Page 17

“Lusha, is there a library in the castle that guests are allowed to access?” I asked as she readied my bath.

Golden hour was upon us, drenching the white marble bathroom in warm sepia tones.

My eyes grew wide when she used magic to fill the tub with steaming water, pausing to add rose oil, before continuing.

Hot water poured from thin air like a faucet, inches from her outstretched hands, pooling in the copper basin.

“Yes. Several. I don’t know if humans can use them though,” she said apologetically.

I stepped into the flower-scented water, clenching my jaw as I adjusted to the heat. My heart sank at her words. “Why aren't humans allowed in the castle?”

Lusha began scrubbing my skin, answering in a hushed tone, “It started when King Randall died. The Queen decided that human interactions should be minimized. When faeries learned how to extract blood through hollow needles, the castle banned them completely.”

“And how… how do you feel about that rule?” I asked hesitantly.

Lusha stayed quiet while she massaged shampoo into my hair and rinsed it.

“You’re a bold one, Miss,” she eventually said.

“You should be careful about who you talk to about human faerie politics. I’m a human sympathizer, but I’m from the southern part of the continent—from Elysia.

Humans and faeries work side by side there.

They provide us magic and in exchange we feed and house them.

The system worked well for a long time, but now things are changing.

My ma wrote me last week, telling me more humans have gone missing. ”

I stood and she wrapped a warm towel around me. I almost slipped on the wet floor, gasping, “What do you mean, missing ?”

“Entire families are being kidnapped. Haven’t you heard?

My mom lost her best friend, Primrose—along with her whole family—to snatchers a few months ago.

Now, Ma and Pa are struggling to find a source.

I do what I can for them, but… it’s not enough.

Faeries have been banning together to guard the homes of humans day and night, but they continue to disappear.

The snatchers are powerful—full of magic. ”

“But what about the Kingdom—surely they have a royal army that’s helping?”

Lusha led me to the vanity and began brushing out my wet hair. “The Princes and their soldiers take turns patrolling different areas, but the snatchers always seem to be one step ahead of them. Towns are too spread out to protect everyone at once.”

I looked off in the distance, deep in thought. I’d confront the Princes. There had to be more they could do—maybe something I could do.

I scoffed at the ridiculous notion. As if I could do anything to stop faeries . Thanks to my sheltered upbringing, I was nothing but a hinderance to myself and others. I’d proven that yesterday in the village when I’d tried to help and made a mess of things.

Lusha smiled as she caught my gaze in the mirror.

“Don’t worry, Miss. You’re safe here. I hope your stay at the castle is a sign that humans will start gaining access again—that things are changing for the better.

” She paused, before whispering, “The Kingdom will have to do something to improve human relations soon. The riots have been getting bad in the rural villages where magic has become scarce. Word is, some families have gone weeks without blood. Magic grows the crops that feed all of Nymera. Some women are losing their pregnancies without steady access to it. The sick and injured depend on the magic from healers. Things are getting very bad, very quickly, I’m afraid. ”

Six gods . Galen hadn’t told me how dire things truly were. It sounded as if they were at the brink of war and economic collapse.

I must’ve looked aghast, because Lusha put a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I assumed it was common knowledge by now, especially for humans. Where is it you come from? If these problems haven’t found your home yet, maybe my family can relocate there.”

Her words stabbed me in the chest. I wanted to tell her the truth, but I didn’t want to get her hopes up. I wasn’t a hero. “I’m sorry, but it’s not safe there either,” I murmured, averting my eyes.

“Ah, well. Let’s be glad we’re at the castle then, eh?”

As conversation lulled, my anxiety shifted to a more immediate concern—this evening.

Would I be the main course… or the dessert?

I studied my reflection, watching blood drain from my cheeks, as I recalled how close Sylvia’s fangs had been to my neck.

What fresh horrors would be waiting for me at dinner?

Lusha began applying my makeup and I made a concerted effort to relax as I watched her work.

