Snow Witching White, page 6
“It’s a dinner party.” I let the woman place a heated and lavender scented wrap around my neck. “Stone, you know how it is at Reximus Palace.” He’d lived there almost his entire life.
“All of you, this way.” The woman who’d cut Stone’s hair shooed them out the door.
He glared at her before giving me a wave. “You’ll be okay alone?”
“Yes.” I wouldn’t tell him about what happened with the witch doctor because I didn’t want to worry him more. “They’ll only do what I want. I will see you at the dinner.”
I had to admit I was excited about being dressed nicely in front of Stone and I wanted to make a good impression on the witches. I needed them to help me learn.
Another woman put my feet in a tub of hot water, while a third picked up my hand and filed my nails. This wouldn’t take much time if they applied all the treatments at once.
“Destiny, darling!” Cassia strutted into the room.
“Cassia!” My spirits lifted, happy to be with one of my friends. “Darling?”
She waved away the action. “Sorry. My family is rubbing off on me.”
“I’m glad you finally joined. You missed everyone else.” I wanted to tell her about what happened with the witch doctor since I couldn’t tell Stone. Looking around, maybe I should wait and tell her in private.
“Of course, Destiny.” Cassia perched on the chair next to me. She’d changed into a tight-fitting orange jumpsuit. The clothing made her appear more mature.
My jaw dropped. “What happened to your banshee tattoo?” Surely, she hadn’t been tortured with the machine.
“Oh, the witch doctor zapped it right off.” She snapped her fingers.
Remembered pain jolted me. “They tried to scour my banshee mark off with some machine. Didn’t it hurt?”
“Yours is a real banshee mark you were born with. Mine was a tattoo. A simple removal spell did the trick.” She leaned toward me and stroked the mark on my forehead. “I guess they had no luck taking off yours.”
Indignant at the suggestion, I bristled. “I didn’t want the mark off.”
“Why ever not?” She waved orange painted fingernails.
“I’m a banshee.” I shouldn’t have to explain to her. “You’ve already had your hair and nails done.” Disappointment sagged my frame. I thought we were going to have a spa day together.
“My sister is a whiz at hair and makeup.” She fluttered her hand in front of her face. “Do you like?”
The sophisticated hairstyle must be what made her seem more mature. She sat straighter and was more confident. I smirked. “I’m sure Lukas will.”
“The werewolf.” She flashed a predatory grin.
“You like him.” My smirk beamed. It would be great if they became a couple. The four of us could do things together.
“I don’t know.” She pressed her painted lips together showing doubt. That was the Cassia I knew. “Does he like me?”
Images of the way he watched her came to mind. “I think he does.”
“Oh moons.” Her voice dropped lower.
My brow furrowed and I laughed. “That’s a new expression.”
She gave a throaty giggle. “I’m home with my family and remembering all the little things I used to say and do. You know how it is.”
I didn’t. I had no family. I wanted to hear about hers though.
A commotion at the door caught my attention. Racks wheeled in by themselves and hanging from them were colorful dresses. A small witch apparated in carrying a full length mirror.
“Oh my stars!” Cassia jumped off the chair. “Check these out.”
“What’re they for?”
“For you, silly. And me.” She draped a bright red dress across her body. “What do you think?”
One of the spa women sprinkled dust on my finger and toenails. The polish dried instantly. Magic or some new hi-tech polish? I’d never had my nails done before so I didn’t know. She nodded for me to get out of the chair.
“We get to choose one from all of these?” I stepped to the rack and caressed a silky chiffon.
“We can choose as many as we want.” She hugged a sparkly silver sheath. “So much better than a uniform.”
I fingered a pink dress with flounced boa sleeves and a full skirt with pink trim. “I like this without the puffy sleeves.”
She laughed with a deep inflection. “These are the templates or ideas. We can change anything.”
“By tonight?” The dinner was the one thing I needed a dress for.
She laughed again. “We’re witches.” She snapped her fingers and the silver sheath she’d held was now on her body. “Do you like it?”
