Meva had a fit when I walked through the front door, not even bothering to sneak back up my window. My arms and legs felt like they were jelo, and I didn't even want to imagine what they'd feel like jostling myself back up onto the tree to get to my room. She'd snapped at me for dragging mud into the house, but got a bath ready for me anyways. She didn't ask why I'd been soaking wet, which I was grateful for. I soaked in for a while, contemplating whether or not I'd go back the next day. Whether it'd be a good thing to Thayer, what he would do about finding out his brother was busy stalking his soon-to-be-wife.
I went to bed twisting and turning in the sheets all night, still unable to decide. When I was told the seamstress had arrived, I had to claw my way out of the sheets that enveloped me like twine around my legs. I had to find a way to see Thayer tonight. It couldn't wait until the festival - it had to be tonight. If Silas was going to try to mess with me to get to him, I wouldn't give him the pleasure. I'd go straight to Thayer, and let him figure it out.
"Any thought on colors?" the woman had asked. She was a short, with a small nose and bright, big eyes. She had freckles that lined around her face, and a kind smile that brightened her golden-toned skin even more. I hadn't given any thought to what color, honestly.
"Purples my favorite?" I offered, and she nodded before heading out the front door after taking measurements.
The day had past by, for the first time since arriving. I had been so bored the first few days, I honestly thought watching the grass grow would be a better past time than sitting another minute in that slow house. But now, with things to occupy my thoughts - like my upcoming date, and the night at the lake, I had something to think about. To wonder on. Without a phone, these two things got all of my attention.
What game was Silas playing? Was I some ploy to upset his brother?
Was he actually as evil as Thayer said he was? Sure, he seemed like an arrogant ass, but he hadn't hurt me. He had grabbed my arm, yes, but in the grand scheme of everything Silas could have done - he hadn't done anything. It made me wonder what he had in store for me later.
I have other things in store that don't involve your death. It was a promise more than a statement. One that sent shivers down my spine.
"Are you excited for the festival?" Dad said, pulling me from the thoughts mulling over in my brain. I had almost forgotten I was at dinner for a moment. I picked at my plate of veggies and beef, looking over at him.
"I'm...curious what it'll be like." I said, taking a bite. "There will be food, and music. Games. A lot like the fairs your mom would take you to, but no rides. You loved going when you were younger." He said after clearing his throat, and I looked over at my dad as he ate. He always had this air to him, this way of gracefulness even as he did the most of mundane things like lifting a fork. It never looked like he belonged in the mortal realm - and he didn't. He was always so tense, like he was anxious. Waiting. Here, he looked relaxed. Like what other girls' dads looked like in their homes, I guess. Glasses on his face slipped down, book at his side as he ate his food. I wondered if he regretted leaving with my mom. You used to love going when you were younger. I had no memories of Aelis other than being here now. If I had any friends, what the festivities were like, what life had been before we left. Absolutely nothing. My dad would mention old stories from time to time, always upset after I'd answer no anytime he would ask if I remembered.
If you had been peering in through our window, you would've guessed we'd been here for years. A quiet family dinner, between a Fae and his daughter. That's what he had always wanted - a calm life in Aelis with his family. One he would never get now that mom was gone. He'd never know what those dinners would look like. Still, I tried imagining it. My mom wearing a dress like mine with braids in her hair, sitting down next to him and fussing over the book at his side. She didn't like it when he read at the table, saying it made him less present. He'd counter about being able to double-task but when he wouldn't respond to her, she'd just roll her eyes. I tried my best to conjure up the imagine in my mind, but I realized how quick memories fade. How fast someone's voice would echo out, how the smallest of things become important after they pass. You forget how they move, how their face would wrinkle during a smile. How they hold a fork or sit in their chair. When they waved, how was it they held their hand? How long would I have, without video evidence of her smile, before I forgot how it painted her face?
