Untitled

by Riana Lucas

  “But—“ She is glaring at me now, as if it is my fault she was rude.

  “Holly,” my mother cuts in, “I said that was enough. Now is not the time for this anyway. I did not bring you here to discuss Poppy and Reed’s love life.”

  I let out an involuntary squeak of surprise at how easily she said that. This has to be the most humiliating experience of my life. I do not even know if I have a love life, but I definitely know that I do not want others discussing it. On a positive note, Reed is no longer glaring at me. Instead, he is stifling a laugh. I should be angry with him, but the fact that he is not embarrassed over people talking about us along with the fact that he is not denying any of it makes me feel anything but angry right now. I bite my lip as I watch his eyes twinkle and his lips curve up. He is so handsome. My stomach feels like there are butterflies in it and my cheeks heat again, but this time I think it has to do with the fact that my whole body feels hot and my heart is beating too fast.

  “For faery’s sake! Can we just move on from all of this? The way these two are looking at each other is making me sick!” Holly announces, causing me to pull my gaze from Reed’s to look over at her. Everyone around her is trying to keep from laughing.

  Probably sensing my embarrassment and that we are nearing a point where I will not be able to take much more humiliation, my mother begins talking once again. Everyone quiets down to listen, thankfully. “I asked you here because...well, truthfully, because at a time like this I feel it is very important for family to be together. As odd as it may be, I feel as if we are all family.”

  My embarrassment completely vanishes as my heart melts at her words. I feel the same way about everyone in this room, but I had not realized my mother felt this way as well. By the looks on their faces, everyone else feels this way too. Willow is even crying a bit, and Holly’s face has completely transformed. She looks young and vulnerable and is doing nothing to hide it.

  My mother continues. “At one point in my life, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never have a true family. Then a miracle came out of …” She waves her hand, not wanting to discuss the sadness of the story. “You know what happened. I got a beautiful daughter. Then she was taken, but another miracle came of that. Holly was found in the woods, an abandoned baby. There was never a question of whether we would take her in and where she would live. I immediately adopted her as my own. I had a daughter once again.” She smiles lovingly at Holly, and my heart melts all over again when I see how much my mother loves her.

  I had not known how Holly came to be here with my mother. It has been a question burning in the back of my mind since I first realized how close they were, but the time has never been right to ask. Now I know, and it saddens me. Poor baby Holly had been abandoned, all on her own out in the Faery Woods. Thankfully, she was rescued by my loving mother. In every way other than by blood, Holly became my mother’s other daughter. We should be sisters instead of fighting all the time and causing my mother so much distress. I look over at her now. Her face is tilted down, her hands in her lap. As if sensing my gaze, she looks up at me. Her eyes are sad, but she offers a soft smile. It is genuine and I realize that she is thinking the same things I am. I offer a smile in return; one I hope conveys my apology.

  My mother’s soft voice brings me back to the story she is telling. “I was happy, but there was still a large hole in my heart that could never be filled. Then my daughter returned to me, filling that hole up, and I never thought I could be happier. But my daughter brought me more than just herself. Over the last few weeks, since she has come back to me, I feel as if my family has grown even larger. She has shown me a side of Thorne, Gideon, and Willow that I would have never seen before. The three of you are more than fae in my court, warriors in my army, or servants in my castle. You have become three of my daughter’s best and most loyal friends, and I have grown to care for all three of you as well.” She smiles at each of them. I can see that they are stunned by her words at first, not knowing the proper response to such a statement.

  Thorne finally breaks out of his daze. “We can still call you Queen Lily though, right?”

  We chuckle as she answers, “Of course you can.”

  “Thank you, Queen Lily," they answer in unison.

  They look at me then, a small question in their eyes. Do I feel the same way my mother does? I answer with what I hope are the right words. “I have never had friends before, other than Rho. I know she would have treasured your friendships just as much as I do.”

  Gideon and Thorne both smile while bowing their heads slightly. Willow jumps up, rushing over to hug me tightly. “Oh, we love you too, Poppy!”

  “Thank you, Willow." I hug her back quickly, but just as tightly. She releases me and returns to her seat. Gideon places both hands on her shoulders this time.

  My mother smiles at me, then turns toward Reed and his parents. “Reed, I have to admit, I had my doubts about you. A halfling from the Unseelie court, living in the Seelie court, and friends with my daughter?" She shakes her head. “But once I met you, I understood. You are everything my daughter has said and more. You are brave, loyal, and a fierce warrior. Any mother would be proud to—“ Her voice cuts off abruptly when I elbow her in the side. I am not entirely sure where that sentence was headed, but I am quite all right with not hearing the rest of it. She clears her throat, a mischievous smile on her face. “I am proud to call you family, Reed. I am also proud to invite your parents into my family as well. Not only for what they can offer as far as the unclaimed are concerned. Having raised such a remarkable young man, they must be amazing. Besides, I think I will need allies when it comes to the six of you.” She beams over at them, they return the smile.

  “Thank you, Lily,” Rowan and Anna both say, looking proudly at their son.

