I Take Thee

Chapter Five

You would think a carriage made from thicket and brambles would be uncomfortable, but to my surprise the inside was most luxurious. Feathered pillows softened the journey across the cobbled stones of Doria’s city roads, cushioning us against the reckless driving of the hobgoblin entrusted with our safety. I snuggled into the furs that carpeted the interior, Dion sitting rigid beside me, his distain for carriages worse than my own. As we were swept away and up to the castle we passed by the various denizens of the capital enjoying the night markets. The oddities of the night market bustled around us, the patrons curiouser still. If we hadn’t been summoned to the palace I would have liked to have stopped to browse the stalls, walk amongst the fae I had only ever heard of in fantastical tales of woe and wonder. I forgot that most of the fae here were creatures of twilight, they would revel in the delights that lit up the city at night. I don’t think I saw a single human in the crowd, perhaps they knew better than to wander the city at night?

We stopped momentarily and I spied from the window a few changeling children, their eyes as black as coal. They were the ones who had been given back, almost fully grown. Their skin gleamed a greenish tint under the street lamps. They hadn’t noticed me but I watched as they worked in the alleyway behind a stall selling cursed trinkets. As I strained my eyes to see closer one of their heads reared up to look directly at me. Their eyes bottomless black holes and as hollow as I felt gawking at their misfortune. Changeling children weren’t malicious by nature, they were just always unwanted, a feeling I would soon be acquainted to.

As the carriage trundled beneath the portcullis the castle came into view, its sheer size and grandeur widening my eyes in amazement. Up on the highest hill of Doria sat the castle that housed some of the most prestigious and dangerous families in Aelfhelm. The stature of the castle looked down upon the tiered houses that wound all the way down to the sea, It’s shadow large enough to assert dominance over most the city. In true fae fashion it had been constructed by Aelfhelm’s most talented craftsmen, over a centuries worth of human hands had built this palace alongside a handful of high fae who oversaw its construction. From its marble pillars and sweeping arches to the tallest towers and minarets, it was a marvel to behold.

The castle grounds were what intrigued me most however, as instead of the perfectly manicured gardens found in the palaces across the continent they were unbound and free. Like the faeries that ruled and dwelled here the gardens housed an untamed sort of beauty. Wildflowers bloomed in the warm glow of the faelight, foxglove, rosemary and roses grew in abundance, Lavender and lilacs covered the front walkways and an unkempt maze of magic lay deep within the castle garden waiting to ensnare any brave soul that dare enter. Even the walls of the palace did not stop nature from entering, trees weaved in and out of its walls, their roots entangling in arches to create a walkway around the main building. Ivy crept up the side of the pale grey stone and vines of wisteria hung from balconies, adding colour to the pale moonlit exterior.

‘My lady Fairspen’ The Bogan extended his arm, but I ignored him still enraptured by my surroundings.

‘Huh?’

‘You are awaited upon by his majesty’

‘Yes, please lead on’ I say trying to maintain composure.

The Bogan leads us up a set of stone stairs and through an arched gate, Dion’s hand never leaving the hilt of his sword. We are led through a grove of yew trees, ancient magic embedded within them. The gardens are lit with crystal faelight but it is the fireflies and sprites that light up our path. Guiding us through the tunnel of trees we are escorted to a long gallery of ornate mirrors and into a vestibule to wait further instruction. There is not a single soul with us and yet the sensation of being watched prickles my skin. Looking into one of the mirrors I squint to see if the glass is a trick, if I could sense a presence behind it observing us. I shake my head at the thought, my flair for the dramatics and suspicions clouding my sleep deprived mind. Catching sight of myself, I cringe but despite what little vanity I possess I still attempt to look half decent. I roll up the sleeves of my soot stained tunic into my coat sleeves. I brush off any signs of dirt or dust from my trousers. Lastly I pinch my cheeks and undo my coronet to hide the stray hairs that had stuck to my neck with sweat. Fluffing my hair as best I could I pinned it back in a make shift style until I thought I was somewhat presentable. It wasn’t ideal but at least I was just meeting the King. As Dion straightened his own tunic the set of gilded doors across from the vestibule opened wide before us.

‘Announcing Lady Fairspen of Hallow’ The Bogan grinned back at me savouring the wide eyed horror as I beheld the entire court staring at me. Humiliation was just one of the delectable human emotions a faerie hungered for, I should have known…

I could do nought but stand still and hope I had suddenly gained the power to turn invisible, but I knew that was a lost cause. Instead I straightened up and held out my hand for Dion to escort me down and into the pit that was the royal courtroom. Taking my lead he offered his arm, face stoic and head held high, I deigned not to look at the Bogan as we strode past, he would have no more satisfaction from me. I would remember that grin for as long as my heart kept beating and carry it with me as a reminder of what fae were… wicked and cruel.

