Page 6 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses (Cursed Fae Courts #1)

Chapter Six

Aurelia

S unspire’s rooftop had been transformed by the time I arrived to the party. Lanterns, glowing with soft golden light, floated above the courtyard like fireflies, casting a romantic haze over the night. The scent of roses, jasmine, and moonflower drifted through the air, carried by the cool night breeze. The stars glittered like jewels in the inky sky above us, and the sound of music—the soft strum of harps and lilting voices—filled the space with a dreamlike quality.

All around me, guests moved in a swirling mass of gowns and laughter, wine glasses in hand as they exchanged pleasantries. It was a scene straight from the bedtime stories Lilah loved—where everything appeared perfect.

Except I was standing at the center of it all, about to promise myself to my future mate. And I was dreading every step along the way.

Callan had kept his distance so far, though his presence lingered in every glance sent my way and in the hushed whispers between courtiers who tracked his every move. They were eager for the future our marriage would bring. Or, more accurately, eager to mingle with Autumn fae courtiers .

The other courts had been out of touch for years. Our borders were open but rarely traveled as the roads along the way became more and more prone to bandits and thieves. And in recent years, Obsidians. As Heliconia’s power grew, the darkness in the realm spread until travel between courts had become almost non-existent.

Callan’s arrival, though he’d been accompanied by enough soldiers to fight a small war, was evidence that we might one day travel between our borders safely again. The only thing Summer fae loved more than a loud party was one with new friends.

I might’ve agreed if I weren’t being forced to wed a male I barely knew while keeping a secret that might well get me imprisoned—or worse. Now that it had wakened, the magic inside me refused to rest. It churned and coiled, begging to be freed.

I couldn’t let it.

Adrenaline coursed through me as, across the space, Callan tipped his head back and laughed at something a courtier said.

Not for the first time, I wished for a friend beside me. But Lilah had gone to bed hours ago on Mother’s orders—much to my sister’s disappointment. And Sonoma was off guarding the borders. Even Lesha and Amanti, the other two Aine who lived in Sevanwinds and served the crown, were absent tonight, patrolling and keeping watch from the skies.

The only other person I spent time with was Maelis, Lilah’s tutor. She’d come down with a cold this morning, opting for rest at home tonight.

Sadly, that was the extent of my list of friends, and even they were either family or servants of the crown. I wasn’t sure that qualified them as true friends, but they were all I had.

Growing up, I’d become friendly with a few of the daughters who came to court, whose fathers were mostly military leaders or advisors to the king. But as I’d grown older, Sonoma had demanded I put in more training time, and my parents had required my attendance at dinners with guests and dignitaries. We’d quickly grown apart, and I’d clung instead to my family and the Aine for support. I wasn’t lonely, but sometimes I wondered if that was only because I had no idea what I was missing.

Either way, in this moment, I was on my own.

I lifted my glass of wine to my lips—liquid courage—but the taste was bitter. My thoughts kept drifting to that moment in the foyer yesterday; the way Callan’s smile hadn’t quite reached his eyes, the way his words had felt more like well-placed moves than genuine conversation.

“Enjoying yourself, Princess?” asked a deep voice, ripe with condescension.

Caught off guard, I blinked at the stranger who’d spoken.

Our eyes met, and my breath caught as the world seemed to tilt.

He was the most handsome male I’d ever seen, with dark hair that hung carelessly over his forehead and stormy gray eyes that seemed to see right through me to the secrets I guarded from the world.

“I am,” I finally managed to stammer.

His mouth quirked in amusement. “Careful with the wine. You’ll want your wits about you when your announcement’s made.”

His reference to my engagement along with his rude tone cleared my head instantly. I did a quick scan of his clothing, but there was nothing to suggest whether he belonged to Summer or Autumn. His tunic was charcoal with no emblem or identification anywhere on it. His pointed ears gave him away as fae, though I felt no power coming from him at all.

