I’m torn between surprise and utter confusion, flustered at how she says my name with such care. We never were friends before. The most familiarity we ever exchanged was when she wordlessly pleaded with me in Mayor Coleman’s parlor. My mouth goes dry, remembering her tears of distress, how her eyes begged me to help her.
I thought I was powerless then.
My arms return the embrace, even though my mind still whirls to comprehend what is happening. She heaves a heavier sob as she pulls away from me, her attention snagging on something she sees over my shoulder.
“Aspen!” Marie runs to my shocked mate, his eyes taking in the swarm of fae and the girl who clings around his waist. He takes a tentative hand and pats her heaving shoulders.
A flicker of jealousy flutters through me, but it dries before it can ignite into something more. There isn’t anything sensual in their embrace. The way Marie holds onto Aspen isn’t like a lover but a friend. And his consoling touch is more fatherly than anything, although he seems hesitant to give it.
Marie seems to compose herself, pulling away and wiping the tears from her ruddy cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty, Miss Fairfield.” She gives us each a trembling curtsy. “That was very unbecoming of me. You just have no idea how relieved I am to be here.”
“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” I say, “but why exactly are you here? Is your...sister here too?”
Her expression darkens. “Of course not. Maddie is quite comfortable with her new arrangement, despite the questionable ethics she’s embroiled in.”
I raise a brow at Aspen, still bewildered.
He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Marie expressed to me her reservations about Faerwyvae from the start.”
Marie nods eagerly. “I begged him to send me home. I thought for sure he was going to kill me for my insubordination, but instead, he was kind.” She lifts her chin. “He promised I wouldn’t have to marry—ever—if I didn’t want to.”
I flash a grin at my mate. “That’s quite good of him.”
Marie crosses her arms. “It’s the first time in my fifteen years of life that option has ever been given to me.”
I look away from Marie to take in the rest of the refugees, seeing the exhaustion tugging their features. “It must have been a difficult journey.”
“One I didn’t expect any of you to make without aid,” Aspen adds. He seems hesitant, anxious almost, before he says more. “The rebels and I had plans to send spies to help you escape.”
Then I realize the source of his conflict; he’s fighting not to show how touched he is that his household came. They followed him before he even sent anyone to assist them. For a king who keeps his truest, kindest nature behind a mask of stoicism, it must surprise him to find so many loyal to his reign.
It’s my turn to give his hand a squeeze, and we exchange a smile.
“We were stuck near the border between Solar and Lunar for two days,” Marie explains, oblivious to Aspen’s internal struggle. “There were soldiers patrolling the area. It wasn’t until Ambassador Foxglove and the Lunar Prince came along that we were able to make it the rest of the way. Some of us were smuggled through the carriage, while the prince flew others across the border one at a time.”
That explains why it took Foxglove and Franco so long to arrive.
“Are there more of you?” Queen Nyxia’s voice comes from over my shoulder as she approaches us.
Marie pales at the queen’s domineering presence. Belatedly, she sinks into a clumsy curtsy. “Yes, Your Majesty. We left Autumn in three separate groups. The second caught up with us when we were stuck in Solar, but the third is still unaccounted for.”
“I will inform my owls,” Nyxia says. “I’ll have them on high alert with orders to allow them safe passage.”
“Thank you,” Aspen says.
She raises a brow. “I suppose you’ll want me to house all your refugees until you get your palace back?”
His jaw shifts back and forth. “Please.”
She tuts. “It won’t come free. I’m already hosting you and your mate. What will you give me in return?”
I step forward, fingers balled into fists. “We’re giving you what you always wanted. A broken treaty.”
“You are giving me a broken treaty, but what is Aspen providing?” She extends her hands toward the fae cluttering her entry. “A fragmented household? Exhausted soldiers?”
“His household is my household. If you ally with me, you ally with them. Once Aspen and I have our thrones, our people will be out of your way.”
Nyxia studies me through slitted lids. After a few tense moments, she says, “You’ve chosen a side after all.”
