Page 12 of Thief of Dreams
Wrapping my arms around myself, I stride to the edge of the balcony that juts out from the mountainside. Lush shadowy lands stretch out below. Glittering lights from the town far below. "Am I even really here, or am I asleep in that glade? Is this all in my head?"
Are you in my head?
"Pinch yourself," he suggests.
It's ridiculous, but I do. A flare of pain skitters through my nerves.Real.Some of the tension leeches out of me. If it's real, then I can escape it.
"I've been here over three thousand years, Merisel. The world has grown more real over time, imprinted with my every thought, my every desire." Which would explain the nubile serving girls. "Even without me, it would still exist. The Court of Dreams has taken on substance over the years. Weight. These lands are real now, though woven of magic, with pure Chaos as its bedrock. It's an Other World."
Other Worlds are the stuff of legends.
Spun into reality by the dreams of dragons, they're dangerous, alluring places. The dragons are all gone now, slumbering forever in the stone of the earth. But the worlds remain.
You can reach them only by portal, and you must obey the laws that rule them. Dangerous lands. Dangerous courts. Entering one could cost you your life—or gift you with riches so powerful, you will forever live a blessed life.
And this one no less so, ruled by a prince so powerful he's managed to create it himself.
A shiver runs down my spine. The Dragon's Heart must be even more powerful than I imagined. No mere fae could create something like this.
"Are you trying to avoid me?" he murmurs suddenly. "I noticed you went out of your way to sit at the other end of the table at dinner."
It's the first time I've looked at him since he removed the glamour from my eyes.
Not a damned thing has changed about his face.
Ugh. It was not an illusion.
Why couldn't he have had something lopsided about his smile, or his eyes less luster? "I'm not avoiding you."
His smile stretches as if he senses my displeasure. "Then you have some issue with this face? You rarely look at me."
"No issue. You're definitely the prettiest in all the lands," I say, referencing the old story about a long-shattered court and a magic mirror.
He laughs. But it swiftly fades. "Prettiest?"
Oh, so someone doesn't like that?
"You would make an exceptionally handsome match with the Lady Altrea. Or perhaps the Princess Ismena. Anyone beholding the pair of you would be blinded by your beauty."
If not by Ismena's venom.
"You do not count yourself among such ranks?"
"A lowly lady like myself does not dare dream."
He steps forward as if to pursue me. "But that is the purpose of a Summons. Every female here tonight has a chance."
I glance across the gardens, wrapping my arms around myself. I'd hoped not to capture his attention, for twisting my way through wordplay is not my best asset.Be bland."You're too kind."
"But you don't want a chance," he swiftly notes.
Damn it. It's a fine line I walk.Don't capture his attention, but don't have him dismiss you either."Of course, I do. It would be a coup for my family. A strong alliance with a powerful court."
All things he'd expect me to say.
"Lie," he whispers, as if he can taste it on my tongue.
"It's not a lie," I protest.
