Fate's Song

by Jessica Jarman

  “This has nothing to do with you, so butt out!” Darla nearly sprang off the couch.

  Abagail whirled back around. “Watch your mouth in my house. You’re the one who brought this business up. If Kaelen has something to say, he’s free to speak up.”

  “So that’s where your loyalty lies? With a man you barely know?”

  “I know him well enough. And you’ll be respectful or leave my house.”

  “Fine. I’ll leave.” She stood and stormed to the door. “I’ll be in the car when you are ready, Robert.”

  She pulled the door open and as she left a strong wind swept it shut hard, rapping her in the ass. Abagail darted a look at Kaelen.

  He winked at her and turned to her brother. “Robert, I apologise for speaking like that to your wife.”

  “I should be the one apologising. Abby, I had no clue this was going on. She won’t be bothering you with all this again. And thanks for the offer, but really we’re fine. We’ll get out of your way now. I’ll call soon.” He stood and sighed. “It’s going to be a long ride home.”

  “Tell me about it,” Tom agreed, standing as well.

  “Kaelen, it was great to meet you, despite the circumstances. I hope we’ll see you again.”

  Robert extended a hand.

  Abagail stood, allowing Kaelen to follow suit. As he grasped hands with her brother, Robert narrowed his eyes, studying him.

  “You know, you look awfully familiar. Have we met before?”

  “No, I haven’t had the pleasure,” Kaelen assured.

  “Hmm, odd. I could swear I’ve seen you somewhere before. Oh well.” He shrugged. “See you soon, sis.”

  Abagail embraced each of the brothers and her sister-in-law. “I’ll visit next week, okay?”

  “That’d be great. We’ll plan dinner,” Tom agreed.

  “Why don’t you go take something for that headache. I’ll walk your family out.” He kissed her forehead and led the trio to the door.

  How had he known she was getting a headache? Then again, why was she surprised? He was a faery Prince, for God’s sake. Could anything shock her now? She went to the bathroom and downed some aspirin. When she walked back into the living room, Kaelen hadn’t returned. Frowning, she went to the window and peered out.

  Everyone except Robert had gotten into the large sedan. Her brother and Kaelen were standing close, deep in conversation. Robert nodded several times before reaching in his pocket. He produced a white business card and handed it to Kaelen. They shook hands, and Robert got in the car. Kaelen stood, hands in his pockets and watched them drive away.

  She opened the door as he climbed the porch steps. “What was that about?”

  “What?”

  “Oh please, he gave you his card and looked like he wanted to kiss you. What’s going on?”

  “Well, I’d rather you kiss me than him.” He wrinkled his nose. “I simply offered a business proposition. To invest in this company of his.”

  “Faeries invest?” she asked. What was the world coming to?

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Not all do, but if you spend twenty-some years in the human world, you blend.”

  “And you have the funds for this? Isn’t that considered interfering in human affairs? Couldn’t you get in trouble for this?” Her teeth worried her bottom lip.

  “Don’t worry about me. The Queen will hardly punish me for this when she threw me into this world in the first place. Besides she’s the one who set me up with money and records so I could live as a human.” He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled his chin against her hair. “I like your family.”

  “Even Darla?”

  “Uh, I’m reserving judgment on her.” He chuckled. “Let’s go in.”

  She pulled back and eyed him warily. “We aren’t going to talk anymore, are we? You don’t have any more secrets right? Like you eat toads or eye of newt or anything?”

  “Only on special occasions,” he teased. “No, we’ll just have a lie-in. You’ve had a rough go today and need some rest. It’ll only get more crazy.”

  Oh, great, just what she needed. She followed him inside and into the bedroom. He pulled the covers back and motioned her in. She lay down. He joined her and pulled her into his arms.

  “Sleep,” he commanded.

  Fatigue swamped her. Wondering vaguely if he could put a spell on her to make her sleep, she started to drift off. She barely made out his whispered declaration.

