All too soon, it was time to return to Court. Gwen nearly jumped for joy when Kalan informed her they would faze back to the palace instead of hiking back down the mountain.
Placing a reverent kiss on her head, Kalan swept Gwen into her arms before returning them to the real world.
***
“Good Evening, Mother,” Kalan sputtered out as he took in the unexpected presence of Queen Tanya in his rooms. Kalan quickly closed and slid the title of the volume he was reading under his arm. He had been researching the Summer Court royals and nobles, telling the master trainers he wished to brush up on their identities for the ball tomorrow night. In reality, the prince was interested in learning more about Gwen’s family.
“This is a surprise,” Kalan allowed, standing from his seat by the room’s warm fire.
Queen Tanya glided regally into the sitting area, her lips set in a determined line. Kalan instantly recognized her visit would not be a simple call of a mother to a son.
“Kalan,” she greeted coolly. “I have something I would like to discuss with you.”
“By all means.” He gestured to the ivory divan, and returned to his leather chair once his mother was seated.
“This is about your business with the Vetur girl. It has been brought to my attention that you have been spending quite a bit of time with her during her stay at Winter Court.”
Kalan nodded, keeping his composure. “Her name is Lady Gwenevere, and I have been visiting with her and Ronan this week. Might I ask why you choose to bring it up?”
The queen’s eyes slit, disapproval emanating from their cool depths. “I thought I had made myself clear on the matter. Your attentions to the lady are wildly inappropriate and a complete waste of time. You need to be setting your sights on a compatible fae, not falling for someone who will only serve to distract you from reaching your full potential.”
“What makes you think I’m falling for her?” Kalan tried to ask the question with an air of indifference, but at the same time wondered nervously if he and Gwen had not been secretive enough during their time together.
Queen Tanya smirked, though it was not amused. “I have many years on you, my son. I know the look of a besotted male when I see one.”
“You could be wrong.”
“Though, I notice, you did not say I was.”
Kalan frowned. “What does it matter, Mother? I meet every prospective lifemate you send my way and I have yet to feel anything for any one of them.”
“That is irrelevant, Kalan. You don’t need to feel anything for them to be your lifemate.”
“You know that must be untrue,” he retorted angrily. “You cannot make me forge a life bond with someone I have no romantic feelings for.”
“Romantic feelings.” His mother snorted the words with disgust. “And is that what you think you feel for this Lady Gwenevere? Romantic feelings?”
“Yes!” Kalan exclaimed, beyond exasperated with his mother. He understood her desire to protect, but what kind of mother did not take their child’s happiness into consideration? His life was more than finding a lifemate.
“I enjoy Lady Gwenevere’s company,” Kalan attempted a cooler demeanor after his outburst. “And I will continue to do so until I find I am drawn to a potential lifemate.”
“You will never give yourself the opportunity to find a lifemate if you remain attached to this girl. Can’t you see that she is using you? This lesser noble arrives at Court and has you falling all over her in no time. She’s a no good, title grasping–”
“That’s enough,” Kalan bellowed, his soul revolting at the slanderous words his mother spoke of Gwen. “You shall not speak out against her.”
His mother stilled, stunned by her son’s commanding aura. It even surprised Kalan.
“Lady Gwen knows of my prophecy and acknowledges that it might come between us one day. In fact, she believes that more than I do. Every day that passes I become less and less sure of my prophecy’s interpretation. Everything we think could be completely wrong!”
Queen Tanya gasped, eyes wide with fear. “You cannot mean that.”
“I do,” Kalan countered, ice in his eyes. “Nevertheless, I will continue with our arrangement regarding meeting potential mates. I will not, however, cease spending time with anyone I choose, especially Lady Gwen. Is that clear, Mother?”
The queen did not respond.
“If you will excuse me,” Kalan began after his mother continued her worried assessment of him. “I have things to attend to before we leave for Eirie this evening. I shall see you prior to our departure.” The queen rose from her seat and left, silent in her departure.