It could no longer go unnoticed, the vastness of the room bearing down on me. The opulence of faelight crystal in golden chandeliers illuminating the room. I tried with all my might to keep my eyes forward but I could not help myself. For above my head lay a map of stars

‘Welcome to my little soirée!’ A voice echoed through the murmured whispers of the gentry. So that was how the Bogan skirted around the truth… it wasn’t a ball but a soirée hey? I must remember such a trick. The crowd parted, the ladies even lifting the hem of their skirts as if I would tread dirt upon their finery. They tittered to their gentleman companions behind feathered fans and white gloves. Human and fae nobles, an array of Doria’s highest in society gathered in one room. A sea of unfamiliar faces staring at me with hungry eyes, beasts waiting to feast on my carcass as I was torn to shreds by their words. I caught sight of a few faeries that would use my bones to pick their teeth given half the chance. We made our way to the source, the commanding voice belonging to the man standing on the dais. No.. not a man, he looked like a man but the power emanating from him marked his strangeness, he was not a man, he was one of them. He was the King of Aelfhelm.

King Kairen was as enchanting as the rest of the gilded palace. His blue eyes as bright as a naked flame, they lit up his lightly tanned complexion. He had gold paint smeared across his eyes, a mask of golden coloured flesh. His copper hair was also streaked with gold, his cream brocade jacket lined with gold dipped feathers. In one pointed ear hung a single earring, a crystal cuff winding all the way up to the apex. In one hand he clutched a glass goblet of wine, in the other he clutched the thigh of a beautiful fae woman, her silken outfit leaving little to the imagination. I noticed her lips were painted the same gold as his majesties eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder if they had been gold when she first arrived or if there were other parts of him painted gold.

‘My lady Fairspen! How delightful!’

‘Your majesty’ I curtsied low, awkward without my skirts hiding how my ankles trembled.

‘Goodness, I didn’t think I would see the day!’ He cooed, my presence an oddity indeed, ‘Why are you dressed so informal my dear? Do you not own a woman’s attire?’

I hear sniggering from the crowd behind me, even the minstrels have stopped playing to allow my humiliation to take centre stage. Dion’s knuckles crack at his side but he stays prostrate, a subordinate despite his mistress being laughed at by the highest in society. I glance up at the king as he releases the buxom beauty at his side and stands up from his throne, towering over me and Dion as we stay stooped into submission. His stature was tall even without the dais, I stared at his polished boots fumbling about for an answer. I pursed my lips, still in the curtsy, the real explanation for my appearance unacceptable to say to a king. Just as I thought I may have a polite response, a slender hand is lifting my chin upwards, long pointed nails delicately poised on my skin.

‘Your King asked you a question’ he grins, his pupils dilated enough to know how much of a thrill my discomfort was. I tried not to shudder under his close up examination of me, how the corners of his lips tugged slightly as his eyes roamed downwards.

‘Your majesty, I am dressed this way as we were expected tomorrow evening, there must have been some confusion’ I say, his hand still holding my chin, eyes narrowing down at me as he holds me at full height ‘my deepest apologies’

‘Consider yourself forgiven my lady’ he chimes, letting go of my face his handprint lingering on my skin. I feel my cheeks reddening, the flush of embarrassment staining me as I came under his scrutiny. I am suddenly very aware of the many eyes watching my interaction with the king, the tittering having stopped entirely. They were holding their breath in anticipation, after all… I was the first Fairspen to ever put themselves forward for a chance to be Queen.

‘Your majesty’ I say, hoping to finally be dismissed so I may melt away into the shadows and out of his eye-line but he simply sits down, crossing one long leg over the other. He crooks a finger for me to join him on the dais, Dion dutifully moves to the side, smart enough to know he isn’t required.

‘Music!’ King Kairen declares, the minstrels already a step ahead, partners already forming on the ballroom floor. I step up onto the dais, my eyes cast downward into the submission he clearly desires. He whispers to the beauty beside him and she glares at me as she steps away, I am offered her seat. Hesitant I wait for the raven haired female to pass me before considering jumping into her seat. She is whisked away into the arms of another fae male, the green silk of her skirts swishing around her exposed legs as she dances away. I hear fingernails tapping the leather of the chair impatiently and curtsy once more before taking my place. There’s something about the music that lulls me inwards, it’s notes sultry, the rhythm hypnotic. If I could dance I don’t think it could be to this, there was an intimacy to the music that suggested carnal desire and pleasure, feelings I was unfamiliar with. I tried my best to sit still, my body craving to fidget, to move my hips in time with the music but I was under his watch.

‘How do you like my court?’ He muses, I can see him leaning on the armrest, his ring clad hand cradling his head as he examines me again. My eyes don’t stray from the dance floor as I watch couples move in patterns across the parquet floor, bodies spinning and gyrating against each-other.

‘It’s a sight to behold your majesty’ I eventually say, smiling as sweetly as I could muster. Those eyes were unnerving, bewitching to the senses as all fae should be.

