Page 85 of Wind and Water
“Please call me Wren. Is it inappropriate here to leave it down for dinner?” I touch my wild curls. I wish I had one of my combs. I suppose the witch queen will throw my treasures into the fires of hell. I can’t even remember when she took my bracelet.
“Not at all.” Lila takes the blue gown from the wardrobe. “They told me you were fair, and I thought this color would suit, but I can see I’ll need to shorten the length.”
“The dress is lovely. I’m sorry to cause you more work. I can find my duffel and wear my own clothes.” I have no idea where Liam’s room is, but I’m sure that’s where my duffel bag was put after whatever occurred below with his parents.
“It’s nothing. You forget we have magic for such tasks when they must be done in a hurry.” She winks.
“I suppose I didn’t think of that.” I laugh and try on the beautiful gown of periwinkle, watching in awe as Lila uses the gentlest magic to adjust the material to fit me, as if it were made just for me. If only this world fit as easily. “Do you think I can have access to the bag that the centaurs brought for me? It has some jewelry in it that I’d like to wear.”
“Of course. I’ll have someone bring it right away.” After going to the door and speaking to someone in the hall, she asks me to sit in front of a small mirrored vanity table, and fusses with my hair and smiles. “Curls are rare in elves. Your hair is beautiful.”
An elf in blue livery knocks and then trips into the room. “Your bag, my lady.” He thrusts my duffel toward me.
Lila frowns. “By the old gods, Paddy. You are too clumsy by half.”
“I apologize.” Paddy bows, places my bag on the floor, and backs out of the room.
I giggle. “I’m glad not all elves are self-assured and graceful. I thought I would feel quite frumpy here.” Lifting my bag, I dig in the side pocket until I feel the small jewelry bag, and pull it out. I roll it out on the little vanity table, revealing the few pieces I brought for the trip to England.
“Oh, how beautiful.” Lila stares over my shoulder.
“Thank you.” I pick up a silver necklace with a swallow in flight and a pair of silver earrings that I noticed Liam admired when we were in a pub one night. “I thought these might look nice with the dress.”
Lila picks up the necklace and examines it with a softness of expression and a slight smile. “And you made this? Your mother told me that you were a remarkable artist, but I never expected… This is exquisite.” She pushes my hair aside and clips the chain around my neck.
“You are too kind.” I slip the earrings through my piercings and pinch my cheeks. “Do you think they’ll like me, Lila?”
Her expression is kind as she meets my gaze in the mirror. “I think they will adore you. I think this world is grateful to you. I knew Liam is in love with you from the moment I saw the two of you together. If that were all that were true, would it be enough to ease your worry, Wren?”
I dab the corner of my eye before I burst into tears again. I’ve got to get these emotions under control. “It would be more than enough.”
She pats my shoulder. “Have a lovely evening. I’m going to go and see if Harper needs anything. Liam will return to escort you in a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Lila.” I stare at my reflection for a long time, wondering how in the world I went from hell to wearing a beautiful gown such a short time.
Chapter Twenty
Liam
As I escort Wren into the private dining room in the blue dress, my heart leaps in my chest. She is stunning and wears a charming smile. Not even my father is immune to her warm, kind nature as she thanks him for the hospitality.
Mother has had the dinner delayed slightly in favor of some light snacks and wine in the sitting area at the far side of the room. “I thought we might sit and hear about your journey before beginning dinner, as Wren is concerned for our appetites once we hear the tale.”
Besides my family, Wren, and Birdie, the group includes Harper, Rían, and Niamh. Father told me that Corell and Farress were invited but declined as the centaurs are celebrating at their encampment this evening, which has been planned for a few weeks. They will visit tomorrow.
Several footmen offer wine, but as soon as their duties are complete, Father asks them to step out.
Mother says, “Corell and Birdie told us everything up until you were pulled through a ground portal.”
“Are we late?” A blond elf accompanied by a stocky man with dark curly hair and wrinkles rush in.
It strikes me a second later that the man is human. Moreover, the woman is familiar.
“No. We’re just going to hear about Liam's journey.” Aaran takes Harper’s hand, and they sit together.
The familiar elf stares at me and grins. “You’ve grown, Liam.”
“Nainsi?” My memories are scattered because I was young, and she went to live with an aunt and uncle. Then she went with my parents to the human world and never came back. But this is my adopted sister. I pull her into my arms. “Nainsi. How is this possible?”
