Fire and Ice (12 page)

I took a deep, calming breath, drying my sweaty palms on the filmy fabric of my dress. It felt weightless, as though spun with spider webbing. I didn't want to think about it too long because
here,
it was a viable possibility. The sunlight blinded me as I wandered the convoluted path, and my heart was just beginning to return to its normal rhythm.

I hadn't taken more than ten steps before being halted by two Elven men. They looked like guards, judging by the arrows, swords, and assortment of knives which would make a ninja jealous. The taller one stepped in front of me, long raven hair billowing behind him, framing eyes like sea glass, green and clear. Was everyone in the land insanely attractive? I'd never felt so plain. Even dressed in the ridiculously gauzy dress I was wearing for reasons I could neither explain nor remember, I suffered in comparison. Since I had no choice but to stop, I eyed them warily, wondering if Adrius had sent them.

“My Lady.” He nodded. “May we escort you to your chamber?”

“My
chamber
,” I echoed, taking in his leering grin.

“Unless you would rather return to the infirmary, the Lord King Etienne has sent us to show you to your dwelling.”

I had no desire to return to the nurse with the pointy ears and blue syringe. “Are my things in my chamber?” Suddenly it felt important to have my clothes and purse, the only things I'd brought with me. Like a lifeline back to sanity.

The smaller, slimmer of the pair offered an insincere, yet stunning smile.

“Of course.”

Staring longer than was necessary or polite, I thought over his request. Let's see, follow the two good-looking armed guards to a guest room, or try to negotiate the way back on my own and risk another run in with the Redcaps… or worse.

“Fine.” I shrugged. “Lead the way.”

At the easy pace we took, I could get a good look around… Something I missed out on while being chased by creatures trying to devour me.

The scene reminded me of the sketch I did in art class. The one Adrius had nearly replicated without seeing mine. It had seemed a bizarre coincidence at the time. But who knew
how
bizarre.

I was too nervous to stay quiet for long. “So where are we going?” I asked, not sure if they would even respond.

The taller guard spoke up. “The Citadel of Elyssium… It is where all royalty stay when visiting Mythlandria.”

I gnashed my teeth. I wasn't royalty and I wasn't exactly visiting. More like being held against my will. But sticking with the civil conversation seemed wise, since they were, after all, carrying weapons and could take me out in a heartbeat if they so desired.

One guard gestured toward a dense cluster of trees. “You can see the Citadel from here,” he said.

Shifting my gaze in the direction he was pointing, I stopped. There above the tangle of brilliant viridian leaves, a castle rose from the wood. Intricately carved from the earth itself, the ethereal structure looked woven from vines. Stone walls were mantled in ivy, surrounded by a series of gazebos ornamented in filigree scrolls, each linked by invisibly-suspended paths. Two stately towers escorted a sweeping veranda, leading to an inlaid wooden door. And Palladian windows reflected the passing clouds.

“Is that where Adrius lives?”

There wasn't an immediate reply. But the subtle nudge the shorter guard gave the first was clearly a warning not to say too much.

I tried another question. “So do you get many human guests at the Citadel?”

“Very few who are kept above ground, so far from the rest of the slaves,” he snipped with another fake smile.

“You will be our first,” responded the larger, friendlier guard.

I definitely liked him better.

The short one stepped to the side, gesturing for me to walk in front of him. He fixed me with an icy stare. “This way, my lady…” His voice was as frosty as his look.

I'm not sure what his problem was, but he seemed to have an issue with me… Or with something.

An embarrassing gurgle rumbled from my stomach as we trudged toward the castle, reminding me I was famished. When had I last eaten anything?

“Is there somewhere I can get something to eat?” I asked, almost certain the answer would be no. It was pretty unlikely there'd be a café or a drive through close by.

He offered another of his insincere smiles, this time looking at me as if I was a simpleton.

“You may dine at any time you wish, my lady,” he said, in a tone that made me feel like an idiot. Excuse me for not knowing the meal time customs of a mythological land.

