Tanith & Shaw (The Fealty of Firstborns Series Book 1)

by H. V. Rosemarie

  She felt her maid’s breath on the back of her neck as she considered her answer. “I’m not royal, so I don’t have the mind for such things, but I’d imagine he’d have your memory wiped and then order guards to escort you off the island. It’s a small price to pay to avoid a war.”

  That would be two faeries making decisions for her if she didn’t step up and do so herself. It only added to the growing pressure she felt on her shoulders.

  “You wouldn’t happen to have made this decision once upon a time?” she asked. It was a long shot, but any guidance from someone who went through the same thing would have eased her nerves if nothing else.

  “Absolutely not,” Kenna answered, amused. “I was never royal, but my four-times great-grandmother was the princess of Xeres.”

  Tanith couldn’t help but turn around and give the blonde woman a second glance. Unlike Ward and his family, she lacked the almond tone of skin, the slanted eyes, and dark hair that ran through the royal line.

  “The pale and blond is from my father’s side,” she explained. “Believe it or not, I became even blonder after I peaked in fae years.”

  “There’s a peak?”

  “Of course. There are fae babies and fae toddlers, but it can take a full century for us to reach adulthood. By then, the immortality settles in, preserving our bodies to the bone. It changes our features slightly too. Our eye colors. Hair. Height.”

  It was difficult for Tanith to fathom the idea, but she tried to understand to the best of her ability, silently hoping someone had already recorded the simple facts for her to study up on later.

  “And all of this just snaps into place when you’re an adult?”

  “No. Puberty is a process,” Kenna told her, briefly dunking her under the water before running shampoo through her dark hair. “It’s similar to how it occurs in humans, but ours only takes seven days. It’s extremely painful and many young fae need to be drugged to make it through the process, but once it’s completed, we’re in our forever bodies.”

  “No wrinkles,” Tanith considered absentmindedly. “That must be nice.”

  “Very.”

  “What about Leevi? He’s older than the rest of you. There’s no way that’s his puberty body.”

  Kenna hummed knowingly. “Leevi isn’t like the rest of us. It was harder for him to come to terms with living forever, and there was a time when he tried to take his own life.”

  “Suicide?” Tanith remembered what Riven had told her about his parents—about how they’d decided to die together after living for so long. “I thought that was normal among the fae? Choosing to die eventually.”

  “It is, but Leevi was barely a teenager when he made the attempt. He tried to poison himself using information from an old human book but didn’t account for his fae genes. He only ended up having a mild seizure and when his mother found him, she sent him to the Elclave across the island. They’re the fae version of spiritual monks, and Leevi practiced mindful healing with them for two decades before returning to the city to pursue his passion. Once he did, he’d forsaken the monk’s teachings and deprived himself of the amount of iron it takes to maintain fae blood. Because of the malnutrition—lack of food, sleep, and exercise over the course of the last three centuries, he’s started to age again. Not quite at a human rate, but enough to be noticeable.”

  “Sounds painful. Is his passion astronomy?”

  Tanith’s guess was far-fetched considering she’d made it wholly based on the fact that he seemed to spend his days in the observatory.

  “No. Pawning. He was going to open his own shop, so he was looking for space. There was another pawnshop that was closing down when he saw the glass cube on display. When he touched it, he discovered his gift.”

  “Seeking?”

  “Yes. Nearly half of the fae never uncover their Ghods given talent, despite the fact that they spend centuries trying. Every gift is special, but his… His is extraordinary. It gave Riven’s father an advantage that the fae never had before: a direct peek into the human lands.”

  “How did he end up here?”

  Kenna hummed, rinsing Tanith’s hair with deft fingers. “Once Leevi’s gift became public knowledge, the need for fae spies in the human lands decreased significantly. If the king wanted to know something, he needed only turn to the Seeker. It made sense to keep him close by. As for the people curious to see his gift in action, there’s another fae in the city whose gift is the same as whoever he last touches. Every once in a while, he shows up here to give Leevi a tap on the shoulder so that everyone else can experience the show.”

