“Let’s.” I extended my hand to her and she took it.
But as I clutched the medallion harder and opened the portal, two ogres broke through the fire and charged.
24
Layla
We rushed through the portal and I almost fell face-first into white, hot sand.
“Watch out,” Varian shouted.
I spun on my heels in time to see an ogre, who had crossed through the portal along with us, charging at me. There was another one behind him, zeroing in on Varian, but at least now the portal was closed.
I sidestepped the ogre and conjured a long shadow spear in my hand. When the ogre turned back toward me, I was ready for him. I plunged the spear into his chest. His thick skin resisted it, but I sent more magic into my shadow weapon and pushed it deep. It went through, piercing through the ogre’s heart.
I let the spear dissolve into the air and the ogre fell at my feet.
I glanced at Varian and his opponent, who was running in circles, trying to extinguish the flames that covered his body. It took a minute, but finally, the ogre collapsed, quieting in the sand.
Varian was right in front of me. “I want to … I’m sorry for Carlyn. I know you didn’t want to kill her and—“
I shook my head. “I understand,” I told him. “I know she wouldn’t have stopped until she had locked us both up.” To become the ogres’ sacrifice during a damned ritual. She had gladly given my life away. I shouldn’t bother with hers.
Her death would stay with me for a while, as all of the other witches’ deaths would always be with me, but I would make my peace with it. Someday.
I inhaled deeply, resetting my racing heart, and took a good look around. All I could see was an endless ocean of sand and a big, yellow sun baking us from above.
“We’re in the Summer Court, right?” I asked Varian. “You opened the portal to the right place?”
Varian came to stand by my side and nodded. “Yes, this is my kingdom. The Summer Court.” Varian put a hand over his eyes and scanned the landscape. “There.” He pointed to the east. I followed his direction, but didn’t see anything. “There are some dried branches there. We can use those.”
I squinted, but still didn’t see anything. “For what?”
He gave me a small smile. “You’ll see.”
I lifted my chin up and felt the gentle, warm breeze brushing against my skin. Despite the heat, this wasn’t bad.
Varian and I had walked until we reached the branches while he told me that small magical oases in the middle of the vast desert came and went every few years. This small gathering of dried trunks and broken branches happened to be one of those oases. I observed while he put a few bigger branches together and asked me to conjure a rope. He tied the branches together until they formed a long board, then told me to sit on them.
In no time, he used his summer prince powers and had us sailing—sandsailing—across the desert.
It was an ingenious way to move, I had to give him that.
But now that we were here, now that we were close to fulfilling his wish of coming back home, my gut tightened and my body filled with apprehension.
What would happen now?
Several times during our journey, I opened my mouth to ask him that same question but always ended up swallowing my words.
This was stupid. Why was I so afraid? I had to be practical. What would happen to me? To him? To us? He was the prince. He returned to his mother and his duty to protect his kingdom, but where did I fit in? Would he keep his promise to hand me the medallion and let me go?
Did I want to go?
“Var—“ I finally gathered the courage to speak, but when the words started leaving my lips, the landscape changed in the distance.
First, it was a bright glow that burned my eyes if I looked at it too long. But then we got closer, the forms took shape. A large golden city sprawled around an equally large golden castle.
We were there. We had arrived in the Sun City.
25
Varian
My heart squeezed at the sight in front of us.
The Sun City.
“Welcome to my home,” I told Layla. I glanced at her, but she was staring at the city stretching as far as the eye could see. Though she had been to the Spring Court before, she had never come to the Summer Court, and here things were quite different.
The city's golden glint faded as we approached it, and instead the walls became a beige color with burnt-yellow roofs—thus the golden glow from the sunlight.
As I expected, the guards saw us coming from miles ahead and were waiting for us at the gates.
Once we were close enough, I stopped the sandsailer and jumped off.
“I can’t believe my eyes,” General Behar said as he walked toward us. The old man grabbed my arms and stared at me as if he was seeing a ghost. “Are you really here, my prince?”
I nodded, patting his shoulders. “It’s me, general.” I took a step to the side and gestured to Layla, who kept herself a few yards back, close to the sailer. I gestured for her to approach us, but she only took a small step. “This is Layla. She helped get me home.”
General Behar looked at her, his eyes shining with pride. “Thank you, Lady Layla.”
Layla, who hadn’t been shy before, shrank into herself. She gave the general one curt nod, then glanced away.
I frowned, wondering what the problem was, though there was something else that deserved my immediate attention. I faced Behar again. “How’s my mother?”
The general sucked in a sharp breath. “You better come and see, my prince.”
The ride through the city felt like a festive parade. Realizing their prince was back, the fae lined the streets. They cheered, waved, shouted, and clapped their hands, all thanking the gods that I had come home.
Seeing my people like this, together celebrating my return, warmed my heart. Now, if only I could save my mother.
My muscles contracted as we got closer to the palace. While riding through the city, General Behar told me about the poison spreading through my mother's body and the rebel uprising, determined to capture the throne. My dreams had been true, and all I could think about was that somehow Mahaeru had reached into my mind and sent those visions to me.
