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Zoe
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“This way. My home!” Sidelle panted, leading us into a large flower garden. She cocked her head listening for whatever was hunting us.
Sidelle’s home wasn’t what I’d thought it would be. Somehow, I’d pictured a huge house with a terracotta roof, brightly colored walls, and flowers everywhere. Something like a home in Italy.
I definitely hadn’t imagined a castle.
Lush gardens surrounded the castle’s stone walls, and flowers stood tall over the grounds. Even the tree branches were thick with overly large leaves. The castle itself was something straight out of a Disney movie, its brick and boulder walls seemingly impenetrable. Turrets soared into the sky at least five stories tall, and green flags flapped at the top of each one. The windows were as tall as anything I’d ever seen, but there was no glass in them.
“You live in a castle?” I asked.
“I haven’t lived here in a long time,” Sidelle said.
“Not what I expected.”
She looked surprised. “Where did you think I lived?”
“Uh, not something like this. I’ll leave it at that.”
We stopped at the wooden gates, and Shay and Vash stared at the castle with awe. Kieran couldn’t seem to care less. He’d probably been here before, or nothing amazed him. The heavy gates cranked open and out stepped four guards. Each was dressed in a full metal chest plate and tan breeches, and each held a wooden shield, which displayed the castle’s crest: a thorn crown wrapped in green wings. The guards formed a single line and bowed in unison.
“State your business, fairy,” one said.
Sidelle nudged me forward.
“We wish to speak with the king.” I held out the golden token. “He gave me this.”
“I wasn’t speaking to you, Ordinary.” The lead guard looked past my shoulder. “And you’re accompanied by an angel, a werewolf, and a Nephilim?”
“Yes.”
His gaze shifted back to Sidelle. “I ask again, fairy. State your name and business.”
She lifted her chin. “My business is my own, but my name is Sidelle.”
He appeared immediately sorry. “I apologize! I ... I did not recognize you. Please accept my humble apologies.” He dropped to one knee, and the other guards quickly followed suit. “Welcome back to Aestas Castle. I’ll personally escort you to the throne room.”
We followed him into the castle, and even though the guard kept glancing back with pleading eyes at Sidelle, she looked anywhere but at him. I’d have to remember to ask her about that. Once inside the potent aromas of lily of the valley, wisteria, and jasmine mixed with the sweet fragrances of honey, ripe strawberries, and fresh pineapple. It was a sensory overload to my nose. I had to hold my breath until we reached the throne room.
After a few turns of a large wheel, a set of floor-to-ceiling double doors ground open. More guards were stationed inside, creating a line to the throne. A fairy stood a few steps away, holding a long trumpet. He held the instrument to his lips and sounded a couple of short blasts.
“Welcome to Aestas Castle,” he shouted. “Approach! The king has informed me that he will not see to your business now, but he has requested you all stay in the southern wing. He’ll summon you when he’s ready to hear your business.”
“But—” I started.
The guard held up his hand. “The king has spoken. The guards who brought you here will escort you to your rooms. Now go.” He waved us away.
I stared at her. “Sidelle? Can’t you do something? We came all this way. We’re on a time crunch, you know. We only have four days.”
She shook her head. “I know, but there isn’t anything I can do. He has spoken. Let’s go to the rooms, freshen up, and wait. If it’s too long, then I’ll try to seek a private audience with him.”
That was the best we could do. We followed the guards to the southern tower, which encompassed more than one floor. One of the guards said it was where honored guests of the court stayed. The windows overlooked gardens, rolling pastures, and cascading waterfalls, providing one of the best views.
We each had our own room, but the boys opted to stay together. The room they selected was large enough that they were able to move a second bed from another chamber. Since Kieran didn’t sleep, Shay and Vash only needed two beds. Sidelle said she would stay with me, so I wouldn’t be alone. She suggested that we change into the clothes supplied in the cabinets.
My room had a four-poster, king-sized bed, a couple of chaise lounges overlooking the windows, a seating area, and a private bathroom. Fresh flowers decorated every surface, and a platter of fruits, cheeses, and meats sat on one of the tables. Curious, I walked over to a tall cabinet and pulled open its doors. I stared in disbelief. Hanging on the bar were ball gowns of every color. After great deliberation, I selected a lavender one. It was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen. In it, I could really look the part of a princess in my own fairytale. For a few moments, this magical gown distracted me from the real reason for our being here. Maybe that was Oberon’s objective.
“Come on, Zoe,” Sidelle said. “I’ll help you change. These things can be a bitch to get into. Especially if you try to lace up the back by yourself.”
I was no longer shy undressing around her. She’d seen me naked—or close to it—more times than I’d care to admit. But just as I was about to pull off my top, the hairs on my arms stood straight up, and I froze.
“Uh, Sid? Do you know her?”
