Chapter Seven

 

There was no bridge that extended from the canyon walls to the glowing, thin-spired castle mid river. Though the water seemed smooth from above, I could tell there was a swift undercurrent farther out. Several of the anchored boats bobbed up and down, some of them bumping together occasionally with a hollow thud as they shifted.

Eirian let go of my hand and stood on the end of the pier.

I looked around, and seeing no one, began to loosen the rope of the closest boat.

“Wait,” she commanded without turning. She continued to stand still.

“What are we waiting for? I can have one of these boats loose in just a second and row us over.”

“We already have one.” She pointed toward the distant shore. “One of the guards is on his way.”

I felt bad that someone was coming to fetch us when I could have easily taken us over. “It was no trouble to row you.”

She smiled. “This is the way things are done, Bran.”

I clenched my teeth and closed my eyes for a moment while I waited for the shivers that moved over my skin to pass.

“Join me.” She beckoned. “Now is the time to begin your charade.”

I stepped behind her, slipping my arms around her waist, and bent to kiss her throat. “I won’t have to pretend, Eirian.”

She shuddered, just as I hoped she would, and leaned back into my embrace, caressing my arms.

“Your highness,” a voice called from the approaching boat as it came along the dock.

A tall, Fae man in a burnished shade of armor reached toward Eirian.

“Allow me,” I said, helping her into the slim craft.

I followed after, standing behind her small seat, my hands on her shoulders. The guard paid me no further attention but instead turned the boat back in the direction he’d come.

Aside from the occasional “clunk” of the oars, we slipped silently through the water. As we got closer to the castle, I could see a large metal gate looming ahead of us. The silver crisscrossing slats gleamed with perfection despite the close contact with the water. It spanned the width of a large stone archway covered in trailing vines that ran up the wall and disappeared over the other side. When we were almost upon it, the gate lifted, dripping little rivulets of water as it emerged. Sprinkles rained down upon us as we slipped through, and it shut immediately behind us, hardly making a sound.

We were now in a moat, traveling in what appeared to be a perfect circle inside, channeled by a short stone wall that ran nearest the castle. This time I noticed the guards everywhere, standing by lit torches of burning faery fire, mounted on both the low inner wall of the moat, and the high walls overhead, with weapons ready at hand. We pulled up to a large, stone landing platform jutting out from the castle wall. There was a small detail of guards standing there, and what appeared to be a few maids-in-waiting. The ladies quickly rushed to the edge of the dock, carrying a robe and slippers. One of the guards leaned forward to help Eirian from the boat, and I followed up behind her.

“You are dismissed,” she spoke in an authoritative voice to the women. “I have no need of your services this night.”

“Milady,” one spoke with a bow. “Your father requested that we prepare a special suite for your arrival. He would like you to send for him as soon as you’ve arrived.”

She held the regal robe and slippers up to Eirian again. “Very well,” Eirian replied with a sigh, allowing them to add to her wardrobe. “You may tell my father I am here now and will see him when he’s ready.”

A distinguished looking Fae man approached from the castle. “Milady, the king has noticed your arrival and awaits you in the prepared chamber.”

Eirian nodded.

No one said anything to me, and other than a few cursory glances, paid little attention to my presence. I stepped closer to Eirian, grasping her hand. “You look divine, my love,” I whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, and I bowed to kiss her wrist.

“Welcome to Castle Naveen, Bran of Glynshire.” Eirian smiled.

“I am most happy to be here with you, your highness.”

“Please. I dislike all the formalities. Call me Eirian.”

“With pleasure, Eirian.” I couldn’t help my sly smile at her maid’s attempt to disguise her abrupt laughter when Eirian shivered.

She punched me. “You did that on purpose.”

“Yes, I did, and that was not very well mannered.” I chuckled as I rubbed my arm, amazed at how strong she was. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

She blushed, turning away to head for the castle. I hurried next to her and slipped my hand into hers, giving it a squeeze before looking over my shoulder at the guard detail that was surrounding us. The guards stopped at the door, but the ladies-in-waiting followed.

I couldn’t help gazing around in awe at the vaulted ceilings, cavernous in their magnitude. The numerous stone pillars curved into pointed, elegant archways and were intricately carved to mimic the ivy-covered exterior walls. I wanted to lean in for a closer look and touch them—to study their workmanship in depth.

A soft pressure on my hand brought my attention back to Eirian and her meaningful glance reminded me I should be intrigued by her, not the castle. I would have to save my exploring for another time.

Slipping my arm about her waist, I leaned to whisper in her ear. “Your home is very lovely.” I kissed her lightly on the cheek.

She nodded and smiled, turning to lead us up a giant stone staircase. “It is. I’m glad you like it. I hope you’ll be pleased by the rest.” She kept her voice low enough so our words were only heard between the two of us.

I hugged her closer. “So I’m about to meet your father. I’m assuming he was the fierce looking man sitting on the throne next to you at the celebration. Is there anything I need to know about him?”

