Page 7 of To No End

I grabbed my butter knife and pointed the dull end at Versa’s arm, making a short jabbing motion to lighten the mood. “What, sister, you think I can’t handle myself against a couple of Sea Fae?”

She cocked her head at me in annoyance that I might dare get butter on the silk sleeve of her dress. My father finally returned from his own thoughts and gave me a warm smile before adding, “Cress can handle herself, of that I have no doubt.”

The frustration of this entire conversation was broiling beneath my skin. It was clear sitting around the manor all by my lonesome was just as irritating as sitting with my family and playing pretend. Versa continued to thumb through sketches. I turned to my left and saw the ornate golden clock that had been in our family for centuries, and I was reminded that each minute that passed where I sat here putting on an act, wearing a mask and stuffing my face, was one less to achieve all the things on my list.

I stood abruptly, screeching my chair across the marble floor. The unpleasant noise caused my sister to glance up at me once more and, before she could show any measure of concern, I stated flatly, “I have a lot to do today, don’t wait on me for dinner.”

I practically waltzed out of the room, already sweating at the thought of any of them knowing what I intended to take care of first.

As I made my way up to my room, I supposed I could have asked to speak with my father in his study, just to understand the full extent of this wild tale we’d be spinning. But it didn’t matter, not when I was on a mission.

The lady’s maid drew me a hot bath and I opened the windows to let in the fresh summer air and sunlight. I gave her a nod ofappreciation and indicated I’d like privacy. I figured if today was the day some male was going to take me, I might as well be clean, smell delightful, and look like a lady. After a brief soak, I exited the tub smelling of lavender and I paused to stare at my naked body in the long mirror next to my armoire. I was every bit a grown female, but at this point, I felt a bit shy that I was going to have to present myself bare in the very near future.

I studied the angles, dimples, and curves of my body. Turning and posing, trying to stand in a way that I thought showed off my best assets. I opened the door to view my dresses and selected one to mark the occasion. It was not something I’d have normally worn, and in fact, it was one Versa had designed to match her own. The neckline was scantily cut to accentuate the collar, and…other things… The sleeves were long, loose, and elegant. The skirt was fitted until just past the waistline to show off the bodice, all the way down to the hips, and drew close to the leg so as not to make it unbearable to get around. Like most of my dresses, it was made of velvet and I fancied the dark teal color.

I didn’t know where this passionate episode was going to take place; I certainly didn’t want to be overwhelmed or distracted by my attire. I left off any jewelry as I didn’t want to worry about losing it. I also changed my mind and elected to leave my hair down, knowing that if I left with it styled and came back with it looking like a bird’s nest, I might not be able to hide the embarrassment on my face. I only knew this because sometimes Versa would crawl back into my room after her late-night rendezvous looking completely disheveled.

Once fully dressed, I looked myself over again in the mirror one last time. I inhaled deeply. No time like the present.

I headed to the stable and waited impatiently while the stable hand saddled my dapple-gray horse, Rain. I saw my mother staring at me from a window and gave her a polite wave.

In a flash, I mounted and took off and was immediately glad I chose to leave my hair down as the wind rushed through every strand, the breeze offering me a reprieve from the blanket of heat that had already overcome the morning.

Exhilarated at the freedom of leaving the grounds without an escort, I knew exactly where I was headed to accomplish item number one on the list; to someone who had made a bargain with me. It was time to call in that favor.

CHAPTER

4

I dismounted from my horse outside of Gris’s family manor and tied Rain to the stone fence near the entrance. Gris was not only a lifelong friend, but someone who I had seen almost daily for years during our education at a nearby academy.

His family was only slightly less wealthy than mine, his father being an artisan known for having access to the most rare and stunning gems. He was an artist at transforming metals and stones, making jewelry for all the High Fae families in the North—including having handmade many of Queen Nyla’s diadems. It’s rumored he was hired to make Versa’s wedding ring. And by rumor, I mean Gris had secretly confirmed it for me. This is just one of the ways I knew she was aligned to a “favorable” match.

Nerves were already starting to settle in as I began walking toward the ornate front doors of Gris’s home. I wasn’t nervous about seeing Gris, more that he was going to be entirely shocked by what I would ask of him.

When I knocked three times, I was relieved that he answered the door instead of one of the staff or his parents. I needed tokeep my courage up and my eyes on the prize. Which was now standing before me. All six feet of him.

Gris greeted me with a wide smile of perfectly straight white teeth that contrasted against his deliciously warm skin. I used to think of that smile as boyish and charming, but now I was doing my best to see beyond friendship and acknowledge him as a mature Fae male.

A handsome one at that, who was able to carry himself with the ease and lack of formality required of most High Fae families, since he was, in fact, not High Fae. His chocolate-brown hair was tousled and messy, and he leaned into the door frame with one arm hovering over me, accentuating his towering height. I eyed the sculpted tan muscles of his arm, his white shirt clinging to his chest in all the right spots.

“Cress, an unexpected visit. And what reason have you for gracing my doorway?”

I tried to soften my features and silken my voice before speaking. Not at all my usual with Gris.

I began coyly, “What, you don’t like surprises?”

It sounded and felt unnatural. Trying to seduce anyone was going to be a challenge for me, but putting the moves on Gris was supposed to be the path of least resistance.

Before he could respond, I added, “Are your parents home?”

He looked slightly confused, “No, they’re away showing my father’s latest creations at an exhibition a few towns away, why?”

Perfect, I thought to myself, this is absolutely perfect. I gently grazed my hand across his abdomen and stepped under his arm still framing the doorway. “Aren’t you going to invite me inside?”

I had invited myself in with a move like that, though I tried to remain sly and elusive. I didn’t tear my gaze from him as he followed me from the doorway.

Gris turned to face me as I stood in the giant foyer of his home and shook his head in amusement, shutting the door behind us with a small chuckle.

---