Forever Entwined

The Citadel Suite

Nix turned to see her mate's beautiful face.

"While it's amazing to be lying beside you," Cass admitted, his voice a low rumble, "I'd much rather lie beside you in my own bed. And you've had a big day; I'll take you to my chambers in the citadel."

With a blink, Nix found herself in a breathtaking room, draped in more gold than she'd ever imagined. Sapphire vases stood tall on decorative cherry wood tables, and rich blue curtains hung, drawn against the city's gaze. Above, the roof was glass, showcasing the shimmering tapestry of the night sky.

"Would you like to bathe?" Cass asked, his gaze soft.

Nix followed him into an adjoining room where hot water flowed from multiple taps, filling a tub large enough for four Fae. She hadn't had a warm bath since she was small enough to fit in a large bucket.

"Yes, please," Nix breathed, her brown eyes widening at the vibrant rainbow of bubbles that bloomed as Cass poured in a generous amount of fragrant liquid.

"Here," Cass offered his hand and helped her step into the tub. He started to withdraw, but the thought of being alone was the last thing Nix wanted.

"Aren't you going to join me?" she invited, her tone a subtle murmur.

"If you want," Cass easily stepped over the tub's edge and sank onto a built-in seat. The water reached his chest, while it lapped at Nix's chin. He gently pulled her by the waist until she rested in his lap. Taking a soft sponge, he began to massage her body, washing away the sweat and grime from the meadow and the ceremony.

"What will the public ceremony be like?" Nix asked, leaning into his touch.

"It will be in front of all the nobles, lords, ladies, and the rest of my family."

"And what will we need to do?"

"We will do exactly what we did tonight."

"Oh,"

"Except," Cass added matter-of-factly, "you will also be crowned queen."

"What!" Nix paled at the thought.

"It's alright; it's more decorative than anything. You won't need to do anything," Cass assured her, his hand stroking her arm.

But a knot of unease tightened in Nix's stomach. What sort of queen did nothing? Was she expected to always be passive? Would she forever be just a decoration?

"I suppose that seems easy then," Nix agreed, though a flicker of doubt remained in her eyes.

Cass seemed pleased and finished washing her before stepping out of the tub and carefully helping her out, ensuring she didn't slip. He reached for a towel to dry her, but she stopped him.

"It's okay, I'm not a childling. I can do things for myself."

Cass blushed, a surprising crimson dusting his cheeks. "Sorry, I'm not used to having someone I care so much for," he admitted sheepishly.

"Well, I appreciate it," Nix said softly, resting her hand on his chest before gazing up into his deep blue eyes.

A sudden wave of fatigue washed over Nix, and Cass, ever attentive, noticed. He gently guided her back to the bedroom and tucked her beneath the soft, luxurious sheets. Sleep claimed Nix before she could fully register Cass's quiet words, "Sleep well, my heart."

"Oh my goddess!"

Nix jolted awake to the sound of a high-pitched female voice squealing from the bedroom doorway.

"Shh, she's sleeping," Cass gently chided the Fae.

"Ohhh, I really want to meet her!"

"Cass?" Nix sat up, clutching the sheets around her bare body.

"Hi!" the Fae gasped, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Camilla!" Cass hissed, shooting his sister a warning glare before gently ushering her out and closing the door.

"Sorry about my sister. She's not very good at giving space."

"You have a sister?" Nix wondered what else she didn't know. How much should she know about her mate, her king?

"Yeah, but let's not worry about her right now. I told the maids you're not accustomed to being groomed, so I thought I'd try to acclimate you," Cass said, holding up a breathtaking gown of pale blue silk, embroidered with silver thread.

Suddenly, panic tightened Nix's chest as she realized her small velvet bag was missing. "My bag!" she gasped, her eyes darting around the room.

"It's right here. I got it from the cabin," Cass said reassuringly, taking it down from a hook in the ornate wardrobe. "But you need to get dressed. I can help you."

"I don't think I'll need help dressing," Nix said, looking at Cass as if he'd grown a second head.

"You will with this," he warned, holding up a tightly laced corset.

An hour later, Nix stood before a polished crystal mirror, feeling anything but regal. Beneath the ceremonious pale blue gown, the tightened corset constricted her waist, making it difficult to breathe, let alone bend. Cass had been right; she had needed help. Once the corset was on, she couldn't even reach her own feet to put on her shoes.

"I don't think I can do this," Nix whispered, stress prickling her skin as she futilely attempted to arrange her hair.

"You can. You'll be great," Cass said softly, trying to soothe her rising anxiety.

A delicate knock echoed at the door. Cass went to answer it. "No, Millie, you can't!" hushed whispers drifted from the other side. "Look, she's very shy... no... fine," he conceded, allowing Camilla to slip into the room.

Camilla was graceful and tall, with the same golden hair and sparkling blue eyes as her older brother, but her face was dusted with a charming scattering of freckles, and her chin was more delicately pointed.

"My new sister! You may call me Millie!" she giggled, rushing to Nix and embracing her tightly. "Oh, no, you absolutely need your hair up for an occasion like this," she declared, gently guiding Nix to a stool and beginning to expertly style her unruly locks.

Cass stood close by, his gaze fixed on Nix, ready to intervene at any sign of distress.

"So, Cass said your name is Nixie?" Millie asked, her nimble fingers weaving braids.

"Yes," Nix confirmed quietly, feeling a blush creep up her neck.

"Well, I think we should look into your bloodlines because I have a feeling you're a descendant of the water fae tribes," Millie mused, her tone that of an educated scholar. Since she could toddle, she'd been immersed in learning, fluent in multiple languages, proficient in several instruments, and adept at reading, writing, and even solving complex equations.

"You sound so smart," Nix admitted, feeling like a clumsy, earthbound creature in comparison.

"Psh, reading books isn't the same as knowing how to be kind, or keep a conversation flowing, or even know how to make bread, all of which I still struggle to learn," Millie sighed wistfully before securing the last hairpin. Nix's hair was now an intricate cascade of braids and loose tendrils framing her face, a style she could never have achieved herself. "I'll be in the front row, so if you need a friendly face to focus on, look for me." She squeezed Nix's hand before kissing her sister-in-law on the cheek and waving goodbye with a bright smile.

"I'm sorry," Cass said, shaking his head ruefully at his sister's exuberance.

"She's really nice," Nix murmured, staring at her reflection again. Her hair was so beautiful; she felt a pang of longing for the simple comfort of her own messy bun.

"Well, in any case, it's time for us to head to the chapel again," Cass said gently, resting his hand on her shoulder before teleporting them both away.