46. Chapter 46

Chapter 46

I sit cross-legged on the end of my bed and cross my arms across my chest, emphasizing my defiance. As I suspected, both relics were in the hiding space with the faux sword. I don't know why Luc is being so negligent. Has he forgotten he's invited a literal thief into his home?

Maris's Tomb sits tucked away in my bedside table. Even wrapped in two pairs of leggings, it gives off a general feeling of unease.

"Are you sure?" The seamstress looks at me with concern, more likely for her job than for my rash decision. "The high lord hand-picked these three options for you." She pushes the rack of dresses toward me. Each gown is prominently crimson red, cream, and gold. "He thought the red would still be festive. He knows how much you're fond of the holiday."

"I'm sure." I stand and find my satchel, pushing the dresses back towards her. She sighs deeply and nods once before snapping her fingers. The two young women with her immediately pack up the dresses and leave me in a flourish.

I exit the castle and pass through the gates, stopping at Moira's house. After knocking three different times, I peer in the window. It appears empty, save for the tapestry on the wall.

I pull my lock-picking pins out and break into her home. Everything is indeed gone. I pull the corner of the tapestry over. Where once a rune gate stood, black soot and coal cover the wall in a large black arch. The rudimentary outline of a windmill faintly scratched into the black void.

I continue to Halivaara and find the tailor. "Is my dress ready?"

"Just finished it this morning. I made sure to put deep, discreet pockets in it like you asked." She takes the line of credit coin from me and stamps it.

"And the matching purse?"

"It's in the bag as well. Lined with blue-lichen infused silk, as requested." I'm not sure if it will actually work. But I'm hoping that, in combination with the layers of leggings, will stifle the horrid sensations emanating from the cube.

I open the dress sack to peer inside and smile with anticipation. I close the bag and throw it over my shoulder, heading back toward the castle. A carriage rolls up beside me and I stop.

"The royal seamstress said you turned down my dresses." Luc raises a brow at me from the carriage window. "I see you had something special made?"

"I did."

He frowns slightly and signals to the coachman. His belly wobbles as he hops down and opens the door for me.

He seems a little more cheerful once we're moving again. Small bumps in the road jostle us, but there's a twinkle in his eye. He reminds me of the Luc I remember when I first came to Helios.

"I have good news." His smile broadens. "My love will be at the ball tonight. She's already there waiting. You'll finally get to meet her."

"Oh, that is exciting." I don't fake my enthusiasm. I was beginning to feel sorry for him like he had a pretend girlfriend or something. With the renewed light in his eyes, maybe she's good for him.

***

"If you'd let me see your dress, I would have a better idea of which necklace to present to you." Luc's patience with me is waning, but he puts on a pleasant, happy face for those in our presence. "I'd like to appear as a united front."

I hug my cloak around myself. "It's a surprise."

He pulls out a pocket watch and sighs deeply. We only have a few moments until we need to be in the carriage. He waves over the jeweler. He and the jeweler exchange a look as he carries over a long rectangular box. The lid opens silently, revealing three necklaces.

The first is very gaudy, with large rubies and diamonds arranged in a bib-style piece. The second is a long gold necklace with a single ruby heart, and the third is a simple herringbone gold choker. I could hock either of the first two and have enough funds to rebuild The Snakebeard, but they'll clash with my outfit, and I want to feel beautiful tonight.

I lift my hair, and Luc clasps the gold choker around my neck, which is just tight enough that it doesn't sag. "I suppose I will wear my plain gold cuff links tonight, then." I feel a little bad that he's trying to match me so badly, but I'm still pissed at him for throwing that rock. He doesn't mention it, but I think he might feel bad about it. He's been going out of his way to be nice to me.

"I'm just glad to see you're not wearing that horrid necklace you've clung to these weeks."

Eoin's necklace is tucked away safely in my dress pocket, but what he doesn't know can't hurt him.

