I smiled. Laurel was exceedingly efficient and helpful. In my eyes, she was the most capable among the staff in our court. Laurel had been assigned to my care since I was born. She was a thousand years older than I, although, you would not know it by looking at her. She shared the beauty of the fairies, with long pale turquoise hair and glimmering fair skin. Her eyes a lighter tone than the one of her tresses, almost transparent. She had deep rose lips and a stunning body with soft curves. She was my right hand within the castle, and I trusted her more than I did my brothers. She advised me when I was uncertain about a course of action, and tended to all my needs.
“Avrielle, Duchess of Qalia, Daughter of Alannah is here to see you, your highness.” The guard announced, and I turned to find Avrielle at the door.
“Must you announce me every single time?” She asked exasperated, pushing passed him.
“You forgot King’s High Counselor,” I told the guard.
“Avrielle, King’s High Counselor, Duchess of Qalia, Daughter of Alannah is here to...”
“Oh, be silent.” She stopped in front of me while I chuckled. “We grew up together, Kyr. I have lived here for centuries, he’s known me all his life, and he still announces me. Tell him to stop.”
I turned to the guard. “Milfried, please make it a point to announce the Duchess every time you see her.” I laughed again when Avrielle's hand connected with my chest, pushing me backwards.
She turned to the others. “Leave us.”
Laurel's eyes widened, and she looked at the maids then at me. “The prince is about to bathe. We must assist him. It is our duty.”
“I can take care of the prince. I’m here to brief him on his mission. Please, leave us, Laurel.”
Laurel looked at me still unsure, and I nodded. “It is all right. Thank you.”
I watched the door close and suddenly I was thrust against the wall. Avrielle stared into my eyes as the cold blade of my dagger rested on my neck. Her lips curved into a beautiful smirk.
“The great Commander of the Dark Army bested by a Duchess? The King would be ashamed.”
I smirked, leaning in. “The female Fairies of the Winter Court are the fiercest Warriors of the Fae. A good Commander recognizes that. It is the reason my Dark Army is made of females,” I whispered in her ear. My lips brushed her earlobe and she shuddered. It had been subtle and barely visible, yet, it had been there. I leaned closer and took a moment to smell the scent of her skin. My nose slowly traveled the length of her bare neck, and she stepped back. She blinked a few times, trying to regain her composure and smiled handing me the dagger.
“Smart Fae.”
“Brilliant,” I answered and walked passed her towards the bathtub. Throwing my dagger on the bed, I began removing my suit. “Are you here to brief me, Avrielle? Or are you eager to see me naked?” I asked, amused and began to remove my boots.
Her eyes narrowed. “I have seen naked men before. I am sure there is nothing under those garments that the others don’t have.”
I raised my eyebrows questionably. “You have seen naked men?”
“Not in that manner, you pervert.” I chuckled. “ I have seen the King naked,” She added and my brows rose again.
“Please, tell me you are not sleeping with my father?”
“What? No!” She shuddered. “He’s almost three thousand years older than I am. Gross. Not to mention your mother, the reigning Queen would probably have me hanged.” I laughed. “I am his High Counselor. I am with him when he needs me, regardless of where he is. Trust me. I’ve had nightmares after that.”
I reached for my pants, chuckling. “Last chance to leave the room,” I said, unbuttoning them. She stared into my eyes and crossed her arms. She wasn't going anywhere. “Have it your way.” I pulled down my pants, uncovering myself to her and heard a small gasp escape her lips. She cleared her throat to cover it, and I repressed a laugh. “So what are you here to brief me on?” I asked, getting into the steamy, water. It instantly relaxed my muscles, and I lay back closing my eyes.
“The High Priestess’ name is Brina Anwell. She is the Great Priest’s Granddaughter. The Great Priest was unfortunately killed a few months back. He died protecting her.”
I opened my eyes at the news. “I’m truly sorry to hear that. Nels was a great man.” I noticed Avrielle’s eyes quickly turn away from my body. She was trying her best to avoid looking at me. I smiled. “You may look if it pleases you. I won’t be offended.”
