The Story of the Trees - Sword, Ring, and Crown Book One

Chapter Twenty-Two

At six, I stood on the balcony, watching the guests arrive in a swirl of colors. The women were all veiled, but their dresses—oh, their dresses! One gown looked like an actual waterfall, sparkling as it cascaded down the woman's body, just barely modest. I couldn't help but gape, envy coiling through me like a snake.

"So not fair..." I muttered. I wanted to wear a pretty dress too. I'd been waiting for four years.

Then, I saw her—Emerlee. She moved like a vision in a gown made of iridescent scales that shimmered with every step. Her gaze flicked up to mine, and she smiled—cold and dangerous. I clenched the balcony rail, ready to charge after her, but Luke caught my wrist before I could move.

"Do not make a scene, My Lady," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "Your grandfather insisted she be allowed to come. I couldn't block her attendance, not without more evidence."

I glared at him, furious, then caught myself staring. Luke was dressed in a dark green tunic that made his copper hair glow. With the bronze-colored cape draped over his shoulder, he looked regal and... stunning. I blinked, my anger briefly forgotten, before I yanked my hand away.

"Can't you uninvite her?"

"No," he said quietly. "But she will not win, so hold your head high."

I straightened, swallowing my frustration as the others approached. The guys wore velvet tunics and leather breeches, their boots polished to a shine. Luis in all black, Adrian in white and teal, Dominic in blue, and Erick looking decidedly unhappy in yellow.

"Oh my gosh, guys!" I grinned, the tension momentarily lifting. "You all look like studs."

Dominic laughed, his gray eyes turning blue in the tunic's reflection. "Thanks, Matt. But... why are you wearing that?"

"Rules." I sulked, waving at my plain gray dress.

"Shame," he said softly. "I know how much you love color."

Before I could respond, Luke took my hand again, and we stepped into the ballroom. My banmuinen followed behind like shadows as we were announced. The applause was tepid, but I barely noticed. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Emerlee, but she had already disappeared.

The ballroom was a sight to behold. It dazzled with festoons of glittery ribbons decorating the walls, punctuated by sprays of gilded flowers. The ceiling was spangled with constellations made of tiny lights against a canopy of black velvet, while pillars of white supported the fabric that draped down elegantly. In the center of the room was a raised dais lifted by kneeling sculptures of broad-winged fairies, their heads thrown back and hair pooling around their feet. The steps leading to the dais were solid amethyst, and set upon it was an altar, holding a large, square stone of gray. A plain silver goblet and a jeweled dagger rested atop the stone.

Behind the altar stood three magnificent thrones. The first throne, clearly meant for Duir, was made of silvery-white metal shaped into spindly branches, adorned with golden oak leaves and acorns made of rubies. The other two thrones, smaller but no less grand, were crafted in a similar style but lacked the embellishments. The atmosphere was regal, opulent, and overwhelming all at once.

Then, a figure in midnight blue stepped forward—Valenia. Her auburn hair tumbled in waves, and a crown of silver thorns and oak leaves perched on her head. Luke dropped to one knee before her.

"Rise, devoted of Duir," Valenia said, her voice like wind over dry leaves.

She turned to me, her eyes bright. "The Brigid's daughter." I froze, unsure of what to do. Should I kneel? Bow? My mind blanked. I dropped to my knees before her, but she chuckled softly.