"You do look beautiful tonight, even in your cloak." He takes my hand in his and runs his gloved fingers across my knuckles. "We will travel through an arch gate into the village of Apricity, where carriages await to bring guests to the castle." His smile is genuine now. "I'll admit I'm a little excited myself, as I've never gotten an invitation. My father would go on about how great of a party it is." He turns to me with a more serious expression. "Let's not be stirring up any trouble, like the library. I'm hoping to make a good impression on Raynor tonight. Maybe you could befriend his wife." Does he really think I'm going out of my way to pick fights with people?

"I'd love to meet his wife if I have the chance, and I'm excited too. I've never seen snow before." I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as excitement builds inside me like a freshly shaken bottle of bubbly wine.

"That's my girl." He takes my other hand and leads me back to the carriage. We ride for about an hour before we come to the arch gate, and we share a smile as we step through the gate into a winter wonderland.

Cold, crisp air hits me, so suddenly I gasp. Everything is so bright it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust. Apricity is even more beautiful than I could imagine. To my left, across the street, a wrought iron gate follows the edge of a cliff. The valley below is full of snow-covered trees and a couple of smaller villages. To my right, the village unfolds. Snow covers the rooftops and ground, though several walkways have been carved out or melted away. Tall black mage lights tower alongside the cobblestone road that curves ahead towards the castle. Red bows and strings of lights decorate each street, and a set of violinists stand at the street corner playing traditional holiday music.

A few other very well-dressed fae gather near the candy shop ahead. We join the line as two open carriages arrive. Each carriage is solid ivory with dark green velvet cushions and is drawn by two pure white horses. Two by two, the four fae in front of us load up into the carriages and are swiftly pulled away towards the castle. Everything about this moment makes me happy. There's a weightlessness to the atmosphere, and I just know nothing is going to stop me from having the best night.

"We will wait for the next carriage." Luc's breath makes plumes of steam as he speaks to me, and it's so thick it's like he's smoking. I giggle and proceed to make large steam huffs of air. I try, unsuccessfully, to blow a smoke ring and Luc gives me a judgmental glance.

A bell rings behind me, and several children run out of the candy shop with fresh treats. One of them picks up a handful of snow and packs it into a ball before throwing it at his friend. The ball bursts upon impact, and the other children scramble to pack their own snowballs. They toss the sparkling white balls at one another, shouting, laughing, and sliding through the street.

"Do you think I have time to check out the candy shop?" If I'm going to see Tomas soon, I know he would love some treats. Maybe there are some unique ones here.

"Alright, but make it quick. I want to be on the next carriage." I lift my skirts and cloak and take off toward the shop, sliding slightly.

Okay, going to have to move a little slower around here. The door dings as I open it, and warm air hits my face. Brightly colored toffees and foil-wrapped candies line the shelves with an explosion of color. However, the center of the room makes the largest impression, with the garden-sized chocolate fountain.

The bell rings again as more children file in, bringing me out of my stupor. I purchased a small handful of foil-wrapped candies and a small bag of something new for Tomas to try: jelly beans.

Luc is no longer alone. August and Ciaran have arrived and are also awaiting a carriage. The atmosphere is tense, and Luc stands with arms crossed. August gives me a warm smile.

Luc offers me his hand and helps me into the first carriage. As soon as we both sit, two crystal glasses of light amber bubbly wine appear on a golden tray before us. I take one hesitantly.

"Just you wait." There is a boyish sparkle in Luc's eye. "Raynor plans his Yule Ball the whole year. He hires in some of the best enchanters and mages to pull off some pretty spectacular things, from what my father would say. The whole evening will be a real treat, and no detail will be overlooked." He sips his glass, and I sip mine. It tastes like nothing I've ever tried before, a light sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon and citrus. I am absolutely giddy with the anticipation of what's to come.

I peer over my shoulder at the carriage behind us and meet eyes with August. The butterflies in my stomach go crazy, emboldened by the sweet, bubbly wine. He smiles at me and gives me a slight wave before Ciaran whacks him on the shoulder. I cover my mouth and hide my snicker as I turn back to Luc. "I'm never going to forget this."

Luc holds up his glass and clinks it against mine.

The ride to the castle gets even more spectacular as the sun dips into the trees. The lampposts lining the street ignite, and the village comes alive with glittering lights and singing carolers. By the time we arrive at the castle, it's nearly dark.

