by Riana Lucas
“Just hug me back, and I’ll put you down,” Reed whispers into my mind.
I cannot help the smile that takes over my face. Doing as he commands, I hug him back just as tightly. As promised, he sets me down right away and steps back beside my mother, beaming his charming smile for all to see.
My mother is smiling just as brightly. She does not have to come to me. I quickly run to her and throw my arms around her neck. I do not know what has come over me, but talking with Rowan and realizing all he has sacrificed and missed, I suddenly have a new appreciation for my family and friends.
Although Reed and my mother’s attention were solely directed at me, Rowan’s was only focused on his son, and the guards only had eyes for Rowan. Not knowing if the guard’s stares were due to awe or fear, I quickly make proper introductions to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Pulling back from my mother, I stand beside Rowan once again. Her and Reed’s eyes follow me, then focus on the man standing beside me. My mother stares with delight and open curiosity, and Reed does the same but with a little bit of confusion and apprehension. Reed, like the guards, would immediately be caught unaware by the fact that Rowan was Golden. I could also feel and hear Reed’s feelings. He knew there was something beyond the surface that was going on but could not place it.
“Mother, Reed, I would like to introduce you to Rowan. Rowan, this is my mother, Queen Lily of the Seelie Court.” I motion to my mother first. “And this is Reed.”
I was worried when Rowan did not even acknowledge my mother, but she was watching him closely and saw he could not remove his eyes from Reed. She sends the guards away, and I am incredibly thankful for her intuition and insight. I do not wish to reveal this to Reed in front of an audience.
Reed is watching Rowan just as closely, but he does not miss the dismissal of the guards or the way my mother and I are watching them so closely.
He speaks to me in my head. “Poppy? What’s going on? Who is this?”
“I am sorry I did not tell you before, but I needed to be sure. I did not wish to upset or disappoint you.”
“Poppy?” I can feel Reed’s anxiety grow, and my stomach rolls at the thought of this hurting him. But I know him, and I know he would want to know as much as I would.
“Reed, Rowan is your father.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Reed does not move. He stands stock still, staring at Rowan. I can see the mixture of emotions cross his face just as well as I can feel them. There are too many to even name.
I did not say the words out loud, but my mother seems to know exactly what is going on. She catches my eye and motions with her head inside. I look at Reed and Rowan, torn between my mother’s wishes to give them privacy and my desire to stay with Reed in case he needs me. Deciding it is probably best to give them some time alone, I discreetly begin to turn away from them.
Before I can walk two steps, though, there is a firm grip on my wrist. I turn back to see Reed’s hand wrapped tightly around my arm and his eyes pleading. “Please stay?”
Without hesitation, I turn back around and move to his side, taking his hand in mine. “Of course.” I look over at my mother, telling her silently to go ahead. She smiles softly and nods her approval before disappearing inside the doorway.
Reed’s hand is gripping mine tightly, and I feel the tension coming off him in waves. He and Rowan are staring at each other so intently, as if they can see into one another. I wonder for a moment if this is how Reed and I look when we are communicating mentally with each other. I remain quiet at Reed’s side, my hand firmly within his. For the first time since I have met Reed, I feel no nervousness or embarrassment over our closeness. I am here for him as he has been for me. That is all that matters.
An instant later, I feel the mood shift; Reed is blocking out all of his feelings and focusing on just one. Determination. I reach into his senses to get a better idea of what he is thinking. Although he has developed the habit of shielding himself from me, I can still feel he is going to approach the situation objectively. He will allow his father a chance to explain before he passes judgment.
Thankfully, he is doing the right thing, like I knew he would. Reed once told me it was wrong for me to hate someone or something when I knew nothing about the person or the situation — that I should never judge anything the way someone else says I should. He told me I should find out for myself and then make my own decisions. He is doing this now. I smile to myself at the pride I feel for him.
Giving his hand a squeeze for encouragement, he takes his eyes off Rowan for the first time and looks down at me. He smiles softly, and there is a twinkle in his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispers in my head. I smile back and give him a small nod before turning back to look at Rowan.
Rowan is watching us closely with a smile of his own. Although I can sense his fear of his son rejecting him, his pride and love overpower that fear by far. It will take some time, but these are both good and respectable Fae. They will build a solid relationship, and they will grow to love one another the way my mother and I have.
After a long silence, Reed is the first to speak, asking all the same questions I asked. Rowan answers every question without hesitation and does not seem to leave anything out. He tells the same story he told to me and one very similar to Anna’s. He tells Reed about the great love he had for both him and Anna and how difficult it was to leave them. He explains of the dangers they were both in and that his only priority was to keep them as safe as possible.
“But neither one of you were ever out of my thoughts or my heart. I checked on you as often as possible without endangering either of you. Between the dangers of other Fae and the unwanted attention of the Unseelie king, I didn’t feel as if I had any other choice. If there was any way for me to stay, I would have. I hope you believe that.” Rowan finishes his story, his voice having remained sad and regretful the entire time. Now he looks pleadingly into Reed’s eyes, silently hoping for forgiveness.
