A Dance with Fate - A Celestial Court Novel

Act 1 - Scene 3

I walked out of the drawing-room, rubbing my hands on my temples, making my way outside. Our estate is built into the side of the mountains, which has many caves and caverns. They are full of hot springs, making it the perfect place to bathe and relax after being ambushed this morning. Many of the beings that live in Lupus visit the springs regularly, they work wonders on a damaged body or spirit. Wren even moved into one of the caves a few years ago to escape all the boisterousness, now she only visits the estate when there are court affairs to attend to. My bare feet moved along the cool stone steps that lead down to my favourite spring, the bottom of the pool is full of quartz and the walls of the cavern have bioluminescent mushrooms. I dropped my robe and dipped my toes into the water to check the temperature, even though I knew it was hot enough since I could see the steam rising. I slid down the side of the stone until the water rested below my chin, this is where I’m content. Wren had made me special oils that work with the natural minerals, invigorating my body as I washed it. It almost felt like someone else was rubbing me down. My frame started to tingle, was I becoming aroused? I’ve never felt quite like this before, I wondered if it’s my Were spirit working its way to the surface as the hours to my birthday lessen. I felt a quake deep inside me causing me to arch my back. Just when my hands were about to explore my body, Wren shifted into the cavern.  

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” she said with a blank expression.  

“Everyone else saw me naked today, don’t want you to feel left out.” Mother of Weres, I just want some peace.  

“How kind... I came to see how you’re feeling? Maybe you want some navigation on what to expect for tomorrow, or do you plan to have the hubris of most Alphas?” she manifested a stool to perch on. I took a deep breath knowing there was no way out of this without talking about my feelings.  

“Please, make yourself comfortable... I have spent my life training to run the Territory, how to earn loyalty from the guards and citizens, studied all the battle strategies from before the convergence, but mother never talked about what gaining my spirit would be like. She just said that I would know what to do when the time comes, that it’s a very personal journey.”  

“Alpha Selene is not wrong, it is very personal, your instincts will kick in to help you, but your first shift is painful, it will flood you with new emotions, new desires. If you don’t learn to control them, they will control you. It’s the undoing of such a beautiful creature.” her gaze rolled down my legs.  

“And how do you propose I learn to control my newfound desires?”   

“Introspection, mediation, you need to do something that helps you connect with your spirit... Since I joined the royal ranks of Lupus, with your mother’s distaste of my work, we’ve never been close but I’m here to guide you. You’re going to be overtaken with the sole objective of finding and protecting your mate at all costs, we can’t let that happen at the expense of the Celestial Court.”   

“Who’s we?”  

“The Elders, the Territories, the stars. If you believe that the Territory of Crux is plotting to kidnap your mate, and your only train of thought is to protect them, you would end up going to war. Then Territories would pick sides, that would create the perfect storm for usurpers, for segregation, for the fall of the Celestial Court. You need command through connection or your Were spirit will dominate you.”   

I dunk my head under the water, feeling the crushing pressure that if I make one wrong move it could endanger everyone. Bubbling up from the surface I said “Ugghhh when do we start the energy work?”   

“Tomorrow.” she smiled. “Let me leave you to your cleansing. I’ll greet you in the morning.”   

“Just don’t rip the covers off me to get me out of bed.” I grumbled as she shifted out of the cavern.   

I stayed in the hot spring for a while longer, thinking about how different everything will be not only after my birthday but after the ball season since me finding a mate will be likely. Maybe I’ll be like Cygnus and spend the next 80 years without one, fingers crossed.  

Luckily, one of the Faes who take care of the estate had started a fire in my bed chambers and left my supper on a tray. Thank the Mother I don’t have to join anyone for dinner tonight. I carried the tray to my bed and welcomed its comfort.  

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I opened my eyes, thankful that I wasn’t awoken in the same manner as the day prior. I take inventory of how my body feels, stretching my fingers and toes under the covers. I wondered if I’d have newly discovered strength and speed while I trained today. I Hoped to get through the day without anyone making a big scene. When I finally sat up, I screamed “What are you doing in here!?”  

“Hello, I told you I would greet you in the morning.” Wren smiled, sitting at the end of my bed.   

“I didn’t think you meant the second I woke up.” I said as I rubbed my eyes.   

“Well, we had to give you your present before you got dressed.”   

“What?” It’s too early to be having a conversation.  

“Cygnus had the couturier make you an ensemble, and I enchanted some accoutrements... Armour that also shifts with you.” she gestured to the dress mannequin beside my bureau.   

My first look at Annalise’s work and I’m impressed. It was a sleek bodysuit, deep wine in colour, with a utility bodice. Wren’s armour was beautiful.   

“It was made by the finest blacksmith in the Territories, I had him melt down some of the Ishtar royal jewels, so it’s fit for an Alpha but not too gaudy. The bodice has many little compartments if you needed to carry goods or weapons, you’re able to wear the suit under anything so if you are to shift and happen to destroy your clothing you could still be modest when you’re back in your normal form. It’s also resistant to the elements. Cygnus, of course, wanted to make sure the armour and the bodysuit would complement each other.” She watched me get out of bed as I walked over to touch the pieces.   

“I don’t know what to say, it’s so beautiful.” I grazed my hands over the gold armour and traced the amethyst and moonstones that were embedded in it. Each shoulder had the Lupus sigil embossed on it; this blacksmith was the best. “How did you get my mother to agree to meltdown royal jewels?”  

“I showed her my design, and she suggested the smith and the jewels.” She gave me a raised brow.  

“I’m surprised... she never likes anyone else’s ideas. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to try on clothes.” I quickly moved behind a folding screen and adorned myself in my new attire, they fit perfectly, hugging every curve, I wouldn’t expect less from Mages. When I stepped out, I went straight to the mirror. “I don’t know if it’s my Were spirit, but I’ve never felt so... Powerful.”  

“Indeed, you’re starting to feel the added strength from your spirit but you also look very compelling. Come, let’s show you off to the family.” She got off the bed and reached for me, pulling me out of my bed chambers.