A ripple crossed the crowd in a turbulent wave. Disappointment hung in the air. I blinked. I knew I heard my name, but it was so outside myself, it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that it was me. She called me.
I knew it was going to happen.
The Imp had said as much.
Alice said as much.
But it took me a moment to get myself together.
“Wendy Darling,” she repeated.
I forced myself to raise my hand. I knew there was a chance she would call someone else if I didn’t acknowledge my presence, claim my opportunity.
“Here.” The word was raw and throaty in my mouth, and I didn’t think she could hear me, especially being so far behind the crowd.
However, the people in front of me parted like the sea and allowed me passage. Some shot me glares, others were curious. They all looked me up and down, probably assessing whether or not I was fit to be a Queen, whether I had any chance at all to win against the much more beautiful Fae.
Probably not, but winning wasn’t my prerogative.
I moved. I didn’t understand how I was able to, but I managed to get to the podium. My movement was slow, like walking through quicksand and trying not to get pulled under. Somehow, I did all of this without falling, without tripping over air. I might not have had the most graceful gait, but at least I held onto most of my composure.
This is it. This is real now.
Silly of me to have doubted it before.
“Welcome, my dear,” the Fae said. A small shadow fell across her perfect face because of her hood, and even though everything else was flawless, that seemed to be a warning if I ever saw one. “Are you Wendy Darling?”
I nodded, unable to trust my voice.
Whispers teased my ears, how I was too old, too young, too fat, too thin. How I wasn’t pretty enough. There didn’t seem to be a counter to that, and when my competition was the Fae, I understood, but it bruised all the same.
These were other humans.
These were my neighbors, people I grew up with. These were people from Wonderland.
Then again, after my brothers disappeared, after my parents didn’t stop me from moving out, it wasn’t like anyone helped me. The only people who cared had been Robin, Little John, Alex, Phillip, and Maryanne. They were my true friends.
“I just need to verify you are who you say you are, and then you may step inside your new home for at least the next two weeks,” she said.
I pulled out my wallet and handed her my ID. I wasn’t sure if that was what she meant, but she took it from me and glanced at my face.
“Thank you,” she said. She turned to the podium. “Please join me in congratulating Wendy Darling. You never know. She could very well be the next Fae Princess.”
I almost laughed.
We both knew that wouldn’t be the case.
“Go inside, Ms. Darling,” the Fae said. “You’ll be shown around and taken to your room. And then, that’s when the fun really begins.”
Stepping inside this glass palace was akin to stepping inside a dream. Upon crossing the threshold, I found myself in a spacious and light-filled chamber. The floor beneath my feet was crafted from smooth, white marble, reflecting the soft glow of the sunlight streaming through stained glass windows. The windows depicted scenes from classic fairy tales, their vibrant colors painting the foyer with hues of emerald, sapphire, and ruby.
The walls were adorned with tapestries woven with threads of gold and silver, showcasing intricate illustrations of legendary creatures and magical landscapes, things and places I had never heard of before. The tapestries seemed to come alive as I continued to gape at the scenery before me, like a fish out of water, their subjects shifting and intertwining in a captivating dance.
At the center of the foyer stood a grand, circular fountain. Water cascaded from the mouth of sculpted mythical creatures, creating a soothing melody that reverberated through the room. The water's surface shimmered with iridescent hues, reflecting the colors of the stained glass windows above.
Elegant columns, adorned with delicate carvings of leaves and vines, rose from the floor to support the high, vaulted ceiling. Glimmering crystal chandeliers hung from above, their faceted gems refracting the light into a mesmerizing display of dancing rainbows across the room.
To one side of the foyer, a sweeping staircase ascended gracefully to the upper levels of the castle, its banisters intricately carved with woodland creatures and floral motifs. The steps themselves were lined with plush, jewel-toned carpets, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and opulence.
Amidst the grandeur, comfortable seating areas were scattered throughout the foyer, each adorned with plush cushions and adorned with tapestry patterns that mirror those on the walls.
I was a Royal, and I was uncomfortable in this sort of luxury.
How was this built in only a month?
I didn’t understand it.
