Like the Dawn (Lark #3) (12 page)

              “All in favor?” Alberico says. Only Isobel, Adele, Mathias, and Anders are in favor. Lars seems to be on the fence about it despite acknowledging the fact that we have no other choice, and Grey is a sound no. I notice that he refuses to make eye contact with me after voicing his opinion. Alberico says, “I am sorry, Mia”
              “But—that's it? We're not going to do anything?” I question, unable to comprehend the fact that these elves just vetoed my plan like it never happened.
              “As much as I'd like to, I can't ignore the vote of the council.  I'm sorry, but my hands are tied.”
              Alberico dismisses the council but I remain frozen in shock long after everyone else leaves the room.
              “Can we have a minute?” I hear Jacoby ask.
              “I
am
sorry, Mia,” Alberico says sadly as he leaves the room.
              Then it's just Jacoby and me.
              “I can't believe—ugh! Don't they—?” I can’t seem to form a coherent sentence. “Why are they so stubborn? Why can't they accept that changes have to be made if we stand a chance?”
              “Most people don't adapt well to change.”
              “But why can't they understand that this is our best shot?” I'm especially baffled at Grey's vote. He really seemed to understand the importance of being able to defend ourselves, so why did he vote against it?
              “Some of them do know that,” Jacoby points out.
              “Yeah, but it doesn't matter,” I grumble. “Alberico's hands are tied—I don't understand why he can't just—I don't know—force them!”
              What's the fun of being king if you can't just do whatever you want?
              “Well, my hands aren't.” Jacoby smiles slyly. “And neither are yours.”
              “What do you mean?”
              “I mean, I have a plan.”
              “Obviously. Do you care to share said plan with me?”
              “Not yet.” He winks. “But soon.”
 

