Chapter Text
I awoke from my nap feeling just as sick and groggy as the night before. My bed of dandelions was soft beneath my body, offering a brief comfort. I stared up at the ceiling of my bedroom, at the many vines and branches that covered it: soft, pink, and purple lavender blossoms, my favorite colors with my favorite flowers. The sight of them was almost enough to make me smile before I remembered why I felt sick in the first place.
Locke hadn’t visited me last night or the day before. Not even a letter as to why. There were many nights when he didn’t visit me, of course, normally it wouldn’t have bothered me, but the day before, Locke hadn’t even spared a glance at me. Instead, he had looked towards Jude, my twin sister, as if he couldn’t tell us apart. The thought of it had made my stomach churn and left an aching feeling in my chest. I was so in love with him that the thought of him having eyes for someone else, much less my twin sister, was enough to hurt. Tonight, however, was a new night, and I couldn’t very well wallow in such sorrow forever.
If my elder sister Vivi found out I was getting all miserable over some boy, she surely would say I was getting too caught up in my head and should ignore Locke, continue on with my life, and forget about him. Vivi wasn’t much good for love advice, nor did she much care about the fact of boys. Jude is much the same, dare I say. My two sisters are similar in that regard; most problems don’t tend to constantly worry them. They can see an obstacle and declare it of no fuss and simply go on with their night, as if the problem had never arisen in the first place. I envy that about them. Even the small problems can cause my mind to go into a state of flurry or make me retreat back into myself like some hatchling. It was embarrassing and weak of me.
Most days that didn’t bother me, after all, I was a mortal in the land of faerie, my retreating into myself and staying in the background, saved me from a lot of troubles with the Fae. Staying quiet was the only smart path for a human here.
Yet when compared to Jude, my way of life seemed rather cowardly. Jude was often brave and not afraid to say what was on her mind. I was the complete opposite, the shy twin, who analyzed everyone carefully from behind her quietness. Two sides of the same coin, our mother once said. Jude could be as daring as a night or a king herself, willing to speak her truth.
In contrast, I was the calm to her storm. The lady who hid her thoughts behind false courtesies. It was one of the few things I remembered about our mother. I used to cling to those words, believe in them as seriously as the fae believe in their heritage. It was something I never doubted for even a second. However, now that I am older, I’ve learned that not everything is as sweet as in fairytales. That life, perhaps, is far too cruel for such a thing.
I often wondered if perhaps my mother was warning us in a way of what was to come, if maybe she somehow knew what future would befall her daughters. If possibly she was trying to protect us, better prepare us for a world that would try to tear us down. It was thoughts like those that made me miss our mother the most.
I pushed myself up and out of bed, stretching my limbs. My room is one of the few places I truly feel at peace, and for someone like me in faerie, there weren’t many places for such a thing. I like to think my room is something straight out of a fairytale. It was a darker shade than the rest of the house. The walls were white, which bordered on gray. The pillars a deep brown with vines curling around with roses. My bed had a huge, fluffy, pink and green blanket with the top half covered in soft cushions. My headboard is a deep mahogany painted with different flowers, most done by my own hand. Bookcases were lying on the side of the wall, and the other was a cherry red desk, along with my vanity and wardrobe. A balcony was west of the room, a beautiful piece of white stone. The glass-stained doors held swirling designs and silver knobs. The best part of my room, I would say, was the round globes of twisting bark that hang from the ceiling. They were huge enough for someone to crawl inside. covered in green and white webs. Held by a thick, luminous string that glowed when nightfall fell.
During my first years in Elfhame, Jude and I often climbed inside one of those hanging orbs together, whispering to each other of secrets and all the new things we would find the faerie land had to offer in the beginning. It all seemed so sweet, like a dream come to life. I would like to compare our lives to Alice, for like her, we were taken away into our own version of Wonderland. Only we had magic and beings who were not mortal. Over time, the fae quickly proved that wrong, and I, too, learned just how much things had changed for us.