Magic. It had to be magic.
“This way.” A dark-skinned Fae with more grace than a cat swept over to me and guided me through a hall that led into the main sitting chamber. I couldn’t think of a word that accurately described it other than magnificent. There was an aura that hung in the crevices, one of anticipation and mystique. Every corner was imbued with the enchantment and elegance befitting the Fae court.
As I entered the room, goosebumps clung to my skin, warning me that things would only get grander, and they weren’t wrong. I was greeted by the sight of soaring ceilings adorned with intricate, hand-painted frescoes depicting ethereal landscapes, vibrant flowers, and mythical creatures. The colors of the frescoes seemed to come alive, shimmering and shifting as if infused with magic.
The spacious chamber was illuminated by an array of crystal chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow, adding a touch of warmth to the cool ambiance. The chandeliers dangled from the ceiling like delicate, intertwined branches, each adorned with countless faceted crystals that refracted light, scattering sparkling patterns across the room.
The walls were also adorned with richly colored tapestries, showcasing scenes of Fae folklore and legendary tales. The tapestries depicted epic quests, forbidden romances, and breathtaking landscapes, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.
In the center of the room, a grand circular platform stood, elevated slightly above the marble floor. Its surface was covered in a lush, verdant carpet made of finely woven emerald fibers, evoking the lushness of a magical meadow. Ornate, intricately carved wooden chairs surround the platform, providing seating for the contestants.
Even the chairs themselves were meticulously crafted, featuring delicate filigree designs that mirrored the patterns found in nature—leaves, flowers, and delicate vines that intertwine and wind their way along the frames. The seating arrangement was arranged in a semi-circle, facing the platform where someone would probably explain the rules and expectations of this game.
Because I could only see it as a game.
The Fae were already present, settled into their seats, their anticipation palpable, whispers of excitement and nervousness fill the air. I wanted to look at them, but I was afraid I’d get caught up in staring at their beauty that I forced myself to keep walking until I reached the only empty chair remaining.
The room was filled with an intoxicating blend of floral scents and the faint sound of ethereal music, further enhancing the magical atmosphere.
Large windows adorned the walls, draped with flowing, sheer curtains that billow gently in an unseen breeze. Sunlight filtered into the room, and for a moment, it was easy to forget that I wasn’t here for marriage, but to kill.
“...she’s the human.”
“She certainly smells like one.”
“We all know she’ll be the first one to go. There’s no way Pan chooses her. Not with his disdain for mortals.”
I ignored the whispers. I expected them. I was in a palace full of Fae, and their disdain for humans was common knowledge. I refused to let them get to me.
I took my seat, settling myself into a comfortable position that also had me enact my etiquette lessons from back when I was a child. I knew how to use perfect posture. I knew what fork to dine with. Perhaps I wasn’t as beautiful as these women were, but I could hold my own when it came to playing the part. And, in order to survive, I would have to play that part with perfection.
It was only then did I let myself look at the competitors, and even though I knew the Fae were beautiful, I didn’t know it until I looked at them directly.
“Now that we’re all here,” the dark-skinned Fae said, coming up to the podium placed in the center of the semi-circle the chairs formed. “I think it’s best to introduce ourselves.”
“What’s the point?” the one to my left said. “We all know that the human is the first to go.”
“Seraphina,” the woman said.
“Arybella,” she returned, arching a brow.
The two women had a standoff until Seraphina looked away. “Fine,” she said. “I’m Seraphina, duchess, stemming from a long line of duchesses that populate the court. I don’t tolerate idiots, so please don’t even look at me, human.”
I hated her.
I hated her so much.
But the worst part was the fact that she was still beautiful. She possessed an otherworldly allure with her luminous, alabaster skin that emitted a soft, iridescent glow. Her hair cascaded in lustrous waves of shimmering silver, falling gracefully around her like a silken waterfall. Her striking, sapphire-blue eyes were framed by long, dark lashes, shimmering with an inner light that spoke of ancient wisdom. Despite her harsh tongue, her features were delicate, with high cheekbones and a cupid's bow lips, their natural hue a subtle shade of rose petal pink.
