Eris Vanserra Fanfiction-A Land Of Lavender And Thistle-Book One

CHAPTER XVIII

Ruth

Three hours after succeeding to make a mind shield, Jamila guided Brux and me through one of the lower corridors of Eris' tower, near the underground sections. I didn't know where gingerboy was; Jamila informed me that he was out of the Court, handling some ally bothers in the north.

I spent the first half of the morning reading through the few books from the local library that I had taken with me. In one of them I discovered a map of Prythian. Despite the unease it all caused me, I found it useful to have at least one person in whose presence I needn't pretend I know Prythian and its norms. Jamila, perched on my shoulder, had been very patient and willing to answer all my questions as I asked about the seven courts, the states between them and about the current High Lords.

She told me about Amarantha - the woman I remembered Icelyn mentioned before - who cursed the land for fifty years. The key to ending the curse was a mortal girl with a hate for fairies who was supposed to fall in love with Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court. And after nearly five decades, a girl arrived and freed Prythian of Amarantha's violence.

What had shocked me the most about that story was when Jamila told me the name of this heroine, who had also been turned High Fae soon after the curse was broken. None other than Feyre Archeron, the same young huntress Mama Amelia sold food and flower seeds to for animal skins and fur. I had seen the girl quite a few times, and her two sisters from time to time. I also nearly shot the poor girl with an arrow two years ago. In my defence, she was hunched and looked like a small bear between the snow-flecked trees.

To make my jaw hang lower, the pixie told me the youngest Archeron sister was now High Lady of the Night Court, and her sisters had been Made High Fae, too.

Made, just as I was.

Stopping beside a tapestry covering the wall of smooth, pale stone, I gazed at the making of red trees rising from the ground of emerald grass. Brux seated himself at my feet, his tongue out, when I heard Jamila in my head: Eris told me to inform you of the gathering tonight. This will be your first proper public appearance as a couple. His personal servant, Samiha, will help you get ready in the evening.

I ignored the flip of my stomach at the thought of finally acting upon the deal the Prince and I made. Just five more days. I had to endure this for just five more days, and in turn, I will get four wishes granted. Certainly, a prince could offer some good salary for all this.

Running a finger over the tapestry, I said in my mind, How long will this gathering last?

Before she could answer, a pattern of colorful swear words swam through the hallway, coming from around the corner less than ten feet away. Exchanging a look with Jamila, I strode toward the corner, pivoting in the direction of the female voice until I found myself facing an alcove. I skid then, my brows lifting as I stared at the woman sitting on a small bench against the wall, the several lit candles posted about illuminating the fawn-hued cloth concealing her hair and falling around her shoulders. In her gold-tanned hand she gripped a wet rag, tapping it over her middle where a stain smeared her green tunic.

There was a gasp from Jamila before she soared to the woman. Since I doubted humans casually wandered the homes of the Fae, I deemed her to be a fairy as well, though I could see no fairy indication, her ears hidden, as well. The fairy lifted her head at Jamila's approach, frustration tightening the delicate lines of her striking face. Even now, just as he hadn't reacted upon Eris or Icelyn, Brux was calm at my side.

The pixie glared at the smudge on the woman's clothes, and I had the idea the two were communicating. Then, the unknown fairy turned her face toward me, and my lips parted slightly as our eyes met. Ah, I thought. There it is.