Page 22 of Chosen By the Fae King

Five

Aeryn

The guard shifted on his feet, eying me warily. He hadn't wanted to seek out Greer, but the reminder that she’d personally said the guards would find her if we needed anything did the trick.

Greer came down the hall to where I was waiting just outside my door. “What is it you need, Lady Aeryn?”

I glanced up and down the hall to ensure the other contestants had gone inside their rooms. The last thing I needed was one of them coming out of their room.

Lowering my voice, I said, “I must speak with King Nox. Privately.”

Greer's eyes widened fractionally. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Forgive me, m'lady, but the king is–”

“Busy, I know. It's a matter of some urgency.” I tried for an imploring look, hoping she'd take pity on me. I needed to try again with Nox before the actual trials began.

With a resigned sigh, Greer dipped into a curtsy. “I will inform the king of your request, m'lady.”

“There's no need for that.” Lorne’s cool tone startled me.

Where in the world had he come from?

He strode forward, an insolent grin turning up the corners of his mouth. “The king is otherwise occupied. I'm sure whatever business you have with Nox can wait. You each have an appointment within the hour.”

Curse this male and his smug superiority. “With all due respect, sire, this matter does not concern you.”

“I think it does.” He moved closer and Greer shuffled back, clearly wanting no part of this.

“You forget, Aeryn. You are here to compete, nothing more. Well, except maybe to entertain us.”

I bared my teeth in a mockery of a smile. Like an actual lady of the court, I should have lowered my eyes when confronted by a royal. Something wouldn't let me.

Finally, Lorne snorted, breaking the tension. “Entertaining indeed.”

What in the hell just happened?

“Return to your chambers and dress for the day. It will be a training of sorts. We wouldn't want you at a disadvantage, would we?”

With that, the prince took off down the hall, barking at the guards to notify the contestants they had 45 minutes to be dressed and out of their rooms.

I took a steadying breath, my fingers trembling. Luckily, I didn't have to give Lorne the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

Squaring my shoulders, I turned to Greer. “If it won't land you in hot water, please inform the king I wish to speak with him.”

Greer hesitated a moment then nodded. She stilled when I put my hand on her arm.

“Ignore what I asked if it's something that will be taken out on you. I don't want to put you in an awkward position, Greer, especially if Lorne will see it as you going against him.”

The brownie gave me a curious look before scurrying away, no doubt eager to escape. I could hardly blame her. I did seem to have caused upset a number of times since arrival.

Frustrated with myself, with the entire situation, I entered my quarters and shut the door behind me. Walking further in, I could see a fluffy dark pink robe at the foot of the bed.

Further across, light glinting off fabric caught my eye. Next to the robe was a shimmery ball gown of pale blue silk with silver embroidery along the bodice and full skirt. Useless frills and flounces that served no purpose other than to make the wearer uncomfortable.

I glared at the offending garment as if it were somehow at fault. To the right of it were sparkly silver embellished shoes with offensively high heels.

Then I saw the note lying near the heels: Nothing but the robe on until lunchtime when you will change into the formal gown. All contestants are expected to wear every item laid out for them.

I didn't think so.

---