“I’m Aurora,” the one on the other side of Seraphina said, placing a hand over her modest chest. “The Countess of the Fae Court.”
Countess? What did that even mean?
Aurora was captivating in her own right with her ethereal beauty reminiscent of the dawn itself. Her skin had a radiant, porcelain-like quality, flawless and touched by a soft, rosy blush. Her long, flowing tresses were rays of golden sunlight, their silky strands reflecting a myriad of warm hues. Her eyes were mesmerizing pools of crystal-clear azure, sparkling with an enchanting depth that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe. Her lips, delicate and inviting, bore a gentle rosy tint, as if kissed by the first light of day.
We continued to go around in the circle.
Lysandra, the Marquess, emanated an aura of enchantment with her exotic and alluring beauty. Her sun-kissed complexion was like smooth honey, radiating warmth and vitality. Her hair, a wild and untamed mane of raven-black locks, framed her face in waves that seem to possess a life of their own. Her green eyes were almond-shaped and brimmed with mystery, sparkling with mischief and allure. Her lips, adorned with a touch of coral, hold a bewitching smile that both charmed and disarmed, even as she directed her smile at me.
Evangeline, the Baroness, embodied a delicate grace and ethereal charm that drew the eye. Her porcelain skin was like the petals of a white lily, flawless and exuding an air of purity. Her hair flowed like spun moonlight, cascading in gentle waves of silver and platinum, reflecting the soft glow that surrounded her, while eyes were pools of deep amethyst, with a hint of mystery and wisdom gleaming within their depths. Her lips, full and delicate, possess a natural pink hue, offering a subtle touch of enchantment.
Calista, the Viscountess, possessed an exquisite beauty that was at once ethereal and bewitching. Her skin was touched by moonlight, holding a pale luminescence that accentuated her delicate features. Her hair, a curtain of cascading midnight-black, shimmered with a subtle blue sheen, evoking the enchantment of a starry night sky. Calista's eyes, like two shimmering pools of molten silver, held an enigmatic gaze that hinted at ancient secrets. Her lips, tinged with a shade of pale lavender, conveyed a sense of mystery and allure.
It was funny; they all looked the same yet so different.
And then there was me.
“Uh, hi. I’m Wendy.”
“What are you?” Seraphina asked.
“A…human?”
“No,” Lyanna said. “What’s your position?”
“Citizen?”
“She isn’t a Royal?” Aurora asked, picking her eyes up from her nails. “Is that even allowed?”
“They have to throw in a piece of charcoal in order to make the diamonds shine brighter,” Seraphina said.
“Now, now, ladies,” Evangeline said.
“Evangeline, you know it’s true,” Seraphina said. “If Pan planned this himself, he would never select a human.”
“And what’s this?” a low, smooth seductive voice said from behind us. I froze, my back straight, as footsteps slowly came closer to our group. “Someone who thinks they know me well enough to know what I’m thinking. How trite, coming from you, Seraphina.”
Arybella forced a smile, stepping back from the podium so Pan could claim it for himself.
“We all know you’re here at the behest of my father,” he continued. “Judging by the color of your knees, I’d say you’ve been with him frequently.”
My eyes bugged from my head. That was incredibly rude, but there was nothing she could say about it without risking his wrath.
“Although, she’s not wrong.” He dragged his pale green gaze from Seraphina and rested his eyes on me. “Hmm. You’re not as pretty as I hoped you might be, but not terribly unattractive…for a mortal.”
I narrowed my eyes. It was in bad taste, but I didn’t care. I didn’t appreciate how rude he was being to my face. Then again, I shouldn’t have expected anything else from him either.
“I’m only doing this farce because I’m being forced to,” he said. “Don’t get the silly notion that this contest will be based on true love. I’m looking for a wife that will benefit me, that will submit to me, that will be wife in name-only, besides the typically wifely expectations you must adhere to in order to remain my wife. This is a mutually beneficial relationship that will ensure I keep my power, and that’s it.”
“Then, how is it mutually beneficial?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He caught my eyes again, lips curving up slightly. “You get to be True Wife.”