by Nissa Leder
“Thank you, Ailani. I’m grateful for their kindness.”
And she was, it was just too much for her to think about right then. How could she look into their eyes with no idea how to be the queen they deserved? She didn’t want to lie to them by making promises she couldn’t keep.
Once Scarlett had been updated by the other council members, she excused everyone.
“Vida,” Scarlett said. “Would you stay for a few more minutes?”
“Of course, my queen.”
“You can just call me Scarlett,” she said as everyone else left the room.
“You are the queen now,” Vida said. “Allow us to treat you as such.”
Scarlett dipped her chin. Maybe someday being called queen wouldn’t seem so strange.
“I want to know more about the Fates.”
Vida pressed her lips shut as she stared at Scarlett. Reluctance filled her aura, but she asked, “What would you like to know?
“Were they always out for power?” The question had been bothering Scarlett for a while. If they already had magic, why go to such lengths for more? Was it greed or was there more to it?
“Dana and their father, Ankou, were the first Sidhe. Legend says they were born of darkness and light to create balance, with magic to have and share. Dana never had children, but Ankou fell in love and had triplet girls. His lover died in childbirth and Ankou vowed never to love again. The girls were raised by his servants, hidden in the Darkland, the Otherworld’s land of death. When they grew into adults, they left their father and joined the outside Otherworld and lived peacefully for many years.”
“Were they… normal?” The Fates that Scarlett knew sent a tingle across her skin. They'd always creeped her out with their ominous words and black eyes. She couldn't picture them any less creepy.
“Yes. I'm not sure how they became what they are now.”
“So, Dana was the Queen of the Otherworld but not the Darkland?”
“Correct. Although the Darkland is part of the realm known as the Otherworld, it belongs to Ankou. Dana represented life. She could not rule a land of death.”
Scarlett wanted to know more, but she excused Vida. It was so much to take in that she didn’t want to overwhelm herself. She’d sensed Vida’s apprehension to disclose too much. Did Vida not trust Scarlett or did she sense her worry and not want to add more to it?
Scarlett returned to the library. She wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for a decade, but since that wouldn’t solve anything, she resisted the temptation. Instead, she allowed herself some time to her thoughts.
What were the Fates after? What could have turned them into creatures that would steal someone's heart as they had Raith’s? There was so much she didn’t know.
Whatever the reason, Scarlett was determined to get him back.
She saw the spark in everyone’s eyes when they talked about Dana.
Dana was the perfect queen. Kind, smart, beautiful. She sacrificed her own immortality to protect her people for as long as possible.
How was Scarlett supposed to live up to her?
Chapter Two
It had been a month since Kaelem returned to the Unseelie Court, where time moved faster than it did in the Otherworld. He was glad to be home, but everything felt a bit different than before.
He stood outside Aria’s door, listening to the giggling inside her room. Lurking like that was a little creepy, yes, but he had missed hearing his sister’s laugh. The image of her rotting away in the Winter prison was burned into his brain. He could only hope someday it would vanish.
Kaelem knocked.
“Come in,” Aria said.
When he entered, he saw Aria and Ashleigh sitting on the couch, watching the TV that hung above the fireplace.
Aria smiled at him. Ashleigh looked the other way.
Ugh. Why is he here? Ashleigh’s thoughts were an open book.
Kaelem couldn't blame her for her distaste of him. And he didn't have the energy to change her mind, nor did he care to. There were more pressing issues. The mortal would be wise to realize the world did not, in fact, revolve around her or her desires.
“I need to steal you away for a few minutes,” he said to Aria.
“I’ll be back,” she said to Ashleigh. “Pause the show?”
“Of course.” Ashleigh grabbed the remote and clicked the pause button.
Aria followed Kaelem to his TV room. He shut the door behind them and reached his mind out to make sure no one else remained within hearing distance.
“What’s with the look of defeat, brother?” Aria asked. “You aren’t one to be so…dismal.”
It was true. Normally, instead of being stressed about something, he’d find his way to one of the hottest clubs downtown. A few drinks and a few women tended to do a good job of distracting him, but that was when his problems weren’t so damn big. Losing his sister had been the worst, but a looming war made even that seem small-scale.
Kaelem tilted his head. “You missed my last ‘dismal’ phase.”
“Oh, right.” Aria plopped onto the leather couch. “I suppose me being locked in a Winter prison might have upset you.”
Kaelem sat in the white, high-backed chair opposite Aria and lifted his feet to the matching ottoman. “I hated myself for letting you get taken. I vowed never to let anything like it happen again.” He crossed his right ankle over his left. “It was a one-time thing. I’d learned my lesson. I was the strongest fae except for Genevieve, and I knew I could hold my own against her if I ever needed to. But now, with the Fates on the loose and no idea what they plan to do, I’m worried.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my self-assured brother?” Aria quipped.
Kaelem laughed. “Please, I have plenty of self-assurance left. I’m simply trying to tone down my confidence a little bit. I don’t want to be as blind to outside threats as Father was.”
Aria pulled her legs onto the couch in a criss-cross. Her hair almost reached her chin now, and the pinkness in her cheeks had finally fully returned. “You didn’t bring me here just to tell me you don’t know what to do, did you?”