Kalan rubbed his chest, trying to ease the pain his mother’s words caused with their malicious intent. The prince did not believe he ever saw the queen more shocked than when he raised his voice to her. A tiny pang of regret rose as he replayed the harshness with which he spoke, despite the fact that he believed his mother deserved every reprimanding inflection.
Gwen’s worried face came to his mind when he thought of their discussion during their picnic. She seemed more understanding of his mother’s protective motivations than he found himself to be lately. Her compassion did not surprise him. Kalan knew Gwen to be a kind fae.
Pulling open the secretive book, the prince found the page he had been looking at upon his mother’s appearance. The book was a brief compilation of Summer Court’s royal and noble citizens’ histories. Entries included information regarding the fae’s parentage, magical accomplishments, region of Earth they, or their families, maintained in the Human Realm, and other information the author considered pertinent to the fae’s personal record; often including a photograph or two.
Looking up from the crisp white pages, a copy of an official portrait of Princess Gwendolyn filled his vision. The fae was very pretty. Her green eyes illuminated her high cheekbones and pert nose. Her bright, blonde hair was piled atop her head, accented by a modest, pearl encrusted tiara. Kalan continued to stare at the image, reminding himself that he was not looking at a picture of Gwen. Their likeness could not be denied, especially not when Kalan recalled Gwen with golden hair.
Flipping the page back, Kalan found himself reading the short biographies of King Cai and Queen Orla. Both monarchs had their own entries and photos, but the book also contained a section dedicated to the two as a couple, following their mating. It was this section which mentioned their bonding as the fulfillment of Queen Orla’s lifemate prophecy.
Not much else was said regarding the queen’s prophecy, just that it took five hundred years for Orla to find her lifemate. Dread filled Kalan upon reading that line. He could not imagine how his mother would handle Kalan taking centuries to find his lifemate. Then again, Queen Orla’s parents might not have tried to rush her discovery as his mother did, resulting in the half millennia delay in bonding for the Summer Queen. Queen Tanya, no doubt, sped up the timetable of his search significantly.
On the king and queen’s shared segment, the prince caught himself staring at their coronation picture. Both smiled brightly, adorned in the finest silks and fabric Summer Court tailors could fashion. King Cai held Queen Orla’s arm on top of his, gazing lovingly at his petite mate. Queen Orla’s eyes seemed to shine from the paper as she returned her king’s gaze. Kalan noted Gwen and Wendy’s resemblance to the matriarch.
Continuing to observe the happy couple, Kalan could not prevent the longing that took possession of him, nearly choking him with its intensity. Seeing the devotion and love captured in a simple photograph made Kalan want to find his lifemate, to experience the same connection Queen Orla had with King Cai.
His only problem: the one fae he wanted to bond with was considered unfit.
Kalan closed the book and went to his bedchamber. Concealing the volume under a stack of others, the prince decided he would try to speak with the Summer Monarchs at the ball. It was something he had been considering doing for days now. Ever since he and Gwen’s first kiss in the palace gard
ens. Kalan prayed to Fate that the Summer monarchs would be able to give him insight on finding his lifemate.
Even though, Kalan acknowledged with sadness, lying back on his bed, I doubt any knowledge given will make the inevitability of losing Gwen any easier.
Chapter 26
Eirie was unlike anything Gwen had ever seen, even by Fae Realm standards. She slowly turned in place, eyes scanning a panorama of sleek architecture and the spectrum of colors bouncing off shiny surfaces. Long, cloth banners blew in the wind below windows lining the city’s pristine streets, alternating emblems of Winter and Summer Courts adorning the fabric. The buildings were made of a marble-resembling substance, though its composition was pure white, no blemishes of color blended in to the stone. Structures rose to varying heights, with the tallest being a rectangular tower Gwen could see peering out from others in the distance.