Chapter Sixteen

              I
have no idea what to expect when I receive a message that King Valdar and Queen Isla wish to speak to me this afternoon. It will be the first time I've seen either of them since they stormed out the night before.
              “Don't forget your crown,” Freya reminds me as she removes the tiara from the mini-vault hidden behind a painting in my room. I still can't believe I have a hidden vault—let alone anything cool to put in it. No one ever cared to mention it to me before I received my crown. I guess I didn't really have anything valuable enough to store before anyway.
              “Do I really need to wear it?” I ask. “Do you think I should, I don't know, make myself as un-intimidating as possible?”
              “Mia, I don't think you have to worry about that,” Freya says with a blush.
              “Are you saying you don't find me intimidating?” I pretend to be offended and watch her cheeks grow even redder.
              “No-o,” she stutters, obviously afraid that I'm actually mad at her.
              “Freya! You should know me better than that by now. I'm sooo teasing you,” I assure her. “But okay, hand it over.”
              She hands me the rose-gold tiara. It really is pretty and looks nice against my blonde hair.
              When I can't find a reason to delay any longer I make my way downstairs where I'm supposed to meet Valdar and Isla in one of the rarely used sitting rooms.
              There is a serious overabundance of rooms in this castle. I'm sure that I haven't even seen half of them yet.
              This one is closest to the guest quarters so it seemed the obvious choice. I walk in and realize that I'm the first to arrive which is actually a relief because it gives me a few more minutes to compose myself.
              At once I decide that this may be my new favorite room in the castle. It reminds me of a glammed up cottage. The ceiling is arched so it appears as if the room was built beneath a large bridge. The walls are composed of white rocks and the gray stone floor is smooth and shiny underneath a huge rug comprised of every shade of blue and green imaginable. A fireplace against the north wall is adorned with ornate marble busts.
              I take a seat on a winged chair and try to wait patiently for Valdar and Isla to arrive.
              I only have to wait a moment before Hugo walks in. He bows confidently. “Good morning, Princess.”
              “Please, call me Mia.” I feel like I say this a lot. Maybe I should invest in a name tag or something.
              “The king and queen find themselves delayed so it will be just me this morning.”
              “Delayed?” They are guests in my castle—what could possibly be delaying them?
              “Alright, so I may have persuaded them to allow me to come alone,” he says seductively. I fight hard not to roll my eyes at his blatant attempt at flirting with me.
              “And why would you want to do that?” I ask coyly. I figure I might as well play along.
              “I have a gift for you,” he says, pulling a  rectangular box from his pocket. I didn't even realize those tunic-style shirts popular among the elfish males had pockets—let alone pockets large enough to hold a box that size. Why couldn't I have pockets in my dresses? It would be way more convenient. Not that I even have anything to carry around anymore—no keys, no wallet, not even a cell phone—there's really no need, but still, pockets always come in handy for something.  
              “You didn't have to get me anything,” I tell him awkwardly. I love getting presents as much as the next girl, but not from people I barely know.               Especially people of the male variety—I think I have my plate full when it comes to drama involving those of the opposite sex.
              “I wanted to,” he insists, handing it to me. “Open it. You'll love it.”
              He seems pretty confident for a guy who doesn't even know me.
              I gingerly lift open the lid and move a satin cloth away revealing the most extravagant diamond necklace I think I've ever seen. It's so big and flashy that it's gaudy and not at all something I'd ever wear—princess or not. The setting contains seven pear-shaped diamonds the size of golf balls with several smaller diamonds circling each one. Just from looking at it I'm guessing it weighs about five pounds. If I ever had to wear it, I wouldn't be able to move.
              “When I saw it, I just knew it would be perfect for you,” he croons.
              I'm left speechless—and not in a good way.
              “Um, thank you,” I say, but it comes out sounding like a question. “I don't really know what to say. This is, um, very generous of you.”
              “It's nothing,” he says with a nonchalant wave of his hand. “When we are bound in matrimony I will shower you with gifts like this for all of eternity.”
              “Gee, well, that's an enticing offer but don't you think we ought to, I don't know, get to know each other a little before we start planning for all of eternity?”
              “What else do we need to know,” he says smugly. “You're gorgeous, I’m stunningly handsome—we'd obviously produce beautiful children.”
              “Whoa there, Slugger—moving a little fast, don't you think?”
              “Are you going to deny the truth?”
              He's too good-looking for his own good but I can't believe I was ever remotely attracted to him. Good looks can only carry someone so far.  I have got to get out of here.
              “Oh, darn! You know what? I just remembered I told the Duchess I'd join her for tea this afternoon. I must go at once and make my apologies for being late—wouldn't want to appear rude or anything. I'm sure you understand, right?” I pray he doesn't see through my lame excuse. “Can we do this some other time?”
              “It would be my pleasure—and, of course, it would be yours too.” He leans down and grasps my hand then places a much too long, and much too wet, kiss on the back of my hand. “See you soon, Princess.”
              I'm going to need boiling hot water and lots of hand sanitizer.
              I barrel out the door and sprint down the length of the corridor until I finally turn a corner and find myself alone. I lean against the wall to catch my breath and fight the urge to gag.
              If I'm really going to be forced into a marriage of convenience, my choices aren't looking all that hot right now.
              I can go with the one who seems more interested in Grey than me or the one who seems more interested in himself than me. I'm thinking Klaus is my best bet. At least we'd have fun together. Harry Potter marathons every night.
              “You can't be serious.” Jacoby is suddenly standing in the middle of the previously empty corridor.
              “Can't be serious about what?”
              “You want to spend eternity watching Harry Potter marathons with an elf who is clearly playing for the other team.”
              “Not that it's any of your business,” I point out.
              “Oh, it's my business alright.”
              “And how do you figure?”
              “Because you're supposed to be with me. Not some douchebag or a Harry Potter geek.”
              “
I'm
a Harry Potter geek.”
              “But you are
my
Harry Potter geek.”
              “Not anymore.” The words barely come out as a whisper.
              “No one else will ever be as right for you as I am. Can't you see that?”
              My gaze drops to the floor. He walks over to me and gently lifts my chin. There's a wildly intense look in his emerald green eyes that sends shivers down my spine. He's standing mere inches away from my body. I feel the heat radiating off of him, or maybe it's me that's flushed by his sudden closeness.
              I feel the heat rise in my cheeks and the tension crackling between us is so intense that I have to close my eyes to break the trance he has me in, but it doesn't help. My eyes fly open again and I know it would be so easy to let go of all of my resolve and just be his again. But I know I can't.
              There's a knowing look in his eyes—as though he's completely aware of the war of emotions currently raging inside of me. The mischievous grin that slips onto his lips is what finally brings me back to my senses.
              “It would be super nice if you could, you know, respect my personal space,” I snap.
              “You've never complained before.” He steps even closer, a more serious expression replacing his teasing one from befor
e
.
“When I knew I needed to come back, I was going to be good—I swear. I was going to give you your space even though I knew it would kill me. But—” He lightly brushes his long fingers down the side of my face leaving a tingly trail of sensation until his hand comes to rest against the back of my head. “I can't.”
              When an involuntary shiver escapes me, his grin widens.
              “Yeah, and I don't think you really want me to anyway,” he whispers huskily in my ear as he pulls me even closer. His face is so close to mine I can feel the stubble on his cheeks. I wonder how long I'll be able to pretend to be unaffected by him.
              Because as much as I want to deny it, I know what he's saying is true. Being this close to him is the most
right
I've felt in a while. It makes me realize just how painful it is for me to be away from him.
              Realizing that doesn't make it any easier though because I know that it doesn't matter what I want. The only thing I need to focus on right now is ending Dugan’s reign of terror and making up for my epic mistake. 
              With every ounce of effort I can muster, I pull out of his embrace then turn on my heels and walk away. 
              “You can try to deny it all you want but just know, you're failing miserably. I know you still love me,”
he whispers inside my head.
              My steps falter. As much as I want to, I don't turn around. As I keep walking, I think I hear him chuckling softly.

