“You’re sure?”
“Positive. You are our only hope. Please, Nemia. Do this for me, and the kingdom will be yours one day.”
* * * *
Eldred stared at the parchment. Esmeralda covered her daughter’s rights. He had a week to convince Nemia to sleep with him and form the bond.
That wasn’t enough time to form a friendship or trust. The girl was truly frightened of him. He would have to use the spell in order to make her his. First, he had to seduce the beautiful young woman.
Later that evening, Nemia would leave with him. He would play the perfect gentleman for a week. Within a few days, she would welcome him into her bed. The harpies would form an allegiance with him, and she would rule them, while he ruled the rest of the air fae. As his mate, she would follow his orders.
“A week.” He looked up into Esmeralda’s green eyes. “She will be treated as the queen she will become.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You will treat my daughter as an equal. She may be young, but she would make a formidable foe. Forcing yourself on her will break your treaty, and as you’ve already signed, you will lose your kingdom.” A cold smile formed on her lips. “My daughter knows her mind. She makes her own choices. Not you.”
He dipped his head slowly. “I’ve already agreed to your terms. I’ve signed the document. Your daughter is in good hands.”
“She’d better be.”
The Elder Guard entered the room. Six men in black pants and hooded tunics encircled them. These were the men who volunteered to see the Elder Guardians’ will through. Kings or queens in each of the realms ruled the lands, but they all answered to the Elder Guardians. They were judge, juror, and punisher. Each had a symbiotic bond to the guard. The six Guardians thought as one being when ruling, which meant each of the guards acted the same.
One reached for the parchment, quickly scanning the treaty. “Remember, Eldred,” they said in unison, “force Nemia’s will, or break the terms, and you will no longer be king.”
Nemia walked into the room. Her golden eyes sparked with lightening when she met his gaze. “Are we leaving?”
“You will enjoy your stay in my home.”
Her arms crossed under her chest as her face set in a scowl. “And if I don’t?”
His smile sweetened. “Give me the opportunity to gain your trust.”
“Isn’t that the purpose of this trip?” she retorted.
“I’ll convince you my intentions are pure.”
Esmeralda closed her eyes and breathed deep. Then she looked into her daughter’s eyes. “He’s promised to treat you as an equal.”
“Then let us leave,” Nemia answered coldly.
He nodded, and Ororo landed on the balcony, prepared to take both Eldred and Nemia back to the air kingdom that floated among the clouds.
Nemia uttered no sound on the trip to his home. He had to wonder what she was plotting. Probably an escape, but he would ensure that was impossible.
* * * *
Fear, anger, and hatred churned through Nemia. The dragon flew them to the castle far from her home, high in the clouds. She couldn’t see the ground from the tower Ororo deposited them on.
The dragon flew away, and Nemia turned to Eldred. “Why here?”
“These are your chambers. I’ll bring you dinner later this evening. If you behave, I’ll introduce you to my people and give you a tour of the castle.”
Rage flowed through Nemia. “Behave? What do you expect me to do? Why bring me if you won’t allow me to learn your ways?”
“Yes, behave,” he snarled. “I fully expect you to flee if given the opportunity. Once I am able to escort you through the castle and the grounds, I will educate you on your new ways.”
Every word he spoke increased her hatred. “I agreed to come, to give you a chance. My leaving breaks the treaty the same way you forcing your will on me does. Locking me in my room takes away my choices. If you wish for a chance to win my heart, this is not the way.”
“I would prefer you to be safe for the moment. There are spies everywhere. War is coming. Why do you think I’ve been securing borders and building alliances?”
“You believe your way is the only way. Of course people disagree. There was a time when the realms were not led by one leader. Peace lasted longer in those days. Now, every few years, there is a new war.”
His smile faltered. “Your way of life is an abomination to all fae. If your alliance weren’t so important, I would have burned your homes to the ground. However, your mother has convinced me none of you want to expand your territory. I’m willing to allow your people to continue their lives as they always have, but you must uphold your end of the agreement.”
“Do you believe that of all other fae? Their ways are wrong because they are not your own?”
He nodded. “Of course. Though I suppose you believe my ways are wrong as well.”
Her eyes narrowed as she shook her head. “For you, they are fine. For us, not at all. We are all different. Forcing your will on my people will get you nowhere. That includes me.”
Frustrated, he backed toward the door. “Later, once you calm down, I shall come back for you. I will prove I can be quite charming.”
She watched him leave. The lock clicking into place didn’t surprise her.
The dragon appeared on the balcony. He shifted into his human form and walked toward her. “Careful with Eldred. Anger him and he will ignore the consequences.”
“Unless I submit, I will only anger him. And I will never be his mate.”
“And you shouldn’t be. If there is something I can do to ensure your safety, I will. My ties are to Eldred. I cannot disobey a direct order.”
“Why are you tied to him?”
He glanced away. “Unfortunate circumstances. He forced the bond when I was vulnerable and in need of healing.”
“I’m sorry.”
“The blame is not yours. Now, relax, and perhaps the time will fly by. If I can help, call my name.” Dipping his head, he backed away. “Keep your strength of will and I’ll find another way to ensure you are never bound to him.”