The beautiful outfit seemed too flashy for Cassia. “It’s a bit attention-grabbing.”
“I know.” She squealed and spun in a circle in front of the mirror. “What about in gold?” She snapped her fingers and the dress changed color. “Or shimmery purple.” The dress changed color again. “You try.”
I shook my head. “I don’t know how.”
“That’s why the designer is here.” She indicated the small woman who carried the mirror. “Destiny wants to try that on without the ugly sleeves.”
A whoosh caught my attention, and suddenly I was wearing the dress minus the sleeves. Once I learned how to do that, I was never getting dressed the old fashioned way again. Standing in front of the mirror, I flattened my hands over my hips.
“Try this.” Cassia flicked her fingers and another dress whooshed on me.
I stumbled before standing straight. The white dress had a ruffled neckline taller than my head. The ruffles cascaded down to my sides in a divided train. The white top had a plunging V and a tiny waist. The long, slim white skirt hugged my hips too tightly.
“That’s not right.” Cassia held up a green dress. “Try this.”
A whoosh and I wore a different dress. The one-shouldered creation draped across my body. A thigh-high slit completely displayed one leg. I analyzed myself in the mirror as apprehension gathered in my stomach. I couldn’t pull this dress off.
“No.” She tapped her chin. “This one.”
Whoosh.
A peach bubble dress popped on my body. The strapless top had beaded, glittery, apple shapes. The skirt portion poofed up resembling a balloon.
Before I could say how much I hated it, Cassia spouted, “You need something more regal.” She picked a yellow and blue silk dress from the rack. “Try this.”
“I don’t know.” I took a step back thinking the dress would bite. My mind whirled with the changing of clothes and kept stumbling when I remembered the hair and clothes from the banshees. They thought they could buy me with nice things. “I don’t want to look too…too…”
“Too beautiful for that handsome giant of yours?” She held the dress closer and winked. “He’ll love you in this color.”
Whoosh.
The dress fit as if it had been made for me. The silk peplum top was encrusted with diamonds and came to a point at my waist. The top wasn’t too low cut and a red jewel nestled between my breasts. The sleeves were yellow and blue tying together the blue top and the wide yellow skirt beneath.
I appeared sophisticated and a little sexy. Thinking of Stone’s reaction, my insides melted.
“I love it.” Giddiness bubbled inside. I couldn’t wait to show Stone. My body thrummed knowing he’d look perfect no matter what he wore.
“We should head to dinner.” Cassia grabbed my arm and led me out of the room before I could change my mind about the outfit. I hadn’t even gotten a chance to fully assess the dress, make up, and styled hair altogether. I felt glamorous, and yet the same old me was still inside the fancy dress.
Cassia had become sleek and sophisticated. Gone were the sneezes and the down-to-earth attitude. She’d gone full witch persona back in her real home. She’d always been pretty. Now, she was stunning.
A shivery anticipation slid down my spine. How would my other friends be dressed? I already knew how handsome Stone looked in formal attire. And with his new haircut he’d be even more gorgeous, even though he hated the short style.
Cassia and I arrived at the dinner location behind the academy building and I stopped short. A large cave with stalactites and stalagmites hosted the event. Floating bulbs of light danced above a long table groaning with candles, formal place settings including several glasses at each spot, and cloth napkins shaped into flames. The witches knew how to throw a fancy party.
“Isn’t it great?” She squealed the question with excitement.
I wasn’t a fan of caves. I’d spent too much time in a dungeon. So had she.
Witches in a splendid array of colored outfits stood in groups near the table. Behind them stood warlocks wearing elegant black tuxedos. They laughed and flirted with the witches in attendance.
While I knew I fit in with my new dress and styled hair, inside I was squeamish. I wasn’t used to this luxurious world with sophisticated witches and warlocks. What would I say? How would they feel about my banshee mark? Not that I cared. They wouldn’t change me. But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t be self-conscious. Which reminded me of my future plans. How would I fit in at Reximus Palace with the pomp and circumstance? I needed to get used to it here before moving into the palace.