Chapter Seventeen

             
A
fter lunch,
I receive a message that Alberico wants to see me. I'm nervous that maybe he's heard about me blowing off Hugo last night and I'm about to get into some serious trouble for not being as charming as the council would like me to be. But honestly, what does he expect? That necklace was atrocious and I did my best to be polite about it.
              I knock lightly on the door of his sitting room and wait for him to grant me permission to enter. Alberico's sitting room reminds me of a high-scale art gallery. I know that he paints often but he's never let me look at any of his work before so I like to give him a minute to cover up the canvas before barging in.

             
“Come in.”
              “You wanted to see me?” I ask as I shut the door behind me.
             
“Ah, yes. I figured it was time you saw the third floor.”             
              “I thought that was reserved for the queen’s quarters.”
              “Technically, it is, but obviously I will not be taking a queen in this lifetime.”
              “You never know.”
              “And what do you mean by that?”
              “I don't know. It's just that you and Isobel seem pretty close.”
              He chuckles. “Oh, Mia, Isobel is a dear friend. We've both been through a lot and understand each other but I doubt she thinks of me like that.”
              “Ah-ha.”
              “Ah-ha what?”
              “You said you doubted
she
thinks of you like that—you didn't deny that
you
think of her like that.” I smile knowingly and I'm pretty sure my father blushes.
              “Regardless,” he continues, choosing to ignore—but not deny—my claim. “Since you will be living in the castle full time now, I thought you should have a proper chambers, if you so wish.”
              “New chambers? But I like my room.”
              “It is up to you, of course. Why don't I show you and then you can decide?”
              “Okay, lead the way.”
              I've never been on the third floor before so I'm caught up in taking it all in. It's still pretty crazy that I live here now.
              “Right through here,” he says, gesturing to a set of tall double doors. I open them both at the same time and get my first look.
              The walls are a deep blue color with a stenciled pattern in a slightly lighter shade that is only visible when the lighting hits it just right.
              The white ceiling is arched and decorated with an intricate gold pattern.
              A bed even larger than my current one sits atop a platform against the wall complete with a full canopy. A chaise lounge sits in front of a marble fireplace which is flanked by two floor to ceiling bookshelves on either side.
              On the opposite side of the room sits a mahogany desk and matching chair in front of a large window overlooking the gardens.
              A few more chairs and a full length couch fill the rest of the space.
              “Through that door is your boudoir.”
              “Boudoir? How fancy,” I remark as I continue exploring my new chambers. “It's super nice but way too extravagant for me.”
              “You are the princess. Nothing is too extravagant.”
              “I may be the princess but that doesn't change who I am.”
              “And neither will a new bedroom,” Alberico counters.
              I scoff. “Bedroom? This room is bigger than my old house.”
              “Like I said, it's up to you, of course, but this is yours if you want it.”
              “And you want me to want it, huh?”
              “Yes, of course I do.”
              “Fine. When can I move in?”
              “The servants can start moving your things in right away. You can sleep in here tonight.” He seems happy so I guess that makes it worth it.
              “So what else is up here?”
              “Mostly just extra bedrooms. Oh, and the vault.”
              “What's in the vault?”
              “What do you think is in a vault?” He seems amused.
              “Like, treasure and stuff?”
              He raises an eyebrow.
              “No freakin' way!” I exclaim.
              My enthusiasm makes him laugh.
              “Is it behind, like, a secret passageway?”
              “Perhaps.”
              “Can I see?!”
              “Of course. Follow me.”
              So I do, giddy with excitement. He pauses in front of a wardrobe and a crazy idea occurs to me.
              “It's through there?” I ask.
              “No, not exactly.”
              “Dang it. That would've been cool.”
              “A vault in a wardrobe would be cool?”
              “Uh, yeah. It would've been like Narnia!”
              “What's Narnia?”
              “You've never read
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
?”
              “I can't say that I have.”
              “You're totally missing out,” I say.
              “Apparently. Okay, I believe it's this way.”
              “Wait. You don't actually know?”
              “It's a very large castle.”
              “Dad!”
              “Relax, I'm teasing. Follow me.” He leads me further down the corridor until we come to what appears to be a dead end. Hanging on the wall in front of us is a huge painting of a stately king and queen.
              “Who are they?” I ask.
              “These are my parents, Eurico and Astrid.”
              “Wow. So these are my grandparents?” I ask, awestruck. My mom's parents died before I was born so Paul's parents have been the only 'grandparents' I have ever known.
              “Yes.”
              “Where are they now? I mean, elves live forever so why haven't I ever met them?”
              Paul's parents were nice, but they weren't my blood relatives. There's just something different about seeing my actual grandparents for the first time. Would they look as young as they do in this portrait? 
              “Ah, but you see, we don't always live forever. Remember?”
              “Oh, right,” I say.  “So they both decided to reunite with nature or something like that?”
              “Something like that. After living for an eternity, life becomes exhausting. Eventually, one grows tired of it.”
              An unsettling thought occurs to me.
              “I won't ever get that choice, will I?” I'm not a full-blooded elf, after all—Sól made me immortal.
              “You are a special case. I cannot answer that question. You will have to ask Sól,” he says remorsefully.
              “Yeah, too bad she doesn't take calls. She only shows up when she wants to.”
              “You seem to forget that not everyone is blessed enough to encounter the goddess even a single time, let alone as often as you have.”
              He's not really reprimanding me, but I still feel like a chastised child. “Sorry,” I mumble.
              “No need to apologize. Just try to remember how lucky you are.”
              “I'll try.”
              “Now—” he starts, his eyes twinkling. “Watch this.”
              In the center of the right side of the ornate frame, he points to a circular shape that, at first glance, doesn't stand out from the rest of the design but upon closer inspection I can see that it's slightly raised. He presses down on it and the whole frame swings open.
              “Whoa.”
              I step over the bottom of the frame doorway and find myself in a narrow stone passage. Alberico waves his hand and torches lining the walls light up instantly illuminating the passageway.
              “Go ahead,” Alberico says, motioning me to continue.
              I follow the corridor around a corner and the narrow passage opens up into a large room. The space is full of statues and paintings, ancient-looking swords, even jewels on display as though in a museum. I think I was expecting sparkling mountains of gold coins and jewels, but everything is actually highly organized.
              I walk over to a display case that contains pendants similar to my amulet.
              “Is there one missing?” I ask.
              “Hmm?”
              “It looks like one should go here, right?” I gesture to the empty case and then I notice a few more empty cases.
              “Yes, you are quite right. I suppose Kristoff has either moved them or perhaps he is cleaning them.”
              “Who is Kristoff?”
              “He is in charge of the vault.”
              “Have I met him before?”
              “Probably not. He's a bit of a recluse.”
              “Oh.”
              “I'll ask him about the amulets later. He really shouldn't leave them exposed. They need to remain here where they are protected—we wouldn't want them falling into the wrong hands.”
              A faint glow in my periphery catches my eye. I turn to see where it is coming from but I can't tell exactly. It's like the glow is seeping through the cracks in the walls.
              “What's that?”
              “What's what?” he asks.  He is still looking over at the amulets.
              “That?” I point over to the glowing wall.
              “Um, a wall?” He seems to be questioning my sanity. Apparently he doesn't notice it's glowing—or maybe he can't see it because surely he'd say something about it. “Are you feeling okay, my dear?”
              “Oh. So nothing unusual or anything?” I ask nervously.
              “No. Everything looks the same as always. Why do you ask?”
              “No reason.” I want to touch the wall, but I'm afraid to so I turn my back and walk away from it. I just need to try to forget what I saw because if I don’t, that's basically admitting that I'm seeing things which really is only a hop away from full-blown crazy.
             
