“Yes! I can’t wait to see Ainsley,” I say with abnormal excitement, not ready to return to Asher’s brooding.
“Eve and I are most grateful to accompany you for tea, your highness,” Michael responds properly.
I smile and nod my agreement, grateful to be away from the earth realm for a bit. Lady Finella encloses our hands in hers and teleports us all to the Emerald Castle.
Each time I’m here, I’m always in awe of how beautiful the translucent palace is. The see-through walls offer the sensation of being in the forest, while the green tinted glass projects just the right amount of privacy from outside eyes. The openness allows you to feel at one with the realm.
Just as we enter the rotunda, the Duchess of Sprites, Ainsley, flitters into the room with a tray. Her amber hue glows bright as she curtsies to both Michael and I before placing the silver platter on the table.
I’m always taken aback at how similar she and Lady Finella look. Both have long, red hair, emerald green eyes and stunning translucent butterfly-like wings. The only difference, aside from their height and dress color, is the gold runes that run through Lady Finella’s beautiful skin. I’ve repeatedly wondered if they’re sisters.
Ainsley presents us with fresh tea and sandwiches made from the herbs and vegetables grown in the fairies’ gardens. I can’t help but take two, they’re that good. Lady Finella just smiles, amused with me, as a mother would be with her child, before turning her attention to Michael.
“Warrior of Heaven, as you are aware, it is not in my nature to skip pleasantries. Though today, I must be direct and to the point. I bring news from my assembly with the Royal Supernatural Court,” she states in an authoritative manner before sipping her tea.
Michael nods and motions for her to continue. “Of course, your grace. Please, we are anxious to hear the information you wish to impart.”
Lady Finella offers a small smile before placing her cup down and giving Michael a pointed look. “I am afraid it is quite serious intelligence. Priestess Arabella has been plagued with countless visions, many of which sorceress Lunette confirmed to be truth. It is with great distress that I advise you and the protectors that the apparitions are in regard to the Declan clan of gargoyles and also the Dark Army.” She sighs sadly before continuing.
I tense at the mention of Deacon’s clan.
“Lucifer is moving quickly to ensure Eve does not succeed in her ascension. All five of the supernatural kingdoms have vowed to provide assistance to the Angelic Council and the London clan to assure Eve’s well-being and ascension. Sorrowfully, not all supernatural creatures within our realms are loyal so we must be on guard and quite vigilant with whom we entrust Eve’s life,” she states with a stern look.
“I understand,” Michael responds with a very serious tone.
“Eve, Arabella is one of The Seven High Priestesses with the gift of future sight. She’s also a member of the Royal Supernatural Court and a very dear friend. The court thought perhaps it might be worthwhile for you to pay her a visit. Now that it appears you have mastered realm jumping, an appointment with her in the Eternal Forest should be quite an easy journey for you, guided by your protector, of course,” Lady Finella explains.
“I’m happy to meet with the priestess,” I concur, not admitting my unease.
“I’ll discuss it with the London clan and get word to you once they are able to make the journey,” Michael states authoritatively.
“Wonderful. I will speak with the priestess and court and let them know right away of your plans,” she states.
“Lady Finella, it is always an honor when we are in your presence. Your hospitality is most appreciated,” Michael offers with a slight bow and they both stand.
Guessing our time here has ended, I stand as well and offer my gratitude.
She turns to me as her face softens. “Batya, it is always a great honor and a most pleasant experience to have you in our kingdom. It is my wish that when your divine task is complete, you enjoy our realm for a longer period of time.”
I beam at her. “I would love that. Thank you.”
She leans in to embrace me as she whispers in my ear, “Perhaps with your protector.” Pulling back, she smirks and winks at me. My heart drops at the suggestion.
“Warrior of Heaven, thank you for gracing us with your presence. Please do share what I’ve told you at once with Eve’s sentinels,” the majestic queen asks.
“Of course, your grace. Are you ready to return, Eve?” he inquires.
“Yep. Thank you again for everything, your highness,” I say one final time.