I knew he hated the mortal realm, but went for her. I knew that much. He'd hated the toys I had, the electronics - fast food. He said the air smelt dirty there. Like he could smell every car's exhaust or every dumpster behind a restaurant. He'd look at the drive throughs after every soccer practice out of town in distain as I'd beg to go. Of course, I wondered what I'd be like if I grew up here. Would I have learned to do more with my magic, would I still want to go to college, or would I be content here? Would I have friends like the ones I had made at home? Would I still enjoy going to festivals, only able to listen to music from their instruments and not on my phone? Would he like that version of me more, the one not slick with the stench of the mortal realm?
"I never liked the rides, anyways." I said.
After dinner, dad said his goodnights. I wasn't sure what he did with the rest of his day, and I didn't think to ask as I hurried up to my room. My street clothes were ruined after last nights dip in the lake, so I'd have to go in my dress. I sent Meva away again as she came to help me change, letting her know I would be able to handle it on my own tonight. I had to find a way to Thayer - to tell him abut Silas at the river. I couldn't tell my dad, in fear that he'd just lock me away until the wedding. Thayer, at least, would know what to do.
I waited, again, for the house to grow quiet before I snuck out, careful not to get grass stains on my blue gown. It was simple, with long sleeves. The fabric felt like satin and was cool in the warm breeze. I had already taken my hair out of the braids before leaving, and I rubbed my head again to sooth the ache on my scalp from them as I walked down to the stables. There was no way I would be able to convince the coach to take me with the carriage - he already disliked me. Waking him up for a venture across town would cause even more issues, issue's I didn't want to deal with. I slipped through the doors and walked down the isle of horses until I found one that looked most docile - and small enough for me to climb onto. A painted mare was nestled in the back, and I figured she would be my best bet. I did my best guess saddling her, not sure what I was doing was in any way right. I'd only seen the stable boys do it a few times - I had been so busy ignoring my dad while we drone on about what he planned to do for renovations with the house, looking for anything to keep my attention while I made a point.
I guess it came in handy.
After saddling, I lead her by the reigns out of the stable and down the hill from our house. I only mounted her when I felt I was a safe distance away from the house. Looking up at the mare, I sighed, patting her neck. "Go easy on me, please," I begged before I threw myself onto her back. She shifted a bit, but I was able to position myself onto her. I grabbed ahold of the reigns and made a silent prayer to the Elders before clicking my feet against her, holding on for dear life as she flew forward. I tightened my thighs against her, leaning forward as she galloped down the rest of the hill and throughout the lands.
The world was a blur as we raced throughout the night, my bottom sore and thighs burning as we reached the winding gates of Thayers estate. I looked up, trying to see the guards I knew were on duty. One came over to the edge - glaring down from where he stood atop the watch towers.
"State your name and business here," He bellowed down at me.
"Edith Pehtala - I request an audience with his Highness, Thayer of the Summer Courts." I did my best to keep my voice calm - steady, even.
"He has retired for the night. You may return tomorrow." Was all they said, turning their backs to me. I didn't move from my spot.
"Tell him - Tell him I am here. If he doesn't wish to see me, I will take my leave. But tell him I am here, and I have news of his brother from the Autumn Courts."
I watched as they glanced at each other, mumbling something I couldn't hear before walking away. I waited, still mounted to the mare, for the next move. If Thayer wouldn't see me now, I'd come back in the morning. I have to see him - tell him everything. If Silas planned to use me to try to do something to Thayer, or to the people here, and I hadn't said anything...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. These people here, after all, were about to be my responsibility as well, once the ink dried on the marriage license.
The gates slowly opened up and I sent a silent thank you out to the clouds before I made my way slowly through the gates. Dismounting, I handed the reigns over to one of the guards before the other lead me inside the doors and down a long hallway, I expected to be taken to a sitting room - a meeting room, where Thayer would be waiting for me. Instead, I heard the frantic footsteps down the hallway before I had a chance to look behind me, hands on my shoulders already turning me around.
Thayer looked like he had been asleep - wearing white lounge pants and a robe over himself, I hadn't had the opportunity to see what he was wearing underneath that before he was already looking me up and down with those wild green eyes. "What did he do - did he hurt you? What happened?!" Thayer demanded, giving a look to the guards to dismiss them.
