I kissed her lips softly, and my eyes settled on the portal, as it closed. A shrill scream came from my hut.
“Lia!” The nightmares had returned. “Fuck!”
I cursed, looking at Eisha's still form in my arms, then at the portal as it disappeared. Lia's cries reached me before the image of her was gone. I closed my eyes holding Eisha tightly against my body. I continued to rub her arms. My insides split in two. I couldn't leave Eisha, but Lia needed me. I held her fiercely while Lia's pain coursed through me.
“Forgive me, Mo Sgòthan. I’ll be back.” I kissed her lips and rushed towards Lia.
BRIANA
* * *
I smiled while I admired Cyn, lying on top of him. He had a look of absolute bliss on his face. The rays of the sun filtered through the Cherry Blossom trees, as it settled in the horizon and made his strands look like they were spun from golden ribbons. His eyes shone even brighter while he looked at me and I knew why. I knew exactly what illuminated them that way. It made them sparkle, and it was the same thing that brightened mine. Whatever happened around us, I knew there was one thing that would never falter. Our love. This connection that we had been blessed with made us stronger. Heck, the way I saw it, it made us invincible.
The petals continued to fall, covering the ground and our bodies in one continuously luscious layer of pink. They were still gliding down after they had graciously spent the last hour floating all around us. Cyn had loved me, and as usual, our combination made everything around us perform pretty interesting acrobatics.
I leaned down and kissed him. I hid my face in the curve of his neck and closed my eyes. I loved being here with him. When Cyn had asked me which places I wanted to visit today on our "day off from life" and went on and on of where he could take me, I knew this is where I wanted to be. Somewhere inside, a very small part of me felt bad that I had ditched Asrhia without even a heads up, but the rest of me didn't really care. This time with Cyn meant everything to me. We had spent the day here, talking, admiring the beauty around us and loving each other. It had been absolutely perfect. This place was special for me. For us. It was the first place I had ever been with him, after I took a leap and held his hand. My world had completely changed that night. It was here he told me I was his and he was mine for the very first time. It was here where I first felt the urge to be his in every single way. Here where I first licked his dimple. I chuckled, and he held me closer to him.
“What has made you laugh, my Goddess?”
I lifted myself on his chest and looked into his eyes. “I was just thinking of all the ways this place is special for us. Here is where I first tasted that delectable dimple of yours.” He laughed, and I stretched my little pinky, touching the perfect little grove that formed on his cheek. The tip of my pinky fit in it effortlessly. He took my finger and kissed it.
“What is this fascination you have with my dimple, my Goddess?” Cyn asked with one of his sexy smirks.
“Oh I have no idea, but it consumes me.” He chuckled. “As a matter of fact, if I were you, I'd be very threatened by it.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Is that so?” I nodded, and he rolled our bodies until he was laying on me. “And why is that, my Goddess?”
“Well if you ever made me chose between you or your dimple, I would unquestionably choose your dimple.”
He laughed and kissed me. He lifted his gaze and this time it was him who admired me. He caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers, and I could see the overwhelming need in his eyes. It wasn't a physical need, and it wasn't the first time I had seen it either. He was holding back, and I didn't want him to. I could feel it through our essence that it upset him not to speak, it hurt me too. I needed to hear it. I wanted him to say it now more than ever.
“Say it… please.” His eyes widened for a split second then they softened and filled with love. “I need you to say it before I go crazy. Please…” Cyn looked into my eyes, and I could see him letting go of the restrains he had put around his heart. I could feel it.
“There is not a great deal that I can say to you at this moment, which I have not expressed before. I hope that it does not make it less valuable or diminish what I need you to answer. Yet, I find myself at a loss for words when I need them the most.”
I shook my head while my eyes teared up. I put my hand over his heart. “I know exactly how you love me because you never miss a chance to make sure that I know. I have never been so confident of anything in my life as I am of our love. I don’t need a speech, Cyn. I don’t even want a ring. I just need you to ask me before my heart bursts from seeing you hold back every single time you are about to say it. Please just ask me.”
