Page 187 of The Chains You Defy

Silence reigned once more, and my fear for Nayana’s safety returned with a vengeance, coating my lungs like hematite and intensifying every minute she was separated from me. I’d ride day and night, as fast as possible, to reunite with her.

My love was in danger, and the worst was how clueless she was about the threats looming above her head.

The morning after my initiation, my head had pounded like mad, and I’d been confused as if the memories I’d made the day prior belonged to somebody else.

But just as Cantarlann had promised, one of the healers had visited me. She’d diagnosed me with a malady but had soothed me that if I took medication three times a day, I’d improve within a couple of weeks. The soapy potion she’d prescribed was disgusting, but luckily, the mixture helped, and I could enjoy myself to the fullest.

The days had blended together, and I couldn’t even discern how long I’d already lodged at the Cuirt an Ghra.

I’d gotten used to some habits that had struck me as odd. For example, there were no fixed bedrooms, andbarely anyone slept alone at night. This had been very alien to me at first, but after a few days, I didn’t bat an eyelash anymore if I woke up entangled in a pile of fae. It was actually quite cozy.

Moltach, a fae male I’d played a board game with yesterday, had kept me company again today after lunch, and soon after we’d sat down on a chaise, a female called Santai had joined us.

Both had dared me to wear a blindfold while they’d fed me with an array of foreign food and candy, and I’d risen to the occasion.

Just your ordinary day at the Cuirt an Ghra.

Later this afternoon, my next meeting with Cantarlann was scheduled. He’d been absent for a while, and according to rumor, he’d spent time with the Graigh, whom I had yet to encounter.

As I lounged on a couch in the same room where he’d initiated me, I realized how different I felt compared to the scared woman who’d arrived here a few days ago. I was in a state of constant relaxation, and I wasn’t even shocked anymore by all the intimacy around me. Everyone was shamelessly living out their sexuality, and though I might have developed a tiny taste for spying, no one had forced me to participate in their orgies. And not once had I been tempted to join. After all, no one captivated me as much as my dark prince.

“Nayana, nice to see you again.”

“Good afternoon, Cantarlann. How are you?”

“Oh, I’m fine. And I’m glad to see you relaxed and happy. Everyone praises you. You’ve adapted so well for the short time you’re here.”

“They make being comfortable so easy for me.”

Cantarlann smiled before offering me a chalice filled with white wine.

“So you’re enjoying your stay? Is your head still troubling you?”

“Only in the mornings before taking my potion. Apart from that, I’ve never been so serene in my entire life.”

Lifting the glass to my lips, I drank a generous sip.

Huh.

“Is everything alright?”

“The wine tastes off.”

Cantarlann drank from his own glass and shrugged. “This isn’t different from the last time you had this vintage. Maybe something you ate is messing with you?”

“Oh, that could be possible. Moltach and Santai had fun feeding me the weirdest fruits.” I laughed and took another sip.

The conversation flowed, and I told Cantarlann what I’d experienced during the past few days, and the longer we gossiped, the happier I became. At one point, the male refilled my goblet, being a perfect host.

I sank deeper into the couch, peaceful and warm yet somehow riled up.

Cantarlann beamed at me. “Would you like to join our full moon ceremony tomorrow? You’re ready, and the Graigh permitted your attendance.”

“Oh, I’d love to.” Beaming, I jumped up and embraced the fae in bliss. I’d definitely gotten used to hugging all the time.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll make sure you get help with preparing yourself. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy our customs.”

After another glass of wine and more chatting, I excused myself and roamed the premises, delighted that I wouldn’t only experience a ceremony of the Cuirt but also finally meet the Graigh. With a spring in my step, I sauntered into the common room.