Page 50 of The Fae Girl 1

“Apologies for the dramatic entrance.” The High Queen said quietly once the servants had withdrawn. “I have to put on a good show for the common people.”

I nodded like I understood. Like any of this was normal.

The High Queen had a heart shaped face, with dark eyes that seemed to draw you in. The fabric of her dress looked so soft, so luxurious I wanted to reach out and touch it. A huge ruby glinted on her finger and a sting of diamonds circled her cleavage. Even the crown on her head was encrusted with jewels. Like she couldn’t cover enough of her body with them.

She must have been middle aged but she looked young, she looked still youthful like it was only just catching up with her.

I said nothing at her honesty but waited for her to speak.

What was the etiquette for speaking with a High Queen?

Mira had taught me a little, like how to curtesy, even if I was still very wobbly, but nothing had prepared me for this kind of meeting. I made a mental note to ask more. To research more because all too soon I’d be meeting her husband and when I did I wanted to be prepared. Really prepared.

“I heard the rumours about you, and Prince Rillon confirmed them to me.” The High Queen said.

“You’re the High King’s wife?” I asked not that I wasn’t sure but how else did I make conversation with such a person?

“Yes, High King Uther is my husband, though truth be told he’d have got rid of me years ago if he could.” She replied before sipping her tea.

I frowned surprised. Was it normal for queens to be so open about their marital woes?

The High Queen saw my face and laughed a little. “Oh everyone knows it.” She said waving her hand. “He has a mistress, a beautiful slip of a girl and a fine heir from his first wife. If it wasn’t for that I’d be for the sludge pile.”

“What happened to his first wife?” I replied.

“Dead. Died giving birth to their son. The noblest sacrifice a queen can do.” She said flatly. “No other wife can compare with that.”

“Then why don’t you leave him?”

“Leave him? My dear, perhaps where you come from women have better rights. Here, sadly, I am little more than a chattel, a piece of furniture to be brought out at feasts and dusted down for Wintertide before being stored away in a box the rest of the year. I am a possession no more. And possessions do not have any rights.”

She didn’t look like she needed dusting down. Every inch of her seemed to sparkle as though she had servants up all night polishing her jewels before she put them on.

“I am the High King’s possession too.” I muttered remembering how everyone stated it so robotically at every given opportunity.

“Yes that is true. But all the Magi are too, technically, and they make a good life out of it.” She shrugged. “I cannot see your life being any worse than theirs.”

“The Magi are too?” I half gasped.

“Yes.” She said. “That surprises you?”

“Well, they just seem pretty content, I guess I’d expect them to be more resentful that’s all.” I replied.

She smirked at that. “Well the Magi are granted a lot of freedoms and all the Lesser Kings and Lords can use their services only because there would be uproar if Uther tried to stop it.” She said before trailing off. “They are a sanctimonious bunch though. They like to act superior to everyone. But your presence has undone that; they can’t be top dog while there is a Fae around.”

“Still, they’re the High King’s possessions all the same though.” I stated.

“But you are far more than that my dear. That’s why I wanted to see you. To meet you. To get the measure of you.” The High Queen stated.

I frowned, stiffening at that. What exactly was she saying?

“Where were you when you crossed over?” The High Queen asked sipping her tea as if she’d simply asked about the weather.

For some reason I hesitated. Paused. But what did it matter anyway? “At my house, well the woods by my house.”

“I see. And how often have you been in that particular part of the woods before?”

“Never. It was my first time. I only just inherited the house.”

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