I maintain my composure beneath her scrutiny. “Will you send word to the fire fae to meet me tonight?”
Her lips pull into a devious grin. “It would be my pleasure.”
34
After nightfall, Nyxia, Aspen, and I make our way through the forest toward the same cave I visited before. The waning moon is bright, but the forest is oddly quiet, making the glowing mushrooms and bell-like flowers that light our path seem almost sinister.
It makes me grateful I accepted the presence of my two companions. My first instinct was to refuse. I wanted tonight’s meeting with the fire fae to speak volumes, to show them I stand on my own, that I am no one’s puppet, and that I don’t see them as a threat. However, Nyxia made the compelling point that there are other creatures to fear besides the fire fae. Going to the meeting alone would be foolish.
At least the three of us are under the same agreement. Tonight, I represent myself. Nyxia and Aspen will support me as my allies, not my protectors.
We reach the mouth of the cave. From here, it’s black and soundless, giving no hint that anything awaits deep within. A chilling thought comes to mind. What if there really is no one waiting within? What if my first meeting was enough to convince them never to follow me?
Sensing my hesitation, Aspen reaches for my hand. “Are you sure you’re ready to do this?”
The touch soothes me. “Yes.”
Nyxia lifts her brow. “That...issue...we spoke of last time still stands. Are you prepared to follow through with what I told them?”
I know what she’s asking. Am I ready to show them my unseelie form? That’s an additionally perplexing obstacle, one I’ve given much thought to but no answer. I tried several times throughout the day to take my anger to the Twelfth Court, like Aspen had described. It did nothing. My anger wasn’t nearly as strong as it had been after my mother’s death, but that intensity is hard to reach without giving way to sorrow first. And I’m afraid if I give in, not even my rage will be able to save me from it.
I try to put on a convincing face for Nyxia. “I will do what I can.”
She flashes me a glare. “I told them you would show them your unseelie form next time you met with them.”
A spark of anger stirs within me. “You also told them I’d meet with them when I was ready to make a move against King Ustrin. I’m ready to do that and I’m ready to fight for them. If that isn’t enough, then perhaps I’m not enough to be queen. If I’ll have their support, I’ll have it for who I am. For all I know, this,” I wave my hands over the length of my body, “is also my unseelie form.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine. I hope you’re ready for this.”
“So do I,” I mutter. Not an hour has gone by without me questioning whether everything I’m about to do isn’t absolute insanity. I escaped the Spire. Eisleigh. Mr. Duveau. I escaped exile. If I wanted, I could lay low, go into hiding. Avoid Mr. Duveau’s bounty hunters and the seelie fae who would turn me in.
The very thought ignites my indignation. No matter how many times these doubts creep in, I remind myself why I’m doing this. Because it’s the right thing to do. Because the treaty must be broken. Because men like Mr. Duveau and males like Cobalt and Ustrin don’t deserve to be in power. Because I deserve a whole life, not one spent in hiding. Because I’m the only one who will fig
ht for both the humans and the fae.
Nyxia enters the cave and I follow behind her. I feel Aspen’s steadying hand on my lower back, a silent exchange of his support. His touch lowers my pulse and sends calming warmth through my heart.
After a long stretch of darkness, the glowing mushrooms and luminescent crystals begin to light our way. Soon sounds fall upon my ears, proof that at least someone is waiting within. Finally, we reach the inner chamber.
Like before, a variety of fae are clustered inside, eyes full of scrutiny as I enter. What surprises me is how many more there are this time than the last. There are new kitsune in various colors. Wisps in blues, reds, oranges, and violets float through the air. A second moon dragon with opalescent scales is coiled next to the black one I met last time. There are also several other kinds of fae I’ve never met before—sprites of dust and ash and odd-looking flames, birds with bright, fiery wings, glittering snakes and salamanders. There are also fae who appear barely different from an average animal, although none I’ve seen anywhere but encyclopedic reference—fennec foxes, desert rodents, scorpions. Their keen eyes are all that give their true natures away.
