by Leia Stone
I agreed. Even though I didn’t like putting that sort of target on any of our people, it needed to be done. It would be hard enough to fight Isalinda and the Dark Fae Lord without giving them a heads-up that we were coming for them.
Kade continued: “There’s a low-ranking bear shifter in my royal guard on the Island. We are often told of our likeness in looks.”
My mind searched for someone I could trust that was tall and blond and ... Jen. She would need whiter hair, but that could be changed easily enough; Violet’s magic could take care of the rest. “Jen can be my lookalike. They will keep up appearances here, while we go in and take out the winter queen and the Dark Fae Lord. End this war before it starts.”
Kade’s eyes deepened to a dark brown and a frown touched his lips. “What if we don’t make it back?”
I sighed. It was a damn good question, just not one I wanted to think about. “You owe me a wedding and babies. We’re making it back. You have forty-eight hours to master that staff. We leave in two days.”
The mention of future babies had a soft sort of grin lifting his cheeks. “With that sort of motivation, how can I refuse?”
I smiled lightly and stood on my tiptoes to kiss his warm lips. Times were never so dire that there was no time for kissing. “I’ll prepare for our trip,” I told him after I pulled away.
“Two days.” He confirmed with a nod, then turned and bellowed out in the hallway, “Baladar, get your ass back in here.”
No doubt they would have it mastered in that time. I could sense his determination.
The next two days were filled with training, strategy, and planning. Calista unearthed some ancient books on the Tuatha de Danann, which had a rough map of the entire world. The Dark Fae Lord’s territory was not on there, but it was fascinating to see the huge scale of their realm. I had explored such a small part. She made me learn as much as I could, both of us hoping the landscape hadn’t changed over the years.
I had explained to her that we were starting in the Summer Court, that hopefully they would point us in the direction we needed to go. When Calista wasn’t grilling me, I trained with Kade. He threw dark magic at me with the staff, which was helping him get the hang of it, and me to get the hang of fighting the dark magic it held.
The stone atop his staff was absolutely fascinating to me. I was drawn to it, the same way I was with the purple mecca, but it also left a weird residue of oiliness on my tongue. There was a wrongness about it I couldn’t get past, even though it didn’t seem to bother Kade.
At least — besides a couple of mishaps — I successfully broke any and all dark spells. I was as ready as I would ever be. Violet, Calista, Jen, Kevin — Kade’s bear lookalike — Finn, and Nix were the sole bearers of our secret. The others believed they were training us for the war. After we left, Violet would break the news to the rest of our inner circle. We argued about whether this was the right thing to do. Kade was worried our family wouldn’t be able to keep up a convincing act with our spelled lookalikes if they knew it wasn’t us, but I refused to deceive everyone in that way. I wouldn’t let them believe that Kevin and Jen were really us.
Our doppelgängers were already situated in the far west wing of the royal estate; both had been thrilled to be able to help us with this. Neither cared about the danger, even after I explained it to them. I felt it was an essential part of our plan that if the winter queen or Dark Fae Lord were watching the castle, they would still see us in the residence.
Finn had halted his perimeter excursions, sticking by my side as much as possible. The morning before we were about to leave, he bumped his head into me. I still think I should come with you. Being separated like this … it’s not right.
I dropped to my knees, wrapping my arms tightly around his middle. I know, I want you there more than anyone. But … you stand out too much. Nix stands out too much. It’s safer if you stay here, keep an eye on the city, and tell me everything that’s happening. You can pass on information if needed.
His chest rumbled under my hold, his next words hard: We don’t know that we can communicate between the worlds. What if you can’t hear me?
I sighed. We’ll figure out a way.
War was taking a toll on all of us, and it hadn’t even started yet.
After much discussion, Kade and I felt it was the best move politically to take a portal into the Summer Court and briefly talk with Blaine and Bianca before moving to a private meeting with the king and prince. They would be the only ones to know of our plans. Gossip no doubt spread as rapidly there as it did here, and we wanted to contain it at all costs.