“There is one thing I must say that I have failed to express before…” He placed his hand over my heart. “Thank you for taking my hand that night.” A tear escaped from my eyes, and he kissed it off my cheek. His lips brushed mine, and he looked into my eyes. “Will you give me yours and tie it to mine as a symbol of our eternal promise to each other? Will you let me love you for the rest of our lives? Will you please cease the suffering of my soul and be my wife?”
“Yes…” I whispered as the tears spilled from my eyes. The happiness I felt in this moment filled my every cell. “I'm yours,” I whispered again, and before I could take another breath, he crushed his lips to mine.
His back arched as he pulled me impossibly closer to him, his lips never leaving mine and we became one. I clung to him as his body moved into me sealing our love.
* * *
I lifted my head from his chest when I saw him reach for the bag we had brought with us today. He let go of me for a moment and kneeled on the grass. I sat up frowning, while his hand rummaged through it. His lips curved into a brilliant smile and he kissed me.
“If you do not wish for a ring, my Goddess, then what shall I do with this?”
His palm opened in front of me and I gasped. My eyes settled on the most beautiful piece I'd ever seen. The ring lay sideways in his palm. The band was thin and made of silver, or maybe even white gold. I wasn't entirely sure. It curved and bent slightly in certain places. The setting was made from four flower petals, like the ones on a rose. It was then I realized the band represented the stem of the flower. The petals curved upwards encasing the stone. Cyn picked up the ring and turned it so I could see it. I covered my mouth. The stone was stunning, white and asymmetrical without a defined pattern. It shone in a few spots and had complex curves on its surface. It reminded me of the pink salt crystals I had.
“It is a rough diamond,” Cyn announced, and my eyes widened.
“It’s a diamond?” I asked startled. He grinned and nodded.
“Art insisted, but this was the only form that reminded me of you… pure, and untouched by man. Well, except for me.”
I grinned, and he winked at me.
“It’s stunning, Cyn. Absolutely flawless, I love it.”
He reached for my left hand and lifted my finger. The coolness of the metal caressed my skin as he slowly slid the ring on me. I felt complete. My eyes teared up again, and he cradled my cheeks, kissing me.
I was his.
CHAPTER 9. THE WINTER COURT
KYR GAERRATH
~Prince of the Winter Court
Commander of the Dark Army
* * *
“Welcome to your new home, Summer Princess.”
I declared, nodding the guards forwards. Gallai and Kahina held the princess’ arms and dragged her through the corridor of the dungeon. Her ocean blue eyes filled with anger. It made them even more striking. Her softly tanned skin glistened with her perspiration, and a few loose waves of her light auburn hair clung to her skin. I raised two fingers, signaling the guards to stop as they passed me. Her back straightened as her defiant stare bore into mine.
“You will not get away with this, Kyr. The Queen will soon realize we’ve been taken and she will lead the army to rescue us.”
My gaze followed the small voice to her Lady in Waiting who w
as struggling against the guards’ hold.
“Do not waste your voice on this mongrel. There is no use.” The Summer Princess conveyed, and I smirked.
“Your servant should mind her manners. We are in my Kingdom now.”
“She’s not my servant. She’s my friend.”
I ignored her response and my gaze returned to the servant. “What it’s your name?”
“Marigold,” She said dryly.
“Marigold, Your Highness.” Kahina corrected, practically snarling at her. “You will address the prince with respect!” Marigold whimpered as Kahina’s hold tightened on her delicate arm.
“Now, now, Kah. That is not necessary. You will upset the Summer Princess.”
“My name is Aura Lenora, daughter of Queen Abella Lenora ruler of the Summer Court, and…”
“I know, I know. And the light of the flowerbeds, in the sunny field's honey waterfalls, and whatever other flowery thing you Summer Fairies love naming yourselves.” I smiled as the flames of anger ignited in her eyes. I had never seen eyes quite like hers.
