The bells rang, forcing us to collect ourselves to head out for the winter celebration. Magic washed over me as I glamoured myself into a fitting outfit. The dark-crimson gown was tight with layers of soft tulle adorned with silver jewels that glittered with every step I took. On my arms were silver torques that matched Ryder’s, but thinner and more feminine in design. A soft, fur-trimmed cloak covered my shoulders, finishing the wardrobe.
“We will speak more about this when we finish the celebration. The guards will continue testing all outsiders entering for the celebration. There are enough inside to test the villagers, and I’ve set up an area for those who’ve been infected. Everything is fucking fine,” Ryder stated firmly. On the outside, he looked calm and unbothered by the revelations. On the inside, he was a mess of worry and distress over what held our daughter.
“I agree,” Lena stated before tossing a saucy look at Lucian. “Everything is fine. I’m fine, right, Lucian?” His eyes turned feverish, and a sinful smile played on his lips. “It’s so fucking fine.”
“You really want to fucking try me here, Lena? I’m not above finding a room, bending that hot ass over, and removing that fucking word from those pretty lips. Ryder,” he said, which had Lena snorting with the dare blazing in her eyes.
She stepped closer, lifting up to brush her lips against his. “Maybe later? Right now, our friends need us and I want to enjoy some semblance of normalcy before your daughter is born and you end up wrapped around her tiny fingers.”
“Careful, little one,” he chided. “You’re making me want to spank that pretty ass of yours.”
“I mean, I’m not above watching this shit happen,” Adam injected with a grunt when Adrian elbowed him in the ribs. “What? These motherfuckers are twisted as shit. But, I think the natives are getting restless. The children outside are chanting for their king and queen to join them to begin the celebration.”
I smiled as their boisterous, childlike joy filtered to us from above. Ryder held his elbow out, and I slipped my arm through it, resting my hand on his forearm. He leaned over, brushing a kiss to my temple before he vanished and appeared before the large entry doors that led into the courtyard.
“Smile and pretend everything isn’t falling apart, Pet. You look gorgeous, and that is what our people will see when you walk out there tonight. The most beautiful, foul-mouthed, fierce queen this world has ever known.”
“You still say the sweetest shit, Fairy,” I stated, feeling lighter with the knowledge Spyder had given us. I didn’t feel the utter hopelessness anymore. I felt strength with my people around me, and my family I’d adopted at my side. “I’m ready.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
The children had adorned the Tree of Life with handmade ornaments that they’d crafted. Fruit peels and berries hung on thin strings that were wrapped around the branches to add splashes of color. Torches had been lit within the courtyard that sheltered the tree.
Teeny fairies flittered between branches, striving to protect it from the brutal chill that was causing vertical cracks in the bark. At the base of the tree, there was no bark left and my heart ached every time my eyes landed on it.
They had painted an assortment of stylish decorations on the exterior of the jars. They had constructed lines of mason jars with candles. The children painted images of the kingdom on some of the jars. Other jars were etched with more intricate designs of stars or Celtic knots. They lined the paths and walls throughout the sweeping valley surrounding the palace.
Dishes of orange pomanders, zesty citrus fruits, and cloves were placed strategically throughout the space, filling the air with their tangy fragrance. Spiked wassail in pewter chalices was being handed out to adults while the children got the virgin drinks.
The palace was a fortress with extra guards, and each person seeking entrance was tested for the influence of the ether. A few men had already been escorted to the cells that held Alden and Zahruk. Most went willingly, but one man caused a scene, yelling and trying to evade the guards. It had taken four fae to restrain him.
Laughter floated on the breeze, and the whispers of guests letting go of the old to bring in the new saturated the air before reaching our ears. There was hope when we feared the threat of the upcoming conflict would smother anything tinged with joy. Ryder and I did our part to keep the spirits lifted, wearing bright smiles and being open and gracious to anyone brave enough to approach us.
“It’s time to light the torch before the tree,” Ryder whispered against my ear.
“In a moment,” I countered. “Let them know a moment of peace,” I continued thickly. His arms wrapped around me, feeding me his warmth while we watched our family and friends celebrating.
“What has those tears swimming in your pretty eyes now, Pet?” he asked softly, kissing the back of my neck. His question forced my attention back to the revelry of the people.
Erie stood beside Spyder, laughing carefree of the pain I knew she held. An entire race depended on her doing the right thing. On the outside, you couldn’t see the many scars from the abuse she’d suffered. It wasn’t until you looked closer that you realized she was weighing the fate of an entire civilization of people with her own, and judging which would prevail.
“Erie holds more pain inside her than anyone else I know. Yet, she refuses to let it define her.”
And she wouldn’t. She’d never let anything define who she was, or what she did. If she chose to save them, she’d have to find a way to face Callaghan. He’d been her tormentor, and failed to protect her from the druids who’d brutally battered her mind until not even she knew the depths of depravity she’d endured.
Plus, I knew she was gearing up to face him. Her people were sick and steadily getting sicker the longer it took for her to make a decision. She loved them and spoke of them with excitement and glittering pride in her sky-blue eyes. Sure, she was the Goddess of War, but she was also a woman who merely wanted someone to want her for more than what she could do.
“I’m pretty certain you women tend to be masters at hiding your emotions. You are the same way. Look at my sister and tell me what you see.”
I turned to take in Ciara and Blane, who were currently flirting with one another. Ciara was adamant about not getting pregnant again, but her eyes had never glittered as brilliantly as they did now with her babes and husband beside her.
“Family,” I whispered as he chuckled into my hair. “And love that will never die. They heal one another, and it’s been amazing to witness. Hasn’t it?”
“Indeed,” he murmured before Orion’s laughter forced our attention to where his father was playing with him. Ristan carried the boy on his shoulders, holding him protectively as Orion attempted to capture the tiny, angry fairies that taunted him. I had feared losing Olivia would destroy something inside Ristan, but he was returning to his normal self with the help of his child.
“I think Ristan is beginning to heal, finally.” I placed my hands over Ryder’s, smiling as Ristan caught sight of us and headed over with his little dangle.
“I agree, but I think he’s unaware of it. We should leave it at that and let the universe guide him. Promise me you won’t make a match for him, Ryder.”