Page 96 of A Lick of Flame

It is almost too much. It is too much, and yet it is…perfect.

Suddenly, a melodic voice echoes through the chamber, resonating like the sound of a thousand bells. “Welcome, dear travelers.”

I am instantly drawn to the voice.

We turn, and in the center of the chamber, a figure emerges from the shadows. I’m expecting a hag because she is a witch, after all. I’ve read the tales of pointed hats and voluminous black robes, of hooked noses covered in warts. She should be old and ugly. The woman who emerges is anything but old and ugly. She is tall and elegant, her skin pale and smooth, her hair a cascade of shimmering silver that falls around her shoulders like a blanket of moonlight. Her ears are long and pointed. The longest, most pointed ears I have ever seen on a fae. Her eyes are a deep, piercing blue and seem to hold the secrets of the universe.

She wears a gown of the softest silken fabric. I long to touch it. The surface is adorned with intricate embroidery that seems to glow like stars in the night sky. She moves with a grace that is almost otherworldly, as if she were dancing on air.

I am enthralled.

The witch gasps and clasps a dainty hand to her mouth. “Your Grace. You are back. How wonderful!” Then her eyes move to me. “And who do we have here?”

Before either of us can answer, she goes on, “Oh, my goodness, it seems that congratulations are in order, Sire.” She gives a sweeping bow. “The Beastfae King has returned.” She bows low a second time, this time staying down for several long seconds before finally coming back to her full height.

“Thank you, my lady,” Orion says. “There is no need for formalities.”

“Thank you, my Lord. That is gracious of you. Are you not going to introduce me to your lovely lady?” the witch – who looks nothing like a witch – asks.

“This is Maya,” he tells her.

“Hmmmm…Maya. A truly lovely name for a truly lovely, lovely lady. Did you know that your name means courage?”

I shake my head. “I had no idea.”

“Are you courageous, Maya?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“You are here, aren’t you? That makes you brave in my book. My name is Bellatrix, which means beautiful. I don’t know what my mother was thinking. It’s a terribly boring name. I much prefer yours, dear Maya.”

I don’t think it’s boring at all. Bellatrix is an interesting name, and it suits her up and down since she is exquisite.

“Shall we?” Bellatrix motions to a sitting area that I hadn’t noticed until just then. It looks cozy with just the right amount of light.

“Can I fetch you some tea?” she asks me. “I have mint, lavender or…I could surprise you.”

“Yes,” I say. “Tea would be lovely. I love surprises.” I grin.

“I am so glad to hear it. Life is terribly boring without—

“We are both fine,” Orion says in a voice that is almost rude.

“Are you sure? Because your lady friend seems like she is thirsty. I also have honey cake.” She lifts her brows, which are perfectly arched.

My mouth starts to water. “I love honey cake. My mother used to bake it sometimes,” I tell her.

“Did she now? How fascinating. If you give me just a—”

“No!” Orion barks. “We do not need anything to eat or to drink. We are here on serious business, Bellatrix.”

“Oh! How interesting, indeed. We had better sit then, and you can tell me all about it.” Once again, she gestures to the overstuffed upholstered chairs. They look comfortable.

I am suddenly tired and would like nothing more than to sit. I yawn and start toward them, but Orion holds my hand fast, keeping me by his side.

“Thank you for the very kind offer, Bellatrix, but we will stay right here.”

“Of course, Sire. I understand. How may I be of service, my King?” She bows again; when she stands, her gown is completely translucent.

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