I slid off the bed, my feet touching the cold floor. The room seemed to shine bright tonight. The stars were lighting up as well, at least from what I could tell with my naked eye. The servants of Madoc’s stronghold would soon be here to help me dress. I was truly grateful for all the help, but I didn’t much like all the hands that dressed me. The fae were truly glorious beings, but they were just that Fae. They didn’t think or feel in the same way as mortals. Emotions for them were something like a fleeting burst of changes in their systems. They couldn’t lie, so they simply came up with false half-truths. They all moved in such a way that you couldn’t doubt for a moment that they weren’t blessed beings. something about that always seemed terrifyingly beautiful to me.
I walk over to the wardrobe, shedding my nightgown and hanging it back inside. Tonight, the High King was holding court, and we were to attend. Despite all our mishaps with the folk, I truly love the parties and events that took place. the music, the dancing, and the decorations. The many songs and tales they whipped from nothing. Once you entered the palace, it was like entering a new world, one where the party never ended
I pulled out a gown of crimson velvet. The fabric of silk soft beneath my fingers. I love gowns, makeup, and flowers. Anything pretty, really. The songs and language of the folk appeared to have captured me in a way. stealing my mind to wander and analyze its culture. It made me think of something else as well. Something my mother used to call me. Her “fair little lady.” I don’t remember her as much as it pains me to admit. Her voice I’ve all forgotten now. I do remember the warmth and soft tone she used with us. never one to quickly raise her voice or temper. She’d speak in a fancy way sometimes, and her movements were always graceful, as if a part of her never entirely left Elfhame
I shook my head and pulled out a pair of undergarments. I quickly slid the gown over my head and onto my body. It was an off-the-shoulder piece, the sleeves bishop-shaped, stopping at the cuffs of my wrist, which were golden. The skirts, swept low, turned a deeper shade of red with silver swirls. The bodice was heart-shaped and flaunting just enough of my bosom to remain pleasing and modest. The lace at my back hung loose as I wasn’t quite able to reach it. I’d leave it up to the faerie who would soon be at my door.
The servants were known to move quietly, though I could hear many of them scrambling around the house at the moment. They never seem to mind their quirks around Jude or me. My sister often found it unsatisfactory, but I didn’t mind; it left me to learn something new about the fae every day.
Just as I was brushing my hair, a knock sounded out at my door, followed by Merryflower entering. She was one of the servants who frequently tended to me. She was a faerie with green skin and sparkly pink eyes, the color of cotton candy. Her hair was long and tangled in darker green curls that were almost like seaweed. She was shorter than me by 2 inches, perhaps, and though she looked fairly young, I knew she was much older. Unlike the other servants, she was kinder to me. She couldn’t lie and never tried much to twist the truth. She often just said things as simply as they were in her own way. A part of me was grateful for that.
“You’re already awake? Well, that’s good. I suppose it’ll allow me to help prepare you much faster.” Merryflower came over, her small hands immediately going to my hair.
I gave a small smile for courtesy. “Yes, I wanted to get a head start on the night before me.” I let my gaze drift to the balcony where the moon shone bright, my mind drifting to the songs and stories that would soon fill the night. “It is going to be a very good night. Don’t you think so, Merryflower?”
The faerie let out a soft hum. “Every night is a good night when court is held in the grand palace. It is a great courtesy to attend. You will find many entertaining subjects, and perhaps you can befriend some of the faerie tonight.”
“It’s nothing I haven’t experienced before.”
“Yes, well, be that as it may be every night brings a new set of beginnings.”
I didn’t have it in me to disagree with her. She wasn’t wrong in a way. In the land of faerie, there were often new tales and lies being spun all throughout the kingdom. It was something that had become the sort of norm here.
I looked into the mirror and saw that Merryflower was all but finished on my hair. It hangs in long, dark chestnut curls, a few braids mixed with silver thread. The strings were giving me a look that made me shine.
