Elrathesan.

"Master Elrath says you're to prepare to visit the Queen with him tomorrow. These are the dresses you're to choose from. He also asks you to wear whatever makes you comfortable." The lady mumbled the words, not meeting Nira's gaze.

Nira sat on the bed, nodding. "Thank you."

Pain throbbed at the back of her skull when she spoke. She had woken up on the floor, limbs tangled, breath uneven.

Why she fainted was a mystery. The food wasn't poisoned, so what happened?

At least she didn't bleed.

The lady grunted a goodbye before slipping out of the room, leaving Nira alone with the dresses. Her fingers brushed over the fabrics, soft and cool beneath her touch. They were beautiful. Ethereal.

Her eyes caught on a deep purple gown. It shimmered under the moonlight filtering through the window.

She lifted it, watching the light play on the fabric. It reminded her of the night wind.

Her heart thumped in her chest. She was meeting the Queen tomorrow. Queen Yesena, ruler of the fairies. The rumors about her were chilling—ruthless, cold, unforgiving.

But rumors were just that. Weren't they?

That night, she fell asleep thinking about her parents. What were they doing now? Were they worried? The thought gnawed at her until sleep finally took her.

—

Morning came too soon.

She took one last look at herself in the mirror. The dress fit like a second skin. Her silver hair was pulled into a bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face.

A knock at the door.

She opened it to find Elrath standing there, scowling.

She bowed.

He ignored it. "Let's go."

Biting her lip, she scurried after him. The cold slammed into her the moment they stepped outside. How was it this cold in summer?

Maybe the seasons were different in Virun.

A horse stood in front of his house—no, mansion.

Elrath extended his arm, helping her mount before climbing on behind her. His arm wrapped around her waist, holding her firmly.

Nira's heart skipped. Her breath hitched.

His scent curled around her, warm against the chill.

"Hold on tight," he warned.

Before she could grab the reins, the horse shot forward, galloping at full speed.

A yelp escaped her lips.

The breath was knocked out of her. The world blurred past. The wind stung her face.

Elrath chuckled.

Amused. He was amused.

Irritation flared in her chest.

When the horse finally came to a stop, Elrath grabbed her by the waist and lifted her down like she weighed nothing.

He smirked. Taunting.

Showoff.

Nira turned to the palace and a chill slid down her spine.

It was terrifying. Dark.

The castle loomed over them, scraping the sky. The walls were blackened, burnt. The sun sat high above, but the castle cast a heavy shadow over everything.

Elrath placed his palm on her back, inching her forward.

She hesitated.

"Don't let your fear show too much," Elrath said.

She glanced at him. His gaze was on her, an unfamiliar expression flickering across his face.

Worry.

As they passed the guards, she felt their hostility. Their eyes bore into her.

"If you had taken my blood, they wouldn't react this way to the smell of your human blood." He sighed.

She shivered, remembering how angry he had been when she refused his blood.

Maybe that was a mistake . Does this mean they can smell my blood?

"But they don't kno—"

"No, they can't tell the difference. Only I can." He cut her off before she could finish.

She relaxed. Slightly.

But what about the Queen?

The courtroom doors loomed ahead. They stepped inside, and the massive doors slammed shut behind them with a bang.

The room was empty except for two thrones at the far end. One grand, fit for a queen. The other smaller, for the crown prince.

A door behind the thrones creaked open.

Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the chamber.

Then she appeared.

Queen Yesena was tall. Easily six feet.

The urge to kneel hit Nira like a weight.

Elrath stiffened beside her before bowing. Nira followed suit.

"You don't need to be so formal with me, Elrathesan." The Queen's voice was coarse, each word crisp and deliberate.

Elrathesan.

The name felt heavy.

The Queen's gaze landed on Nira. "You must be Nira."

"I am, Your Majesty."

Her voice betrayed her fear.

The Queen tilted her head slightly. "Tell me. How is your father faring these days?"

Nira froze.

She means the King. Remember that.

"He is well, Your Majesty. Though he was… displeased with my departure."

A ghost of a smile flickered across the Queen's lips.

Then it was gone.

And silence fell.