Gwen frowned. She did not like the idea that only Kalan’s touch could calm her anxious feelings. She could not deny, however, that the disturbing feelings were lessened the past two days.
Gwen mentally chastised herself for letting her thoughts, yet again, go to the memory in the parking lot.
“I hope I am not disturbing anything important,” a now familiar voice floated through the room. Gwen did not need to lift her head to know the speaker’s identity.
Ian loosened his hold as he turned them to face his brother, keeping his arms protectively around Gwen’s shoulder. “Do you have news, Aeron?”
The handsome duke approached. Gwen couldn’t help but to, once again, admire his appearance. The Summer Fae was tall, tanned, and tone. His blonde hair and green eyes were replicas of his twin’s, and they seemed to fill the villa with their brightness.
Unlike his twin, Gwen found herself a small bit attracted to Aeron. Not that she could not admit Ian was good looking, but being raised to view him in a brotherly light made him subconsciously and permanently off limits in that way.
If only viewing Kalan as a brother could do the same…
“I do,” Duke Aeron answered, breaking into her uncomfortable musing.
“Well?” Gwen asked, impatiently. “Can I finally get out of this room, or what?”
“I am afraid I am going to have to ask for your patience for at least one more day,” Aeron stated, not without looking regretful.
“Why?” The whininess could not be hidden. “I don’t understand. Am I not safe at Summer Court? I’m in the freaking palace for goodness sake.”
“Their Majesties are currently employing the Wise Ones to implement more powerful and restrictive spells around Summer Court and the palace. They should only allow Summer Fae to enter Summer Court, and only those of royal or noble blood into the palace. In addition to the vetted servants, of course.”
Ian nodded approvingly. “It is a start.”
“Wait,” Gwen interrupted. “They’re securing the palace for my protection? They aren’t planning on getting rid of me? Or keeping me locked in here forever?”
Aeron smiled softly. “How many times do I have to tell you? King Cai and Queen Orla are more than happy to have learned of your existence.”
“Even knowing about my father?”
“Yes.”
“Then why haven’t they come to see me?” Gwen could semi-reason why she was being kept out of sight of other fae, but could not imagine why her long-lost grandparents couldn’t spare time to visit her.
“They do not wish to draw attention to your presence until the palace is secure. Only Their Majesties’ most trusted guards are assigned to your protection.”
“My protection? Big guy over there seems overly eager to keep me confined.” Gwen recalled the one time she tried to rush past the mentioned fae the first day she arrived at Summer Court. He grabbed and subdued her on the floor before she could even blink.
Gwen told Ian the story and hated to admit the guard did not actually use much force when subduing her. In fact, he seemed to take extra care when stopping her. He even inquired if she was alright once he had her back in the room.
Gwen found herself interacting with the guard after that, despite the fact he never spoke back. It appeared Summer guards were more like Queen Elizabeth’s with their vows of silence. They were definitely different from Winter Court’s guards. Ronan and Torin were more than willing to speak with her during her time in the colder court.
“Jai is doing his job. He is keeping you isolated for your protection.”
Aha! Now she knew his name.
Gwen eyed Jai in fake wariness. “I don’t know. Jai seems a little too happy with keeping me locked up.” She could have sworn she saw a twitch of a smile on the guard’s lips.
“Believe what you will, but King Cai and Queen Orla are taking every precaution for your safety. Trust me, they are more than eager to visit with you. Excited would probably be a better word.”
Gwen couldn’t help but to smile. She still could not believe she had grandparents. Ian gave her shoulders a small squeeze. Looking up, she saw his own grin.
“Alright,” she allowed, nodding to Aeron. “I’ll be patient for one more day, but how long until the situation is completely under control and I can go home? My classes start soon. People will be wondering where I am.”
Gwen was due to begin her second year of medical school at the University of Colorado in two short weeks. She looked forward to returning to the busy schedule of a medical student and hoped it would distract her from her injured heart.
Aeron frowned. “I am sorry, Gwen, but you are to remain at Summer Court indefinitely. Your safety cannot be secured in the Human Realm.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes on the duke. “I have a life, Aeron. A good one. I’m not going to give it up just because of some threat. Use some potion to hide me. I don’t care, but I need to go back. This is my career you are talking about screwing up.”
“No one is saying to give up your future career, Gwen,” Ian assured her, receiving a scowl from his twin. “But… until we are sure no harm will come to you, you need to stay at Summer Court. It is the only place you are safe.”
“Medical schools do not let you take time off, Ian,” Gwen reminded him, not trying to hide her annoyance. “Best case scenario, they will make me redo my first year whenever you ‘are sure no harm will come to me’. And that is if they don’t make me reapply to the program all over again. Do you know how hard it is to get into the University of Colorado? It is damn near impossible for out-of-state students!”
“Gwen,” Ian added some force to his voice. “Relax. I have it covered.”
His expression made Gwen pause.
“… What do you mean?” She asked, hesitant to hear his answer.
Ian rubbed the back of his neck and wouldn’t meet her gaze. “I approached your program’s Dean of Admissions. She assured me you would be able to pick up your second year courses at a later date. If we are unable to secure your safety for you to return this year, at least you have the option of joining next fall.”
