by Anna Santos
“No. My father is my real father, but my mother made a deal with the fairy who slept with my father and then transferred the baby into my mother’s womb.”
Dorian spoke the next words with care as he processed the information. “Then, that makes you half-fairy.”
“Yes. But, it seems that my fairy genes will only activate when I’m twenty-one.”
“Vampires also gain their full powers and immortality when they become adults, around the age of twenty-one to twenty-four. The aging then stops for several centuries and… I digress.” He leaned me back and put his hands on my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not completely human. I love you all the same.”
“I can’t turn into a vampire, can I?”
He sighed. “You’re right. Fae can’t be turned into vampires. Only humans can.”
“Then, how can—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Dorian interrupted me. “Vampires and fae can be together and have babies. Fae is immortal, too. Once you become a fairy, we can stay together.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Even if there was some law to forbid that, I wouldn’t let you go. You’re my wife, and life has no meaning without you, Snow.”
I smiled and pulled him down for a kiss. “Do you remember that you said I looked like a fairy when we first met?”
“As I recall, you were everything I could see that night. I didn’t want to ever be apart from you.” He stroked my hair and kissed my lips again. “When the time comes for you to turn into a fairy, I’ll be by your side.”
Thunder’s head touched my back, and he neighed, reminding me that he was still there. “I think Thunder is jealous.”
“He might want you to scrub him more.”
“Sometimes, I think he can understand everything I say to him,” I shared with my husband. “I wish I could bring him with us, but I know the guards might recognize him.”
“We’ll get him once we vanquish the Evil Queen. Until then, he’ll be safe in Drake’s village.”
Dorian let me go and moved to pet Thunder’s back. “You’re a good horse, Thunder. You ran as fast as you could to keep Snow safe and protected her from the wolves.”
I turned around and grabbed another brush and offered it to Dorian. “Do you want to help me groom him? We can walk him after he’s cleaned.”
Dorian accepted the proffered brush, and we spent the rest of the morning showering Thunder with attention and promenading around the village while we talked about what the Great Fairy had told me about my heritage.
Queen Marlena paced back and forth next to the thrones while she pondered the news she had received.
“You’re sure he’s coming here?” she stopped and eyed the captain of the guard.
He bowed. “That’s what I was told. The prince’s entourage has been seen on the road. His courier arrived this morning, and he talked about coming for a visit.”
“After the attack, I assumed he wouldn’t return so soon. His father was infuriated by the attack on his son. Your reckless actions almost created a rift between both kingdoms.” The queen finished with a glare.
The captain looked away. “My apologies, Your Majesty. It won’t happen again.”
“The harm is done, but since he’s coming here, I might have another chance to seduce him and secure his kingdom’s help. Maybe even find myself a new husband.” She twirled a strand of black hair around her finger and smirked. “I miss seeing his handsome face.”
“The prince is mourning the princess’s death,” the captain reminded her.
“Snow was a child, and I doubt he was as in love with the frivolous princess as he claimed. There was nothing appealing about that girl except for her being the heiress to the throne. Vampires are cunning. I’m cunning, too.” She smirked. “Last time he was here, I went to his bedroom and collected his hair. I have a love potion prepared that will be enough to bring him to his knees and swear his loyalty and undying love to me.”
“A love potion?” The captain raised his brows. “When are you planning on giving it to him, my queen?”
She mused about his question. Slowly descending the steps from the throne, she folded her arms over her stomach and propped up her breasts. “I’ll need to pour it in his drink. Since the prince is coming here, we might as well throw a party tonight to celebrate his arrival. It would be rude not to properly receive him.”
“The king is bedridden, and the princess’s funeral was a couple of days ago. I don’t know if the people will see this in the positive light.”
“The people? They aren’t invited to the party. I’ll only invite the nobles to the palace and offer them a feast. They need to know who’s in charge. I also need to secure their support. Once the king dies, there are still a few family members who need to be killed and alliances to be made. I can’t have anyone else demanding my crown.”
“I’ll do anything necessary to please you, my queen,” the captain assured with a bow of his head. His lips curled into a smile. “As long as you keep your promise and grant me a noble title and some land of my own.”
The queen rested a hand on his shoulder. “Once the king’s relatives are dead, there’ll be plenty of noble titles available and castles to be offered to my loyal servants.”
The captain placed his hand on her waist and edged closer. “Will you need me in your bed tonight, my lady? It’s been a while since you’ve last called for me.”
Her index finger sustained his chin, and she leaned forward. “As much as I enjoyed our time together, my prince is coming, and I’ll be entertaining him for the next days.”
“He’s not here yet,” he purred, moving his hand up to her breasts.
Marlena caught his wrist before he could touch her. “I’ll be the one to decide whether I want you touching me or not. For now, keep your paws to yourself.” She let go and pushed him away. “I’ll be in the king’s quarters. It’s time for him to take his medicine. Call me when the prince arrives.”
Circling the captain, Marlena left the throne room without another word.