I stood as the faerie started to tie my strings from the back. I could feel my corset tighten and squeezing snug around my waist. Merryflower took a step back as she reached for red slippers with silver clips, crouching down and sliding them over my feet. Once content with the feeling of my feet, I took a step back to go over to my vanity. Lying there was a small box filled with all my favorite jewelry. I chose a silver necklace with a red ruby center. The gem rested comfortably against my collarbone in a oval shape. I chose a pair of matching earrings to go along with it
I smiled, turned to glance in the mirror. I looked like a princess, one ready to dance the night away and experience all sorts of fun the night had to offer. I spin around to get one more look before glancing at Merryflower. “I think this will do for the night.”
Merryflower clapped her hands with a smile on her face. “Splendid, you look dazzling, my lady. Perhaps you’ll catch the eye of one of the folk, that would surely increase the fun of the night.”
I felt a blush creep up to my face at the thought of a certain fae with red hair and yellow eyes drifting to my mind. I took a deep breath, fiddling with a piece of my hair, “Perhaps, catching one of the fae eyes would be a good opportunity for me.”
I watched as the fairy gave me a smile before leaving the room. I let out a small breath of relief as I turned back to stare at my jewelry box. Inside, one piece truly caught my eye. One-half of a golden coin. I picked the piece up and stared at it. intricate swirls lined one side, going a deeper shade of gold. Right in the center was a flower in the shape of a rose. The coin was slender, meant to connect to the other half Jude carried. her carrying the carving of a small dagger. Together, the two halves came together like magnetic pieces to form a full coin. Another gift bestowed upon us by our late mother.
Once I had thought it was simply some toy coin our mom had found, but with so many gifts we received in about Elfhame, I now knew this coin was truly gold. I often wonder the life in which my mother had as a mortal in Elfhame. I know Madoc brought her here, so surely her life was lavish, maybe terrifying if it was enough to make her run away and fake her own death.
I sigh and place the coin back into the box, and instead of placing a necklace of Rowan berries around my neck, along with one at my ankle for safety. Once satisfied, I quickly made my way to Jude’s room. Hers was located at the end of the hall, not very far from my own.
I open the door in a rush to see Jude resting on her bed, full of childhood, plushy. “Nice braids,” I say, as I hop down beside her. She’s wearing the opposite colors to mine, a similar dark shade of sapphire. A habit we both have when it comes to dresses. which ever servant had done her hair had decided to braid the top half into horns, a few braids running around them, and at the sides of her face.
The hairstyle of a formidable opponent, a female off to war.
Jude’s eyes drift to the mirror, and I can already guess what seems thinking about. I can read her body language easily. She’s looking over herself. Assessing her outfit to see if it’s up to standard. I like to think I can read her easily as she’s my twin. We shared a womb, the same birthday, and the same face. It would be like reading myself, and sometimes I think it’s more than that.
Jude says I have a way of reading into the fae. That I’m able to see pass their hidden arts and adapt that into my own mannerisms. I’ve personally never seen myself much in that light. It’s true that I do catch onto things quick and I’m able to use those abilities to better help myself but it’s not something that’s a valuable skills. Not when those skills are me who possesses them. I’ve seen others hide behind fake smiles or even show their cruelty outright. When you’ve been a faerie as long as I have, those are just things you’re bound to notice.
I lie down on my stomach, kicking my feet as I smile at Jude. “I’m having a premonition,” I say. “We’re going to have fun tonight.”
Jude gave me one of her weird looks. She doesn’t ever seem to know just how much her facial expressions give her away.
“Fun?” She says the word like it’s the strangest thing in the world. I could see her thumb rubbing over the missing tip of her ring finger. The nervous tic had first developed after healing for the first few weeks.
“Yes!” I say with light laughter dancing on my lips. I quickly poke Jude’s side.
Jude immediately piped up as she scooted out of the way. “Taryn! Ow!” She crossed her arms, flashing me a look. “You are so childish.”
I smirk as I push myself up with my arms. “Says the one who has three huge plushies covering her bed size.”
Jude rolled her eyes. “What exactly does this plan of yours entail?”
I tilt my head. “Do I really need a plan?”
Jude stares at me with a gaze that rivals my own.