"I'm okay, Thayer. I'm fine. This was last night, I'm fine." I assured him. His eyes snapped back to mine, still holding my shoulders as he spoke, "Last night? Why didn't you come see me sooner? I've already sent word to Nikolai - he is on his way. Come with me, tell me everything. I need to knw exactly what he said." Thayer moved his hands from my shoulders to rest one on the small of my back before leading me away, up the stairs of the painfully bright home that was to become mine. The walls were so white, it hurt my eyes almost. It was...Clean. Sharp.
I didn't have much time to examine the molding on the walls as Thayer whisked me into the first sitting room we could come across. Tea waited for us, and he poured me a cup before setting me down.
I told him everything - besides my melt down about not wanting to get married. I figured that would add insult to injury. Thayer simply stood across from me, jaw set and the muscles in his neck ridged as he listened to me speak. He slowly looked my way as I finished talking, warm teacup in my hand. I couldn't meet his eyes, not quite. Out of shame for not coming sooner, out of embarrassment for allowing the nymphs to suck me down. I was supposed to sit at Thayers side over this court, and yet, I had allowed creatures to suck me down into the water.
"You're going to move here, straight away. You, your father - I want you all here." Was all he said as he paced in front of me. I shook my head, "Thayer - Please, the wedding is in a few weeks, I'll be safe until then. I won't go to the river, I'll stay home. I'll go nowhere without the site of guards. Just - sit down. Calm down." I said, scooting over in my seat on the couch to allow more room for him to sit. I didn't want to give up my last few weeks of freedom - my last few weeks of being able to just live. Live in Aelis, yes, in a realm I didn't know or recognize - but free. He simply shook his head, laughing humorlessly. "No - he knows where you live. He knows there are no barriers. Even if you were to find a way to put one up, he'd still sneak in somehow. The guards wont do you any good - not against him. This will be your home after the wedding, anyways. You can take up any room you wish, whatever you want - it is yours. Let me keep you safe here, Edith. You don't know what he's capable of. Please. I don't know why he saved you - not that I'm ungrateful for that, but, Silas doesn't do anything without his own reasoning behind it. It was a show. It was a message." Thayer looked at me with pleading eyes, and I knew he was right.
"What, exactly, is he capable of, then? Why is everyone so scared of him - apart from the prophecy?" I asked, trying to make sense of what made Silas so unnerving, even to someone like Thayer. Someone who had fought in a war already, saw carnage above anything I could ever imagine - someone immortal, who had no reason to fear anything in this world.
"I've only ever seen Silas use his powers once, Edith. Just once. It was enough to make sure that I never...I never wanted to ever again. I've fought wars to ensure that I'd never see it again. Signed treaties that I didn't want to because of it." Thayer was rambling, eyes wild as he stopped pacing, finally facing me. Pure panic laced those eyes, eyes normally wrinkled and lazy with smiles.
I was about to press him, get him to continue talking. It was as if he were scared to even mention it. What would he do to get what he wants?
Suddenly, there was a pounding on the door. I could barely hear it through the pounding of my heart in my ears, my head throbbing along with it. I thought it would be easy. I thought - I would marry Thayer, to spare my dad. It wasn't ideal, but it's the hand I was given. I'd do my best to make what I could out of my life with that fact. If I was miserable, he'd at least be free to live the way he wanted. The way he yearned for my whole life - we were simply switching places. I would be able to do it. Sitting here in front of Thayer, the man who had saved so many in war, seen such atrocious things, be scared of someone. Of his own brother. It made my hear tpound at the possibilities of the power he possessed.
"Your Highness - I apologize for the intrusion, but it's urgent." Someone said from the door. I was too busy focusing on my breathing, not wanting to vomit on the white upholstery I sat on.
"What is it, Arion?" Thayer was across the room now, to meet with Arion at the door. I tried standing up, to follow, but my legs wouldn't work under me.
"It's - the southern border, your Highness. The farmlands. There's been an attack. Your presence is needed."