by Nissa Leder
“I’ve missed your beautiful face.” Sylvia approached him with a smile, her white teeth radiant against her cinnamon skin.
“And what about you?” Kaelem watched as Sylvia spun around like a clothing model. “You’re even more stunning than I remember.”
“Please.” She waved off his compliment.
Kaelem glanced down the long, empty hallway. “Did I scare everyone off?”
Sylvia’s mouth closed into a frown. “It’s been a bit slow lately.”
“New competition?”
“Things have been…different around the city. There used to be a fight now and again, but people seem more hostile than they used to be. Random stabbings. Things like that.”
Kaelem remembered the night he’d brought Scarlett out drinking and dancing and the man who’d been stabbed. He’d had Lola ask around for any pattern, but she’d said nothing had seemed out of the ordinary afterward. Since then, Kaelem hadn’t thought much about it. He’d been so focused on the Fates. Had he been neglecting his own people?
Sylvia reached out her hand and touched Kaelem’s chin. “Now, now. Nothing to worry yourself over. We Unseelie fae are tough.”
“Of course you are. I have a friend waiting, so I should get going. Find me later?”
“Absolutely.” She winked and continued down the hallway.
Kaelem made his way to the large auditorium where the big shows were held. Three female fae sat in the front row and a few males were scattered throughout the empty seats.
“Over here,” a voice called from the back corner. Kaelem’s friend Nico leaned back in a large booth.
They’d been friends as long as Kaelem could remember. Nico was exactly one week older than him. He was the son of Kaelem’s mother’s most trusted lady. Once he’d become king, he’d offered Nico the position of his advisor, but he’d declined. Life’s too short to stay cooped up in a castle, he’d said. Kaelem had pointed out that, in fact, fae life wasn’t all that short, but that hadn’t changed Nico’s mind.
Truthfully, Kaelem was relieved he’d declined. Lola was much better suited for the position. But when he needed information about the Fates, he knew exactly who would be able to find out.
Nico patted the empty space next to him. “My friend, my King. Sit.”
Like Kaelem, Nico had always had a flair for panache, though their taste in suits differed. Today Nico wore a purple and black, zebra print suit with a white shirt underneath. His black-brown hair—a shade darker than his chestnut skin—was cropped short on the sides and longer on top.
“How long has it been?” Kaelem asked as he sat down.
“Two years? Maybe three?”
A waitress approached the table. “Drinks for the gentlemen?” Her eyes took in Nico first then Kaelem. Realizing who he was, she blushed. “I’m so sorry. My king, welcome.”
Nico chuckled. “Don’t you worry, beautiful. I will protect you from any retaliation from my friend here.”
Her eyes widened.
Kaelem interjected, “What he means to say is there is no need to worry. I can’t say we’re gentlemen, but there’s no need for any other formality.”
Her shoulders relaxed and she nodded. “At least let the house cover your drinks.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Nico said.
After she took their order and left to give it to the bartender, Kaelem shook his head. “I can see you’re as smooth as ever.”
Nico shrugged. “Me? I’ve been aiming for modesty.”
“That might take some work,” Kaelem said. “So, I’m assuming you didn’t come back here to meet with me for flattery and free drinks.”
“Well, that would be reason enough to see my old friend, but no, I received your letter.”
Kaelem’s heart thumped. “And?”
“It took some digging, and some sleeping around—with a few women and one man—but I followed the information until I met a man with the answers you seek.”
A voice came over the room’s speakers. “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight’s feature event. The Purple Pixies are here to perform and, let me just say, you’re going to enjoy the show.”
Purple strobe lights flashed across the black curtain in front of the stage as it slowly opened. Four fae women, all dressed in sparkly purple dresses, stepped out from off stage. As the music started, their dancing began.
Nico continued, “His name is Sandy and he lives in the mortal realm. New York City, to be exact, under this rundown apartment building. I thought his place would be a total dump, but oh my god, it was nice. Luxurious, really. And one of his ladies—well, she was exquisite.”