Maybe a soldier or special guest of my father’s?

The king had rewarded the unit who’d most recently returned from the front lines with an extensive leave period. Maybe this was one of his men who didn’t understand the formal dress requirements for an event such as this. Out of his depth, clearly. And overstepping his bounds.

“My wits are just fine, thank you.” I turned back to the crowd, silently dismissing him.

But he only shifted himself so we stood shoulder to shoulder.

It was a bit easier to think without him looking at me, but his shoulder nearly brushed mine, and my body hummed at our closeness. His scent, some heady blend of smoke and spice, clouded my senses.

“Do you enjoy parties, Princess?” His deep voice slid over my skin, sending a shudder through me.

I forced myself to breathe evenly, shocked at my body’s reaction to a simple conversation. And an annoying one at that. “Excuse me?”

“Do you enjoy spending your time waltzing in pretty dresses and drinking until you forget who you’ve danced with?”

I turned to him, glaring. “Who the Hel do you think you are, talking to me like that?”

He shrugged. “It’s a simple question.”

“It’s insulting. You don’t know anything about me.”

His brow lifted, transforming his handsome features into something I wanted to slap. Or at least touch. “Is that a no?”

To counteract the heat flushing through me, I gave him an icy look. “It’s none of your business what I like. I don’t even know your name.”

“My name is Rydian.”

“And who exactly let you into this party, Rydian?” My voice twisted with disdain on his name.

Something dangerous flashed in his eyes, and all amusement vanished. “I go where I please.”

“Actually, this is my kingdom. You go where I please.”

“In that case, tell me, where would I please you, Princess?”

His words scraped over me, igniting me with a need I’d never felt before.

I licked my lips, trying to form the response his impertinence warranted. His gaze darted to my mouth, tracking the movement. Suddenly, I was aware of how close we stood. Somewhere along the way, he’d turned back to face me. Or I him.

And now I was staring up at him like he was the only male in the room. Probably not a good thing considering this male wasn’t my fiancé.

“You don’t,” I managed to say lamely.

“Don’t what?”

“Please me,” I said.

“Not yet. But we’re just getting started.” He made the words sound threatening.

Still, my breaths shortened. I found myself studying his mouth. That full, sensuous mouth looked like it might do a fantastic job of pleasing me.

“Maybe you just need some time to think about it,” he murmured, leaning closer.

I froze, horrified he was going to kiss me in front of all these people. In front of my parents. And Callan.

Seven Hels, Callan.

I blinked and took a step back, forcing the heat inside me to turn to ice. “My time is already spoken for. As is my pleasure.”

He frowned, but I looked away, dismissing him—this time for good.

“Enjoy the party,” he murmured, and then he was gone, and I was alone.

I refused to let my shoulders sag under the relief I felt. Or the disappointment that registered—as ridiculous as it was—now that he was gone.

He was no one.

A soldier favored for one night.

A rake, from the way he spoke to me.

I was positive I’d never see him again.

And yet… that last thought bothered me.

Before I could do something stupid like search the crowd for him, Callan’s voice, smooth as silk, pulled me from my thoughts.

“There you are.”

He stood before me, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever. His auburn hair was perfectly tousled, his golden eyes gleaming beneath the lantern light. He wore a deep green jacket embroidered with a stag head, its antlers wrapped in a strand of goldleaf, the official crest of his court. Every inch of him screamed “royalty.” The sight of him made my pulse quicken—though not in the way Rydian had.

“Are you all right?” he asked, scrutinizing me more closely than I liked.

“Of course,” I said with a tight smile. “The party is lovely.”

“As it should be,” he said, his voice a rich hum. “This is a celebration of the future, after all. Our future.” He tilted his head, a charming smile curving his lips. “And yet, I sense you’re not entirely enjoying yourself. Is it me?”

I fluttered my lashes. “How could it be you when I’ve barely spent a moment with you all night?”

