A Court of Wings and Teeth

Chapter 8: Preparations

Celeste POV:

What am I doing? Spending the precious time I have taking the heir of the Night Court on a tour? I shook my head as I hurried down the hall. Thoughts of him came unbidden to my mind. How his olive skin glinted in the daylight, his wistful violet eyes twinkling with a mystery I desired to unravel. His powerful forearms as we leaned on the balcony staring at the place where our lands met beneath the mountains. The long column of his neck leading up to his sharp jawline, the dark stubble slightly visible on his skin. I slipped into my room, closing the door behind me. Taking the crown off my head, I slipped it back into its box. Pausing, I stared into the mirror as I unbound my hair. Pulling the gold pins, one by one I imagined what it would be like if this task were performed by his hands. His long fingers nimbly removing each slowly, before wrapping around my neck and pulling me against his chest. I slam the last pin on my desk, "enough of this" I whisper to myself. I look up into the mirror, amber eyes burning with embarrassment. I must prepare for tonight. I lean forward and ring the bell to summon Calista and Siella. They walked in and curtsied quickly before joining me near where I was seated. 

"Have more fae showed up?" I asked as they led me to the adjoining bathing room. 

"Yes," Calista said, beginning to unbutton my dress. 

"From all courts" Siella continued smiling. "I saw some of the Spring Court going into the ballroom". 

"How did you know it was them?" reaching up I took off my earrings and handed them to her. 

"I spoke with one of their servants, he was carrying flowers grown from Lord Tamlin's gardens". "He said Thorne tended the land that grew them". I considered this. The same male who I saw earlier, who stood still as if he were an oak tree was capable of producing beauty it seemed. 

After I was completely disrobed I waded into the small bathing pool. The water steamed and I sank into the blissful heat. 

"You can leave for a bit, come back in an hour" I commanded. They nodded and left me to my thoughts. Sinking lower, I sat in contemplation about my competition. The twins from the Summer Court were calculating but they might prove to be true allies. The female from Dawn was reserved but I couldn't underestimate her. Her fathers were both powerful; one a high lord and the other, a commander. Fenris was the size of a mountain and would most likely reveal himself as the strongest. But, there was a calm warmth emanating from his frosty exterior. Aston was sly and part of a court famed for betrayal. His own uncles were ruthless trying to ascend to the throne, and his father was the victor among the wolves.  I couldn't see myself trusting him fully. Maybe with time, I could begin to trust him. I conceded. Another court not known for their loyalty, but known for their previous ties with the Autumn court, the Spring Court. If Thorne proved to be like his father, he would be hard to trust. But Siella mentioning that he took the time to tend the land himself gave me some small piece of hope. Lord Tamlin remained reserved and hands-off with his people, perhaps Thorne has taken the opposite approach. Finally, I thought of him. Nyx, heir to the Night Court. Lord Rhysand was similarly not known for his trustworthiness among the courts. But he was a war hero. Similarly, Lady Feyre was also a hero of the people. I had heard stories about her victory over Amarantha, and how she later summoned an army against King Hybern. She paved the way for other females after becoming the first High Lady. If she was his mate, surely it had to be a good sign? Maybe the Night Court wasn't meant to be feared. 

After a few more minutes, Siella and Calista returned and held a robe open for me to step into. "Which dress would you like to wear?" Siesta asked holding up two options. The first was demure, something I would usually wear. The other was breathtaking and a dress that could catch anyone's attention, perhaps a possible ally, or the heir of the Night Court. I pointed at the second one and my maids smiled in unison. After they finished preparing me I glanced at myself in the mirror and nodded. This would be perfect. 

A knock came at my door, "yes?". 

Lord Helion strolled in "you look lovely sweetheart" he said reaching for an embrace. I slipped into his arms as he rested his chin on my head. A rare moment of familial love we seldom practiced, but it was nice to feel like a child again, even for an instant. He pulled back and held out his hand "are you ready?". I nodded and placed my hand on his as he escorted me into the ballroom.