“Maybe sixteen.”
“I’m nine hundred and thirty-seven this fall,” she says.
“I’m sorry.” I close my eyes then open them again. “You’rehowold?”
“Nine hundred and thirty-seven.”
“You’re nine hundred and thirty-seven,” I repeat. “As in, over nine centuries old?”
Flora nods. “We are immortal, my kind.”
“So, let me get this straight.” I begin to pace. “I’m in Faerie, which is a world separate from my world. Faerie is full of fae—did I say that right?” She nods, so I continue. “And fae are not only immortal but have different types of magic, and most of them can fly.”
“All correct.”
“I must be dead.”
Her brow furrows. “Dead? Why would you think you’re dead?”
“Because it’s only a matter of time,” I whisper.
“A matter of time? I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Flora’s face twists in confusion.
“It doesn’t matter. We’re all going to die someday, right? Well, maybe not you. But I will.”
“Not if the king chooses to make you a fae,” she says.
“He can make me a fae?”
“If he chooses you for his bride, he has the power to do so.”
“Woah, woah, woah.” I throw up both hands and back away. “Bride? No one said anything about getting married.”
Flora smiles and retrieves a white chemise from the bed. Then, she walks over to me and starts to lift it over my head, but I snatch it out of her hand before she can.
“I can do it.”
“I don’t mind. It is my duty.”
“Not with me, it’s not.” I slip it on, the silky fabric smooth against my skin. It chills me—a welcome sensation given my typical hot nature. “So, tell me more about this bride business. He wants to marry me?”
“He’ll try to court you first,” she explains, hands folded in front of her. “Then, if he declares you a good fit for queen, he will propose a deal for you. After all, you can’t very well lead at his side if you’re human.”
“Obviously.” I snort, not failing to see the irony in my current situation. I went to Ireland because of my mortality. And now, I’ve apparently fallen into a rabbit hole where I may be offered immortality.
“Are you okay, Ember? You’re looking a little pale.”
“I’m fine. I’m pretty sure this is all just some crazy dream, anyway.”
Flora smiles softly then turns her back a moment to retrieve the beautiful hunter-green gown. I am unable to tear my eyes away as she carries it over to me and holds it up, eyeing it against my skin. “Just as I thought. Perfect for your tone. May I help you?”
“Sure.”
She unlaces the back then raises it as I duck slightly, and she drops it over the top of my head. The fabric is soft, cooling, just as the chemise was. Only, unlike the undergarment, it cascades down to the floor, pooling at my feet. She tightens the laces, and it hugs my body, giving me the appearance of a woman with a full figure.
For the first time in five years, I actuallyfeellike a woman.
“Oh my gosh.” I stare at myself in the full-length mirror across from me as she attaches a molded, golden plate over my shoulder and links it to the dress with straps. “I look like a warrior princess.”