Page 10 of A Blaze of Fire
Once Rosemary practically scrubbed me raw in a tub of scalding water, I was cleaned, plucked, and dried to perfection. After much consideration, we chose the most modest dress within the options that were hanging in the wardrobe, which would be considered risqué back home. The garment was blood red with a plunging neckline and my back exposed. The dress was cut so low in the back that I was convinced the crack of my ass was showing, but Rosemary assured me I was fine.
As we stepped outside my room, I was surprised to find a guard standing by the door. He was tall and huge, built like a linebacker. I’d never seen such a beefy-looking fae. All the ones I’d seen had seemed so … delicate thus far. Even Ansel and Alec, who I considered manly specimens, still had an otherworldly fragility to them that seemed very fae. But this guard was anything but fragile. I glanced at his ears to make sure he was fae and noticed the tips ended in a gentle point.
He turned to me and I was taken aback by a scar that slashed down his eye, lending him a dangerous element that was very striking. “Lady Violet,” he greeted. “My name is Rook. I’ll be your personal guard during your stay with us.”
I frowned. “Am I in danger?” I glanced between Rook and Rosemary warily.
“No!” Rosemary shouted. “Of course not!” Her voice was squeaky and shrill, which did nothing to calm my nerves or reassure me. “We’re just taking precautions. You’re very … unique and we don’t know how the Unseelie will take to your presence among us. The King merely wants to ensure your safety.”
“You’ll be safe with me, Lady Violet,” Rook offered reassuringly.
I eyed him skeptically. “Sure,” I mumbled. “Lead the way, big guy.”
They led me through a maze of corridors that wound up and around the castle until we arrived back in front of the massive double doors that led to the throne room. From the outside, I heard laughing voices and the gentle swells of music playing. Savory food smells wafted from the other side of the door, coupled with the honeyed sweetness of Fae wine. It was all very intoxicating.
“Since you’re a halfling, you’re able to eat and drink our food and wine,” Rosemary advised. “So don’t worry about avoiding it. It won’t do anything to you.”
I mentally smacked my forehead.Great. I hadn’t even been worried about that. What else should I be paying attention to?
Rook nodded at me to make sure I was ready, then he wrapped his meaty fists around the large, ornate brass handles and opened the doors. Immediately we were assaulted by a cacophonous ruckus of sound, along with a riot of colors and otherworldly sights from my very first Unseelie party. It was like the circus and Cirque du Soleil decided to have a party while a sixteen-piece band played in the background. There were limber acrobats and incandescent fire breathers jostling for attention among the other elementals practicing their magic with artful flair. It was quite a sight to behold. And it was all …for me.
Rosemary interlocked her arm in mine and smiled brightly up at me as she practically dragged me through the throne room, Rook following closely behind. No introductions were needed and no grand entrance was planned, yet everyone knew exactly who I was. I felt their calculating eyes dogging my steps. At first, I kept my head down and my gaze averted, my cheeks rosy in embarrassment. When I finally looked up, I saw that I was right. Everyone’s gaze was fixed upon us … uponme.
“Why is everyone staring at us?” I murmured to Rosemary.
She tittered and covered her mouth. “Because they know you’re the halfling.”
“I’m sure I’m not the only halfling in history,” I retorted.
“Of course not, silly. But you’rethehalfling. There’s a difference.” She eyed me carefully as if the reason for their ardent fascination should be obvious.
We weaved through the crowd, creating a gently jostling wave that parted to allow our path until we reached the buffet table that overflowed with a vast array of food and drinks – most of them unrecognizable.
“Eat up; I’m sure you’re hungry. Alec told me he forgets to feed you sometimes,” Rosemary tutted sympathetically as if I was Alec’s pet.
Her comment made me grit my teeth.Damn Alec. Where is the bastard, anyway?
I surveyed a platter of finger food and grabbed one that looked interesting, popping it in my mouth without looking. The instant that little food bomb hit my taste buds, an explosion of flavors filled my mouth. My eyes widened in undisguised glee.
“Oh my God, this is amazing!” I went to grab one, two, and three more, quickly losing count. I ate so fast, I couldn’t discern the flavors as I concentrated only on stuffing my mouth. No longer caring about the gawking eyes of the Unseelie partygoers, I started making my way down the buffet line, eating to my heart’s content. Each morsel I popped into my mouth was beyond amazing and I was consumed by the desire to eat until I physically couldn’t stomach another crumb.
“I should’ve known I’d find you near the food,” an arrogant female voice said from behind me. “No class.”
With my mouth overflowing in the most unladylike fashion imaginable, I turned and came face-to-face with the blonde bombshell I’d encountered in Alec’s apartment. Sage, I think her name was.
I tried swallowing everything before responding to her rude remark, but she beat me to the punch.
“Do you really think you’re safe here?” she challenged with a raised brow.
“Of course she is!” Rosemary interjected, but Sage aimed a withering glare her way that quieted her down immediately.
“Stay in your lane, pixie,” Sage warned, then turned her attention back to me. “You might have the King’s favor now, but it won’t last long,halfling. You’re destined to fail.”
I scoffed and rolled my eyes so she wouldn’t see how intimidated I truly was. “And why is that?”
Sage stepped toward me, invading my personal space. “Because I know who your father is,” she whispered with a devilish sneer.
Somehow I managed to keep my expression neutral, knowing Alec would chastise me for giving away my true feelings. She was observant, and it was impressive that she’d put it all together, but I didn’t have to confirm it for her.