Eventually they stopped at the base of two mammoth trees. A carved staircase that seemed to lead into the clouds was before us. It was covered with a series of filigree arches that radiated with a warm white glow. We marched up the wide low steps, which curved in and among the trees. At various levels there were structures and walkways constructed in and among the branches.

Sucking in a breath, I followed their lead up into the impossibly tall city among the trees.

Finally, we reached the highest level, and gauging by the building in front of us, the Citadel. An entry was marked by two rounded wooden doors, similarly carved with elaborate scrolls and tendrils.

The Elven guards led us through the round ornate doors into the dimly lit castle. Sunlight dappled the mahogany planked floor, filtering in through tall, arched windows and I blinked rapidly, adjusting to the dimness.

We walked through long corridors lit with torches anchored to the walls that reflected similarly ornate scrollwork, large inlaid tiles draped with delicate hanging moss. It was the perfect vision of an Elvish castle, had I ever envisioned one.

They stopped in front of an elaborately carved round door, a smaller version of the main castle doors. “Here you are, my lady.” He opened it, allowing me to enter.

I was immobilized at the threshold, unable to move forward, drinking in the sight.

It looked more like a posh penthouse suite than a bedroom, filled with a living spring garden. A grand chandelier hung from the high cathedral ceiling, bathing the room in a soft buttery light. Meandering vines of pale pink blooms trailed along the walls like crown molding, framing the windows and archways. The fading scent of wild flowers hung faintly in the air, blending with the occasional whiff of herbs.

I skimmed the surroundings, trying not to appear overly impressed.

“Is it not to your liking, Milady?” the not so friendly guard inquired, misunderstanding my hesitation.

I doubt he cared. But if I was a guest of the prince, my satisfaction must mean something.

“Best prison ever.” It came out in a snippy tone that would have made my mother proud. “Kidding.”

“Of course,” he said, the frost coating his words. He turned and paused. “…If I might offer a word of advice for my lady?”

His expression morphed into something I think was supposed to resemble concern. I didn't buy it.

“It is best you do not wander outside of the Citadel grounds. We are host to many beings for the Beltane festival, some of whom you will find are not as hospitable to humans as we are.”

I would have laughed at the irony, except I knew there were far more hostile things out there than him.

They gave a quick bow in unison and left me alone in my new home for the next who knows how long.

I mumbled my thanks, examining the room in a daze as my armed escorts retreated down the hall.

Fragrant perfumes tickled my nose until a warm breeze from the open window dissipated them. In one room sat an enormous bed composed of intricately entwined branches, finely veined leaves, and delicately arranged flowers; piled with sumptuous pillows and a lofty down-filled white duvet. Bordering the bed was a canopy draped with sheer billowing white fabric, so thin it was almost invisible. The bedroom led to a scrolled wrought iron balcony overlooking a stone pond, stocked with rainbow-hued Japanese
koi
. In the adjacent sitting room, I flopped onto a lavishly overstuffed arm chair, but jumped up as I caught whiff of something delicious.

An archway led to a small dining area where a round table cut from the trunk of a tree was set with covered silver trays, mossy wicker baskets, wooden carafes, and sparkling glassware. It was centered on a shabby circular wool rug with faded pink roses, above which an elaborate chandelier adorned in crystal prisms and swags shimmered in silvery light.

I drifted toward it, the mouth-watering aroma twisting my empty stomach. Lifting the heavy silver domes, my mouth gaped at the tempting array of foods. Exotic fruits and meats, warm delicious breads, and a decadent assortment of tiny cakes in a variety of flavors, alongside a colorful assortment of drinks, including a gilded decanter filled with some sort of tea… far too much food to consume in a week much less one meal. Despite the mild uneasiness in the pit of my stomach, there was no way I could go without eating. I sampled a little of every food I recognized.

Feeling full and safe within my temporary home, I let it all sink in and tried to relax. Everything I could want for had been provided. The room itself whispered rest and unwind with its softly-toned hues of rose, sage, and cream decor. It was like shabby-chic meets tree-house castle. I curled up in the fluffy bed, and eventually drifted into a restless sleep.