Once at the inner gates, I jumped off the horse and ran into the castle, barely paying attention to the shocked faces. Apparently, word of my arrival hadn’t reached the palace yet.
I ran up the stairs and burst into my mother’s chambers.
As I expected, Mahaeru stood beside my mother’s bed. In her impassive and austere manner, the goddess looked at me, not one bit surprised to see me there.
“Finally,” was all she said before glancing down at my mother again.
My heart skipped a bit at the sight. My strong mother, the queen of our kingdom, lay in bed with her dark skin pale and her face gaunt. She didn’t look sick. She looked dead.
I took long steps toward her, dreading what I would find. Slowly, I knelt beside her and took her frail hand in mine. “Mother?”
My mother’s eyes fluttered open. “Varian?” Her gaze widened at my face and her hand closed around mine, her grip too weak. “Is it really you? You’re here?”
Tears filled my eyes. “Yes, mother, I’m here.” I lowered my head to her hand and placed a kiss on her cold skin. “I’m here now.”
My mother took in a ragged breath that rattled her chest. “Now I can rest in peace.”
“No,” Mahaeru said. “Not yet.” She spun on her heels and walked to the door. She peeked out and said, “You. Come with me.”
A moment later, Layla followed the goddess into the room, but she didn’t dare approach us. Layla stayed by the door, her head low, her hands clasped together in front of herself.
I frowned, finding this image of her too different from her true personality. Why was she cowering like that?
“Who is this?” my mother asked, trying to sit up.
“This is a witch,” Mahaeru
said simply.
My mother’s eyes widened some more. “W-what?”
“Don’t worry, Queen Natsia,” Mahaeru said. “Though she was one of Sanna’s pets, she’s not like the evil witch. In fact, I think she’s here for a reason.” Mahaeru gestured toward my mother. “Come, Layla. I know you can do it.”
Layla stared at the goddess for a moment, then marched to the other side of my mother’s bed. She sat at the edge of the mattress and reached for my mother. “Excuse me, Your Majesty.”
She placed her hand over my mother’s chest, the ring gleaming on her index finger, and closed her eyes. A dark light shone from underneath her hand. My mother sucked in a sharp breath and closed her eyes.
I tensed for a moment, but kept two things in mind: one, Layla was my mate. Even if she was reluctant to accept our feelings, she wouldn’t willingly hurt me. And hurting my mother would be hurting me.
And two, Mahaeru wouldn’t play with something like this.
A few tense minutes ticked by. At first, I thought nothing was happening, but then I saw it. The color returning to my mother’s cheeks. The black mark on her neck dissolved. Her grip in mine tightened as her strength came back.
Layla opened her eyes and pulled her hand back. “It’s done,” she said. “You’re fully healed, Queen Natsia.”
A small, incredulous smile stretched over my mother’s lips as she sat up in bed effortlessly. She glanced down at her chest, not believing the poison was gone.
“It’s a miracle,” she whispered, turning her eyes to my mate. “Thank you, Layla. How can I repay you? What reward can I give you?”
Layla stood from the bed and took a long step back. She lowered her head and said, “That’s not necessary, Your Majesty. I don’t need anything.”
“That’s silly.” My mother waved her off. “I insist we—“
I squeezed my mother’s hand, pulling her attention to me. “It’s okay, Mother. Layla said she doesn’t want anything.”
My mother tilted her head, sensing something. “We’ll get back to that,” she said to Layla, before returning her gaze to me. “As for you … I’m just glad you’re here.” She clasped my hand in hers. “While I was lying in this wretched bed, unable to go anywhere, I did a lot of thinking, and I’ve come to a decision.”
I frowned. “About?”
“About you,” she said, suddenly losing her amused and thankful smile. She grew serious, which meant business. “I’ve decided my time has come to an end, and yours should begin.”
I blinked at her. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I’ll pass the crown to you. You’ll be king of the Summer Court.”
I stared at my mother, sure I wasn’t hearing her right. This had to be a joke. I glanced at Mahaeru, but she didn’t even blink. The goddess knew about this. She approved of it.
I shook my head. “I’m not ready.”
My mother patted my hand. “Nobody is ever ready for the crown, but I do know you’re prepared. You’ll be a wonderful king.”
“But—“
She cut off my protest. “This is my will, Varian. Please accept it.”
I swallowed hard.
I didn’t want to accept it, not yet. My mother was immortal; she should be the queen for many more centuries. Why did she want to pass the crown to me? But I knew her. Once she came up with an idea, nothing could change her mind.
Well, I could accept it, but delay the coronation, couldn’t I?
With that in my mind, I finally said, “All right. I accept.”
26
Layla
My heart filled with something I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
Pride.
I was proud of Varian right now. He deserved the crown. I knew deep in my soul he would make a great king.
Slowly, I backed away from the bedroom. This was a tender moment between mother and son—and powerful goddess—and I didn’t want to be the stranger interfering.
