Unseelie Queen

by J. C. Diem

  Olsa and Unwin sat up, blinked sleepily, then joy filled their faces when they saw Asha holding them. “Did you rescue our kin?” Unwin asked eagerly.

  “See for yourselves,” Asha invited and pointed upwards.

  They all tilted their heads back to see the enchanted brownies rousing. Stretching and yawning, they came out of their daze. They look down and saw the trolls, then spied the other beings. Feeling the link between the two brownies and the beautiful blonde girl who held them so tenderly, they teleported themselves to the ground.

  “Olsa?” one of the females said uncertainly. “Is that you?”

  “It’s me,” she replied and shifted to stand in front of the sister who had been taken from her so long ago.

  Dacrith saw the happy tears that his mate couldn’t hold back and acted without thinking. He put his hand on her shoulder, then froze when she stiffened. She turned to regard him with wide eyes. While she didn’t relax and lean against him as he’d hoped, at least she didn’t turn gray and reject him.

  Kurtus let out the breath he’d been holding and Unwin wiped sweat from his brow. They stood on the cusp of either salvation, or complete disaster. The bargain they’d just made would be for naught if the dryad princess and the fairy prince didn’t become bonded soon.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  WHEN THE GROUND BEGAN to shake, Asha realized the storms had intensified even more. “We need to get back to the palace,” she said uneasily.

  “It’ll take us three days to get there,” Kurtus pointed out, looking up uneasily. The howling wind could now be heard even in the troll mound.

  “We will take you back,” Olsa offered. Her sister was clutching her hand tightly and it didn’t look as if she was going to let go anytime soon.

  “You would willingly return to the Unseelie palace?” someone asked. “Where the horrible fairies who imprisoned us reside?”

  “Our magic is failing,” Dacrith said starkly. “Soon, all magic will cease to exist. While you have the choice of fleeing to the Seelie lands, we don’t. We are of no threat to you right now.”

  “The fairy is right,” Unwin agreed. “They can’t even manifest their wings now.” At the pointed look Dacrith’s wings received, he amended his statement. “Except him. He managed to pull it off, but only because he’s Prince Sindarian’s son.”

  That news didn’t go down well and Dacrith received a lot of angry glares. “Is he going to become the new Dark Prince now?” someone in the crowd of a thousand or so brownies asked.

  “No,” Asha said and flicked him a look. Dacrith’s heart dropped for a moment before it soared again when she continued. “We’ll rule together as King and Queen.”

  Murmurs sounded, but they didn’t have time to tell them the whole story. They’d been kept in an enchanted sleep for eons and had no idea what was going on.

  “Take us to the palace,” Dacrith requested and the brownies complied.

  They appeared off to one side in the throne room to see the entire Unseelie Court was gathered. Some of the brownies had come with them, but had vanished rather than allowing the courtiers to see them. The rest had gone to search the other troll mounds to find their missing kin.

  Rain, thunder and lightning were lashing the building with unrelenting ferocity. “We must become bonded,” Dacrith said to Asha, taking her hands in his. “It’s the only way to stop the chaos.”

  Afraid, but aware that the lives of every being in the fae realms rested on her shoulders, she forced herself to nod. Hexam pressed against her side, trembling with each crack of thunder. He looked up at her with soulful orange eyes. He’d been her faithful guardian, but now it was time for her to keep him safe. Him and all the other ungrateful, nasty, spiteful beings who didn’t even deserve it.

  “Before we bond, I have a request,” Dacrith said. He swallowed down his fear of rejection when she looked up at him. “I want us to be husband and wife before we become joined.”

  “Few bother to marry in our realm,” Kurtus pointed out, then flinched when lightning struck somewhere close by. Bright light seared their eyes through the windows.

  “Asha and I will be bound for life. I wish to wed her before I bed her,” Dacrith said.

  “Did you deliberately rhyme just then?” Olsa asked.

  He frowned down at her, but became distracted when Asha squeezed his fingers. To his surprise, she was smiling now. “Yes,” she said quietly. “I’ll marry you, Dacrith, but we need to have the ceremony now.”

