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Chapter six

Pretense and Reception

Ayla

Someone knocked on the door, and I jumped to my feet, debating which of my hidden daggers was closest. Zayne vanished into the shadows.

Rhett chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced between myself and the place where Zayne had been. Muttering something involving the word “paranoid,” he straightened his shirt and approached the door.

Iona stood at the door, even more beautiful than before. Her hair was teased into an elegant updo, and the sparkles in her pale pink dress blinded me as she stepped into the lit entryway.

Behind her, there was chatter in the courtyard as Mer’s guests began their journey to the throne room.

The Starlit Court was streaming out of the suite in the corner of the structure—a vast apartment, judging from the lack of doors anywhere around it.

Everyone was chatting with the atmosphere of revelers.

“Shall we?” Rhett asked her, offering her his arm, and she accepted with a smile. He turned to me and the two dogs. “Following?”

Taking a deep breath, I found a courtly smile and addressed Iona. “Thank you for the dress. It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you’re here, even if it’s all a bit of a surprise.”

“Yes?” I asked, genuinely curious. Her excitement at seeing Rhett was easy to justify. But why me?

She nodded. “Maybe you can offer some perspective on what Valterra truly needs from the Isles. There aren’t many here who can voice this concern—my mother didn’t seem fit to invite them—but perhaps you can fill that role.”

I tensed. What she asked would mean addressing the royalty and merchants. It was attention I didn’t want, and yet… “That’s important to me,” I admitted. “Maybe it’s lucky we’re here.”

“But I’m the luckiest of all.” Rhett beamed, patting Iona’s hand wrapped snugly around his arm. “So what did you tell your mother about this? Prepare me for the worst, my dear.”

“The truth.” Iona rolled her eyes. “I told her you had more right to be here than half the merchants she invited, so she should consider it a blessing you happened to be passing by.”

“And as for us…” Rhett probed.

“Oh, she warned me yet again you were a terrible fit for a lady such as me. Blah blah blah, you’ve heard it before.” Iona squeezed his arm. “But we’re not teens anymore, Rhett. I need to know if we…”

She drifted off, glancing at me as if remembering they weren’t alone.

I awkwardly cleared my throat and motioned toward the others leaving the guest wing. “I’ll follow you with the dogs. You two should catch up.”

I turned back to the suite, signaled that Rimu and Ninti should follow, and tried not to stare too long at the shadow that kept Zayne hidden from sight.

We trailed behind the others in the dark evening, weaving through the palace grounds. Fae lights illuminated our way toward the marble dome, pillars supporting the vast structure as music drifted from within. Even from here, I could see the immense cerulean pool that filled its center.

It seemed that dozens of fae had been invited to the festivities, and they appeared to be from all over the Isles, each distinct from the others.

One fae had gossamer wings, another had feathered ones, and most had none.

Skin tones ranged from rich bronze to fair ivory.

Yet all of their ears were pointed, their clothing far more splendid than even Mariana’s coronation gown.

The pinnacle of Valterran splendor held a dim candle to the brilliance of a minor fae gathering.

Still, my foot caught as I recalled the night of Mariana’s coronation. The night my sister had sent someone to assassinate me. It still haunted my dreams.

I didn’t even know if anyone was searching for me.

But no one here would recognize me, right? Aida might be a newcomer to this palace, but she was also Rhett’s distant cousin who had been raised in Valterra. Her backstory was uncommon, but not unheard of.

I raised my chin higher, showing off the height of my antlers, antlers that were distinctly longer than Ayla’s had been. Surely none of these fae were so concerned with Valterran affairs they’d be looking out for the missing bastard princess.

I shook it off, glancing to where Zayne hid at my side and taking a deep breath. I wasn’t alone, not really.

With a hand minding my skirt, I carefully climbed the tall steps into the pavilion, Ninti and Rimu at my feet.

We entered the throne room, and it overwhelmed me, the space far more splendid than anywhere I had been.

Countless statues filled the space, each of them carved from the same marble stone as the floors, the white a stark contrast to the coral that filled the ceiling with vibrant pinks, blues, and yellows.

