Roses & Thorns by Chris Anne Wolfe

Author:Chris Anne Wolfe [Wolfe, Chris Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-11-07T17:41:17+00:00

Chapter 10

One of the combs slipped again, and with a resigned grimace Angelique pulled it free. The tumbling mass of hair spilled forward over her bare shoulder. She frowned at the golden hairpiece, trying to discern what was wrong with its design. Everything seemed right. Without much hope that it would stay long, she lifted her hair from her face and slid the comb back into place for the third time.

"My Lady."

Angelique smiled at Drew's deep bow, and, hands still busy with her hair, she dipped a small curtsy. Her eyes grew bright with teasing mischief. "Such formality, my Liege?"

Sweet laughter was the reply and Angelique's heart skipped a beat.

"I see you are feeling better."

"Yes, thank you."

"But somewhat light-headed?"

"Just a bit."

"The effects of the faery wine tend to linger. Doubtless you will dream of their music again tonight."

Angelique blushed. "It was beautiful music."

"Yes." There was a hesitant pause before Drew added, "but the memory of that beauty pales next to your own. If I may be so bold, my Lady — you are breathtaking tonight."

"Thank you," Angelique murmured, smoothing the satin and velvet skirts. The deep midnight blue sparkled with bits of gold thread. It had reminded her of the starry, moonless sky of this magickal world. She had chosen the dress especially in hopes of gaining just such a compliment.

Drew moved closer and a gloved hand lifted, almost daring to touch her cheek. But Drew hesitated and began to move away, but Angelique caught the hand with both of her own. Drew became still. For a moment, neither moved. Angelique turned Drew's hand over, opening the curled fingers. "Last night you wore no gloves."

"There are no disguises in the faeries' land," came the quiet reply.

"I remember nothing but your hands."

The cloaked figure nodded.

"They are very beautiful. And," she paused, looking into the shadow of Drew's hidden countenance before adding, "gentle.

“Must you hide them?"

Drew hesitated, then answered in a strained voice, "The gloves are as much for my sake as for yours, Angelique."

"Do not hide your hands from me for either of our sakes, Drew."

There was no reply. Then, "As you wish."

Magickally, the black leather dissolved, and the warm silken skin of Drew's hands made her gasp. She brushed her cheek against the softness and felt the tremor she caused both of them. Her eyes were tender with concern, and earnestly she pressed, "I am not like the others, Drew."

"I know." Drew gripped Angelique's hand more firmly with one. "Last night, when I found you had wandered into the faeries' mist, I feared I would be too late." Whispering words, Drew pulled something from the air. "Will you wear this for me?" Drew displayed a locket.

"Of course."

It was a thin piece, made of gold; the scrollwork, exquisite. Drew slipped behind Angelique to fasten it about her neck. The chain felt delicate, but it held tenaciously, and Angelique realized it was made by magick.

"It is a talisman for your safety. If ever you are out of the palace and have need, use this to summon me.

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