“Pervert.”
I laughed and reached for the soap. I began lathering my body while she walked towards my bed, sitting on it. “Cynwrig Bressall is the High Priest at the moment. Brina is his mate. The crystal will aid her in following her true path. It is imperative for the prophecy to come to pass.”
“I haven’t seen Cynwrig in almost…”
“Two millennia, in human years,” She said, completing my sentence. I nodded.
“Is that all?”
She nodded and stood, walking towards the window. My eyes took in every detail of her while the light bathed her skin. Her icy gray eyes seemed to glow as the light hit them. The symbols over her eyebrows which denoted her royal blood seemed to swirl every few seconds. Her pale shimmery skin looked so soft I was tempted to caress it. She touched the glass while my eyes continued to admire her. She had long luscious hair, white as the snow yet there was a hint of violet in it. Her nose was small and refined, and she had stunningly plump rosy lips. Slightly pointed ears peaked through her white-violet strands. The light blue gown she wore accentuated her body beautifully. The top was a see-through mesh-like material, it was thin and it molded to her figure flawlessly. The silver thread embroidery resembled frosted branches, which started on her waist and moved upwards spreading over her chest. It both covered her breasts and highlighted them. The skirt was long and brushed the floor, yet, when she walked her leg peeked through the slit on the material. She looked breathtaking next to the stone columns of the castle. The grayish white stone covered in frosted ice veins seemed like the perfect frame for her beauty. The ice crystals sparkled just as her eyes did.
“I presume it is only fair that I see you naked too.”
She turned and huffed. “You are an animal.” I chuckled while she whirled around and stormed out of the room.
We came out of the portal with our horses and into the freezing cold of the mountain. Although we were Winter Fae and our skins were used to the cold, the temperatures here still caused a chill to crawl over my skin. We dismounted the horses and entered the mountain.
The cave we sought stood at the highest peak of the White Haunted Mountain, and it garnered the purest and most potent crystals our race had. The Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis.
We reached the cave and stood just beyond its entrance. “Alright, brothers. We must find the perfect crystal for the High Priestess. This gift must seal our alliance and assist her in mastering her abilities. It is why we have been summoned, and why it is extremely important that we do not fail.”
Nyx and Ash nodded and proceeded to find their way into the cave.
* * *
“Kyr!”
Nyx called me from somewhere in the depths of the cave. We had been searching for the perfect form of the crystal, and although we had found many, none were good enough for the High Priestess.
“Yes, Brother?”
“I have found it.”
He announced. His voice sounded closer, although I could not yet see him. I found Ash on the way, and we stood in the middle of the cave to wait for Nyx. The multiple beams of rainbow-colored light reached us first. They bounced all around the cave igniting the rest of the crystals and making them project beams of their own. Ash looked at me smiling. The white glow that shone from the center of the stone illuminated the path as my brother approached us. When I finally saw his face, his eyes sparkled almost as brightly as the crystal did. He stood before us. The multiple clusters of crystals formed an obtuse shape in his hands. The light emanated from deep ins
ide it due to the high concentration of magic in the cave.
“A small cluster of Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis was found in the human world around the 1800's, human time,” Nyx informed us smiling as he rotated the stone. “Probably, left behind by a careless Winter Fairy that traveled through the realms. Once the humans found the cluster they began to search their entire realm for the origin of the crystal. Nevertheless, it was never found. After they had given up on the chance of finding the formation, they decided to recreate it. Since then, they have used a white quartz stone, which they submit to an arduous process that consists of mixing it with liquid silver in the hopes of mimicking its beautiful rainbow glow. The crystal they created was named Angel Aura Quartz, and although it is but a shadow of our Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis, the humans highly revere it, and they pay great amounts of their currency for a single cluster.” Nyx fixed his glasses and looked into my eyes. “Did you know that, brother?”
I smiled. “I did not know that, Nyx. Thank you for enlightening us.”
“My pleasure,” He said, pleased to have shared his knowledge with us and placed the crystal in my hands.