Rather than act offended, he winked. “An error I intend to rectify immediately. Shall we dance?” He offered his hand.

I had no choice but to take it.

Setting aside my wine, I let him lead me to the dance floor. A hush swept through the crowd, and I felt more than saw my parents’ eyes on me from their place on the dais. I didn’t dare look over at them. Not while Callan’s eyes were fastened firmly on mine and the rest of the guests drank it in.

In this moment, we weren’t two people dancing. We were a symbol. A hope for our future. A promise that the realm would endure.

Even I felt the buzz in the air like a change on the wind.

Then the music began. Callan was a good dancer, though I’d expected nothing less, and I found myself relaxing in his arms bit by bit as we twirled around the lamplit dance floor. The scent of blue vervain wafted faintly as we spun, and my mouth quirked. It was a party after all. I couldn’t blame anyone for wanting to partake in the “party herb.”

When the third song ended, Callan gestured to a quiet corner. “Shall we take a break for refreshment?”

“Please,” I said, grateful for the invitation to catch my breath.

He led me to a space less crowded, and while it only offered the illusion of privacy in an open space full of creatures with impeccable hearing, it was better than nothing. By the time we stood side by side near the potted rosebushes lining the balcony, he held a drink in each hand, no doubt swiped from a server we’d passed.

“For you,” he said, handing me a glass of something pink and bubbly.

“Thank you.” I drank generously, earning me a raised brow from Callan. His reaction reminded me of Rydian’s warning, and irritation flickered.

“Have you never seen a princess drink?” I challenged.

“Considering yours is the only court with an eligible female royal, the answer would have to be no. In fact, you’re the first heir I’ve met who hasn’t tried to eat me for dinner.”

I shoved aside my temper in favor of curiosity. “You’re saying others have?”

He winked, but it lacked his previous teasing as he said, “ Let’s just say the Midnight Court makes Heliconia look well-mannered.”

I gaped at him. “You went to the Midnight Court?”

“Someone had to try to secure alliances.”

“Was it as dangerous and awful as they say?”

“Worse.” He shuddered, and it looked genuine. “Creatures who would drain your blood for a snack. Dark-winged monsters with razor-sharp teeth. And a court full of barbarians who call themselves royals. I don’t recommend it.”

Horror swept through me. “My father asked to meet with them, but they refused.”

“Ah. I suspect that had something to do with the river people being involved.”

“Why do those two courts dislike each other so much, anyway?”

I braced myself for a dismissal, knowing full well what my mother would have to say about talking politics at a party. And when I’d asked her about it at the last strategy meeting, she’d simply told me, “The Midnight Court hates everyone, darling.” But Callan didn’t seem to mind, nor did he seem impatient with my questions.

“They’re both very serious about their grudges.”

I gave him a dubious look. “What does that mean?”

“For them, the Calidium Empire is gone but not forgotten.”

“That kingdom was destroyed a thousand years ago,” I scoffed.

“Do you know how?” he challenged.

I frowned, straining to remember from my history lessons.

But Callan went on to explain. “The Calidium Empire was the most united to exist in this realm before or since. Fae, faery, humans, and countless other creatures all led by a single beloved queen who ruled from her Marble Throne. Under her rule, there was peace across Menryth. ”

“Then the moon split,” I put in, recalling bits and pieces from the reading I’d done. The astrological event had been unprecedented. Scholars said a large rock called an asteroid collided with our moon—breaking it in two.

The addition of a second moon created a pull on our oceans and water levels. New rivers formed on the continent. Old ones overflowed. Mer and sea monsters and kelpies and sirens emerged from the ocean’s depths. They fought for their own stronghold in the region, and war broke out. It waged for many years until Calidium was finally overtaken.

He nodded. “When the empire fell, the tribes were scattered. The dark fae escaped, but not before the river people chased them north all the way to the edge of the eastern mountains where they remain.”

