Page 57 of The Curse of a Kingdom
“I’m sorry, miss. But the king has commanded the guests to get fitted for the celebrations tomorrow.”
Nava blinked groggily. “Can’t I just wear one outfit in the closet? There is plenty I haven’t worn.” She pointed at the aforementioned wardrobe.
“Oh, no, there is a dress code for the solstice celebrations. Plus, if the king commands it—”
“Fine.” Nava took a deep breath and got out of bed. The morning breeze that entered from her terrace’s open door was cool over her heated skin. Unlike yesterday, it didn’t smell like burning and death, and she grinned at their victory.
It had been an amazing feeling, the three of them working together, like the gods had intended it to be.
“You smell like a campfire, miss,” Leela commented, helping her onto her robe, her small button nose wrinkling.
These fae and their sensitive noses. “I spent a long time in front of the fire yesterday,” she said with a wry smile. When did it become so easy to lie? She used to be horrible at it.
“Oh, that makes sense,” she chirped. “Let’s get you in the bath, then. Marni is rough around the edges.”
“The seamstress?”
“Yes. She doesn’t like . . .” Leela fidgeted, pulling her red long hair behind one pointy ear.
“Outsiders?”
“Humans.”
Oh, the joys of classism. This was not something new. In Willowbrook, she had been looked down on her whole life for being a “witch.” The townsfolk had always whispered behind her back in hushed tones about the woes of Forrests’ luck.
“Is there anywhere else I can go to get fitted?” Nava wasn’t even sure why she asked when she knew the answer. Even if there was somewhere else she could go, it wasn’t like she had money to pay for such things.
“Unfortunately, all royals—and their guests—go to Marni.” Leela hesitated. “My seamstress, Renna, is amazing. You would like her. She is just as talented as Marni, but kinder, and beautiful.” Her eyes shone with such affection, Nava wasn’t sure if this was a family member or something more.
“Is Renna your friend?”
Leela’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red. “Yes.”
“I see. Maybe something more?”
“Miss!”
“Come on, humor me. I have been stuck in this room forever! I need something to hold on to, hope for what’s good in life,” Nava continued, and the fae’s face turned as red as her hair. However, her eyes shone.
“It’s difficult for the kingdom to accept us, not with the Society looming nearer this part of the world.”
“Fuck the Society straight to hell.”
Leela gasped. “But your betrothed is part of the Society.”
“I just said what everyone else is thinking. If you think a girl like me would get matched and just accept it, then you haven’t heard me complain enough.” Nava laughed, and her fight with Arkimedes flashed through her mind. His jealous outburst, and the mess they were both in.
Leela’s shaky lips turned into a tentative smile. “I don’t know what we could do.”
“You could always leave this kingdom—go to the Grey Island.”
The fae’s red lashes moved like the wings of a butterfly as she blinked before her thin hand grasped hers, pulling her into the washroom, where a steaming pool that smelled of honeysuckles awaited. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For your words.” Leela's lack of words could mean she wasn’t used to any sort of support on the matter. Her voice rang small. “I will set your dress on the bed and make sure Fael is ready to go. Our appointment is at ten.” The fae smiled and bowed before she left the washroom, allowing Nava the privacy she had asked for earlier.
How did they keep time in this castle? She hadn’t seen a steam clock hanging anywhere in sight. She had seen several sun clocks in the garden when she’d gone out with the guard. Still, everyone here followed time like it was a religion.