Chapter TWENTY-FOUR
Dorian’s POV
The plan had been set in motion. I had no other choice than to return to the Meadows Kingdom and entertain the queen while the rest of my party freed the king and neutralized the guards. Once the Fairy Queen’s husband was released from the mirror, Marlena would be weaker. The problem was that he had to find the magical secret room.
Snow was carrying the potion that Drake’s physician had prepared to give to her father. Having her with me on this mission made me feel more anxious. But, she wanted to help, and we were going to need her presence to prove to the nobles and the people that she was alive. Father and daughter also needed to be reunited.
I shook my head and focused on the road. I had to pretend to come from my kingdom with a guard of eleven knights. Snow, Drake, Jake, and another werewolf were disguised with my kingdom’s armor. We hoped it was enough to fool the guards at the gate and give us access to the palace.
Luke had played his part perfectly. Not only had he instructed my father on what to write the queen about my attack in her kingdom, he also returned to help me neutralize the Evil Queen and restore the throne of the Meadows Kingdom to its rightful ruler. For that, my acting skills were vital. Marlena’s interest in me played an important part.
The news of my visit to her kingdom had certainly reached her by now. I just had to continue the journey and infiltrate the palace.
The Meadows Palace presented itself on the horizon as our horses made their way to the gatehouse where the soldiers were protecting the iron gate. A moment of tension followed when the captain of the guard showed up to talk to us and inspect my guards with narrowed eyes.
It was unusual, but I wasn’t going to complain since I was a visitor and no longer the princess’s suitor. My gaze followed the captain as he and another soldier strolled through my men until they stopped in front of me.
“Won’t the queen receive me? I’ve s
ent word of my arrival,” I said when my eyes locked with the captain’s icy ones.
Clearing his throat, he replied, “This is standard procedure.”
“Since when?”
“Since the princess was attacked and killed.”
I glared at him and clenched my jaw. Attacked by you.
“The prince is in a hurry to speak with the queen and know more about the king’s health,” Luke intervened, moving his horse closer to mine. “I’m sure your kingdom wants to continue being our ally.”
The captain sneered. “Two soldiers will accompany you the rest of the way. They’ll show you where your men can leave their horses and rest. You’ll be required to leave your weapons behind, though.”
“Why?” I asked, unable to mask my surprise.
“Standard procedure,” he replied and grinned. “We can’t be careful enough these days with so many rogue werewolves attacking in the woods. The queen’s safety comes first.”
“What does that have to do with us?” I questioned, gripping the reins.
“Only the kingdom’s guards are allowed to have weapons. I’m sure you trust that we are capable of defending you in case of danger.” He averted his eyes from mine. “You’ll get the weapons back once you leave.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“You brought more guards with you. It’s wise, since you were lucky to have survived last time,” he added with a wave of his hand. “At least, so I’ve been told. Enjoy your stay.”
I looked at Luke and ignored the captain’s provocation. “Comply with their demands.”
Luke nodded and glanced back at Drake and Snow before looking at the captain. “Show us the way.”
A few more minutes of riding, and we stopped by the stables. My men dismounted and unpacked while the guards called for the servants and the stable boys. We climbed the narrowed stairs that led to the palace’s living area, and I was guided to a bedroom that was reserved for the visitors.
Snow, Luke, and Drake followed behind me as the servant assured me that he would find one more room for my entourage. I didn’t want them sleeping far from where I was. I wasn’t sure if we could put our plan into motion that day, but I wasn’t going to leave my wife amidst the soldiers. It wasn’t a safe place for a female.
“I’ll warn the queen of your arrival before coming back to help unpack your belongings, Your Highness,” the servant said, bowing.
“No need. I’ve brought my own pageboy. I’d appreciate it if you tell the queen that I want an audience with her as soon as possible.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He lowered his head, turned around, and left.
Once he disappeared, Snow removed her helmet and stumbled into my bedroom.
“I was almost out of breath,” she complained, sitting on the bed and putting her hand against her chest.
The sound of heavy boots against the hardwood floor alerted me to us having company. Drake and Luke entered my room, carrying a big chest that had been searched. It had my clothes and personal belongings. Still, the guards wanted to check for hidden weapons before I was allowed to bring it upstairs.
“The security is heavy,” Luke said, lowering and placing the chest on the floor.
“We weren’t planning to kill them anyway.” Drake removed the helmet and ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll knock out a guard and steal his uniform to walk around the palace.”
“What if someone recognizes you?” Luke asked.
“No one knows what I look like. They only know my wolf form.”
“When can I see my father?” Snow asked.
“Once the guards are asleep in the guardhouse, we’ll take care of them,” I said to Snow. “But I have to speak with the queen and find a way to steal her key. Without it, we can’t free the Fay King.”
“I’m going downstairs to help our men unpack the barrels of cider and make sure it’s served to the guards for dinner. Then, I’ll use my speed to search the palace for the magical room,” Luke informed.
“Do you have the magical locator that the Fairy Queen gave you?” Drake asked.
