Ayla traced over her thumbs; the motion circling over each other in an endless pattern. She sat on the bed kicking the long fabric up into the air with each swoosh of her leg and watching it fall down to frame the shape of her leg.
She could feel the anxious ache gnawing at her again. Scratching at the insides. Her head swam with worry.
Eldrithar.
That's where he said we were going.
Kairos hadn't mentioned much about the land, only that it was cold and hospitable for humans. He had laughed when her face paled assuring her she was his concubine and it would be a waste of his time if she were to die so soon.
She scoffed remembering his remark.
She kicked the heavy dress for the umpteenth time, watching it rise and fall and feeling the cold air nip and her skin with each kick.
The dress Kairos had made was simple and elegant, the light fabric swimming over her feet in soft pools of fabric. It was thicker than it looked, effectively trapping the heat from Ayla's body yet, soft enough to look like something across to linen and silk. It was a beautiful light sage colour and embroidered with delicate fine stitchings of autumn, parting to reveal a light cream slip. The sleeves swooped into small bell shapes that clasped around brown cuffs that matched the brow tie wrapped just above her hip.
She wore shoes now, brown simple heeled slippers made of a soft fabric that lifted her feet an inch above the ground. Far from the leather boots she was used to.
Kairos' s words burned in the back of her mind ; you will respond as any devoted concubine would. Adoration, obedience, loyalty. Those are the traits they expect to see.
Ayla wondered what a concubine meant in this world. From her brief understanding it was not something she wanted any part in. The idea of having to spend more time with Kairos made her clench her firsts.
The tent flaps were swept open, and a cool draft drifted into the room as Kairos stepped inside. He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ayla with a quiet intensity that made her spine stiffen. He was dressed as impeccably as ever, his long coat adorned with silver embroidery that caught the light in subtle flashes. His ember eyes lingered on the gold chain resting on her neck, and a flicker of satisfaction curved his lips. "It seems you clean up well, Vais Lumira," he remarked, his tone smooth but with an edge of amusement. Kairos took a few steps towards Ayla, his steps were determined and held an undercurrent of regality in them.
Ayla followed him as he cross the short space between them, forcing herself to meet his gaze despite the unease curling in her stomach. "As you commanded," she replied evenly, her voice steady, though the weight of the golden chain on her collarbone made her feel more like a possession than a person. His fingers gently rubbed the charm between his thumb and forefinger, trailing the chain around her neck.
Kairos smile widened, but it did nothing to warm his expression. "Good. You'll need every ounce of that composure tonight." His eyes flickered over her face
He gestured toward the entrance with a graceful flick of his wrist. "The Eldrithian court awaits, my dear. Let us not keep them waiting."
The words dripped with both menace and charm, and as Ayla stepped forward, she caught the faintest whisper of his scent—pine, mint and leather mixed with something darker. She clenched her fists at her sides, vowing silently that no matter what, she wouldn't let this fae king—or anyone else—see her falter.
*****************
Ayla sat upon the large horse creature, Kairos' thick thighs encasing her own and her back pressed against his sturdy chest. She pulled the thick fur cloak tighter around herself watching her warm breath form silver clouds against the permanent dark sky. They had been riding for half a day and yet the sky had never brightened - painted a dark midnight even when the sun peaked behind grey clouds. The world seemed to gleam and glitter under the frost that coated every surface, a crystalline sheen that caught the faint moonlight. The ground was coated in black ice, reflecting twisted shadows on the path, the trees twisted eerily, branches heavy with icicles - their presence somewhere between life and death, a bone-chilling stillness beneath the endless dark skies.
YOU ARE READING
Court Of Tethers and Ruin *A dark fae fantasy- romance*
Fantasy"My mother warned me the fae are closer to gods than men. She never warned me what happens when gods wake up." The night the moon shattered it rained glittering shards upon the world. Fragments of divine power, each capable of increasing one's power...
