WingsOfDesire-AriannaSkye

by Arianna Skye

  “I’m not disagreeing with you, but she has been indisposed for quite some time. How can we be certain she’s speaking of sound mind?” Windstorm turned back to Titania. “Your Majesty, I implore you to think this through.”

  Titania stood proud, healthier and stronger than she’d been in recent years. “I’ve thought about it, and my decision is made. Princess Rhiannon shall lead the armies.” Rhiannon gasped and clutched Cerne’s arm. “What?”

  “Shh,” Cerne whispered. “I’ll handle it.”

  Windstorm turned to Maeve. “What sort of tripe have you fed the Queen? I’ll not let our kingdom fall because a human-raised faerie with inept skills was called to lead.”

  “I haven’t swayed the Queen’s mind one bit,” Maeve gritted out. “I only report the progress of Princess Rhiannon’s studies. She makes her own decisions.”

  “Aren’t you the least bit worried for our kingdom’s welfare?” Windstorm shot back.

  Cerne’s head reeled. The icy tones and heated glares mixed, causing a maelstrom of anger and frustration that would erupt like a volcano if someone didn’t come to their senses. If they sent Rhiannon off to battle, she could be killed. He would not be responsible for sending two people to their deaths. “The time draws near for the ritual, Your Majesty. We can’t take any risks,” he said.

  Titania nodded. “I appreciate your concerns, Lord Silverwing, but it’s the same reason our country is in turmoil. We couldn’t take risks. I’ll not let that happen again.” Cerne nodded. There was no use arguing. The Queen’s mind had been set. He turned an

  apologetic gaze to Rhiannon. “I tried,” he mouthed.

  Rhiannon nodded and straightened her stance. She took a deep breath, her gaze full of resolve. “I would love to lead our armies, Mother. I’ve never been so honored in my life.” Cerne’s mouth flopped open. He reached down to clutch Rhiannon’s hands in his. “Are you mad?”

  He gazed at the onlookers who stared with mixed emotions. Radan smirked like a sly fox.

  Windstorm stood stony and quiet, save for the small tic in his cheek. Maeve gave Rhiannon an assuring nod. Everyone else stared, just as shocked. Belenus, Jonas, and Rowan looked as confused as ever. Aileana, on the other hand seemed to find this all entertaining.

  Rhiannon shook her head. “No, I’m completely sane.” She patted his hand. “Now let me speak.”

  Cerne offered a simple nod, speechless at Rhiannon’s calm acceptance. He took his seat, giving her the floor.

  “I’ve made many friends here in Fey, more than I’ve ever had on Earth. I finally belong somewhere. Knowing that evil approaches, I won’t stand by while my friends and the kingdom are threatened.” She paused. “Princes, and princesses too, I’m sure, have fought for their countries. Even today.”

  “Ridiculous!” Windstorm huffed.

  “No, it’s not. Prince William and Harry of England serve their country.” She stood with her arms crossed, determination etched in her face like granite. “I plan on doing the same thing for Fey.”

  “But you’re a woman,” Windstorm sputtered.

  Rhiannon’s eyes sparked. “So a woman can rule a kingdom but can’t defend it?” Rhiannon took a deep breath. “If that’s the case, send me back to Earth.”

  “Men are stronger with the sword, women with the battle of minds.”

  “Stronger than this?” Rhiannon asked, raising her arm.

  Cerne grabbed her arm. “No, mo cridhe. You don’t need to do this.”

  “But I want to. My mind is made up.” She flung her arm back and sent a ball of light just past Windstorm’s head. With an enormous boom, it hit the side of the wall, sending the palace rattling.

  Windstorm’s eyes flared. “What in the Gods!”

  “Oops.” Rhiannon shook the smoke from her fingers. “Sorry about that.” The sheepish look proved she hadn’t meant such a strong spell.

  Titania’s mouth swept into a wide grin. “My point has been made.”

  “I’ll have you know, even though I believe you’re making a mistake, I stand by my kingdom.” Windstorm turned a wary eye toward Rhiannon and bowed, giving his allegiance. “I am at your command, Your Highness.”

  Rhiannon nodded. “I appreciate your taking this chance, General Windstorm. Your concerns will also be acknowledged.”

