The Siege of Shadows: Book one

Fae Party (33)

ROWAN'S POINT OF VIEW

I stumbled behind the Seelie attendants, the cold grip of their hands on my arms like iron as they hauled me through the glittering halls of the Seelie palace. The golden walls shimmered in the soft light, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but none of it could mask the unease curling in my gut. Theros had been whisked away by another group of fae, leaving me alone in this alien world of gleaming white stone and golden luxury. Enemy territory.

They shoved me into a lavish bathing chamber, its walls of white marble gleaming with veins of glowing gold, almost blinding in their perfection. Not a word was spoken as the attendants gestured for me to disrobe. I hesitated, my pulse quickening. When I didn't comply fast enough, one of the attendants yanked at my tunic, tearing the fabric with a harsh pull. I bit back a curse and removed the rest of it myself, my skin prickling with discomfort as I stepped into the steaming pool.

The heat of the water did nothing to ease the chill creeping through me from their cold, calculating gazes. Their hands were rough and methodical, scrubbing away the dirt from my skin. Each swipe of the soap stung the cuts and bruises I'd accumulated on my journey. When I winced, one of the fae shot me a sharp glare, daring me to complain.

After what felt like hours, they dried me briskly, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. Then came the gown—or what I assumed was supposed to be one. The fabric was sheer, barely covering anything at all. Golden chains were fastened around my hips and wrists, their weight like shackles, and a delicate collar was placed around my neck, a suffocating reminder that I wasn't free. My cheeks burned with mortification as I glanced down at myself, the thin material clinging to my skin like a second layer of humiliation.

"This is ridiculous," I snapped, clutching the gown in a futile attempt to shield myself. The attendants ignored me, dragging me out of the chamber. Their hands were firm, unyielding as they marched me through the palace halls. Fae courtiers turned to stare, their gazes raking over my barely-covered body.

Every whispered word, every glance, made my skin crawl. I tried to hold my head high, but it was impossible to ignore the humiliation burning through me.

They threw open the doors to a grand hall, and my breath caught in my throat. The room was draped in white and gold silks, its floors scattered with plush cushions and low tables laden with food and drink. Fae lounged everywhere, some half-dressed, others completely naked, their laughter ringing through the air as soft music played. The atmosphere was thick with heat—magic, wine, or both—I couldn't tell.

I knew immediately what this was.

Before I could think to turn and run, a blue-haired fae stepped into my path, his eyes gleaming with something dark and hungry. He grabbed me around the waist, pulling me onto one of the cushions hidden behind a veil of golden silk.

"You look lost, little human," he purred, his hand sliding up the sheer fabric of my gown.

I recoiled, twisting in his grasp. "No thank you," I spat, my voice trembling with anger and fear.

His laughter was cold, mocking. "Don't be shy—"

"Release her," a voice cut through the noise, deep and commanding.

The blue-haired fae froze, his eyes darting upward, and then quickly let go of me. I barely had time to regain my balance before Kael appeared, towering above us. His black helmet cast a shadow over his face, but his crimson eyes glinted with cold fury.

"She's mine," Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The fae didn't hesitate, slinking back into the crowd like a chastised animal. Kael didn't look at me; he simply grabbed my arm and hauled me across the room, his grip unyielding. He didn't stop until we reached a dark corner, far from prying eyes.