“Show no fear. He expects you to be enchanted, so he will assume your actions before him are of someone who is longing for his daughter. He’ll expect you to stay close to me. Don’t speak unless he addresses you, and if he does, only answer his question directly. Do not elaborate. Keep your attention on me—mostly noticing what I do. If you’re observing other things too much he may know that something is wrong.”

“Understood. Are we going to your room then?”

She shook her head. “No. My maid said he requested a special suite prepared. It’ll be in the highest tower with the best views of the city.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It is beautiful up there, but I warn you, you’ll probably need a rest after climbing all the stairs.” Her laugher tinkled in the air. “It’s not a trip for the faint hearted.”

“I’m up for the challenge.” I released her waist, slipping my hand back into hers.

I quickly learned she wasn’t joking. We climbed up three floors worth of steps before we reached the circular staircase that wound through the center of the tower.

“Which room will we be in?” Eirian asked her maids.

“The topmost, milady,” came the reply from the lead maid, and I figured she must be in charge.

I stared up the center, noting that the stairs circled up into darkness so high that the farthest point seemed the size of a small stone. We began climbing again in silence—around and around—passing several narrow landings that were lit with bright burning torches of faery fire. Our breathing was somewhat labored from the exertion of reaching the top. Two guards stood on either side of very large, carved, double doors.

Eirian stopped and the maids rushed in front of us, dabbing our foreheads and face with cloth to remove any sheen, and then fluffing and spreading Eirian’s dress. Once her hair was smoothed and shining, one of them produced a beautiful twisted wreath of intertwined vines and small flowers I didn’t recognize and placed it upon her head.

She looked noble as she straightened herself and nodded once. The guards opened the doors with a flourish.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, not giving away that this was the most lavish room I’d ever seen in my life. I briefly glanced over the dimly lit, plush surroundings of fabric draped bedding, and furniture. The giant wall of sculpted arches beyond those looked out to the fabulous view of the lit and glowing canyon around us. My perusal halted as my gaze rested on the king standing near one of the windows, looking out into the night.

He was just as majestic as he appeared the first time I laid eyes on him. His form was lithe and agile, and he probably would’ve appeared much younger if it weren’t for his long hair and lengthy pointed beard. He stared at us, his eyes narrowing as he studied me.

I turned away from him and smiled at Eirian, taking a step closer and brushed the side of her cheek with the back of my free hand. She smiled at me briefly before returning her attention to her father.

“So, this is the lad you fancy.” His voice was deep, but his words had a musical lilt to them.

“It is,” Eirian replied, and I noticed her hand was trembling in mine.

“And has he proven worthy to your task?”

I found this to be an odd question.

“He has.”

“How many times have you lain with him?”

“Twice.”

He grunted and turned back toward the window.

My body tensed, and I clenched Eirian’s hand tighter. I wasn’t sure what custom dictated, but I couldn’t see how this was any of his concern. My anger must have been noticeable, because Eirian turned to me with an anxious look.

“Bran, please go lay on the bed and rest.”

It was a command. I struggled with the desire to reply, but I bit back my words and nodded, going over to the large wooden platform that was laden with an overstuffed mattress and excessive amounts of pillows and fabric. I reclined, tucking my hands behind my head in a gesture of relaxed ease, as I continued to watch the exchange.

“Have you bitten him?” the king asked, still staring outside.

“Yes.”

“And you fed him your blood?”

“I did, mixed in the contents of the drink as I was instructed to do.”

Something was off here. Things that had seemed amazing were being spoken of in callous flat tones. I’d expected some sort of celebration, or welcoming of the princess after her marriage. Yet, other than this elaborate room, not much else appeared to be going on.

The king looked at me before turning to Eirian again. “You’ve chosen well. I can tell he’s a strong young man. The child he will give you should be strong as well.”

Eirian nodded, keeping her eyes cast down. “I concur.”

He walked over and lifted her chin until she looked at him. “Listen to me. I know you fancy yourself in love with him, and I can understand why he was your choice. He’s a fine specimen, but you must remember what you are doing is a great service to your people. He’s not for you though.”

It was all I could do to remain still and unaffected. Something was terribly wrong. I struggled to appear calm.

Eirian’s eyes glistened with tears. “I know, Father. You needn’t speak of it any further.”

I wasn’t sure what was going on, but suddenly things seemed to be very unstable.

“It’s hard when we have to sacrifice our hearts for the betterment of our society,” the king said as he continued toward the open door. “I provided the best suite I have so you could enjoy your time with him to the fullest. Live your dream as completely as possible. His strength will make him a formidable Blood Wraith later.”

Eirian stood still, like a statue, and I could see her tears hit the stone floor in front of her, leaving small, wet drops on the surface.

“Carry on, daughter,” the king said, leaving the room. The guards closed the doors swiftly behind him, and the resonating sound made me feel as though I’d just been sealed into a tomb.

I held my tongue for several moments, clenching my teeth as I stared at the forlorn figure in front of me. I willed her to turn and look at me, but she would not. I slid from the bed and strode to her.

“Tell me what is going on, right now!” I ground out.