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

12. Our Peace and Purpose

twelve

Our Peace and Purpose

Alessia

“ T he water in Laguna Fortuna is said to have magical properties,” Sera says as she braids my hair away from my face, preparing me for the wishing ritual. “The Moon of Abundance—the first full moon after Ostara—is said to be powerful. Combined with the water, it’s a recipe for dreams to come true.”

“Does it work?” I ask. “Do wishes come true?”

She laughs. “It’s more of a tradition than anything. But there’s no harm in believing.”

If only it were that easy. I’d wish for my freedom, and not for the first time. But this time, I’d wish for Rainer’s freedom from the burden of his secrets.

She pulls my braid tight. I wince, but she doesn’t notice.

“The fae will visit the laguna first to make their wishes,” she continues. “They throw in an offering for the Mother—the higher the value, the better—and then they return here to dance the evening away to honor the moon.”

“Is it like Ostara?” I ask.

“Not really.”

My shoulders slump at the memory of my last night in Umbra Court. I’d do so many things differently if I could go back.

The ghost of Rainer’s kiss lingers on my lips, and I desperately wish to experience it again.

“The events here are much more pretentious than the other courts.”

“Which court’s events do you like the best?” I ask, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Rainer and Umbra Court. Eoin already assured me that Rainer isn’t coming, despite my hopes.

“Aer,” she says without hesitation. “It’s atop Mount Altum. In the clouds.”

I try to picture it, but it’s impossible. “What are the other courts like?”

Her hands go still. “Well, I’ve never been to Aqua Court—they’re pretty isolated—but Lux Court is the most lavish. They prefer hosting feasts to balls.”

“I’d rather eat than dance,” I say.

“You are my kind of friend.” Sera chuckles as she finishes my elaborate braided updo. “These curls of yours do not like to be tamed, do they? I should show you how to care for them properly.”

A pang of longing hits my chest for Das Celyn. I miss them, and despite their grumpy attitude, they were terrific at hair and outfit artistry.

"You're kind to offer," I murmur. Clearing the sadness from my mind, I ask, “What about Ignus Court? Is that the other one?”

“Ah, yes. Laisren is… well, a beautiful, brutal mess is putting it lightly.” Sera strides to the closet and pulls out my dress, lying it flat on the bed. “His events often revolve around violence. That’s not my type of party.”

I suck in a sharp breath, extra grateful for the protections Eoin requested for me.

“Don’t worry,” Sera quickly adds. “He’s respectful of the other courts… usually. ”

“That’s not exactly reassuring.”

“You’ll be fine.” She smiles kindly as she fusses with the dress, preparing it for me. “As for the other court’s events, you already know Rainer keeps to himself. Other than Ostara, he doesn’t celebrate much. And all Terra Court does is party. It’s tiresome.”

“It is exhausting.” I sigh.

While she continues helping me prepare, she talks more about the Moon of Abundance and Prosperity Ball. Other than the increase in Royal Fae attendance, it sounds like another day at Terra Court.

“Do you need me to take you to the laguna?” Sera says, pulling my focus back to her.

Shaking my head, I politely decline.

Unsurprisingly, Eoin proposed we attend together.

I’m out the door a few minutes later, heading toward his chambers.

My floor-length dress skims the floor. I hate how it feels—too tight on the waist and too loose on the arms. As I walk, I suck in a deep breath and run my hands over the dusky green bodice. The color is an ombre palette that darkens, the tips of the skirts ending in a deep brown. There are slits up either side, all the way to my waist, and tiny blossoms with winding vines are sewn into the fabric. I didn’t feel comfortable showing so much skin, so I wore brown skin-tight leggings beneath it.

I feel like a work of art—a piece of nature. But instead of Rainer’s sunset rose, I’m Eoin’s flower.

And it feels all wrong.

When I arrive at Eoin’s rooms, one of his guards opens the door to let me into the sitting room.

