Page 122 of A Dance with the Fae Prince (Married to Magic 2)
Chapter 35
I sleepfor most of the day. When I wake, it’s because the other troupe members I’m sharing my room with are beginning to stir. I feel like I could’ve slept for eternity. Raph is curled up at my side, snoring softly. His face is relaxed and he looks so vulnerable, so peaceful. I’ve never been more aware of just how young he is. Guilt cuts me deep at what I’ve thrust him into. I gently stroke hair from his eyes.
One of the musicians crosses over, holding out a small bundle of clothes. I take it with quiet thanks. They have three whole trunks of costumes that they all source their attire from. What they gave to me is a ruffled blouse with billowing sleeves and a plunging neckline. It’s paired with tight, black, leather pants. I fuss over the pendant, eventually deciding to twist it around and hang it between my shoulder blades. Like this, it looks almost like a choker, as long as my hair covers my shoulders.
I rouse Raph to give him his clothes. He sleepily dresses in the brightly colored tunic and spotted leggings. He’s awake enough by the end to frown at the ensemble.
“I look like a clown.”
I chuckle softly and don’t tell him about my jester comment the night before. “You look like a performer.”
“You got the good clothes.” He pouts.
“I look like a pirate.”
“Pirates are fabulous.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Let’s get breakfast.”
Raph and I keep to ourselves as we eat. The troupe isn’t unkind, but they don’t seem to be interested in engaging with us more than they have to. I suppose it’s for the best. The less they know, the safer we all are. Moreover, no matter what happens tonight, I get the keen sense that we won’t be leaving the castle together. This is strictly business.
I’m halfway through my meal when it strikes me that the food still has taste. Raph notices the sudden shift in my demeanor and tries to inquire as to the reason. But I brush him off.
We have enough to worry about. Adding concern for me withering away as a human in the world of the fae is something we don’t need. And I still don’t think I’m withering. It must be because I still have the necklace on my person—the power of kings is still with me even if it’s no longer in me. Fortunately, it seems to be enough to sustain me in this world.
The lamps are being lit as we emerge from the inn. The leader guides the troupe in a merry jig as we walk and dance down the road. I try and throw myself into the music. My fingers move on instinct, sure. But it’s impossible for me to get lost in the melody the way I usually do, the way I did last night, not with the castle looming over me and the portcullis drawing ever closer.
“Hold it.” One of the Butchers stops us just before we can enter. Her eyes shift to me and Raph. “Those two weren’t with you yesterday.”
“Ah, yes, they were late in getting to the High Court. They joined us last night. But we’d be remiss to perform again without their skill,” the leader says. All technically true.
The Butcher still seems wary. “I don’t recall any new people entering the city.”
I clutch my lute a little bit tighter, trying to keep my face as calm as possible. When we crossed through the barriers, did they know how many people entered? Or did they just get a sense of the wall being breached? Did they think that by capturing Shaye and Giles, they got everyone? Even if they don’t…I can only hope that they would assume that anyone who is foolish enough to sneak into the High Court will stay far away from the castle.
“Do you recall everything that happens in the High Court?” The leader tilts his head.
“Do you often lose members of your troupe?”
“I lose many things.” The man chuckles and plucks his fiddle.
The Butcher looks to me, narrowing her eyes. “Going to ask you a very simple question. You can only answer yes, or no. If you say any other words then I will kill you without a second’s hesitation. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” This is going to be too easy. She’s treating me like a fae and thinking I can’t lie. Even though I have no horns, or wings, they have no reason to expect a human to be here.
“Did you and him—” she points to Raph “—infiltrate the High Court, yes or no?”
“No.” I smile widely and can’t help but add, “Everything he said is completely true. They came out and got me.”
One of the women of the troupe laughs. “Do you think something is funny?” the Butcher snaps.
“I think the world is one big joke, and the only tragedy is the people who can’t seem to laugh at it,” she says with a smile.
“Get out of my sight,” the Butcher snarls and waves us along.
As we pass under the portcullis, the leader of the troupe looks back at me with a sly smile. He slows his pace to fall beside me. “I thought you were a bit different…a bit boring…but now I realize you are most interesting indeed. For it is what you lack that makes you special.”
“I’m unique in my own way, as we all are,” I agree, sharing in what might be the only smile I have of the night. “And you’re right in that I don’t need horns or wings to be special.”