“I’ve had all the magical wards I can think of put up around the palace to keep the Fates out. They were the only ones who never needed permission to get in here. It never bothered me before. They were odd, yes, but seemed harmless. Now, they’re a threat.
“I don’t know what they’re capable of. But they’re smart. They took Raith and must have a plan for him. I worry they might come for Ashleigh next.”
“I won’t let them take her.” Aria pulled her shoulders back the way she always did when she meant what she said.
“You might not be able to stop them, brave sister.”
He’d always admired her ferocity. Even as a child, determination swam through her veins more than anyone he knew. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to anyone, no matter their size or magic capabilities. Out of all his siblings, she was the only one who openly called their father out when she disagreed with his decisions. She had being daddy’s little girl on her side, his wrath never finding its aim at her, but it still showed her daring nature.
Aria shifted in her seat. “As you said, you have protection wards up. I’ve done my best to convince Ashleigh staying here is for the best. For now, she understands.”
“And what about her boyfriend?”
Aria raised an eyebrow. “Interested in a mortal relationship? Really, where is my brother?”
“Ha ha. I plan to visit Scarlett soon and I’d like to update her.”
Aria’s lips curved upwards. “Oh, Scarlett, that’s right.”
“Don’t give me that look.” Kaelem adjusted his cuff.
“You can tell her Ashleigh’s trying to understand, but I can only do so much.”
Something clicked against Kaelem’s mind like a knock on a door. He reached out.
Company. Lola’s voice played in his mind. The Seelie Advisor is here for you.
“Looks like Laik has blessed
us with a surprise visit,” Kaelem said to Aria. “Hopefully, he’s here to tell me the Seelie Queen agrees to my request of a formal alliance.”
Aria shrugged. “Do things ever work out as you plan?”
Kaelem didn’t answer.
Send him to the parlor.
When Kaelem entered the parlor, Laik sat in a red chair next to the fireplace surrounded by marble tile, a fire burning in the hearth.
“I was cold.” Laik stared at the flames. “And it’s so dark around here.”
“’Tis the reality of the Night Court.” Kaelem walked to the bar and made himself a mixed drink. “What can I get you?”
“Surprise me.”
Kaelem made Laik the same drink and handed it to him before sitting.
Though he didn’t spend a lot of time in the parlor, he’d always loved it. The black and white artwork stood out sharply from the purple walls. It was fun and sophisticated, both qualities Kaelem enjoyed in the Unseelie Court. He’d redone the entire interior once he gained the throne, bringing in a well-known designer from one of the mortal shows he watched on TV.
Kaelem pressed his mental ability outwards. Nothing. Laik’s wards were so strong, Kaelem wouldn’t have been able to sense his presence at all. Strange.
All fae had the ability to block out invading minds from their own. Some were more gifted at the ability than others. But few could keep their mind’s entire existence hidden. It was an ability usually reserved for the strongest Unseelie. It wasn’t unheard of for a Seelie, though. Just rare. And it meant Laik was powerful.
Kaelem shouldn’t be surprised. Only the strongest would be chosen as Genevieve’s advisor. Having strong mental shields was an important asset. It meant the Seelie Queen could confide in him with confidence. Laik had been her most trusted subject much longer than Kaelem had been alive.
“Has your queen sent you to agree to my request to ally with one another?” Kaelem sipped his drink. Fruity with a little kick of vodka. Delicious.
Laik took a gulp. “No, she is still deliberating.”
“I see,” Kaelem said. “And she sent you here to do what?”
“I came on my own.” He took another drink. “This drink is quite delectable. A mortal recipe?”
“Yes. Sex on the beach. A fun title, don’t you think? Does your duty as advisor take you to the mortal world often?”
Despite being in the mortal realm, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts weren’t actually part of the human world. They were hidden and only intermingled with mortals when they wanted to—like when a king was in desperate need for decorating advice.
Kaelem thought of the flicker of Scarlett’s mom he’d seen in Laik’s mind when he’d visited the Seelie Court. The image moved like he’d seen her in person, not stale like a memory or a photograph would be, and she was younger than in the picture Kaelem had seen.
He wanted to ask Laik how he’d known her, but moving too boldly with the information wasn’t smart. Kaelem needed to play this game right.
“When necessary. My queen likes to keep up-to-date with the ongoings of the human world.”
“Of course, as do I.”
Unlike the Seelie Court, The Unseelie Court welcomed select humans into its world as guests. While Kaelem had no desire for mortality, he did find human life interesting.
Laik finished his drink. “I’m here to learn more about the new situation.”
“Situation?” Kaelem stood. “Another?”
“Yes, please.” Laik handed his empty glass to Kaelem. “My queen is skeptical of the story you told her about the Fates and the Sidhe.”
“And you? Do you believe me?”
“I gave you the information that led you there. And it doesn’t surprise me that the Fates have had ulterior motives this whole time.” Laik’s gaze dropped to the floor. His right fist momentarily clenched before his fingers spread out and he relaxed his arm.
