“No.” His voice was hard but the expression in his eyes told the lie of his words. “You’re wrong, Aleish, I’m very afraid I could love someone like my Father does. He’s lost everything, his Kingdom, his power ... and for what?” He sounded angry now and she stroked his face making soothing noises. “For a woman who changes lovers to match her outfit and he lets her! Love makes you weak and I won’t have it. I can’t risk it.”
“Oh, Corin, you’re wrong, darling, I promise you are. You of all people need to be loved, you can’t be alone forever. I can see how lonely you are, if you weren’t you wouldn’t be asking me to marry you when you know as well as I do it would be a disaster.” She leaned over and kissed him, her eyes blurring with tears. “One day a woman will come along and change everything and, yes, you’ll do anything for her, but she will make you stronger, not weaker. You’ll see.”
He looked up at her and she knew she was right; he was alone and terrified that he always would be.
“Let me stay a little longer ... please,” he asked quietly.
She put her arms around him, pulling him close once more. “For as long as you want, darling. For as long as you need.”
A Dark Desire
Chapter 1
Yvette Duchesne still believed in faeries. She knew that at twenty four years of age this was undoubtedly an eccentricity on her part, but then again ... there were probably not many others who had proof.
Yvette sat on the crumbling stone wall at the bottom of the garden, wrapped in a heavy coat and tapping her cold fingers on her knees. She had been waiting for this moment for years, for what felt like her whole life, ever since the little dark-haired girl with big brown eyes had tumbled into her garden from what had appeared to be a hole in the world. Ten years later and Sindaline, the brown-eyed girl, was finally going to make good on her promise and take Yvette back through that extraordinary gateway between the worlds ... into the Fae Lands.
The Fae girl had tried over those years to persuade Yvette that she shouldn’t think of crossing into their world; it was dangerous for humans, the Fae were tricky and she may live to regret it. Yvette, however, would not be deflected. She wanted this - more than anything else.
She huffed out a breath of impatience that clouded around her in a frail fog. The ground at her feet was hard and heavy, white with frost, and she shifted on the freezing stones, feeling the cold bite through her coat and into her skin. With a deal of effort she tamped down a thrill of excitement that had her nerves teetering on the edge of hysteria. Tonight was the night of the grand ball, an extravagant affair to celebrate the birthday of Corin, the crown prince of Alfheim, who also just happened to be Sindaline’s cousin. Yvette had only seen him once, the day that Sindaline had first appeared in her life, but she had sworn to herself that one day - she would see him again.
He had been furious with Sindaline for following him through the gates and had reprimanded her severely. As he had spoken, his anger so fierce because she was just a child and he was afraid for her, his magic had shone around him, intimidating Sindaline just as he had intended and captivating Yvette. He had not seen her, hidden behind the thick, gnarled trunk of the old apple tree, but she had engraved every detail on her memory, and the longing for him had grown as the picture had stayed in her mind. Life had seemed dull in comparison to that memory, perfect in every detail, just like the prince himself.
Nothing - since that moment - had ever been the same. She had to see him again.
Despite his fury, Sindaline had kept coming back. Stubborn and wilful, she did as she pleased, and she wanted to be friends with Yvette. Indulged as part of the royal family, she was spoilt and selfish though good-hearted, and despite many rows when she vowed never to return, she became Yvette's closest friend.
Even after all the years of nagging and persuading had paid off, it had taken even longer for Sindaline to decide on a suitable occasion, when a human girl could slip among the proceedings without being noticed but then the ball had been announced and everything had fallen into place.
Yvette jumped off the wall with a shriek of excitement as she saw the spot under the old apple tree shimmer and split, the surface between the worlds glimmering with magic and Sindaline standing within, waving to her, frantic and flush cheeked.
“Hurry!”
She ran to the opening with her heart pounding and then ground to a halt as Sindaline held out her hand in a stop motion, giving Yvette a stern glare.
“What are the rules?” she demanded.
“Oh, come on!” Yvette yelled in frustration. “Not this again. Merde! How many times?”