Reed’s face is still unreadable, but I sense his feelings and I know he is fighting back the emotions that are bombarding him. He finally allows some of them to win as he launches himself at his father. Rowan’s eyes widen in surprise before he quickly recovers and catches Reed in a tight embrace.
Feeling something warm on my cheek, I reach up to wipe away the stream of tears running down my face. Seeing Reed and his father together is overwhelming. I can feel the love and happiness coming from both of them. That, combined with the happiness I feel for Reed, is so much that I cannot help but cry.
Reed must sense my emotions, because I find myself swept up into his arms. Wrapping my own tightly around his neck, I bury my face in his shoulder, allowing the tears to run freely onto his shirt. I try to apologize for my behavior, but he just runs his hand up and down my back, saying “shhh” into my ear. I get myself together as quickly as I can, feeling selfish for taking Reed’s focus away from his father at a time like this. I try to pull away, but Reed will not release me.
“I am fine. Please let me go,” I whisper.
“Never,” I think I hear him say, but the word was so soft I am not sure. I turn my face to ask him what he said, but he is looking at Rowan.
Shaking my head in confusion, I use more force to pull myself away. Reed finally releases me from the embrace but does not let go of my hand. He holds it firmly and pulls me closer to his side. My embarrassment over my own selfishness keeps me from remarking on Reed’s behavior.
“Rowan, Reed, I am so sorry. I did not mean to take away from your time. That was very selfish of me and I apologize.” I know my cheeks are pink, probably matching my eyes, but I stand tall and look both of them in the eye so they may see just how sorry I am for my behavior.
Reed pulls back dramatically and looks down at me with a scowl on his face. “Seriously? You’re apologizing for being happy for me?”
“Well no, not for being happy for you. I —”
“Then you don’t need to apologize,” he sa
ys matter-of-factly and then turns back to his father, while tugging me closer again.
“But —”
“My son is right. There is no need to apologize, Poppy. If anything, I need to be apologizing for not thanking you yet.” He looks very solemn when he says, “Thank you.”
I look back and forth between the two of them in confusion. They are both looking solemnly at me, and my confusion turns to amusement. I cannot help but to giggle. The giggle turns into a laugh and soon I am laughing so hard that tears are streaming down my face once more. Now they are both looking at me with a mixture of confusion and horror in their eyes. My laugh only gets louder.
“You… should see… the… look on… your faces. You… are definitely… father… and son,” I manage to get out between my fits of laughter. I wipe at the tears on my face and watch as both of them stand taller and puff out their chests in pride. They look at each other and notice what they have done. Then both of their faces break out into matching, brilliant, breathtaking smiles.
“Like father, like son,” I mutter as I finally regain control of myself. Rowan and Reed are both still watching me with amused expressions. I open my mouth to apologize once more, but Reed places his hand over my mouth. My eyes widen and then form into small slits.
“Do not apologize again. Do you hear me? I am not moving my hand until you nod in agreement.”
I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him defiantly.
“I’m serious, Poppy. You gave me back my father — please don’t think you need to apologize.” He nods toward his father. “He’s right. Thank you, for giving me my dad.”
I lose the scowl and my arms fall to my sides as my eyes begin to grow moist again.
“Oh man! Please don’t cry again. I don’t know what to do when you cry.” Reed’s voice is whiny, and it does the trick. I chuckle under his hand, and he finally removes it. “Good, that’s much better.”
“Yes, it is. You are quite lovely when you smile, young lady.” Rowan winks at me when my cheeks grow hot from his compliment.
“She is, isn’t she?” Reed says, but not in his usual silly way. There is pride in his voice. I cannot meet his eyes.
Instead, I regretfully bring up the next important matter. “Shall we go see my mother now? I am sure she is anxious to talk with you, Rowan.”
Rowan nods, still smiling at both of us. Reed, however, sobers up quickly and looks at both of us with suspicious eyes. He is thinking hard, and when he finally comes up with whatever he was looking for, his eyes widen. “Does this have something to do with the disease you mentioned? What were you talking about? Are you ill?” Reed’s curiosity quickly turns to panic. Not wanting him to completely lose it, I explain things to him.
“Do not worry. Your father is fine. He is an Unclaimed Fae, but he has it under control.”
“What?” Reed’s voice is soft and disbelieving. I feel his world begin to crumble, thinking he is going to lose his father just as soon as he has found him. Rowan must sense this, as well, because he rushes to reassure Reed before I do.
“Son, listen to me.” When Reed looks up, he continues, “I have had this disease for a very long time. I also learned to control it, long before I even met your mother. Usually the disease is unpredictable and dangerous to all others around you, but over the years I have learned to control it and have done some research. I am neither dangerous nor unpredictable, and I have every intention of curing myself eventually. Please do not worry about me. I really am fine.”
Reed lets out a deep breath and sags a bit in relief. Then he looks at me in confusion. “But why is he here to see your mother? Why does she need to know about the Unclaimed Fae? Is there a problem with them?”
“Not exactly. She asked me not to say anything right away. We did not want anyone else to know until we knew if my plan would work. You see, I met Rowan a few days ago when I was walking through the woods. He was following me.” I turn and narrow my eyes at him, which does nothing but cause him to wink in return. “I did not know who he was then, so of course I attacked him.”