Kaelem refilled Laik’s drink and topped off his own. “I told you what happened. We went through the portal and were trapped there. We traveled to the island’s center, and when we arrived at the power, the Fates showed up. We fought them and Scarlett took the power. Then they took Raith and left.”
It was the quick version, but did the details really matter? Kaelem wasn’t usually so open and honest with people outside his trusted circle, but if he wanted Laik to put his faith in him, then he would need to be as truthful as he could.
“And Scarlett got the power they prophesied?”
“Yes.” Kaelem remembered the knife she lodged into his back to keep him from taking it. “By doing so, she became the realm’s queen.”
He thought about how she looked after she’d healed him. Her skin—now tattooed in white—glowed with magic. Such a change from the human she’d been when he’d met her.
“You believe the Fates wanted this power for themselves?”
“I’m not sure.” At first, Kaelem figured they took Raith out of anger after Scarlett had taken the power for herself. But then, after more thought, he wondered if that had been their plan all along. “Part of me thinks they wanted Scarlett to be the one to get it.”
“You’re saying they’re using her?”
“It’s possible.” Kaelem handed Laik his refilled drink. “There’s so little we know about them or about the Sidhe. Even Scarlett’s power is an unknown.”
Laik’s eyes met Kaelem’s and he saw the worry in his gaze. “How is she handling it?”
“She’s tough. But it’s a lot for her to take in. Her heart is still mortal and, as you know, we fae aren’t like the humans.”
“No, we’re not.”
“Despite our differences, our courts will be stronger united,” Kaelem said. “My father was never able to look past our differences. It isn’t in our courts to trust one another, but I believe, to prepare ourselves for what’s coming, we must.”
“And what about the recent history between our courts? Is there any room for an alliance?”
“I don’t have to like your queen to respect her power.”
“It isn’t unheard of for our courts to have common interests.” A smirk crept onto Laik’s lips. He finished his drink and stood. “Thank you for the visit. I will return home and do what I can to convince my queen to believe what you say.”
Kaelem didn’t try to pry into Laik’s mind again. But now, more than ever, he knew Laik’s interest in Scarlett went further than gaining information for his queen.
Raith waited in the bedroom he’d been given to stay in. It was plain, with stone walls and a bed frame made of black wood. A fireplace lit the room and offered him some warmth in the otherwise cold realm.
It was a different chill than the one he felt in the Winter Court. There was no ice here, but an essence of death permeated the air. It didn’t bother him. Nothing did. He did as the Fates asked and, when he wasn’t needed, spent most of his time in his room doing nothing unless he had a visitor.
He remembered the events of the past months. Losing to his brother in the battle, searching for and finding his mother, but something seemed to be missing from his recollection.
The door swung open and Decuma, the middle Fate and his special visitor, entered. She walked straight to Raith and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close and pressing her lips to his. After a long kiss, she said, “Come. Father wants to meet you.”
She turned and left the room.
Raith obliged, following her through the hallway.
There were no paintings on the walls. Lanterns every ten feet gave just enough light to see the stone covering the ground. The hallway led to a staircase down to the main floor, where the throne room was located.
Across the room was an empty black throne, high-backed and embellished with a border of garnets. In front, a large fire pit currently sat empty. Windows were evenly spaced on two of the walls, giving a view to the gray skies outside.
Morta, the oldest Fate, and Nona, the youngest, waited to one side of the pit.
All
three of the Fates wore long dresses covered in black atop the black fabric underneath. Though they all looked similar, Raith was able to tell them apart. Both Morta and Decuma wore their dark hair down, but Morta’s eyes were narrower and slightly more almond shaped than Decuma’s. He’d gotten to know Decuma’s gaze quite well during his time in the Darkland. She’d come to him his first night in the castle. Nona, the quietest of the three, kept her hair in a bun. She was also the prettiest, with large eyes and high cheekbones, but she kept her distance from him.
“Father will be here soon,” Morta said. “We have an important task for you, Raith.”
“Very well.”
“Our plans with our allies are moving into motion. Now we need the Otherworld Queen.”
Raith knew who she was. He’d been her ally at one point, but memories of her were fuzzy. “What do you need from me?”
“Your memory was damaged by Ailani when you crossed the Spirit Lake. But, you and Scarlett had been close once. She will trust you.”
Raith remembered going through the lake to get the tree where he joined with the Fates. He couldn’t remember why he changed sides. It was odd. But it didn’t bother him. “How will I find her?”
“We will come up with a plan soon.”
A man in a cloak appeared on the throne, wine glass in hand. He took a sip. “Hello, daughters.” His dark hair was cropped short and he looked younger than Raith had imagined he would.
The Fates bowed. Raith did, too. No need to make this guy mad.
“So, you’re the one my daughters have selected. I’m Ankou, King of the Darkland.” He stood and circled Raith. “Very well. And he can get her?”
Decuma stepped toward her father. “They were…close… once.” She looked at Raith with pursed lips.
Ankou raised an eyebrow. “I see. We all know how closeness toys with the mind. It seems he was the right choice.”
Decuma and Morta both grinned. Nona lingered in the back.