Sing For Me

by Ellabee Andrews

  The offer is tempting, as I really do hate him touching me, and each time he does, thoughts of the senator pop up, reminding me of what almost happened. But if he does, that would blow my cover, and make those around me suspicious. “Thank you, Daruk, but I’ll be fine. I’m not new to having men come onto me, even if your brother seems more persistent than most.”

  As I speak, his face grows cloudy, and those shadows I noticed at dinner seem to darken and draw nearer to him. If he was anyone else, it would probably terrify me, but up to this point, Daruk has always been kind and patient with me. Because of that, I find it hard to be afraid of his darker parts. Still, I’m curious about them.

  “Daruk? I know that as a Wendigo, you can manipulate shadows and have a high tolerance to the cold, but it seems like more than that with you. Almost like, instead of you manipulating the shadows, they’re alive and flock to you? Does that make me sound crazy?” I ask, searching his face for an answer, and rather than shut down at my questions, a smile twists his lips.

  “You noticed that, did you?” he asks, looking slightly embarrassed, which I have to admit is a rather adorable look on him. “Well, the shadows are shadows, but something about me makes them something more too. No one normally mentions it, since Drakson is future king and is supposed to be the most powerful. I try to keep it from happening around others for that very reason, but their strength tends to be tied to my emotions, and lately… I’ve been experiencing quite a few strong ones,” he says, and his pale eyes dip to my mouth before looking back up into my eyes.

  Swallowing hard, I don’t resist as he slowly reaches out his hand, allowing me time to pull away if I wish, before cupping my cheek in his hand. Like he’s read my mind, he lowers his voice, but makes sure to keep his head straight so that his lips are in clear view. “I know that you are wondering who to trust right now, and what you should do about Queen Merryweather’s wishes, but believe me when I tell you that, myself and the others, are committed to keeping you safe. In or out of Aviary.”

  His voice is so quiet that I read his lips more than hear him, and my pulse speeds at what he’s implying. The only way he would know about what the queen said is… “You were there? During our talk?” I ask, pitching my voice low as well, and still, his eyes shoot around the room before he silently nods.

  I wrack my brain on how he could have pulled it off, and remember how when I first arrived, I thought I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I had turned toward the movement, but when I looked, all that had been there was an old armoire in a dark corner. One that the light barely touched. Realizing now that that must have been him, I think about what this could mean. If he’s spying on the queen, then he wouldn’t dare tell her that I’m planning to run for fear of retaliation.

  He’s quiet as I work this out, and when I finally focus back on his face, he gives another nod. I have so many questions to ask him, mainly why he was in the queen’s private office, but he places a finger gently over my lips to keep them sealed. Moving his lips slowly, he mouths, “We will speak of this when we’re with the others. Until then, it’s not the place to discuss it. Come now, Arius said you wanted to meet with us all, and if we don’t want to be late, we should go.”

  I place my questions on hold for now, and rise when he does, prepared to head out, but in doing so, I forget that I’m supposed to be holding the robe to keep me covered. The robe that I left behind on the bed. At his strangled sound, I look up, his face almost pained as he looks away, and when he motions with his hand, I realize that I’m once again standing in front of him in just my underwear.

  Moving quickly to snatch it up, I mumble, “I’m sorry. Just let me throw something on and I’ll meet you outside my window,” before I walk toward the large wardrobe Draga had helped me fill.

  Daruk doesn’t waste time in complying, and before I can even make it to the doors, I turn to see that he’s gone, the curtains outside my window swaying silently in the still room. While I dress, I think about all that I’ve learned tonight, and what I still stand to learn at the meeting. Daruk had asked me to trust him and the others, and knowing about his presence in the queen’s office, tells me that they may have their own secrets that they’ll be entrusting me with.

  The thought is both soothing, and terrifying. Soothing because I know that it will keep them silent, or at least, hesitant to reveal my own deception to the queen, but terrifying because what is so important that Daruk would risk treason for? And that’s exactly how the queen would see it. Wendigo Prince or not, this is still her kingdom, and him listening into her conversations, would have severe repercussions.

  Dressed and ready to find out the answers to all of these questions, I walk up to my window, looking down at the ground at least thirty feet below. Standing with my arms out at my sides, I let gravity take me, only stretching out my wings when I’m about ten feet away, and feel the wind push against them and slow my fall. As my feet make contact, I enjoy the fading rush that always accompanies flying and look around for Daruk. Like magic, he seems to step out of the shadows before me, and can’t hide his smirk as his sudden appearance causes me to jump and place my hand over my pounding heart. “That’s it, you’re getting a bell,” I say, and he laughs, the deep sound doing nothing for my racing heart.

  Not prepared to analyze my reaction to him right now, I just turn and with a look in either direction to ensure no one is around, I start to walk toward the gardens, and the allies that may wait for me there.

  Chapter Twenty

  I don’t hear Daruk walking behind me, but I’m not surprised. With the way he moves in and out of the shadows, I suspect he could go anywhere he wants and no one would ever be the wiser. Besides, if what he said is true, I know that he won’t leave me alone while outside. Not while Bailey is still out there somewhere.

