A Dream of Fate & Flesh (Courts of Malice #2)

6. A Blossoming Friendship

six

A Blossoming Friendship

Alessia

T he doors groan as I throw them open and enter my sitting room. They thud shut behind me, and I lean against the thick wood, exhaling heavily. I came straight here, not wanting to entertain with Eoin any further tonight.

A whiff of familiar lemongrass fills my nose, and my heart squeezes for Char. It reminds me of her. Except… there’s a hint of something new there, too. Something masculine.

Eoin .

Frowning, I glance down at his jacket, still encompassing my body. Not wanting any extension of him to touch me, I rip it off and toss it unceremoniously on the chaise beside the door.

The door to the bed chambers opens, and someone steps out, their back to me as they softly shut it. Her forest-green skirt matches the bow tying back her long, dark curls.

I blink through my numb fog, searching for her name in the depths of my mind. Never would I forget someone’s name like this. It concerns me that I’m losing myself.

Finally, it comes back to me.

“Sera!” I greet her with a smile.

“Alessia!” She spins, smiling broadly as she dips her chin. “I hadn’t heard you return. ”

“Can I help you with anything?” I keep my tone light, hoping she hears the genuine offer there. Unlike the faeries, I mean my question, and there’s no double meaning behind it.

Her brows flit up in confusion. “You want to help?”

“Well, of course.” I laugh. “It doesn’t seem fair to have you wait on me when I’m competent.”

“You’re…kinder than I expected.” She studies me, a tight crease forming in the corner of her mouth. Then she seems to shake it off, plastering a smile back on.

I frown. What does that mean? Before I can ask, she shakes her head.

“I’m finished,” she says. “I hadn’t meant to intrude. I thought you were still mingling in the ballroom.”

“You never intrude.” I plop into a chair, tugging off my flats. My feet ache from all the mingling I’ve done this week. “Does it ever end?”

Her shoulders soften. “The partying?”

“That. The socializing.” I massage my feet. “The show .”

She stands awkwardly by the bedroom door, as if unsure of what to do with herself. “I believe Prince Eoin is fond of putting on his little shows, so no. I do not think they’ll ever end.”

We share a laugh. Sera shifts her weight to the side, and I notice she’s wearing a similar pair of slippers as the ones I’ve been given. If my feet hurt from only a few hours on them, I can only imagine how much hers hurt.

I gesture to the chair beside me. “Please, sit.”

“Please?” She gives me an indecipherable look before recovering it. “That is so…human of you. ”

I chuckle. “I am human, after all.” Selfishly, I don’t want Sera to leave. This is the lightest I’ve felt in all my time at Terra Court. Maybe it’s because her role is something I’m familiar with, and I feel a sense of kinship, but I wave to the chair again. “Join me?”

She glances at the door and then back to me, chewing her bottom lip. “I really shouldn’t.”

“You did say you’re here to attend to me , correct?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Splendid. I request you have a seat and take off those awful shoes.”

She relents, sitting and pulling off her shoes. A soft sigh escapes her, and I can’t help but smile. “Those are rather awful, aren’t they?”

“Entirely too uncomfortable.” Especially when they’re stiff and not yet broken in like mine are.

My eyes flick to her shoes. Like mine, hers appears barely worn, with no flexibility or scuff marks indicating everyday use.

“How have you been enjoying your stay at Terra Court?” she asks.

I hesitate, weighing my words. “I’ve been in predicaments much worse than this, I’ll admit. The Terra Court is surprisingly nice.”

She squints. “ Nice ? That’s it?”

I shrug, not wanting to put her in an uncomfortable position by talking about her boss—her prince.

“How long do you expect to stay?” she asks.

I frown, unsure of how to answer that. “No longer than I need to.”

“Where are you from?” Her tone hints at curiosity, and I wonder what she’s heard about me.

“It doesn’t matter where I’m from,” I sigh. It only matters where I’m going, where I make a new home.

Sera’s eyes widen. “I’m prying, aren’t I?”

I study her. Could she be an ally—someone to open up to? “Don’t worry. I take no offense at your curiosity.”

She puts a hand over her heart. “I won’t repeat anything said within these walls.”

I squirm, unsure how to reply. A prickle of awareness raises my hackles—the feeling of always being watched. Perhaps I’m paranoid after seeing that shadow earlier tonight.

“I heard you came from Umbra Court,” she presses. “But you’re not from there originally, are you?” She cocks her head.

