Page 21 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King (Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy #1)

Chapter Twenty-One

Briar

M y body ached so much I could’ve easily burst into flames. The stone mug of red tea in my hands nearly splashed over the edge as I walked into my room and leaned back against the door. I had all sorts of paste on me. Physician Morlo had treated me and told me to return to my room and bathe for thirty minutes while drinking all the contents in the mug.

I placed the mug beside the basin and returned to the door to shove the nightstand back in front of it so no one could get in without me knowing. My arms ached and my legs burned, and I only managed to put it on the side, but I would still have enough of a warning.

Eagerly, I filled the basin and found a gown in the dresser across from the bed. It was silky and thin, intended as pajamas, and it stuck to the paste, but it beat being naked until the bath was ready. After a few minutes, I decided I didn’t want to wait any more and stepped into the steamy water as the basin continued to fill. The crimson water lapped at my legs and rose higher as I took a sip of the nutty herbal tea and laid my head back to try to relax for a bit.

The whole trial had been awful, but at least every one of my friends had made it. Still, the most pressing thought on my mind was how the prince had come to me. I could’ve sworn he’d been concerned, but I had been the first to win. He’d checked on Rhielle and even Kaylen when I was leaving. That was the order we’d finished in.

I wasn’t special to him, and I didn’t need to fool myself otherwise. Besides, he’d checked Rhielle’s leg too.

The pit in my stomach deepened, and my wolf growled at the memory of his eyes on her wound. My fingers flexed over the edge of the slick basin, my knuckles blanching. The urge to rip her throat out surged through me once more.

I held my breath and submerged my entire body underwater, needing help to clear the awful thoughts in my head, and for the heat to cover my whole body. Seeing his eyes on her had had my pulse racing, and I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with me. I stayed under until my lungs screamed; then I lifted my head and allowed the cold air to assault my face.

Taking in ragged breaths as my survival instincts kicked in, I forced myself to relax. Rhielle was my friend, and she’d needed tending to, the same as me. Hell, she’d needed more care than me, and I should have been grateful that he’d been concerned for her too. Losing control of my emotions around him wouldn’t amount to anything good, especially if I attacked my only friend here.

I closed my eyes, my throat tightening. I didn’t belong here, and the sooner I got back to Ember, the better. I needed to get far, far away from Vad. Away from his stupid handsome face, his stupid strong arms that made me wish he’d cover my body with his, and his amazing spicy leather scent that I wanted to rub all over myself.

Fuck. I missed him. My entire body tensed as my wolf whined.

No. I didn’t miss him. I couldn’t . I stayed in the water, trying to relax, though my entire body remained weak with fatigue and strain. Still, I remained in the basin, following the physician’s advice. I had to appear put together for myself, nobody else. I refused to allow them to believe they broke me.

When the last of the tea was gone and the heat had turned tepid, I eased myself from the basin and slipped back into the gown. The fabric clung to my damp skin, but it was soft and light. The stiffness and aches had left, the cuts, scrapes, and bruises gone like the water draining from the basin.

The only thing other than my heart that still hurt was my lower leg. The cut from the spike had been fairly deep, though now it was only a little tender.

Between Morlo’s advice and my shifter healing, I felt almost normal.

I’d barely walked back into the bedroom when there was a knock on the door and the nightstand scraped across the floor. “Hey—” I snarled.

The three servants in gray robes peered through the crack, eyes bright with excitement. The tall one slipped inside and pushed the nightstand away and let the other two in, both holding cedar boxes, one large and one small. “Come along now, miss,” the tall one said, coming to stand in front of me and taking me by the arm. “We must get you ready for the ball!”

The two other servants placed the boxes on the foot of the bed and scampered back, squeeing and clapping their hands.

It was a little weird, but it didn’t feel like they meant any harm. “What are these?”

“Just open them! They’re for the ball tonight.” The short one practically vibrated with excitement as she pointed to the larger of the two boxes.

Curiosity won out as I stepped forward and opened the lid. The woodsy scent turned into a fragrant cloud of freesia, lavender, and jasmine. Inside were layers of lavender and white gauze and silk with branching lines of gold. My eyes widened as I lifted out the garment and held it up, letting the small scented floral bags fall from the skirt to the floor.

Holy crap, I’d never seen a dress so beautiful. There was no way I could wear this. I’d mess it up before I even left the bedroom. “Is this for me?”