I wished there was no need to tell anyone, but it wouldn’t be right to sneak into their lands, and hopefully they could offer us some guidance in the direction of Isalinda and the Dark Fae Lord.
“Ready?” Violet whispered.
I nodded. “Yep, can’t wait.” My voice was light, no real emotion.
It was near midnight and the entire house was sleeping except for Kade, Violet, Rowan, and me. We’d told Rowan we were going to have a meeting with her king — which wasn’t a total lie. We were still trying to keep everything under wraps, but I think she knew something else was up, because she eyed our heavily-laden packs and Kade’s dark staff with wary eyes.
“Worried about running into trouble in the Summer Court?” she asked, as she prepared to make a portal into the Otherworld.
“Hopefully not,” I answered honestly.
Rowan just shook her head, the slightest of smiles tipping up her lips. Then she smoothed her coat, and in a flash pulled out a small shimmering vial. It was the mecca dust we’d been gifted. A second bottle. She pressed it into my hand. “In case you’re in trouble. Mecca powder needs only to be given direction, and then it can accomplish almost any spell.”
Our gazes clashed; the tiny fae nodded once, and I knew that she knew what we were up to. She knew and she supported it. For some reason, that made me feel a little better about the plan. I met Violet face to face. Her eyes were swimming with so much emotion.
“I should be with you,” she finally said aloud.
I shook my head. “I want you there so badly, but I have Kade. We have to do this together.”
Kade’s strong hand rested on my shoulder and he met Violet’s gaze. “I will put Arianna’s life before my own. Always.”
His assurance sent trills of fear through me, but I saw that Violet relaxed somewhat. Her clenched fists eased. There was still a heaviness across her brow and around her eyes; my trip was bringing back memories for her. But it was clear she was grateful Kade was along to help.
She hugged me tightly. I was lucky, two of these hugs in as many days. I breathed in her scent, committing it to memory and praying this wasn’t the last time I would see my best friend. Rowan and Violet took a few minutes to swirl enough energy to create the portal. As the warm floral-scented winds of the fae lands filtered through, Kade’s body shifted in that direction, his entire demeanor softening. He was born of the Summer Court and I knew going there would give him strength. I, however, seemed to fare better in the Winter Court, which was possibly our eventual destination.
“See you soon,” I told the two magic born as they held the portal open.
They both looked stressed, unsure but supportive.
“See you soon,” Violet echoed.
“Kade!”
A deep voice had us all spinning around, Kade naturally falling into a protective stance in front of me. He relaxed when Kian’s face popped into view, Shelley’s beautiful features appearing from behind him as they both walked through the doorway.
“Brother!” Kade exclaimed, crossing to clasp hands before they embraced. “Are the children okay?”
Kian and Shelley were supposed to have been back a few days ago, but had decided to stay a little longer, reluctant to leave Nathaniel, which I completely understood. If I wasn’t the queen, I would have been tied to Winnie’s side.
“They’re all very safe,” Shelley said, her
soft voice ringing across the room. “It’s certainly a battle keeping that many little ones entertained, breaking up the fights and feeding their hungry bellies. But the people you sent are more than handling it.”
“How’s Winnie?” I asked, desperate for news about my baby sister.
Kian and Shelley both grinned broadly. “She’s amazing. Rules the other kids — or should I say pirate clans — with an iron fist.”
I wasn’t surprised about that at all.
“She’s telling anyone who will listen that her family is going to end this war, so they don’t have to worry. She has a lot of faith in you two,” Kian added.
My throat got really tight then. I had to swallow a few times to clear it. “Gods, I miss her so much.”
Kade had his arms around me in a heartbeat, or as far around as he could get with my heavy pack. “We’ll all be together again soon,” he breathed into my hair, his voice rougher than usual. “Winnie will be back in our arms.”
I couldn’t break down now. There was no time to lose it, so, using my training, I pulled myself together.
