Page 13 of Journey to the Elderoak
Ava stood before the full-length mirror, unable to take her eyes off the dress she wore for dinner. It was customary in Saxumdale for guests of the royalty to dress in the style of the kingdom, she just hadn’t realized their style was more revealing than she was used to.
The dress she wore was a deep navy blue with off-shoulder sheer sleeves that draped down her arms, leaving her shoulders and back bare and exposing the scars she bore as a result of her torture by the daemon queen. Gold lace detailing wove through the snug bodice, ending in lush fabric skirts that parted into a slit. Her hair was braided around the crown of her head, sprinkled with matching blue jewels.
A knock sounded on her door and Raine’s voice called out. “Are you done yet? Hurry up, I’m starving.”
Ava ran her hands along the skirt. “I’m done…I’m just not ready to come out yet.”
“I’m coming in,” he said, barging into her room.
Raine paused. His eyes moved over her attire appreciatively. He put his hands on his hips and grinned. “Well, fuck.”
She threw her hands up. “I know, right? It’s…a lot.”
He walked around her in a circle and chuckled. “Your ass looks amazing. Please, oh please walk in front of Cas as much as possible because you look sexy and he’s going to lose his mind.”
Ava crossed her arms and glared at him. He was dressed in a violet tunic lined in gold, black pants and boots.
“Well, you look good too,” she admitted.
“I know,” he said, flicking his hair behind his shoulder. “Let’s go.” He gestured for her to walk ahead of him.
“Oh no you don’t,” she chastised. “You go first. I don’t want you staring at my ass all night.”
He laughed and turned on his heel, heading toward the door as Ava looked at the ceiling, mumbling and hoping she didn’t trip and make a fool of herself. She emerged into the opulent living room, decorated in a similar style to her bedroom. Plush fabrics softened the space, and a large balcony overlooked the city on the far wall, framed by navy velvet curtains.
Casimir rose from his chair and took a step forward, but halted as he took her in.
“That’s the dress they gave you to wear?” he asked, voice low and hoarse.
“Ridiculous, isn’t it?”
He shook his head as his eyes trailed down her figure. “That’s not the word I would use,” he murmured.
“This is getting awkward so I’m going to go find Gisela,” interrupted Raine. “I’ll see you two at dinner.”
They didn’t acknowledge him as he left the room, unable to break eye contact. Casimir looked devastating in a dark blue jacket with silver buttons and thread lining the seams and hem.His black pants ended in ebony leather boots and his hair was left unbound.
Breaking the silence, Ava blurted, “You look handsome.” She fidgeted with her skirt. “I feel ridiculous in this dress, and I’m going to trip in these stupid heels. How are we supposed to talk about war dressed like this?” she rambled, as she often did when she was nervous. “And now everyone’s going to see my scars, and they’re going to think?—”
“Ava,” Casimir interrupted as he crossed the room and stood before her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “You are beautiful. Fuck what everyone thinks about your scars. They’re badges of courage. Okay?”
His thumb gently brushed her skin and she nodded. “Okay.”
He stayed there for a moment before he turned and placed himself at her side, holding out his elbow. “Let’s go to dinner, princess.”
She looped her arm through his and let him lead the way.
Ava satbetween Raine and Casimir. Gisela was seated beside Raine, laughing every time he whispered in her ear. Astrid and Soren sat across the stone table with their steward to their right. Several guards were stationed along the wall, including Pax and Zeph, monitoring dinner.
The dining hall matched the rest of the castle. Dark stone walls carved with intricate designs encased the room, lit by an iron chandelier covered in flickering lights. A large tapestry hung on the far wall, depicting dozens of stone fae women with swords, appearing as though they were battling each other on top of one of the flat top mountains.
Dinners here were not casual like back in Mosshaven itseemed, and staff brought out each course at a predetermined time. The food was delicious, mostly seafood due to Saxumdale’s location, and they were finishing the main course of pan-roasted fish with herbed butter, roasted cabbage and a rice side dish full of spices Ava had never tasted before.
Ava waited for dessert as she picked at her dinner and sipped her white wine, trying not to fidget. Most of their conversation had revolved around her adjusting to her new life, and Soren explaining how things worked in Saxumdale.
“I’ve noticed you looking at our tapestry,” Soren said.
Ava set down her fork. “It’s stunning. What’s happening in the picture?”