I shove my arms up. “Jude, it’s fun! You don’t need a plan for fun.”
Jude starts to laugh as she watches me. She goes on to shake her head. “You have no plan, do you?”
I shrug as I hold my arm out for Jude to take. “Fun does not always need to be thought out with care; you can simply carry it out.”
Jude sighs and decides to link her arm with mine, the tension in her body easing slightly. “Then I guess we shall see if you truly have the gift of prophecy.”
We left Jude’s room and walked along the halls. Madoc’s stronghold was a deep, white, with almost gray pillars of wooden beams. A few more minor items were decorated, much in the same way as an old medieval castle. We made our way down the spiral stairs, and just as we were about to turn down another hall, Jude stopped, causing me to look in the direction she was staring.
Hiding on a small balcony was our older sister, Vivi. She held a small comic book in her hand. Dress is jeans and a jean jacket. She looked at Jude before her eyes found mine. Our older sister, Vivi, was the only one of us who was fae and Maddoc’s true daughter. She has his coloring, blonde hair, and our mother’s white skin. The tips of her ears furred, along with them being green like the tips of her fingers. She even had his eyes, a light brown, almost yellow, with slit pupils that made her seem like a cat. Vivi was fae in everything but spirit.
“Heading somewhere?” she asked, coming out of the shadows. It started me a bit, and I couldn’t stop the way my skin started to chill. Sometimes Vivi had that effect on me. I love her, but she sometimes frightens me. She often had an indifference to certain subjects, or when she did care, it was in that mundane way of hers. Vivi was fae, no matter how much detest the faerie world.
“You should come,” Jude says to her. “Taryn’s decided to be in a weird mood.”
“I’m not in a weird mood. I’m simply just excited for what the night will bring.”
I don’t know why Jude asked Vivi to join us. She knows she hardly has interest in anything that involves the far, especially if Madoc is to be there. She vowed to hate Madoc forever, and to this day she upheld that.
It used to surprise me with Vivi’s fascination for mortal ways. When we were younger, it only made sense for her to miss our mortal life. We had just been taken from the only life we all ever knew. Reminiscing on our past was normal. Something any child would do. Over time, we grew. Jude and I had come to love the new world we’ve been raised in despite all the faults we faced. Vivi should have adored this world as much as us if not more. Instead, she seemed to grow further from it. Her fascination with the human world only growing more.
Two Human sisters who want nothing more than to belong alongside the fae, along with an older fae sister who despised the fae world and longed for the mortal world.
The irony of it was enough to make someone laugh. It would make a wonderful story, truly.
Vivi gave Jude a skeptical look along with a tilt of her head. She had that expression of a person wondering why someone would say something so stupid. She proceeded to shake her head and look off to the side. “I’ve got other plans.”
Jude’s face showed no difference, but I saw a small flicker there. I gave a small tug on her arm as I led us down the hall, where Madoc and his wife Oriana awaited us.
Oriana, like the majority of faerie, had special features. She was beautiful in truly every way. Her skin was light blue, the way one would imagine, like frost. Her hair hangs in long, straight strands. A pure white, almost like snow. tonight she wore a gown of moss. The color green and a gold fancy collar at her neck made her stand out.
When I first laid eyes on her, she took my breath away. Madoc had shortly wed her after taking us all in. At first, I had been nervous to meet her. Elfhame was still so new to me, and suddenly learning someone new would be joining the household was a bit too much for me.
When observing her for the first few days, she has been everything I thought a fae woman would be. She was elegant and faced every situation with poise. She observed every room she walked in. Something about her was calculating and sharp in its own way, like she had carried her strength, not in sword and scowls but instead behind words and pleasantries. a true courtier of Elfhame
Madoc was in a dark green suit similar to his wife. His sword at his hip, never straying far from it’s owner. his eyes ran over me and Jude as he gave a small nod of his head. “You both look well.” His eyes went further down the hall. I knew who he was looking for. “Is your sister on the way?”
“We don’t know where she is; she must’ve forgotten,” Jude answered.
