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Gaelin’s eyes snapped up to meet the kings in anger and hatred.
“Well?” said the king. “Answer me!” he yelled, slamming his fists on the table.
“It is an honor to serve the light court,” replied Gaelin.
“That is not what I asked. Would you prefer to marry the human whore?” Lysanthier roared. The room went silent, watching their recurring nightly entertainment. Gaelin swallowed, trying to keep calm. “You would, wouldn’t you. You’d prefer that worthless piece of scum over my daughter.” The king stood, pulling the tablecloth from the surface, smashing all the dishes and trays to the floor. No one moved.
“We’ll see if you prefer her when I am through having my way with her,” he said, turning away from his wife, daughter, and Gaelin. He marched to the wall, taking my arm, pulling me to him. Felicity held on until the last moment. He pulled me out of the throne room to his private chambers. I was crying before my foot stepped across the threshold.
The next morning, I went to the washroom downstairs in the servants’ quarters. When I entered, there were five girls preparing themselves for the wedding ceremony. They all looked at me as I entered the room. Their eyes scanned me from head to toe, stopping at the bruises and blood now dried on my skin. Last night was the worst it had even been.
I didn’t know what to say or do. We just stood across from one another in silence. One of the girls began to fill the tub with water. Two of them approached me slowly, taking me by the arm, leading me to the water. They undressed me, taking note of the wounds that hadn’t healed on my body.
One reached for my headband, removing it from my ears. They all stopped, staring in surprise at my secret. I didn’t even look up. I didn’t care. They poured the water across my body, cleaning me gently without a single word. They gathered clean clothes and helped me dress, hiding the evidence of the night before. They brushed my hair back into a braid, placing a new headscarf around my ears. My eye was no longer swollen shut, but you could still see the bruising around the soft tissue.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“You’ve been through enough,” a young girl whispered. Before kissing my cheek.
“Your secret is safe with us, do not fear,” another girl approached, kissing my temple.
“For what you’ve done, for our people.” Kiss.
“For the boy you took the lashings for.” Kiss.
“To remember your strength.” Kiss.
A single tear escaped my eye. I walked back to the main hall, trying to gather the courage to act like I was unfazed about what I had endured the previous night. I couldn't let Gaelin see me like this. Not today.
I went into the throne room, trying to find work to do. The servants in the hall looked at me for a few moments as I took a seat at a table and began polishing the fine porcelain dishes. None of them said a word as they returned to their duties. I stayed there, finding small things to busy myself with until the ceremony began.
That evening, the high houses of the light alfar filled the throne room. The humans took their places along the walls. The room was filled with fresh flowers, candles, and beautiful sculptures created just for the occasion. The king and queen stood at the front of the room on the platform, waiting for their daughter and Gaelin to enter.
The musicians began to play as the alfar stood, honoring their future king and queen. Gaelin and Daealla entered the room, elegant and luxurious as ever. This was the first time I had seen Gaelin in anything besides his warrior’s uniform. His suit was a soft cream color, his jacket long, like the one Erendrial wore. Gold stitching covered the cream fabric. His hair was loose around his shoulders and back. His face was solemn.
Daealla wore a beautiful satin white dress. It fell off her shoulders and hugged her waist, accenting her perfect form. The long train trailed behind them both as they ascended the aisle. Her long hair fell straight down her back. A crown of crystal-clear diamonds sat on top of her head. She did not smile.
They walked arm in arm towards the king and queen. Once they ascended the platform, Gaelin looked back at the wall to me. His face didn’t show signs of emotions. He just stared. I forced a smile and nodded, trying to break the uncomfortable moment. His attention turned back to Daealla.
The ceremony was beautiful. The king and queen watched as a Nordic priest conducted the vows. Gaelin and Daealla knelt before each other, wrapping their hands in a white silk ribbon, representing the eternity of their union. After the religious aspect of the ceremony was over, they both signed a blood contract, cementing their union. Each had to sign their name in their own blood. They then took each other’s hand, uniting their wounds so their blood could be mixed between one another.
After the ceremony, the alfar celebrated. We worked the room, filling wine glasses and tending to their needs. Gaelin didn’t look at me during dinner. He nodded at the high houses that offered their congratulations to him and his new bride, without a glint of emotion. He had broken, I thought. I was sure I’d be the first to shatter, but I was wrong…it had been him.
I looked at the king as he flirted and laughed with anyone who came close. My stomach began to turn at the very sight of him. If I had to endure his touch one more time, I might offer myself to the fairies willingly. At least I would be certain that the pain of their torture would eventually end.
Levos appeared behind me as I collected the dirty plates from a table. I acted like he wasn’t there, but he continued to follow me. I made my way back to the servant’s hall, emptying my hands. He pulled me aside, out of earshot of the others. I pulled away from him, feeling my skin begin to burn. Even his touch now affected me in the most unsettling way. He looked at me curiously as he slowly lowered his arm.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“I hadn’t seen you since last night. Are you okay? Why didn’t you come to my room?” he asked.
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“That doesn’t mean anything. Some of the servants told Madison that you were pretty beat up this morning. Where did you go after? Back to Gaelin’s room?”
I shook my head, not making eye contact. “I stayed in the linen closet on the main floor until morning. Then I went to the servant’s washroom and cleaned up before helping with the preparations.”
“Why didn’t you come to me? I would have helped you. You know that.”