“Why is there a portal to the Otherworld open in this room?” Kian’s voice was deeper now, suspicion clouding it. He had clearly seen the portal still spinning behind us, and the two magic born on either side of it.
Kade and I exchanged a glance, and I gave him a nod. I trusted his brother, Shelley too. “We’re going to the Otherworld to assassinate the winter queen and Dark Fae Lord,” Kade said, his voice very low.
The two brothers’ gazes remained locked, until Kian said, without hesitation, “I’m going with you—”
“We’re going with you!” Shelley interrupted.
I was already shaking my head. “No, this is a stealth mission. We need to get in and out without any detection. We aren’t even taking our familiars.”
Shelley stepped closer, her red hair trailing across her shoulders as she moved. “There is no one better equipped than me to help you get in and out of the courts undetected. My knowledge and gift will be very useful to you.”
I paused, giving myself a few moments to consider. I had forgotten that Shelley was a winter fae. A winter fae who used to work for the queen … kind of. The queen forced her to use her gift of confusing people in repayment for her father’s debt. She probably had a ton of useful information.
“If she goes, I am going,” Kian added. I would not expect anything less from a bonded mate.
What do you think? I asked Kade through our bond.
Swirling copper eyes caressed my skin. I will back whatever you decide. This is your mission. I’m just the muscle.
I laughed, which had a few people looking my way. I’m the muscle, buddy. You’re the pretty face.
Kade shrugged. “Nothing says I can’t be the pretty muscle,” he said out loud. I barely stopped myself from rolling my eyes.
I turned to the couple across from us. “Thank you, we would really appreciate your help. Do you need time to pack?”
“Do you have enough supplies for us?” Kian asked, eyeing our huge bags.
A chuckle escaped from my tense lips. “Yeah, after starving and freezing last time, we kinda overpacked. I planned on sorting it out once we saw King Samson.”
Rowan piped up then. “The king will have everything you require. Now that the mecca balance has been restored, the Summer Court is filled with an abundance of food. And our weapons cache is quite impressive.”
Well … that was good to know. Rowan didn’t seem too surprised to learn of my assassination plot. She was taking it all in stride.
Kade and I linked arms again. Shelley stepped up to my free side, Kian beside her. The boys had us sandwiched in between them. The four of us took a deep breath.
“Good luck,” Violet and Rowan whispered together.
“We’ll keep your shifters safe,” Violet added at the end.
With a deep breath, we stepped into the portal. I let out a breathy sigh as my feet planted onto the soft green grasses of the fae land. My inner fae energy prickled to life the moment my body arrived in the Otherworld. New York City was now on its own.
Chapter Ten
Who bears the tides of winter?
As if he knew we were coming, Prince Caspien was waiting just on the other side of the portal, standing among a grove of huge trees just like those we had stepped into last time we arrived here. I hurried over to the royal, who was dressed all in black, looking like a very dazzling version of himself. His energy caressed my face like a strong brush of warm air. I could smell the summer scents, flowers, and a sweetness like honey or nectar.
“Prince Caspian, we are well met,” I said, stopping before him. “How did you know we were coming?”
He bowed, rising and flashing me his dazzling smile. “Rowan needs royal permission to open a portal.”
Ahh. “Well, that’s perfect, because we’re here to see Blaine and Bianca, and then you and your father. We didn’t want to speak over the flowers, or through a mirror, because it’s a … sensitive matter.”
He gave a brief nod to Kian and Shelley, before his attention locked on Kade’s staff. Even though it was in its protective case, it still oozed dark energy.
“Is that a dark weapon?” Caspien asked, his ageless face creasing with what looked like concern and trepidation.
I stepped closer to him and lowered my voice, unsure who was listening in these woods. “It is. And we intend to assassinate the Dark Fae Lord with it.”
Prince Caspien’s sharp intake of breath, followed by a tentative grin, told me everything I needed to know. He was worried, but he still approved of our plan.