Gwen’s jaw dropped. “You spoke with Dr. Jones?”
Ian nodded. Gwen couldn’t believe his words.
“And she said she would let me not show up? With no consequences? I don’t believe it. Spots in medical school are not easy to come by. She can’t just give me one in the next student class...”
Ian shrugged. “She did.”
Gwen’s brows drew together as she observed her friend’s behavior. “What did you do, Ian?”
For a brief moment, it looked as if he was thinking of a way to work around the question. However, Ian knew Gwen was aware of a fae’s inability to lie. She would be wary of any hint of deceit.
Ian exhaled, resolved to relay the complete truth. “I might have glamoured Dean Jones to be more lenient with your absence. Trust me, it did not take much.”
“Ian!” Gwen exclaimed in shock. “How could you?”
“Did you want to keep your spot at medical school, or not?” He countered with a face completely devoid of remorse. “I do not like the idea of this situation impeding your future any more than you do. I will do anything, within reason, to help make sure that does not happen. Until the situation gets under control, you will stay in Summer Court and your spot in medical school will be waiting for you.”
Feeling deflated, Gwen’s shoulders slumped. Ian brought her closer to his side, placing a gentle kiss on top of her head.
“It feels like cheating,” she mumbled, hating how her perfectly laid out life-plan continued to grow more and more out of her control. “I just want everything to go back to the way it was.”
“I know…” Ian consoled softly, rubbing his hand up and down her arm. “I know…”
Chapter 3
Sara and Kate Roberts sat in their apartment, positioned directly in front of the room’s multiple fans. Each fan was set to their highest speed setting. Neither of the girls
were able to pay much attention to the television show currently airing as they tried to cool off in their small living room.
“How can it be this hot?” Kate complained, wiping the sweat from her brow. “I mean… I know we’re in Texas, but this is insane. I don’t even want to go swimming it is so hot!”
Sara nodded at her sister’s words and pulled her hair into a messy bun. “I don’t know if it’s broken, but the thermometer said the outside temperature was 122 degrees.”
“Oh my god!” Kate whined. “I’m going to die of heat stroke.”
Sara agreed with the exaggerated sentiment. She felt positively ill from the heat.
The sisters continued to attempt distraction by watching the show when a commercial break interrupted. Sara stood to retrieve ice water when the channel’s news station popped up for a quick update.
The pretty reporter sat in the news studio; her face grim.
“This just in, sweltering heat across the state and current drought conditions have been the cause of a number of wildfires in Cooke, Grayson, and Fannan counties. The Texas State National Guard is currently working on extinguishing the flames, while also assisting residents with home evacuations. The fires began around approximately 7 a.m. this morning in Cooke County before high winds jumped the flames to the neighboring counties. Authorities currently have no time estimate on when blazes will be under control. We will have an update for viewers tonight, on the 6 o’clock news. For KLFM, this is Sandra Lopez.”
“Wow,” Kate whispered as aerial footage of the mentioned fires were displayed across the screen. The orange and yellow flames were releasing immense amounts of black smoke and seemed to span miles. “I hope no one gets hurt.”
Sara’s grim eyes stared at the destruction and her heart clenched for the people who were at risk of losing everything. She nodded and shared in her sister’s sentiment. “Me too.”
Chapter 4
Following his father’s visit, Kalan received a summons from him mere hours later. The letter instructed the prince to be present at that afternoon’s council meeting. It did not sound optional.
With disinterest, Kalan forced himself to shower and call upon a servant to set out his clothing for the day. The fae looked surprised to receive the summons, but promptly set to his task as if nothing was amiss. Kalan was not known to request a servant’s assistance in dressing for everyday functions, but the prince had no will to do it himself.
Kalan dressed quickly, barely allowing a glance in the mirror before making his way to the North Wing of the Winter Court Palace. The palace was laid out as a rectangle, each side its own wing, with a hollow center courtyard. Kalan dismissed the stares and whispers as he walked through the populated courtyard from his rooms in the East Wing. He could not care less about anything the fae might be saying.
The prince opened the Great Hall’s doors and unceremoniously strode into the long, finely decorated room. Sitting at the heavy oak table in the room was Lady Suisan –a daughter of a lesser noble and Kalan’s friend. She was the only fae present.
“Kalan,” she greeted with warmth, along with a bit of wariness. “It is good to see you.”
“Lady Suisan. I am surprised to see you. I did not know you were a member of the council.”
“I am not, but King Kheelen asked me to attend in order to report on my father’s Earth holdings.”
Interest peaked, Kalan asked, “Really? I hope it is nothing serious.” He sat beside the female.
Lady Suisan’s answered with a dim smile. Before she could say a word, Prince Alvin entered.
“Uncle,” Kalan nodded in greeting.
“Kalan,” Prince Alvin replaced his surprised look with one of genuine kindness. “I am glad to see you out and about. We’ve all been worried over your illness.”