It was a strapless ballgown with a structured gold branched bodice made of deep violet fabric that faded to ivory as it flared out into the skirt and then transformed into a richer blue violet. Gold embroidery formed branching tree patterns at the hem, and gold flecks dusted the bodice like falling stardust.

The shorter one nodded. “I’ve never seen one so beautiful as this before.”

“I can’t wear this.” Even though I itched to touch it, I couldn’t risk ruining that .

“You must.” The tallest servant clasped her hands. “The prince specifically sent this one to you.”

My heart stuttered, but I pushed the fluttering fool from my mind. Vad had probably picked everyone's dress, not just mine. Still, it would be rude to reject it. “Okay.”

Fuck. I’d never been a girly girl, but some part of me couldn’t believe I got to wear something this beautiful. And unlike the dress from today, this one was impossibly light.

The gray-robed servants giggled with excitement, gushing about how beautiful I would look and how the color would contrast so beautifully with my hair and eyes. Within minutes, they’d helped me into it.

Some sort of magic had to have been used to make this dress because it didn’t pinch my sides or squish my lungs. It was as light as the loose cornflower blue dress they’d given me yesterday and made the most delightful rustling sound when I moved, making me want to spin like a little girl.

They moved me in front of the mirror so I could see myself while the tall one dusted my face with a delicate brush, the second smoothed my hair, and the third tidied up. “You’re like a vision from the golden forests in the twilight mountains.”

“The prince won’t be able to look away,” the short one giggled.

My cheeks heated, and my spine tightened. No sense getting my hopes up. He was going to dance with Rhielle, Kaylen, and me, and they’d be looking even more gorgeous, I was sure of it, especially Kaylen. Hell, everyone would be.

They continued to fuss over me for a few minutes more, smoothing and stroking and cooing like I was some kind of doll. “So beautiful indeed,” said the tall one, beaming at me as if I were her own daughter. “Now. Open the second box when you are ready, and then proceed to the main hall. You’ll take the same path that you do to the Ascension Hall, but you’ll see where you’re to go. It’s very easy to find.”

“Good luck, miss!” the short one called.

“Enjoy yourself!” the slightly more slender one sighed.

They disappeared just as quickly as they had arrived, closing the door with a firm click behind them.

My stomach twisted with nervous energy, a thousand butterflies fluttering like the tattoo on my wrist. The fiery tattoo pulsed faster than before, the wings rippling underneath my skin.

Returning to the foot of the bed, I opened the second box. Once again, floral scents released into the air, coming from scented bags fastened into the corner of the box, but my breath caught in my throat.

The shoes were every bit as gorgeous as the dress and far more dangerous. I belly laughed. Did they really expect me to wear these? There’d better be some magic in them, because, beautiful as they were, I couldn’t imagine walking in them without tripping and crashing to my death, wolf shifter or not. But…with how good the dress felt and knowing the other fae would be wearing similar shoes, part of me wanted to try.

Besides, the heels could be used as weapons if I needed to defend myself.

They were crystal stiletto heels with realistic violet roses sculpted along the sides, and they laced to the lower calf like ballet slippers. The largest of the roses blossomed right at the ankle, and the sleek material was something I didn’t recognize.

I slipped them on, and my feet felt as if they were being hugged by a cloud. I smiled. Maybe there was magic in them because I didn’t find myself unsteady, and my toes didn’t hurt at all. The small clusters of roses and ribbons were sturdy and yet did not press against the most tender point of my calf.

Slowly, I turned in front of the mirror, my steps cautious at first. The skirt swished, and the floral perfume swirled around me. Even if no one danced with me, I could have fun spinning in this dress and hanging with my friends. We’d have a great time, even if Vad barely interacted with me. I didn’t need him or anyone.

My wolf whimpered at the thought, but I exhaled. No, we can’t be upset when Vad ignores me. Nothing good will come of it if he does, and besides, I need to go home…to my real home.

There was one more trial to go, and then he’d choose someone else to be his queen. It was best to focus on having the best time I could with my friends, though the thought of him touching someone else— anyone else—twisted like a blade in my stomach and made me want to kill even the imaginative girl.

No matter what, I wouldn’t let anyone see this affect me. He wasn’t mine and never would be. My wolf tried edging forward again, but I pushed against her. I didn’t even understand why she was acting this way. It wasn’t like Vad was my fated mate. He was a fae prince, for Fate’s sake.

