10. Jealousy and Fate

10

JEALOUSY AND FATE

(ROWENA)

T he fae kingdom has always been considered the richest faction, and as we approach the majestic gates of Aldavar, the fae capital, I can’t help the stir of excitement in my blood. I have never been anywhere besides the Forest of Herbs, and this journey has been an adventure, but this is the part I’m looking forward to —being amidst the majestic faes and watching them mingle.

As we approach the silver gates, Riven pulls me into the bushes, away from the guards standing at the gates.

“Use the vial,” he whispers.

“Oh. I forgot.”

“What?”

Giggling, I take the vial out of my pocket and gulp down the liquid. It’s pungent and bitter, immediately causing my eyes to water.

“Ugh, it’s gross,” I whine.

“Sorry about that,” Riven smiles. “I’m just happy you’ll be safe.”

After a few moments, when the taste of the potion is gone from my tongue, we approach the gates again.

“Just act normal,” Riven whispers to me. “You’ll be fine.”

But the strangest thing happens when we reach the gates. Instead of stopping us, the six guards bow deeply to Riven.

“Welcome to Aldavar, my Prince.”

Riven hides his shock and instead lifts his head proudly. “Thank you.”

“Do you need an escort to the courts?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Let me through.”

They part like a body of water and throw the gates wide open, allowing us entry. Riven nods at me, and we enter Aldavar without fear. The moment we pass through the gates, the guards fade from my thoughts, eclipsed by the indescribable beauty surrounding us.”

Towering trees line the streets with leaves that glow like the sun. Each house is built with shimmering materials that look like glass, interwoven with stalks. It’s an extremely beautiful city, more than anything I’ve ever seen.

“Riven, this place looks amazing.” I grab his arm as we walk deeper into the capital. Around us, faes walk the streets in luxurious cloaks and the most beautiful hair. Everyone looks like royalty. Now I see where Riven gets his beauty.

“It is,” he says. “But you should see the fae kingdom. This place is nothing compared to it.”

“Why do you have a fae kingdom and a fae capital?” I ask. “I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“The faes are numerous,” he answers. “Years ago, my great-grandfather thought it was a good idea to split the kingdom and migrate some of the faes to the south. That’s how the fae capital was born.”

“Who heads the fae capital?”

“My father,” he answers. “But Kryon is his deputy who lives in the courts here as their duke. That’s Kaelith’s father.”

“Oh.” I’ve never felt jealous of anyone or anything until Riven mentioned Kaelith days ago. Since learning about her, I have to consciously try not to dislike her. She’s not done anything to me; we’ve never even met. But the thought that she was once engaged to Riven saddens me.

By now, I’m aware that I like Riven more than I’m willing to admit, but it’s stupid to hate his ex-fiancee because it doesn’t increase my chances. I can not be with him as long as these factions exist. And if the witches' coven won’t even accept me; why would the fae king?

“It’s getting late,” Riven says. “We have to find a place to spend the night.”

Every corner we turn is better than the previous, and my excitement increases the more we walk. People are staring as we walk past —at Riven, not at me. Seems like he underestimates his fame.

On the next street, we walk past a jeweler, creating exotic, delicate pieces from huge silver chunks. I grind to a halt, watching in awe at how exquisite his designs are. Someone suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me along. It’s Riven, and he looks impatient.

“We’ll have time to sightsee tomorrow,” he says. “For now, let’s find a place to sleep.”

“Agreed.”

I can see Riven is getting uncomfortable by the stares people are directing our way, and somehow, I wish I could protect him from it. “You may not know these people,” I say. “But they know you. They’re staring hard.”

He chuckles. “Seems I’m not as unknown as I thought. Hold on, let me ask for directions, or we’ll keep walking aimlessly.”

He stops in front of a stall, where an old fae sits, his eyes friendly as we approach.

“My Prince,” he greets. “Welcome to Aldavar.”

“Thank you,” Riven answers. “Can you direct us to a place where we can find rooms for the night?”

“Rooms for the night?” he repeats with confusion. “Can’t you?—?”

There’s a commotion behind us, and we both turn to see a golden carriage barreling toward us. Riven narrows his eyes as the carriage stops directly in front of us. The rider slides down and bows deeply to Riven.

“Welcome to Aldavar, Prince Riven. The courts will be honored to have your presence.”

Riven lets out a sigh, and that’s when I realize there’s a tense silence around us. Everyone —including the random people in the streets—has stopped to watch the scene. The best course of action will be to go with the carriage.

“Okay.” Riven nods.

The driver pulls the door open with another bow.

“After you, Rowena.” Riven ushers me into the carriage and climbs in after me, shutting the prickly eyes out. I don’t know what to expect when we get to the courts, but I feel safer now without all the stares and attention on us. The carriage speeds down the road, and I turn to Riven.

“Are you okay?”

He forces a smile. “I should be asking you,” he answers. “This is my turf.”

I laugh and take his hand in mine. “I’m okay, Riven. Really. By tomorrow, we should be out of the palace. Right? We have a two-day walk to the entrance of Solavien.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s distracted. I let him be, not because I’m upset, but because I recognize that he has to deal with this on his own.

The courts rise like a tower in the city's center, dark and distinguished. As the carriage takes us through the grounds, I try to stay composed and not peek out the window. Soon, the carriage stops, and the driver opens the door to let us out. He attempts to take the satchel strapped to Riven’s shoulder, but Riven stops him as he helps me down.