  “I love you, Abagail Guthrie.”

  Chapter Eight

  Kaelen glanced at the figure of his lover silhouetted in the window. She sat on the window seat and stared out, not paying Kaelen or his friends any attention.

  “We should go now,” Rhys reminded him gently. “She’ll be fine, Kaelen, he can’t hurt her.”

  “I wouldn’t allow him to touch her,” he vowed. “Are you certain he will come tonight?”

  “Yes, I’ve heard talk and made certain that he got word that you would be with us for some time.”

  Kaelen nodded and turned to the woman at the window. “We’re leaving now.”

  She shifted to look at him. She nodded regally. “I’m ready.”

  “Make sure to get him to talk about setting me up, and…”

  “I know what to do! Go.” She turned away. He was dismissed.

  The men didn’t bother to flash out of the room, opting instead for the door. A quick glance back was all Kaelen allowed himself before leaving her behind with dread and fear mounting within him.

  * * * *

  Darrick laughed as he watched the men leave the house. They were fools. Leaving the woman unprotected? They deserved what they received. He would make a far better King than any of them, especially his weak-hearted cousin.

  Damn the Queen for not executing him like the law demanded. All because of that old hag, Maraana. Weak-hearted, like Kaelen. Soon, he’d force her off the throne and take his rightful place, but first things first. Abagail Guthrie. Stupid woman. Kaelen obviously had her besotted. Why else would she disregard his warnings?

  Striding towards the house, Darrick used glamour to enhance his looks. Perhaps he could charm Miss Guthrie. That would be ideal. She was quite the package; he’d like to have her for his own. He shrugged. He’d kill her if necessary though. It’d be a shame, but he could find another human woman who would suit his purposes just as well.

  He climbed the steps and rapped on the door. He’d play it this way until it became necessary to switch tactics.

  The door swung open and Abagail stood before him. By the Goddess, she was delicious. Yes, he’d find a way to keep her.

  “Yes?” She looked at him curiously.

  “Miss Guthrie?” he purred. “I need to speak with you about something important; may I come in?”

  She shifted, blocking his entry. “What do you need to talk about?”

  He smiled broadly at her. He gave her a mental push to trust him and allow him to enter.

  “I’d like to talk to you about the man you have in your home.”

  Her eyes darted behind her before focusing back on him. “Kaelen? He’s not here.”

  “But he’s coming back, isn’t he? Ma’am, that man is dangerous, and I surely don’t want you getting hurt.”

  He pushed the compulsion harder. Damn it, woman, let me in.

  She hesitated briefly and then stepped to the side. “Come on in. Would you like coffee or a soft drink?”

  “No, I’m fine. Thank you. Can we sit?”

  “Of course,” she agreed, gesturing to the couch and chairs.

  He sat on the sofa and studied her as she lowered herself into the chair. He fought to keep from licking his lips. Yes, this was going to work. He’d eliminate the possibility of Kaelen’s return and possess his woman. Perfect.

  “You look familiar. Have I see you in town? Are you with the police? Is Kaelen in some sort of trouble?” She gnawed at her plump lower lip and looked anxiously at him.

  “Yes, I’m in law enfo
rcement,” he lied easily. “I can’t tell you how much I fear for your life, Miss…may I call you Abagail?”

  She nodded as she regarded him with wide eyes. “Is he truly dangerous? He seems like such a nice man.”

  “Appearances can be deceiving. Kaelen is very dangerous. I think it’d be best if you got away from him. Do you have a place you could go? Someplace you can get away from him? Until I can take care of him?”

  “Take care of him?” she whispered.

  “Take him into custody,” he modified

  She shook her head. “I don’t have anywhere to go.” She fell silent and twisted a lock of her hair as she thought.

  “You need to be somewhere safe. Perhaps a hotel or something. Once I deal with the man, I will come to you.” Again, he pushed with his mind, making his words a compulsion.