Ronan fazed them into the middle of the lustrous city, outside the steel gates of the citadel, the residence of the Wise Ones and the following evening’s location for the Summer Solstice Ball. The gates connected to a wall made of the prevalent marble-like substance, fanning out on either side before disappearing around corners as it continued to wrap around the citadel’s circumference. Two beefy soldiers stood on either side of the entrance, stances wide, hands placed purposefully on the hilts of the swords at their hips. Their black and grey uniforms gave them a stern and authoritative appearance. Gwen tilted her head back, looking up the fifty foot wall. Along its edges, she saw similarly dressed figures marching up and down its length.
“Whom requests entry into the Sanctuary of the Wise Ones, Sages of the Courts, and Seers of the Realms?” One of the ground guards asked, drawing Gwen’s attention.
“Lord Ronan and Lady Gwenevere of the Winter Court,” Ronan’s impressive voice boomed, echoing off the smooth surfaces surrounding them.
The soldier on the right gave a nod, and raised his heel to stomp on the ground three times. The steel hinges creaked as the doors opened, leaving a space wide enough for the fae to enter single file. Ronan gestured for Gwen to precede him.
Lifting the corners of her heavy, multi-layered skirt, Gwen stepped forward. Her current dress was the second most formal she had worn since receiving her new wardrobe at Winter Court. The first being the navy gown from her first royal dinner. Ronan made the point to inform Mistress Flora of Gwen’s need for a proper day frock, as well as an evening gown for their short stay in Eirie. As a Winter Noble, Ronan informed her, Gwen was required to put on her best airs and bring honor to the Winter Court. Apparently that meant traipsing about in unreasonable clothing. Her dress was dark green, the color selected in honor of the Summer Court’s sigil per King Kheelen’s decree. Its tulle petticoat added three inches around her lower body, causing shifts in her weight distribution that had her taking extra care to not stumble in her heeled boots.
Once through the entrance, Ronan slid beside her and looped her arm with his. They walked in a similarly decorated plaza, the insignia of both fae courts dispersed throughout the space. Gwen wondered if Eirie was always ornamented in such a manner, or the Wise Ones were attempting to emphasize their home as a neutral land for the solstice ball.
As she and Ronan progressed, weaving between buildings towards the tall tower, Gwen observed the fae she passed. Summer Fae, all dressed in shades of blue, were present; some standing in conversation while others headed towards their destination as well. Gwen recognized some Winter Fae they passed, smiling in greeting as Ronan continued to guide her along.
“Why are there so many soldiers around?” Gwen asked, counting the number of black-clad fae positioned about them. “Are the Wise Ones afraid something might happen?”
“It’s more of a precaution,” Ronan reassured her. “No one expects any mischief tonight.”
Ronan stopped walking at an elaborately adorned edifice, its carvings depicting images of plant and animal life in stunning detail. Gwen’s eyes traced the center image: a billowing and magnificent tree with branches extended outward, lightly connecting with the rest of the images, arching over the entryway. It was a work of art.
The stone door was pulled inward without a knock from Ronan.
A fae in billowing, black robes appeared in the entrance, his face shadowed by a wide hood reaching over his eyes. His gait spoke of an advanced age, surprising Gwen. During her time in the fae realm, she saw many fae who’s bearing spoke of a number of years, but never had she seen physical indications like the fae in front of her. He had to be a Wise One.
Ronan bowed low to the fae in silent greeting. Gwen followed his example and curtsied to the floor, casting her eyes on the ground near the stranger’s feet. The fae wore no shoes, his rough and dirt covered skin contrasting vastly with the clean, white floor beneath him.
Without a word, the stranger turned and retreated back into the building behind him. Ronan rose, retook Gwen’s hand, and followed. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it when Ronan quickly shook his head.
They walked into a narrow hallway, not the open foyer Gwen would have expected from the large and ornate façade outside. The light was dim as they proceeded through the space; Gwen unconsciously tightened her hold on Ronan’s arm while she strived to not trip.
The sound of water greeted them as the group exited the hall and entered a warm, indoor garden. Summer Fae conversed feely in the area, only stopping to observe her and Ronan as they made their way through the area. Gwen’s jaw dropped at the exotic and tropical plant life, the vivid colors illuminating the space with unimaginable beauty. In the center of the garden Gwen watched as a manufactured waterfall from a rock ledge splashed into a fresh water pool; it gave the scene a calming atmosphere.