Nemia walked to the window but felt the magic binding her to the room from a foot away. “He’s locked me in.” Her hands curled into fists. “He’ll never have me,” she hissed.
* * * *
“You realize she may not be your mate?” Sirocco offered as he took the seat across from his brother.
Eldred glared back. “She is my mate.” He didn’t mention the ritual that would ensure the mating happened.
Placing his hands on the table, Sirocco’s eyes pierced Eldred. “I don’t understand your fascination with the harpy. They are worthy allies, but they do not conform, and having one as a mate would only mean she would rule your kingdom.”
Eldred shook his head. “She will learn her place is beside me. Not as the ruler, but my mate.”
Nightwing joined the conversation. “You don’t understand, Eldred. The harpies were never meant to be subservient. This charade will not end the way you desire.”
Sirocco crossed his arms, staring holes into Eldred. “You are a fool to believe a harpy can change her ways to suit you. She’s more likely to kill you than put up with your nonsense. Mate bond or not.”
“You’re wrong, as usual,” Eldred hissed.
Sirocco stood and walked away. “Remember the terms of the treaty, Eldred. The Elder Guardians have signed it, and the consequences of breaking their ruling are heavy.”
“Of course,” Eldred muttered. There were always ways around the treaties. There were ways to convince a woman to let him in. In the end, he would claim his prize. He was destined to rule, but he needed a queen. Nemia would make a fine one who may stand a chance against his enemies.
He made his way up to the tower warded to keep the beauty within the walls. Perhaps if her defiant nature was muted, he would trust her to do as she said and stay.
A servant met him at the door with a cart full of food. The woman dipped her h
ead. “The meal for both you and your guest, as requested.”
“Thank you. I’ll take it from here.”
Smiling, she left.
Eldred unlocked the door and temporarily removed the wards, then knocked. He’d been tempted to simply enter but wanted to project the semblance of trust. Keeping the treaty in mind, he waited patiently, hoping to smooth over the bumpy start.
Nemia opened the door, turned, and walked away. She wore a blood red dress that clung to her curves before flowing to her ankles.
“Evening, Eldred.”
“Not good?”
“I’m a prisoner. No matter what you say, you’ve made it so I can’t fly from the window. The door was locked until you came for me. You clearly mean to keep me prisoner, when I’ve promised to stay.”
“Why have you tried to leave?”
She stared out the window. “I only hoped to explore the castle and the grounds.”
“I promised a tour,” he offered gently.
“I’m hungry. You locked me away, without food or water.”
“For that I apologize. Here, I brought our meal.”
* * * *
After her tour and meeting a handful of people, Nemia was once again locked in her room. Eldred made sure the guards knew her, and then introduced her to Sirocco, his brother. No one else, not even his brother’s pregnant mate, whom she may have liked to converse with.
Disheartened, Nemia fell into her bed. Within minutes, tears filled her eyes, then she began to sob.
The soft tap on her door startled her.
“Who’s there?” she called out.
“A friendly voice,” someone said. No one she recognized, but she was in a strange place and had only met half a dozen people.
She sighed. “Not friendly enough to let me leave my room?”
“Against orders, but I want to set your mind at ease.” The warm tenor chased away the chill.
She crawled from the bed and crept to the door. “How can you set my mind at ease? I’m a prisoner.”
“Eldred is convinced you two will mate. I don’t believe you will.”
“Why?”
“I feel the pull to you. I only saw you briefly, and all I wanted to do was protect you.” He laughed sadly. “And Eldred placed me at your door.”
Her hope drained, though she wanted to see his face. Conflicting emotions tore at her. Eldred believed her to be his mate, and now this man? Was it possible? Or did he only want to possess her.
“You feel a pull?” she uttered softly.
“Aye, I do. Relax, Nemia. I’m staying on this side of the door. If you do not feel anything, perhaps my imagination has gotten the better of me. I’m sure Eldred’s attraction to you is just that, attraction. Not a mate bond.”
“And you think yours is?” she murmured. His warm tone relieved the fear, the ache for home.
“I’ve never felt this, Nemia.” He sighed. “Doesn’t matter, though. I’m out here, and you’re in there.”
“What’s your name?”
“Aurion.”
She slid down the door, leaning her head back. “Pleasure to meet you, Aurion.”
“Feel a little better?”
“I do. Thank you.”
“I’ll be out here, ensuring no one bothers you tonight. Call my name if you need a friend.”
“You are too kind.”
“Sweet dreams, Nemia.”
Smiling, she crossed the room and climbed onto the bed, ready for sleep.
* * * *
Days passed and Nemia refused to allow Eldred a night with her. The week was nearly up and his chance to claim the harpy nearly gone. Desperate to claim her as his, he made his way to her room once again. He needed a mate to ensure his reign.
She opened the door, her azure eyes dull and sad. “We aren’t meant to be mates. I wish you would stop trying. I feel nothing but contempt for you.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Would being mine be so horrible?”
“You’ve already squashed my freedom. You would only kill my independence.”
