Page 35 of Court of Winter
My chest heaved, but I forced my breathing to calm. It wasn’t her fault, and even though my pants had been worn threadbare in some areas and engrained with dirt and stains in others, it still infuriated me.
Once again, the crown prince was doing as he pleased, not caring nor considering that those weremythings.
Arrogant cad.
“My lady?” the young fairy said as she twisted her hands. “May I help you dress?”
I forced my tight-lipped smile to smooth. “Of course. I’m sorry. It’s not you I’m angry with.”
She bobbed her head again, a relieved exhale escaping her, then she held the fresh undergarments out for me to step into.
Somehow, amazingly, everything the young servant had brought fit. On top of that, the shirt didn’t have wing slits in the back, and the pants felt as though they’d been crafted specifically for me. I marveled at that when the clean material spun from the softest cottonum and warmest woolen blend settled over my skin.
Eyeing my new pants, I was relieved that the prince hadn’t commissioned a dress for me, as was the common choice among noble fae females. Instead, I’d been given supple black leggings that were thick and warm.
The rest of the clothes were all done in the Winter Court’s palate. The sweater was a thick cable-knit that rose to the top of my neck and slid down my arms to the base of my fingers. The beautiful royal blue brought out the natural sapphire in my eyes. Coupled with the silver stitching woven throughout the pants and top, along with the fur-lined black cape rimmed in silver and blue flowers carefully stitched along the outer edge...well, I felt like a true princess, which would probably make Nish snicker.
“Where did these clothes come from?”
“They were sewn yesterday in High Liss, my lady. The prince requested it of Milis, so she commissioned our local seamstress.”
I frowned, trying to think of when the prince would have had the time to ask that of Milis, then realized he must have done it after he’d left me with the guards in the great room downstairs.
I held out my arm, marveling again at how well everything was tailored. “The seamstress must have a creation affinity if she could sew everything so fast and so precisely.”
The girl bobbed her head again. “That she does. She sews most of the clothing sold in High Liss and is quite adept. With her magic, she can create an entire wardrobe in one night.”
“Please thank her for me, although, I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for—”
“’Tis already been paid for, my lady. The prince covered the expense.”
I sighed. He’d probably spent more rulibs than I made in a full season. “I’m sure he’ll expect me to repay him, and I’m not a lady. You really don’t need to keep calling me that.”
The girl’s blue eyes grew curious. “I apologize. I’d just assumed you were a lady since you were traveling with Prince Norivun. I’ve never seen him carry anyone, but I suppose since you don’t have—” She cleared her throat and glanced toward my back, to where my wings should have been. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have presumed.”
“It’s fine, really.” I shrugged, then added, “If you really want to know, I’m his prisoner, not a lady.”
Her eyes bugged out. “You’re a criminal?”
I laughed. “No. I’m entirely innocent of any crimes, but one would never guess it.” I quickly recapped how the prince and I had come to meet. “So, as you can see, I honestly don’t know why I’m traveling with the prince or why he took me. He has yet to explain anything.” Remembering that made annoyance flare within my gut, causing my irritation over my destroyed field clothes to strengthen.
The girl tapped her chin, her finger slight and slim, just like the rest of her. “’Tis definitely strange, but still rather exciting, don’t you think?”
“In what way?”
“You’re not being convicted of any crimes. You’re traveling to a new territory, and you’re going to see the great capital.Andthe prince hasn’t harmed you. Not to mention, you’ve been fed, had a nice bed to lay your head, and now have warm clothes specifically tailored for you to wear into the heart of our continent.” She sighed. “Sounds like a grand adventure to me.”
I gave her a sad smile. Her optimism reminded me of my brother. Tormesh always looked at the bright side. He’d been so hopeful that the court would listen if he only presented his concerns about the crops. Instead, that optimism had gotten him killed.
Shaking my head, I realized that the young servant’s perspective and mine were the epitome of the differences between childish dreams and mature stark reality. While the prince hadn’t mistreated me, I was still a prisoner. Perhaps a prisoner currently kept in a gilded cage, but a captive nonetheless. Seeing it as a whimsical adventure would lead to nothing but heartache and disconnection from reality.
I turned toward the full-length mirror across the room and took in my appearance. Bathed last evening and refreshed following a good night’s sleep made my skin glow radiantly. And the garments I’d been dressed in truly did make me look like a lady.
Clearing my throat, I hastily smoothed my top as the girl arranged a thick cloak around my throat, then handed me butter-soft leather gloves.
“I suppose I better get moving.” It was well after sunrise. “Thank you for your help.”
“Of course.” The female bobbed a curtsy, then led me out the door to Haxil.