  Squaring her jaw, she looked at him defiantly. “No. I don’t even know who you are. You’ve shown me no identification, no credentials. I trust Kaelen. He’s given me no reason not to. I’d know if he was a dangerous man. You should leave now.”

  Darrick swore in his native tongue and flashed beside her. He gripped her arms and yanked her up against him. “Stupid bitch! I won’t allow you to ruin my plans.”

  “What plans? Who the hell are you?” Her voice shook and she struggled to free her arms from his cruel, fast grasp.

  “I am a man not to cross, Abagail. You will regret that mistake. Over and over again you will regret it.” He ground his erection roughly against her. The thought of overpowering her and forcing her submission clouded his mind, hardened his body. Oh yes, he’d relish teaching this one lessons in obedience and submission.

  “Who are you?” she demanded again, still struggling to free herself.

  He shoved her roughly into the chair and, placing his hands on the arms, trapped her. His face was inches from her. The fear in her eyes, the smell of it seeping out of her pores, excited him.

  “I am Darrick of Fey.”

  “Darrick? You’re Kaelen’s cousin?”

  Surprise jolted him upright. “He told you of me?”

  “Just your name, and that you were his cousin.”

  “Did he fill your head with ideas of his being Prince and how being with him will make you royalty?”

  Confusion flitted over her face, furrowing her brow and turning the corners of her lips downward. “Prince? Kaelen’s a Prince?”

  Darrick laughed, dark joy spreading through him. “Not any longer. I took care of that.”

  Abagail’s frown deepened. “How could you do anything? If someone is a Prince, isn’t he one forever?”

  “Not if he does something against the laws of our people. Like murder.”

  She paled and shook her head frantically. “Kaelen isn’t a violent man. You couldn’t make him do something like that.”

  Darrick laughed. Pride swept through him at his cleverness. “Oh, I know my dear cousin’s flaws. He’d do anything to protect the weak. Even kill. I merely made sure he was in the right place at the right time. Though I’m certain he’d think it was the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “You manipulated him so he’d lose his position? Why? He’s your family.”

  “Please, Abagail, you can’t really be that dense. Kaelen was Prince, the next in line for the throne. He was healthy with many years ahead of him. There was no chance anyone else in this generation would make it to power with him in the way.”

  A cry welled up her throat. “You did this so you could be next in line?”

  He shrugged. “Of course. Self-preservation, my dear. It’s the strongest of motivators.”

  “What you did wasn’t self-preservation! It was pure greed and selfishness. How on earth did you get away with this? What if those in power find out?”

  “How did I get away with it?” He grinned. “I’m not without power and resources. It was fairly simple to cover my tracks. As for anyone finding out, that won’t happen. No one would even look into it after so many years.”

  Lifting her chin, she glared into his face. “Kaelen could make it known.”

  “Hardly. After I carry out the death sentence that should have been set then, the only people breathing that will know the truth is you and me.”

  “Oh God.” Her voice shook and she gripped the chair. “You’re going to kill me, too, aren’t you?”

  He grabbed her wrist and pulled her up against him again. “Not necessarily.” He sniffed her neck, inhaling the soft floral sent that clung to her skin. Inwardly he groaned. Aching for a taste of her, he ran his tongue up her neck to just below her ear.

  She gasped and jerked her head away. “What do you want from me?”

  “I think that’s plainly obvious. I want what you’ve been giving my idiot cousin. Please me, Abagail, and you have nothing to worry about.” He ran a hand up her side and grabbed her full breast.

  “Please don’t,” she cried brokenly.

  The desperation and fear in her voice made his blood surge through his body. He felt invincible.

  It was all working perfectly. He’d get exactly what he wanted.

  “Release her.”

  Darrick spun around, turning Abagail until her back was against him. He wrapped his arm around her neck and faced the entryway.

  Kaelen stood at the open door; ramrod straight, fury reddening his features.

  “I don’t think so,” Darrick sneered. “I rather like her close. Did you enjoy her, cousin? I certainly intend to.”

