Page 39 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“Lira, it’s so good to see you again.” She smiled, but no warmth entered her aquamarine eyes.

I tilted my head, trying to figure out who she was.

“I’m Gaelle.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I’m sure you don’t recognize me. You’ve been gone for so long and formed an interesting connection with the nightfiend king.”

Out of everyone, it would be Gaelle. I remembered her now. The one high fae who was close to my age and had tried to seduce my father numerous times, wanting to bear his child and help her own social standing. She was the type of fae who would do anything to get what she wanted, just like Eldrin.

“Ah, that’s right.” I forced a smile, though my blood ran cold. She was always nice to me, but she enjoyed collecting information as leverage against other people and to elevate her position in society. The less I talked, the better.

“So, Earth—” she started, but I cut her off by going into my closet.

“Did he specify a certain dress, or may I wear anything of my choosing?” I asked, pretending I hadn’t heard her.

She followed me into the closet and ran a hand along the intricate dresses. “No, and I think this would look amazing on you.” She removed a white gown with gold woven into the lace, emphasizing the breasts and waist.

I didn’t care what I wore as long as it kept my father from focusing on me, and I knew Gaelle wouldn’t risk the wrath of her king by allowing me to present myself in an inappropriate way.

She removed the dress and held it open for me to step into, and I froze. I wasn’t used to people helping me dress anymore, and now that I thought about it, Tavish didn’t have that either. I wondered why.

Forcing myself to not act awkward, I dropped the nightgown from my body and tried to ignore the way goose bumps spread across my arms as I stepped into the dress. It fit me perfectly, brushing the floor and emphasizing my cleavage.

“Perfect.” She removed some shoes made of vines and set them down for me to slip into.

When my outfit was settled, she waved her hands over my face, and the tingle of glamour slid across my skin. Then she grabbed a brush and braided my hair before pulling it into a twist.

I stepped into the bathroom to glance in the mirror; I didn’t recognize the woman staring at me. Yes, the eyes were mine, as well as the features, but with jewelry emphasizing my pointed ears, it was as if she’d used magic.

In fairness, she had.

I noted one major issue: She’d hidden my fated-mate markings.

I moved my hand to unglamour the very thing that proved Tavish and I belonged together, but Gaelle caught my wrist.

“Trust me. It’s for the best that your marks remain hidden.” Gaelle lifted a brow, and her forehead creased with concern. “Your parents’ guest will cause all sorts of abyss if he sees them.”

The truth ringing in her words gave me pause.

“You should hurry. We don’t want to upset the guest or the royals.” Gaelle gestured.

I gritted my teeth, wanting to correct her that I did not, in fact, care if they got upset, especially since my fated-mate mark was hidden, but her worry seemed genuine, and I swallowed my words. I marched out the door and turned toward the dining hall.

More fae buzzed around, working and stealing glances at me as I passed, and I forced my back to stay straight as I flew past them like I didn’t notice.

After making the turns, I found the opening to the dining room. I slowed, preparing myself for whatever stood on the opposite side of the wall.

As I breezed over the threshold, I noticed two people at the table. Father sat on one end, seeming too big for the chair made of roots and the leaf he was perched on. Mother looked more natural and dainty sitting on his left, her legs crossed.

When my attention landed on the third man, the world stopped, and so did my heart.

Each time I blinked, the prince of the dragons reappeared, standing by the middle of the table, his amber eyes locked on me and a scowl on his face.

What the fuck was he doing here?

12

LIRA

The dragon prince kept his intense gaze locked on me.

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