The Archer's Selection, page 9
My eyes widened slightly. The Fae realm. After Alice and the Imp revealed the truth about who the Mad Mage was, the fact that she was the product of him and the Red Queen, and the fact that the Mad Mage had originally ruled over the Fae realm, it had been chaos. But the Mad Mage had gone into hiding, the Red Queen was imprisoned, and Alice and the Imp were free to do as they pleased.
For now.
I was sure the Fae wanted to figure out how to control the two, if they could.
I scanned the room one more time for the Prince, but when I couldn’t find him, I decided I might be able to slip away and do an investigation of my own.
I still wanted information on my brothers, and perhaps it was arrogant of me to assume I could slip away without being noticed, especially as a contestant in this farce of a competition, but I wanted to try. I was also aware I had a job to do, and leaving now might put that job at risk. If they suspected me, if they kicked me out before I even attempted to take Pan’s life, then what? All of this would be for nothing.
I looked around for another exit and found one.
There.
Tucked behind the four musicians.
I made my way in that direction, holding my breath, waiting for someone to notice me, waiting for someone to stop me.
But no one did.
A couple of people did stare. I supposed it was only natural for them to question my presence, considering I was a mortal and I couldn’t blend in with the Fae, no matter how much makeup Cyan put on my face and no matter how pretty my dress was. Besides that, no one attempted to engage me in conversation. No one stopped me. No one wanted anything to do with me. And for that, I was grateful.
I slipped outside the entrance and found myself in another hallway.
I should have had Cyan give me a tour. Though, even if she had, I highly doubted it would have made much of a difference. My sense of direction was off and I hadn’t done anything in particular to strengthen it.
Where would I even go to try and find information like that?
A study.
A library.
Those were two places that actually made sense, and I was sure one of those rooms, if not both, could be found in a palace like this one.
I decided my only option was to continue down the hall in hopes to find the library or a study. I needed a place to search through. I highly doubted Pan kept blatant evidence on the disappearances lounging around for easy access, especially when there were strangers in his home, but I still had to try. And if I got caught, I could come up with an excuse of being overwhelmed or lost. It wasn’t as though the Fae believed humans were capable; I was sure something like that might actually work.
I traveled down the hallway. It had similar designs as the others, with tapestries on dark wood and candlelight filling the otherwise dark space.
I managed to find a restroom, two bedrooms that were both unused, and a sun room, but no library and no study.
The further I went, the more I questioned where it could be. Across the palace? On the second floor?
No. It wouldn’t make sense to put it on the second floor. It had to be on the first. And if it wasn’t down this hallway, I’d just check another one until I did find it.
After another two bedrooms, a linen closet that was as big as my apartment, and an entrance to the kitchens, I had only one door left.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think it was the library. I expected double doors for a room that was supposed to be large and house thousands of books. But I tried it anyway, curious as to what I’d find.
And stopped.
Inside was a study.
Pan’s study.
My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly stepped inside before anyone caught me. After shutting the door behind me, I turned and looked around.
The study was tucked away in a secluded corner of the palace. I doubted even the servants traversed all the way down the hall to find it. The entrance was marked by an intricately carved wooden door, bearing ancient symbols that seem to come to life.
The study itself was an intimate chamber bathed in soft candlelight, casting flickering shadows that danced upon the walls. The room was not excessively large, surprisingly enough, but its atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and understated opulence.
The walls were lined with tall bookshelves, filled to the brim with ancient tomes, scrolls, and leather-bound volumes. The shelves seemed to reach toward the vaulted ceiling, adorned with small figurines of mythical creatures and curiosities collected from all corners of the Fae realm.
A large desk, fashioned from dark mahogany, sat at the center of the room. It was adorned with quills, ink bottles, and an assortment of old, yellowed parchment. A delicate, crystal ball rested upon the desk, and I frowned, wondering why he had that and what that actually did. Maybe it was just eclectic decoration.
Illuminated by the soft glow of the crystal chandelier above, the desk provided a glimpse into Pan's world of secrets and intrigue. An ornate chair, cushioned with plush velvet, awaited its occupant. I was almost scared to approach it, wondering if I tripped some kind of alarm simply by being here.
Would I really risk touching something?
In one corner of the study stood an ancient, weathered globe that held the map of the Fae realm and beyond. Tiny, twinkling stars danced across its surface, marking points of interest and hidden wonders, as if whispering tales of the cosmos to anyone who cared to listen.
The room was filled with curious artifacts and mementos from Pan's travels – at least, I assumed they were from his travels. From delicate vials filled with shimmering fairy dust to delicate tapestries depicting scenes of daring escapades, each item held a story and added to the room's aura of wonder and mystery.
A large window overlooked the palace gardens, allowing the gentle moonlight to spill into the study during the night. The sight of the moon and stars was ever-present, reminding visitors – if Pan even allowed visitors into this place, which I highly doubted he did – of the Fae connection to the celestial realms and the mysteries they held.
Are you just going to stand there and gawk, or are you going to do something?
