Kailan walks me out into the tunnel again, securing my hand in the crook of my elbow. My skirt billows around my legs, shifting gracefully with every step. Glancing down, my shoes peek out every so often, ruining the effect.
"Kailan, my shoes," I whisper. "Walk slower."
He shakes his head. "Mind your step. Keep them small."
I nod, suddenly realizing we're not heading in the direction of the main room from which I first came in. "Uh, don't we have to go back the other way?"
"Those Fae have already seen you, and they saw me walk you away. With luck, they will think I'm making you my consort. There are several ways into this place, and I don't feel like trying my luck by leading you through faeries who are familiar with our acquaintance."
"If you would've made me your consort to begin with, I wouldn't be here presently." I stop, earning his scowl of irritation. "I'm sure you've...," I gesture at his lean body, "you know. So why am I any different?"
"Because you're human. And that's not how the deals are made, nor settled." His scarlet eyes shimmer with anger. "We must keep moving. Time is shortening."
"You gave me a year," I protest, continuing our journey. "I have no husband."
"And I will not discuss this with you here."
I purse my lips, feeling small from his scolding remark. "I came looking for you for that reason."
He says nothing, face still as stone. We walk what seems like a great distance before music echoes down the tunnel from somewhere ahead of us. "Do not gawk. If you are Fae, you've been here before and it shouldn't stun you."
We step into a large antechamber, bigger than the first one, adorned with tapestries and ribbons. The Fair Folk here appear much more humanlike, the monstrous ones acting as serving people. Every one is dressed elegantly, my dress blessedly fitting for this situation. If I were still wearing my dress, I would've been plain and dull, sticking out immediately.
In the middle of the room, men and women dance formally, bowing respectfully to each other after each tune is finished, before switching partners. Several others watch them gleefully, clapping along with their steps. More stand along the walls, carrying on conversations like established people might. They speak in a weird tongue I can't understand. When one meets my gaze, I nod cordially.
Kailan tugs me forward. "Do not interact. It encourages conversation."
"I apologize." My eyes fall to the floor. I never expected anything like this when I first thought of coming. To be honest, I don't know what I expected. I never thought further ahead than finding Kailan. I found him but he is neither intoxicated nor happy from my presence. Although he seemed stuck when he saw me in this gown.
Kailan walks around the room smoothly, face devoid of all emotion, sharp eyes glancing around rapidly. Most of the Fair Folk ignore our progress but there are a few who watch us, first looking at Kailan respectfully before shifting quizzical gazes to me. They all appear so graceful, their movement intoxicating. Even standing, they radiate power, an unknown force that's both thrilling and terrifying.
"Do you dance?" I ask Kailain.
"Not if I can help it."
His tone implies he's not going to carry on a conversation, so I look around the room with him, admiring the couples while searching for our destination. I feel disoriented, like we've been walking around circles because everything looks the same. Haven't we passed the woman wearing a dress that looks like a peacock? And that guy with the spiky hair looks familiar too.
"Uh, Kailan...?"
He stops. "I noticed."
A tinkling laugh sounds behind us. "Kailan, my dear. I didn't know you were familiar with such enticing beings. Who have you brought as a guest tonight? The first guest I've ever seen you with, I might add."
We turn. A gorgeous faery stands there, a gentle smile on her face as if she really is thrilled. Her raven hair is pinned to her head, stacked in a high bun, leaving her sharp face open and angelic. Her gown shimmers like a lake in the darkness, fluttering behind her in a long train. Her delicate hands are clasped in front of her, the sleeves of her dress falling to the floor beside her.
Kailan bows reverently, bringing me down with him. "Queen Tatiana. A pleasure, as always."