“Come. We’ll see my father first, because he will leave soon for the war’s front. Right now he’s in his private study, so the timing is perfect. You can see your friends after.” With that, Caspien turned and we followed him through the forest, heading toward what looked like a shining white building in the distance, visible in between the trees.
The summer castle was spectacular. I’d likened the winter castle to a dark fairy tale. The summer castle was the opposite. It was the epitome of a five-year-old’s princess castle fantasy. White stone wrapped around shining turrets; golden accents gave the entire building an ethereal glow. And then there were the masses of rose vines, climbing ivy, budding flowers, and fruits that decorated the sides of the stone walls, climbing, spreading their rich, green goodness everywhere.
Unlike the last time we were here, the plants were thick and luscious; they did not crumble under my touch. I found myself wanting to linger in the outer courtyard with its pebbled stone underfoot, and birds chirping as they fluttered about the many tall trees. But there was no time for lingering. No time to lift my face and bathe in the warm, caressing sunbeams.
I must have actually closed my eyes for a beat, because a soft stroke along my cheek had them flying open again. Kade was standing right before me. I tilted my head back to stare up into his eyes.
“Feels like home,” he said.
I nodded. It must have really felt like home to him, being of the Summer Court. To me, being more than half fae, all of the Otherworld felt like home, but especially the icy lands of the Winter Court — as much as I didn’t want to admit it.
“We have to win,” I murmured to Kade. “I’m not ready to give any of this up. I’m not ready to give you up.”
His lips were on mine before I could say another word. When he pulled away, his hand still wrapped across my chin. “We will win, love,” he said with conviction. “There is no timeframe for which I would be ready to give you up. I need forever. I’m going to damn well make sure that is how long we have.”
I felt the same way. My life had changed so much since becoming queen. I had found a true love, learned my parents’ identities — which was not good news, but it helped me understand so much about myself, about my upbringing. It forged me into a blade that was stronger, more resilient. I was better equipped in all ways to be a mate and a queen. So now I just had to make sure it wasn’
t ripped away from me.
A low, smooth drawl drifted across the courtyard: “Father is ready to see us now.” Prince Caspien was waiting near the twenty-foot-tall, wooden double front doors that led out into the main castle.
Kade and I pulled apart, turning to follow everyone up the stairs. Inside was as I expected: light stone work, wondrous artwork dotted across the walls, and even more greenery. There were plants, trees, and fruit growing everywhere.
“We need more plants inside back home,” I said to Kade. We were both staring around, trying to take it all in.
He surprised me by cupping my face, and the way he stared down at me, it sucked all breath from my lungs. At the same time, my heart started to beat rapidly. “You’re perfect,” he said, his eyes whirling and alive.
Then, just as quickly, he let me go, turning to stride after the group. Shaking my head to clear it, I hurried after him, my heart still going erratically. There were dozens of floors and halls. I lost track as we followed the prince to his father’s office. It ended up being at the end of a long, wide hallway. There were no guards in attendance at the doors, which I thought was odd, but maybe the king required nothing like that in his own home.
We all stepped inside. King Samson was standing behind a huge white stone-top desk. He looked the same as last time, like a golden ray of sun. The only difference was, he wore casual sort of clothes, and had ditched the cloak.
“Welcome! We are so glad to see you here safe and sound,” he boomed. One by one we gave him a bow or curtsey. Before he could say anything more, I quickly launched into an explanation of what we were doing here.
He eyed the staff, but didn’t comment until I was finished.
“We’ve been holding them at the winter woods,” he said, pacing his study. “Very little movement since the last attack, when they ambushed us and killed Dalia. I haven’t been able to figure out why they’re only engaging in small skirmishes, not moving forward in any sort of decisive way. It’s a standoff.”
Kade and I exchanged a glance. “We know the winter queen has been waiting to align with the Dark Fae Lord,” said Kade. “And we think he may have promised her this dark staff. Luckily, we got it first, and since we're sick of waiting for them to enact whatever they have planned…”