Besides, they looked so happy right now. So good. I couldn’t stay near them for long or the darkness in my soul would taint them.
As I turned to leave the room, I heard the queen talking about hosting a huge ball to celebrate his return. And probably hold the coronation. They would decorate the entire castle and invite everyone in Wyth to attend.
I smiled as I walked away.
The guards didn’t stop me when I crossed the archway leading to the vast, sand-colored hallways, or when I started down the beige marble stairs. This place was unreal with its round columns and intricate golden details. Such a beautiful, warm palace. Perfect for the Summer Court.
“Where do you think you’re going?” an eerie voice filled the staircase and I turned halfway down to look up. But the voice wasn’t coming from above. Frowning, I glanced around and found the goddess standing on the lower level, at the end of the stairs. I stared at her for a moment, in awe. She looked even more intimidating and powerful than before.
I had heard about the three mysterious goddesses of Wyth before. I never thought I would meet one of them face-to-face.
How did she just appear here so fast? Wasn’t she just beside the queen? I shook my head. It didn’t matter. She was a goddess after all. She probably could do things I couldn’t even imagine.
“I don’t know,” I answer her frankly. “I was leaving the castle, going to the gardens. After that …” I shrugged. “I would probably find someone willing to lend me a medallion so I could leave.” Varian had the medallion we had stolen from the ogres, and I wasn’t inclined to ask him to hand me that one. Though I had no idea where I would go. Back to the witches’ realm? There was nothing for me there. To the human realm? I had been there once when I was younger. I wouldn’t even know how to begin to live as a human.
There was nothing for me anywhere.
“You can’t go yet,” Mahaeru said.
My frown deepened. “Why not?”
“Because you have a purpose here.”
I pointed up the stairs. “I just saved the queen. Wasn’t that my purpose?”
Mahaeru shook her head. “No, you have a greater purpose here. Finish that, and then you can leave.”
“I’m guessing you won’t tell me what that purpose is so I can get this over with.”
One corner of Mahaeru’s lips turned up, but it wasn’t a smile. It was a dare. “It’ll find you instead.”
Footsteps echoed from above the stairs, snatching my attention. I glanced up and saw Varian running down. When I faced forward again, the goddess was gone.
Of course. What kind of goddess would she be if she hadn’t said something ominous and then left me here to mull over it by myself?
“There you are,” Varian said, catching up to me. He halted by my side and instantly held my hand in his. “Where were you going?”
“I …” I lowered my gaze, though I didn’t have the heart to tell him what had been in my mind.
But he knew.
“You were leaving.” He held on to my hand tighter. “Please don’t leave. Not yet. Just … give me a chance.”
Maybe it was his words, his intense gaze on mine, the warmth from his touch, or the pull I felt even now connecting me to him. Or maybe it was Mahaeru’s words and the curiosity they had drawn from me.
But I held the prince’s stare and nodded. “I’ll stay.”
27
Varian
The day went by too fast. I showed Layla to one of the largest guest chambers, not far from my own. I invited her to have dinner with my mother and me in our private dining room, but she refused, saying my mother probably wanted some time alone with me. Though I didn’t think Layla was mistaken, I wanted her to join us. I wanted my mother to get to know her.
After all, she was my mate, and I was intent on making her stay.
During dinner with my mother, I almost told her about Layla, but decided I wouldn’t until Layla was ready. My mother and I talked business: the upcoming ball, the coronation, and also about the rebel uprising. She hoped that now
that I was back and she was well, they would soon settle down.
I hoped so, but had already made mental notes to talk to General Behar about it the next morning. Perhaps I should organize a party and go meet with these rebels, to show them I was here, to tell them face-to-face that my mother was well, and to listen to them. To understand why they were revolting against our government and do my best to be a fair leader.
As night fell and the agitation of my return faded, I grew restless. The image of Layla on the stairs sent a ripple through my heart even now. I had the feeling that if I hadn’t gotten to her, she would have left. And that hurt. I knew that for some people, especially non-fae, the bond progressed slower, differently. I didn’t expect her to love me right away. By the sun, I wasn’t sure I loved her … not yet. But I felt a lot. I felt attracted to her, drawn to her. Just looking at her took my breath away. When she told me her story, when she showed me the hidden ring, when she healed my mother … it all filled me with immense pride. She made me proud. She made me feel worthy.
Worthy of maybe being the king I was supposed to be.
Worthy of her love.
Because of all these emotions swirling inside me, I couldn’t sleep. Instead, I found myself getting up from my bed, putting on a thick robe over my naked shoulders, and leaving my chambers.
Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the closed doors to Layla’s bedroom. Holding a breath, I knocked on the door and waited. A minute passed and there was no answer. It was still early, wasn’t it? Was she already sleeping? Like a stalker, I pressed my ear to the door and listened. There was no sound coming from inside. I knocked again, suddenly worried about her, and again there was no answer.
Slowly, I turned the knob and pushed the door. I spied inside and called out, “Layla?”
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