Curse And Craving

44

“Good afternoon to you, ma’am. I brought you some food and thought I could help you freshen up for dinner tonight.” She spoke timidly, her hands hefting a tray filled with fruit and cheeses. “Oh, thank you. That's very kind. I suppose you can set the tray anywhere.” She set the tray on the vanity, then looked at me expectantly. She wore a plain servant's dress that would have been commonplace back in the early 1900s on Earth. “My name is Cyrene. I’m here to help you in any way I can.” Her shy smile was so endearing that I liked her instantly. “I'm Rebecca.” I reached out to shake her hand, and she regarded me curiously. After a moment, she touched my hand awkwardly, unsure of my intent. I clasped her hand slowly and shook it. Her eyes met mine, face lit with fascination. “It's a handshake. That's how we say hello on Earth.” “This is how the Fae greet an acquaintance.” She bowed her head with eyes lowered. I repeated the gesture, and we both grinned. “Can you tell me what's going on? Why am I being kept here for dinner?” “It's customary for guests of the palace to stay for dinner, if not stay the night. Dinner is always a formal affair, so I am here to prepare you. It would be an affront to her majesty if you were not adequately attired.” She walked to a large basin across the room. “I’ll prepare a bath for you. While you soak, I’ll fetch a gown for the evening.” She touched the basin, and steaming water magically appeared inside. “You can control water?” I asked, watching as she poured bath salts in the tub and gathered towels. “Yes, I'm a forest nymph—a type of elemental. No great magic, but I can do enough with water and earth to be of help here in the palace,” she said proudly, then stepped back to examine me. “Do you need help getting out of your clothes?” A surprised bubble of laughter escaped me. The entire scenario was so foreign, so unexpected. “No, thank you. I'll get in the bath by myself.” She gave a slight bow and slipped from the room, leaving me alone to bathe. The water maintained a perfect temperature. I hadn’t realized how much I needed a good soak, but after all that had transpired in a single day’s time, my body was riddled with tension. There was nothing for me to do but try to relax. I had no clue how to get back home, which made escape practically impossible. I would hold myself together, get through dinner, then have my mental breakdown once I was somewhat safely back home. It was decided. I closed my eyes and tried not to think until Cyrene returned. “It’s time to wash your hair. We don’t want you to be late.” I wasn't accustomed to strange women bathing me, but I didn’t want to be rude either. It would be wise to follow the lead of those around me in the unknown landscape. I swallowed my protest and leaned my head back. The soaps she used had a refreshing scent, and by the time she was done, my hair was silky smooth and clean. I rose from the soapy water, and she wrapped a towel around me. “Look what I found! I think it's going to be just beautiful on you.” She held up a royal purple gown made of ethereal fabric that hung in the air for my inspection. The dress was not particularly intricate, which suited me well. The combined effect of the color, fabric, and design was stunning. It was absolutely perfect. “Cyrene, I love it. Thank you!” She beamed in response and laid the dress on the bed before heading to the vanity. “Come put on this robe and have a seat. We’ll see what I can do with that beautiful hair of yours.” “It takes forever to dry.” “Trust me.” Creases formed at the corners of her large eyes as she grinned with amusement. She held her hands over my head and swept them slowly down my back to the ends of my hair. When she was done, my hair was completely dry. “Do you have any idea how amazing you are? I would do my hair all the time if I didn't have to dry it!” She giggled at my outburst, delighted that I was overwhelmed with something considered trivial in the Fae world. We chatted for the next hour while she combed, brushed, curled, and braided my hair. The final product was worthy of the front page of Time magazine. The top portion of my hair was pulled back with curls and a couple of intricate braids adorning my head, while the back portion fell in perfectly formed waves. I had never felt more beautiful. Once I completed the look with the purple gown, I stood dumbstruck in front of the mirror. I never thought much of my figure, but the fabric draping my body hugged me in all the right places, displaying my body to its fullest potential. I turned to Cyrene and took her hands. “Thank you so much.” “It's my pleasure, Rebecca. But please be careful.” Her face fell, and her eyes pleaded with me. “The Faery Court is a dangerous place, and the Queen can be a jealous ruler,” she whispered the last part as she took her hands back and nervously clenched her skirt. “Thank you for the warning. I have no intention of angering anyone tonight. I'm just trying to get myself back home.” I gave her a tight smile. “The bell tower tolls when it is time for the evening meal. Once you hear it, you will go down the hallway to the right, and it will take you to the main stairwell. At the bottom of the stairs, you should see the gathering of people entering the dining hall.” “You aren't staying with me until then?” “No, I'm sorry. I need to go help in the kitchens.” Reaching out, I gave the Fae woman a warm hug. After her initial surprise, she returned the gesture. Pulling back, I realized that her oversized eyes brought none of the horror that I had felt when encountering the other Fae creatures. She was kind and sincere, but most importantly, she was a wonderful reminder that not all Fae were hunters or criminals. “I’m so glad I met you, Cyrene. Thank you for all your help.” “Be well, Rebecca. I hope you return home safely.” With a soft smile, she slipped from the room, closing the door behind her. I walked to the small bookcase in the bedroom and scanned the titles. Most were in English, some in what I assumed to be an Elvin language. I examined the books for only a few minutes when a gong resonated throughout the room. That was my cue to perform. I had no doubt that every moment of my stay was part of an intricate test. I was not naïve enough to believe that I was safe, despite the absence of visible dangers. Power emanated from the Faery Queen like waves of radiant heat off the scorching pavement. If I was not careful, I would end up badly burned.