Page 60 of The Iron Fae
"Good because that's nonnegotiable."
"Damn," Rowan continues to cheer me on. "You learn fast, human."
Not human.I think.
"And Lincoln can come," I tack on.
Were you planning on inviting me or just assuming that I'll be there?
I bite my lip.Would you like me to send a formal invite? Would that please you?
You know what, it totally would.
I'll write it up but, I expect you to be there if I go through all the trouble.
"Lincoln can come, I suppose. Though I don't think the court will find it necessary and it may get you off on a slightly different foot than what they expect," Kai answers, while Lincoln and I talk amongst ourselves.
"Is the court not made of Shadow Fae? Why would they be bothered by the head of the guard being in attendance."
"The Shadow Fae Court does have some titled Shadow Fae in it..." Violet speaks in a tone that says she's annoyed that it even needs to be explained.
Unfortunately, all my Fae strengths did not come with the complete comprehensive guide to my court. That I'll need to learn on my own. Still, I let her continue.
"There are other Fae. Pure Fae, who have been brought up their entire lives for the sole purpose of assisting the mixed breeds in a world that is fully Fae. Their opinions are valued above the rest. And that's without mentioning that Lincoln was a gift to Cordelia. His loyalty should be unquestionably reserved for her."
"His loyalty is only to Cordelia?" I repeat.
"I said, 'should be' don't go twisting my words like that." Violet's face puckers.
"I’m glad to see that your good mood has been spoiled like my sleep." Rowan points his gaze at his sister, pulling a braid over his shoulder and fiddling with the end of it.
I'll come. And it will be fine. I know how to handle the damn stuffy fools at this point. Don't worry about me while you make your decision.Lincoln's mind is split between listening in to our conversation and sitting through a small meeting on his end.
Kai and the others give me time to answer and I can see that they're waiting for me to be done with the conversation inside my head so that I can respond to them. That has to be very annoying, and judging by the look on their faces, it very much is. But I'll get better over time, I remind myself.
I pick my fork back up and with little effort straighten it back out again. I'm gentler now with my touch as I pick at my food that's finally cooled down. Pointing my fork, speared with another piece of meat, at Kai.
"Set the meeting," I say firmly. Then I smile, brilliant and wide.
Because I know that things are going to change for the better.
For me. For Lincoln.
For all of the Shadow Fae.
Sixteen
Wicked Bitch
Days wentby before Kai was able to get word safely to the court about our planned meeting. Each one of them passed with such brutal slowness I swore time was going backwards. I filled my days with headaches from straining my concentration in mild and mainly unsuccessful attempts at magic. After days of trying the most I could manage was the appearance of looking different for only short periods of time. But like a mirage they would fade and I’d still be sitting in my same clothes.
Somedays I practiced leaping off the edge of my bed hoping my wings would flutter and lift me up off the ground. It rarely worked and when it did it was only for half a second. Even with a running start I couldn’t quite get the rhythm to keep me steady and afloat before coming crashing down on my knees. It was the least I could do on my own to pass the time. Finally, the day had arrived for the meeting, and with equal importance, my chance to see Jase.
I'd changed my outfit nearly a thousand times—I have a thousand different options—and settled for a white gown. It made me look more regal, in my own opinion, though much more skin is shown than would be appropriate for the human world.
This dress only has enough non-sheer fabric, on the upper half, to cover up my nipples. Other than that, it's simply white glitter over boning that holds the structure of the dress. The neckline dips down revealing my belly button before the skirt gathers purposefully to look as if I'm constantly holding it up for me to walk. Which consequently, makes it much easier for me to walk.
That's partially why I chose the garment. I wouldn't want to introduce myself to the people who will be, in Rowan's words, judging me for the rest of my life and then fall flat on my face. Though, I do find it harder now to be that clumsy. My body's more aware of my surroundings at all times, not to mention, the upgrade comes with better balance.