“You ignorant baboon. You have no notion of what you have done. Your Kingdom is doomed. It will take the Queen no more than a week to gather her army and come for you. My Mother will see me free."
I raised my eyebrows intrigued. “The Summer Queen herself, come to my Court? Well, that would bring me the deepest joy. We shall throw a ball in her honor.” I looked at Gallai. “Take them to the east wing, and place them in the chamber the ladies have prepared for them. Make sure they are treated with the respect they deserve, and let go of their arms. I am sure they can walk for themselves.”
The princess' eyes clouded in confusion as she pulled her arms free from the guards' hold. She rubbed the reddened skin while her gaze went to the dark cell to her right, then to me.
“You prepared a chamber in the castle for us?”
“Why, of course. You are Aura Lenora, daughter of Queen Abella Lenora ruler of the Summer Court.” I said, repeating her words. “I would not dare throw you in a dungeon.”
“Then why have you brought us down here? Is this madness?”
I smirked. “I prefer to call it strategy.” Her eyes widened as she realized she had given me the information I required. “Take them to their chambers. Have the Ladies I appointed to their care draw them a bath, and dress them in the finest linens. The Princess and her Lady shall join us for dinner tonight. They are our esteemed guests, after all.”
I took Aura’s hand and kissed it while her stunned eyes followed my every move. I smiled, bowed, and turned on my heel, walking away.
“The King has requested your presence in the throne room, my prince.”
Laurel informed me once I cleared the great hall. I pulled at the fingers of my riding gloves taking them off and handed them to her, along with my Dilunarta galothnae Cirlay ossarth kuru cloak.
“Very well. I shall go at once. Thank you.”
“You are welcome, my prince.” She bowed and walked towards the west wing where the royal chambers were located.
The sound of my boots hitting the white marble floors reverberated through the otherwise silent hallway. The guards that stood along the way, bowed once they noticed my presence, and I nodded acknowledging their respects. The sudden noise of high heels on the marble called my attention. A young woman hurried out of the Throne room. She was human, which brought my steps to a halt.
Humans were not typically welcomed in the realm of the Fae.
Her eyes briefly settled on me as she pulled the hood of her black cloak over her head, covering her face in shadows. Nevertheless, the brief image of her face had stayed with me. Her green eyes, cream skin, and heart shaped lips stood out. I had never seen her before. She rushed passed me, without even acknowledging my presence. My eyes looked at her form as she rounded the hallway. She wasn't just any human, I gathered. She was a Druid.
* * *
“Prince Kyr has arrived, your highness.”
Mitah, the royal usher, announced the moment I stepped into the throne room. Father’s eyes settled on me.
“My son, I’m glad you have arrived. What is the result of your ambitious endeavor?” He asked, rising from his throne and opening his arms wide to receive me.
I smiled, kneeling before him. “Excellent, my King. We have captured the Summer Princess.” My eyes briefly fell on Avrielle, as she stepped away from my father’s side.
“I harbored no doubts you would return triumphant, son. You are a force to be reckoned with, and my pride.”
I stood and accepted his embrace. “Thank you, father. It will take the Summer Queen a week to gather her army and come for Princess Aura. When she does, we will be ready.”
“Marvelous.” He answered, patting my cheek and sat back on the throne.
“How may I be of service?”
“We have just received news that the prophecy of the High Priest and Priestess of the Order of the Druids has begun.”
My eyes widened. “That is excellent news, father. We have been waiting quite a long time for this.” The presence of the Druid girl made perfect sense now. “I'm at your service for whatever you may need of me.”
“I have advised the King that the best course of action is to extend a visit to the High Priest and Priestess and pledge our unconditional alliance to them.” Avrielle's melodic voice pulled my attention back to her. “We are to offer the High Priestess a gift. An invaluable one, only we can provide.” Her icy gray eyes looked straight into mine, and she raised an eyebrow, as though waiting for me to contradict her.