  A corner of his mouth lifted when she called him by his name. He’d had another name long ago, but he’d embraced the nickname he’d been given by the other competitors in the goblin dungeon. He’d been named death, but he’d worn the title with pride. He couldn’t change who he’d been, but he could ensure he would be the man Asha deserved from now on. The very survival of their realm depended on it.

  Hand in hand, they strode over to the dais and mounted it. Lord Nicolaia was clustered together with the other advisors behind the thrones. His head whipped around when he saw them. Kurtus and Hexam took up stations behind the pair to act as their guards while Olsa and Unwin remained seated on Asha’s shoulders. “It’s about time you returned,” Nicolaia said tightly. “If it hasn’t escaped your notice, our realm is now in a crisis.”

  “We’re aware,” Dacrith replied serenely. “Asha and I wish to wed each other. You will officiate the ceremony.”

  Asha wasn’t thrilled by his choice, but she didn’t object. Frankly, they didn’t have time to find someone more suitable to perform the role.

  “Are you insane?” King Lod demanded as he stomped over to them. “We don’t have time for this! Bed the girl now before the realm is destroyed utterly!”

  “Gee, thanks, Dad,” Asha said sarcastically. “That’s just what every girl wants to hear on her wedding night.” Olsa giggled, then clapped her hand over her mouth.

  Bindel suddenly appeared with a dozen other brownies in tow. “Right,” she said briskly. “If it’s a wedding you want, a wedding you shall have. We’ll take care of it. You two just stand there and look pretty.”

  At her order, the brownies beneath her charge transformed the throne room in the blink of an eye. Gone was the depressing black marble floor. Instead, it was gray with silver and gold streaks. The horrible blood red strip of carpet changed to black in tribute to the Unseelie realm they lived in. The thrones changed to clear crystal with the same silver and gold deposits as the floor. The red drapes changed to silver with intricate gold patterns. Brighter candles appeared in the chandeliers, filling the once oppressively dim room with light.

  The female courtiers gasped in mingled shock and outrage when their revealing dresses became more modest. The men didn’t change at all and smiled smugly. King Lod let out a squawk when his shapeless black smock vanished and he was suddenly clad in a cream tunic and black pants. He plucked at the fabric sourly, but didn’t have enough magic left to change it back.

  Dacrith looked down when his clothes changed to a silver tunic and pants with gold patterns embossed in the fabric. When he looked up, Asha was wearing a stunning white gown with pearls stitched on the bodice. She wore a tiara with diamonds on it and a train that flowed down her back to the floor.

  Lord Nicolaia started when a book appeared in his hands. Bemused by the rapid transformation that had gone on around him, he shook his head, then began the ceremony. Dacrith took Asha’s hands in his, noting the gold ring she now wore. Then he met her eyes and became lost in their depths. He repeated the words that the courtier prompted him to say, then waited in an agony of suspense until Asha said her piece in return.

  “As per fairy law, you are now bound in marriage,” Lord Nicolaia intoned. “May your union last for eternity and may your happiness be shared by all.”

  The courtiers gasped when they felt magic ripple through the room. For a moment, their hearts swelled, then the sensation faded and they returned to being as evil as ever.

  Camlim, Fronda and Wesnor glared spit
efully at Asha when Dacrith bent to kiss her. They waited for her skin to turn gray and for her to tear the prince limb from limb. They were almost disappointed when nothing happened.

  Glad he’d survived their first kiss intact, Dacrith turned to address the crowd. “My bride and I shall retire now. We will hold the ceremony to be inducted as your King and Queen in the morning.”

  “That’s if you survive your wedding night,” someone muttered. Normally, nasty snickers and giggles would have ensued. Their fear was so intense that none of them could muster up any amusement.