Dozens of yule trees stand on either side of the path leading to the castle, each lit up with mage light candlesticks and glittering gold decor. We follow the path to the side of the castle, where we enter the ballroom.

"Raynor was right. I think fae will be talking about this night for generations," I say to Luc as we enter.

"You have no idea," he says and swallows hard.

The sight before me is magical, unbelievable, and absolutely gorgeous. The ballroom is four stories tall, with a yule tree in the center of the room as tall as the ceiling. Hundreds of candles float through the air all the way up to the ceiling, illuminating the room in warm, romantic light. The perimeter of the ballroom has four levels where tables and chairs are set up for guests to mingle and view the dance floor and stage below. The orchestra plays on a stage that surrounds the gargantuan tree, and several couples are already dancing on the floor.

Luc pulls me aside, and a footman holds a hand out for our cloaks. I pull mine off and hand it to him, and Luc's jaw clenches. He eyes me up and down, pursing his lips.

"You look ravishing in my colors." August's low voice makes my heart skip a beat. Ciaran closes his eyes and lets out a heavy sigh. My floor-length backless gown has thousands of gold sequins and black diamonds sewn into it, creating intricate patterns that flatter my curves. In certain light, the dress appears black, and in others, it flashes almost pure gold. August's eyes dip from my lips and linger on my neck.

"Your date is awfully hairy." Luc gives Ciaran a dirty look, and Ciaran fiends great offense. "Are you too busy quashing rebellion and dissidence at the border to find a real date?"

"I had someone in mind, but she couldn't come with me tonight." August remains calm and unbothered by Luc's comment, and I have to fight the smile that tugs at my lips.

Luc mingles with a couple of semi-familiar-looking high lords while I drink wine and watch the orchestra. Booming laughter and a raucous to my right pulls my attention as Raynor and his wife descend the stairs from the balcony above. Luc returns to our table and tugs my arm. "Now's our chance. You talk to Raynor's wife Rosalind, and I'll see if I can get a conversation in with Raynor."

"What am I supposed to talk to her about?" I stumble on the stairs, and he catches me.

"Legs." He looks sternly into my eyes. "Don't embarrass me. Just talk to her about lady things, and if you can get her away from Raynor, I would be eternally grateful."

I brush his guiding hand away and descend the rest of the stairs with spite in my heart. This evening is not going how I had planned. As we approach the High Lord and his wife, Raynor stiffens, and Rosalind looks me up and down expressionless.

"Lady Bronwyn." Her voice is like silk. "Your dress is magnificent. I would love to see it on the dance floor." She gives her husband a pointed look, and he places his drink on a passing waiter's tray. Luc gives me a very slight nod.

Raynor extends his hand to me. "May I have this dance?" My heart quickens. Something about this feels very off, perhaps improper, but I fear rejecting his invitation will be rude. I take his hand, and he pulls me to the dance floor.

"I don't know what I'm doing." My confession is a whisper, but the corner of his mouth ticks up.

"Don't fret. I'm an excellent lead." He takes my other hand and leads me slowly across the dance floor. His black beard is braided down the front and clasped with a gold band. His deep green and crimson dress robe flows with us with every twirl. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it? Now we repeat the same thing but switch partners." He dips me low and hands me off to another set of hands.

Warm, calloused hands take my hand and brush my bare back. August pulls me closer to him, and my heart stills. His dark brown eyes bore into mine as we move across the dance floor. I'm blissfully oblivious to everything around us. The music from the orchestra builds, and it's hard to bury my feelings for this beautiful man. His fingers gently stroke my lower back, and he pulls me in closer—inappropriately close.

My pulse quickens, and it's hard not to let my mind wander back to the Samhain festival . He quirks a smile as if he knows what I'm thinking.

"I wish we could go back to the night we met."

His comment throws me off for a second. "The night you hung me?" A pained expression crosses his face as he spins me once more.