Reed cuts me off. “You got into a fight? Why didn’t you tell me?” He is hurt and angry, but I ignore it, knowing there is nothing that can be done about it now.
“He did not fight back, so I knew he was not a serious threat. But when I pulled my dagger on him, he went feral, then I saw him tamp it down and completely control it. We talked for a while about it, but then you came along, and he disappeared. I knew then he was very special, but it was not until I met your mother and she told us about her past that I figured out just how special he was.” I smile over at Rowan, who smiles back. “So when we got home, I planned to find him and confirm my suspicions that he was your father. I did not tell you in case I was incorrect. I did not want to disappoint you.”
“You did the right thing. I think I would’ve been really upset if you turned out to be wrong. I didn’t realize until just a few minutes ago exactly how much I wanted to find him.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that, son,” Rowan says softly to Reed. Reed reaches his arm over and pats his dad on the shoulder. Rowan reaches up and grabs Reed’s arm as well, in that way that only males do. They remain this way as they both turn to me, waiting for the rest of the story.
I smile and roll my eyes again. Reed snickers but does not comment. “So this morning, after you and your mother left, I remained with my mother to talk some more. Holly suddenly burst in the room, yelled at me, and then attacked me.”
This gets both Reed and Rowan’s attention. They both straighten up and their eyes glaze over slightly in thought.
“What happened?” Reed asks, all humor gone from his voice. I can see he is concerned for Holly but also angry that she attacked me.
“She tried to kill me.” A cold chill consumes my body, and I feel my arms break out in goose bumps. “The look in her eyes was wild. It did not register immediately, but I saw the mark of the Unclaimed in them. I deflected her attacks a couple of times and finally got her hands behind her back and pinned her up against the wall. The fight left her then. We talked for a little while. She explained that she knew something had been going on for a few days but did not know what it was and was scared. I told her I thought I could help, but she ran out of my mother’s chamber and fled the Court.”
“She is trying to protect you all,” Rowan says in understanding.
I nod my head in agreement. “I would have done the same, but she did not know about you. No one did until today. I thought maybe you could help us figure this out and help Holly. My mother gave me permission to seek you out immediately. Holly is like a daughter to her. She is a loyal and strong warrior, an asset to this Court, and we have to help her.”
“She is also a loyal and dear friend,” Reed softly says the words I could not bring myself to say. I did not avoid them because they were untrue. On the contrary, I have realized just how true they are, and my fear of losing a good friend once again would be too much.
“I understand and will do everything I can to help. Come, let’s go see Queen Lily, and I’ll tell you all I know. Let me warn you, though, it is not an exact science yet. There is still so much to learn about the disease, but I think with your help I just might be able to finally find a cure.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Leading the way through the massive doorway into the Seelie Castle, Reed and Rowan follow close behind. As I turn the corner heading toward my mother’s chambers, I run directly into someone. I reach my hands out to steady us both and look into my mother’s embarrassed eyes.
“Were you eavesdropping, Mother?” I tease her.
“Yes, but apparently I wasn’t doing a very good job. I only heard bits and pieces of what you were saying, and I didn’t even realize you were coming.” She folds her arms over her chest and sticks her bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout. We all laugh at her antics. At least she is willing to own up to it.
“It’s quite alright, my queen. I apologize for my rude
behavior and not greeting you properly earlier. I was just so overwhelmed.” Rowan begins to bow his respect to my mother, but she steps forward and puts her hand on his shoulder to stop him.
“Please, do not bow to me, and please call me Lily. There is absolutely no reason for you to apologize either. I completely understand your feelings,” she says with a quick glance my way before turning back to Rowan. “You are Reed’s father, and I’ll show you the same respect and courtesy I have offered his mother. Reed is one of my daughter’s dearest friends. His family is my family. I’ll have a room for you, and you’ll have free reign within my home. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish, and you are welcome anywhere within Seelie territory. I would offer my guards to you, as well, but I have a feeling you don’t need them.” She smiles wickedly at him, and I have to stifle my laughter. Ignoring me, she continues. “I do apologize, though. I have to admit I’m not used to being left out of the loop. I couldn’t help myself but to listen to your conversation.”
“My —”
My mother interrupts him by clearing her throat and giving him a stern look. Rowan smiles ruefully. “I mean, Lily,” he continues with a smile. “Please don’t apologize. Your hospitality more than makes up for it. Although you did nothing wrong,” he adds.
My mother laughs and rolls her eyes heavenward.
We will be here all day listening to them apologize to one another, so I interrupt, “Do not worry, Rowan, you will get used to thinking of my mother more as a friend than a queen sooner than you think.” I turn to address my mother. “And you should not have been listening, but it does save us some time now. Can we go to your chambers and discuss this more privately and hopefully come up with a quick plan? I do not like the idea of Holly being out there for too long alone.”
Although I hate to be the one to change the mood, my words sober everyone up. “Yes, you are right, my darling. Follow me.” My mother turns around, and we all follow somberly behind her. The clicking sound of my mother’s heels against the marble floor is the only sound as we make our way to her private chambers.