  “Thank you, Queen Lily,” Reed says as well. He glances at everyone, seeming unsure for a moment, but then apparently making a decision he squares his shoulders and looks back at my mother. “I do not wish to speak for the others, but I know I am right when I say that we are honored to be considered a part of your family. I am also honored to be a part of this court and to be fighting for it. Thank you for welcoming me here and giving me a home away from my mother.”

  Everyone nods his or her agreement at Reed’s words.

  “Thank you, Reed, for your kind words, and the rest of you, for listening to my emotional speech.” She lets out a soft laugh. “I just thought it was important that these things be said. I have faith in each and every one of you. Not only in your success against the Unseelie court, but in your safe return. However, I have learned from experience that things can change in the blink of an eye. I do not wish to ever take anything for granted again, so before you head into battle, I want you to know just how much I love all of you. Good luck and safe return.”

  As everyone stands to leave the room, each and every one of my friends stops to hug my mother. Like she did before when we set out to rescue Reed and Rho, she offers each of them whispered words and a quick embrace before they leave. I am last, of course.

  When it is finally my turn, I hug my mother tightly, trying to hold back tears. She hugs me just as close. “I know we have had this conversation before, but I am growing tired of you always leaving on some mission. I wish you did not always have to be involved in these things.” I can hear a hint of hopefulness in her voice. I know how much she dislikes me being involved in danger and she is probably hoping I will say I will not go.

  But I cannot do that.

  Sitting aside while I let others fight my battles is not in me. “I know, Mother. I am growing tired of this as well, but you know that it is something I must do. I cannot stand aside and wait, nor will I allow my friends or my people to fight a fight that is because of me.”

  She pulls back, keeping her hands on my shoulders but allowing her the room she needs to look into my eyes. “I will not argue your points. I will just say that if this had not involved you, it would have involved someone else.
This is all King Foxglove’s fault. But…” she says loudly, stopping my words of argument that were on the tip of my tongue. “I understand that this has involved you, and therefore I understand your reasoning behind the need to be the one to lead this mission. Just remember that your poor mother will be here, fretting and worrying non-stop, so it is imperative that you return home quickly and safely. Understood?”

  “Yes, Mother. I understand,” I say sarcastically, hoping to keep the mood light so that I will not cry.

  “Do not get smart with me, young lady.” Her voice is stern, but her eyes twinkle with joy.

  I smile at her, liking our comfort and familiarity with each other. I hate it as much as she does that I never seem to get a chance to spend time with her. Ever since I met her, my life has been completely upside down, with one mission after the other. I may be volunteering for these missions, but in reality, there has been no other choice. My friends have been in trouble, my court has been threatened, and my own life has been in danger.

  “I will return as quickly and as safely as possible, I promise. Hopefully, when I get home this time, I will be able to take a much-needed break. Maybe one of those human vacations will be in order,” I say jokingly.

  My mother grows more serious and strokes my hair as she says, “Whatever you want, my sweet child. Just come home.”

  “I will.” I hug her once more, her return hug quick but fierce. Feeling the mood shifting and wanting to get out of there before it does, I quickly turn and leave the room.

  6

  It does not take long to gather what I need for battle. If I were not already used to having to pick up and go at my former king’s command, I would have been by now. This routine would have become second nature over the last few weeks. I absently re-braid my hair before I throw clothes, potions, and herbs into my satchel. I test my daggers for their sharpness, then secure them in the sheaths that are always strapped to my outer thighs. Within minutes I am ready.

  I hesitate for a moment when I glance at my bed. I have an overwhelming urge to walk over there and just sit on the edge of it so I can think about all that has happened. I want to remember what King Foxglove, my father, and Damien have done. I want to remember Rho and how their actions killed her. I want to think about what they did to my mother and to me. The pain they caused by ripping us from one another the way they did. However, I stop myself from doing it. I shake my head, tightening the grip on my satchel that is now placed over my shoulder as I grab the knob on my door. I do not need the distraction of the horrible memories that have brought me to this point in my life. I need to be the warrior fae that I was trained to be by the Unseelie. I need to be emotionless, focused, and determined. I have a mission that is critical, and right now that is the only thing that I must think about. Allowing my memories and emotions to lead me at this time could prove disastrous. I will perform this task as I have all others. I will be detached and emotionless, and I will be successful. I will use the skills these same fae taught me to bring them all down.

  The rest is for later. Once I have succeeded in my mission and Damien is dead, I will then think about all of these horrible memories and find satisfaction in the fact that I have made the Unseelie pay for what they did and that I have had my revenge.

  Taking one last deep breath, I swing the door to my room open. I stride down the hall toward where I will meet my friends and my army. My shoulders are squared, my spine is straight, and my determination is stronger than it has ever been before.

  The sight that greets me at the castle doors is one of organized chaos. Servants and maids are bustling about, checking gear, passing out food and supplies, and assisting in any other way they can. Warriors are giving a final test of their weapons, securing them into place, and organizing the items that are being given to them by the servants. There are also a few healers milling around as well. They are checking their potions as well as giving items to the warriors. All things that will help in an emergency if the healers cannot get to them, I am sure. There are no families present. The warriors have said their goodbyes. They are now in battle mode.