  “Wow. What’s your gift?”

  The blonde laughed slightly. “I wouldn’t be a maid if I knew what my gift was. Not unless it was completely useless, anyway.”

  “Then what’s your story?” Tanith went on. “How did you end up here?”

  “I volunteered,” Kenna admitted. “Truth be told, many fae struggle with finding a purpose. We know our histories were grand as we all descended from royals, and we know the future is bright. Expansion waits if we’re all patient, but it’s this middle part that’s difficult. I needed something to do, and my mother had a connection that got me assigned here. It’s simple enough work. Easy to do, but long, tiring hours. Better than nothing, I suppose.”

  “And you live in the castle?”

  Tanith watched her shake her head in the reflection of the mirror. “No. In the essential housing on royal grounds. The bush wall blocks the sight of our building, but I get to stroll through the gardens every morning on my way to work. That’s a plus.”

  “All the maids live there?”

  “The regulars. Some volunteer to be brought in during big events, and they live elsewhere, but most of us are needed close by. Some guards stay there too while working for weeks at a time, and a couple others. The librarians, the chefs, and the stable hands.”

  “No one ever lived with us,” Tanith admitted. “Not even on the grounds. Then again, our city was a bit closer. That reminds me, is Wickenvare sixty miles long? I think that was the estimate I read in one of my studies.”

  Kenna burst out laughing, hysterical at the question. “Sixty? Try six hundred. Most of it is undeveloped though, mostly to preserve the natural beauty of the island, but also because our population doesn’t grow as quickly as one might assume. There are less than five fae children born every year and usually no more than thirty or forty per decade.”

  “Six hundred,” Tanith repeated in disbelief. “Six hundred miles! That’s enough for each family to have their own castle, no doubt. Why don’t you, or do your friends all live here with you?”

  “Many of them do. My husband and I share our quarters and a lot of other couples do as well, but we don’t desire to settle down anywhere. Not yet. Some of us have an idea of where we want to go after the human lands fall. For me, I’d like to trace my roots back to Xeres and help rebuild my ancestor’s homeland. A new fae kingdom—one that will never fall.”

  “You’re married?”

  “Mhm. For the last eighteen years,” Kenna practically sang. “His name is Bear. His father was one of the original settlers; a prince from Shadow Hunt.”

  Tanith perked up as Kenna finished rinsing her off, helping her out of the tub without slipping and wrapping her in a fluffy white towel.

  “Shaw’s ancestor?”

  The maid paused in thought. “From one of the earliest starts of the Shaw line, yes. Come on, now. You still have to dress and get to breakfast. It wouldn’t be wise to keep the king waiting.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Tanith begged Kenna not to curl her hair. It was Meelah’s natural texture, not hers, and she didn’t want to be reminded of the younger princess’s untimely departure.

  Instead, the maid opted to braid Tanith’s hair back, exposing the square neckline of her pale blue dress. It was a simple make in comparison to the other designs women wore on Wickenvare, but still fit for royalty. By blood, she supposed they all were.

 
The dining room already had food set on the table as opposed to the buffet-style the evening before, and Tanith passed Ardeen and Uhri on their way out.

  “You’re done already?”

  The dark-skinned woman smiled. “Not all of us slept in. I have to meet with an advisor in a few minutes anyway. If I’m going to stay here, I’ll need to find where my interests lie before the rest of you decide. If you choose to remain here, we’ll be sworn in and granted the option to touch the Light together.”

  “Perhaps you could be a guard,” Uhri suggested. “I’ve been looking into the training, and it might be something we could do together.”

  Ardeen pursed her lips. “That sounds sweaty, but I’ll consider it. I’ll see you later, Tanith.”

  She was left to eat alone, scarfing down eggs on toast and iced pastries before Riven finally joined her.