Kalan did not believe for a moment his uncle truly believed he was ill, but supposed it was a better excuse than the truth. The fact that the prince was mourning the loss of his love, whom happened to be his half-sister, would not be an acceptable tale. No, Kalan would allow the fabricated illness to take the weight of his absence.
“Thank you, Uncle.”
Prince Alvin proceeded to make polite conversation with Lady Suisan until all remaining members of the council were present. In addition to Lady Suisan, there were two additional lesser nobles in attendance whom Kalan did not know. He assumed their purpose would be similar to Suisan’s and found himself eager to hear their reports.
King Kheelen entered the hall from the door which lead to the personal staircase of the king’s rooms. He approached the table looking the picture of authority as he glanced at the fae before him.
His eyebrows drew together as he finished his observation. “Where is Lord Leo?”
Shrugs and questioning glances were exchanged between the fae in attendance.
“No matter,” the king waved his hand dismissively. “We shall begin without him. Alvin, if you please.”
Prince Alvin stood, making eye contact with those around him. “There have been numerous reports of unusual activity in the Human Realm. The purpose of this meeting is to examine a few of these reports to determine the cause, and establish a resolution to be enacted in all regions of Winter Court experiencing these problems.”
“What type of problems?” Lord Vance, one of the higher ranked nobles in attendance, asked.
“We have received accounts of elevated elemental activity occurring in the Human Realm. Based on the details of the reports, the activity seems to be Summer in nature.”
Kalan’s back stiffened. “Summer?” The fae around him also showed physical displays of wariness, but their reactions were not motivated by the same fear.
To the Winter fae in the room, the prince appeared appropriately concerned at the prospect of an increase in Summer activity. Given the approaching fall season, where Winter power should be increasing on Earth, a rise in the opposing Summer power would definitely be a cause concern. But to his father, Kalan was sure the meaning of his uneasy question was loud and clear: Does this have anything to do with Gwen? The prince’s unease was focused solely around Gwen and her safety.
“Yes,” his father answered, meeting his son’s eyes. “Elevated temperature spikes, as well as flooding, have been reported across the northern hemisphere of the Human Realm. We are unsure if these occurrences are a result of long standing incompatibility between the two courts and shall fade with time given our new truce agreements, or if they are intentionally being caused by the Summer Court despite our recent resolutions.”
“Surely you cannot think the activity is intentional,” Prince Alvin spoke with confidence. “Why would Summer Court agree to our negotiations to only retract them so quickly?”
“Those questions are what this meeting intends to assess,” the king answered, sitting down at the head of the table. “Why don’t we begin with the firsthand accounts of our council’s guests? Lady Suisan of Icelanding, would you do us the honor of starting us off?”
Lady Suisan rose elegantly, quickly dipping into a small curtsy. “Of course, Your Majesty. I am unsure if you are all aware,” she addressed the room. “But my father, Lord Malt of Icelanding, monitors and regulates the winter season of an area of the Human Realm known as the Pacific Northwest. It could be described as a mild area, its costal location helping to mediate extreme temperatures on land year-round.
“Lately, however, the region has been assaulted with temperatures reaching the low 100s, resulting in extreme debilitation of plant life right before their harvest season. It is leaving many agricultural farms and businesses hurting for resources and could have profound impact on the humans’ wellbeing should it continue for much longer.”
“Why would Summer Court do something that would harm plant life?” Prince Alvin questioned when Suisan paused. “It does not seem a logical act for them.”
“I agree,” Kalan voiced, trying to come up with any reason to assure himself that this had nothing to do with Gwen. “It seems counterproduct
ive to their Court’s purpose.”
“Normally, I would not hesitate to say the same thing,” a fae Kalan did not know offered from where he sat on the other side of the table. “But my holdings responsible for Northern Europe are experiencing similar temperature spikes. Thousands of miles separate the two continents, revealing whatever is occurring in the Human Realm is not a regional phenomenon.”
“The Human Realm has been experiencing elevated temperatures for years now,” Kalan reminded the room’s occupants. “Now that the courts have reunited in the running of the realm, these types of incompatible occurrences should become all but nonexistent. It just needs time.”
“Unfortunately,” a feminine voice boomed from the entrance. “I am afraid these problems will not be solved by the passage of time, as the cause of them has eternal life.” Kalan turned and watched as Queen Tanya strode into the space. Lord Leo was only a step behind her. Kalan’s blood ran cold as he processed his mother’s words, as well as her icy persona.
The Winter Fae around the table stood and lowered their heads in a show of respect. The queen gave a cold smile and gestured for them to take their seats. Kalan did not move from his spot.
“Tanya,” his father greeted the queen. “I did not expect you to join us.”
“My attendance was required, Husband, for I have important news to share with the highest leaders of our Court.”
Kalan’s dread grew. Whatever his mother had to say, his instincts told him it was not going to bode well.
King Kheelen appeared unaffected by the intrusion as he asked, “And what is that, My Queen?”
Queen Tanya did not hesitate with her response. “I must inform you all, I have learned the identity of a dual-court fae.”
The silence which filled the room was deafening. Kalan could hear his own blood pounding.
“Who might that be?” King Kheelen asked. Kalan could not fathom how his father managed to sound composed.
Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2) Page 2