Page 23 of The Curse of Golden Blood
"This should suit you nicely."
I studied the garment she had chosen. It was an elegant, floor length gown made from shimmering white silk and fine lace. Its formfitting bodice was embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver thread, and its wide skirts were dotted with tiny sparkling gems.
It looked like a gown fit for a queen. Though its whiteness, even lighter than the light gray gown I donned for daily chores, would highlight my lowly station. Even so, I sighed at how stunning it was. Everything in their realm seemed to glitter, shine, and sparkle. After years of wearing dreary, torn and patched homespun, this was a luxury.
"I'm not sure about this. Isn't it a bit too—" I began to protest, but as she shoved the dress into my reluctant hands, I realized there was no room for argument.
"Dress. Now."
I suppressed the urge to sigh and winced at my wounds as I rose, grumbling, "Fine."
I wondered what exactly would be expected of me tonight, and as I slipped on the dress, I made a mental note to avoid potential trouble at all costs.
Because if there was one rule I'd always stuck by, it was never get involved with the fae.
But I no longer had that choice—not when Ciradyl’s killer might be one of them.
six
Summerchild
Zydar
Nariettathoughtabribewould be the best way to convince the girl to cooperate. Ridiculous. Mortals could be manipulated, yes, but this one—this Miralyte—had proven harder to shape than a mountain under wind. And yet, here I was.
I stood in front of the doors leading to the dining hall, hands clasped behind my back, staring at the massive, blackened wood, and wondering if this had been a mistake.
We had pulled out all the stops to impress her, dressing the room in lavish tapestries, setting up the largest, finest dinner table we had in our possession, and filling the air with the smells of the freshest, most delectable foods.
In truth, I had no reason to believe that all this effort would work.
Surely this mortal girl, a Vessel no less, would never fall for pretty distractions. She was far too stubborn and proud, even by human standards.
I sighed and walked through the doors, my black boots echoing across the marble floor, announcing my arrival. A handful of court members seated at the long table turned their heads in unison, their expressions tight with disapproval.
They did not approve of the unexpected addition to tonight's festivities, and many had protested adamantly, complaining loudly to everyone who would listen.
I took my place at the head of the table, pointedly ignoring them.
Narietta sat at the far end, her usual place next to Gryven. She was fiddling with her jewelry while her eyes danced around the room.
My eyes, however, were settled at the empty seat beside me. Waiting for the arrival of the girl.
Narietta caught my gaze, and her eyes crinkled with amusement. "I'm sure she'll arrive soon."
I couldn't stop myself from laughing as I shook my head. "Whatever game you are playing, little sister, I do not have the time or the patience for it. Not while the Red Skies grow darker by the day."
Her lips were pressed into a thin line, but after a moment she sighed. "I just wanted to ask her, that is all."
"So you've said." I replied.
We lapsed into silence again, but it was not long before I heard the doors open and a wave of murmuring arose from the court.
Karys had arrived, and I looked up at her from beneath lowered brows, waiting to see whether my curiosity would be answered.
And sure enough, Karys stepped to the side and out walked the human girl.
She was wearing the white dress I'd ordered Karys to have her wear, and its skirts flowed around her like liquid starlight. Her hair was braided, not unlike the style common in my realm, and her eyes gleamed like molten gold.
