“What does she mean though?”
“That depends. Have you lost anything recently?” he asked with a slight laugh.
“Not recently.” She sounded sad, even to herself.
“Tell me,” he whispered, turning so he was facing her. She was glad they were alone, her attendants gone to do whatever it was they did during the day. Even so, the two of them shouldn’t be standing as close as they were, nor should they be speaking in such hushed tones. To be completely fair, they probably shouldn’t be in the same room alone together. And yet, they were. And it felt natural, just like it felt natural for tell him about her past. He listened with rapt attention, not interrupting and waiting patiently for her to finish.
“And now, I don’t know what to do. I want to fly, but I can’t, and then there’s my children...” she trailed off, tears welling in her eyes.
“Please don’t cry,” he whispered, stepping around so that he was standing in front of her. To her surprise, he lifted a hand and brushed away a stray tear.
“I’m sorry...”
“No, don’t be sorry either,” he murmured, before leaning forward and capturing her lips with his. She wasn’t sure what made him do it, nor was she sure what made her respond in kind, but she was soon kissing him back, with a passion she’d never before experienced. This was what she’d always hoped her first kiss would be, not the forced submission to the King. At least this made up for it now.
She broke the kiss, and looked up at him, seeing his green eyes sparkle. “Wow,” the word slipped from her mouth before she could stop it.
“Yes, wow.” His voice was low. He was clearly as affected as she was. “I need to go now though, I need to go find you your cloak.”
“You do?” she squeaked.
“Yes. And I promise you, Odette, I’ll find it and set you free.”
2
The palace was an absolute labyrinth, and Stefan hated it already. There were so many people about that he couldn’t even search properly either. How he was going to find a cloak of dark feathers was beyond him. But his Mother had sent him here, telling him this was where he needed to be, while his sister, Sierra, had nodded along. Which was about when he knew he couldn’t ignore them. Both of them were powerful witches and seers in their own rights, but together, they were pretty formidable.
He was never sure whether he envied Sierra her powers or not. She’d inherited most of their Mother’s magic, with a small sprinkling of their Father’s, mostly the ability to shift into a wolf, but her senses weren’t what they should be in that form. That was the side Stefan had picked up. Even in human form, his senses were unparalleled, and teamed with a little of his Mother’s tracking magic, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t find.
Except for a damn cloak of feathers. Though it probably wasn’t helping that he couldn’t seem to get his mind off Odette. He wasn’t sure what had told him he needed to kiss her, but it had been one hell of a kiss, like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the errant thoughts. She was the Queen, there was no way she should be kissing anyone, never mind someone like him. Sure, he’d grown up at a Royal Court, and the monarchs had treated him as if he was their own son. At one point, he was sure they hoped he’d fall for their daughter too, but time had passed and nothing had grown between him and Princess Yasmine. She was more like a sister to him anyway. But despite all that, he was no one. His grandmother had been a lady’s maid, and his grandfather a woodcutter, and that was only on his Mother’s side. On his Father’s, he was even less. Apparently his Mother had refused any offers of a title that Queen Keira had tried to give, until the point that Keira had stopped offering. At least in public. Knowing the woman as he did, he suspected both she and her husband still tried to convince his parents to accept.
Until they did, he really was no one. He shouldn’t even be at a foreign Court, they’d probably kick him out if they discovered the truth. Or the King would, he wasn’t so sure about Odette, maybe she’d vouch for him now. If not for the kiss they’d shared, then for her chance at freedom. His heart had broken for her as she’d told him her story. All he’d wanted was to pull her into his arms and comfort her, even if it was highly inappropriate to do so.
He had other things he needed to consider once he’d found her cloak though. Where would she go? By the sounds of it, she loved her children and would hate being parted from them, which meant he’d need to find a way to get them out of the palace as well.
Luckily, it was night, ad there weren’t too many people about, unless he counted all the people who were having affairs and secret rendezvous. Which was a surprising amount really. There was a lack of morality in this Court that made him long for his own. Keira and Philip would never have allowed their people to carry on like this. But then again, Philip would never set the example that King Ennardo was. When the King was openly having affairs with at least three women and another man, then the people were going to see that as something that wasn’t only acceptable, but should be emulated. He chuckled to himself softly. He hadn’t realised that his opinion on people was so low. Well, not people, just Court people. They were far too impressionable.
He made his way down the corridor, being as quiet as possible. He couldn’t see or hear anyone in his immediate vicinity, but that didn’t mean that couldn’t change at any moment. In fact, knowing his luck, it would change. For some reason, Sierra had got all the luck in his family.
He came to the ornate double doors that indicated the King’s rooms. He was uneasy, very much so, it was hard not to be when being caught in there would likely end with him short of a head, at the very least. There was also a chance of general dismemberment too. Slowly, he turned the handle, glad that the attendants in the palace were so attentive, and that they wouldn’t let any of the doors squeak.
When there was just enough room for him to squeeze through, Stefan entered the King’s chambers. He really wished he didn’t have to be here, but this was the most likely place for Odette’s cloak to actually be. Nowhere else made sense. Other than the treasury, but Stefan doubted it’d be there. Too many other people had access, and came and went on a daily basis, it wouldn’t be safe to keep anything so secretive there.