Worrying about tonight was useless. My stomach was still in knots, but color returned to my face as she put a balm on my lips, making them look like plump ripe berries.

Next came my eyes; Kohl was added to make the lashes look darker and thicker.

She finished with a shimmering powder over my face, chest, and arms.

“How would you like your hair done this evening, Miss?” Lusha plastered on a grin and I wanted to tell her that she didn’t have to fake a smile around me. I’d had enough of those for one lifetime.

“Is it an option to wear it down?” I wasn’t allowed to let it fall freely in Aurelius.

“Of course.” She grinned. “At court, everyone is encouraged to flaunt their beauty. If you’re still here for the Hyacinth festival, you’ll see just how flamboyant faeries at Court can be.”

I shook my head adamantly. “No, I prefer to avoid crowds… especially crowds that drink human blood.”

She snorted. “Fair enough. I’ll just tame your curls, then.”

She went to work, adding a serum that smelled of almonds, before running her fingers through my hair. My eyes grew wide as perfect voluminous, shiny curls began to form. I startled in my seat when I realized she was using magic .

“Lusha, don’t waste your magic on me! I don’t have anything to repay you with.” Heat rushed to my face as I realized how that had sounded. “I didn’t mean to suggest—n-not that you’d even want my blood… I-I—”

“Don’t worry.” She laughed. “All employees are given a stipend of magic each week, to assist us with any duties we have around the castle. I’m a water wielder, but I can also manipulate matter—reshape it. Naturally, I’m quite gifted at styling hair.”

That didn’t seem right. Castle staff received magic for unessential tasks, while those in small towns struggled to grow food? It was wildly irresponsible. Did the Queen want her people to suffer? To riot ?

Although… if I was being honest, Erador faced similar problems. Aristocrats wanted for nothing, at the expense of everyone else. Swap money with magic and our worlds weren’t all that different.

Greed and power were insatiable beasts that fed like locusts.

They were the root cause of evil… spreading through society like a plague.

Even growing up in a pretty castle on a hill, I knew that.

I’d dined with the monsters, watched my aunt appease them—feed them.

And tonight, I would dine with new ones.

“Thank you for making me feel so beautiful tonight,” I said, running my fingers through perfectly curled flaxen waves.

“We aren’t done yet. Wait until you see the dresses that were delivered for you,” Lusha squealed in excitement.

Her exuberance was contagious. I decided I was done sulking for now.

I’d resume tomorrow. She opened my wardrobe and pulled out several dresses, laying them out on my bed one by one.

It was like feasting my eyes upon a treasure chest full of dazzling jewels—each gown more unique and vibrant than the last.

My gaze fell upon a slinky olive-green dress.

It was different than anything I’d ever worn.

Lusha helped me into it and I admired the details.

The off-the-shoulder sleeves were made of a sheer fabric that draped delicately around my arms. Instead of a corset, the fabric molded to my body, feeling silky and cool against my skin.

The sweetheart neckline plunged just enough to tease at cleavage.

The moss colored skirt fell in soft layers, with deep slits that showed off my thighs as I walked.

It was more revealing than even my undergarments back home. I gave Lusha a beaming smile.

Galen must’ve ordered these yesterday when my measurements were taken. How much had he paid to have these tailored and delivered in one day? My throat tightened. I’d never received a gift from a man. I’m sure it was nothing for a Prince with unlimited resources, but the gesture had still been kind.

I stood in front of a full-length mirror and gasped.

Had Lusha manipulated more than my hair?

I felt like one of the six gods. The gown hugged my body like a second skin.

A new dress and a little makeup had transformed a girl into a woman.

I felt attractive in a way that I wasn’t used to.

I felt seductive . Luscious locks of gold fell past my shoulders, making me look like my mother.

I held back tears, feeling an immense sense of comfort in the idea that she was with me tonight.

“Don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup,” Lusha hushed, drying my eyes with a handkerchief. Her kindness gave me the glimmer of hope that I’d needed. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that they needed me, therefore it wouldn’t be beneficial to eat me.