“Yeah, very nice, brother. I’m sure you get many Fairies laid using that.”
“Ash...” I warned, and he chuckled.
“The pursuit of knowledge of all realms, races, and civilizations is far more important than sex, brother. It is knowledge that advances our race. We are Fae, all knowing, all seeing. There is a reason we have been around since the beginning of time itself.”
“Yeah, sure, ok. When was the last time you had a naked Fae in your arms, dear Nyx?”
I sighed while Nyx fixed his glasses and frowned, obviously uncomfortable with the topic.
“Precisely, brother. You should stop by my chambers tomorrow afternoon. I'm having a gathering of sorts, and I happen to know a certain lady that wouldn't mind spending a few hours with you inside her.”
“You do?” Nyx asked, startled.
Ash nodded, resting his arm on Nyx’s shoulder. “In fact, she has asked about you.”
“She has?”
“Oh yes, brother. She wants you, and I must say she has the most beautifully round breasts and tiny waist I have ever seen on a fairy. I'm dying to lay with her, but she does not want me, brother. She wants you,” Ash added, and I rolled my eyes.
“What time exactly should I stop...”
“Enough,” I said, making them both turn to look at me. Ash grinned triumphantly, while Nyx seemed terribly flustered.
My eyes roamed the large stone. Although it was exactly what we had hoped we would find, its shape would not be adequate for its use. “Place your hands on the crystal, brothers.” Once they did, I closed my eyes, invoking the magic of the Fae and spoke in our ancient language.
“Tirayan narensata faeossa mir, taros uthaeren taerineth starevlae far”— Transform to your true self.
The stone's glow increased until it became almost blinding, then it receded leaving the cave in near darkness once again. We looked at our hands to find a large crystal sphere. The rainbow light was barely visible as it was concentrated inside. Its magic had been contained. Satisfied with our accomplishment, I opened the velvet sack I carried on my hip and placed the white crystal sphere inside.
“Time to go visit the High Priestess, brothers.”
CHAPTER 10. JOY
BRIANA
* * *
The celebrations began in the morning.
Once Art found out that Cyn and I were engaged the whole village knew. I guess news traveled fast in the Celtic world. Finally, after everything we had been through we had a reason to celebrate. I was happy. I was sure Grandpa was too.
I raised my gaze to the sky, hoping that wherever he was, he was watching over us. I wasn't sure if that was part of the Druid belief, but it made me feel better thinking that he was looking down on us from somewhere among the stars.
I smiled, as the families continued to bring food out of their homes. Everyone had taken their tables and placed them in front of their huts. The streets were filled with people. There was music, drinks, laughter and even dancing. I felt like I was standing in the middle of some sort of renascence fair. Cyn had even asked the guys to go to Ireland and bring back a Stag for the "main feast" tonight, as he had called it. Dinner was still a few hours away, but the stag was already cooking.
“Beannachdan dhuibh”— blessings to you.
“Mòran toileachas,”— Much happiness.
The women said, each giving me a flower. I had a full bouquet from all their wishes. My eyes searched the crowd for Cyn, and I found him a couple of huts away talking to a few of the Warriors. Cathair said something punching his shoulder, and they laughed. Art added something "clever" and obviously inappropriate to the conversation because the guys laughed, but Cyn smacked him upside the head. I laughed.
“Boys will be boys.”
Lia's voice made me turn. She looked gorgeous in the long green dress I had lent her. The emerald green reminded me of Cyn's eyes, and it contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin and her amber eyes.
“I know.”
I looked at Cyn again. He turned at that moment like he was aware that I was looking for him and blew me a kiss. His lips curved in the most beautiful smile I had ever seen from him, and his eyes shone with the happiness he was feeling. I knew, because I felt it too. The guys pushed him and began to make fun of him at the show of affection. I shook my head.
“I swear some things never change.” Lia smiled, and for a moment she seemed sad. “Is everything ok?”