  “Come,” Dacrith said to his wife. He tugged on her hand and she willingly left the throne room with him. Hexam bounded after the pair, but Kurtus remained behind. He found himself surrounded by the advisors. He had the unenviable task of informing them about the bargain Asha and Dacrith had made with the trolls.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  DACRITH LED ASHA TO his suite. When he opened the door, he saw the brownies had been busy here, too. The black and red décor had been changed to tones of royal blue, cream, gold and silver. He’d never been into interior decorating, but even he had to admit the change was refreshing.

  Turning in the doorway, he stopped Hexam before the hound could enter the room. “We need some privacy,” he said. “Could you guard the door for us? Don’t let anyone in unless it’s a dire emergency.” The hound looked up wryly at a deafening crash of thunder. “You know what I mean,” the prince muttered, then close the door.

  Asha wiped suddenly sweaty palms on her dress, then winced, hoping she hadn’t soiled the beautiful gown. Dacrith turned to face her and his expression looked almost as afraid as hers. “Are you worried I’ll turn into a monster and rip you apart?” she asked.

  “No,” he denied and crossed to take her hands. “I’m worried about hurting you. I’ve never bedded a virgin before.”

  Her ring flared warmth that spread up her arm and into her heart. “Do you care about me, Dacrith?” she asked baldly.

  Looking down at his feet, he was slow to respond and her heart began to sink. “I don’t,” he said quietly and she thought her heart would break all over again at his admission. “I’m fairly sure what I feel for you goes far beyond mere caring,” he added and looked back at her face again in time to see tears spill over. Cupping her cheek, he shook his head. “I’ve already hurt you, my wife. I’ve broken the promise I made to myself and I’ve only been married to you for a few minutes.”

  “Did you marry me just to become the Unseelie King?” she asked starkly.

  He didn’t hesitate this time. “No. I married you because I love you.”

  The storm stilled along with Asha’s breath at that admission. Her ring didn’t just turn warm, it almost blazed with heat. He gulped nervously, waiting for her to respond. She did so by pulling him down and kissing him.

  Joy like he’d never known existed spread through the prince. He knew Asha was far stronger than she looked, but he treated her as if she was as fragile as glass as he put his hands on her waist. It was obvious she’d never really been kissed before, but he didn’t care that she lacked experience. She was his and no other man would ever touch her.

  Asha barely felt it when her dress disappeared along with Dacrith’s clothes. He broke off their kiss and grinned. Even now, the brownies were serving their mistress. Asha blushed when he looked down at her and sucked in a breath. She wore strange undergarments he’d never seen before. “I like this,” he said, tracing the garment that encased her breasts. It was as white as her dress and was almost see-through. He could just make out her rosy nipples and was glad to see they were hard with desire.

  Unable to reply, Asha drank in his leanly muscled body. He was all hard planes and sculpted beauty. She didn’t resist when he swept her into his arms and carried her over to the bed. The covers were magically drawn back and he laid her down gently, then lay down beside her. “I can take it from here, Bindel,” he said. “Thank you for your assistance.” It was a pointed hint that he wanted this next moment to be private.

  Blowing out some of the candles to dim the room, the brownie complied and they found themselves alone.

  Asha expected Dacrith to be rough and fast, but he proved her wrong. He trailed kisses along her jaw while his hand cupped the back of her head. His other hand lay on her side. She lifted her hands to his shoulders and he tensed in expectation of her pushing him away. Instead, she slid them around to his neck and offered him access to her mouth.

  Taking advantage of her offer, he kissed her, then slid his tongue along her bottom lip. She opened her mouth and he showed her what a true kiss was like. She made a sound that he took to be enjoyment as her tiny fingers dug into his shoulders. He trailed his hand down her side, then back up again. She responded by pressing her body against his.

  Lost in a daze of pleasure she’d never experienced before, Asha made no protest when Dacrith worked out how to remove her bra. His reverent gaze made any hint of embarrassment vanish when she was fully naked. His hands were calloused from eons spent fighting with a sword, but they were gentle as they explored her body. His mouth closed over her breast and she inhaled sharply, inadvertently pushing herself at him from sheer pleasure.