Okay, I had to get out of here. My thoughts were upsetting me and making me spiral. I needed to be around people and maybe toss back a few drinks. I had this, but my wolf snuck another whimper in, making me want to pull the ends of my hair.

With a steadying breath, I strode out the door into the hall.

Rhielle had just stepped out of her room as well. She was a vision in a midnight-blue gown with diamonds fastened throughout the uppermost gauze on the skirt to create an effect like a starlit night. The ridged bodice cupped her breasts, shaped by lines of diamonds. An elegant matching cloak was fastened with clusters of diamonds to the gauzy shoulders of her gown, fluttering with each movement.

“Wow, look at you—” I stopped short when I saw the long, jagged, purple scar cutting across the column of her pale throat.

“Let them see it. I’m not here to impress anyone with my beauty.” Rhielle adjusted her cloak and then set her hand on her hip almost in a dare.

“No…” I shook my head, hating that she thought I would point out her battle wound. “I meant the dress. It looks great on you. Are you feeling better?”

“Enough to show my face. It’ll be an early night for me, but I’m not letting those bellends see me falter.” She stuck out her right foot. Though it had mostly healed, a few blue veins remained, far lighter and less swollen, indicating that she continued to heal. They almost looked like an extension of the sculpted midnight blue stilettos.

“Do they really expect us to dance in these?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood. “I think I might break my neck if I move too fast.”

“Or if Kaylen shoves you away from Vad.” She looped her arm in mine as we started to walk down the hall, our heels clicking on the marble floor. “Not that there will be too much of that tonight. The prince probably has to be the lead officiator. I heard a rumor that the king isn’t feeling the best, so he won’t be opening the ball with the traditional dance, and Vad is going to have to see to the rest of the ceremonies that are customary here. So you can have my dance with Vad, if you’d like.” Her brow arched as her smile broadened.

Heat shot down my spine, and I tossed my hair as I scoffed. “You earned your dance fair and square.”

“Well, you did more than a little to help get me to the finish line, so it’s only fair you enjoy the reward more than a little.”

“Dancing with Vad isn’t a reward,” I argued way too loudly, and the stench of sulfur from my own lie hit me hard. My stomach clenched, and then I snorted, trying to make it sound like I’d been joking.

She chuckled and patted my hand. “You’re right. It isn’t. It’s utter drudgery. We should just let Kaylen dance with him all night.”

I bristled, and Rhielle watched me closely.

I hated that I’d fallen for her game, but the thought of Kaylen touching Vad had rage boiling inside me, and the thought of snapping her hand off was way too appealing.

As we passed into the main hall, soft elegant music reached us, and I had limited time to redeem myself.

I cleared my throat. “I can’t do that to him. No one deserves that sort of punishment.”

She clicked her tongue, and her pink eyes sparkled beneath the exhaustion. “Selfless as always, Briar. Maybe you should have all three dances with him to save him from such a fate. I’m sure he’d be grateful for your intervention.”

I rolled my eyes and huffed as I tried to think of something to say back.

As I opened my mouth, I stopped.

The main hall opened before us, and the massive double doors at the far end were wide open. Soft golden light spilled into the corridor, and the music grew louder. Dozens of fae milled about, their gowns and suits elegant, and every single one of them was beautiful. Was there even such a thing as an ugly fae?

“Briar! Rhielle!”

Standing by the nearest door, Myantha waved us over. Her iridescent white gown glistened under the chandeliers, catching the light of the crystals woven into her dress. The lighter fabric faded into a warm pink at the hem, and her honey-gold locs swept around her shoulders. “You look so beautiful, both of you!”

I forced a smile to my face as I fought like hell not to search for Vaddy. “So do you. You’re stunning!”

“When we aren’t fighting for our lives, we actually look quite lovely.” Rhielle smirked, then winced, her hand going to her throat.

“You feeling all right?” I placed a hand on her shoulder to help steady her.

Rhielle paused and then straightened her spine. “Like I said, it’ll be an early night for me.”

Quen and Thalira stood farther inside the room and motioned us over. The ballroom itself was an enormous space with multiple ornate balconies overlooking the main floor. Elegant black columns supported the balconies, running up to the cathedral ceiling arched high above us with eight huge chandeliers hanging from thick chains. No one was on the main dance floor yet, but dozens and dozens of fae had gathered around it.

