I loved Mother that same way and I’d do anything to get her back. “I’m going to Unseelie tomorrow. To rescue Mother.” It’s where I should have gone originally, instead of relying on Rhiannon to help. “Would you mind if I took Raven?”
“What’s your plan?” If he was surprised at me wanting to go to Unseelie, he didn’t show it. “I’m sure you have one.”
I shrugged. “Sneak into the prison and break her out. Then run.” Probably for the rest of our lives. But at least we’d be together.
Fergus nodded. “You’re welcome to Raven anytime you want her. Would you consider letting me come too? We could leave now.”
SIXTEEN
Obsidian and Raven flew us through the night sky to Unseelie. As we left our picnic spot, Fergus whistled, and Buttercup came bounding along beside us. We only came down from the sky after we were through the castle gates. Fergus hid the horses with a glamour, and we left them grazing at the back of the stables where, he assured me, his trusted stable hand, Milo, would take care of them.
Fergus put his hand on the small of my back, directing me along a loose stone path toward the castle. The wind was cold, snow was in the air, and it was a shock after the humidity of the island.
“Where is the prison?” I’d never seen the Unseelie castle from the outside, and the dark stone building was huge. Four separate turret-like wings set in a square around the main building were attached to the main castle by floating walkways which could only have been held in place by magic.
“Beneath the main castle.”
It was fully dark, but the castle was illuminated. Balls of light in every color were dotted along the walkway from the stables to the castle. The same balls of color were strung from each of the many turrets, and light shone out from every window. Other, smaller buildings surrounded the castle inside the walls. According to Fergus, some buildings were homes to faithful servants and others were storage houses.
With his hand in mine, Fergus directed me off the path and into the darkness. He didn’t want anyone else to know he was here, and the lit pathway seemed to be a main thoroughfare with fae and humans rushing to and from the castle. We put our heads down and walked toward the nearest wing, where Fergus’ rooms were. Fergus wanted to change into more suitable Unseelie attire, whatever that was—probably anything but the black pants, shirt and riding boots he was currently wearing—after which, we’d search for Mother.
He let us in through a locked door with a flick of his hand, a blue haze wafting around him just before the door swung open. We climbed many narrow and winding flights of stone stairs to reach his rooms. A section at the top looked different from the rest, like the staircase and walls had been repaired more recently than any other part. My heart hammered the whole way. I told myself it was that way because I was finally close to Mother after all this time, and that it had nothing to do with Fergus’ close proximity.
Fergus’ rooms were bigger than our entire cottage. The bed chamber contained a huge four-poster bed at one end and two double seater black couches at the other. Between them was a small glass table with two chairs, and a bowl of fruit sitting in the center. Large windows looked over the brightly lit path below. Buttercup made a lap of the chamber, sniffing the couches, before jumping up on the bed, turning in three circles and curling up to sleep.
When Fergus emerged from his dressing room, he was wearing the same black evening wear I’d first seen him in, minus the mask. He held a pale pink tie in one hand and an ice-blue tie in the other. “Which one?
I nodded to the blue tie. It reminded me of the color of his magic.
He threw it around his neck and knotted it, just as there was a knock at his door. He walked over and opened it a crack, speaking quietly to whoever was on the other side, before pushing the door soundlessly shut. When he turned back, his face was grim.
“Who was that?”
He swallowed. “Milo. The stable hand.”
I jumped to my feet. “Are the horses all right?”
“Fine.” His nod was distracted.
I walked over to him. “What’s wrong?”
“I asked Milo when we were in the stables if Father had any unusual prisoners at the moment.” He glanced my way with a little shrug. “He’s good at shrinking into the shadows. Hardly anyone knows he’s around, so Milo often knows things he shouldn’t.”
“And…?” It was bad news, I could tell that much by Fergus’ face. “Is Mother … dead?”
He shook his head. “No. I mean, I don’t think so. But she’s not in the prison. Milo checked.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say. It was good he didn’t think she was dead, but we’d come here planning to break her out of the prison. If she wasn’t there, we had no plan.