“Oh, yeah. Totally. I'm just emotional because I'm so happy for you.” She extended her arms and hugged me. Her embrace had so much emotion my eyes watered. Her shoulders suddenly shook, and I pulled away concerned.
“Are you sure you are ok?”
She nodded whipping the tears from her eyes. “Oh, don't mind me. I have Latin blood in my veins. We are very passionate about, well, everything. Sometimes that makes me dramatic about these things.” We chuckled and hugged again.
“Mhà agam dannsa?”— May I have a dance?
I turned to find an older man standing close with his hand extended. It was Gilroy, the potter of the village. He and his wife had given me a beautiful vase earlier, which I fully intended to use with the stunning flowers the women of the village were bringing me. I smiled and looked for Cyn again. I wasn't sure if it was acceptable for me to dance with him, although Cyn's people were so respectful I doubted he would even ask if it wasn't ok. Cyn smiled and nodded.
“Yes, I’d be honored,” I answered to the old man, seeing his eyes sparkle with excitement. I set down the flowers on our table and squeezed Lia’s hand.
“I’ll be back.”
She nodded, and I looked at my escort. He straightened when I took his hand, and we began to walk towards the made up dance area where the others were having fun.
LIA
* * *
“Hey, guys!” I said, approaching the Warriors. They turned towards me, and I could feel Cathair's eyes roaming my body. My skin tingled as the memory of our time together teased me. Art looked at me, smiling, and my heart constricted. This was going to be harder than I thought. It'd be a miracle if I made it through today. Cyn was no longer there as he was talking to an older couple that congratulated him. I began kissing the guys on the cheek, but by the tenth one I kind of gave up. “You guys need to draw a stick or something next time.” They laughed. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Anything you need.” Cathair answered before anyone else could.
Art looked at him then at me. “What do you need, Bòidheach?”
I smiled. I loved when he called me beautiful. My stupid heart always did a flip inside. I sighed. “I want to teach a lesson to my very timid friend over there.” I pointed towards Bri. “She's not used to dancing with hot men such as yourselves, and I was wondering if you could all ask her to dance, one right after the other? Cyn has already confirmed its ok, and she will die
of embarrassment before she says no.” They laughed.
“You got it,” Art answered, kissing my cheek and began to walk towards Bri. The others smiled at me and flowed him. That should keep her distracted for a while.
I caught Cathair’s hand before he left. “Come with me.”
“I cannot say that I have any complaints about having you in my arms,” Cathair said, leaning close and kissing my lips as we lay on his bed. His hand caressed my thigh lazily. “I rather enjoy feeling your skin against mine this way…” He stopped and looked into my eyes. “But I can sense there is something you are not telling me. I can see the sadness in your eyes.” I looked away and rested my cheek on his chest. His fingers lifted my chin and made me look at him once again. “Tell me.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m leaving… today.”
His eyes widened, and I felt his arms instinctively tighten around me. “I will not allow that.”
“You have to Cathair, because I need you to be the one to take me.”
He sat up on the bed, bringing me with him. “I shall not do such a thing. Do you know what you are asking of me?”
“I know. I wish I could stay too, but there is no place for me here, Cathair. I'm only kidding myself. It's better if I leave like this.”
“Are you mad? Cyn will be furious if I do this. Art will decapitate me in the way that hurts a man the most but does not kill him…” I chuckled, and he smiled. He kissed my lips. “And the Mother Goddess only knows what Briana shall do to me with her powers. I don't want you to go, Amelia. I want you to stay with me, in my arms.”
I shook my head. “I can’t stay.”
“You cannot leave!” Cathair said, exasperated. “You are a Fiosaiche Fàil. We need you here.”
“No, I'm not. I can't help you. I don't know how to do it, and no one can teach me. I don't have the powers your father had and no matter how desperate I am to have them, the truth is all I have is a carnival trick. That's all. I have to go. If you can't take me, then I'll find another Warrior who will.” I pulled away from him and stood from the bed, but I didn't get very far. His arms enveloped me, and he held me so tightly my eyes watered. I didn't want to go.
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