Another reason Nico would have made an awful advisor: he could never stay focused. Somehow, he always found himself off talking—or sleeping—with someone else.
The waitress returned with their drinks and four shots on her tray. She placed them on the table. “The bartender said to make sure you both have a great time tonight.”
Nico smirked. “Does a great time include you?”
Kaelem rolled his eyes.
Her eyebrow rose. “I prefer my partners a little less obvious. Anything else I can get you two?”
“We’re good, thank you,” Kaelem said.
After she was gone, Nico shrugged. “Can’t say I don’t try. As I was saying, Sandy runs an underground operation of mortal women. He’s quite the entrepreneur.”
“He sells mortals?”
“No, it’s an escort business of sorts. The women all agree to his terms and are greatly paid for their services.” Nico took a sip of his blue drink with a pineapple slice and cherry stuck through a straw on top. “Mmm. Yum. Sandy’s ladies are great at getting information from the fae visitors. No one thinks they need to watch what they say around mortals. Sandy collects information and, for a price, sells it. But what he doesn’t realize is that mortals can also give the clientele information, with a little persuasion.” Nico’s eyes narrowed as he adjusted his collar. “Let’s just say, I’m good at persuasion.”
“And what did you find out?”
“There were fae who knew about the Sidhe realm. Very few, all very old, but instead of staying in the Otherworld, some of the Sidhe escaped to the mortal realm when their queen turned human. One recently visited Sandy’s establishment and, after a few drinks and a little flirting from my new friend Melanie, spoke of a weapon that could kill a Sidhe ruler.”
Happiness fluttered inside Kaelem. A weapon that could kill Ankou. This was great. But wait. If it could kill Ankou, it could also kill Scarlett. If it got into the wrong hands, whatever plan they had to defeat him could backfire horribly. “Who all knows about this?”
“Melanie told Sandy, so both of them, and the Sidhe man. I’m not sure who else. He made it sound like rare information very few of his people knew about. He claimed to have worked for the Sidhe queen herself at one time.” Nico lifted one of the shots and pushed another toward Kaelem.
Kaelem picked it up and clinked it against Nico’s, then they both downed the shots. The liquor burned in his throat. “Did he say where to find the weapon?”
“He claimed he knew but Melanie couldn’t get him to spill the secret. He claimed something about holding on to his honor and not betraying his queen. Blah, blah. People and their love for their rulers.” Nico laughed as he pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “But he visits frequently. I bet you could find him there.”
Kaelem tried to stay calm. He trusted his friend, but he didn’t want Nico knowing how badly he wanted the information. “Perhaps I’ll have to give the club a visit and see if I can find him and he can be persuaded.”
Nico tossed Kaelem the paper. “I’d offer to lend my persuasion skills, but I am meeting a friend in the Caribbean tomorrow.”
“The Caribbean?”
“I’m meeting a group of other fae there to party for the week. Gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery, plenty of human emotion to feed on. Paradise.”
Kaelem put the
folded paper into his suit’s front pocket. “I didn’t know fae enjoyed the mortal world outside of our courts.”
Nico’s eyebrow curved. “Fae are everywhere now, my friend. I’m proud to call you my king and, compared to all of the others, you’re great, but many of us don’t want to be ruled any longer. Royalty is a dying thing in the mortal world and has been for a long time. But our world hasn’t adjusted. Petty wars between courts continue and, quite frankly, a lot of fae just don’t care for that world anymore. We’re creatures blessed with good health and long lives, but so many die much younger than necessary in battle and for what?”
Kaelem did his best to conceal his shock, but he was pretty sure it was written across his face. The fae had been spreading throughout the mortal world and he hadn’t even realized. “Thank you for finding this out for me. Can we keep it between us?”
“Of course.” Nico waved over one of the female fae walking through the empty seats.