He moved toward the window, a frown creasing his forehead.
“What do we do now? Search the castle? Check if she’s hidden somewhere else?” I moved to stand beside him at the window, following his gaze. Below, on the pathway, groups of people dressed in their best outfits flowed toward the castle. “What’s going on down there?”
Fergus shook his head, his frown deepening. “Winter Solstice Eve,” he murmured.
“You’re joking, right?” It had felt cold enough when we arrived, but surely he was wrong about the date.
Fergus opened his mouth to answer, but another knock at the door made him still.
“Prince Fergus?” A male voice called from the corridor.
Fergus moved to stand between me and the door, a finger on his lips.
“Prince Fergus! I know you’re in there. Laidlaw informed me you were seen exiting the stables.”
Fergus cursed beneath his breath before speaking in a bright voice, pitched toward his door. “Of course I’m here, Chester. Wouldn’t miss it. Just running a smidge late. I’ll be down as soon as I’ve bathed.”
A disgruntled and very loud sigh came from the other side of the door. Fergus didn’t relax until retreating footsteps marked Chester’s departure.
He swore again.
“What’s the matter?”
Fergus put his hand in his hair and his body hummed with tension. “Tonight is the eve of the Winter Solstice.”
He’d said that already, but I’d assumed he was wrong. I couldn’t have been in Faery that long. That would mean we’d spent five weeks in the prison in Seelie. “It can’t be. It didn’t seem cool enough for Winter Solstice on your island.”
Fergus’ face turned a pale shade of white. “Trust me. It is. Lanwick Island has its own microclimate, and it’s far hotter there than here on the mainland.” He ground his knuckles into his temples, speaking to himself. “There’s no way out of it. I’d hoped there might be, but…” He met my eyes. “I have to go. Royal duties. Stay here. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“You’re going to leave me in your chamber?” I shook my head. That was not happening.
“Well, it’s that, or you find your way back to the stables without anyone capturing you thinking you’re a spy from Seelie, unglamour Raven and ride back to the island.”
I sat down at the table. He knew I didn’t have a good enough handle on my magic to unglamour anything. “What’s going on?”
“Unseelie Court business. I can’t get out of it now, they know I’m here.” He sighed and sank down onto the edge of his bed.
Perhaps this was a good thing. I could sneak around the castle while he was gone. Search some empty rooms for Mother and once I had her, run back to Iadrun. I had to do something. There was no chance I was sitting around in this room waiting for Fergus to finish his Unseelie Court business.
Fergus met my gaze with serious eyes. “Don’t,” he whispered. “Whatever you’re thinking you might do, don’t. Do not wander around this castle without an escort or you’ll end up some place worse than here.” Like the prison beneath the castle.
There was shuffling outside his door. Fergus jumped to his feet, his sudden movement making me stand.
He again stepped in front of me. “Do not move.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
The door to his rooms flew open, banging against the stone wall behind it. Whoever it was hadn’t even bothered to knock. Fergus folded his arms in front of his chest and squared his shoulders. If he was trying to hide me, he was doing a superb job. I couldn’t see a thing past his body. Even on tip toes.
Two arms wrapped around his neck. “Ferg! You’re back and you’re alive. I was so worried. Was it awful? Did Queen Rhiannon hurt you?”
Another set of feet ran into the chamber, and I was greeted with Jax’s back as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Fergus. He was so wide—had so many muscles over his arms and chest—there was no chance I could see past to whoever he’d brought with him. What was he doing here, anyway?
Fergus cast Jax a questioning stare as he extracted himself from the female’s grasp. “Willow. Don’t you ever knock?” He spoke like he was bored, but the stiff line of his shoulders and his rushed instructions to me said he was anything but. At least I now knew who the mystery woman was. Princess Willow was Fergus’ sister. “And Jax, didn’t you go out with the Hunt tonight?”
