Page 12 of Fey Empire

“What’s a rhocyn?”

“Someone who has to wear their hair down.”

“Oh. It’s not a choice?”

Dyfri sighs. “About as much as your training was.”

I blink, and suddenly I am alone. The ceiling is swirling slightly. This truth serum is good stuff.

Living with the fey is going to be even stranger than I thought. Much, much stranger. And full of plots and loyalties and rules I do not know.

Heaven help me.

Chapter five

The feel of silk against my skin is nice. I’m so glad that fey court robes are comfortable. Although I’m not sure if I will ever be able to figure out how to put them on myself. This fey servant girl is still fiddling with bits and pieces, and she has been dressing me for ages.

Hopefully, this outfit is more complicated than most. It has to be the height of formality. I am being formally presented to court, after all.

Lord Coxley has been executed, and the fey are content with the apology. I’m trying not to think about the gruesome details.

The wedding is officially back on. I have no idea if the public consummation is now part of the arrangements, and that’s another thing I’m trying very hard not to think about.

Today needs to be endured first. One step at a time. Thousands of people are going to be watching me perform a ceremony.

Deep breaths. I can do this. I endured a debutante ball amongst humans, back when the fey were only a myth. This can’t be much different.

The servant steps back and inspects her work. I think it is done. I look at my reflection in the mirror.

Layers of snow-white silk are skimming over my body. Cinching in at the waist and falling down to my toes. The white matches my hair and makes my eyes look extremely vivid. Not that I plan on looking at anyone.

I turn a little, and the robes swish with a pretty effect. The cloth flows from my hips, but it fits close across my stomach and chest. Thank heavens mother has been restricting my diet. This outfit really doesn’t hide any sins.

The servant nods happily. Good. I assume that means that everything is in order and looking as it should.

My gaze tracks over the barely visible laces and ties. Holy goddess. I hope someone will come and help me out of all of this later.

A pair of gold-flecked eyes appear in my mind’s eye. Along with a set of long, nimble fingers.

Heat floods my cheeks, and I push the scandalous thoughts away. I am being presented to court, it is not my wedding day. There is no reason for Prince Selwyn to come anywhere near me. Let alone undress me by unwrapping me slowly like a gift.

Suddenly, the dressing room door swings open behind me. My heart leaps up into my throat. I haven’t conjured him with my thoughts, have I?

Mother steps into the room. My heart calms, but my shoulders tense.

Her green eyes rake over me. Inspecting every inch of my appearance. She smiles. She looks happy and pleased.

I blink to try to clear my vision, but I’m still seeing the same things. This can’t be happening. Mother is never pleased with me.

“My plans are coming to fruition,” she beams.

Ah. Of course. That makes far more sense.

“I will be the mother of a prince consort of the fey. The race who rule the Earth.”

I drop my gaze and turn back to the mirror. She steps up to me and begins fussing with my hair.

“The Goddess blessed me with a pretty one when she burdened me with a vessel.”