Page 5 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
The concerned look on Lady Deirdre’s face does not fade. “Shall I notify Seneschal Kearne of your absence from council today?”
I test my legs before going to the bath. “No. I have to be there.”
“You’re flushed. There is something else,” she mutters with keen eyes. “Would you like to talk about it?”
I reply with a small shake of my head. I want to tell her that I’ve won this time, that Eirik Bloodhound was dead, murdered in cold blood by a strange man. But I can’t confess to Lady Deirdre that I was licked and bitten by the guy afterwards.
And that I liked it.
I’ll keep the odd dream to myself for now.
A light gesture with her hand signals the arrival of my handmaidens, Tallula and Lenna. I quickly school my face to a High Elf mask of calm.
The two elflings enter the room in their usual gray dress. Their light brown hair is tied into a neat braid like most young acolytes. It’s hard to tell them apart even though they’re not really twins.
“Isn’t this a bit much?” I gaze at the fierce emerald gown they present me. It’s far too ostentatious for a regular council meeting.
“Please, Your Highness. Your uncle wants you to wear this,” Tallula answers timidly. “It truly compliments your lilac eyes.”
“Rainer sent these?” Lady Deirdre intervenes, studying the garment like it’s an opponent. The disdain is clear on her face.She is all too familiar with my uncle’s schemes. “What is he up to this time?”
“I shall find another dress for you,” Lenna quickly says, fearing Lady Deirdre’s ire.
“That’s quite all right,” I say evenly, letting them carry their tasks.
My uncle must have bribed them for this suggestion. I know Tallula has been saving for a pair of glass slippers and Lenna wants tickets for the latest opera in town. Rainer can be convincing with his offers. Everyone could use the extra coin this festive season.
Lady Deirdre presses her lips tightly together. “That is enough, girls.”
They bow dutifully before leaving.
“Did you catch Darian the Nightwalker Prince last night?” Lenna’s soft voice echoes from the hallway on their way out. “It was so romantic. I hope the princess escapes the beast and finds her ever after with the prince.”
My ears perk over their discussion. I listen to every scrap of information hungrily.
It would be nice if I could go with them.
I let out a long breath, dropping the High Elf pretense as soon as the door closes. Lady Deirdre places a hand on my shoulder. Her smile is soft as she looks at me through the mirror. “I will get you the summary text for the play. Would you like that?”
Heat rises to my cheeks. The longing in my eyes must have been obvious. “Yes, please.”
“Rainer may be a conniving fool but by the gods…” Deirdre exhales and pauses from brushing my hair. “You look absolutely stunning, Rhianelle.”
Her eyes mist, and she suddenly wraps me in her arms. I listen to her soft cries as they rumble through her body.
“It’s like throwing a kitten in an ocean full of sharks,” she mutters into my hair.
I’ve done it again. I’ve made her worry. The weight of our secret must be getting to her. “I’ll be fine,” I assure her.
“I know you will,” she says, squeezing me a second longer than usual. “Your shadow is here.”
Flowers bloom in my chest. The reason Lady Deirdre removed my darling handmaidens early is only partly for my sake. The main reason is standing right before me as I open the door.
Aelfric Wynsgrave, my royal knight.
He is handsome and gallant in his resplendent silver armor today. Not even the patch over his left eye or the constant grim look on his face could deter the girls from gushing over his beauty.
“Keep this one out of trouble,” Lady Deirdre says to Aelfric, kissing my cheek.