"No, in Ancharon. I wish we could go back, and I could stop you from going through all of this. I feel like I've put you in such a terrible position." He dips me, and another male steps in to take August's place, but he blocks him, creating a momentary disruption in our dance as the man returns back to his former dance partner.

He pulls me back into him and caresses my back again. "I wish I could go back and convince you to come with me to Selene, even if it wasn't to be with me, just so I would know you're safe." There's a tenderness to his eyes and his touch that, in combination with the music, makes my feelings for him deepen.

"I wish we could go back to Mabon for more kisses. When are you going to take me back to Selene?"

He spins me again and pulls me back into his arms. "I have a room here for the night. I figured we could stay and return to Selene in the morning. I'll send Ciaran back with your bag." Butterflies flutter through me at the thought of staying in the same room. "Keep up appearances for a while and enjoy the party."

The song ends, and yet August's hands remain on my waist and in my hand.

A small throat-clearing sound to my right pulls us apart. "Excellent dancing," Raynor says and takes my hand. He leads me back toward our original group, giving August a pointed look.

I return to Luc and Rosalind. Luc gives me an odd look, but Rosalind pulls me beside her with a smile. "Your dress is exquisite. You must tell me your designer. You have hidden talent in the Helios Court." She glances at Luc and smiles. His posture relaxes, and he returns his attention to the dance floor.

"Where is your ladies' room?" I make a large gamble with this question, and it pays off.

"Let me show you." She takes my arm and pulls me away from the group towards the hallway. I look over my shoulder, and Luc smiles at me.

Rosalind pulls me towards a wooden door labeled for females and passes by it. "I have private bathing and privy quarters ahead." She grins at me, and I catch a glimmer of Razenna's mischievousness.

I follow her down the hall, watching her gown trail on the marble. The soft green and gold of the flowy dress compliment her dark complexion. A guard stands aside as we enter an unmarked door. This room is just as decorated as the great hall, as if someone decided the high lady's private bathing chamber needed top-tier decor for Yule.

"I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable, having you dance with Raynor." She picks up a perfume bottle and spritzes her neck and wrists. "He always loves dancing, and my feet just can't take it right now." She runs a hand down her torso, flattening the flowy dress around her now visibly pregnant belly.

"Oh, congratulations! You must be so excited."

"We are hopeful. Raynor is thrilled, but most importantly, it will be good for our relations with Mabon. They remain neutral claiming Selene and Yule are weak without heirs." She smiles sweetly. "But yes, I am very excited."

She points to a small door. "There is the privy if you have to go."

"Oh, no, thank you. I just needed to get away for a moment."

She nods and fiddles with her necklace. "I understand."

The silence is stiff and a little awkward, and I rack my brain for talking points. What does one say to a High Lady? Her eyes scan the room as she runs her thumb across the black and gold stone in the center of her necklace. It looks vaguely familiar.

"When did your necklace break?"

Her eyes whip to mine. "Pardon?"

"Your necklace; it's well designed and looks vintage, but the clasp is too modern. Normally, I'd think it was a fake, but I can't imagine someone like you would wear a fake necklace to a ball. I'm guessing the clasp broke and had to be replaced."

"You have an eye for jewelry." She bites her lip and looks uncomfortably at the door. "It's for protection." She pins her gaze on me and raises her eyebrows.

Her nervousness is contagious, and I can't decipher her pointed stare. I swallow hard. "Protection against what?"

"We should get back." She cracks open the door, but I throw my shield out, shutting it.

"Please," I say, holding my palms up to her. "I don't have anyone right now. I'm alone."

She lets out a shaky breath and twirls her necklace. "Be careful around Luc, and more importantly, be careful around August."

My stomach drops. Why do I need to be careful about August, and how does she know about us?

"Why? What do you mean?"

She reaches for the door handle but hesitates. "There's something going on in Selene," she whispers. "Someone there has a compulsion gift—mind control. This helps." She lifts the gem in the necklace. "I know August, Raynor, and the top members of their cabinets have recently melted fallonite and tattooed themselves to protect against the perpetrator. They've yet to find who it is. It could be anyone." She grasps the handle. "And Luc did not seem very happy about your dance with August. He was saying some pretty nasty things."