It was probably just a weird reflection of the flames from the torches.
              After I finish exploring the vault and all the treasure inside, we walk back through the passage way. Something about the experience is bothering me but I can't put my finger on it.
              Alberico must notice that something is wrong because he asks, “Are you nervous about the ball?”
              “Not really. Though I'm still annoyed there is even going to be a ball.”
              “Have you been practicing the official dance of Álfheimr?”
              “Say what?”
              “The dance.”
              “What dance?”
              “The official dance of Álfheimr.”
              “You said that. But what is it and why should I be practicing it?”
              “It's customary.”
              “Of course it is!” I say sarcastically. 
              “Isobel hasn't mentioned it?”
              “Must've slipped her mind.”
              “Oh, dear. Well, it is expected of the princess so it is imperative that you learn it, and as quickly as possible since you won't have much time to practice before the ball.”
              “Lovely.”
              “I'll ask Greyson to help you.”
              “What?”
              “Greyson is an excellent teacher.”
              “Oh, I'm sure he is.” I control the urge to roll my eyes. “I'll see you later, dad.”
              As I make my way back to my room all I can think about is that glowing wall. Surely I was just seeing things. A reflection, that’s all.
              I'm not paying attention to where I'm going and when I round the corner I bump into something hard and warm.
              “Umph!”
              Strong hands steady me.
              “Whoa there,” Jacoby says. “You okay?”
              “Yeah, sorry,” I mumble.
              “It's fine. I'm used to beautiful women throwing themselves at me,” he smirks.