  Cerne shook his head. It was as if someone had lit a fire underneath her feet. She surprised him at every turn. The woman who challenged his calling was becoming everything he hoped she could be—and then some. For the first time in his life, Cerne was scared, and he didn’t like it. “Your Highness, are you sure you’re ready for such a responsibility?

  Rhiannon turned a stony glare his way. “I’ve always been ready.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Wherever this newfound assertiveness came from, it was pretty damn cool. She’d been living her life to other people’s expectations since she’d been a kid. It was about time she did something for herself. And she wanted to fight the Dark Faeries and save this beautiful kingdom.

  No one or nothing could stop her. Korrigan needed to be defeated. She, Rhiannon, had the knowledge, the power, and the necklace to do it.

  “My daughter wears the Mother Amulet,” Titania said, as if reading her mind. “Doesn’t that speak for itself?”

  “What exactly does this necklace do?” Rhiannon asked.

  Titania smiled. “You’ll know when the time is right, what you can do with the necklace.” Wonderful, here goes that cryptic shit again. As long as her ears didn’t grow points, Rhiannon knew she’d be fine. “Umm...cool, I think.”

  “Actually, my dear, it warms up when it’s used.” Titania reached down and ran her finger across the amulet. At her soft touch, the pendant glowed, warming Rhiannon’s chest. “See?”

  “Amazing!” Rhiannon reached down and touched the green stone. “What kind of stone is this? I thought it was an emerald at first, but now...”

  “It’s called malachite on Earth. The red stones are ruban—”

  “Rubies,” Rhiannon interrupted. “It’s my birthstone...well, the birthstone I thought I was.

  My human parents believed I was born in July.”

  “You were conceived during the feast of Samhain, so they wouldn’t be far off.” Rhiannon shuddered, not wanting to imagine anyone, especially her newly found parents, conceiving her.

  Titania continued. “Speaking of the humans who raised you, they did a wonderful job. How can I repay them?”

  Recalling the car accident, Rhiannon’s voice shook. “They passed away in an accident two years ago.” She had always respected James and Paula Kinsley. They took her in as their own and gave her a good life. She’d been heartbroken when they’d died. Thank goodness Lara was there to help her through it. Who knew where she’d be without Lara.

  Titania gathered Rhiannon in her arms and hugged her close. The warmth surrounding them calmed and protected her. “I’m sorry to bring up painful memories, my dear. I can tell they loved and cared for you. They have crossed to a wonderful place.”

  “Thank you, Your...Mother.” Rhiannon blushed. “I still need to get used to this new mom and dad thing.”

  “It’s quite all right, my dear.” She turned to Cerne and smiled. “Do you not see the strength she has, Lord Silverwing?”

  Cerne nodded, his eyes avoiding Rhiannon’s. So, he was reluctant? He’d never acted so dead-set about her safety before. Why all of a sudden? His words came back to her. The time draws near for the ritual, Your Majesty. We can’t take any risks. If what that bitch Viviane said was true, he only wanted her for his wings. Not that she should believe the “Palace Prostitute” anyway. Maeve had assured her the woman was talking out of her bunghole. And when had Maeve steered her wrong? But—

  As if sensing her unease, Cerne finally turned to face her. His jade eyes flickered with fear.

  “I cannot stop you from making your decisions, Your Highness.” He took her hand in a tight grip. “But I can swear my allegiance to your cause. I intend
to fight alongside you.” Rhiannon understood his concerns. After all, hadn’t he just lost his brother? Even though he refused to admit Sionnach was gone, she still sensed his sorrow. “I know you don’t wish me to go up against Korrigan, Cerne, but I need to. I’ve seen destruction like this on Earth. I’d hate for this beautiful land to be destroyed by evil.”

  Cerne pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her. “Shh, it’s all right, leannan. I understand.” Did he really? Or was he just agreeing to placate her? Such a complex man he was. Once she thought she had him figured out, he’d go do something totally off the wall—like this.

  “I’m glad you do.” She glanced around the room at the elder council. She only wished the others felt the same.

  Maeve gave Cerne a quizzical glare. “I’ll fight too, as will Bel.” She turned to her consort.

  “Won’t you, leannan?”