“Until next time, child.” With that, we are returned to the earth realm and the training room where I’m sure I’ll be enduring more punishment this afternoon. Ugh. Maybe I will just run away to the Fae Kingdom forever.
5
Saraphina
Feathery ice crystals fall in delicate patterns from the puffy storm clouds as I admire the brush strokes of gray that obscure the cool winter sky. I trek my way in the snow-covered gardens.
Bundled up for warmth, I follow the path all the way through the white birch trees toward the lake side of the grounds.
With each step, the sound of crunching snow echoes off the lifeless trees, disturbing the peaceful quiet of nature and marring the untainted soft white blanket. Even in the middle of winter, when the flowers are not in bloom, the garden is beautiful.
Inhaling the frosty air, I allow the coldness to fill my lungs. Though not as lovely as the Kingdom of the Fae, this place has its own natural allure. I can’t explain it, but there’s something drawing me to the stillness of the sleeping plants, soothing me and providing haven.
Perhaps it’s just my innate need to be close to nature.
The lightly falling snow surrounds my serene refuge, encompassing me in my own earthly snow globe. I brush off the white marble bench and sit, allowing the bitter chill to seep into my jeans, numbing me. The small lake on the left side of the private grounds is now frozen over with a thin layer of ice.
I shake my head, releasing the tiny white flakes from my damp hair. The frozen droplets of water cling to my strands like a life force. I stop as my body embraces the wave of warmth that only he brings.
“One of these days, you’re going to freeze to death,” Asher says across from me, leaning on a birch tree with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. A shadow of concern falls over his handsome face.
My body purrs with exhilaration at his proximity. Crap. I really need to get my hormones under control. I can feel my eyes soften at the sight of him, but I remind myself to put up my shields.
“Have you come to punish me some more?” I ask in a snarky tone.
The right side of Asher’s mouth tilts upward. “No. I won’t apologize either. You need to become stronger and more strategic when you fight or you won’t last against a demon.”
I cock my eyebrow at him. “I lasted against Kaiden.” He pins me with his stare.
Asher’s head shakes slowly. “He was a gargoyle and not a very impressive one at that.”
“Is that so? You mean it wasn’t the impeccable training you and Callan gave me?” I ask, my eyes searching his. His face is serious before morphing into his panty dropping, come hither look.
Asher bestows his signature sexy grin. “Perhaps. I am pretty awesome.”
My eyes flicker to the lake in an attempt to keep in the emotions that are too close to the surface. Then I return to the deepness of his gaze, yearning to get lost in him.
“I spoke to Tadhg. He said Leo is getting better each day.” Asher breaks my reverie.
“That’s good. I was worried about him.” An uncomfortable silence lingers between us.
He watches me. “I need to go to London with Keegan and Callan. There’s a Spiritual
Assembly of Protectors meeting, and our presence has been requested by Michael and Uriel. I’m assuming they want to discuss what the Royal Supernatural Court talked about with Lady Finella and provide thei
r approval for our realm jump to the Eternal Forest.”
“Okay.” I cringe at the sadness in my voice. The thought of him being away from me makes my anxiety levels rise.
The bond alerts him to my flustered state. “Abby and Kenna will watch over you in my absence. I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he offers in a soft tone meant to calm me.
I nod, wishing he wouldn’t go and then chastising myself for wanting him to stay. I need help.
“While I’m in the council chambers, our link won’t be as strong, therefore I won’t be able to feel the bond as clear as I normally do. Do you think, for once, you could do as I ask and stay inside with the girls tonight, so I don’t have to worry?” he asks with insistent eyes.
I lift my eyes to his, trying not to lose myself in the deep blue layers. “I can try.”
“Not good enough. Do more than try, siren,” he says in a pleading tone.
I swallow the guilt I feel for, once again, making him see me as a nuisance. “Fine.”
“Thank you,” he replies on an exhale that comes out in a cloud of smoke from the cold air.
More silence.
He stalks over to me and crouches so we’re in one another’s line of sight. “I’m sorry if it felt I was rough on you during training. It’s being done for your protection.”
