Page 81 of Crown of Ellova: Vol 1

My room in this palace has a large gilded four-poster bed with matching furniture, exactly the same as when I was originally assigned it as a dewling. I show Leon inside. Yellow dresses hang in the closet with a collection of jewelry I made when I was young and Lazalai taught me how to control my powers. The large windows overlook the crystal-clear lake, the sound of laughter and singing drifting in. Besides a few portraits I had commissioned, there’s not much of my personal belongings here. Our items have already been put away, and Leon looks out the window before quickly looking away. I think I know what he is trying to avoid. I peer down out the window and my laughter is soft.

Many of the swimmers and sunbathers are splashing freely in nothing but the skin they were born in.

“Afraid of a little skin, healer?” I taunt.

“Never. I just don’t wish for you to think I’m staring.”

“If you do have an issue with nudity, you may not enjoy this court. Plenty of places here are clothing optional, especially when swimming. It won’t be the last naked fae you will see, especially after the sun goes down.”

There’s a knock on the door and a palace hand walks in with a platter of fresh fruit juices and wine. The fae woman is lovely, her lips painted gold and matching the long blonde locks that cover her chest. She wears the same type of sheer dress that is favored here.

Leon suddenly becomes interested in the paintings on the wall.

“Hello, crown maker. If you need anything, I’ll be taking care of this floor. Just shout for Iris.” She places the tray down with a conspiratorial smile at me. “May I see the crown? Just a peek?”

Leon freezes as I walk over to the chest and remove a few items, pulling out the rich redwood box and lifting the lid.

She leans down and makes a noise of delight. “It’s beautiful!”

“Thank you. There are a few enchantments on it, so try to get a good view during the ceremony.”

She nods enthusiastically. We have never met each other before, but nothing bonds those in the same court faster than wanting to upstage the other courts during Ellovian events. “It’s stunning! I cannot wait to see her in it.”

“Me too.”

“Thank you for showing me. Enjoy your evening.”

Before she can close the door behind her, I add, “Please tell Lazalai that I’m not feeling well and may not make it to dinner tonight.”

She is instantly concerned. “Would you like me to send for a healer? I saw a few of them swimming in the lake.”

“No, no, that will not be necessary. My companion is a healer. If you could just bring up some dinner when you have time, that would be lovely. Thank you, Iris.”

Her eyes shift between me and Leon. She nods in understanding and gives me the same smug grin Lazalai did. “Of course, not feeling well. I understand. I’ll send up dinner.” She leaves with a flick of her hip.

“Why are we avoiding dinner?” Leon asks. “Or are you truly ill?”

“Two reasons. First, I want to avoid Lazalai as much as possible for now so she doesn’t ask questions, notice you’re mortal, or figure out that my magic is glamoured.”

“How would she be able to tell if you have a glamour?”

“Each fae releases a unique pattern of magic. If you’re close with someone, they learn to recognize it, and I have known Lazalai most of my life. Plus, she’s a powerful fae.”

“And what’s the second reason?”

“This is a communal space where we prioritize collaboration. I can’t access my magic while I wear the crown, and the people here would expect me to use my jewelsmith magic. Everyone lends their powers to everyone else’s creative endeavors. It’s encouraged, expected even. I don’t wish to disappoint anyone.”

“I can understand that.”

I fidget nervously. “Sorry there’s not an extra room for you so you can have your own space. It tends to be crowded here; it’s not unusual to share rooms. We keep talking about extending the palace, but it would mean putting a pause to the nightly parties and we simply haven’t gotten around to it.”

“We’ve shared beds multiple times since leaving Adreania.” Leon steps closer to me. “I do not require my own space, nor do I wish for it. I would much rather be as close to you as possible, especially since we’re in an unfamiliar place. While we may be in your court, surrounded by your people, your safety is still a concern of mine.”

I open my mouth to tell him it’s unnecessary, that I’m safe within these gleaming walls, but I know he’ll argue with me so I simply say, “Thank you.”

He looks surprised at that and nods once.

We are not alone long before Nueena and Tavien arrive, closing the door behind them.

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