  “I would fight, even if Maeve wasn’t my life-mate.” Aileana nodded. “I’d fight too, but I’m afraid these wings aren’t as limber as they used to be. My mind is as alert as ever, though.”

  Rhiannon smiled at the aged faerie. “Minds are just as important as arms, Lady Aileana.”

  “Which is why you’ll make a great leader, Your Highness.” Aileana bowed.

  “I’m still a little put off by this, but I see Titania’s mind is made up. I also cannot deny Princess Rhiannon’s power.” Windstorm opened his mouth to speak further but the bright flash of a messenger orb cut him off. He poked his finger into the globe. “I must take this. One of my lieutenants has some important information.” He chuckled. “Anything could be important though. The last message was about another lieutenant wearing his colors backwards.” Titania nodded. “Take your time, General. We’re not keeping you.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Windstorm bowed. With a snap of his finger, he vanished.

  “Why did you allow him to ridicule and insult you, Mother?” Rhiannon asked, with a hint of frustration. “I so wanted to reach over and strangle him.” Titania smiled. “I would rather people voice their opinions than sulk and plot behind my back. That way, I know who to trust and who not to trust.” Rhiannon nodded. “So can we trust General Windstorm?”

  “Is the sky grey in the south?”

  Rhiannon raised an eyebrow. She was afraid to admit she hadn’t paid much attention to the sky at all lately. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

  “Are we going to keep answering with questions?” Titania threw back her head and chuckled.

  Rhiannon laughed. It was as if she was on that crazy Who’s Line is it Anyway show. She was tempted to continue with the “set” as Drew Carey or the original British host had called each game, but refrained. They had a kingdom to defend. “Nope.”

  “Good.” Cerne grinned. “My head was going crazy from the barrage of questions flying back and forth.”

  “What can I say? As I mentioned earlier, Rhiannon inherited her mother’s wit.” Maeve smirked from across the table.

  Rhiannon had to admit she did get along well with Queen Titania. They definitely were related. She looked exactly how Rhiannon had envisioned herself in about twenty years. And regardless of the almost doppelganger effect, Rhiannon noted she had Oberon’s nose, straight and patrician. She admitted it looked better on her father than it did on her.

  Oberon beamed, as if noticing her silent perusal. “I’m proud of you, Rhiannon. It takes a brave woman to stand up against someone as evil as Korrigan, especially for a world you’ve only

  just been introduced to.”

  “It’s odd, but it’s like I’ve lived here all my life.” Oberon nodded and stood up. He strolled over to Rhiannon and took her in his arms. “It’s not odd at all. You’re our daughter. We love you. We never stopped loving you.” Rhiannon smiled up at her father and another wave of tears welled up. She brushed a salty drop before it trickled down her cheek.

  “Why are you crying, my sweet?” Oberon asked, wiping another tear from her cheek.

  Rhiannon gazed over Oberon’s shoulder to glance at Cerne. For just an instant, she thought she caught him smiling. But in a fleeting second, his mouth formed a straight line.

  Rhiannon shook away the wall blocking her thoughts. Don’t worry, Cerne. Korrigan will be stopped.

  Cerne nodded and smiled, but it seemed only a little sincere. I’ll support whatever decision you make, mo cridhe. I shall be your ever-faithful consort.

  Sure you do, she thought back. She kissed her father’s cheek and stepped away from their embrace. Gritting her teeth, Rhiannon replaced the mental block. So much for trust. What did she have to do to get Cerne to have faith in her? She saw the trust between her mother and father. If she and Cerne were to be married, she’d expect the same level of trust. She breathed an irritated huff. Men! They were as ignorant as ever here too. Those darn Y chromosomes!

  Cerne spun around to speak to Titania and Maeve. “It’s late and I believe the princess has a lesson, does she not?” From the tone, Rhiannon could tell his words were directed toward Maeve.

  Maeve turned to Rhiannon and gave her a comforting smile. “Indeed she does.” She switched her gaze back to Titania. “May we—”

  A bright light filled the room. Radan and the other elders who’d been conversing in the corner jumped.

  “Good Gods, Windstorm!” Evenspring threw up his hands in exasperation. “Do you not know how to announce yourself?”

  Rhiannon turned to see Windstorm stepping from the amber light. He brushed flecks of glitter from his green jacket, sending the tassels on his shoulders shaking.