I offer a weak smile. “You were quite the jerk. I get it though.” I watch him, watching me.
“I’m also sorry for my behavior toward you. Setting us straight, it was the right thing to do, siren. You’re right. We need to focus. I am first and foremost your protector. I appreciate the reminder that it’s all I can be,” Asher says in a soft, sincere tone.
Crap. What did I do? “Ash—”
He cuts me off. “I took an oath and I intend to see it through without the added consequences of breaking the rules. From now on, I will respect our roles and restrain myself. Consider us protector and charge only. Yeah?” he asks, eyeing me.
My entire body sinks at the consequences of my actions and what he’s saying. “And friends,” I add, hopeful. This is not what I wanted.
His eyes never leave mine as he nods once, accepting my understanding and approving the ‘friend’ title. His hand reaches for my hair, gently brushing the snowflakes off. “Please come inside where it’s warmer.”
“Just ten more minutes to get my head clear.” It comes out in a mere whisper.
“Five more minutes before I send the girls to come get you,” he states before standing to leave.
“Asher?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry,” I offer solemly.
Asher looks away with pain on his face. “Me too, siren. Me too,” he murmurs. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Behave, yeah?” With that, he extends his wings and disappears into the sky. My body completely shuts down in panic at watching him leave like that. What the hell? I close my eyes and inhale again, trying to get a grip on my wild emotions. They’re all over the place. The moment is broken at the sound of clapping from the wooded area near the lake.
I open my eyes and snap my head toward the forest to see what the intrusion is. On guard, my hands move instinctively toward the daggers I know are sheathed to my legs.
Clap. Clap. Clap. “Bravo, daughter of Heaven.” I barely register a jovial voice.
My eyes land on the ground and take in a small, dwarf-like creature that appears out of the tree line in front of me. My eyes widen. Holy shit, it’s a good thing I’m sitting down.
He can’t be more than six or seven inches tall, if that, and has a complete look of mischief etched on his face. For a brief moment, I look around, wondering if I’ve officially lost it and am envisioning things that aren’t real.
The small being places his hand over his heart, eyes dreamy. “Young, forbidden love, it’s so romantic. Although you and the gargoyle, well that was such a pathetic expression of feelings.”
“Who are you?” I demand, proud that my tone sounds strong.
The tiny creature hobbles over to me and bows dramatically. “I am Godry, my lady,” the grotesque creature introduces himself in a formal, yet small voice.
“Godry?” I repeat. “What are you, some type of elf or something?” My eyes dart to the woods in search of danger.
He stands tall and narrows his tiny brown eyes at me. “AN ELF?” he shouts, though to me it sounds like a squeak. “Do I look like a fucking elf?” he spits out with disgust.
Oops. I guess my lack of knowledge with regard to supernatural creatures has offended him. “S-sorry, it’s just, you’re freakishly small. Are you a fairy then?”
His face scrunches as if he smelled something rotten. “Do I look like I twinkle and have little wings, you overgrown human imbecile?”
“Hey, watch it!” I warn sternly. “I’m far from being an imbecile, you ugly forest creature.”
Godry hobbles closer to me, giving me a better visual of him. He looks like a little old man wearing knight’s armor. His ears are long and stick straight out from each side of his head, which is covered by grey straggly hair that falls into his beady brown eyes. I notice the creature has the most disgusting pale-green, wrinkled skin and he’s missing a few teeth.
I force down my repulsion and look him in his miniature eyes. “Please, enlighten me as to what you are and why you are here?” I ask with fake sweetness.
He scoffs. “I am a goblin.”
“A goblin?” I repeat, unconvinced.
“For the daughter of Heaven, you are impolite and unintelligent,” he states snidely.
I tilt my head in a threatening manner, stand and cross my arms. “If I were you, I would be careful not to insult a giant that’s hovering above me, you annoying little creature, or I’ll squish you with my boot,” I say and lift my foot for good measure.
“I’m so scared,” he mocks and pretends to shake.
My anger levels continue to rise even as I attempt to rein them in. “What’s a goblin?”