Too soon, the Wise One in front of them turned down another narrow hallway. At the end, Gwen and Ronan were in another garden, this one greatly resembling the one from Winter Court Palace. Their robe clad escort bowed to them before swiftly retreating the way they came.
Gwen smiled and offered a small wave to Sir Torin; he stood with a pretty fae, both wearing green finery in the ice and snow environment. Gwen noted the temperature was cooler than before.
“Lady Gwenevere,” Sir Torin greeted as they approached. “Pleasure to see you.”
Gwen smiled. “Sir Torin,” she bent her knees before locking eyes with the handsome soldier. “It’s nice to see you.”
Ronan cleared his throat. “Lady Suisan,” her companion spoke to the female with a bow. “May I introduce my niece? Lady Gwenevere of Vetur. Gwenevere, this is Lady Suisan of Icelanding.”
Gwen curtsied. “Nice to meet you, Lady Suisan.”
The other fae gave a bright smile. “You as well, Lady Gwenevere. I have seen you and your uncle around the palace on a number of occasions. I have wanted to make your acquaintance for a while now.”
“I am glad we were finally introduced,” Gwen allowed, finding herself completely at ease with the lady. She seemed genuine.
“Have either of you seen the prince?” Lady Suisan asked.
“No,” Ronan answered for them. “Have you, My Lady?”
“Yes,” she smiled wide. “In fact, Prince Kalan was searching for you, Lord Ronan.” Suisan turned to Gwen with a glint in her eye. “And you as well, Lady Gwenevere.” Gwen did her best to fight the bright smile threatening to emerge with the information.
“Perhaps it would be best for us to search him out, then.” Ronan nodded to each of the fae in front of him. “Sir Torin. Lady Suisan.”
Farewells were exchanged before Ronan escorted Gwen out of the garden and into a well decorated atrium. The ceiling rose nearly ten stories.
“His Highness’ apartments are adjacent to Their Majesties’,” Ronan supplied, leading her to a staircase. “They are on the top floor. As his personal guard, I have been given a room on the same floor. You shall stay there as well.” Gwen smiled, thrilled to know she would be so close to Kalan.
“Can we not faze to the top floor?” Gwen asked as the pair round
ed the third flight of stairs, her heavy dress making the task torturous.
“No fazing is allowed in Eirie unless it is for arrival or departure outside the citadel gates,” Ronan supplied, not without compassion. He knew of Gwen’s discomfort, hearing about it at length prior to their arrival in Eirie.
“Shouldn’t it be dark outside?” Gwen asked, noting the light streaming in the windows bordering their ascension. “We left Winter Court near dusk.”
“Eirie is known to have longer daylight hours than Winter Court in the summer season. Eirie’s days are also shorter in winter season. I believe the pattern is comparable to locations farther north in the Human Realm.”
Gwen nodded. “Interesting.”
Finally reaching the tenth floor landing, Ronan approached the soldier guarding the entrance to the space. “Lord Ronan and Lady Gwenevere.”
The soldier bowed and stepped aside for them to proceed. Gwen’s heart leapt as a figure on the other side of the door stepped forward. Kalan smiled broadly as he took in her surprised expression.
“I was walking by the door when I heard Ronan announce you,” he explained, taking her hand and bowing to place a lingering kiss on it. His eyes twinkling as Gwen blushed. She loved seeing him so carefree.
“More like you were standing there in wait, my son,” a feminine voice drew Gwen’s attention. She and Ronan immediately lowered themselves.
“Mother,” Kalan straightened and addressed the queen as she stepped next to him. “You remember Lady Gwenevere, and of course you know Lord Ronan.”
“Indeed,” Queen Tanya waved her had for them to rise. “It is wonderful to see you again, Lady Gwenevere. You look beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Gwen was relieved her voice did not betray her nervousness.
“I understand you and my son are spending quite a bit of time together as of late.” Kalan and Ronan both stiffened at the queen’s words.
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