Court of Winter (Fae of Snow & Ice, #1)(71)
“The entire layer of flesh on the back of his hand was burned through. Murl wasn’t powerful enough to fully heal the wound. That young male now carries a rather ugly scar.”
My stomach churned when I remembered the feeling I’d gotten from Lord Crimsonale when he’d appeared in Barvilum. I shuddered.
“And what else can you tell me of the court? Who do I need to be careful of? Who can I trust? Please tell me everything.”
Daiseeum continued to work her magic but gave a slight nod. “Very well, my lady.”
The minutes ticked by as her soft magic floated around me, and she filled me in on the court’s gossip and hierarchy. She went through all of the lords and ladies, what their rankings were, their affinities that she knew of, and which territories they called home, but they were all faceless names and titles. I didn’t know what kind of fae they were, if they were kind, cruel, noble, or mundane.
Daiseeum hummed in between divulging the court specifics, and her fingers moved with liquid grace as her magic grew in strength around me. “To be truly safe, simply steer clear of Lord Crimsonale and Arcane Woodsbury—the Isalee Archon’s third son. He’s been known to hurt animals and children, although he’s clever, so nothing has ever been pinned on him, but rumors follow him wherever he goes. Oh, and give Taberitha Wormiful, the archon of Kroravee Territory, a wide berth. She’s been known to eat young fae females for breakfast.” When my eyes widened, Daiseeum bumped me playfully. “Not literally, Ilara, but she’s a spiteful fairy who despises all females who climb higher than her on the social chain. She is from Kroravee after all, so it shouldn’t be too surprising.”
Holding still as Daiseeum did the finishing touches, I said, “All right. Stay away from Lord Crimsonale, Lord Woodsbury, and Lady Wormiful. Avoid those three at all costs, be wary of everyone else, and don’t draw attention to myself, and all should be fine. Did I understand that correctly?”
When I picked at my fingernail, Daiseeum patted my shoulder. “You shall be fine. I doubt the prince will leave your side.” She finished with the makeup she’d been wielding and gave a contented smile. “There, all done.” Her eyes sparkled with pride as she looked me over. “Come see.”
She led me to the floor-length mirror near the bathing chamber, and I gaped when I saw myself.
The silky dress shone like glass in the mirror, shiny and bright in the overhead fairy lights. A single pendant necklace dangled between my cleavage, drawing one’s attention there. I had no idea if the jewelry was real, but the sapphire sparkled and twinkled, reminding me of the jewel that Drachu had worn around his neck.
Around my waist, Daiseeum had added a jeweled belt, highlighting the swell of my hips and hourglass figure. Now that I’d had over a month of daily meals, I’d developed curves that I’d never known existed.
“How did you do this to my hair?” I asked, bringing a hand up to the delicate design. Glimmering gems glistened in the half-up, half-down style. Beautiful diamonds interwove through my curls, shifting and sparkling as though suspended in the strands, and the loose curls swirling through my long locks swayed like gentle waves in the Tala Sea.
“Magic.” Daiseeum smiled sweetly.
My makeup was also flawless, making my eyes look bigger and brighter, my lips fuller, and my cheekbones sharper. I still looked like me, but I’d never seen myself look so striking.
I pivoted, taking in the floor-length dress that moved like water. My entire back was exposed, and since the dress stopped in a V just above my backside, it drew attention to that area too. Since I’d gained weight, there was a definite curve to my bottom that hadn’t been there a month ago either.
I laughed in delight. “You’re amazing at this, Daiseeum. I never knew I could look so beautiful. Thank you.”
Daiseeum’s head bobbed, and her cheeks flushed as she curtsied. “I do so enjoy it, and you are truly exquisite, Ilara. You were already a beautiful canvas who just needed the finishing touches to be a true masterpiece.”
I grinned and clasped her hand before giving her a squeeze. Her cheeks pinked even more.
A soft knock came on my bedroom chamber door, and she hastily removed her hand. “That would be the prince. Right on time.”
The door opened, and the prince strode in. “Ilara? Are you ready to—”
The prince stopped in his tracks when he saw me, his eyes widening.
He stood at the threshold, dressed in the royal colors and in full uniform. His fitted tunic was deep blue with the royal crest on the side of his chest. Beneath it were the medals of honor that only royalty could wear, each proudly displayed. The decadence of his attire highlighted his wide shoulders, muscled arms, and large palms. Black leggings and knee-high black boots drew my attention to his strong thighs. Of course, I’d seen the prince in fine clothing before but nothing like this.
He didn’t say a word as his gaze swept over me, drinking me in as though I were a fine wine, and with each inch of his perusal, my heart beat harder and harder.
A tingling sensation began deep in my stomach when his eyes grew hooded, and heat flooded my core when that primal look entered his eyes. It was a look I’d been seeing more and more in him, ever since he’d returned from his month away. It was as though something was barely contained within the prince, like there was a predator prowling around inside him, just waiting to be unleashed.