A young, beautiful female fairy with short brown hair sat on the windowsill, a pair of giant, iridescent green wings hung loosely on her back. Her distinct, almond-shaped eyes were the same incredible color as Sidelle’s.
“Brea? Is that you?”
“Oh, my fairies,” the fairy squealed. “Rumor was you were back in the castle.” She flew off the ledge and wrapped her arms around Sidelle. “I can’t believe you’re back. After all this time! It’s been how long?” She stepped back.
“A few centuries in human time since I’ve seen you, but I’ve been here for a report to my father just a few years ago.”
It had been centuries since Sidelle had seen her friend?
“Zoe,” Sidelle said. “This is my best friend, Brea. Brea, this is Zoe.”
Brea looked at me curiously. “So she’s the one, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Hi, Brea.” I extended my hand, but she didn’t take it. Instead, she drew me into a hug.
“A friend of Sidelle’s is a friend of mine.” She leaned back and gazed into my eyes. “She must think highly of you if she calls you her friend, Zoe. She doesn’t have many. Or at least she didn’t when she was here.”
Sidelle cleared her throat. “We don’t have to talk about that.”
“Fine,” Brea said, giving me a wink. “I get the message loud and clear. Listen, in honor of your return, the king has declared a ball tonight.”
“Of course he has,” Sidelle said with a sigh. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Ah. So you still hate having a good time?”
“What do you mean?” I asked. “Sidelle loves to party! In my world, she’s the one at school everybody wants to hang out with and be.” Dropping my shyness, I slid the rest of my clothes off and stepped into the gown.
“School?” Brea shouted at Sidelle. “You’re in school?”
I turned, holding the front of the bodice up, and watched the best friends banter. Sidelle came around behind me and started to lace the dress up my back.
“Yes. It’s something I had to do while interacting with the Ordinaries.” She nodded toward my bag, and Brea went to get it.
“Well, wonders never cease.” Brea opened the zipper and pulled out my black heels. “These are what?”
“Stilettos. Very fashionable but take some getting used to.”
Brea shrugged and placed them on the floor in front of me, waiting for me to step into them. It was like having handmaids attending to my every need. When I was ready, Sidelle clasped her hands over my eyes, spun me around, and guided me toward the floor mirror. Then she pulled her hands away.
Staring back at me from the mirror was a plain looking girl with long, brown hair in an absolutely glamorous lavender ball gown. My hand went to my hair, and I twirled a strand around a finger, feeling completely out of place. I even pinched some color into my cheeks. But Sidelle and Brea knew what I was thinking. They stood on either side of me and raised their arms.
“Close your eyes, Zoe,” Brea said.
A wave of shimmer swept across my face and my head tingled. When the two of them told me to open my eyes, I did. I stared at the gorgeous, practically unrecognizable—to me, anyway—young lady in the mirror, standing next to two stunning fairies. My hair was in an up-do; the stylishly braided cords had been wrapped around the crown of my head and adorned with tiny white flowers. Lavender shadow accented my eyes, giving them an almond shape. Pink, glossy lips and mauve cheeks gave definition to my face.
A knock on our door broke my stare. Brea’s eyes snapped toward door, and she hid her wings.
“Enter,” Sidelle sang.
The wooden door opened and in strolled three handsome men. All were wearing brown breeches and white tunics, and each tunic was embroidered with the Aestas castle crest. They looked dashing. Then they noticed me, and the heat from Kieran’s and Shay’s eyes was enough to melt my insides. I knew Vash appreciated beauty as well, but his eyes were only ever on Cali, so I didn’t take any offense.
Shay stepped forward and wrapped his arm around my waist, planting a sweet kiss on my forehead. Smart man. He knew not to mess with my makeup.
“You’re stealing my breath,” he breathed into my ear, sending heat to my cheeks.
Kieran walked farther into the room, and I noticed his eyes never wavered. Now, I saw what I’d failed to notice a few seconds ago: he wasn’t staring at me. His gaze was entirely on Sidelle. She looked fantastic, but she always did. Her green gown was timeless, and her hair was styled in an intricate up-do similar to my own.
“Someone is head over heels for a certain fairy?” Shay whispered. I could only shrug. This was definitely new.
“The guards at our door said the king has summoned us to the throne room,” Vash said, holding out his arm for Brea. He gave her a wink. “I guess that leaves you and me tonight, Beautiful.”
“My name’s Brea.” She linked her arm in the crook of Vash’s, then giggled. “Do you mind if I ... um ... show my wings?”
He howled. “By all means. Let ‘em fly.”
Her iridescent green wings unfolded, extending tall and upright. As Vash led her out of the door, I heard him ask if she knew where we were going, and her response was, “I know this castle like my own wings. Trust me, Wolf-boy, I won’t lead you astray.”
“We should go, too,” Shay said. “We don’t want to keep the king waiting.” Following Vash’s lead, he bent his elbow, and he escorted me out of the room.