We stood on a landing that led to a polished black marble staircase with gold inlay. Staircases rose on both sides of the broad landing and led to the second and third floors. At the far end of the room, a raised platform bore one large onyx throne with two smaller ones flanking it. Black mist coiled around it, and two large stone lamps burned with golden fire. No one was there yet.

That must be where the royal family will sit. My heart clenched at the thought of him .

The orchestra continued to play. Harps, flutes, and some sort of steady drumbeat. The musicians were tucked away behind the pillars on the left side. On the right side were tables full of all kinds of food and drink.

“They’re getting ready to start,” Quen said. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she squeezed my arm.

Thalira glanced back at us as we stepped to the edge of the landing near the balcony.

Rhielle walked alongside us, her manner quiet now. “I have to see this.”

“Why?” My brows furrowed. “What’s going to happen? You mean the dances?”

“Is the king really not going to attend?” Thalira mashed her lips together. “This is the ball before the final test.”

Rhielle twitched a shoulder. As a Shadow Fae, she seemed to understand how things were handled in the Shadow Court better than the rest of us.

“They aren’t quite as rigid here as in some of the other courts.” Rhielle placed a hand on her stomach like she was steadying herself. “I’m sure the king will appear eventually, and he’ll likely perform the ceremony then. Or maybe they agreed that any officiations or necessary formalities should happen after the ball. It’s hard to say.”

The music changed then, transforming into a waltz. Myantha gasped. “Oh that’s wonderful.”

My gaze turned to the ballroom floor, and my heart leaped, then sank. There was Vad, as devastatingly handsome as always with his cut cheekbones and broad shoulders and wavy dark hair. He wore a black velvet surcoat over a gold embellished tunic with tailored black trousers, his red-black wings on full display.

On his arm...was Kaylen.

I’d known he was going to dance with her, but somehow, this stung. He’d gone to her first. He hadn’t even come to find me or make sure I was here. My vision blurred, and I realized I was about to fall apart.

“Kaylen has the first dance.” Velessa laughed.

She moved beside me. She still had her arm in a sling, but the sling had been embroidered with roses and violets to complement her pale blue dress.

Thalira and Yuki giggled, exchanging glances as if sharing a secret. Rhielle appeared satisfied. Quen was nodding as well.

I couldn’t believe how cruel they were being. Why were all of them so happy to see him dancing with Kaylen? She swept across the floor in a bold yellow gown that, frankly, washed her out, but she didn’t seem bothered. She had one hand on his shoulder and the other tucked in his, her face upturned.

Rhielle nudged me. “Come on. They’re getting the first dances out of the way. I’ll show you where we should stand. It’s probably only going to be a two-minute song. Maybe three if I’m reading this properly. I’ll bet you’re the third dance.”

The others nodded happily as if that didn’t mean he was picking me last.

My hands clenched, and for a second, I wanted to smack them.

“Come on.” Rhielle winked. She took my arm, and we all moved to the far side of the landing and the stairs as the dance continued. I kept my back poker straight, not wanting to show my disappointment, and blinked back tears. I’d known better than to hope. In fact, I’d even tried to push the sensation aside. The two of us would never happen.

Rhielle stopped me at what seemed like a random point on the right edge of the dance floor between the fourth and fifth chandeliers. There was a small diamond etching in the floor as if to indicate this was where we were to stand.

“Would have been nice if they’d told us when to be here,” I murmured.

Rhielle side-eyed me. “The servants probably told him we were here. Do you want the second dance? You can have both.”

I started to open my mouth in response when someone plucked my elbow. “Well, well, well, Copper Chaos, look at you all fancied up.” Thalen slid in beside me, grinning bright. He wore a sharp navy-blue surcoat with an amber and crimson neck scarf and a crisp white shirt and navy-blue trousers. The amber embroidery on the surcoat looked like thin flames or gusts of wind.

“I see the prince’s first dance has started.” Thalen’s cheeky tone grated on me, but he grinned as if everything was going to plan. “Care to honor me with a dance, Chaos?”

“Step back there, Silver Streak.” Rhielle set her hands on her waist. “She’s got the second and the third dance, and you aren’t messing that up.”

I pressed my lips in a tight line, not enjoying myself at all. But then a heavy hand came to rest on my shoulder.

“I would like to ask for the honor of the next dance, Briar.”