The tinkling laughter and light gossip stopped, replaced by hushed whispers. The hushing waved through the group starting with the witches and warlocks closest to us. Everyone stared.
At Cassia and me.
No, just me.
My squeamishness morphed into outright nausea. My anticipatory smile faltered.
Cassia’s grin turned brittle and she took hold of my hand. “Don’t pay attention. They’re curious.”
Good old, Cassia. She understood me and knew how to make me comfortable. I forced a stiff smile. “Or jealous of how good we look.”
She laughed loudly, the tinkling almost acting as a signal to the others. They rotated away and continued talking but I noticed the surreptitious glances under downcast eyes.
“Here.” She grabbed a tall flute from a passing waiter.
The purple glass warmed in my hand. “What is it?”
“Something to relax you.”
I lifted the glass to my nose and sniffed an acidic scent. I pretended to take a sip while thinking about Stone’s warning about accepting food and drink from strangers. Except Cassia wasn’t a stranger. She was my best friend. I took a sip and choked on the strong taste.
The talking grew louder. A shriek followed a shocked exclamation.
Who could be causing a bigger stir than Cassia and I? Circling toward the commotion at the entrance, I craned my neck and spotted Stone.
With his height, he stood out above the crowd, especially with his now-short blond hair. The black tuxedo jacket fit his broad shoulders and he wore a silver shirt beneath it with a silver bow tie. I melted until I scanned his face. His angry expression proved that he hated being treated like a dress up doll.
Except he’d dressed formally at the human palace. Was it only dressing up in front of witches and warlocks that bothered him?
Helartha wore a long, lavender dress matching the ribbons in her red hair. Gnit and Pith both wore black tuxedo shirts with matching pants. Trolgar wore no shirt, just a tuxedo jacket and pants. And Lukas wore a blue tuxedo with a ruffled shirt.
I didn’t understand why their pale faces displayed fear. Until I noticed their arms.
Shackles wrapped around their wrists like fancy bracelets.
My friends weren’t guests at the party. They were prisoners.
Chapter six
Shock rooted me to the ground while mortification swamped me.
My friends might’ve been treated at the spa, but they were guarded like captives. Besides the shackled wrists, they were escorted by half a dozen acolytes dressed in black uniforms and carrying wands. The warlocks were dressed like a militia.
My legs trembled and anger pushed me into a run. I couldn’t believe the coven would treat my friends this way. Fury pulsated and my fingers tingled. I fisted my hands, not wanting untrained magic to escape.
Stone shook his head in warning.
The acolytes pointed their wands at me thinking I was a threat.
I slid to a stop. “What’s going on? They’re not prisoners.” I yanked at an acolyte’s wand and it slipped out of his fingers.
He let me take it. Why? “We were escorting them to dinner.”
“With shackles and pointed wands?” I dropped the wand and resisted the urge to stomp on it.
“For their protection.” His announcement was ridiculous.
“What?” I noticed the glares and frowns from the gathered witches and warlocks. At me and my rush to judgment? Or at my non-witch friends? “Surely, they’re safe at dinner. They’re guests. My friends.”
The acolyte scowled. “They need to stay together so we can watch them.”
Because they didn’t trust them.
“Are they shackled when they’re in their rooms?” I remembered they hadn’t been restrained at the spa. Why now?
“Destiny,” Cassia grabbed my arm and winked at the warlock. “He’s a guard following orders. They’re here and everyone is fine.”
“They shouldn’t be wearing shackles.” I whispered-shouted in her ear. I didn’t care if everyone heard me. “I need to talk to Stone.”
I pushed forward again with Cassia at my side. She winked at the acolyte again. “We’re their friends. Can we talk to them?”
The acolyte acted suspicious. Once he nodded, I went straight to Stone and wrapped my arms around him.
“Are you okay?”