  The tightening of Kaelen’s jaw and clenched fists empowered Darrick. His cousin was weak, powerless. He’d dispose of him and move on with his plans. By the Goddess, it was finally happening. Everything was falling into place, and nothing, certainly not Kaelen and the delectable human, could stop him.

  “No harm will come to my mate.”

  Darrick threw back his head and laughed. Tightening his grip on the woman, he asked, “How do you plan to stop me? You are alone, without power. You think to fight me?”

  The lights flickered as lighting flashed and thunder boomed. Darrick felt power surge through the room, through his every cell. Startled, he surveyed the room. Where had that come from?

  “He is not alone.”

  Kaelen stepped further into the room, and Rhys, Leilen, and Dermet strode inside to flank him.

  Anger consumed Darrick. How dare they aid Kaelen, an outcast banished?

  “You cannot be here,” he shouted. “It is against the command of the Queen!”

  “Don’t lecture about obedience,” Rhys snapped. “You who have disregarded everything sacred to our people.”

  “This does not concern you,” Darrick continued. Confidence in his powers calmed him. He still held all the cards and, more importantly, Abagail. “And I’ve done nothing against my people. I’m setting things right, ensuring things are as they should be.”

  “According to whom?” Abagail asked in an eerie voice.

  Darrick’s arm numbed and fell, releasing her. She stepped away and turned to him. Chin lifted, she looked at him defiantly.

  “You never counted on Kaelen outsmarting you, did you?” The voice came from behind him.

  His heart beat wildly as he turned towards the kitchen. Abagail stood watching him, mouth set in a grim line. Frantic, he spun back to the woman close to him. Her body shimmered, and like a chalk drawing in the rain, her image melted away to reveal that of the Queen.

  “No!” he cried.

  This couldn’t be happening. This was a trick, a manipulation on the part of Kaelen and his cohorts. How dare they test their powers against him? The fools.

  “You cannot trick me, cousin. Illusions conjured by your friends cannot frighten or harm me.”

  He tried to flash across the room to the human woman, but found himself rooted to the spot.

  “Darrick, you have lost all rights to the powers of the Fey,” the Queen stated.

  “Doesn’t feel too nice, does it, cousin?”

  Darrick looked at Kaelen. “You only lived be
cause of the old woman and our aunt. Two soft females who can’t do a man’s job. And now you think you have a chance to return because of a human,” he spat.

  The Queen laughed softly. “It was you who made it possible for Kaelen to return. The very act that caused his banishment was essentially the same that broke it.”

  “What are you talking about?” Darrick frowned. She made no sense. She didn’t deserve to rule.

  “We all knew Kaelen looked into the Waters of Fate and saw he had no true mate during this lifetime. This was true until you meddled. The woman and her children were meant to die that night; you changed that. The woman was with child. That child was Kaelen’s true mate. Abagail.” The monarch nodded towards the pale woman in the doorway.

  “No,” Darrick shouted. “No, you lie. The Fey cannot true mate with humans.”

  “There are no hard, fast rules. Those wise enough to rule understand that. We take what Fate and the Goddess give us,” she continued melodiously, the sound grating to his ears. “Darrick of Fey, you have used your birthright for harm and conspired against the throne and your family. You will stand before my people and face your fate.”

  Darrick screamed, but no sound escaped his lips. It simply echoed endlessly inside his head. With a wave of her hand, his aunt sent him spiralling into darkness.

  * * * *

  Abagail sagged against the doorway and watched the regal woman cross the room to stand before Kaelen, Rhys, Leilen, and Dermet. The four dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. Her mind reeled as she tried to digest everything.

  “Stand, nephew.”

  Tears burned Abagail’s eyes as the Queen embraced Kaelen, murmuring into her ear. The love the woman felt for him was obvious as she ran a hand over his hair and cupped his cheek.

  “I’m sorry for all that was done to you. I’m afraid I didn’t do all I could have. I beg your forgiveness.”