See Me (See Me #1)(69)
“The Summer King,” Leilah whispered, a look of terror on her face.
Cassidy grabbed my hand and I grabbed Mom’s with my other one. We couldn’t avoid this forever. Time to go. We all nodded at one another, and then filed out into the warm, overcast afternoon.
As we entered the clearing a wave of heat like sunshine warmed my skin, though the sun hid behind clouds. The Leprechauns were all gathered, standing in silence and watching as a procession of Faeries glided up from the field. There were at least ten of them, forming a semicircle around a taller male who seemed to shine. The heat, I realized, was emanating off him. His hair was golden platinum, like his daughter’s, but unlike the other men he did not wear it down. His was pulled back at the nape of his neck and tied with twine, which accentuated his metallic crown, interwoven with vines and leaves. He was draped in a silky robe the color of a blue summer sky.
I was glad I hadn’t eaten anything that day because my body felt like a wreck on the inside. I fought to appear well and not ill.
We stopped at the edge of the clearing and watched as the Fae halted in front of Brogan, Dad, and McKale. I couldn’t stop staring at the Summer King. He held the same mesmerizing quality as Khalistah, only stronger. This was a being who could manipulate nature with a wave of his fingers. His power hummed through the air. The King’s freaky eyes did not stay one color. Even from a distance I could see how they changed like a kaleidoscope, blending from fresh green grass, to bluebird feathers, to lavender lily petals.
With great effort I moved my eyes away from him to scan the other Faerie faces. Six male, four female; however, no tiny, angelic face with platinum hair was present. I stared in the direction of the portal, but it was closed, invisible. Nobody else was coming out.
Heart. Pounding. Oh. Crap.
Where the frick was FFG?
McKale craned his neck until he found me. His confusion and worry morphed into admiration as his eyes swept up and down the gown, but when he met my eyes his trepidation returned. Khalistah had not come. Our entire plan was ruined.
Brogan bowed low with a swoop of his forearm across his waist. The other male Leprechauns also bowed, and the women curtsied. Cassidy, Mom, and I dipped curtsies to the guests as well, and then looked at one another, covert questions in our eyes. What will we do if she doesn’t show?
“Shoe Master and King of the Summer, we are humbled and honored by yer presence here today for our meek celebration,” Brogan said.
“Indeed, it has been too long since last I visited the cobbling folk.” The Summer King’s voice rang over us like a bursting rainbow. Songbirds from neighboring fields and woods fluttered skyward, drawn to the outskirts of our gathering, a cacophony of chirping. The King laughed gaily at the sight and sounds of them. The light rumble of his voice gave me a heady sensation, as if surrounding trees were photosynthesizing overtime, sending a rush of pure oxygen into the air.
Brogan cleared his throat, looking uneasy. “And will the lovely Shoe Mistress be joining us today, as well?”
“Ah.” The Summer King linked his fingers together behind his back. “The previous day has brought change, as is necessary from time to time. The princess has requested a new venture and I have allowed it.” At an outburst of whispers, the King continued. “But do not worry. A new Shoe Mistress will be presented and I trust you will find her agreeable.”
Brogan looked shaken. “Of course, King of the Summer, but we’ve not offended the former Shoe Mistress in any way, have we?”
The Summer King laughed again, sending the birds around us into a frenzy of flight before they settled.
“Not in the least, master Brogan. You know the whims of youth. How easily they tire. Roles must change in Faerie, just as the seasons on earth.”
Brogan nodded, his eyes heavy. “Indeed.”
A Faerie woman approached and stood next to the King. Her hair was as long as Khalistah’s, but wavy and dark like glittering spices. Mom stiffened next to me and it felt like she might squeeze the blood from my hand. The Fae woman peered around at us with eerie eyes like the yellow of dandelions.
“Which two are to bind?” she asked.
McKale and I looked at each other and stepped forward. I had to wrench my hand from Mom’s grip. Without thinking twice McKale and I grabbed hands and stood before them. Mom and Dad moved up next to us. The sight of the King’s eyes up close scared me so bad that my instinct to flee was in full effect. The King nodded his approval and the female grinned with pride.
“So this is the tiny, beautiful babe whom I saw in Faerie years ago…” Her head tilted as she examined me with interest. Then she noted our linked hands. “An extraordinary pair. I knew it would be so. How divine that she was brought to me that fateful day. And see how they have taken to one another? Adorable.” Now she gazed at the Summer King as if seeking his praise.
“Yes, Martineth, dearest, you have an exceptional eye for detail.”
I caught Mom sending a death glare toward the King’s consort.
“Well, then.” Brogan cleared his throat. “Without further ado, let the celebrations commence. We hope ye will enjoy yerselves and let me know if ye be needing anything at all.”
Brogan clapped his hands twice and the musicians skittered into place, lifting their instruments and beginning an upbeat tune, which seemed out of place, given the fact that everyone remained unmoving. Brogan let out an embarrassed laugh.