“The Midnight Court is the remnant of the dark fae who escaped the war?” I tried to remember if I’d learned that in my history lessons. If I had, it hadn’t seemed important.

He nodded. “And the Midnight Court blames the river people for that destruction.”

“It was a millennia ago,” I said, disgusted with them all over again. “They’d throw away maintaining peace now for a war they lost a thousand years ago?”

“Fae magic has been waning ever since. And the fae have very long memories. Just look at Heliconia. Her grudge against the Aine is already more than twenty years old, and she’s as determined as ever to destroy them—and the rest of us along with them.”

I sighed. “Heliconia is the reason we should all be working together.” But I would’ve been lying if I said the history didn’t intrigue me. Maybe there were answers in the past—some way to get through to the other courts, to make them want to ally and fight. “What other stories do you know?”

“Is that what you intend to use me for?” His eyes glimmered—the teasing was back. “Not a dance or a smile or anything else we could enjoy on a night like this one?”

I decided to ignore the anything else part. But his flirting was shameless enough that I said, “I wasn’t aware you were willing to allow yourself to be used at all.”

He gave a dramatic sigh. “Such is the life of a royal, I’m afraid. We’re all being used. The only thing we can control is how.”

His tone was light, but his words hit close to home. I found myself empathizing and then softening. “You’re not as bad as I expected,” I admitted.

His eyes lit. “Is that your version of a compliment?”

“I’m just being honest. Besides, you can’t tell me you didn’t have expectations of me in return.”

“Expectation seems like a strong word. I will say I’d hoped you and I could be friends.”

“Friends,” I repeated.

He lifted a brow. “Is that too far-fetched for an engaged couple?”

I shook my head, not buying into his charm for a single second. “Friends seems like a strong word,” I said, tossing his words back at him.

His smile widened, a gleam of mischief entering his eyes. “Is it? I’m told most find my company rather… delightful.” He leaned forward, and I caught a minty scent on his breath. Not altogether unpleasant.

Still, I eyed him coolly. “Most probably do.”

Callan’s laugh was deep and warm, and for a moment, it disarmed me. “So, you’re immune to my charms.”

“Not immune. Just… aware.” I took a sip of my pink wine, watching him over the rim of my glass. “You’re a flirt, Callan. You say what people want to hear. It’s impressive, really.”

He chuckled again, clearly not offended. In fact, he looked even more amused. “Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. So, you think I’m all smooth talk?”

“I think you’re very good at playing your role.”

“And what role is that?” he asked, stepping closer, his voice lowering to a near-whisper. “Future husband? Charming prince? Something else?”

“All of the above,” I said.

He tilted his head, his smile shifting into something softer, almost thoughtful. “Is that so terrible? That I’m good at courtly games? We both know how much rests on this alliance. And now you know why the Midnight Court and the river people will likely never fight together. Surely, you can understand the need to be… persuasive.”

My body buzzed where he hovered close. It was the wine, I told myself. Especially since it was nothing like what I’d felt when standing beside Rydian.

Before I could respond, he held out his hand.

“One more dance before we get down to business?”

I knew what business he meant. Announcing our engagement to the people of my court. And he was right. That was exactly what this was: business. A transaction. A trade. For some reason, knowing he saw it that way too helped me regain my balance.

With a smile that no longer felt quite so forced, I placed my hand in his.

He led me to the center of the rooftop where the other couples danced, his grip firm but not forceful. With a smooth motion, he pulled me against him, our hands clasped as he guided me in time with the rhythm of the music.

I found myself searching as I spun, trying to find Rydian in the crowd. But he was gone. And I was stupid for even thinking of him again. Instead, I focused on Callan—on my future.

“You’re good at this too,” I said after a moment. He spun me around gently, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was being led in more ways than one.

“Dancing?” His breath was warm against my cheek. “I’ve had plenty of practice.”

“Of course you have.”

He laughed softly, a low rumble. “You make me sound like some sort of scoundrel.”