Madoc’s eyes flickered with a small hint of disappointment, but it was gone just as quickly as it came. Vivi’s tardiness was no surprise to any of us. Vivi is careless when it comes to anything involving fae.
He leads us outside, where there was a hob holding the reins to the horses nearby. One of Madoc’s spies appeared standing close by. She was a funny-looking fae with a hunchback and long nose. She walked past Madoc, her feet light as a note was slipped in his hand. It was so quick that you would have thought their clothes simply brushed together.
My gaze was captured when Oriana stepped forward towards Jude and me. “Be careful tonight,” she said. “Promise me. You will neither eat nor drink nor dance “
“We’ve been to court before,” Jude says.
I can hear the irritation building in her voice. Jude never liked the constant reminders from Oriana for our safety. She hated when Fae constantly reminded us about our mortality and the many disadvantages we have here in Elfhame.
“You may think salt as a sufficient protection, but you children are forgetful. It’s better to go without. As for dancing, once begun, mortals will dance yourself to death if we don’t prevent.
I see Jude look down towards her feet. I myself have to fight the urge to look away. I know the words affect her. She always took jabs at us being human, worse than me. I have gotten used to the many reminders. Of course, it didn’t make it sting any less.
“You are under Madoc’s protection, and he has a favor of the High King. I will not see Madoc made to look foolish because of your mistakes,” she finishes and sets us with a look before walking off to her horse.
At the same moment, both Jude and I share a look. I know we had the same expression set on both our faces. I knew Oriana meant well, in her own fae way feeling. She was looking out for us. Some fae just couldn’t understand that humans could be smart. That we could see beyond the fantasies and limitations of our minds.
We unlink our arms and go to our separate horses. I choose a rouncie, smaller than the other horses, but known for speed. I pulled myself up and settled along the saddle comfortably before I took hold of the reins. I kicked its flank, and the horse took off like a shooting star through the dazzling night. The horse kicks its feet, soaring through the air. From up here, I could see trees. The night was so dark that I had only my imagination to envision the creatures and buildings below. I felt free up here and for one moment like the folk. I couldn’t stop the smile that reached my face.
Down below, I spot the palace on the hill of Elfhame. The horses hurry along the two huge oak trees. Darkness covers me for a moment before we pass through the other barriers leading into the palace. We glide along the cavern before we come upon the entrance to the throne room. Many folk were here, all varying from shades of skin to physical bills. All kinds of Fae came together on nights the High King held court. Entertainment was what the folk lived for, and one place you were sure to find it was at the High King’s Palace.
It is not only the fae that adore the spectacle. I, too, long for the drama, the tales, the decorations. The court is where my mind seems to wander. The urge to get swept into it all is sometimes too much. I suppose it’s something I have in common with the folk
I’m already off my horse, handing the reins to the grooms waiting nearby. I looked at Jude and noticed she’s still on her horse, no doubt taking in the night before her. I can see it in her eyes the astonishment, the wonder.
Madoc steps forward to reach out a hand to help her, but Jude simply hopped off the horse with ease, already making her way to me. At the same moment, Oriana steps forward to speak to us, but Jude quickly scampers over and loops her arms around mine, surprising me as she tugs us along.
Inside, the smells and lights immediately attacked my senses. I don’t stop to take it all, no, first we all must greet the High King. On a great throne was EldredGreenbriar. He wore long gray robes that covered his frame. The heavy gold oak leaf crown sat high on his head, his long hair like golden spun silk. He looked older than other fae, which was rare. We bow before him, and his aged hands reached forward to touch our heads lightly, indicating for us to rise. Before setting off to roam, Madoc decided to say something. “Go enjoy yourselves.”
Jude and I took that as our cue to disappear among the many fae. As we make our way through the crowd, I notice a huge group in their own corner. One with even a few mortals who were making music. It is a circle of Larks. Their leader was Princess Elowyn, the second eldest of King Eldred’s children. She’s at the center dancing to her heart, the 5th Princess Caelia dancing alongside her. Her circle is one for the arts, the one place many mortals are welcome if they have talent. I always wondered if I would fit in there. Unlike Jude, the circle of Larks could be a place I fit in. Maybe if I weren’t so shy and had courage, I could take my chances, but for now, I was content with my own silence.
