Page 34 of A Legacy of the Light

“Aye, the palace has been extended over the years but there are chambers built into the mountain itself. We don’t use those anymore.”

I glance back over my shoulder. Now that we’ve moved further away, I can see the evidence of what Reyne is telling me.

Two guards stand at either side of the gates both inside and outside the courtyard. The gold has the Celtic tree matching my pendant wrought into the middle of them.

On our approach, the guard on the right breaks into a wide smile under his silver helmet.

“Good morning, Reyne.” The way his tongue curls around Reyne’s name suggests they are familiar with each other. My suspicion is confirmed when I see Reyne blushing almost as red as her hair.

“Good morning, Eòghann,” Reyne replies, lifting her chin slightly. I can immediately tell that she’s trying to keep her tone professional, but she hasn’t blushed like that in front of any of the other guards.

Eòghann takes off his helmet and holds it under the crook of his arm. His dark blond hair is cut close to his head round the sides and slightly longer on top, some falling onto his forehead. His warm brown eyes appraise my companion from head to toe, his mouth not breaking his wide smile. Stubble is dotted across his jawline giving him a rugged edge. He’s very handsome. Not my type, but clearly Reyne’s.

“Who’s your friend?” he asks her, looking at me. His smile doesn’t falter, but the heat in his gaze disappears when his eyes find mine. Reyne doesn’t respond straight away, and I see that she’s still flushed and floundering.

To spare her, I step forward, holding out my hand. “I’m Elsie. I’ll be staying at the palace for a while.”

Eòghann takes my hand in a firm shake. “Nice to meet you, Elsie. You’re not from here, are you? I’ve not seen you before.”

“No, I’m from New York,” I reply, unsure if that will mean anything to him. On second thought, I definitely shouldn’t have told him that. I could probably pass as Seelie, and it would likely be safer.

Surprise flickers across his face. “We’ve never had a mortal stay in the palace before. Let me know if you need a guide or anything.” His tone is friendly, and I’m surprised at his willingness to help me.

“Umm, thanks. I think Reyne has it covered, though. We’re heading out into the city today.”

I look back at Reyne. She’s glancing down at her feet, and the awkwardness emanating from her makes me want to throw my arm around her shoulder in comfort. I clear my throat and her eyes snap up. I subtly tilt my head in Eòghann’s direction, indicating she should say something to him.

“We’re going to get dresses for the ball. Will you be on duty?” she finally asks him.

“Not that night. I’ll be attending the ball myself,” he tells us. As he looks at Reyne, that heat returns.

“Oh, that’s nice,” she replies, then falls into an awkward silence during which Eòghann just stares at her.

“Well, we best be moving on, Elsie. Lots to do, lots to see. Can you open the gates for us, please?”

She loops her arm through mine and pulls me toward a smaller gate that sits inside the large ones, only big enough for one person to fit through.

Eòghann laughs as he puts his helmet back on. “Anything for you, Rey, you know that.” He clearly knows what type of reaction he gets from her and plays on it. I would defend her, but it’s obvious to me that he’s into Reyne, and I’ve barely spent two minutes in their company.

We go through the gate that’s now open for us, and walk down the slope of the gravel pathway that leads from the city up to the entrance of the palace.

When we’re out of earshot, I turn to Reyne and whisper-shout, “what was that all about?!”

With our arms still linked, she pulls me closer and shakes her head. “He makes me nervous.”

“I gathered that, but why? What is it about him that throws you off?”

Reyne doesn’t reply, just keeps her head down and pulls me along quicker.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” I tell her. She’s been wonderful to me, and I don’t want to push if she doesn’t want to share. Reyne smiles at me and some of her embarrassment eases.

“But, you should know, he’s still watching you walk away.” I lean in to whisper the last part and she checks over her shoulder. Her gasp is all the proof I need, and I can’t help but laugh as she walks with a little more sway to her hips.

◆◆◆

The townhouses close to the palace are lined in neat rows with hip-high iron fences surrounding their gardens. Some have carriages pulled by horses outside them, waiting to take the occupants wherever they need to go. I notice how quiet and clean this city is. The streets are paved in stone, and gold lampposts line the walkways in between towering trees.

Reyne doesn’t say anything, she simply lets me take in the sights and sounds around me. As we move further away from the palace and townhouses, more people bustle about and the buildings sit closer together.