“No. I’m not.” My fingers drift to my jagged tattoo currently hidden on the left side of my face—covered in hopes of attracting less attention. Changing the subject, I ask, “What event is Eoin preparing for next?”

Eoin has hosted a party every night since I’ve been here. It’s been a whirlwind of nonstop drinking, dancing, and meditating in the gardens. Perhaps some might find it fun, but I find it exhausting. This next one he’s preparing for seems massive. The palace staff has been working overtime to decorate, and the gold goblets were being unboxed and polished.

Her eyes sparkle as she pulls her feet up and tucks them under her. “The first full moon after Ostara is a celebration called the Moon of Abundance. The courts gather here in Terra to celebrate. They visit the Laguna Fortuna just south of the palace to make a wish, then they drink and dance the night away.”

Perhaps I can wish that Eoin would trip into his wine fountain and drown. How great would it be to see him drown in his desires?

It would be delightful . He deserves it .

The thought is so sudden and satisfying that a chill crawls up my spine. I shift uneasily, willing the dark thought away. Since when have these thoughts come so easily to me?

I wrap my arms around myself, quickly realizing I’m in nothing but my undergarments.

“Do you mind explaining exactly what the Moon of Abundance is while I get dressed?” I ask, popping up.

She laughs. “Of course not.”

I stroll through the bed chambers to the dressing room, pick out a satin pink nightgown, and quickly slip into it.

Sera busies herself, pointing out some new dresses she brought up. “Under the Moon of Abundance, Terra Court holds the Prosperity Ball.” She gently tugs on the fabric of a silver dress, beckoning me over to feel it. “Do you like this one? I think it would look lovely with your hair and eyes. It’s the color of the moon.”

I finger the dress, barely paying any mind to it. “Sera, can I be honest with you?”

“Yes, of course.” She frantically sifts through a few of the dresses. “Are you not a fan of the material? I can have the seamstress—”

“Sera,” I repeat her name softly, touching her wrist. She turns to me, eyes wide. “The dress is lovely—they all are.”

“Oh?”

“But I’d much rather hear about the ball and the…”

I let down my hair and grab her hand, tugging her back to the sitting room so we can sit and chat.

“I’m woefully unprepared for all things fae, as you’ll soon realize, and Eoin has done nothing but brag about his gardens and drag me to the ballroom every night this week to get drunk on faerie wine.”

“The gardens?” Humor flashes in her eyes. “Did he show you his fountain?”

“Only seven times this week.”

She giggles, covering her mouth with a hand. “Take no offense to this, but that’s where he takes all his conquests.”

I squirm at the realization she thinks I’m sleeping with Eoin.

“Oh.” Sera reaches forward and grips my hand. From this close, I can see the stunning gold speckles in her vibrant brown eyes. The color is so mesmerizing I can’t look away.

“I hadn’t meant to be so brash,” she says, her tone apologetic. “Forget I said anything.”

I squeeze her hand back. “I have no plans to bed the Terra Prince, and the only offense I take is that you don’t feel comfortable enough to speak freely with me.”

Sera clears her throat with a dainty sound. “In that case, are you sure you’re not interested in bedding the prince?” She lifts a brow, a coy look on her face.

I laugh. “There is no chance of that happening.”

“I’ve heard he’s quite skilled with his touch.” She smirks conspiratorially. “You should hear what some other royals can do with their magic.”

“Sera,” I chastise. But I add, “Do go on.”

“The Aer Prince…well, he can blow you just right.” She winks.

I giggle so hard I snort. “Do you know from personal experience?”

“Sadly, no.” She pouts. “Perhaps one day. ”

I think of Rainer and his touch. His power might not be instrumental in the sheets, but he doesn’t need it to be. Even in our dreams, he knew just the way to make me—

“You’re blushing!” Sera snickers. “If you think the Aer Prince is talented, imagine what the others might be able to do.”

I don’t bother correcting her that I was thinking of Rainer and not the Aer Prince. “Who are the others?”

“You might see them around this weekend.” She lifts her hand, counting on her fingers as she says, “Other than Terra, Umbra, and Aer court, there’s Prince Laisren of Ignus Court, Princess Niamh of Lux Court, and Princess Ina of Aqua Court.”

Though I knew other courts existed, hearing the names aloud made them feel more real.

“I’ve heard Princess Niamh is quite adept as an illusionist. That could be fun in the bedroom—having multiple of her pleasing you at once.” Sera’s eyes gloss over for a moment. “But Laisren is a flameweaver. I imagine he can really heat things up.”