“Once more, or you don’t come through.” Sindaline folded her arms and Yvette could tell from the implacable look in her eyes, there was no choice. She sighed and chanted obediently.
“Don’t accept anything from an elf, no matter how small or insignificant. Three gifts taken and they own you. Don’t eat or drink anything unless you tell me it is safe to. Don’t draw attention to myself and ...” A heavy sigh. “Stay away from the wolves.”
Sindaline nodded like a proud parent, approving. “And who are the wolves?”
“Oh, putain, Sinders!”
Sindaline turned to leave. “Alright, don’t come.”
“Argh, fine! The Prince Corin, the Prince Laen, your brother, the Duke of Dannon, and the Duke of Ravendell.”
Sindaline grinned suddenly and grabbed Yvette’s hand. “Well don’t just stand there then ... Come on!”
***
For the next hours Yvette felt her eyes grow steadily wider. The Fae Lands themselves didn’t look so very different from the south west of France where Yvette came from, though it had been a bleak February day when she had crossed the gate and it was warm and summery here still. The rolling hills were just as verdant and lush as early summer in the Dordogne, and the deep, dark woodlands were as cool and dense, but the wildlife, the flowers, the scents and sounds were all terribly strange and exotic. The brightness and clarity of the world was astonishing to her. Colours seemed more vibrant, the blue of the sky shocking in intensity, even the quality of the air seemed purer.
They made the journey to Prince Corin’s home on horseback. Sindaline had explained many years ago that the Fae had rejected anything that would harm their world as their lives were tied to the health of the land, so no cars, no electricity, no industry; nothing that would cause pollution. Their world had simply stopped in time, like it was frozen in history.
By the time they had stabled the horses, and sneaked into the room Sindaline had been given for the weekend, both young women had been jittery with nerves and excitement. Add to that the opulent costumes that Sindaline had arranged for them both and Yvette was in heaven.
She stood in front of the full length mirror, gazing at her reflection in a daze of happiness. The dress had a fitted bodice that thrust her generous bust together and up in the most dramatic fashion. The material was incredibly fine and curved in and out over the lush curves of her waist and hips before falling to the floor with a flurry of silky, golden swathes. Sindaline had lent her some beautiful diamond earrings that dangled along the elegant length of her neck, and sparkled against her thick blonde hair as she turned her head from side to side.
“Mon Dieu! Is that really me?”
“No!” Sindaline grinned. “You are a Faery now, remember?”
There were three races among the Fae. The Seelie or Light Fae were regarded as faeries, they tended to be smaller, curvier, with golden hair and blue eyes, so Yvette should be able to pass herself off as one without any trouble. The Unseelie or Dark Fae were much taller than the other races, with white blond hair. The men were the warriors of the Fae Lands, but they did not like being referred to as Faeries. The Elves, of which Sindaline was one, were a little smaller than the Dark Fae, though generally taller than the Faeries and of athletic build, with dark hair and usually dark eyes, except for the Prince Corin. His eyes were a tawny shade of gold. Those eyes, like that of some great, pred
atory cat were something that had stolen Yvette’s wits and her heart, all those years ago, and finally her ambition to see them again would be realised.
“Are you ready then?” Sindaline demanded, her dark eyes glittering with excitement. She had apparently been looking forward to tonight herself for some time and had taken great care with her appearance. Her slim figure was encased in emerald green silk and stones of the same colour sparkled at her throat and neck. Her dark hair was pinned up, with a few loose strands curling delicately about her face.