With a deep breath, I walk forward and stand before them. Aspen’s hand brushes my back one last time, a gesture hidden from view, before he takes a step away to stand near the wall of the cave. Nyxia does the same, although her resistance is obvious. I can see her struggle not to speak on my behalf written all over her expression.
“You again, and in human form,” says the crustacean-mushroom I remember from before. “I thought you’d only come back when you were ready to prove you were one of us.”
A rumble of agreement moves through the crowd, and to my disappointment, several fae break away from the group and stream out the cave before I can say a word. The others shuffle, as if eager to follow.
“Wait,” I call out, my tone weak and pleading. I take a moment to gather my nerves, reminding myself I’m supposed to be a queen. With a deep breath, I force my voice to ring out with authority. “Give me a chance to speak before you make your decision about me. I will respect your choice, but I will be heard.”
The fae go still, and not another tries to exit the cave. Glowing yellow eyes lock on me from the back of the chamber. It’s the opalescent moon dragon. “I want to hear what she has to say,” says a hissing feminine voice. “I wasn’t here last time, if you recall. If we don’t like what she offers, she’ll make a pretty snack.”
Tittering laughter comes from the crowd, but I’m not sure if it’s sinister or meant to be cajoling. Whatever the case, I came here for a reason and I can’t falter now.
I steel myself, throwing back my shoulders as I try to feign confidence. “Last time we met, Queen Nyxia introduced me as the figure who would fight King Ustrin. Today I come to you as Unseelie Queen of Fire.”
Gasps and yips and growls answer. Again, I’m unsure how to translate the sounds. The clamor could be supportive, shocked, or angry for all I can tell. I continue. “I am claiming Unseelie Queen of Fire according to the Old Ways. When the time comes, I will face King Ustrin and the All of All will bless their alpha. I intend to win.”
An orange wisp bobs forward, her high, feminine voice floating on the air. “How do you intend to beat him? You are but a human with the blood of a former fae king. King Ustrin has lived much longer than you and he’s been king nearly his entire life.”
I’m prepared for that question, my voice ringing out clear and strong. “King Ustrin rules without respect for the Old Ways or the All of All. I may not be full-fae and I may not have the experience he has. But I have the heart. I care about the lives of the fae, and that includes the unseelie. King Ustrin cares about his own power and he’ll shun your kind to keep it. I believe the All of All cares about the seelie and unseelie in equal measure—the way I do.”
“So you believe the All of All will bless you as their alpha?” asks an indigo kitsune with a pale blue flame on its tail. Both his words and expression are heavy with skepticism. “Why you and not another? Why should we support you and not someone else who would fight against him?”
I feel the blood leave my face. That’s a question I never considered. Not once have I wondered if there were another eager to take the Fire throne. I exhale a deep breath to steady my nerves and clear my mind. The words that come are from deep within, and I hardly know what I’m saying before I say it. “Because the fire in you is the fire in me. I feel it burning in every vein, in every ounce of my blood. I may not be full-fae but King Caleos’ legacy is my legacy. I am the result of his deep love for a human woman. His love should have created unity between the humans and the fae. Instead, it brought war and destruction and ended with a corrupt treaty based on lies. I have every intention of restoring the balance that should have been there from the start.”
I see a few nods, but there are just as many hisses. A bright yellow salamander scoots forward. “You speak of love like that should mean something to us. We are unseelie.”
“So was King Caleos,” I say, “and he fell in love. I know love doesn’t always look the same, but its essence is universal. We all love our families, our children, our homes, and our freedoms. We may show it in different ways, but it’s the same love.”
“How will you fight for us?” asks a swirling dust sprite. “Will you help us eradicate the humans? Will you return the Fair Isle to the fae?”
I’m caught off guard by talk of eradicating humans, but I maintain my composure. All I can offer is the truth. “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m committed to hearing all voices and make the decisions that support the highest quality of life for all fae. I may be claiming unseelie queen, but I will not claim to be radical. I will fight for what the unseelie truly represent. Freedom. And that freedom starts by destroying the treaty. My very rule breaks it irreparably.”
