“Any news?” She asked, staring out at an indigo flower drifting her way. It reminded her of the numerous blue flowers she admired in the Winter Palace gardens. Gwen closed her eyes and tried to shake the thoughts from her mind. She was always so full of memories…
“Yes,” Ian did not hesitate to answer. “I’m afraid it is not good.”
“I didn’t expect it would be, but I want to know anyway.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Gwen saw Ian shoot her an uncertain glance. “Are you certain?” His voice was low and filled with concern for her.
Did she want to know? Gwen released a deep sigh. It did not matter if she wanted to know. The fact was she needed to know. Instead of unleashing the lecture on Ian, Gwen simply nodded and said, “Yes.”
Pausing in one more moment of contemplation, Ian finally nodded and began. “The taster died in the night. Summer Court healers were able to make it a comfortable passing.”
Gwen squeezed her eyes shut and fought down her rolling stomach. Her breath caught in her throat as she thought of the loss of an innocent life. And for what? Her? Gwen did not know how to handle the feeling of responsibility pressing down on her.
“Gwen?” Ian lightly touched her shoulder.
“What was in the food?” She whispered, refusing to acknowledge his attempt to comfort her.
“Iron shavings. Too small to be seen by the naked eye.” Gwen swore she could hear Ian’s teeth grind as he said the words.
It took Gwen only a moment to connect the material in her attempted poisoning to her mother’s murder. She and Ian had not gone into great detail regarding Princess Wendy’s death, but Gwen remembered the weapon used was an iron stake. She also remembered Ian telling her no one could figure out how the contraband item found its way into the Fae Realm. Both courts banned the material. Someone was taking a great risk trying to get rid of Gwen.
“I might have been fine,” Gwen offered lamely. “Iron never bothered me before. Maybe it’s a dual-court thing?”
Ian let out a burdened sigh. “I wish that were true. Although I tried my best to keep you away from the substance, it could not be helped on some occasions. You might not have realized when iron was affecting you in the past, but you took ill when near it too long. You were never exposed enough to permanently injure you, but had defalutar not hidden your fae abilities from you, you would have noticed iron affecting them.”
Her deflection attempt negated, Gwen continued to stare at the floating flower. “Any idea who wants me dead?”
“Our guess is the Winter Queen. She is the only one who vocalized her motive.”
“How could she get iron into Summer Court? I thought all potential weak links were removed from the palace.”
Ian rubbed his hands over his tired eyes. “I don’t know, Gwen. Their Majesties are trying to figure that out now.”
Gwen hated hearing the exhaustion in his voice; she couldn’t stand seeing the worry lines around his eyes and mouth. The situation had to be torturous for him. Hadn’t Ian suffered enough with losing the love of his life? Why would Fate taunt him with reliving that pain and bringing out the fear Wendy’s daughter would suffer the same doom?
Unable to continue watching her friend’s struggle, Gwen turned her attention to the twin standing near the entrance of the pool room.
Duke Aeron’s face displayed the same uneasiness as his brother. Feeling her eyes on him, he turned and met her gaze evenly. Gwen turned away before the immense amount of concern overwhelmed her. She couldn’t take much more of it.
“Ian…” Gwen whispered so quietly, she was surprised Ian actually heard her. He turned to face her.
“Yes?”
She cleared her dry throat. “I don’t know if I can do this…”
“Gwen, I promise you are safe here. We take these precautions for precisely this reason. Now that we have confirmation the danger is real, we will only strengthen our–”
Gwen held up her hand to cut him off. “It’s not that. Well… not just that.”
She inhaled deeply before continuing. “Something’s not right, Ian. I’m in pain.”
Ian’s alarm grew before Gwen could even blink. She grabbed his hand instinctively. “Wait. Listen. It’s not what you think. Nothing has physically harmed me. It just feels that way.”
Ian’s alarmed expression morphed to one of confusion. “I don’t understand.”
Feet still dangling in the water, Gwen leaned back until she was flat on the marble floor, looking up at the ceiling. It was painted to resemble the Summer Court sky.
Ian looked down at her with one eyebrow raised in question.
“It’s Kalan,” she offered quietly.