“Of course.” Luke patted his chest. “It’s hanging from my necklace, and it’ll tug at the chain if the room is nearby. I have this figured out, and I already know all the corners of this palace from the last time I was here.”
“What can I do to help?” Snow asked.
“Help me change. You’re my pageboy for the time being and can’t leave my quarters. I need to be presentable if I plan to seduce the witch.”
She nodded.
“We’ll meet here in two hours to share information,” Drake said.
Luke and Drake dispersed, and Snow got up to help me with my clothes. It didn’t take long for the servant to appear at my door and tell me that the queen was expecting me in the throne room.
“The prodigal prince has returned.” The queen, wearing a flamboyant red gown, stared at me from her throne. “I was surprised to know that you were returning here after the harsh missive sent by your father.”
“I apologize for that. He was concerned about my well-being.” I put a hand over my heart and bowed to her.
“I can understand that. I was concerned, too, upon hearing that you were attacked.” She rose from her seat and sashayed down the steps. “Those vicious creatures need to be stopped. I would feel terrible if something happened to you.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Are you completely healed? The missive wasn’t clear about your injuries.”
“I’m well and healed but felt bad for not being able to find anything else about Snow. Not even her body.” I paused to examine her expression. “I heard you buried an empty casket to give your subjects peace.”
She nodded and circled me, pacing as if she had somewhere to go. I turned around to watch what she was doing. Marlena glided to a small table against a wall that had iron cups and a jar with a red liquid inside.
“The journey was long and weary. You must be thirsty.” She poured two cups with the red liquid and came back with them in her hands. “Care to join me for a refreshment? I know vampires can ingest liquids without feeling sick to their stomach.”
“That’s true.” I accepted the cup.
“I like to think that I was a good host to you when Snow was alive.” She took a sip of her drink without taking her narrowed eyes from my cup.
I looked at the liquid and inhaled the fragrance. It didn’t smell rotten or suspicious. Marlena was also drinking, which meant that it couldn’t be harmful to me.
She spun around and walked to the armchairs, where she sat and indicated to the seat next to her. “Sit.”
I obliged.
She leaned closer. “Aren’t you thirsty?”
I replied by drinking it and emptying the cup. Swallowing the last drop, I directed the conversation. “I came here because I was worried about you. The king doesn’t seem to be getting better, and you have a kingdom to rule all by yourself.”
She crossed her legs and massaged her earlobe with her thumb and index. Her long black hair was partially secured by diamond pins, and a tress rested on her back. She parted her red lips to breathe, and then they stretched into a smile. “I’m feeling happier now that you are here. I was afraid you wouldn’t come back. You seemed awfully distressed by Snow’s death. Maybe even a bit paranoid. It was hard to accept what happened, but you witnessed with your own eyes how those beasts operate.”
“Indeed.”
“I’m glad no harm came to you. Snow wasn’t so lucky. Of course, she wasn’t a valiant warrior like yourself.”
I glanced at the empty cup. “While I was away, I had time to think about what we have talked about.” I got up and walked to the table where I placed the cup. Turning around, I looked at the queen. “The king hasn’t shown any signs of recovering. You must be feeling overwhelmed.”
“The nobles have been showing discontentment, but things will get better now that you are here.”
I arched an eyebrow. “How so?”
She smirked. “I have a feeling that you will want to stay for a while.”
Keeping the eye contact, I assured her, “I’m here to serve you, milady.”
She uncrossed her legs, and her hands dropped to her lap. “You must be tired from your trip.”
“Not at all.”
“It must have been a long journey to get here.” She stood up. “I prepared a feast for tonight to celebrate your arrival. I’ll tell my servants to serve you a light lunch in your bedroom, and I’ll send for someone in the evening, so you can join me at the banquet. I’m sure the nobles will be happy to know that our kingdoms remain allied.”
My eyebrows knitted together at her blunt dismissal. I was sure she would be friendlier with me. She never lost a chance to flirt in the past. Now, she seemed eager to get rid of me.
I edged closer to her. “Am I boring you?”
“Not at all. I have to attend to my husband. He’s been feeling worse. Your arrival certainly has cheered me up.”
“I understand.” I lowered my gaze to the ground. “I’ll be in my quarters and look forward to spending more time with you tonight.”
She touched my shoulder. “We’ll have a great time, I’m sure of it.” Her lips morphed into an enigmatic smile that made the hair on the nape of my neck stand up.
Without another word, she walked away, leaving a trail of suffocating perfume behind. The collar of my shirt felt tight around my neck, and my mouth was dry. I cleared my throat and swallowed hard. Suddenly, the room felt hot. I held my hand against my chest.
Luke and Drake knew what to do, and Snow was by herself in my bedroom. Resting for a bit sounded like a good idea.
Chapter TWENTY-FIVE
Snow’s POV
Men’s clothes were comfortable. At least, the ones that Dorian had lent me. I didn’t know that pants gave that much freedom of movement. Plus, the fabric was something I’d never experienced before. It was better than elven silk. Vampire technology was advanced, but I didn’t know that their fabrics were also different from anything else.