I turned back to make sure the giant doors were tucked closed. I had to use my hands to pick up the skirts off the floor as I dragged them forward.
I needed to get into that desk.
But how?
I chewed my bottom lip, trying to think quickly.
If I had a hairpin, maybe I could undo the lock…unless there was some kind of magical alarm put in place that sealed it shut or alerted Pan if something had been tampered. I would expect such a thing, and I wasn’t sure if I was willing to risk it. Then again, I didn’t know how else I was going to get information, especially once I managed to fulfill my obligation and kill him. Once he was dead, I was in just as much danger as before, especially if they could prove it was me.
But would they believe it?
A human, able to kill Pan?
Would I even be able to do it?
The second I reached the desk, I placed my hands on the black mahogany and gave myself a moment to look around. Every sheet of paper was in place. There was nothing messy, nothing that would pull at my attention.
I walked around slowly, my dress silently swishing with each movement.
“Well, well, well,” a voice said from behind me just as I sat down on his leather chair. “What do we have here? A little mouse stepping into a lion’s den?”
12
I froze.
I tried to think of something fast, but no good explanation came to me.
I had been caught.
“Well?’ he repeated. “Have nothing to say, mortal?”
My heart stalled at the sight of him.
Pan stood at the entrance to the study, exuding an air of regal allure and dark amusement. He was dressed in a magnificent ensemble befitting a Fae prince, his attire blending traditional elegance with a touch of otherworldly charm.
A tailored coat of deep emerald green adorned Pan's fitted form, its velvet fabric catching the light in a mesmerizing dance of rich hues. The coat was adorned with intricate golden embroidery, depicting symbols of the Fae realm and the constellations that danced across the night sky.
Underneath the coat, he wore a vest of iridescent silk, its shimmering surface reflecting the light in a dazzling display of ever-changing colors. The vest hugged his form with a tailored fit, accentuating his lithe and graceful figure.
Pan's shirt was a crisp, ivory hue, its fine fabric decorated with delicate ruffles at the collar and cuffs, adding a touch of old-world charm to his ensemble, and yet, it didn’t detract from his reeking masculinity one bit. A subtle gold chain peeked out from beneath the collar, bearing a small, ornate pendant that hinted at the Fae Prince's connection to ancient magic.
His trousers, made from midnight-black fabric, were tailored with precision, tapering elegantly towards his shoes. The trousers featured intricate gold threading along the seams, adding a subtle touch of opulence to the overall look.
Pan's footwear was a work of art in itself. His boots, crafted from supple leather, reached just below the knee and are adorned with delicate etchings of mythical creatures. Each step he took seemed to leave a trail of stardust in his wake, lending an enchanting touch to his movements.
His raven-black hair was styled with effortless grace, falling in slight waves that framed his face. A crown of delicate leaves and interwoven vines graced his head, further solidifying his connection to the natural world and the magic of the Fae realm, and reminding everyone who looked upon him that he was a Prince.
The Prince.
“I…” I swallowed. “I don’t like balls.”
I didn’t expect that to come out of my mouth, but now that it had, I wasn’t going to backtrack.
He opened his mouth, shut it, and then leaned his graceful figure against the wall behind him. Amusement still danced in his pale green eyes, and his lips, while not smiling, seemed to smirk as well.
“That isn’t what I expected to hear,” he said. “And you thought the study was more suitable for your needs?”
“I…I like books,” I said.
Now, he smirked. “Were you not shown the library?” he asked.
“I wasn’t shown anything,” I said. I sniffed, trying to showcase offense. Now that I had something to run with, I intended to make use of it. “In fact, I haven't truly been taken care of at all. I thought this whole thing was for you to broker some kind of peace with the town. It’s the only reason why I’m here. At the very least, I could be given a fair shot at winning your hand. It’s already impossible.”
“You think so?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.
I shifted my weight. “First off, everyone knows how you feel about humans,” I said, unable to call myself a mortal. The way he said it reminded me of an insult of the most vulgar kind, and I couldn’t bring myself to share his sentiment. “There’s no way you’d actually marry one, especially since royalty is required to pass down an heir. On top of that, my competition is just lightyears ahead of me in education, grace, not to mention looks. So, really, I already know where my place is. We don’t have to pretend otherwise.”
“So, what you’re saying is,” he began, swaggering over to where I was by his desk, “I should rid myself of you now and focus on those I’d actually consider?”
Shit.
That wasn’t what I meant.
If he got rid of me before I could kill him, then everything would be in vain.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, reaching up to touch my hair, only to remember Cyan had placed it in an intricate updo. “Don’t you have a ball to attend?”
“A prince goes wherever he pleases,” he said. “You know, mortal, I should punish you for being so forward. Such bluntness will not be tolerated, and you should do well to remember your place lest I do punish you.”
My eyes flashed. Something dark touched his own irises, but it vanished before I could figure out what it was.
“Does this mean you’re going to get rid of me?” I asked.
Perfect. Just great. I thought I had been clever, but I wasn’t. Not by a long shot.
