I wouldn't give to kiss you right now," he whispered, leaning close to her.

Their lips were about to touch when a screech cut through the music. Balthasar pulled back, searching for the sound. A small group of Gwaed Gam were in defense positions.

"Stay out of the way," Balthasar said, and he vanished, reappearing between the angry Gwaed Gam.

Rosa couldn't hear over the commotion in the room, but she saw Balthasar's face twist and change. He grabbed one by the throat, ripping it out before tossing the body aside. Rosa steadied herself against the wall, the show of angry violence caused by the man she loved knocking the air from her.