And there, in the heart of the space, a dais rose above a central cyan pool, with a large coral throne at its center.

The Mer Kings sat upon the unusually wide throne, surrounded by their inner court and their attendants.

Their rise to power was a story that had trickled down even into Valterra—how the young prince had insisted he would only take the throne’s rite if his lover joined him.

And thus, the two had become kings together.

That was centuries ago, and now the kings reclined upon their seat with the fatigue of age.

I watched as Ninti and Rimu prowled around the pavilion together. Attendants carried trays of food, and both looked hopefully at the snacks. It was impressive how easily Ninti had taken on the role of Rimu’s companion, and how her company seemed to calm the massive black dog.

I quickly spotted a leopard and a fawn—we weren’t the only fae with animal familiars. Soon an attendant led the dogs to an array of foods set aside just for the animals.

In a floating leap, a mer jumped into the pool as another rose from it, their forms shifting with ease, their clothes as grand as their fins and their skin instantly dry.

Iona watched my awe with curiosity. “You really are from Valterra, aren’t you? From the look on your face, you’ve never seen a fae shifter before. Well then, I’m sure the dragon fae will be quite a surprise.”

“I have a lot to learn,” I admitted.

“Looks like your mother found us,” Rhett murmured, eyeing the central pavilion. A member of the court looked at us, her blond hair identical to Iona’s and her face screwed tight in a scowl.

Iona tightened her grip on Rhett. “Oh, Teyr. See how she’s muttering to Lord Tallus?”

Following her gaze, I studied the fae beside Calindra. He had a pointed chin, and chunky bracelets covered both of his wrists.

“They’re thick as thieves, those two.” Iona explained for my benefit. “They’ve been working together my whole life, and even now, I’m sure they’re plotting to tear Rhett and I apart.”

Rhett chuckled, but his answer died in his throat as the music stopped. By now, dozens of fae had gathered throughout the pavilion, and the room grew quiet as everyone turned to the central dais.

The kings stood carefully, each grabbing an armrest to assist them. The one on the left cleared his throat, and when he spoke, his voice boomed through the room.

“Welcome, guests, to our assembly! When we ascended to the throne, countless fae goods did not exist yet and trade with Valterra was reserved for the dragon fae. How life has improved since then.”

Someone cheered, and another clapped.

The king continued, “Except the Collapse nearly ruined everything, the shades preventing trade with Valterra. However, with the end of Inarus and his shades, a new era is upon us. And as the leaders of this world, we are all in the position to reap the rewards.”

Applause resounded throughout the hall, followed by echoing cheers. I mimicked the others, swallowing down the uncertainty in my stomach.

If these fae were so grateful to see Inarus gone, why had no one offered to help Eleanor establish her court? These leaders had turned a blind eye to those who had sacrificed to make this possible.

Iona glanced at me, an almost-frown on her lips.

The other king spoke next. “Our deepest gratitude for your attendance—merchants and rulers alike—we hope that by giving each of you a voice, we will all benefit. It is our pleasure to host this brilliant concord so you might shape the world to come.”

There were more cheers, and this time, as they died down, a third voice shouted into the room.

“If I may,” they began from somewhere across the pavilion. The crowd shifted, turning toward the speaker.

I found myself staring at the same male I had seen upon the yacht. The Starlit King. He was dressed in splendor, his rich golden suit tailored to his tall, strong build. Magic swelled within me as his gravitas both drew me closer and made me want to run. He seized the attention of the entire room.

The King of Mer lifted a hand in acknowledgement. “Please, enlighten us.”

The Starlit King answered, “With the Starlit Isle the closest to Valterran shores, I’ve staked my legacy on the trade of fae goods.

So it is with great relief that I welcome this new era.

And so, my good hosts, thank you for taking us under your care.

” He lifted a glass, everyone’s attention rapt upon him. “A toast,” he proposed. “To our hosts.”

Attendants sped to action, putting glasses into every free hand. Through the chaos, the Starlit King kept his arm aloft, his lips turned in a patient smile.

I found myself lifting a drink along with the rest, the entire throne room eager to follow his lead.