Yvette thought she looked beautiful. It amused her though that neither one of them had any intention of staying away from the wolves. She may have promised Sindaline, but she had come here for one purpose and she would not be deflected. She was slightly less worried about playing with fire, as Sindaline was also ignoring her own advice. Her focus was the brooding Prince Laen. He was Corin’s best friend and, according to Sindaline, both her brother and Corin had made it clear to Laen that she was off limits. Sindaline had shrugged and giggled when she’d told Yvette that, adding with a saucy glint in her eyes that - she did so enjoy a challenge. On top of that was the promise made to Sindaline by the duke of Ravendell that he would see her tonight. From what Yvette understood, Ravendell, also known to his lovers as Devil, was simply the wickedest man in the whole realm and could ruin a girl’s reputation forever if she was even seen speaking with him. Sindaline had said that he was a man you did not want to be alone with. He may be gloriously handsome, but he was also twisted and cruel ... she had no intention of dallying with him. But Yvette had thought the flush in her friend’s cheeks as she spoke of him was more revealing than Sindaline was aware.
Half an hour later and the two women stood side by side on the grand dais that overlooked the great white marble ballroom as the guests danced below. The colours of the fashions that seemed to span the whole of history and the flickering of candle light reflected in dozens of crystal chandeliers. The taste of the wine that Sindaline had handed Yvette - with a caution to sip slowly - everything was brighter, sharper, dazzling with an intensity Yvette had never seen in her own world. She was in awe, transfixed and utterly charmed by the beauty and opulence of everything around her.
“Point them out,” Yvette demanded and was rewarded with a frown from Sindaline. “Well I can hardly avoid the wolves if I don’t know what they look like.”
Sindaline conceded it was a fair point. She scanned the ballroom and Yvette noticed the light in her eyes as they fell upon her own quarry. She saw Sindaline bite her lip and smiled, nudging her with her elbow. Sindaline grinned and gestured to the far corner of the ballroom. “There, standing in the shadows, the Prince Laen.”
Yvette’s eyes followed where Sindaline gestured and smiled herself. He was exactly as she had imagined him. Dressed entirely in black he towered over everyone else the room, and his expression was fierce enough that anyone with any sense was leaving him well alone. With pale skin and dark, dark eyes that glowered, hostile and cold, at the scene around him, he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else than here. She sighed and nodded at her friend to continue. A moment later and Sindaline gasped and grabbed Yvette’s arm. “Ravendell,” she whispered.
Yvette felt her heart skip, and a shiver ran over her as she looked at the haughty, aristocratic man who was surveying them both with interest. He didn’t look like the rest of his race. Instead of dark hair and darker eyes, his hair was pure white, shining silver in the warm light of the ballroom. His eyes matched the icy colouring; a cold, steely silver. They gave him a truly otherworldly air that was not so obvious among the others of his kind. He was certainly beautiful, angelic almost, but there was a cruel twist to that sensual mouth, a hard glitter to those silver eyes that put every instinct on alert. Those eyes now rested on Sindaline with a satisfied air and he raised his glass in her direction. Sindaline put up her chin and turned away.
“Odious man,” she said, sounding furious, but once again Yvette observed the high colour in her cheeks and the pulse that beat rabbit fast in her neck. She turned back to the view over the opulent crowd below.
“Where’s your brother?” Yvette asked. She had long been curious to meet him. The duke of Dannon was apparently considered one of the most dangerous men at court. Blessed with the unusual gift of glamourie, he could change his appearance at will. None trusted him, save the queen who apparently found much use for the man’s talents. Of course Sindaline insisted that he was a good man, a devoted brother, but she was not so blind as to suggest Yvette spent any time alone with him. Sindaline had described how he cut through a room full of women like a connoisseur, selecting only the most delicious and amusing partners for his entertainment. He was only challenged by his greatest rival, the Prince Corin. The two men despised each other and delighted in stealing away that chosen companion, out from under the other’s nose, whenever possible.
“Sindaline!” Yvette tugged on her friend’s arm as she was watching Laen with an intense expression and not attending to the conversation. “I asked where Dannon is.”
“Can I be of service?” The two women jumped as the man seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
“Oh, it’s you!” Sindaline scowled at her brother and gave a huff of annoyance. “You startled me.”
“Spend much longer looking in that direction and I’ll do more than startle you.” The Duke smiled at her, but there was enough steel in his eyes that Sindaline blushed.