“One night, Nemia. Give me one night to worship you, and if a bond doesn’t form, you’ll be free.”
Her eyes closed as she drew a breath. Resigned, she finally looked at him again. “Give me time to prepare,” she whispered.
“No need to prepare. I’ll do everything right.”
She looked away. “Need time for me. I haven’t…you would be my first.”
Dipping his head, he backed away. “I will be back in an hour.”
He walked past the guard he’d set at the door at Nightwing’s suggestion. Aurion had always been kind to women, easing their fears. He hoped a friendly voice on the other side of the door would set Nemia’s mind at ease. He wanted to claim her.
For centuries the king of the Air Realm had searched for a suitable queen, but a bond never formed. This was his last chance, before his brother would have an heir as his mate was pregnant. Without his own mate, it was only a matter of time before Sirocco took the throne.
Hence, he needed to use the ritual to ensure the bond formed. Nemia was intelligent, calculating, and would do what was best for her people. Mated to him, his people would become her people. It was the only solution.
* * * *
As soon as Eldred’s footfalls faded, Nemia whispered a prayer and pulled the door open. In his eagerness, the fool had forgotten to lock the door, leaving her the perfect opportunity to prove him wrong.
She looked into Aurion’s midnight eyes for the first time. The pull she felt from their quiet conversations every night had grown into something more. Trust and friendship had formed. Desire burned on the edges, but once she laid eyes on him, it erupted through her system.
“I believe you when you say you’re my mate.”
He blinked, his full mouth parting. “What would you have me to do?”
“Claim me. If you are meant to be mine, I cannot be his. Help me prove him wrong.”
He dipped his head slowly. “Are you sure? I heard you tell him you have never been with a man.”
“I haven’t. Please, be my first, but hurry. We only have an hour.”
“He may kill us both.”
“I’d rather die in your arms than as a slave. That’s what he would make me. I need to be free of Eldred and this castle.”
“If our bond forms, I’ll take you from here. We can go anywhere you want.”
“Show me you’re right.” She pulled him into the room and backed toward the bed.
He drew closer and laid his lips on hers as he reached for the ties of her bodice.
* * * *
Rage flooded Eldred as he stalked to Nemia’s door. He heard the passionate sounds muffled by the heavy wood. She’d lied, and his chance had been lost. The ritual would only work if she were unmated.
Sirocco placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let her go, Eldred. She doesn’t want you. You will start a war you cannot win.”
“You will take the throne from me if I do not have an heir.”
He shook his head. “My ambitions are not the kingdom. I swear to you. Take your time in finding the right woman, build a family. But trying to force her to stay now that her time here is up will only break the treaty and ensure your downfall.”
“You lie,” Eldred hissed, flinging out his hand as the door splintered. He thrust his arm to the side, and the splinters flew through the open window.
Aurion stood, shielding Nemia. “She was right. You are not her mate.”
Nemia slipped past him. Fury burned in her golden eyes as she stormed toward Eldred, melding into her harpy’s form. Wings sprouted from her back.
“You’re too late, Eldred. Aurion was my mate all along. Not you. Let me go!”
“Never!” he shouted. “You never gave me a chance.”
“A chance? You didn’t want a natural chance. Your dragon told me what you planned. You were going to try to force the bond on me. That would still break the treaty. Or do you not realize what
you risk by stealing my choices?”
“You would have been a queen. Now, you’re a prisoner of war,” he hissed.
“Let her go,” Sirocco pleaded. “You can still undo the damage.”
Aurion pulled on his britches, staring down at the ground.
Eldred cast a hand at his once faithful soldier and wove a curse so vile it couldn’t be broken without Eldred’s death.
Nemia screeched in another language, magic pooling around her and erupting in a wind that knocked Eldred down. His wards came crashing down.
Surrounded by darkness, he heard wings flapping away from the castle.
Chapter 1
Present day on Earth…
Everything changed in a matter of moments. Love, revenge, and justice all played out in a series of events that altered Kellan’s perspective for the better. He watched Jayde, the woman he loved, reunite with her mate and forge a bond stronger than anything he’d witnessed. That was when he let her go, realizing he wanted what Jayde and Scotty shared, but he needed to find his own mate.
His mother, Saressa, had been obsessed with Scotty and her vision of Jayde killing her. A battle ensued. Love won.
Kellan witnessed Jayde transfer the mortal wounds Saressa inflicted on Scotty to Saressa. A bond he hadn’t realized tied him to his mother evaporated as Saressa’s life drained away, lifting a weight that held him down for as long as he could remember.
Jayde and Scotty’s magic flared brilliantly, binding them closer.
Power ignited in Kellan’s veins, flowing from deep inside. He went to his knees, clutching his hand over his heart. The whole world burst with colors as if he were tripping on Faery wine.
In a daze, Kellan stumbled to his feet and opened the portal, allowing Scotty and Jayde to go back to Earth, where they belonged—together. Alenathos followed. The water dragon had gone to ensure Saressa didn’t succeed in her quest to tear apart Jayde and Scotty, and to prevent Kellan from crawling back to mommy—which he had no intention of doing.
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