When we entered the throne room, its energy was charged with something ancient and powerful. King Oberon was perched on his throne, a glowing, pale bluish-green scepter in his hand. His green robes lay spread around him, reminding me of a prairie, and giant, dark green wings draped loosely across his back. White branches twined through the crown on his head. He was the perfect picture of royalty, casually draped in his throne. He rose and stood on the dais while he waited for us to come to him.
“Welcome, Zoe of the Ordinaries’ realm,” the king proclaimed. “I hope you have found your stay here at Aestas Castle to be a pleasant one?” His eyes went to my hands, and a slight frown creased his brow. “My guards informed me that you had brought my token of goodwill.”
Oh, no. Was I supposed to bring it? No one had mentioned that before we’d left. “I did,” I managed, “but ... but I didn’t bring it with me for this meeting.” Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and released Shay’s warm hand. “I left it in my chambers. I hope that’s all right. If you want, I can go back and get it.”
“That will not be necessary.” He waved my friends forward. “And who are the rest of you?”
“I’m Shay Curator, a Nephilim sworn to protect the Redeemer.” He smiled and bowed.
“I am Kieran Auduro, Zoe’s Guardian angel.”
“I am the Alpha of the Spiritus pack of Minnetonka. My name is Vash Bellator.”
“You’re young to be an Alpha, yes?” the king asked, frowning.
“I am.” Vash nodded and sighed. “My father was killed last weekend while protecting our pack and Zoe. Our compound had a surprise attack by DKs and Marqs. We lost the Alpha, the female Alpha, and two members.”
The king placed his hand on Vash’s shoulder. “I am sorry for your loss, Alpha. But I am pleased to meet all of you. And step forward, my daughter. Now that she is home and has brought the Redeemer to me, we will celebrate!”
I didn’t want to interrupt, but something had to be said. I curtsied. “I’d like to discuss the situation at hand, if I may, Your Majesty.”
But the king was all smiles now. “All in due time, my dear. First, we must celebrate the return of my daughter to Fairyland, to the Summer lands, and to me. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen her properly.” He cocked his head toward Sidelle. “That last one doesn’t count since you were only here a few sundowns.”
Sidelle nodded.
“Then let’s not waste any more time.”
On cue the double doors opened, and fairies filed in playing flutes, fiddles, and drums. The throne room exploded into song, and I stared with wonder at the beautiful fairy couples who danced, fluttered their wings, or cocooned themselves. Smaller fairies streamed into the massive hall bearing plates of candied fruits, breads, and meats, which they set on the royal table. The delicious aroma of cheeses and buttery pastries filled the air. Freshly cut flowers appeared in tall vases and lined the tables.
The candle lights dimmed, and that was our cue. Our meeting with the Summer King was officially over. He dismissed us but motioned for Sidelle to stay. The group of us shuffled across the floor, trying not to bump into anyone, and the boys landed directly in front of the food table. Brea and I waited for Sidelle at the side.
“Is any of this stuff safe for us to eat?” Vash asked. “I’m starving.”
“Zoe brought granola and protein bars,” Kieran said. “But this food should be fine for you and Shay.”
“How do you know?” Shay asked.
“I don’t for sure, but it’s just fruit and meat. You could find this out in the Wild Forest.”
Shay and Vash exchanged a glance. Vash tentatively grabbed a hunk of meat. He sniffed it, ripped off a small piece, and placed it in his mouth. Looking thoughtful, he chewed then swallowed. He shrugged.
“Not bad. Kinda dry and tasteless, but it’s food.”
“If you get sick, don’t blame me,” I said, grinning.
Vash and Shay didn’t say a word as they loaded up a wooden board with meat and a few fruits. My eyes went to Sidelle.
“Brea, will everything be okay for her?” I asked. “She’s been over there a long time.”
“Don’t worry about it. She can handle her father.”
“Is she really his daughter, or is that a figure of speech?”
“She’s definitely his offspring. We grew up together, did everything together, but she was always a little odd. She didn’t like doing normal fairy stuff. She hated dances and all the dressing up. She preferred to be alone.”
I shook my head, amazed. “Sure doesn’t sound like the Sidelle I know.”
“I guess centuries can change a fairy.”
Eventually, Sidelle strolled over toward us, looking annoyed. “Oberon will meet with us after the party, but the question is when this party will actually be over in his mind. They have been known to last many sundowns.”
The room vibrated with happy fairies, and the mood was contagious. “So for now, I guess let’s enjoy the night.” I tugged on Shay’s hand. Grinning, he set his plate of meat down and led me to the dance floor.
I was so grateful to have him back with me. I’d sworn from the moment he returned that I’d cherish all the times we had together, and that definitely included this dance. Our bodies became one as we swayed to the odd music, our friends left us alone, and I loved them for that. Shay and I danced in each other’s arms until my feet couldn’t stand any more.