Page 147 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

It’s Kahla who turns to us and says, “Mika is a dryad, but has been in service of this court for the past six hundred years.”

“Six hundred and forty-nine,” Mika corrects.

Kahla dips her chin respectfully.

“And the crown thanks you,” Carys says. “Ladies.” She gestures to us to follow Mika.

We wrap silk robes around us before entering the sitting room to find it has been transformed. Along one wall is a row of gowns. Along another are carts of perfumes and brushes with Carys’ and Brynna’s crowns seated on azure pillows. Two other circlets sit atop deep blue pillows.

A group of Fae enters—something softer, more fluid than the others we’ve seen. Kahla leans in enough to murmur that they’re nymphs. Throughout the afternoon, we’re passed between them as they weave intricate braids through our hair, dust shimmering pink across our cheeks and lips, and sweep deep blues and gold along our eyes.

By evening, I feel exhausted and ready to curl up in Ryker’s arms. I can tell when he arrives at the palace because the Bond between us grows brighter and stronger.

Once I’m dressed in a daring green gossamer gown with sewn-in vines and leaves to cover my intimate parts, Carys hands me the golden circlet I saw upon the pillow. It’s intricately designed with branches. I didn’t notice the emeralds, but I can’t help but smile as the dryad who helped me with my hair places it atop my head, letting it rest over my forehead.

To my right, Aolyn’s circlet is already atop her head. It’s silver with light-blue gems and what looks to be snowflakes woven around. It matches her shimmering light-blue gown, making her eyes seem almost white, like the snow of her kingdom.

My gaze returns to Carys as I take her hand. “Thank you,” I say softly.

She nods before stepping back and spinning. “How do I look?”

My eyes scan her from head to toe as I shake my head in awe. Her gown is white silk draped over one hip, exposing the full length of her left leg. Her leg is wrapped in what appears to be gold lace, resembling armor with intricate designs. The same lace covers the bodice of her gown, which dips daringly to her stomach, and two shoulder cuffs with white pearls hang delicately against her skin.

“Radiant,” I say.

Ciara is dressed in a navy two-piece, the lace cropped top emphasizing her figure while the layered skirt flows to the floor with a thigh-high slit. Her bronzed skin is covered in a layer of soft glittering powder that makes her skin sparkle as she moves.

Kahla wears a blood-red gown that barely qualifies as a gown, with thin panels of fabric covering her breasts and waist before cascading to the floor. High slits expose legs wrapped in gold ribbon that lace into her heels.

Brynna is, for once, smiling as she speaks with one of the nymphs. She’s dressed in a lavender and blue gossamer gown that accentuates her delicate curves. Unlike the rest of us, she’s modest with her full chest covered and no slits.

I wish I knew how to get on her good side because I’d really like to learn more about her. Carys has been so welcoming and so sweet. The sisters couldn’t be more different.

Guards stand at the door, the announcement of each guest echoing through the room and out here into the hall. I take a steadying breath, feeling the golden circlet heavy against my brow. Through the Bond, I feel Ryker’s presence snap into focus—a dark, protective heat waiting for me on the other side of these doors.

“Ready?” I whisper into the silence of his mind.

The answer is a low, mental growl of approval. It is time to officially dine with the king.

Chapter 54

Ryker

The males around me offer pleasantries, but I’m not interested. I know they’re sizing me up as a threat. I have no desire to be a part of this court, and yet, the word has spread about being a descendant of the Stormborne line.

I’ve since learned that at one time, they were the most powerful Fae, but in previous wars, they all died or were caught in Caelestis behind the Veil. Trysten shuffles beside me, taking in the room. Kellan and Kamden are lost in conversation with some of the Fae males, and Tate is already flirting with females who tower over him.

The air shifts around me, and my gaze lifts as the main doors swing open. Carys and Brynna stride in as the room parts for them. Directly behind them are Raea and Aolyn, both wearing circlets, and beyond them, Ciara and another female I don’t recognize.

Raea’s gaze lands upon me, and she smiles, radiant like the sun. My gaze tracks down her body, taking in the barely there gown they dressed her in. I hear the whispers around me about my mate and Aolyn, wondering who they are.

I ignore the males who whisper about who they’ll be taking to bed this evening. They can talk all they want, but Raea is off the table.

Riven pats me on the shoulder as he approaches Carys. I do the same, my gaze never leaving Raea as I meet her, my hands immediately find her waist.

Her hands slide up my chest before winding around my neck, where she toys with my hair.

“Hi, Princess,” I whisper.