“Well, are you?”

“Maybe,” he mused. “Or maybe I just enjoy beating others at their own games.”

That, I understood.

Wasn’t I doing the same thing right now? Keeping Heliconia’s visit from him so he wouldn’t realize the danger until we’d sworn the oath to fight beside each other no matter what?

I shoved away the thought that I was somehow betraying him.

This was necessary for the survival of my people.

And maybe Callan was right, and we’d be friends. He would understand why I’d kept the truth from him for a few more days.

We both wanted the same things in the end.

Our steps fell into sync, and the world around us faded into the background. It was just me and Callan, the future hanging over us like one of the floating lanterns above. Except, for the first time since agreeing to this alliance, I wondered if the future might be brighter than I’d imagined. If maybe a life with Callan wouldn’t trap me after all. If maybe it could even offer—if not the freedom I longed for—some measure of happiness.

“Tell me,” I said, needing to shift the conversation and my own dangerous thoughts, “What was it like fighting at Staghall? I read the reports of the attack and how you’d laid out the whole thing as a trap. I hear the Autumn Court’s soldiers are unmatched even against Obsidians.”

The word almost stuck in my throat, but I managed to get it out.

There was a flicker of something in his expression—hesitation, maybe even discomfort—before he quickly recovered, his smile returning. “Staghall was… intense, I suppose.”

“You suppose?”

He twirled me gently, deflecting. “War is never pleasant, even when you win.”

“True. But that’s not really an answer.” I studied his face, noting the subtle tension that had crept into his features.

Callan shrugged lightly, his voice losing some of its earlier charm. “The details aren’t important. What matters is that we won, and we’ll continue to win, especially with Sevanwinds’ armies by our side.”

I frowned, sensing there was more to his reluctance than he was letting on. “For someone with your reputation for battle, I thought you would be more willing to share what it’s like on the battlefield.” And a little more willing to brag.

Maybe even out his magic. I still had no idea what his power was. And for someone with his obvious arrogance, his secrecy surprised me.

His jaw tightened. He looked away, the charming prince slipping just enough for me to see the cracks beneath. “Let’s just say… Autumn shows no mercy.”

Before I could press further, the music stopped abruptly, and a ripple of unease swept through the crowd. Callan paused, his hand still on my waist, as we both looked to identify what had made the musicians stop in the middle of the song.

Another ripple—this one of magic, heavy and dark and ancient from the way it made my blood sing. Just like it had done with the Obsidian .

I tensed, dread filling me as swiftly as breath.

“Get back,” Callan said, tugging my hand.

I went with him, straining to see where my parents had gone, but black smoke erupted, filling the space until I couldn’t see past my own nose. All I knew was the scent of dark magic and Callan’s hand squeezing my own as we stumbled back.

People coughed and cried out as we passed them, everyone blinded by the thick smoke.

Someone screamed.

Panic gripped me, but I shoved it back. I wouldn’t freeze again. Not like I’d done with the Obsidian. If another one had managed to find its way here, I would face it.

Hels, I needed a weapon.

Something like thunder boomed, rending the air. I flinched, ducking my head instinctively.

A second later, the smoke cleared all at once, like a veil being lifted.

Callan halted.

Our eyes met, and I reminded myself he was the realm’s most formidable fighter. Surely he would have a weapon or a plan. But in the next blink, I registered his fear right alongside my own. Then his gaze shifted to something over my shoulder, and he froze. I turned, scanning the gathering, trying to understand what had caused the sudden shift.

And then I saw her.

She stood at the edge of the rooftop, her dark eyes glittering like the night sky above us. There was something fierce and wild in her gaze, a dangerous glint that sent a chill down my spine. Her presence was enough to silence the entire party, every fae in sight turning to stare at her with stark fear reflected in their faces.

“Heliconia,” I whispered, my heart racing.

The dark queen had finally come. And her attention was focused entirely on me.