We were near the steps when I noticed a servant carrying a tray of food. I know Oriana’s warnings, but I knew how to maneuver them. Jude and I can tell which foods are fairy fruit. We’ve been here long enough to know these things, so with a glide of my feet, I take a green apple and some cheese. I take a bite of the apple, the juice flooding my mouth. I hold it out for Jude to take as I nibble on the block of cheese in my hand. We pass the apple back and forth until it’s down to the core. I spare the fruit a glance before depositing it onto one of the tables with mountains of food. I then break the block of cheese in half and give the other half to Jude.
As we eat the last of our snack, I see Jude staring at a short fairy girl with curly hair, the color of clouds. It’s clear what the faerie plans to do with the knife. Many of the fae are sneaky and slippery. This little fae seemed extremely so. She used a small knife and easily cut the male’s belt, taking his sword and pouch with her.
I rolled my eyes, ready to move past the scene, when I noticed, in the corner of my vision, the woman throwing the pouch into the air. No one seemed to notice. I looked to the side where I knew it would land, and there, against a dark corner, leaning against a pillar was a fae male. His skin was white, and he wore a hood over his head. He had light leathers that were black, two huge blades strapped to his back with a long cape flowing behind him. Somehow, making his casual clothing all the more elegant. His head was dipped, but I could tell he was watching the crowd. a hint of a smile on his lips as he chewed a golden apple, sandy blonde hair falling forward in his face. I had never seen a fairy with hair like that, or one that seemed so human.
He tilted his head up and caught the pouch of ease, a smirk on his face as he weighed the contents in his hand. He tilted his head, and our eyes met. I felt my own breath hitch as my body tensed slightly. His eyes went wide, as if surprised to find someone watching him. His expression quickly changed to something playful and satisfied as he smiled at me and dangled the pouch before him. He followed by holding a finger to his lips, making a shushing motion.
I felt my brows furrow as I watched him more closely. That small faerie girl seemed to disappear down the hall. The boy watched her before he turned back to me. He winked, and it almost looked like he was laughing before disappearing off into the dark after the girl. I continued to stare at the pillar long after he disappeared. Something about the interaction rubbed me differently. It wasn’t a bad feeling; however, I wasn’t entirely sure if it was a good one either.
I felt a top of my shoulder and glasses to see Jude staring at me. “What are you staring at?”
I can already feel the flush coming to my cheek. I shouldn’t have felt as embarrassed as I did. I stared at the fae all the time. however, I had a feeling if I told Jude, I was looking at some boy, she take it in a different way.
“The dances.” I say. “We could take turns if you can’t stop. I could always pull you out, and then you do the same for me.”
Jude smile faintly as she stared off at the dancing crowd. I could tell she’s debating the thought. no matter how different she and I seemed to be share the love for the fae court.
Just as I was about to speak again, I noticed Jude frown slightly. “They’re ridiculous,” she says
I follow her gaze, and I see who she means. Prince Cardan and his group of friends. The youngest child of King Eldred, and dare I say the cruelest. I never liked him; he was always cruel to those around him. All fae were somewhat cruel in one way or another, but Cardan seemed to take the cake. It was quite ironic of me to say, really. I lived with a murderer. a father figure whom I loved. The acts of cruelty should not affect me as they do. Perhaps it is my human heart that keeps me in my mortal ways.
“Vivi says that Cardan has a tail,” I say suddenly
Jude fixes me with an intrigued look.
“Vivi said she saw it when she was swimming in a lake with him and Princess Rhyia this pass full moon night.
Jude raises a brow. “You’re serious.”
“Yes!” I squeal, a giggle already bubbling up my throat. “With a tuff on the end. It coils under his clothes, and unfurls like a whip.” The fae’s unique appearances always fascinated me. Sometimes it all tended to creep me out, but over time, I’ve come to think of the uniqueness. Another beauty trait, the fae carried. “Vivi wishes he had one,” I say, snapping out of my thoughts.
