Chapter 10
"Would you quit fussing? I look fine!" I huff, batting Faran's hands away from my face. Peering into the mirror, I tuck a loose curl back behind my ear only for Faran to growl and tug it forward again.
"Stop touching your hair! The braid looks amazing." Faran steps back to admire her handiwork. My long hair is braided up around the top of my head in a crown braid with loose strands of curls framing my face.
"Okay!" I sigh, letting my arms fall to my sides.
"You look exceptional." Faran's mouth curves up in the corners the tiniest bit, hinting at a smile.
"I didn't realize I needed your approval." I poke my tongue out at her when she sneers at me.
"Let's go, princess." She pivots on her left foot and strides out of the room, her chin tilted up slightly.
I look into the mirror once more and inwardly sigh. The pearlescent dress is a little longer than floor length with a few inches of a train. The bodice is snug down to my hips before it flows to the ground. Long sleeves encase my arms and a high neckline make the dress a little more wearable than it would have been if the neckline had been any lower. I pinch the silky fabric between my fingers and swish the skirt back and forth. "I suppose this will do. The only thing missing is a flower crown." I grumble under my breath.
"Avery!" Faran snaps.
I stomp over to the doorway to exit the bathing room. "I'm coming! Don't get your leafy underpants in a tangle."
Faran glowers, her arms folded across her chest. "You're meeting with the Queen. Come along."
Sighing, I reluctantly trail after her. As we walk down the hall, Kalen joins us and slows his pace to match mine. He gives me a sideways glance. "Well, Princess, you are truly beautiful." A smile tugs the corners of his mouth up.
Faran glares at me over her shoulder briefly and I look up at the ceiling. "Are you trying to get me killed?" I hiss lowly, praying the Fae Warrior walking ahead of us doesn't hear me.
"Do what?" Kalen replies innocently, keeping his gaze centered. "Can a humble warrior, such as myself, not compliment my princess?"
"No, you cannot." I whisper fiercely. "The Dragon Lady hates me enough on principle. I don't need you making it any worse."
Kalen sighs deeply. "Such a shame, milady, that you care what she thinks." Biting his bottom lip, he reaches over and turns my chin to face him. "No matter. I will tell you this. I always get what I want, Princess." He moves close and whispers into my ear, "And I want you."
Shock ripples down my body and I tense. "You're not serious, are you?" I demand at his retreating back. Kalen smirks at me from over his shoulder before disappearing around the corner from where we came. I growl in frustration, "You're an idiot!" I shout after him.
Faran lifts a brow at me when I stalk past her into the room she's holding the door open to. My anger leaves me in a rush and a disbelieving laugh escapes me. The vast room has grand walls that match the pearlescence of my dress. The ceiling is glass and natural light floods the entirety of the ball room. I spin slowly to capture all the details in my memory.
"Aves?"
I pivot around and spot Damian stepping toward me hesitantly. A smile spreads across my face and butterflies flutter to life in my tummy. "Damian!" Hiking my dress up to mid shin, I dash towards him.
He grins, holding his arms open. Damian is dressed in black slacks and a white button down with the top few buttons left open. I throw myself into his arms, feeling him hold me against his chest. "I'm so glad you're okay, Avery." He says into my hair.
"I thought they weren't going to let me see you again." I inhale his scent mixed with whatever fancy soap they use on the clothes. My fingers dig into his back.
Grandmother clears her throat. "Avery."
I pull away from Damian to face the Queen. He keeps his arms looped around my waist. "Yes, Grandmother?"
"It's time to go to the meal, darling. I'll explain the situation then to Faran and Kalen. You will leave in the morning to continue on your mission."
"Yes, Grandmother." I nod slowly, hiding my displeasure.
"Come then, children." Grandmother winks at me, flicking her gaze up at Damian before walking through the far doors. "The dining hall." She sweeps her arms out, walking around the large table to take her place at the head.
Damian and I follow after her, hand in hand. Still within the borders of the ball room, I lift my foot to take a step toward the table and my stomach plummets. Something is off. Time slows.
The ground beneath me starts to crack. I remove Damian's arms and shove him toward the table. My hands fly out to find any semblance of balance. Looking up as slabs of the marble floor begin to fall, I see the panic on his face.
"Avery, no!" Damian screams, reaching for my hand.
"Damian!" I cry, my fingertips brushing against his. The marble under my feet slips away and my stomach flies into my throat.
"Avery!" Damian lunges forward and falls into the hole with me, fully grasping onto my wrist with one hand and gripping the ledge with the other. "Hang on! I've got you." He breathes heavily. "You'll be okay. I'm not letting go."
Tears blur my vision. I dig my nails into his wrist, reaching up with my other hand with some difficulty. "Damian," I sob. My other flailing hand latches onto his wrist.
"Hey, hey. Look at me. It's going to be okay." He reassures. Damian's grip begins to slide, the silky fabric of the dress sleeves making it difficult for him to hold my wrist securely.
"I'm slipping!" I yelp, not liking how my legs dangle freely.
"We're too heavy." He grunts, "My fingers aren't gripping the marble very well."
Closing my eyes, I swallow. "Let go of me."
"Are you nuts?" Damian demands angrily, "I'm not letting go of you! Not now and not ever. I love you, you stubborn moron!"
Taking a deep breath, I exhale shakily. "Thank the heavens for that." I mumble.
"Hold on, Avery!" Damian's fingers slip and gravity yanks my stomach up into my throat again.
"Damian!" I scream, falling back. He pulls me against him, encircling his arms around my waist. I bury my face in his neck and drape my arms around his shoulders, holding on to my favorite part of this world as the rest of it fades to black.