“Thanks. I got it.”

“Okay, sir.” The driver bows again and melts into the background.

“You ready?” Riven asks me, a small smile on his face.

“Yes.”

“I won’t leave your side,” he says with an assuring nod. “No matter what.”

“Thank you.”

He leads me towards the grand entrance and the courts, ushering us into a grand foyer. The luxury is breathtaking, and as I look around in awe, there she is…

At the far end of the room stands a woman draped in a cloak so luxurious it seems to be woven from starlight. Her hair, a cascade of molten gold, flows past her hips, gleaming like sunlight. Her fair skin glows softly, and when she turns, her beauty leaves me breathless.

I need no introductions. This is Lady Kaelith.

She immediately fastens her gaze on Riven, blithely ignoring me, almost like I don’t exist.

“Riven,” Kaelith says excitedly, gliding towards us with outstretched arms. “Oh, it’s so good to see you.”

There’s a frown on Riven’s face, but he doesn’t step away when Kaelith wraps her arms around his body and rests her cheek on his chest. Riven’s body is so strong and beautiful that I’ve wanted to hug him like that for the longest time. Seeing Kaelith do it so freely makes me jealous.

“I haven’t seen you since the festival,” she says, glancing up at him with the most beautiful doe eyes. “I miss you.”

Riven pulls away from her and adjusts the straps of the satchel. “Where’s your father?”

“He’s away on business,” she pouts.

“What is this, Kaelith? Why am I here?” There’s a hint of anger in his voice. Kaelith rolls her eyes and takes a step back. I’m impressed by her ability to completely ignore me.

“A little birdie told me you were in Aldavar,” she answers. “So I decided to bring you here. What would they say if the Fae Prince continued to wander the city without coming to the courts?”

“I’m not in Aldavar to frolic in the courts with you. I’m here on serious business.”

Kaelith laughs, and the sound echoes in the arched hallway. “Oh, I know the serious business you’re here for,” she says. “That’s why you brought this little witch with you.”

She finally fixes me with a glare, her green eyes blazing with scorn and disdain, and I shrink under the weight of her gaze. Any guilt I felt for disliking her vanishes instantly—it’s nothing compared to the hatred burning in her eyes.

To my shock, Riven takes my arm and pulls me toward him. “You will watch your tongue, Kaelith.” His voice drips with authority. “You won’t talk to her like that.”

“Fine.” Kaelith nods. “But imagine what will happen if I announce that there’s a witch in the courts. Your little friend will not know what hit her.”

Riven’s arm tightens around me, erasing my fear. I can tell that he will protect me, no matter what. It’s a foolish trust, but it’s there, nonetheless.

“You will not dare.” There’s no apology or plea in Riven’s voice. “If you do that, you will answer to me. And I’ll make your life very miserable, Kaelith. Trust me.”

When she doesn’t respond, Riven turns to leave, tugging me along. “Let’s go, Rowena.”

“Stay the night,” Kaleith calls. “There are several rooms in the court. Comfortable rooms. You can leave in the morning.”

Riven continues to march toward the exit, ignoring her.

“Riven, this isn’t a game; just listen!”

Riven pauses his back to her. “Everything is a game with you, Kaelith.”

“Not this,” she answers. “You’re the Fae prince, Riven, and I’m the deputy’s daughter; we both have our roles to play. What will people say when they see you in the streets looking for a room to lay your head? You’ll only call unnecessary attention to yourself.”

Riven blinks, his forehead drawn in a thoughtful expression.

“When do you plan to leave?” Kaelith asks.

“Tomorrow.”

“That’s great. I’ll have the carriage drive you wherever you intend to be.”

It seems like a great idea, and Riven turns to me with arched brows. “Rowena,” he says softly. “What do you think?”

“Uhm, I think it’s a?—”

“Excuse me,” Kaelith interrupts. “The offer doesn’t extend to your witch. Just you. I can arrange a suitable lodge in the city, but?—”

“You must be out of your mind.” Riven snaps, turning on Kaelith.

“Riven!” Kaelith looks offended.

“‘If your offer doesn’t include Rowena, I’m out,’ he says, turning to storm off again.

‘Fine,’ Kaelith calls after him, her attitude clipped. ‘She can stay. Now, come with me—I’ll show you to your rooms.’”

Riven starts to disagree, but I gently touch his arm. “It’s okay. Just for tonight.”

“I want my room next door to hers,” he tells Kaelith.

For a moment, I’m sure she’ll disagree, but she eventually nods. “Fine. Whatever you want.”

We get our wish, and my room is next to Riven’s.

“If you need anything,” he says. “Anything at all. Come find me. Okay?”

“Okay,” I smile. “See you soon.”

The room is beautiful and luxurious, but I’m not in the right mind to admire it. I sit on the bed, upset with Kaelith. She’s obviously still hung up on Riven, judging by her touches and seductive looks. If she wanted him, why did she leave him in the first place?

But my heart softens at the fierce way Riven defended me. He didn’t care if Kaelith’s feelings got hurt in the process. Maybe I’m being delusional, but it makes me fall for him even harder. I fall back on the bed, counting the time until tomorrow. I can’t wait to get out of here and far away from Kaelith and her schemes. I may not stand a chance with Riven, but I’d rather not watch another woman lay her hands on him in my presence.