I woke the next morning with a start, my heart thudding against my chest. I was still exhausted, but relaxing proved impossible and I found myself in motion again. Pacing frantically, chewing my lower lip, and replaying the previous day's crazy events. Nightmarish scenes flashed through my mind, as I wandered into the next room, looking for something to distract me. The dining table had been reset with breakfast foods, which might have been disturbing were I not so hungry. I nibbled a small piece of bread and wandered into a room no bigger than a walk-in closet. It was a dressing room, complete with parchment tri-folding screen and ornate full-length mirror. I caught a glimpse of myself and cringed. I was filthy, my clothing torn and smeared with mud. My hair hung in matted waves, stuck to my head… nowhere near the vision of a Faerie Princess. Whatever
that
looked like anyway. All I could come up with was The Tooth Fairy, all pink and frothy and surrounded by twinkling sounds. Something told me nothing like the amusement park version lived here. From what I'd seen and heard so far, they seriously couldn't have been further from the truth.

I peeked behind a woven screen. Hanging in the corner, was the most elegant and delicate dress I'd ever seen… a silky, soft gossamer in the palest sky blue; so feathery light it almost seemed to float on its own in the dressing room. A bath had been drawn in a footed tub, next to which hung a plush white bathrobe. In spite of myself I finally relaxed, sinking into the soothing warmth, letting the water wash away my anxiety. I even put on the ridiculously formal gown which had been left for me… mainly because my own clothes were a total mess, though part of me kind of enjoyed wearing something so over-the-top.

The heavy knock on the door made me jump. I rushed to open it, steadying the uninvited butterflies suddenly swirling in my stomach with a deep breath.

My heart lurched and then settled, as I realized it wasn't Adrius. Standing in the door way was another Elven male. His clothing of similar detail and style, hinted at someone of importance. He was slightly taller than Adrius, uncomfortably good-looking in a striking way with similar features. His eyes were a piercing icy blue-green, lacking the warmth and compassion of Adrius's but with all of the intensity.

“Hello?” I blurted, slightly taken aback.

The young elf flashed a devious smile… then stretched out his hand wrapping long fingers firmly around mine.

“Good morning, Princess. I'm here to join you for breakfast.” His gaze swept over me, and he frowned. “Are you ready, or do you need a moment to do something with your hair?”

I ran my hand over my long waves which I'd deliberately left loose. Whoever this guy was, I was less than impressed.

As I was about to snap a sharp reply, he laughed, flashing that same grin. “I'm kidding, Princess.” He held his hands in front of him, pretending to shield himself. “Don't turn me into a toad or anything.”

I bristled. “I'm sorry, but I already have breakfast plans,” I stated curtly, pushing the door closed. The elf placed his hand against it, preventing it from closing and peered into my eyes.

“You do share a lot of similarities. I can see it, especially around the eyes.”

“
Whose
similarities?”

“The last girl.”

“The
last
girl?”

He didn't respond, but the intensity of his gaze made me uncomfortable. It was as if he was staring right through the much too thin layers of my dress. I felt my face flush bright red, and he smirked.

I folded my arms across my chest. “Who
are
you, and what do you want?”

“Oh, sorry…” He nodded in mock apology, offering an over-exaggerated bow. “I'm Julien. I've come on behalf of my brother who sends his regrets but is unfortunately unable to make your breakfast engagement.” He spotted the table set for two across the room.

“Hmm, glad I'm not late. I hate cold food, don't you?” Brushing past me he made his way to the table, and sat down, watching me with an amused expression in his cool eyes. “I'm famished.”

I shut the door, not sure what to think. I had no idea Adrius had a brother. But then again I knew little about him, aside from the whole Elven-Prince-impersonating-a-human part. Yet there was definitely a resemblance… the same slight point to his slender ears. His skin and hair were paler than Adrius's and he was almost as attractive, but in a darker more unexpected way. Something about the way he looked at me warned I should probably ask him to leave. But I didn't. Curiosity got the best of me, and there was something compelling about his presence. He was as fascinating as he was unnerving. With a grand gesturing of his hand, he motioned for me to join him.