It was surprisingly still in the chambers, not to mention dark, though there was a soft glow of light from one of the doorways. He suspected that was the one that led to the King’s bedchamber, and hoped that he wouldn’t actually have to find out. There were rumours of what he’d witness if he went in that room, and he wasn’t in any hurry to actually find out if they were true. Though the soft sighs and giggles coming from it confirmed it enough really. Stefan shivered. Now he really hoped that Odette’s cloak wasn’t in there.
He glanced around, trying to picture the palace plans in his head, and suddenly thankful that his Father had made him memorise them. At first, Stefan had been confused as to why he was being made to do it, especially given that he was a grown man and no longer technically under his parents control. Except that no one, not even royalty, said no to his Mother. Everyone listen to her, without exception. And she was the one that’d told him he had to come here. So he’d done exactly what she said.
He slipped into the room to the far left, checking each way on the off chance that a guard or attendant had appeared. In fact, he found it kind of odd that there weren’t any. But then again, the world had been at peace since Xavier’s fall. If fall was the right word. Annihilation was probably more accurate.
Which was another odd thing about Ennardo’s Kingdom. No one knew who Stefan was. Not in a big headed way, but he was the son of two of the people responsible for possibly the biggest political shake up of the world, ever. He may not be as well known as Sierra or Yasmine, but most people knew who he was. He was the spitting image of his father after all.
The room was dim, only lit by the soft glow of the moon as it entered the room from two windows set high above him. The moon called to him somewhat, despite the fact he wasn’t actua
lly a werewolf. He didn’t even know if true werewolves existed. He was just a shifter, born that way because his Father had been cursed into wolf form for over a hundred years. Even his Mother hadn’t known if her children would manifest in the same way, and was probably cursing her husband to this day when she realised they could shift and cause havoc. Stefan smiled to himself, remembering the trouble he and Sierra had got into as children. Or as cubs more like. Their Mother had pretended to hate it, but he’d seen her secretly amused smile far too often for him to truly believe it.
He glanced around, trying to focus in on the shadows around the room. From what he could tell, it was almost like a museum or showcase in here. Except that he doubted anyone saw any of it. At least, not if the thick layer of dust he’d just dragged his hand through was anything to go by.
Oh what he wouldn’t do for his sister’s ability to conjure light right now. At least then he’d know where to actually start in this room.
Stefan closed his eyes, trying to focus on where his gut was telling him he needed to go. A large chest stood off to the side, and he made his way to it, easily following his nose. He examined the setting, wondering how easy it would be to undo the lock, yet another thing his sister would likely be able to do with barely a thought. Having Sierra’s powers would certainly make his life easier, though he didn’t envy her some of the responsibilities she needed to fulfil. She was their mother’s heir, she couldn’t just disappear if she needed some space.
He studied the lock again, and leaned forward to press the slightly latch that seemed to be there. To his surprise, the lid lifted easily, and he looked inside, taking a deep breath as he realised he’d found exactly what he needed to.
3
Odette paced back and forth, worry twisting in her gut. But not worry for herself, nor for her children. No. This was worry for the handsome stranger who’d kissed her. As much as she wanted her feathers back, she knew he was risking a lot to go get them for her, and if he was harmed in the process...well she didn’t think she’d ever be able to forgive herself.
A small scuffle came from outside the door, and Stefan strode in, a self-satisfied grin on his face. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight. Whether because it was him returning, or whether it was because it meant he’d found the cloak she needed to get home with, she wasn’t sure. But whichever it was, his chiseled features were welcome.
She rushed forward, only just refraining from throwing herself into his arms. She might not be as welcome there as she was earlier, and then they’d be in an awkward situation to say the least. She teetered on her small heels as she came to a stop next to him. He grasped her arm to steady her, the warmth of his hand seeping through the sleeve of her dress and she shivered, maybe even a little in anticipation.
“I found it,” he said, his voice low and husky. Maybe he was as affected by her as she was by him. She could hope at the very least. Though she’d likely have to fly home after donning her feathers once more, which would make exploring whatever this was kind of difficult.
“You did?” She swore she felt her eyes lighting up for the first time in years. Likely the first time since she’d arrived in this stupid Kingdom and discovered what her fate was. She glanced away, unwilling to let Stefan see the darkness that no doubt lurked in her eyes. If only it was him that’d found her by the river. Then he’d have known the innocent maiden she’d been, rather than the more jaded woman she’d become.
“In the King’s treasure room,” he said softly, lifting his hand so that it was very nearly touching her cheek. It hovered there, his uncertainty plain in his hesitation. She appreciated that, whether he was aware of it or not.
“Oh.”
“Would you like it now?”
“Not quite yet.”
“Why not? Haven’t you been looking for it for years?” He was genuinely curious, she could hear it in her voice, and when she broke and finally looked back at him, it was visible in his eyes too.