“To the bright future of the Isles of Fae,” the Starlit King toasted.

“To the Isles of Fae,” the crowd echoed.

As the cheer faded, one of the kings waved his hands toward the musicians, and a bright melody began to fill the pavilion.

“And so it starts,” Iona whispered, taking another sip from her glass. She eyed Rhett warily, keeping her voice low. “Mother’s been putting pressure on the artisans, insisting they produce more fae goods faster. They’ve asked her for a larger payout for the extra work, and so far, she’s resisted.”

“It’s the same everywhere,” Rhett sighed. “We’ll line our pockets with gold before allowing anyone else to profit from it.”

Iona smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m glad you haven’t changed, Rhett. At least, not in this.”

Rhett met her gaze with a softness I had never seen there before. “And, Iona, it’s... I don’t know if I said this earlier...” he stumbled over his words. “You’ve only grown more wonderful.”

She lifted her chin. “You always were a flatterer.”

They were so adorable, but Rhett was at such a loss of words, so completely besotted, I couldn’t help my snicker. “Iona, you’ve tangled his tongue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.”

Rhett waved my comment aside. “See how my cousin teases me!”

Iona smirked.

I stepped away, taking the cue that they needed space, even if I was absolutely clueless what I would do on my own.

Zayne was nearby but unavailable. How I wished I could vanish into his shadows—they seemed far more welcoming than the hungry fae surrounding me.

Perhaps I could leave sooner than later.

With everyone occupied, maybe this was our perfect opportunity to uncover the shards—

Someone tapped my shoulder, and I turned around, finding myself face to face with the Starlit King. He towered over me, and my heart began to pound. Fighting the instinct to turn to Zayne, I forced myself to stare up at the king.

“Shall we dance?” he asked, as if it was that simple. He towered over me, radiance spilling from him as if he’d been kissed by the stars and not their king.

My mother had never spoken well of him and neither had Zayne, but nothing had prepared me for the pull of his power. With his gaze boring into me, something stirred on the fringe of my mind, undeniable and intangible.

I didn’t hesitate to take his hand, and the music shifted, becoming a slower piece I thankfully knew.

He spoke as we danced. “I expected to know everyone here, in one way or another. You, though, have surprised me.”

Despite my grace, I struggled not to stumble.

“I’m Aida. I’m here with Rhett, er, the Master of the Golden Apple Trading Guild.

” Swallowing, I decided to lean into my nervous babbling.

“He’s my cousin. You see, I grew up in Valterra, and I’ve never been to the Isles before.

So naturally, I’m new here. Assuming, of course, you haven’t traveled to Valterra yourself. ”

In fact, I knew that he hadn’t been to Valterra for a long time, not since before I was born.

“I see.”

We took a few steps together, and my confidence slid with each passing moment. Should I be worried that he had singled me out, or was this part of his persona, to know every person in the room? I needed to know what insight Zayne might have. But for now, I could handle this. I had to.

The dance slowed even further, and despite its ease, I was breathless.

“You dance well for someone who is new,” he whispered in my ear.

“I frequented the fae fiddle bars in Valterra.”

“Is that so?” He spun me about, and I realized countless others were watching us.

My skin grew warm, and my hands began to glow. My breaths became shallow. It was all too much. His attention. Their attention. This dangerous game of subterfuge.

Light spread from my fingers and into his, growing hotter by the second.

“Oh, Teyr!” I yanked my hand from his grip.

Had I hurt him?

But the king smiled, seizing me before I could escape. Quickly, my light calmed, as if obeying his touch. “Don’t worry,” he said. “You can’t hurt me, not with starlight.”

“Starlight?” I gaped at him, my act slipping as my feet stilled, too stunned to continue the dance. “I didn’t know what my magic was. My father… I never knew him.”

He frowned. “It’s starlight, through and through. I would know.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I turned my face down in embarrassment. “Still, I’m sorry. It’s my first time beyond the Rift, and I’m still learning to keep it under control.”

He shook his head, sweeping me into the next step of the dance. “You’re first lesson is to never conceal it. After all, starlight was never meant to be hidden away.”