“What will that even get us?” asks the white dragon. “War will come. The last war wiped out several thousands of fae. Back then, we fought for control over the isle. What will we be fighting for this time?”
“Like I said, I don’t have all the answers yet. I don’t know what the end result will be. But I do know we’ll be fighting for a better world. A better life for all beings on the isle. We’ll be fighting for freedom from prejudice and hate amongst fae and humans. We’ll be fighting to rid the isle of corrupt leaders and oppressive rules. We’ll be fighting for a world where fae aren’t captured, experimented on, and sold for parts. Where females aren’t sent to brothels.”
Fire heats my core, fueling my words. “We will fight for a world where the unseelie are free to be who they wish without sacrificing their ways, their homes, or their land. A world where seelie may keep the lives they cherish without diminishing the rights of the unseelie. We will fight for a world where human girls aren’t considered expendable, where they will not be groomed as brides to the fae for a Reaping that never should have been created. We will fight as one. I will fight at your side for all of you. I will defend both humans and fae, and I will fight both humans and fae. Our allies are not those who look like us but those who dream of the same world. I ask you to consider if you want to be part of that vision.”
Silence answers. Countless eyes stare back at me, some wide, some hopeful, others narrowed with hostility.
The crustacean scuttles forward. “You’ll fight for us, but are you one of us? How can you understand the unseelie if you can’t even show us your form?”
Echoes of agreement rattle through the chamber.
“Yes, show them,” a malicious voice hisses from the shadows behind me. I whirl toward it, hearing footsteps echo through the cave walls. Someone followed us. Or found us.
King Ustrin steps into the chamber. In his wake, trails Mr. Duveau.
35
The sight of the councilman hits me like a punch to the gut. He meets my eyes with a stony expression, no remorse, no smile. He’s stoic, the way he was when I met him at the mayor’s. I can’t see his face without imagining the revolve
r, the bullet, my mother’s blood streaming into the water below her. A chasm of sorrow opens beneath me, but my anger burns alongside it, keeping me from falling to my knees. I allow it to grow but keep it at a simmer.
Aspen steps forward with a low growl while shadows curl from Nyxia’s fists. The two royals come up beside me, facing our unwelcome guests.
Aspen’s gaze burns into Mr. Duveau. “I thought I gutted you.”
The councilman shrugs, the hint of a teasing smirk playing over his mouth. His stiff posture is all that betrays the underlying wounds he’s hiding. “You tried. Merely got one solid gash in. Better luck next time.”
Several guards file in behind Ustrin and Mr. Duveau, while a small brown rodent, one I’m fairly sure I saw flee the cave when I arrived, circles the Fire King’s ankles. Ustrin looks down at it in disgust, then opens his scaly orange palm. A yellow flame ignites over his hand, then disappears. “Your family has been released,” he says with a sneer. “Thank you for your service. You may go.”
The rodent emits a squeak before scurrying back out.
A violent shudder ripples through my mate as he lowers into a half-crouch, ready to charge.
Ustrin’s eyes whip toward him. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Not if you want your precious refugees to live.”
Aspen bares his teeth, chest heaving. “What are you talking about?”
The Fire King takes a casual step closer. “My soldiers stumbled upon them days ago trying to cross Fire in secret. When Mr. Duveau contacted me with the results of Maven Fairfield’s trial, I realized the refugees would provide the perfect cover to infiltrate Lunar and coax a meeting from Miss Fairfield.”
“Where are they?” I ask. I remember Marie saying one more group remained unaccounted for. If there are even half as many as those who came this morning, there could be dozens.
“They won’t be anywhere unless I make it back to them by midnight,” Ustrin says. “My guards have orders to kill them if I don’t return by then. Therefore, we should hurry on with our business, yes?”
To Wear a Fae Crown (The Fair Isle Trilogy Book 2) Page 24