The Honoured Guest by Aurelia Destiny Read Free Book Online Page A

intent on her face. The gaze raked down over Chelsea and then he slowly smiled as if pleased by what he saw. “Welcome, Maiden.”
    Nuallán bowed low, spoke in a quiet tone and then withdrew, after giving her a slightly undefinable look.
    She watched him go, a little bewildered that he had been so gentle and polite to her before, but had now left without even a word to her. She had not known him long, but she had trusted him. “Wait…” she called, her hand held out beseechingly, but he did not turn.
    He just abandoned me.
    Finvara’s hand slid beneath her own, icy touch making her shiver, his fingers wrapped about her hand as he raised her palm to his lips. “Lord Nuallán has duties to attend to. I will keep you company, fair one.” His golden eyes were teasing.
    Chelsea blushed and withdrew her hand, hiding it in the folds of her dress. He was so handsome! Even more so than the lord. Were there any ugly men or women here? She felt so inadequate around them.
    The prince chuckled and extended his arm towards her, waiting for her to slip her hand in the crook of his elbow, before walking slowly, moving further into the clearing toward the huge long table, where most of the Court sat talking and laughing.
    The atmosphere was so carefree and joyous that she slowly relaxed, listening, as Finvara pointed out each flying creature, and those who appeared as part of the river and trees, naming them to her. She felt eyes watching, but tried not to let it bother her. After all, she was the only human there. They probably only saw her kind once a year.
    Finvara stopped near the head of the table and escorted her to a veiled woman sitting on a beautiful throne of dark wood, dressed spectacularly in robes of white, gold, and purple, dripping in jewels and flowers. The veil went from the top of her head down to her breasts, brushing the décolletage of her gorgeous robes. Her silver hair pooled down over her shoulders and waist, right down to the ground. She wore an elaborate crown woven of gold and rubies, resting over her hair above the veil.
    “Oh, most glorious Queen, I have brought this year’s honoured guest for our feast.” Finvara bowed low and spoke with an adoring tone in their language.
    He then turned, and pushing Chelsea down with his hand on her shoulder, forced her to her knees. She stumbled and fell hard, biting back a gasp as she felt rocks beneath the thin layers of her silken robe. She felt eyes upon her and shivered, lowering her head instinctively. Soft laughing rang out from behind her, making her feel even more out of her element.
    Were they laughing at her ?
    She felt so stupid kneeling there in the dirt like some animal!
    She wasn’t sure what it was about the queen, but she felt the stare as if it were a live-wire. It made her shiver in something like fear and she wondered why she was having this reaction.
    Not much could be seen through the veil, barring the faint outline of a high cheekbone, ruby red lips, and the tip of a fine nose. Chelsea had a sense that the woman was incredibly beautiful and wished that she could see her face better.
    Why did queen Mab cover her features like that?
    She stayed on her knees for several minutes as the prince spoke, but the queen strangely said absolutely nothing.
    Finally, Chelsea was brought to her feet and she sighed in relief and embarrassment as she met the amused stares of several Fae at the table. Some of the expressions appeared to be rather malicious, and others secretive, as if there was some great joke of which she were not a part.
    She was led back down the table and Finvara pulled out a spare chair next to another Fae lady, sliding it in behind her as she sat down.
    He sank gracefully into a high backed chair beside her and slid a golden goblet across the wooden table, already filled with red wine. “Drink,” he urged.
    She peered into the depths and sniffed at the goblet as she raised it to her lips. “What is it?”
    “Mulled wine made from the