‘Hmm, indeed’ he doesn’t tear his gaze from me, even when I turn back to the dance floor, enamoured by the musics allure.

‘I could say you are a sight to behold lady Fairspen, especially in those pants’

Excuse me. I bristle at that remark.

‘I apologise again…’

‘I said you were forgiven’ he interrupted ‘besides, they outline the curves of your figure, I approve of this most ardently’

A long slender finger brushes down the inner seam of my leg, unwelcome to my nerves. I shiver, my eyes darting to anywhere else but him.

‘Don’t be shy Lady Fairspen, surely you know the game we must play? I could f**k you right now if you wish?’

I am in disbelief. The profanity and proposition catching me off guard but in the bluntness of his question I can’t help but think of what it would be like. A sensation pools in my core, my pants suddenly feeling tight against me, I am disgusted by my bodies reaction. He slides his claws along my thigh, I bite my tongue and refrain from slapping his hand away. Taking a deep breath I will myself to face him. He wants to play? Make me feel like a prude? I think not!

‘Oh?’ I counter, ‘how considerate of you, your majesty.’

He blinks at me unexpectedly then throws his head back in laughter, the sound commanding enough to garner attention. I try not to blush but instead remove his hand from my leg and go back to watching the court dancing, drinking and flirting around us.

‘I could you know’ he wagers, ‘ I could take your maidenhood in front of everyone here’

My head whips around to him, he has moved in closer, his wine scented breath tickling the hairs of my neck. How did he know? As if sensing my distress he leans in even closer to whisper in my ear, his hand back on my thigh but further up towards my crotch, the tip of his nails so close my breath hitched in response. His voice is low and husky, full of want, teasing me with his hot breath. I was out of my depth.

‘I can smell it on you,’ he breathes ‘your scent is intoxicating, your so untouched it’s most arousing’

A lump of bile formed in my throat, his words sickening. I forget that fae were creatures with heightened senses, but I hadn’t imagined he could smell my maidenhood.

‘If you’re going to attempt to tease me lady Fairspen, at least make it worth while’ he grins triumphantly, leaning back into the twisted throne. He crosses his legs again, the strain on his dark brown pants out of my sight, his coat hiding his length. I gulped turning back to the crowd, pretending to be blissfully unaware of the situation I found myself in.

‘I tease you? Your majesty?’ I feign innocence, unsure where to go from here. He had called my bluff and quickly too.

‘I can see you are going to make this fun for me my lady, I wonder what the other ladies will make of you?’

‘Are they here tonight?’

‘Not yet… I wanted to see you first’ he sips his wine, ‘…and you haven’t disappointed’

‘I aim to please your majesty’ I bow my head, ashamed at the character I must now play. I wasn’t a flirt, I wasn’t a plaything. I was a Fairspen, we had integrity, honour. I may as well have let the king humiliate me further by taking my virginity in front of his subjects. My being here at all said how far us Fairspens had fallen, how desperate we were. I glanced down at my companion as the King preoccupied himself with ordering a goblin to refill his glass and bring me one too. Dion stood at attention still scanning the room, at least that was what I told myself. His gaze did not once go to mine, as if he couldn’t bare to look at me. His stoic expression was as unrecognisable as the person I had become once sat beside the king. I felt cheap, despite finding myself sat next to one of the wealthiest fae males in the whole of Aelfhelm.

What I would have given for someone to dismiss me.

Lost in my own thoughts I was dragged out of them when I heard the boom of a staff echoing on the floor. All heads snapped up to look at the doors I had been led through, including the Kings. The Bogan who had deceived and announced me looked nervous as he read the small slip of parchment he was handed. Obviously someone had crashed the party and for the first time this evening a genuine smile passed my lips. Watching him sweat was enjoyable, I imagine this was how King Kairen felt as he put me on the spot.

‘Well? Spit it out Bogan! Who is our guest?!’ Hisses the King, irritated and bored of whomever was behind the door already. All the charm had leached from him as he slumped back in his chair, one thigh high booted leg now splayed over the arm of his throne. He looked like a petulant child rather than the sovereign he was meant to portray. It was enough to make me grimace but once again I remained impartial.

‘Announcing Prince Rhydien of the Westlands!’ The Bogan finally announced before the doors were thrown open.

At that, the King of the whole of Aelfhelm bolted up and out of his throne. He gripped the glass goblets stem in his hand, the liquid spilling from it like blood, it pooled beneath him and spread across the dais. His swagger had disappeared for a brief second, his grasp almost enough to snap the neck of the wine glass in half. Upon noticing my study of him he schooled his features back into the saccharine smile and regained his composure, but whilst we had all seen him become rattled the court pretended not to notice. Instead they ignored the figure that emerged through the ballroom doors entirely. As if he wasn’t a prince, like he was nothing.

I on the other hand couldn’t take my eyes off him.