Jax shook his head, his midnight blue hair rippling. “We just went for a quick ride. It’s been a long time.” Five weeks since many of them had been on their horses. “Saw you leaving. Thought you might come here. You didn’t expect me to miss your naming ceremony, did you?”
Fergus sighed. “I’d hoped I might miss it.”
I moved a little, trying to glimpse Willow, but Fergus moved blocking my view. She walked across the room and he turned with her, pushing me behind him with one hand. The bed squeaked as she sat down. “You didn’t answer my questions.” When Fergus remained silent, she huffed. “Fine. Will you at least tell me you’re all right?”
“Sorry, Ferg. I tried to keep her out.” Jax shook his head again.
I tried to peek around Fergus’ arm. I wanted to see his sister. And I wanted to know why they were hiding me from her.
Fergus sighed. “I’m fine, Willow. It’s good to see you, little sister.” There was a smile in Fergus’ voice, though his shoulders remained tense.
“I’m so glad you could make your own party. Jax said you’d escaped from Seelie, but he was sure you hadn’t come back here.” There was an accusation in her voice, and I wasn’t sure if it was aimed at Jax or Fergus. “Have you seen Father’s latest whore?” Willow’s questions came one after the other with barely a breath between.
Fergus gave a stiff shake of his head. His shoulders lifted like he was taking a breath to speak, but Willow was faster.
“Don’t worry. You soon will. She’s coming tonight. At least this one’s not the same age as you.”
“Thank the stars. Can you leave, please? I need to get ready.” He indicated toward the door.
There was a shuffling movement from the bed. “Ferg? Why are you standing like that?”
“Like what?” He dropped his arms to his sides. If he was trying to appear casual, even from behind, it was a fail.
The bed moved again, then there were footsteps on the wooden floor. Willow’s voice was suspicious. “Both of you. You look like you’re hiding something.”
Fergus shook his head. “Not hiding anything. Just need to get ready.”
“No hiding. Just hanging out with my friend while he gets ready.” Jax dropped his hands to his sides.
I raised my eyebrows. They both needed to work on their lies if they didn’t want to raise suspicion.
More footsteps. Closer footsteps. “You look fine to me.”
Fergus and Jax shuffled backward. I did too, so they didn’t trample me.
“Interesting, Ferg.” said Willow. “In all your eighteen years, I never noticed you had four legs.” She stood on her toes and looked around Fergus. Right at me.
“Ahh.”
Fergus grabbed her arm and dragged her across the room to the door. “Ahh, nothing.”
“Ouch! You’re hurting me!” Willow pulled to get free, her long blonde hair splaying out as she twisted to look back at me.
It didn’t look like he was hurting her. His grip on her arm didn’t seem very tight at all. “If you’d bothered to knock, I wouldn’t need to hurt you.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
She pulled free with a wicked grin and snorted. “If I’d knocked, you would have had time to hide your date.” Her eyes swung my way. “Ooh. This one’s pretty.”
Fergus sighed and marched over to the door, his voice softening. “Please, Will. Can you just leave?” He shot Jax a imploring glance.
Jax jumped forward, placing an arm over Willow’s shoulders. “Come on, Willow. Let’s get some food before the big party.”
Willow pulled from his grasp. “Oh, is this her?” Her eyes rounded. “I’m not going until I’ve had an introduction.”
“No. She’s just a … friend.” Fergus rubbed the bridge of his nose.
I walked toward her with my hand out to shake hers. Both Fergus and Jax were acting weird. I recognized those high cheek bones and mischievous smile. Fergus’ sister was the fae girl I’d talked to while we waited to enter Faery the night of the masquerade. She looked younger than she had that night, perhaps about fifteen. “I’m Bria. Fergus’ friend.” I wasn’t sure why I emphasized the word friend. It was what we were. And sometimes not even that.
She shook my hand. “Willow. Ferg’s sister. Nice to meet you, Bria.” She looked me over, then turned back to her brother. “You can’t be thinking of taking her tonight looking like that. Father will lose it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Wait. Are you trying to upset him, because that’s not a good idea. If you’re going to take her, at least have her dress appropriately.” Willow was wearing a pale green strapless gown with wide skirts and her blonde hair was pulled elaborately from her face. The difference between her attire and my black riding gear was stark.