“I haven’t decided,” he said. He finally stopped when he reached the other side of the desk. At least something was in between us, a hurdle he had to get around if he wanted to get to me. “Part of me doesn’t want to waste my time with you because you are correct. There’s no way I’d demean myself to marry a human at all. Then again, I’d prefer not to marry anyone.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “On the other, something tells me you’d be amusing to have, if only to give me a laugh at the thought that you could actually compete with Fae royalty. Because you’re right. Your beauty is nothing like theirs. Your grace is lackluster.” He moved around the desk so quickly I didn’t have a chance to blink. And he took my chin in his fingers, pressing his thumb into my bottom lip. “But it’s the lies that fall so pretty from your mouth that intrigue me the most. What secrets are you hiding, mortal?”
Here it was.
The chance to kill him.
To end this.
Except, I couldn’t reach the scissors like this.
My heart raced in my chest as Pan stood close, his touch sending shivers down my spine. His fingertip grazed my bottom lip, a gesture both intimate and dangerously tantalizing. There was an electric charge that seemed to crackle in the air, pulling us together like opposing magnets.
I couldn't deny the pull, the allure of his charm, but I knew I had a greater purpose here. My brothers were missing, and I believed Pan held the key to their disappearance. I had to find the truth, no matter the cost.
And then, I had to kill him.
As his piercing gaze locked onto mine, I saw a glimpse of the mysteries he kept hidden. It was as if he was daring me to unravel them, inviting me to explore the depths of his soul. But beneath the allure, I sensed a danger, a darkness lurking beneath the surface. Like he wanted any excuse to unleash his demons onto me.
What was I going to do?
A conflicted turmoil churned within me as I struggled between my duty and my need for answers. His touch was a siren's call, tempting me to abandon my purpose and drown in the depths of passion. But I couldn't let myself be swayed by mere temptation.
Yet, even as I fought the internal battle, there was a part of me that longed to yield, to let go of my burdens and lose myself in him. It was as if he held the power to unlock my deepest desires, making me forget everything else that mattered.
Fuck.
Was I really this easy? This stupid? Or was this some kind of Fae magic he used to get me to succumb to him?
“How easy you fall in line at a mere touch,” he murmured. “Tell me, are you always this obedient?”
I swallowed. I needed distance, now.
I took a step back, trying to regain my composure. My heart still pounded, my breath uneven, but I couldn't let myself be overwhelmed by him. I needed to be strong, to find a way to fulfill my mission, even in the face of this intoxicating allure.
As I glanced around the study, searching for anything that could help me, I realized that in this moment, I was both hunter and prey. Pan's pull had ensnared me, but I had a determination that ran just as deep.
I would stay vigilant, always aware of the danger he posed, while navigating the dance of desire and deceit. My resolve was stronger than the attraction, and I knew that in this treacherous game, I needed to play my cards carefully. Pan's secrets were there for the unraveling, and I would bide my time, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Now, unfortunately, wasn’t the time.
“I have no secrets,” I said. I hated how weak my voice was.
Pathetic.
I was pathetic.
If Robin saw me now…
My stomach churned at the thought.
He’d be so disappointed.
No.
Ashamed.
“Everyone has secrets,” Pan said, his eyes watching me with such precision, I was positive he had the ability to see straight through my soul.
“Even you?” I asked.
“Especially me,” he replied. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are you here, mortal?”
“I don’t like balls,” I repeated. “I can’t…I’m not a good dancer. And, compared to my competition, I’m not graceful. I was hiding out, hoping not to make myself look like even more of a fool.” I smoothed my hands over my dress. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? I’m not competition. I might as well enjoy myself while I’m here, but I’m already a target for ridicule. I don’t want to have to deal with being laughed at on top of everything else.”
“Weak,” he muttered.
“Oh?” I wasn’t even offended. How could I be? If I was, it would mean I cared what he thought of me, and I didn’t. “I’d like to think of it as rational. We both know you’d never choose me. This is all a game to win over your new people, isn’t it, my Prince?”
His eyes darkened at referring to him as a Prince.
I didn’t know why that made my mouth dry. I didn’t want to think about it.
“Why play a losing game?” I asked.
“Then why are you here?” he returned. His eyes were hard with suspicion, leaning forward. My heart trilled at the thought of him invading my space even now, and I hated myself for it.
“Because if not me, then someone else,” I said.
“Ah.” He smirked. “You were sent to kill me, then?”
I refused to let my shock show. Instead, I tilted my head to the side and let a small smile touch my lips.
“You think I could actually kill you?” I asked, and then laughed.
It wasn’t a delicate, feminine laugh either. It was genuine. Because saying it out loud was ridiculous, even if it was true.
“Of course not,” he said. “But you do.”
“And how do you suppose I can kill you from your study?” I asked.
“Perhaps I should check you for weapons, hmm?” he asked.
“Feel free.” I lifted my arms out. “Of course, you’d have to muddy your hands by touching a mere mortal, and I’m not sure you’d want to debase yourself in such a way.”