  The feelings that this sight stirs in me are almost overwhelming. We have been training and preparing for this very moment for what has felt like forever. To be here now, just before we head out on what I know will prove to be the most important battle of my life, is almost unbelievable. The relief at finally being at this point is so intense. My earlier thoughts of personal issues are forgotten as I feel my lips part into what I am sure is the biggest smile I have ever had upon my face.

  One of the nearby warriors notices my smile. He nods politely as his own smile creeps across his face. I begin to feel giddy with excitement, anxious with anticipation, and extremely eager to get going. I am not surprised by these sudden feelings—they seem to be contagious. Just moments ago I had to shake away the sadness that threatened to consume me if I allowed it. Now I am practically bouncing on my toes when I approach my friends. Of course, they notice my huge smile right away. They are feeling the same as I am if their growing smiles and glowing eyes are any indication.

  “Ready?” Gideon asks as I reach the small circle they have formed.

  “I did not realize just how ready I am until I saw this.” I wave my hand around to encompass the entire entryway, as well as the fae that are still moving around us. “We have been preparing for so long. Now to see our plans finally set into action…” I shake my head, unable to find the correct words for just how excited I am.

  “It’s the best feeling in the world!” Thorne announces for me.

  I laugh—I cannot help it, between my own feelings of giddiness and seeing the same looks mirrored on the faces of my friends, then Thorne’s excited words. It just bubbles out of my mouth.

  “I know we should probably be more serious and somber, like dinner was last night,” Thorne begins, looking a bit embarrassed by his sudden outburst. “But I cannot help the feeling of excitement at the fact that we are finally going to give those Unseelie fae what they deserve. We have been waiting for this for a very long time.” I can still see Thorne’s happiness, but I can also see the determination. That same determination is mirrored by each and every fae around us.

  “No, Thorne, you are right. We should be just how we are,” I reassure him and the others. “We have worked and trained hard for this day. We are more than ready, and it is perfectly normal to be excited about the upcoming battle and victory that I know is to come!” My voice has risen with my words, carrying over the entire entryway for all to hear. I know because when I finish there is a war cry so loud it shakes the castle walls.

  I turn to beam at my warriors.

  When the silence dies down and they have returned to finalizing their task, I turn back to my friends. I am still smiling and bouncing on the balls of my feet, unable to remain still. I watch them for a moment as they too make their final preparations. My impatience is starting to get the best of me, and I have to distract myself from reaching over and helping them with their tasks. I glance out into the early morning sky, trying to judge the time.

  “Don’t worry. Just a few more minutes and we’ll finally be on our way.” Reed snickers close beside my ear. The warmth of his breath causes me to shiver, and he gives me a knowing look. I turn to move from him, but he stops me. He places his hand in mine then begins to tug me away from the group. I turn back to him to protest, but he shakes his head as he continues to tug me away. Knowing he will not release me and not wanting to cause a scene, I allow him to pull me along.

  He pulls me into a small corner far enough away from the others that the sounds become just a murmur of jumbled words and noise. He positions me so that my back is to the wall. He is standing in front of me, blocking my view of the room and people around us. He is so much bigger than I am; he is the only thing I can see. There is still a foot or two of space between us, but I can feel the heat from his body around me as if he were touching me. I avert my face, feeling anxious now for a completely different reas
on. Reed and I have been alone before, but this feels different. So much more intimate and private, even though I know there are fae all around us. I feel as if we are the only two in the room right now.

  Because my face is turned down, I see Reed slowly lift his hand to my face. He places two of his fingers gently under my chin, then applies just enough pressure to turn my face up to look at his. He is close enough that I have to stretch my neck in order to look up at him, making me feel more vulnerable and exposed than I ever have before. I feel my throat constrict as I swallow deeply, nervous to actually meet his eyes.

  “Look at me, Poppy.” Reed’s voice is so soft I barely hear it, but that does not mean my body does not. My heart beats so fast I am afraid it may burst out of my chest. My stomach rolls so violently that I am suddenly afraid I may be sick. I still do not look at him.

  Reed moves his two fingers up the side of my chin along my jawbone. His other fingers join the first two until he is cupping the side of my face with his entire hand. His thumb is now resting on my chin, just below my bottom lip. His fingers are so strong, yet so soft at the same time. This causes all sorts of weird reactions that I have never experienced before. I feel my cheeks heat; actually, my whole body heats. My knees begin to shake causing me to lean further into the wall behind me for support. I still do not meet his eyes. I cannot.

  “Poppy, look at me.” His voice is whisper soft again, his breath warm across my face. He has moved just a little closer to me, but it feels as if it were miles. The warmth of his body and the feel of his breath cause me to tremble all over. I know that he must feel it; there is no way he cannot. It is completely embarrassing, but there is nothing I can do to control it. I feel so helpless with him so close. I still refuse to look.