Page 16 of Of Curses and Courtship

“It’s painless. Nearly.”

“You’ve missed the true problem.” I scowl. “I have nothing to wear, and I’m not fit for balls—certainly not the events the fae throw, which are sure to be luxurious.”

“Was your father not the lord of this land before his passing?” She gestures around the darkened garden. “What makes you believe you are unfit for a ball, fae or otherwise?”

This strange fae knows too much. My throat tightens at the mention of my father and the title that is rightfully mine.

“I have no true title,” I whisper. “It was taken from me long ago.”

“You don’t require a title to dance, my darling.” She sits beside me. “And as for your attire, don’t fret. I’ll have a gown made just for you, and you’ll wear the most beautiful pearls you’ve ever seen.”

This fae has set her sights too high. Pearls? Gowns?

I laugh bitterly. “That won’t be a difficult promise to keep. I’ve never seen a pearl in my life.”

“Ophelia!” Lady Ashbridge’s voice comes out in a shrill shriek. “Come inside at once.”

I jump up. “I’m sorry. You must go right this instant, or I’ll be in terrible?—”

“Who are you speaking with, child?” Lady Ashbridge asks.

I turn to my stepmother with apologies on my tongue, but before she comes into view, the strange fae is gone.

“No one,” I say, training my expression into something neutral. “I was speaking with myself.”

“Good. Then you are as mad as ever.” Her eyes trace me up and down like a knife carving flesh. “Step inside before you catch a cold. We cannot have you making my daughters ill.”

I stare at the fountain for a moment longer, willing the strange fae to whisk me away to another time. Another place. Anywhere but here. Perhaps she can hear this wish, too, but she doesn’t appear again.

“Yes, my lady.”

EMYR

“Prince Emyr.” The knight behind me is supposed to sound commanding, but his voice shakes. He’s a mere mortal, a knight from their puny palace.

“I can’t believe my father sent you.” I sneer. “I have a guard of my own, you know. He does a fine job.”

The knight shakes. “I am aware, but”—he looks back—“I’m afraid I was told to bring you to the palace myself, Your Highness.”

“I am only one man.” Tibalt grunts. “Even two of me are not enough to ensure your return.”

“You are a traitor.” I groan and stand, feeling older than I am. “Not to worry. No one’ll have to drag me home tonight. I’m ready to face my fate.”

The knight looks uneasy. “There is no fate to face. I was only asked to bring you to the palace?—”

“Which is where my fate is waiting. Come along now.”

Although he was the one sent to find me, it feels more like I am leading him to the carriage—and to the palace beyond Far Water.

The mortal palace is a third the size of ours, and despite my enjoyment of such comforts, I prefer the little room in the inn. It feels more authentic to a land like this, where many locals live in homes the size of my bedchamber.

Their royals live lavish lives rather than taking care of their people. Disgusting. As cursed as we may be, our people don’t go without food and comfortable shelter if we can help it.

I keep my cruel comments to myself and drag my feet through the puny palace. My parents have already taken over a wing for themselves. The locals may not trust the fae, but we have a treaty with the royals. They know the truth of our curse, though a select few may still believe the rumors of snatching and killing children.

Ridiculous rumors. What need would we have to take their babes?

The trembling knight who leads me back to the palace is likely worried I’ll eat him. Lucky for him, I’m not particularly hungry.