  “Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked, her plate nearly scraped clean.

  The king shook his head and watched from his chair. “I ate at dawn.”

  “Of course, you did,” she muttered, wondering if immortals even slept. They probably didn’t need to. “Are we going to the library after this?”

  The silver-haired man smiled. “Change of plans. I’ll introduce you to the historians tomorrow, but today, I think there’s someone you’re going to want to meet.”

  Tanith rose a brow, swallowing her last bite and taking a long sip of orange juice. “Who?”

  Riven stood, holding out his hand. “Come with me.”

  Hesitantly, she did, following him out of the dining room and through the front doors where two horses were waiting. His was light gray, spotted with black, and hers was white with a golden mane. They were amazing creatures, certainly bigger than any horses they had in Ellesmere.

  “Meet Gloss and Knickers,” Riven introduced.

  Tanith swallowed a laugh as she stroked her hand along the silky fur. “Interesting names. Why did you choose them?”

  “I didn’t, but many of the fae find human terms intriguing, even if they don’t know what they mean.” An absent-minded smile graced his lips. “I didn’t have the heart to tell the breeder I bought them from.”

  “Do me a favor and don’t hold back if I say something that ends up sounding ridiculous in your language. My feelings aren’t meant to be spared, and if you allow me to look like a fool, I won’t spare you,” she warned.

  Riven chuckled to himself as he appeared behind her, breathing down her neck. “Not many would dare to threaten a king,” he told her, slipping his hands around her waist and lifting her into the saddle. “I admire that you do.”

  A warmth rushed through Tanith, a blush creeping up her neck. He’d done it on purpose, just to get her reaction, so she focused on gripping the reins to keep him from being too satisfied.

  “No guards today,” he told the silver-coats behind them. “We’ll return before dinner.”

  “Very well, my King,” one guard answered, dipping his head in respect.

  Riven clicked his tongue, leading the way and looking over his shoulder to ensure Tanith was following.

  “We’re going to the city,” she guessed. It was the closest civilization, and they hadn’t packed any lunch for a longer journey.

  “We are,” Riven agreed. “But I’m still not telling you where.”

  She nearly rolled her eyes. “I don’t like surprises. Given that the only thing you know about me is that I love history, I’m assuming you’re taking me to a museum.”

  “No.”

  “Somewhere celebrating the arts?”

  “No.”

  “A bakery?”

  “No.”

  Tanith let out a breath of frustration. “Where exactly do you think I would enjoy going that isn’t any of those places? Is this a test?”

  “What would be the purpose in testing you?” he wondered. “I’ll have you know I’m trying to woo you into falling in love with Wickenvare. Nothing else.”

  “Yeah. That’s what you’re trying to woo me into,” she muttered under her breath, remembering his hands on her waist. Even the high quality of the dress fabric hadn’t been able to prevent her from feeling the warmth of his skin.

  “What was that?” he asked.

  She nearly cursed herself, remembering he could probably hear the sound of a bee’s wings from half a mile away. “Nothing. Are we going shopping?”

  “We could stop by a few outlets later if you’d like.”

  Tanith hummed in thought. Kenna seemed to enjoy choosing her clothes for her, even if they didn’t suit her tastes. “No. My maid takes care of that.”

  Riven looked back at her, a knowing glint in his eyes. “I thought you hated surprises?”

  “I do, but I won’t be surprised tomorrow when she comes into my bedroom withholding pants.”

  The king barked a laugh. “If you wanted some, you need only ask.”

  “I did.”

  He shook his head with humor. “Ah. I forgot how hard-headed Kenna can be. In that case, I’ll make you a deal. You choose to stay in Wickenvare, and I’ll let you have all the pants you want.”

  “Really? That’s your bargain?”

  Riven shrugged. “You’re considering it, though, aren’t you?”

  Tanith frowned. “A little.”