  Arriving at the garden, I begin to make my way through the maze-like shrubbery, moving by memory alone. I don’t even sense anyone else in the area around me until warm hands wrap around me and I’m pulled back into a solid chest.

  “Don’t say anything,” Daruk says softly into my right ear and I just barely make out the words, but as he holds me flush against him, I do as he says.

  Seconds later, Daruk pulls me impossibly closer, and I can’t believe my eyes as the shadows around seem to detach and move toward us, sheltering us as a guard walks by, his eyes scanning the area with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  My heart beats so hard that it’s loud to my own ears, but the guard continues on like he doesn’t see or hear us. All the while, Daruk holds me against him, and even if I haven’t known him long, I feel comfortable wrapped up in his arms.

  Holding on for a few beats after the guard passes, I don’t dare breathe until Daruk’s hold finally relaxes around me, before dropping from me completely. Turning to look at him, I find that his eyes are hooded, but instead of saying anything, he just grabs my hand before pulling me towards the planned meeting area.

  The rest of our walk is quiet, with neither of us talking about the guard that passed, or the look I saw on his face. But he keeps a firm grip on my hand, and I allow him to pull me along until I see a lone figure standing under the tree I slept beneath before.

  As we draw near, the figure turns, and I see that it’s Arius standing there, but rather than look at our faces, his eyes are focused on our joined hands. It’s weird, but for some reason, as he looks at where Daruk touches me, I have the odd urge to yank my hand away. The decision is removed from me when Daruk releases his hand from mine, and steps closer to Arius.

  “Where are the others?” Daruk asks, and Arius finally lifts those bi-colored eyes up, looking my way before turning to Daruk.

  “They’re doing a quick sweep to ensure we’re alone. There are more guards out on shift tonight, so I think the queen is ensuring Lorelei doesn’t try to run,” Arius says, and I realize Daruk must have filled him in on the conversation between the queen and me.

  “Actually, we’re done with the sweep,�
� Draga says to my right, and steps away from a dark corner as a large hawk lands on the branch above my head.

  Uncaring about his nudity, Kendric shifts into his human form before dropping down beside us, landing on his one leg, before reaching to grab a bundle tucked behind the tree. His balance is perfect as he stands there, every inch of him on display as he attaches his prosthetic leg. It’s not easy keeping my eyes from dropping below his neck, while a blush stains my cheeks.

  Seeing me purse my lips as I focus on maintaining eye contact, a smirk curls his mouth into an expression that is all male satisfaction. “What’s the matter, Princess? Something bothering you?” he asks, feigning concern, but the gleam in his eyes tells me otherwise. He knows exactly what’s bothering me, and is trying to either goad me or embarrass me. Not sure which it is, I turn from him and smile at Draga.

  “Hey, Princess. Fancy seeing you here. Nice night for a stroll isn’t it?” she asks, and her lighthearted humor helps to ease some of my nerves for a second. Until I meet the eyes of those around me and see that none are smiling.

  “Lorelei, you wanted to speak with us?” Arius prompts when I just stand there staring between them. I know that I need their help, but I’m still not sure how much I want to say. So I turn my attention to Daruk.

  “You were spying on the queen today. Why?” I ask instead of answering Arius’ question, and receive a raised brow at my change of subject.

  Tilting his head to the side like he’s examining me, Daruk says, “Yes, I was in there. And I heard you tell her that you don’t want to marry Drakson.”

  Irritated that we both seem to be keeping our knowledge close, I reply with another question. “If you heard that, then did you hear what she said would happen if I were to refuse?”

  Fed up with our back and forth, Kendric curses before stepping forward and into my line of sight. He’s dressed now, wearing the same black uniform as Arius, and even though it’s not a good time, I can’t help but notice how the black is a close match to his dark eyes. At least in the moonlight, it is.

  “Listen, we don’t have time for this bullshit! Princess, you don’t want to marry Drakson, and if you’re anything like you were when you were a little girl, then you’re either going to fight to change the queen’s mind, or run. You never were one to accept things easily,” he says, surprising me with how well he knows me after all this time. He then spins on Daruk. “And you, we either trust her or we don’t, but answering all of her questions vaguely isn't going to do any good in gaining her help. Make a choice. She’s either in or out.”

  I barely breathe as I look back and forth between the two, their eyes locked. I find myself caring more than I should about what Daruk will say. It shouldn’t matter if they trust me, since I’ve decided not to completely trust them either, but it does for some reason.

  “You’re right,” Daruk finally breathes, before focusing his gaze back on mine. “I apologize for my hedging, Lorelei, but I’m so used to being cautious when around others, that it sometimes gets the best of me.

  “The truth of the matter is that, like you, we could use some help. I was in the queen’s office because there’s been talk of her working with someone on the outside to plan an attack against the Frost Kingdom.”

  “What?” I gasp, bewildered by what he’s suggesting. “Why would she do that? That doesn’t make sense. She threatened your lives because I told her I wouldn’t marry Drakson. She wants this union and is willing to kill whoever it takes to make it happen. Seems like a lot of work just to wage war against them.”