  Sucking hard on her delicate flesh, Dacrith slid his hand between her thighs. She opened for him willingly and his heartrate quickened. He circled his finger around her pleasure center and smiled against her mouth when she thrust her pelvis at him. Dryads were known as tree nymphs for a reason. They liked sex and were highly sought after as bed partners.

  Not knowing how to cope with the overwhelming pleasure when Dacrith’s finger began rubbing against her center, Asha moaned. His teeth lightly bit her ear, but it just increased her pleasure rather than causing her pain. When his finger slid into her, she let out a startled sound. It stopped just short of her barrier as he tested how ready she was for him.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, my wife,” he said, voice straining with his need.

  “I know,” she replied. “It won’t hurt for long,” she reminded him. “I’ll heal.” Even knowing that, he was gentle when he settled above her. She looked up at him trustingly with her eyes locked on his. “I love you,” she said and again the storm paused.

  Bracing himself, Dacrith eased into her, then winced when she sucked in a pained breath. He froze until she relaxed as her body healed the small injury. Her hands moved from his shoulders to his back and her legs curled around his. It was all the urging he needed and he kissed her. She kissed him back, tongue tentatively touching his.

  Asha knew Dacrith was holding back for fear of hurting her. The first thrust had been painful, but she wasn’t a fragile human and she’d already healed. He slowly pulled back, then slid into her again. This time the sensation gave her nothing but pleasure. Soon, he was moving faster and her breath quickened. She could distantly hear the storm raging, then lessening for a moment only to pick up once more.

  Ignoring everything but the woman beneath him, Dacrith increased his pace. Asha was moaning in need, hands digging into him and urging him on. He wanted her to gain her release first and slid his hand down her flat stomach to the apex of her thighs. She gave a strangled groan when he began to rub her as he thrust harder and faster. Then she was clenching around him and calling his name as she reached her climax. Her pleasure spurred his own and he found himself spiraling over the edge as well.

  Collapsing next to her, he fought to get his breath back as he felt a magical bond link them together.

  “Now you’re my husband,” Asha said in satisfaction.

  “No. Now I’m your King,” he corrected her with a lazy grin. “And you are my Queen.” He linked his fingers with hers and lifted her hand to his mouth to kiss her knuckles.

  Outside, lightning flared and thunder crashed, but it was erratic rather than relentless. They were bonded forever, but it hadn’t been enough to cease the chaos. Something else was needed, but they didn’t know what it was. Dacrith pushed aside his misgivings, deciding it
could wait until morning. For tonight, he was going to pleasure his wife until she begged for mercy.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  ASHA WOKE WITH A SMILE that widened when she saw her husband slumbering beside her. Dacrith’s hand was on her breast, claiming her even in his sleep. His silver-gold hair was tousled, hiding his handsome face. Shifting the locks aside, she marveled that he was hers. Somehow, death had fallen in love with her and she with him.

  Hearing a pitiful whine coming from outside the door, her smile faded. The storm was still raging, even if it was in fits and starts now. Hexam had stood guard all night, but he was reminding her that she still had a job to do. She just wished she knew what they needed to do to restore the balance.

  Waking when Asha slipped away from him, Dacrith frowned when thunder rumbled hard enough to shake the bed. “It appears becoming bonded hasn’t restored calm,” he observed, eyeing the naked dryad appreciatively. She was small, but lithe and toned.

  “We have to do more,” she replied. “Olsa, can you please find me some clothes?” Almost before she’d finished speaking, she was wearing a gown. Like usual, it was in shades that matched her eyes.

  “I might as well get dressed, too,” Dacrith said dourly. He threw the bedcovers back and before his feet hit the ground, he was wearing a tunic and pants. He was amused to see they were silver and gold rather than his usual black. It appeared the brownies had taken it upon themselves to update his wardrobe.

  “Do you have any idea how we’re going to fix the realm?” Asha asked, crossing the room to hug him.

  He held her tight, then bent to kiss her brow. “I have no clue,” he replied truthfully. “Maybe we’ll have an idea during breakfast.”