Page 58 of Blood and Roses

Due to the unforeseen hardships that you have been forced to suffer since your arrival back to Gwaed Lyn, I would like to recompense you for the rudeness of Lily's companion and last night's incident with Celyn. Would you do me the honor of joining me at the Winter Solstice Ball this evening? You should be there to witness this historical event in person. It would also give me the opportunity to ensure your safety until the fae have once again gone from Albion.

Tender regards,

Eli Vane

Rosa putthe letter down and lifted the lid off the large box. The dress was so beautiful, she didn't want to touch it.How would he have known her dress size? He's your faerie godfather. He used magic of course.The bodice had a heart shape neckline and strong boning. The rest of the skirt was a mystery of red and black.

"Well, Cinderella, looks like you are going to the ball after all," she murmured.

Balthasar buttonedup his waistcoat in front of a large mirror before pulling down the sleeves of his crisp, high-collared shirt. He picked up his cuff links, twirling them about his fingers with small smile. Through the window, he saw the lights ofthe cottage on. The day's snow had covered it in a fresh layer, making it look like a picturesque postcard. What he wouldn't have given to be going over there tonight instead of playing silent bodyguard to Eli.

Saul was doing his best to carry his hosting and entertaining skills. He was handsome, young and had the ability to charm women and men alike. The Gwaed Gam were all nervous around Balthasar and on guard.

His message to the Blackfox clan had been received, and they had spent the day speaking apologies for their leader's behavior. Caius had taken up leadership, which had been officially recognized by the Riverclears, Southgates, and Northland families. Eli had given his consent after an interrogation, and the matter had been settled. All slights had been forgiven, and the Blackfox members had breathed a little easier.

Lily and Pearl had stayed away from him, but he still felt his hands ache for violence whenever he saw Pearl. Even Lily's love and devotion couldn't make her into a better Gam. She was chaos incarnate.

Don't trust her, Balthasar, Rosa had said to him, and the warning came back to him in a rush.There is something else going on behind her mischief. She wouldn't be so stupid as to try and defy Eli now, not when he was already angry with her. Pearl might not know the difference between Eli bluffing and biding his time, but Balthasar did. Eli loved Rosa, in his way, and he didn't like anything harming people he cared about.

Balthasar picked up his phone, flicking through his messages and lists of supplies. They were getting more blood delivered tonight to ensure that the staff were kept safe. Many had been advised to bring their supplies or donors, but Balthasar didn't want to risk it. Fae blood was a temptation many of them would struggle with.If Ryn bothers to turn up.

Balthasar was uneasy with Celyn's appearance the night before. Eli had tried to assure him that it was protocol, but it was insulting nonetheless. It had been a flash of power and intimidation on Ryn's behalf to annoy Eli. If it worked, Balthasar could only guess. His father had been a model of civility ever since.

Ryn had been at court when Eli was a hostage and had suffered greatly before he and his brothers had managed to escape. Eli would never talk about it, but there was old rage there that went further back than Queen Deryn's murder.

The list of atrocities was extensive, which was why Balthasar was so surprised that Eli would bother with an alliance at all. Eli said he wanted peace, but Balthasar knew he could never have it.

Balthasar pushed the thoughts out of his mind. It was done now. If Eli had some hidden motive, the time had long passed to act on it.

Balthasar tied his necktie and put on his jacket. He only needed to get through tonight, and all would be well. He would go to Eli about Rosa, and if he approved, he would go and reassure Cecily as well. She'd often dealt with the fallout of Saul's affairs, and he didn't want her to think his attentions towards her daughter were nothing if not honorable.

His reflection grinned at him. Well, notallof his intentions were honorable.He had tried capturing a glimpse of her all day, but she had stayed hidden the way he had told her to. The Gwaed Gam were enough to keep him busy.

Downstairs, people were starting to appear out of their rooms in all of their fineries. There was no creature in the world vainer than a Gwaed Gam. All looked terrifyingly predatory in their jewels and silk.

The glamored staff were carrying about cocktails mixed with blood for their guests. In the grand entranceway, the stairs were crowded with people. Many hadn't had the opportunity tomingle with each other in centuries and were making the most of it. He saw Pearl in a white and gray gown, her red mouth smiling at Lord Riverclear. Balthasar joined Lily on the balcony. She was dressed in shades of dark blue and purple like a crow's feather.

"My sister, you look beautiful this evening," he complimented her. She smiled, the coldness in her eyes momentarily leaving.

"Thank you, brother."

"Lily, I don't want there to be any more arguing between us. It's not you that I cannot stand."

"She is the love of my life, Bal. What kind of person would I be if I did not defend her?"

"Lily, sometimes it's the things people do, not what they say that show that they really love us. She has undermined and embarrassed you. That's not the actions of someone in love. She knows you will do your best to protect her from Eli, but don't make the mistake of thinking she would do the same for you if positions were reversed." Balthasar touched her hand gently. "I love you, sister. I don't want to see you hurting anymore."

"We can't all be like you, Bal. You have your art and your battles and the honor of being Eli's companion. I have none of those things. Since you came back, I've had to step back in your shadow. Pearl might be selfish, destructive, and naïve, but sheseesme. You do not. You see no one. Your concern over the Wylt girl is the first time you have showed emotion in years."

Lily ran her fingers down the lapels of his jacket, a rare display of affection for her. "You've warned me about my heart, so let me warn you in return. Rosa is a human, and Eli will never change her, just like he tried to deny me Pearl. I changed her, but she's not the same as she was. If Eli had turned her, she wouldn't have been so vicious. I have chosen to love her all the same because that is what love is. You would want to be sure that you are prepared for a different person to emerge if you followmy path.Eliis why Pearl is this way. Our sweet Jane was a fine example of what the loss of a human can do to you."

"Do tous. I know you cared for her, and I wasn't the only one who changed after her death. Jane was a long time ago, and I have wallowed in my grief enough."

"You wallowed, but you wallowed alone and shut me out. You seemed to forget until now that you were not the only one who loved her." Lily's eyes filled before she controlled it.

"I know, Lily, and I don't want to take your love from you now, but it's not my decision to make. Pearl is the architect of her own destiny. You'd best remember that and keep her in control." Balthasar kissed her forehead. "Be alert tonight. I would hate for any harm to come to you."

"You stay close to Eli. I'm out of favor, or I would do it myself."

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