  “That, Lorelei, is what Daruk is trying to find out, and why we also need your help,” Draga says, joining the conversation, more serious than I’ve ever seen her.

  “What can I do? I mean, she is probably going to be watching me really closely after our talk, so I don’t see how I can help,” I say, but none of them look concerned.

  “That’s precisely what we want her to do. If she’s watching you, then she’s not watching others as closely. But to help, you’ll need to stick around for a bit. Not run away,” Arius says, and I can understand their point, but they’re leaving out one very important part.

  Shifting to stand straighter, I make sure to take the time to meet all of their gazes. “If I help you, then what’s in it for me? Why shouldn’t I leave right now and let you take care of all this yourself? You’re all very capable. So why should I stick around? No offense, you two, but your brother is a pig. I’m not inclined to spend a lot of extra time around him,” I admit, and no one tries to convince me otherwise about Drakson.

  Clearing his throat, it’s Daruk that steps forward. “If you help us out, then when it’s time, we’ll help you and Sal disappear. And you’ll also receive a sizable sum from my kingdom that will ensure you can stay hidden. Anywhere you want to go, we’ll make it happen. All you have to do is stick around and randomly do things to make the queen suspicious, but nothing that will get you into trouble. We’ll handle the rest. What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

  I already know what my answer is, but I take my time to reply. They don’t need to know that I had already considered asking for their help, or that I was going to stick around for a bit anyway. They’ve taken a risk by telling me of their plans, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready to just bare my soul to them. I’ve been burned too many times recently by those who were supposed to care for me to trust so easily.

  Satisfied I’ve made them wait long enough, I stick my hand out, palm down and wait. Draga is the first to catch on, and lays hers on top of mine with the others following suit. Kendric, of course, is the last to join, like I thought he would be.

  “I’ll do this, but when it’s time for me to run, I’m holding you to your side of the deal. If you betray me, the song I sing won’t be one that entrances you, but it will ensure you never think about lying to me again,” I promise, and their faces are somber, but serious as they nod in unison.

  Ready to pull away, to get one last night of rest before our deadly game begins, Arius brings his other hand up, but instead of placing it on top of our pile, he encases my hand that is on the bottom so that it’s surrounded by their warmth.

  “We can do this, Lorelei, and we’ll keep you safe. You just keep the queen busy, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll have your freedom when it’s over,” he says.

  His words flood me with emotion and I can’t speak past the lump in my throat. Instead, I keep my gaze steadily on him so that he sees I’m taking this seriously, and after a short pause, we all pull away, ready to head back to the castle and our rooms.

  Walking quietly through the maze of flowers, Daruk and Draga on either side of me, I can’t help but think on how much my life has changed in such a short time. I went from a performer that was in love with her ringmaster, who I now suspect had manipulated those feelings within me by using magic. To him betraying my heart and trust, being rescued by three unconventional heroes, and finding a new friend in a Wendigo Princess. Sal is out there somewhere finding her way outside of the circus, and now I’m a princess that’s conspiring against the queen and the throne I’m supposed to one day sit upon, because I refuse to be bartered away to some pompous prince. Even for the sake of peace.

  I have spent too much time performing for the crowds, and bending to their will. It is my time now, and no one will tell me how to live. I am Princess Lorelei, future Queen of Aviary, and I’m nobody’s doormat. If anyone has a problem with that, then game on.

  Epilogue

  So preoccupied with their scheming, the group beneath the garden tree don’t notice me standing nearby, cloaked in darkness not unlike that of the Wendigo Prince. I’ve had my eye on them for a while, so I’m not surprised by their plans. The princess, however, is an addition I hadn’t anticipated.

  Seeing her now, looking fierce as she stands for what she wants, I feel my dick grow hard. She’s beautiful standing in the moonlight, her milky white skin only set off more by the thick, ebony wings that sit on her back.

&nbs
p; She has a face statues are carved after, and a body that begs for me to cover it with my mouth, but I have to be patient. She’s faced much in the last few weeks, and I fear that if I approach her too soon with my intentions, I’ll frighten her away.

  Sinking back further into the shadows as they disperse, I run through my head everything I must do, taking into account the princess’ involvement with this rogue group. It won’t be easy, but as an idea starts to form, I realize that this all could work in my favor.

  As those fools gather information against the queen, I’ll leave small trails behind that will eventually lead back to them, all while growing closer to the princess. This way, when I kill the queen, they will be the most obvious perpetrators, and I’ll be there to ease the princess into her new role.

  She’ll be queen, so she’ll have the option of taking whomever she chooses as her consort, and I’m going to make sure that I’m the only choice.

  She doesn’t realize it, as she flies back to her chambers with a determined look on her face, but she’s already lost. I always win in the end. And this time, my prize will be her and her kingdom.

  The End

  Sneak Peek

  Keep reading for a look at my novel, Wishing For Them. Available now.

  Princes and Pedigree

  All little girls dream of their happily ever after. Of ball gowns and glass slippers. Chivalrous princes on white steeds and a shimmering crown of jewels and pearls. Or of the castle they will live in, where servants and handmaidens will be at their beck and call. It sounds magical doesn’t it?