  “I apologize for rattling your frail nerves, High Councilman.” Evenspring snorted. “How could a turnip-brained buffoon rattle me?”

  Titania glowered from across the room. “Gentleman, I won’t allow this feud to continue, especially with the threat of Korrigan looming so close.”

  “Which is why I made such a hasty entrance, Your Majesty.” Windstorm gave Evenspring a sidelong glance. “My scouts inform me the Dark Army, along with troops of ogres and trolls, march this way.”

  Rhiannon glanced over to her mother. Titania stood still, her pulse throbbing in her throat, then sat down and lowered her face to her palms. “We haven’t any choice. The time to fight is now.”

  Rhiannon nodded. She knew what she had to do. Her gaze locked with Cerne’s. She hoped he knew too.

  ~*~*~

  Cerne took a deep breath. Seeing Rhiannon’s pleading gaze sent shivers of dread up his spine. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her. He worried for her. His jaw ticked and he clenched his teeth. He’d never felt this protective over anyone before. It left him overwhelmed.

  Cerne turned a calculating gaze toward Windstorm. “How well informed are these scouts?”

  “Very informed, Your Lordship.” Windstorm lifted his hand and allowed the messenger orb to flash in the air. He threw the orb against the wall, allowing the scene to play out in front of them. Korrigan marched alongside the monstrous ogre, General Llwyd, whose green mane of hair fell in mats against his putrid brown skin. On Korrigan’s other side, riding the ugliest horse in all of the otherworld, sat Gwawl, General of the troll folk. There weren’t two fiercer generals to fight against. The storms continued to grow with intensity to the south and lightning flashed in the image on the wall. Fires burned everywhere. Korrigan, with her head held high, raised her staff, signaling her troops. The poor village hadn’t a chance.

  “We’ve seen enough, General,” Titania said, with a weak voice. She rocked her body back and forth.

  “Mother?” Rhiannon gasped. “Are you okay?” She rushed to her mother’s side and took her in her arms.

  Titania gasped as spasms wracked her body. Everyone gaped in wonder as the princess held back her tears. It was as if no one cared.

  Windstorm blinked and dissolved the image. “Good Gods!” The room bustled into action, forming a circle around Titania and Rhiannon. Rhiannon’s tears spilled onto Titania’s cheeks while she held her tight.

  “Th
e Mother Amulet.” Jonas pointed. “It’s glowing!” Oohs and ahhs erupted from the crowd as Rhiannon ran her hands over her mother’s face.

  “Please, Mother, I just met you. You can’t leave me yet.” Watching Rhiannon hovering over her mother’s still form, Cerne’s breath caught. He wondered if she had showed as much tenderness and thought when she’d healed him.

  Suddenly, Titania coughed and spluttered in Rhiannon’s arms, then rubbed her eyes and shook her head. “Wha...What’s going on?” she gasped.

  “You had an episode of some sort.” Rhiannon smoothed her mother’s hair from her face.

  She turned to Maeve. “Come help me?”

  Rhiannon amazed Cerne. She had the healer’s blood along with the heart of a warrior and the intelligence of a sage. It was almost intimidating.

  Maeve stood over Rhiannon, watching her sit the Queen up. Titania sighed and brushed the back of her hand against her forehead. “Korrigan grows stronger. You must stop her.”

  “I will, Mother. I promise.” She gazed over to Cerne with fiery emerald eyes. “Cerne has promised to defend me. The kingdom will be safe.”

  “If I wasn’t so ancient, I’d fight alongside you as well, my brave princess.” Oberon took Titania in his arms.

  Maeve smiled. “The Queen needs you now more than ever. Having you at her side will be as strong a force as an army of a thousand faeries.”

  “And having Cerne at my daughter’s side will be just as strong as well.” Oberon gave Cerne an entreating glance. He smoothed a curl from Titania’s cheek and kissed her forehead. “It’s been a long day, my love, and you need your rest.” Titania nodded and brushed her cheek against Oberon’s chest. “I’d like to take a nap.” Their affection for each other never failed to amaze Cerne. He could only dream of having such an open and loving relationship.

  “’Tis probably a wise decision,” Maeve replied.