Eoin is nowhere to be seen, so I perch on the edge of a chaise. Like much of the palace, the space is decorated green and brown, and the furniture is made of carved branches with moss-like upholstery.

Muffled voices carry out from behind his shut bedroom door. I don’t strain to listen, but when their voices get louder, I can’t help but make out everything they’re saying.

“This alliance benefits us all, Eoin!” Sennah yells.

“If I take over, we’d have more than an alliance,” Eoin replies loudly.

“You have not an inkling of what goes on beyond these walls.” She scoffs. “This is why I run the court while you oversee the social aspects.”

“I do more than party, sister, and you might realize that if you take your head out of your arse and allow me to help you.”

“It’s me who visits the courts,” Sennah says. “ Me who builds these relationships. Me who runs the logistics and maintains diplomatic relations while you host soirees and drink wine!”

I grimace at the coldness in her tone. Does everyone think so little of Eoin? Even his sister? He’s belittled at every turn. Healing is an incredible power, and the fact they think so little of it—of him—boggles my mind.

I shift my weight uncomfortably, smoothing down my skirts. Part of me wants to knock or make my presence known to end my discomfort of overhearing this conversation. But the other part of me is nervous to interrupt, wanting to remain unseen and unheard instead .

Eoin’s voice is surprisingly calm when he says, “I quell the worries of the folk. I ease the discomfort. I’m the one who keeps the peace. You’ll be wise not to forget that.”

“Yet you start ridiculous feuds with our neighboring court! For naught!” There’s a heavy, feminine sigh. “What do you hope to obtain? A foreign court you have absolutely no business sticking your nose into in the first place?”

“The court is wholly neglected. He’s barricaded himself inside that castle, with that treacherous magic cursing the trees—”

“Leave it alone,” Sennah says, her voice icy. “We are not getting involved.”

“I could do better than he—”

“Let. It. Go.”

My skin prickles at her tone. Never had I heard the Terra Princess speak in such a manner.

“It’s you that needs to get his head out of his arse and realize we are all doing fine in our current positions,” she says. “You would only do a lesser job, so return your focus to wine and dancing, Eoin. Leave it alone .”

The door opens, slamming against the wall with a thud. Sennah storms out. When our eyes meet, she straightens and offers me a forced smile. “Alessia.”

I offer an awkward wave.

“See you at the laguna.” She exits the chambers, shutting the main doors much softer behind her.

Eoin comes out a second later, his cheeks flushed red and his brows tight. He adjusts the sleeves of his emerald jacket, looking more ruffled than usual.

“I’ll be ready in a moment,” he mumbles .

He turns and reenters his bedroom, but he leaves the door open behind him. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I rise, peeking my head into his room.

Eoin stands in front of the mirror, buttoning his jacket, then runs his hands over his golden hair to tame it. With a frown, he stares at his reflection and shakes his head. His usual arrogant spark is missing.

To my surprise, his bedroom is in a state of disarray, with clothes flung in heaps. There are cups and goblets scattered on various surfaces, while a couple of wine decanters sit almost empty next to the untidy bed.

I pull my eyes from the room, focusing on Eoin.

“Worthless,” he mutters. “Pathetic.”

I hate the tightness that forms in my chest—the sudden understanding and compassion I have towards Eoin. I know what it’s like to be constantly underestimated… to feel lesser than .

I watch Eoin quietly for a few minutes, wondering if he has any friends—anyone who believes in him or reminds him that he’s more .

For a brief moment, I want to speak up and tell him that he deserves better. But then I remember the position he put me in, and I can’t find it in me to offer him comfort.

It’s his ego getting him into trouble. And yeah, he deserves a friend—everyone does—but it won’t be me.

When he catches me staring, a false smile slides into place.

He turns and strides to me, holding an arm out. “Shall we?”

Perhaps tonight, despite my loathing toward the Terra Prince, I shall wish for his freedom along with mine and Rainer’s.

May we all uncover our peace and purpose.