“Oh, Gods.” Speaking of heating up, my face burns at Sera’s implications, but I continue listening with rapt attention.

“Who do you think would be the most useless?” she asks. She gives me a sly look. “Definitely not the fearcaller. Imagine the rush of adrenaline he could give you.” She fans herself. “I bet that would be the climax of a lifetime. Imagine running, scared, and then having his strong hands snatching you up and comforting you.”

I bury my hands in my face, laughing uncontrollably and desperately trying to hide my reaction to her words. I’m not sure I’m that freaky, but she has a point. If he can control the fear just enough to cause an enhanced reaction…

My whole body burns at the thought of what that might be like .

“Eoin,” she says, snapping me from my thoughts. I give her a confused look. “He’s just a healer. What’s he going to do? Spank me, then take the pain?”

Soon, we’re both doubled over in our chairs, out of breath. I’m practically howling.

When I catch my breath, I say, “No, he can take the feelings, too—”

Rapping on the door cuts me short.

Sera's eyes flick toward the noise. “I’ll get it.”

“No bother.” I’m there before she can rise, swinging open the door to find the skilled Terra Prince himself.

His eyes drop to my body, and his lips carve into a smile. “Are you wearing that for me?”

I huff, starting to shut the door in his face, but his hand lashes out to stop it.

“Wait,” he says. “I just came to ensure you’re doing all right. I know we ended on a rather sour note this evening, and—”

Behind me, Sera coughs. Eoin must hear it because his eyes flick over my shoulder, and his humor fades when he spots my lady’s maid. “Who are you?”

I glance over my shoulder to see Sera rising.

“Prince Eoin.” Alarm flashes in her eyes, and she scrambles to retrieve her slippers. “I was just—”

“Don’t harass Sera.” I step forward, my chest brushing against Eoin’s firm body, as I pull the door shut behind us, blocking his sight of Sera. I don’t like how her demeanor changed—her spark snuffed out with his attention.

“Who?” Eoin’s brow scrunches.

“You don’t even know your staff?” I scowl.

“I haven’t seen her before.” He shakes his head. “I’d never forget such a striking face. Perhaps I’ve been a bit too preoccupied with another striking face.” He winks.

“You are such an arse.” Why am I not surprised he’s too self-absorbed to know his staff? “Leave Sera alone. Hell, leave me alone while you’re at it.”

He sighs, rubbing his forehead. “I don’t remember you being so ill-mannered when—”

Backing into the room, I slam the door in his face. Sera stands in the middle of the room, both shoes on. She covers her mouth with a hand, stifling her laughter.

Knocking raps out behind me. “Alessia? Tomorrow morning, meet me in the gardens. We made a deal.”

I groan, reopening the door. “I’ve seen the gardens plenty, Eoin.” The only flowers I care to see are Rainer’s roses. They may not be as grand or abundant as Terra Court’s, but they’re tended with love and grown with blood and sweat, not the careless ease of magic.

“But you haven’t seen—”

“I’ve seen your marble willy plenty, too.” Behind me, Sera chokes on a laugh. I hear her hurrying away, and another door clicks in the distance. I fight to keep a straight face.

“Willy?” he mouths, his cheeks red. He shakes his head. “A deal’s a deal.”

I study him, crossing my arms. As long as Rainer’s secret is safe, that’s all that matters. “Fine.”

He smiles smugly as if he won something .

“Prince Eoin,” a servant calls from down the corridor. He rushes toward us, a deep frown etched into his face. “I was sent to retrieve you for the—”

“Infirmary?” A muscle in Eoin's cheek twitches.

The servant nods.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Alessia,” Eoin tells me.

I suppress a groan. He strides off, and suddenly, I’m grateful for the oddly high amount of injuries plaguing Terra Court. At least it gets Eoin out of my hair.

The door shuts behind me as I turn back to the room.

Sera peeks her head out of the bed chambers, her mouth agape. “You’re nothing like I thought you’d be, Alessia.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, self-conscious.

She breaks out into a mischievous grin and rejoins me in the sitting room. “Are you sure you’re not one of us?”

A surge of pride fills my chest. I bite my lip to conceal my smile and plop back onto the chaise. “Maybe I am.”

Maybe at our core, we’re all more alike than we care to confess, like different branches of the same tree. Sera and I at least have an immediate chemistry, and having her here fills me with gratitude. I envision a blossoming friendship.