“I don’t know what you mean.” She raised her chin, defiant and haughty, turning away from him and looking over the balcony once more.
Yvette, however, was transfixed and felt her mouth go dry as the duke’s attention fell upon her. His thick brown hair curled around the nape of his neck and expressive hazel eyes took her in from head to toe, pausing to linger in all the most interesting places. Yvette felt at turns furious that he would look at her with such open appraisal and hopeful that he liked what he saw, because she certainly did.
“Sindaline, where are your manners, are you not going to introduce me to this young lady?” His voice was all silk sheets and decadence and Yvette prayed she wasn’t blushing as fiercely as she felt she was.
Sindaline was scowling at the spot in the shadows where Laen had been - and no longer was. She turned back, irritated. “Oh, Dannon, Yvette. Yvette, my brother the duke.” She waved her hand at them, quite obviously not in the slightest bit interested in introducing anyone. The duke took Yvette’s hand and raised it slowly, never breaking eye contact and kissing her knuckles with soft lips.
“Charmed,” he said.
Yvette willed herself to keep calm and look like she was used to men like this paying her attention as his warm breath fluttered over her skin, but her mouth was dry and she wasn’t at all sure she was succeeding.
Sindaline turned back in time to witness her brother’s effect on Yvette and rolled her eyes.
“Dannon,” she said with an imperious tone. “I wish to dance.” Sindaline smiled at him, and then at Yvette who knew she was wearing a scowl that matched the duke’s. Dannon was far too much of a gentleman to refuse his sister and would be forced to leave Yvette alone and chaperone Sindaline onto the dance floor and away from his latest quarry
Chapter 2
“I am sure your friend does not wish to be deprived of your company so early in the evening.” The duke glowered at his sister who returned her most disarming smile.
“Oh, you don’t mind, do you, darling?” Sindaline widened her eyes at Yvette, daring her to disagree. Yvette smiled politely, and agreed though her eyes quite clearly expressed the desire to see her friend at the bottom of a very deep ocean.
The duke chuckled and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Have no fear. I am not so easily thwarted. I will find you again this evening.”
Sindaline tutted at him as they walked away, having overheard his remark.
He smirked at her in return, arranging her hand on his arm as they descended the grand staircase. “You are really most aggrava
ting tonight, little sister. What are you up to?”
She looked up at her brother with wide hazel eyes, the picture of innocence. “Up to?” She repeated, blinking at him. “Why, darling, I have no idea what you mean?”
Dannon sighed and led her onto the dance floor. “You may try that with your admirers and get away with it, but do not think for one moment that I am fool enough to believe a word that comes out of that pretty mouth of yours. Please try and remember the family name.”
Sindaline snorted with mirth and then blushed and covered her mouth as he gave her an exasperated look at her unladylike behaviour. “Sorry,” she muttered. “But really,” she added, her voice one of restrained outrage. “Coming from you!”
He led her into the dance, effortless and elegant as Sindaline scanned the room, trying to track down Laen and the little blonde Faery she had seen him leave with and about whom she was having many uncharitable thoughts.
“I’ve not seen Yvette before,” Dannon asked as he moved her around the floor with expertise. “What family is she from?”
Yvette was prepared for his interest and kept her answer simple. “No idea, I met her at Aleish’s party last week. Friend of a friend you know.” A shrug. “We just ... bumped into each other earlier.” Dannon was silent, but she could feel his eyes on her, intent. “What?” she demanded, as his eyes narrowed.
He watched her for a moment and then frowned. “I don’t know.” He sighed, not interested enough to pursue it further, which was what she had counted on. “She’s very pretty, quite charming, in fact.”
She scowled at him. “No, Faolan, no. Leave her be.”
“Why?”
She huffed and looked away from him crossly. “Because I don’t want to listen to another friend weeping and wailing and asking me why you never call on them anymore.” She looked up at him with a fierce expression. “Besides, she isn’t married and you know you try and avoid innocence.” She said the word with an edge, having had Dannon interfere in her plans far too often to view her own innocence with anything less than frustration.
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