Her straight, mahogany hair fell to her waist. As she got closer, her almond-shaped hazel eyes glanced between Kaelem and Nico, who patted his legs. She followed his gesture and sat on his lap.
“What has you two hiding out here in the back?” she asked. “Surely, our king and his companion would rather have your own room on the VIP level.”
Kaelem tensed as Nico’s hand trailed down the woman’s arm. Did she feel pressure to let him touch her because he was with Kaelem?
What had suddenly changed to make him worry about something like that? How many times had he visited this very club to drink alcohol and watch shows filled with fae like this woman?
He reached his mind gift out to the woman’s thoughts.
Today is even slower than yesterday. How am I supposed to make good tips if no one is fucking here? God knows the king has enough money to tip well, but with the bartender so worried about not making a bad impression and giving him all of his drinks for free, he’ll probably expect everything on the house.
Kaelem resisted a grin. She either didn’t know he could so easily access her thoughts or she didn’t care. Either possibility fascinated him. He usually didn’t like to invade his people’s minds, but he couldn’t help but peek in once more.
I’ll let someone else take the king if he asks. This guy looks easier to coax into a big, fat tip. A little flattery can work wonders.
Nico took his other shot. “What do you say, with our business talk out of the way, should we move to a lounge for a private show?”
The woman fluttered her eyelashes and gave an innocent look. “We’d be lucky to entertain two dashing men like you.” She ran her finger over Nico’s bicep. “So strong.”
Kaelem downed his last shot and stood. “I’m afraid I have to pass tonight. I should be getting back to the palace.”
“Of course.” Nico lifted the woman off of his lap. “I guess it’s just me tonight, gorgeous.”
“Perfect.” She grinned. “I’ll go get your room ready.” Her hips swayed back and forth as she walked away. After a few steps, she turned back and smiled at Nico.
She was good.
“I appreciate you finding this out for me,” Kaelem said. “If you ever need a favor in return, I’m here for you.”
Nico pat Kaelem on his back. “Of course. I might not live in the Unseelie Court anymore, but it will always be my home. If what you’ve told me is true, we’re all fucked if the Fates take over.”
When the woman returned, Kaelem said goodbye and watched Nico follow her out of the auditorium.
Before he left, Kaelem found their waitress and handed her a bag of gold coins. “Thank you for the drinks. Go ahead and share this with everyone here tonight.” As he was about to turn away, he paused. “Make sure you and the woman my friend is with each takes a double share.”
As Kaelem walked back down the long hallway to the exit, he wondered why he wasn’t staying. There was no saving his court tonight. He needed time to plan before setting out to find more information. It wasn’t something he could do alone. If what Nico said was true and the man was Sidhe, he wouldn’t trust Kaelem. The man would need to see his new queen if they had any hope of him revealing where to find the weapon. Kaelem would have to take Scarlett with him.
Scarlett.
Her blue eyes and long, dark hair flashed into his mind.
He’d slept with plenty of women, but no one’s face had ever haunted him as hers did at that moment. After years of sleeping with women, he’d never truly cared for anyone. Now, he was in a club full of beautiful women but he didn’t hesitate as he walked back past the bouncer.
Maybe his sister was right.
Kaelem couldn’t deny he felt something more for her, but he had too much to worry about to figure out exactly what it was or what it meant.
Chapter Three
Sage had left her family safe in the Unseelie Court. Her sister, Willow had begged her to stay, but there was something she needed to do.
With her brother now King of the Autumn Court, Sage didn’t know what would happen. He’d allied with the Fates because he thought it would protect their people, but she knew his trust was misplaced.
The Faerie Forest was cool around her. Red, orange, and golden leaves had appeared a few minutes ago on her walk as she’d made her way into Autumn territory. Normally, she would have entered Faerie near the Autumn Court, but she didn’t want to run into her brother or any of his guards, so this time she took a portal to the center of the Faerie Forest. Last time she’d been there, she and her sister had been attacked by the wolf-like creatures.