“Fine. How about you?” He shook off my hug, embarrassed by me. “What did they do to you?”
Smoothing my dress, I quelled the fretting in my belly. “You don’t like?”
“I do like.” His eyes flashed with heat and his deep timbre sent flutters through my midsection. “You’re gorgeous, dressed up or not.”
“As gorgeous as Princess Ellery?” I pushed out my hip, hating the bit of jealousy that clung around my heart. The princess was engaged to someone else. I shouldn’t worry about her.
“To me, you’re the most beautiful.” Not a direct answer to my question, but I’d take it as a win.
His shackles rattled, reminding me of more important things than what he thought about my clothes. “I’m going to demand they release you. All of you.”
“Don’t get yourself in trouble.” Stone warned as I stomped off toward the acolyte guard whose wand I’d taken. He must be in charge.
The acolyte picked up his wand and pointed it at me again.
I wished I had one to point at him. “I demand you release my friends.”
“Destiny.” Cassia grabbed my arm again. “He can’t release them without orders.”
I reeled toward her. “Who ordered that they be shackled? Who can release them?”
“I can.” Provost Morgane wended our way in a long, black dress.
Just great. The woman who disliked my friends and probably hated me.
“Why are my friends shackled?” I didn’t come right out and accuse her of ordering their restraints. “I want them released.”
Her gaze narrowed and I could see hate in her expression. “They are not witches.”
As if that explained everything. It didn’t.
Cassia shrugged and kept her mouth shut. She wasn’t going to step out of line. She’d grown and become stronger during our adventures, yet wouldn’t stand up to one of her own. This was important to me. They were important to me. I didn’t understand how Cassia could stay silent.
I’d do this on my own. “They are guests at a welcome dinner.”
Provost Morgane arched a brow as she studied me. Respect flickered in her eyes giving me an ounce of hope. “I’ll take the heat for releasing them if you promise me something.”
I hesitated. She’d been against my friends from the second we’d arrived. She’d known they’d end up in the moat if they stepped on the bridge. But Stone and the others appeared miserable. Locked up, embarrassed, stared at. I had to do something to help.
“What?” I used the single word to cut the charged atmosphere. I held my breath waiting for her response.
Cassia tensed and didn’t blink.
Provost Morgane took in both of us. “That you will discuss succession with an open mind.”
My brows arched. I had no idea what she was talking about. King Zacharye was the ruler and at some point he’d have children to succeed him. I was fully behind him and his new government and didn’t mind discussing it with her. “Sure.”
“Very well.” She flicked her wand so fast I couldn’t have stopped her if I wanted. “Alliges no.”
The atmosphere electrified. The hairs on my arms rose. The area around my friends glowed in a greenish light. I tensed. What if she changed my friends into frogs? The glow and the shackles dropped to the ground with a clank.
The noise freed my tension and anxiety. My friends were free, kind of. They were still surrounded by the acolytes.
Stone rubbed his wrists and the others did the same. None of them smiled in relief or celebrated.
Without hesitation, I ran to Stone and jumped in his arms which automatically wrapped around and stayed there, warming me.
“You’re welcome,” Provost Morgane trilled and whisked away, but not before reminding me, “Don’t forget my request.”
Request or blackmail?
Cassia strutted to Lukas. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He blushed. His brown hair was curled in tight swirls. He acted uncomfortable with Cassia’s closeness.
Still standing by Lukas, she directed her attention to me. “As soon as you’re done talking to your friends, I want to introduce you to a few important people.”
I huffed, understanding diplomacy. If I wanted the coven to teach me, they needed to know and trust me. “Come with us, Stone. And Lukas too.”
“As much as I’d love to stay on this hunky guy’s arm, I think the first time you meet some of the council witches it would be best done alone.” She patted him on the shoulder.
Their relationship must be progressing quickly. While I’d always sensed something between them, they were both shy. Being home had made Cassia bold, but not outspoken about her friends. I wished being at the coven gave me a similar confidence with my magic.
