Page 61 of The Iron Fae
A gift box arrived this morning, the contents of which I now have draped over my shoulders and down my back. Snow colored fur, spotted in greys and creamy off-whites, was fashioned into a simple shawl that clasps with a single diamond studded button at my neck. My wings will be a surprise today.
Kai, Rowan, and I have been stuffed into a small, unmarked carriage. It's remarkably... plain. Much less than I even imagined for a carriage that would belong to someone with little money. Much like my dress, we can see the construction of the vehicle from the inside. It's only mildly worrying that I swear I can see a nail inching out of one of the boards. No one else seems to even notice.
So instead, I look down at my dress. A few leaves cling to the bottom of the skirt in the back where it touched the trail leading to the portal. I'd learned on my own well enough, in my waiting for this event, how to use my powers to change my appearance. My forehead still shines with the effort of the challenge. I mean, I was able to do it.
To anyone who saw me on the streets before I stepped into the waiting carriage, I looked just as plain as any other Shadow Fae. A long plain skirt, a billowing blouse, thin slippers for shoes, and a light hooded vest that I covered my hair with so I wouldn't have to think about changing that. The moment the door closed I let my magic go and the dress expanded in the seat.
Both Kai and Rowan's pauper appearances dissolve as well. My gown even creeps into Rowan's lap, where he sits next to me. He gently pushes it away from him.
"If it bothers you, you could go sit next to Kai." I lean down and peel a brown leaf off my dress.
"And miss my chance to sit next to you? No thanks." He holds out his hand. "If you're nervous, I could provide you some comfort."
I turn to look out the window at the beautiful city of Calhutta. "Not today."Not ever, I should say.
"We'll be there shortly," Kai assures, ever the gentleman. "We're actually meeting in a place of worship."
That drew my attention. "A church?"
"Yes. Though it's the faith of the old, old, old, testament. You're probably unfamiliar."
I nod as if I understand. My knee bounces against the carriage floor. I'm just waiting to get to this church to see Jase. And Lincoln. Oh, and can't forget, I have to start trying to gain some sort of traction and following so that I can kick the wicked bitch out of the Shadow Court and off my throne.
"Stop it," Rowan crosses his arms. "You're bouncing the whole dang carriage."
"If you keep shaking your leg like that, the poor boy will get motion sick." Kai pouts out his bottom lip.
I give him the smallest of smiles, and fight to still the restlessness of my leg. Settling on folding my hands tightly in my lap, I turn to look back out the window. Rising high above buildings white brick glitters in what's left of the sun behind the clouds. High peaks look carefully crafted and lovingly managed and not at all what I would call anoldchurch.
"Is that it?" I point.
Kai leans forward to look out the window. He rests his hand on my knee just long enough to give the church a quick glance and then sits back in his seat. My eyes stay strained on the spot his hand had just brushed. It's unlike him to touch me without asking instead of letting his hand hover like a proper prince.
"That's it." His attention never fully meets mine. He chews on his lip, lost deep in his own thoughts.
It could be that he's just as nervous about this as I am.I think to myself. Even his heartbeat seems to be beating just a bit faster than normal. Well, the normal I've gotten used to in the past couple of days.
The remainder of the ride is quiet. I've practiced saying 'hello' in my head more times than I can count. At this point it doesn't even feel like it's a word anymore. I'm sure I'll stutter over it when I get in front of the small crowd. Or Jase can listen to my examples. He's never without an opinion.
My body wrenches forward with the sudden stop of the carriage. Rowan's thick skull smacks against the bare wood behind him. He hisses through his teeth and rubs the spot.
"I'll get the door. The church has been gracious enough to host us, but with our need to be inconspicuous I've asked that no help be in the building." Kai fiddles with the door handle. It creaks but doesn'tmove.
"Fuddy old thing," he curses. He jiggles it a bit harder and after a loud snap the door pops open. "Very good."
Kai offers me his hand. I gather the sparkling white material of my skirt in my hand, lightly stepping out of the carriage. My shoes tap against smooth concrete.... or is it marble? I look closer. Dark spirals of color have been infused into the stone walkway. What at first I thought was plain rock could very well be legitimate marble.
Outside of the carriage, I have a better view of the church. The marbling of the walkway weaves up the church’s steps that lead to a set of French doors. Each panel of glass is intricately painted depicting different scenes of angels and demons at war. The building as a whole is comparable to a mansion, with a couple of towers on either side that reach up toward the sky.
Rowan gets out behind me, gently guiding me forward as I gawk up at the marvelous building. I loop my hand into Kai's arm, admiring the stained windows.
"It's so lovely."
"Yes," The prince looks over his shoulder. "A very pretty church."
His odd demeanor, the tension riddling his posture, and the tone of his voice pulls me from the trance. I study the veins popping out of his neck.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