Sage inhaled the crisp air around her. She’d missed the smell the Autumn Forest held. The Unseelie Court might be safer, but it wasn’t home. The trees towered high around her but revealed a bright blue sky—one thing the Unseelie Court would never offer.
A creak of a branch startled her. Sage drew the daggers strapped to her back. They weren’t her favorite weapon choice, but were far less conspicuous than a bow. She scanned the area around her. At first, she thought she might have imagined the noise, but then she saw it: her father’s owl. Perched on a low branch, it stared at her with its large yellow eyes.
Was the bird loyal to her brother now? If so, he would know she was there now and could send guards after her. The smart thing would be to turn back. She could be back to the portal to the Unseelie Court before the guards could get to her from the castle.
No. She had come for a reason, and she wouldn’t run away scared.
The owl hopped to the edge of the branch, its gaze remaining locked on Sage. The thing had always creeped her out. It would spend hours on her father’s shoulder as he sat on his throne. Any time someone would get too close for its liking, it would let out a long screech.
Was it simply because her father was king and the bird had no choice but to serve him? Or did it care for him?
He’d given it—her—a name. What was it? A color, right? Some shade of red. Ruby? No. It was longer.
Garnet. That’s right.
Garnet jumped from the branch and soared to the tree closest to Sage. Its large talons gripped the branch as it watched her.
Sage could be wasting precious time. If guards were on the way, she needed to hurry. She’d come to visit her old tribe and to warn them. The tribe had always existed outside of the Autumn Court rules. It called its leader “queen,” which was forbidden by the court’s doctrines. But since the tribe kept mostly to itself, it had never been reprimanded for its digressions. With Ajax on the throne, Sage worried that might change. And even if he was blissfully unaware of the tribe’s existence—which Sage thought was likely since he spent his entire life sheltered by the castle and his title as prince—the Fates’ creatures were out there and dangerous.
But Sage couldn’t quit staring at the owl. Was she imagining things or was there a sadness in its eyes? Without thinking, she put her daggers away and reached out her arm as she’d seen her father do countless times.
The bird launched from the branch and flew straight to her, g
ently perching itself onto her forearm. Garnet’s eyes remained locked with hers, and now so close, she was sure pain resided in her stare. Sage had never seen the bird get so close to anyone else unless her father had ordered it to injure them.
Garnet did not serve the new king.
Sage slowly reached her free hand and pet the bird’s head. Her feathers were slick.
“I need to keep going, but you can follow me if you’d like.” Sage spoke to Garnet. She felt a little silly speaking to a bird but as if it understood, it released its talons and returned to a nearby tree.
Sage wasn’t sure the bird had comprehended her words, but as she continued through the forest toward her tribe’s camp, it followed close behind her. She approached a large tree with a dagger symbol carved into its bark.
A bird call echoed around her.
She lifted her hands high above her head—an act of surrender.
When she’d decided to leave the tribe, she hadn’t given a proper goodbye. She’d panicked and left without telling anyone. Would this make her an enemy? Or would Vienna, the tribe’s queen, understand?
“Well, well,” Tamara, the queen’s advisor and quite possibly Sage’s least favorite person there, said as she lowered herself from a tree with a rope. Of course, she’d be the one to greet Sage. “Look who has suddenly decided to return.”
Sage lifted her chin but held back the words she wanted to spit. She was here to protect her tribe, not pick a fight with Tamara. “I need to speak with Queen Vienna.”
At first, calling someone who wasn’t her mother “queen” had felt like poison on her tongue, but as she’d grown to respect Vienna, she realized queen was a title given to someone who wanted to protect her people and that Vienna had no intention of taking her mother’s crown.
“I don’t think you’re in any position to give demands, little one.” Tamara’s hatred for Sage had always been obvious. She whistled and other tribe members revealed themselves from the trees around Sage.
She was trapped.
“I’m not here to demand anything or to fight. I simply want to talk to our queen.”