Jude pulled a face. “I’m glad she doesn’t.” Jude looked to the side and clicked her teeth in annoyance before squeezing my hand.
Cardan and his merry group of friends were heading toward us. Jude quickly dropped her eyes to the floor and bent her knee. I copied her and did the same. I could already feel the stares our way. I simply close my eyes, hoping they all would pass without sparing us a thought.
From beside me, I hear Jude suck in a breath. I opened my eyes immediately to see Valerian grabbing one of Jude’s horns. He sneered down at her. “Did you think I didn’t see you there? You and your sister stand out in any crowd. No other head so dull, no other faces so plain.”
I could feel Jude silently seething from her spot. She practically hated Cardan and his group of friends. They bully us for our mortality, constantly reminding us of our place in farie. They love to torment us, mostly Jude. Jude wasn’t shy like me. She didn’t back down to them, and they saw that as all the more reason for her to be punished.
Cardan fixed Valerian with a look, though he mostly glared at Jude. Valerian simply shrugged and gave one more hard tug on Jude’s hair before he walked away, laughing. I stood immediately helping Jude.
“Jude-” before I could ask my question, Jude simply shook her head, clearly wanting to forget about the altercation altogether.
As I got ready to ask her another question, I could hear the commotion going on and a sharp cry into the air. I turned to see a boy on the ground with a ripped wing. Cardan is currently holding that wing. The fae stop all they’re doing to watch for a couple of seconds before they all go back to their own rounds of entertainment. The fae view many things as entertainment here. Cruelty and humiliation fall in that category. I find myself frowning. “He’s always so cruel. It is a wonder how many put up with him.” I say quietly.
I was ready to spill the rest of my thoughts about how cruel the youngest Prince seemed when my eyes found Locke stopping to help the weeping fae boy to his feet. I felt my heartbeat pick up and quickly went silent. I used to think Locke was like the rest of them. Cruel, a bully, someone who found joy in others suffering. Yet this past summer, he had seemed to change my way of thinking. While yes it was true, he was friends with the other three it didn’t mean he was so terrible. He showed kindness at at times and usually sat back when his friend did the suffering. He wasn’t the best man, but he wasn’t. He was better than most Fae that I’ve come to know.
When he lifts his eyes in my direction. I feel my heart pick up more, and my hands holding onto Jude’s arm just a bit tighter as I hold my breath. I had been hoping for a chance for us to see each other again or even catch a glimpse of him. It had been a few days since we really got to talk, and I was longing for him to even look at me.
Just as I think his eyes are sliding to mine, they instead go to Jude. I feel a sharp feeling low in my stomach, and I know my face gives away my disappointment. I glanced at my sister, and I could see the effect he’s having on her, similar to what I first experienced when Locke looked at me for the first time.
He winked at her, and something hot and angry stirred beneath my skin. I felt hurt, angry, and annoyed. Lock hadn’t spared me a look, his eyes going straight to Jude as if she was the one he spent stolen nights with or midnight kisses like she was the one he traded stories with, or danced beneath the stars. It made me jealous and something like guilt over all I was currently feeling.
“Stop staring at him,” I say to Jude, my voice coming out rougher than intended,
“But didn’t you see-’
I cut Jude off by tugging her towards the stairs towards our hideout of shimmering stone. Where we wouldn’t be seen by the folk and away from the noise. “Don’t give them any more reason to bother you, Jude. It only ever works in their favor.” I was so irritated that I didn’t notice how hard my nails were digging into her arm until she pulled her hand away from mine. I did manage to see the confused look she threw my way. It must’ve seemed so odd for me to be angry. out of the two of us, I was never the one to quickly anger. I couldn’t help it, though, not after witnessing what Locke did.
As we neared the end of the stairs, I tried to calm myself and think of something other than Locke. My heart still ached, but the cool air settled around me, and along with those things, the thoughts of my golden coin, the music, and the intriguing look of a certain human-looking fae