“It can wait a little longer. But if I put it on now, then I’ll have to fly home, and I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that.” She looked up into his eyes, seeing something there that she never imagined she would. Something akin to admiration and respect, maybe even a little bit of affection. She’d say it was far too soon for that, but her people were known for making their connections quickly. Maybe Stefan’s were too?
No longer caring to think, Odette reached up on tiptoes and pressed a kiss against his lips. The moment they touched his, she began to panic, thinking she’d over stepped the mark, and he was no longer interested. But Stefan seemed to have other ideas, and his arm slipped around her waist. He dropped the bag that’d been hanging over his shoulder to the floor, and tangled his other hand in her hair, all while deepening the kiss between them. Something stirred in Odette. Something she’d never experienced before. It was terrifying, and addictive, and oh how she wanted more of it. She pushed her body more firmly against his, feeling him push back, the evidence of how she was affecting him clear. She didn’t know if she could go through with what she wanted to. It was different from how things had been with Ennardo, but then, could she overcome that in order to truly enjoy herself? She wasn’t quite so sure.
After what seemed like an age, but not nearly long enough for her, Stefan pulled back, causing a soft whimper from Odette.
“We can’t.” His voice was rough with promise and desire. “Not until you’re free of here.”
“But then I’ll need to go home.”
“I’ll find you,” he promised, and for once, she found herself believing another person.
“Promise?” She hated being so needy, but he was bringing it out in her in a way she hadn’t expected.
“I promise.” He pulled away completely, before pulling the bag back into his arms, and pulling out a luxurious coat of inky black feathers. Odette stared at it in horror. Either that wasn’t her cloak, or it had changed somewhat during her time married to the King.
“Are you sure that’s mine?”
“Your cloak is what I was looking for, so yes.”
“For sure?”
“Yes for sure. If I need to find something, then I’ll find it, and it’ll be exactly what I was after.” He seemed so sure of himself that it confused her.
“How..?”
“I’m the son of one of the most powerful witches in the world, and a wolf shifter, it has to have had some effect.”
“You’re what?!”
“The son of Alventia’s Seer? Gretel?”
She looked at him blankly, completely confused by what he was on about. It made no sense in her head. “Alventia? Gretel?”
“You seriously don’t know?” He looked perplexed, like he wasn’t used to people not knowing who he was.
“No. I’m a trapped Princess from a cursed Kingdom. I know this castle, and that’s it.”
“Oh.” He looked away, an ashamed look crossing his face. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t realised.”
“No need to be sorry, no one really knows. I just popped up one day and have been here ever since. That’s the way it is, and they just accept that.”
“Is it really so blind in this country?” He cocked his head to the side, in a gesture that was surprisingly adorable for a grown man. Particularly if he was part wolf like he claimed.
“Yes, very much so. Is it not the same in the rest of the world?” She hadn’t expected him to be so surprised. It just didn’t make sense. If Ennardo was like he was, then surely the rest of the Kings and Queens would be the same.
“Not at all. My Mother, and her friends, fought to make this world better than it was. Things burned so that a King couldn’t control his people anymore. If they realised that another had sprung up in his place who was just as evil, and just as manipulative, then I’m not sure what they’d do. But the Queen would not be happy.”
“The Queen?” she asked. The only Queen she knew was herself, and he certainly didn’t know her well enough to be claiming that she could stand up for herself. Sh
e’d never done that. Ever.
“Sorry. My Queen. Keira, Queen of Alventia. Well, and the consort of Demetra. Their daughter is going to hold a lot of power when Keira and Philip pass their crowns to her.” He said the names with affection, which confused her all the more. No one here ever talked about royalty that way. They weren’t to be friends with anyone, never mind exhibiting the affection that Stefan clearly was.
“You sound like you care for them,” she tried carefully.
“I do. Keira and Philip are like second parents to me. I grew up with their daughter, Yasmine, as did my sister and cousins.”
“Cousins? How many do you have? And just one sister? And one Princess?” Her questions came thick and fast. It’d been so long since she’d allowed herself to think of her own sisters, that she longed to live vicariously through someone else. A contented smile crossed Stefan’s face.
“Yes, one sister. She’s my Mother’s heir. One Princess too. I have seven cousins, all close together in age. They’re a troublesome lot. Particularly the younger ones.” He laughed, probably thinking of some antics that they’d had as children. She smiled. An actual, genuine smile. Something about the way he smoke filled her with happiness. It didn’t make any sense, but she was going to go with it regardless.
“Seven is a good number,” she muttered despite itself.
“Oh, are you one of seven?” he asked, smiling.
“Yes, how did you—”
“They way you said it. And the way your mouth lifted ever so slightly.” He tipped her chin back with a gentle, but firm, finger, and leaned down to press his lips against hers. She kissed back instantly, melting into the pure sweetness of whatever it was between them.
They broke apart, both breathing a little heavier than they should be, especially seeing as the kiss had been so sweet. But he’d awakened something in her that she hadn’t even realised existed.
“You need to go,” he whispered, his breath fanning against her lips and sending tingles through her.
12 Days of Christmas: A Christmas Collection Page 18