  The king studied her as they trotted down the road, his demeanor becoming more serious. “What’s stopping you? Truly, I understand the loyalty to your country and your family, but if your sister has already made her decision to return to Ellesmere whether or not you do, isn’t it only fair that you have the chance to make the same choice unhindered by personal affairs?”

  She couldn’t help but sigh. “Yes. That’s fair, but what isn’t fair is the fact that my birthright gives me the chance to live while everyone else dies. I was raised believing in the fealty of firstborns, but I have a responsibility that goes beyond being sent to this island. A responsibility to my people.”

  “No one understands that more than a king,” he assured her, “but the fae carry on their royal bloodlines here, knowing that they will have more people—permanent kingdoms when the time comes.”

  “But who decided on that?”

  “The Ghods. Back when they would appear to the first fae, they told us about the Great Cleansing. As the human populations dwindle and the fae increase, we purify our bloodlines to bring success in our future endeavors. It’s just the natural way of things.”

  Riven watched her carefully as she considered his statement.

  “The Great Cleansing. That sounds…”

  “Evil?” Riven chuckled. “It does, and it would be if we were actively killing off humans.”

  “But you’re not.”

  He shook his head. “No. Humanity has every right to live for as long as it can. The fae will only step into the light and rebuild what has fallen when the last human draws their final breath.”

  “And there’s no way to stop the demise of humanity? No way to coexist?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Riven answered. “Not without sacrificing our values, which we would have to do to defend ourselves when the humans would eventually call us to war.”

  Tanith wasn’t thrilled about her options, but she knew he was right. She understood why they protected the Light so fiercely because the fae were nothing if not peaceful and patient.

  “Then my concerns spillover. Forever is a long time, and I’m not sure what there is here for me beyond a career. At what point is that more important than family and connections? I have those in Ellesmere. I have that with Kent.”

  “Every firstborn that’s chosen to stay has made a new family. They’ve been more than content, I promise you, and there have been no regrets. Not that they’ve made aware to me,” the silver-haired man assured.

  “Has anyone ever come back? After you’ve taken their memory, have they ever… felt a calling that this is where they belong?”

  Riven laughed. “Not in the way you think. There was one prince who tried to journey here agai
n before he was crowned king. He felt he needed to remember what had since been muddled in his mind to feel content.”

  “What happened?”

  “He hit the barrier and his boat sunk. He had to swim back to shore without his answers.”

  Tanith shook her head. “These cannot be my only options. I can’t come back to it later? Not even if you sought me out, returned my memory, and let me choose again in five years?”

  “Five years?” he asked in surprise. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible. If you return, I have no doubt you’ll be queen by then. There would be too many people wondering where you went. Getting an audience with you as a stranger would be difficult enough.”

  “As if you couldn’t use your super-speed to sneak up on me,” she mused.

  “I could, but something tells me you’d get in a few hits before I could explain why I was there. I’d rather not risk this,” he said, gesturing to his face.

  “You heal fast,” she reminded him.

  “But it would still hurt.”

  She snickered. “I didn’t know fae kings were so fragile.”

  The whole way to the city, it seemed like they took jabs at one another, ceasing to do so only when others were within earshot.

  Passersbys stopped to bow beside the streets as Riven rode down it, whispering among each other. Tanith couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she felt as though they were talking about her, probably wondering what she was doing with him.

  She wished she knew the answer too.

  They pulled up outside a tinker shop, creative metal sculptures and small machine parts displayed in the window. Without being asked, someone stopped to hold their horses while the king dismounted, helping Tanith to the ground as well.

  “Do you need something fixed?” she asked him, following him to the door.

  Riven shook his head and smiled, leading her inside. A bell jingled above the frame, ringing a few times as Tanith stepped in and got her bearings.

  There were rows of shelves with random trinkets, mostly metal or wood, and a glass counter towards the back of the shop. No one was there, but she heard footsteps in the back, a voice calling out.