***
We enter the main hall of the Pleasure Palace, and I raise my arms to the ceiling so far above I can barely make it out. Purple clouds drift there, fooling my mind into believing we are still outside in nature. "An enchantment of my Keeper, Baldar," says Dean, noticing my gaze. "Ah, look, he is here to greet us." Dean motions to the Fae before us, his face perfect and pristine, his white beard short and well kept. He is a short man, the shortest I have seen in these lands, and his face is kind.
"Prince Dean," Baldar says, his voice loud and jolly. "How splendid it is to witness your return. May I prepare a bath or—"
"My friend needs healing," says Dean, gesturing to Es. "Take them to the eastern wing and use only your best potions."
Baldar nods and motions to a nearby servant, a shirtless Fae with ivory skin and long, elegant limbs. The young man takes Es into his arms, then Baldar guides him and Pete into a grand hallway, out of sight.
"I should go with them. Explain things." I step forward, and suddenly my knees buckle and I fall backwards.
Fen catches me from behind. "Let the Keeper do his work. Later, when Es is awake, you can explain. Right now, you need to rest." He glances at my arm, where Lopsi’s venom burned my dress and left a red mark.
"Fine," I say, knowing he’s right.
Dean waves us over. "Come, I’ll show you to your rooms."
He guides us up a marble staircase, into floors even higher than the grand hall. There are so many steps, I grow exhausted, and Fen lifts me into his arms. I don't even bother protesting. It feels too good to be this close to him. To feel his body. I lean my head against his chest, taking in his scent, and listen to the strong beat of his heart.
Dean glances my way and rolls his eyes. "Here you are," he says, motioning to a room with the largest bed I have ever seen. Silk sheets and purple pillows cover the mattress. Four wooden posts surround the wooden bed frame, and see-through curtains spill from their tops, like a dress that shows more than it hides.
The entire back wall of the room is missing, leading to a grand balcony overlooking the city, making way for soothing aromas and wistful songs.
"Varis, you will find your room next to hers," says Dean.
Varis nods, looking at me. "Call if the vampires cause problems." Then he disappears into his room.
"And this," Dean points to the door opposite mine, "Is my room."
Fen grunts. "Where do I sleep?"
"Down the hall. Four levels down. To the right. Behind the kitchens." Dean’s face is pure seriousness. "Can’t have you sneaking into the princess’s room now, can I? It is my turn after all."
Fen puts me down and mumbles something about "not wanting to be king" and "bloody contract." Then he cups my face in his hands and kisses my lips softly. "If you need anything, call my name. And I will come."
He turns away and disappears down the hallway, though Baron takes a few more moments to follow, and I wonder if Fen truly can hear so far. If he was bluffing in front of his brother, I can always draw his mark to summon him. The thought fills me with a sense of security, and I fall into the bed, letting myself sink into the soft mattress, Yami curling up against my neck. The aches in my body seem to fade instantly, and my mind starts to fall into sleep.
"Sweet dreams, Princess," says Dean as he closes the door, and I rest comfortably for the first time in a long time.
***
I dream of fire and pain. Of buildings crumbling around me and leaving nothing but ash. I see Daison before me, half his body blackened and dead, the other half innocent and pleading. Pleading for me to save him.
But I cannot.
I cannot.
I cannot.
No matter what I do, he is gone. He can never return.
I turn away, and now, amidst the burning ruins, I see Es and Pete. They stand together, their eyes filled with tears and rage. "How could you bring this upon us?" says Pete, his voice cold.
"You were our friend!" yells Es. "You were our friend and you let us die!"
No. No. No. You’re not dead. There’s still time.
Time.
Time.
It seems to stand still.
I run forward. To reach my friends. To save them. But I cannot move. I cannot stop the flames.
They reach down, tendrils of smoke and heat, curling around flesh and bone and burning hair. I watch as their faces melt. As their bodies turn to blood and bone and ash.
I watch.
I watch.
I watch.
And I can do nothing.
***
I wake with a gasp, covered in sweat and a stench. For a moment, I can’t remember where I am, and panic begins to grip me, but then I recall the Moonlight Garden, the Pleasure Palace. Fen.
I slip from my bed and undress, throwing my sweaty dress across the room, and go the bathroom. It’s bigger than the room I grew up in, and the shower proves warm and soothing. I use various soaps laid out on the counter, and they fill the air with a sweet, orange citrus scent. Next, I find an armoire to the side of the balcony and scan it for something new to wear. Everything seems more undergarment than actual clothing. Figures. Finally, I settle on a plain white dress that is only slightly see through. I slip it on, and it feels smooth and cool against my skin. This is not a material I have ever felt before. It's lighter than feathers, and more comfortable than a warm embrace. There are beauties to this realm that are indeed to be cherished.
I think of returning to bed, but my nightmares still haunt me, so I leave my room and wander the halls, searching for something to distract. After passing many closed doors, I come upon an open library, with shelves higher than I can reach, and ladders taller than I dare climb. Lanterns hang on the walls and sit on tables, illuminating the room with warm orange glows. I hear shuffling of paper and realize I’m not alone.