Reign of Ice (Forever Fae #4)(9)
So that’s why she looks immaculate. Her raven colored hair was pulled up and away from her face in a bundle of curls, and her silky emerald colored gown made her skin sparkle like golden glitter. It was amazing how our bodies changed with our chosen courts.
“So what did he say when he saw you looking like that?” I asked, grinning at her. “You look amazing. I’m sorry he didn’t make it back to you last night. He stayed here and talked to me for a while.”
“It’s okay, Ariella, I promise. Kamden didn’t exactly say anything when he saw me. He pulled me into his room and, well … you get the picture, right?” She averted her gaze shyly but I couldn’t resist, I burst out laughing.
“I completely understand. So when are you both going to take that final step? You two have been together for ages.”
She sighed. “Yes, we have, but there’s still plenty of time for that. He’s excited about fighting today. Will your mother and father approve of him since he’s not of your court?”
With a shrug of my shoulders, I got out of bed and started for the bathroom. I had no idea if they would approve. My father would most likely accept, but my mother was the one who was the stickler with following the traditions.
“It’s never been done before,” I called out over my shoulder, “but I don’t see why they would have a problem with it. The only concern I have is that he will be with me in the Summer Court if he wins. Not to mention that if and when I bond with Brayden I’ll be a Winter Fae, which means I’ll be living in the Winter Court. Is that really what you want?”
Zanna stopped in the doorway to the bathroom, her lips set in a firm line as she peered at me with a serious glare. “Yes, it’s what we want. I’ll admit, I love Spring, but Kamden wants to do this for you and wherever he goes I follow. I think we make a nice trio, don’t you think? And besides, our mission is to get some sense knocked into the hard headed Winter prince for you.”
I scoffed and rolled my eyes, while taking off my clothes. “Good luck with that, but be my guest to try. I’m going to take a quick shower so I can get ready for the ceremony. Do you mind getting my dress out of the closet for me?”
“Of course,” she said, turning around to walk back into my room. I turned on the water and waited for it to get steamy before stepping in.
“Which dress is it, Ariella? You have a ton in your closet,” she shouted so I could hear her over the running water. I washed quickly since I was already running out of time.
“It’s the silver one with the thin straps,” I called out. “It should be right there in front.”
“You mean the one with the plunging neckline. Seriously, Ariella, your warriors aren’t going to be able to concentrate with you wearing this. I’m going to have to keep Kamden away from you.”
I could hear her laughing and fumbling around in my room. Zanna was such a fun loving spirit and always understanding, not to mention beautiful with a big heart. I didn’t know any of the Winter Fae could be as sweet as her, but I guess the changeover to Spring might have had an influence. All I knew was that I felt closer to her than any of my other friends in the Summer Court.
Slipping into my robe, I tied it at the waist and joined Zanna in my bedroom. She already had my shoes picked out and was searching through my jewelry with her brows furrowed. “I absolutely love this necklace you have, Ariella. It’s just so …”
When she turned to acknowledge me, her mouth flew open and she dropped the necklace on the floor, covering her mouth with a shaky hand. Immediately, I flew around thinking there was someone behind me, but when I looked there was no one there. What was going on? Is she looking at me like that? I wondered.
“What is wrong with you?” I asked, picking up my dress. “I don’t look that bad, do I? I know I didn’t get much sleep, but I actually feel fine now that I took a shower.”
“Ariella?” she whispered, gazing at me like she’d never seen me before.
“Yes, it’s me. Who else would it be? Seriously, Zanna, what is with you?”
Not taking her stunned gaze from me she pointed to the bathroom with a shaky hand and muttered anxiously, “You might want to go look at yourself in the mirror. Something’s wrong.”
Dropping my dress, I ran to the bathroom and ran a hand frantically over the fogged mirror, scared to see what Zanna saw but curious to know what was going on. The second my reflection came into view I stumbled back into the wall and screamed.
I ARRIVED TO the Summer Court early for Ariella’s guardian ceremony alongside my mother and father, Queen Mab and King Madoc. I had hoped to see her around before the ceremony, but no one had seen or heard from her all morning.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” King Oberon asked, smirking at me. “I know my daughter and it’s not just you she’s going to be furious at. She’s going to be angry at me as well. This sort of thing has never been done before.”
I nodded. “I understand, and I’m willing to accept the consequences of my actions, but this is something I know I need to do.”
King Oberon sighed. “Very well, Prince Brayden. I grant you permission, but if we’re going to do this there needs to be some kind of compromise. I can’t have Ariella causing a big scene and walking away.”