Fae in L.A. – Chapter 6

Chapter Six

I was still wearing my little black dress from the nightclub. That wouldn’t do to meet an old and powerful Fae. The first thing I did, was pull a long skirt out of my purse. I put it on over my dress. Then I pulled out two long pairs of gloves. Alright, now I looked much more ballgown than nightclub dress. This would have to do.

I pulled my hair back and did a quick braid, tying it off with a white ribbon. Now I was dressed the part. It was time to go knock on her front door.

I carried my purse and gently lifted up my skirt and gently glided out onto the street. I did my best to mingle with the other Fae, but a few clearly noticed I didn’t belong. They watched me curiously as I strode up to the gate of the estate and nodded to the attendant.

“I’m here to see Marquess Raine of House Raine regarding Marilyn Goodwin. Is she in?”

The attendant simply nodded. “You have not given prior notice of your visit, so I shall have to see if Marquess Raine is available. Would you be willing to wait in the drawing room for her?”

“Yes, thank you for your hospitality. I understand the lady of the house must be quite busy.” I made small talk with the attendant as he opened the gate and led me inside the gothic manor.

He left me in a well-appointed drawing room near the entryway of the house. I sat on the sofa, patiently waiting for Lady Raine to come to me. She would. The allure of a human successfully navigating Fae society to talk to her about the human she kidnapped would be far too interesting, particularly for powerful Fae like her, who were nearly perpetually bored.

Sure enough, my patience was rewarded when the door opened nearly an hour later.

Marquess Raine had long black hair that was currently done in an elaborate updo. Pale blue eyes and pale white skin, and a subdued, yet charming face. As she smiled at me, I couldn’t help but shiver. While She appeared to be a demure, delicate young woman, my instinct screamed at me that she was exactly who I was looking for. I rose and offered a curtsy and my greetings first, as old-fashioned customs demanded.

“Good day Marquess Raine. I am Lady Samantha Fairburn. I offer you my warmest greetings and my humble thanks for allowing me into your wonderful home.”

“My, what pretty manners you have Miss Fairburn. Shall we have tea?” With a flick of her wrist a servant appeared out of nowhere, carrying a tea tray with snacks.

“While I am most thankful for your hospitality. I have eaten recently, and I’m afraid I can’t stay due to pressing concerns involving the matter of which I’d like to speak.”

Raine’s smile turned at their corners, and she sent the servant away as she sat down.

“I see, next time then. You mentioned you’d like to discuss Marilyn Goodwin yes? Why it feels like I just acquired her yesterday!”

It was yesterday. “Yes, you see, Marilyn is greatly missed in the mortal realm, and her parents have asked me to bring her home. Is there anyway I could convince you to part with her?”

Raine’s smile drew to a neutral line. “Well, it would be quite a loss on my end. She sings most beautifully you understand. Why, she’s simply indispensable when I host garden parties! All the other ladies are so jealous I managed to acquire such talent.”

I remained calm as she gestured in a small plate of cookies. This was all a part of the negotiation. “Well, if there’s no way for you to part with her, then I’m afraid my business here is concluded. I should go back to her parents and give them the sad news. Please, excuse me.”

I was about to get up when Marquess Raine raised her hand. “Hold on now. I didn’t say it was impossible my dear. Just that you’ll have to offer me something equally valuable.”

Oh thank god. She was willing to negotiate. “Well, allow me to offer a unique item that may impress your Ladyship.” I snapped open my purse, and pulled out a hand painted kimono with a matching fan set. These things cost me an arm and a leg. I’d have to go to my special supplier in Japan to find more. But Mr. Goodwin would be footing the bill, and I really needed to wow her.

“This is a traditional handicraft sourced from a master artisan across the sea in the Orient. The dress is hand painted silk, and the fan is bamboo with delicate paper. Together they form a one-of-a-kind set that is sure to impress all of your friends.”

Raine’s hands gently petted the silk fabric. It was clear she was impressed. But this was a high-ranking Fae I was dealing with. She sat back, schooling her expression to disinterest. “While they are quite beautiful, I shall rarely have a chance to wear them. As I said before, Marilyn sings at every garden party I throw. Can you offer anything with that kind of versatility?”

“While I cannot, I simply wish to bring the girl herself back home. You may keep her voice for your own purposes.”

Raine’s eyes glittered. “Oh! Now that is quite a steal. Very well. I shall trade you Marilyn for the dress, the fan, and her voice. How does that sound to you?”

“Your Ladyship is most gracious to honor me with a deal.” I stood up and curtsied once again.

Raine laughed. “Like I said before, such pretty manners you have.” She grinned as she stood. “Please, follow me to the garden.”

I stood well behind her as she handed off the fan and dress to the servants and led me through the winding corridors of her home. I made the occasional small talk with her, trying not to divulge too many details about myself.

Finally, she let me into the garden. The plants writhed as if they were able to hear us. The winding stone paths cut through them until we reached the center of the garden.

“Here you are. Marilyn Goodwin, in all her glory!” Raine pulled a cloth off of an oversized birdcage in a dramatic reveal.

Blue eyes, wrinkled around the edges, and a lined face set in a permanent expression of grief. Iron gray hair which seemed to overflow in the cage. A tattered dress that was just passing above rags.

The old woman before me only bore a passing resemblance to the eighteen-year-old girl I was sent to find less than two days ago. She was now older than her parents.

Marilyn Goodwin had passed her entire life inside that cage.