Jax wandered over to one of the black couches and sat, kicking his legs out in front of him, a half-smile on his face. He looked like he knew what was coming and would enjoy watching it.
Fergus sighed again. “She’s not coming tonight. I wasn’t even planning on attending, but Chester found out I was home.”
Willow shrugged, walking over to the table, choosing an apple from the fruit bowl and taking a bite. “That’s what you get for strolling around the grounds before coming to visit your darling sister after being gone for weeks. Plenty of people will talk for a little coin.” She turned back to me, her eyes bright and excited. “I have the perfect dress for you. It’s cobalt and the color will match your eyes. And I can style your hair.” She reached out and pulled a few of the dark brown strands back from my face before I could stop her.
Fergus wasn’t so slow. He was across the chamber in a moment, batting her hand away. But it was too late. Willow had already seen my ears and was staring at me open-mouthed. “What happened to you?”
I touched my ears self-consciously. “My mother cut them off, then hid me in Iadrun.” Might as well own it.
“Why?” Willow whispered, her mouth hanging open.
“Willow,” Fergus reprimanded.
I glanced at him. “It’s okay.” To Willow, I said, “I don’t know. But I was wearing fake ears the night we met.”
Willow’s jaw stiffened and her voice grew tight. “You must be mistaken. We’ve never met.”
“We did. At the—”
As I spoke, her eyes rounded, as did her mouth. She looked from Fergus to Jax. “She’s the lost Seelie Princess? And you’ve brought her into our Court? If you want to rile Father, there are other, less dramatic ways than marrying a Seelie.” Willow shook her head, her mouth still hanging open.
“I’m not—” Fergus started.
“Marrying? No. No way. That’s not why I’m here.” I turned to Fergus. “I’ve come for Mother. Nothing else.” There was a plea in my words because Willow had reminded me of something I hadn’t wasted a thought on in weeks. The reas
on Fergus brought me to Faery in the first place was because the person who fitted the shoe—me—was bonded to the Crown Prince. Weeks ago, he’d promised that was a lie, and I believed him. I did. But now, with Willow talking about marriage, I needed confirmation.
Fergus touched my arm. “Nothing’s changed. We’ll find your mother and get her out of here. I promise.”
Willow stared at Fergus’ hand on my arm. “Your mother’s not here.” She spat the words at me, her face hard. In mere seconds she’d gone from carefree teen bouncing off the walls, to a hardened and hateful looking fae.
“What does Father’s newest consort look like?” Fergus withdrew his hand, his words quiet and deliberate.
Willow shrugged, dropping some of her hatred as she answered her brother. “Blonde hair, blue eyes, slim.” She blinked twice, then stumbled back to sit on the edge of the bed. She shook her head. “That’s your mother? She’s the lost Seelie Queen? Does Father know? He can’t. He’d never allow her here.” She shook her head as she spoke, as if she could talk herself out of the truth of her own words.
Fergus shrugged. “Father knows something about her. What it is, I have no clue.” He turned to me. “I apologize for my sister’s language earlier, but I believe it is your mother down in the ballroom with Father. I’ll head down there to get her back.”
Willow stood up. “Fergus! You can’t get her back. That’s treason. Father will—”
Fergus cut Willow off, glaring at her. “I don’t care what he does to me. Trapping that woman here against her will is wrong, and you know it.” He pointed at me. “Bria has been in hiding her entire life. Her magic only came through yesterday, and she’s sixteen.”
Willow’s eyes widened. Great. Now she thought I was even more of a freak.
Fergus continued before anyone could speak. “Bria doesn’t want to be in Faery. She wants to be far from here with her mother. And for once, I want to help, rather than sitting back and allowing Father to do whatever he wants. I want to help her get away from here.”
Kingdom of Yesterday's Lies (Royals of Faery Book 1) Page 22