“Yes, it would seem you are uneducated. What does that fine specimen of gargoyle see in you?” he says, disgusted and bored.
“What do you want, little gnome?” I ask through a tight jaw.
“I’M NOT A GNOME. I’M A GOBLIN,” he shouts but it barely registers in my ears.
I exhale a frustrated breath. “Fine, what do you want…goblin?”
“I would be happy to tell you why I’m here, my lady. First, it will cost you. You see, us goblins are known to be a bit greedy. We love money. You show me some and I’ll inform you of the why,” he states, as if that statement has won me over.
We just stand there staring at one another until finally the fact I can’t feel my hands or toes because of the icy weather breaks me and I search my pocket for change. I find a dime and throw it at him. It is almost larger than he is. “Talk, goblin.”
“Thank you, my lady. I am Godry of the Quaboag Tribe. I’ve been sent by Yester Castle to inform you of the dangers of the lake,” he says in a formal tone. “Although, to be honest, with your bad attitude, I should let Saraphina devour you.”
I prowl to him in agitation. “Who sent you and who is Saraphina?”
“Y-e-s-t-e-r Castle,” he says slowly as if speaking to a child. “Kenna must want to slit your throat a thousand times a day.”
“I’ve had enough of your mouth.” I turn to walk away.
He just stares at me. “You know nothing of goblins, do you? So then you have no idea we possess various magical abilities. Keep walking away from me and you’ll be waiting, in the form of a frog, for your dark prince to come back. Ironic right? I wonder if Asher would be willing to lip lock with a frog, even for you, Batya.”
I release one of my daggers. The metal noisily slides out of the sheath with a whoosh and clanks as I spin and point the very tip at his tiny throat. “Who. Is. Saraphina?” I ask in a calm, slow voice while I stalk back toward him.
“The Lady of the Lake. She’s a selkie who works for Lucifer.” He shrugs, annoyed with our exchange. That makes two
of us.
My eyes dart to the frozen lake. “Why were you sent to warn me?”
He sighs. “My tribe owed the London clan a favor. Our Queen, who is also a soothsayer, saw you sitting out here while your protector was called away to the council and felt you should be made aware. I pulled the shortest straw hence my crappy messenger status. Now you know and I need to go back to the castle where it’s warm and the demonic creatures I consort with are not as crass as you.” With that, he glows green and vanishes into thin air. What the hell?
My eyes inspect the gardens but he’s definitely gone. I place my dagger in its sheath, ready to go back to the manor when I faintly hear my name on the wind. The sound reminds me of a lover’s whisper coming from the lake.
As soon as my name hits my ears, my head fogs and becomes unfocused. My body turns toward the lake of its own accord. I’m not in control of it. My feet and legs begin to move toward the frozen mass of water as my brain is screaming at them to stop.
I reach the lake and the ice begins to shatter like crystal when it hits marble. The large pieces fall away as a stunning woman rises out of the water, rendering me speechless.
She’s the epitome of temptation as she seductively moves her body, breaking the water’s line. Her ankle length, straight black hair blows in the arctic breeze as her deep chocolate eyes hold mine. I’m unable to look away from her angelic face. The selkie’s cheeks turn a shade of peach and her lips part as my eyes roam down her sculptured body.
The long dark stands of hair hang over her naked breasts and float down to her mermaid-like tail, just barely under the water. The skin of her fin is a dark chocolate brown highlighted in purples as the Pisces pelt comes up her right side and drapes over her shoulder like a piece of clothing.
I’m breathless with how exquisite she is.
“Come to me, daughter of Heaven,” she purrs while moving closer to the edge of the water, extending her hand for me to take.
My body automatically moves toward the freezing water. My breath increases as my heart rate lurches, pounding inside my chest.
She smiles at me as an unwelcome heat invades my body, setting off a desire sensation. Her stare envelops me, seducing me. Her glance caresses me with slow movements. I gasp at the intimate way she touches me with only her gaze as my head becomes even hazier and it’s difficult to think clearly.
Restraint (The Revelation Series Book 2) Page 5