Page 61 of Destined for the Fae King

The words lack feeling. The warmth and closeness of moments ago has vanished.

I will Lysandir to look at me, to explain, but he doesn’t. Instead, when he turns and bids me goodnight, it holds nothing more than the mild pleasantries one might reserve for a new acquaintance. The last of my own goodnight still hangs in the air when he pulls open the door and leaves without a backward glance.

“Well, that was odd,” Fia comments once he leaves. “I thought after the gift he sent that perhaps he had shown a particular interest in you. Was I wrong?”

Yes? No? I thought so too, but…The words stick to my tongue, refusing to come out. I swallow.

“I’m not sure,” I say at last. For a moment there, I was so sure my interest was returned. But then he’d pulled away, he’d tried to say something before we were interrupted. What?

“Oh.” Her shoulders slump and she frowns toward the door. It’s only then I realize I’m wearing the same expression.

Does he care for me? Or is he as good an actor as his brother?

Chapter 24

Despite the exhaustion weighingon me, the emotional toll of the evening keeps me awake far longer than I’d like. Thankfully though, I don’t miss anything sleeping most of the morning away since it’s the day of the ball.

I run into Grace and Alex at a casual lunch in the parlor. Grace is quick to point out how I ghosted them last night, but surprisingly, Alex steps in to my defense.

“Can you blame her?” She bumps her shoulder into Grace’s. “It was awful. Don’t feel bad, Mira. We left right after.” She pops another piece of fruit into her mouth with a shrug. Discussion closed.

It’s not long after that when Fia shows up at my room to help me get ready for the ball. Ridiculously early in my opinion since it doesn’t start for hours, but Fia will hear none of it and is determined to take her time making me shine. Quite literally in fact.

The woman in the mirror is jaw-dropping. I almost can’t believe it’s me. Fia’s cosmetics highlight all my best features, managing to even add sparkle to my eyes, or maybe that’s just the awe and wonder shining through. My long, dark hair is curled in perfect waves and pinned back just so, letting it flow around my faceand shoulders but be tamed and constrained all at once. Tiny crystals woven into my hair on near invisible strands catch the light and make me shimmer and shine. The quarter-sized garnet on a thin chain around my neck doesn’t hurt either. But it’s the gown that’s the real showstopper.

“I knew this would be perfect for you,” Fia says in triumph as looks at my reflect in the mirror. She was right, so right. The idea of something so unique gave me pause. But she pushed me toward it, and I’m so glad.

The crimson fabric darkens to near black where the bodice stops just above my breasts, a small slit giving an extra peak at my cleavage which the almost corset-like top has pushed to new heights. The skirt of the gown is so mesmerizing I can’t stop twisting this way and that just to watch it move. Tones of gold and orange rise like flames from the bottom hem as well as the layer beneath the sheer top fabric. Little crystals, like the ones in my hair, catch the light, giving the whole thing the impression of being a dancing flame every time I move. Short, gold heels complete the look, peeking out here and there when I move.

I’m a living tribute to the Court of Fire. No one present will doubt where I belong.

The sun is just dropping below the trees when we are all shifted by the guards to an area just outside the palace.

“I’ll never get used to that,” Bailey says with a wobbly smile as soon as we arrive. She’s resplendent tonight in a blood red gown accented with shimmering gold and jewelry to match.

Of everyone, she seems to be the most genuinely in love with the king. Oh, Cora and Katherine are good at acting like it. Even now, Katherine gives a dramatic sigh and laments about when we get to see Vasilius, but it’s too much—too forced. Hopefully theking sees that, though maybe it would do him some good to marry a pretender after what I learned last night.

Still though, I hope he notices Bailey tonight. More than that, I hope he picks her in the end. He may just be doing his duty, but I can’t believe everything I’ve seen between them is false. There’s a hint of something, a seed that could grow if given time, and Bailey has the patience and demeanor to water it and watch it bloom.

The ball is to be held in a large, open space bordered on one side by the palace, another by the glowing trunks and lofting branches of the trees that glow with inner fire and a long arcing curve of what a guard informs us is the glass menagerie. In a way, it’s a tribute and symbol of the Court of Fire all on its own, with towering works of art made of glass, interspersed with a variety of flora and fauna spotted around meandering pathways and gurgling fountains. A large glass butterfly in a rainbow of colors spreads its wings out wide as three cars at the nearest edge. It beckons, begging me to wander and take in the stunning sights I can catch mere glimpses of, but that’s not why we’re here.

The massive open space before us has been decorated grander than any celebrity wedding. Fae lights of varying colors drift around in the dimming sky like string lights cut loose and given lift to float on their own. Long tables already filled with food and drinks are set up near the sides, and smaller ones covered in shimmering fabric are dotted around, presumably for people to eat and mingle. Various fae rush about, adding things to tables, adjusting decorations, and such. Others, based on their breathtaking attire and casual stance sipping drinks or chatting idly, are clearly guests who have arrived early.

Savory scents waft our way, causing Gabriella’s stomach to rumble. She gives a little embarrassed squeak. A few women giggle.

Zoe claps a hand on her shoulder. “I was too nervous to eat much either,” she admits. “Hopefully we get to eat soon?” She inclines her head toward a nearby guard and gives her a pointed look.

“Of course,” the guard replies. “Should I have a few plates brought over?”

“And risk a stain on my gown?” Katherine remarks, like we’ve suggested something ridiculous.

I shrug. “A snack would be nice.”

A few others murmur in agreement.

“Well fine,” Katherine snips and tosses her hair. “You can all stuff your faces and smell like food.I’mgoing to find the king.”

“He’ll be joining you all shortly.” Tharin’s booming voice just behind me causes me to jump. He steps around toward the front of our group. His uniform is more elaborate than usual, with golden stripes marking the crimson fabric of his shoulders and an extra halo of light shining off the flame emblem in the center of his chest.

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