I smirked. “Brilliant. Excellent advise as always, Avrielle.” She smiled, pleased by my answer. My gaze returned to father. “I shall gather my brothers and visit the White Haunted Mountain at once. We will obtain the most precious form of the Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis we can find, and leave to the Druid Village.”
“I rest at ease, son, for I know all is in your hands.”
“Ista Starhimar Bor Daeosnay Etha”—It shall be done.
I stood, bowed to him and Avrielle, and then turned leaving the throne room.
“I’ll need my ceremonial armor and cloak, and have the maids draw me a bath. I shall get my brothers,” I said to Laurel as I stepped into the hallway.
“Yes, my prince.”
“Do you know where my Brother Ash is?”
“In his chambers, my prince.”
“I assume he’s not alone?” I asked looking at her over my shoulder as we made our way through the castle.
She blushed. “No, my prince. He’s not. I saw him enter his chambers with two of the Duchess’ ladies.”
I sighed shaking my head. “And my brother, Nyx? Don't answer that.” I looked at her once more, and she smiled. “He's at the great library,” we said in unison. I chuckled. “Have them ready our horses too. We will leave soon.”
“As you wish, my prince.”
I nodded in salute to the female guards outside my brother’s room, and reached for the door. The scene that greeted me when I entered was not an unfamiliar one. Neither was the magic inside. I felt the slowing of time the moment I entered. My gaze roamed the room. Two Beautiful faeries sat on the chaise caressing each other while another stood by the window. Their striking naked bodies were scarcely covered by white gauze robes as they awaited their turn to please the prince. They smiled and bowed, rising from their place and walked towards me. My brother sat in bed while a female rocked back and forth on his lap. Her hair swayed graciously on her back, with every movement of her body. Another sat behind him kissing his neck. Her hands moved on his chest, embracing him.
I sighed. “Doesn’t this ever get tiresome, brother?”
He laughed. “Never, brother. I'm glad you have returned. Did you come back with your precious new possession?”
“I have… you should have been there, brother. Then victory would also be yours. You could use some of father’s grace.”
“Ah, but you are mistaken, brother. His grace was made only for you.
Besides, I have more important things to take care of.”
I smiled at the female that stood beside me and began kissing my neck. Her hands slipped under my suit and stroked my chest. The other stood before me and started to undo the buttons of my trousers.
“Won’t you join us, brother? They are eager to please.”
“We are, your highness.” The females confirmed in a singing voice.
The fairy that stood before me slipped her hand inside my trousers, holding me. I smiled and removed her hand, kissing it. “Another time perhaps.” I fixed my clothes seeing my brother stand and walk towards the bar. He took a glass filled with liquor and took a sip.
“Ahh. Scotch, the drink of the Gods.” He took one more sip then placed the empty glass down.
“We have a mission brother,” I announced, reaching for the enchanted hourglass on the table and turning it, effectively ending the spell, and returning time to its normal flow. The hourglass served as an instrument to slow time within the chambers so he could enjoy himself longer.
“Oh, come on!”
I ignored his protest. “The Druid prophecy has begun. We are to retrieve a Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis from the White Haunted Mountain and visit the High Priest and Priestess to pledge our alliance. We shall leave at once.” I turned for the door but stopped and observed my brother. “I'll allow you a few more minutes since it is evident you haven't finished. Wear your ceremonial armor. We must be presentable. I will bathe and change. I will meet you in the great hall.”
“Thank you, brother.”
I shook my head, walking out of his chambers. Laurel was back at my side.
“The bath awaits you, my prince, and the garments you requested are ready and lay on your bed.” She said, as we entered my room.
“I can see that. Thank you, Laurel.” The maids were still adding salts in my bath. They bowed.
“I have also informed Prince Nyx that you’ll be leaving soon. He’s getting ready, my prince.”
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