Her friend’s eyes turned sympathetic. “What about him?”
She shook her head from side to side. “I don’t know. I just… can’t get him out of my head. When we’re apart, I’ve noticed something doesn’t feel right. It’s like I’m in pain, but I can’t really point to what hurts. My whole body aches.” Gwen sat up. Talking about her hurt made the ground feel uncomfortable.
She continued, “I think it started at Winter Court, but I really did not notice until I saw Kalan in San Antonio.”
Ian looked uneasy, but not disgusted like Gwen feared. She knew he was aware of where she was going with her speech.
“The pain I feel now is the same as the pain I felt then. Seeing Kalan again… made it go away.” The relief Gwen felt with finally revealing the words was significant. She tried ignoring and hiding her feelings for too long.
Ian remained quiet. His eyes roamed her face, but withheld any commentary he might have.
Wanting to continue her emotional release, Gwen added, “Kalan believes our mutual discomfort at separation is indicative of his lifemate bond.”
Finally, her words elicited a reaction. Ian’s exhale was accompanied with a groan. He removed his attention from her and looked up at the painted clouds.
Gwen was not going to let him off that easy. “What are you thinking?”
“That what you’re describing sounds like the tales I have heard regarding lifemates.” There was no judgement in his voice, only weariness.
“But that’s impossible. Kalan and I are half-siblings. We can’t be lifemates.” Needing to hear another confirm the words, Gwen added, “Right?”
“I wouldn’t think so.” His vague answer did not satisfy Gwen.
“It has to be something else. Maybe we are pulled together because we are siblings? Do you and Aeron experience anything like that?”
Ian scoffed. “No. I am perfectly alright with being away from Aeron.” He said the words loud enough for his twin to hear. Gwen saw the duke offer an eye roll in response.
At a normal volume, he continued, “Though, since we are twins, both Aeron and I seem to have an internal GPS which enables us to easily find the other’s location. As for pain at being apart, no. We don’t have that.”
“There has to be another explanation for what’s happening.” Gwen could not hide the desperation in her words. “Is there anyone who might know?”
The corner of Ian’s lips turned down in thought. He seemed to genuinely be thinking of any fae who could help his friend. It was Duke Aeron, however, who offered a solution.
“What about the Wise Ones?” Aeron said from behind the pair. Gwen turned and noticed he had drawn closer.
“In Eirie?” Gwen asked while a memory of the silent fae from her entrance into the citadel came to mind. The heavily robed fae did not seem like the most willing fae to discuss her problems with. Though, Gwen supposed she really didn’t have a choice.
“Yes,” Aeron replied. “They are the keepers of Fae history, as well as authors of prophesies dictated by Fate. If any fae have an explanation for the feelings you are experiencing, it would be them.”
Ian nodded in response to his brother’s words. “Of course. I should have thought of that.”
“Alright,” Gwen rose to her feet. “Let’s go.” She wanted nothing more
than to figure out the reason for her draw to Kalan, and she wanted to do it sooner rather than later.
“Slow down, Gwen,” Ian moved to stand in front of her. “With everything that has happened, you cannot expect King Cai or Queen Orla to allow you to simply waltz out of Summer Court and into Eirie. You need to stay where we can protect you. And for now, that is the Summer Palace.”
Gwen frowned. “Isn’t Eirie neutral territory for the courts? I’m sure I will be safe there.” She shot a hopeful look to Aeron, begging him to back her up.
Aeron disappointed her. “Technically, Eirie should be a safe place for all fae. However, given there was just an attempt on your life yesterday, I would argue it would be reckless of us to assume Eirie remains so. Ian is right; you should not leave Summer Court.”
Frustration rose in Gwen’s voice. “What, then, do you two suggest I do? Sit here and let this confusion and pain eat away at me? That’s stupid. I have a potential resource of information, and I can’t access it. Isn’t my sanity just as important to Their Majesties as my safety?”
“Of course it is. Though, without your safety, your sanity would quickly become irrelevant. The state of your mind does not matter if you are dead.” Aeron’s logic did nothing but anger Gwen. It had a different effect on Ian. Her life-long friend visibly cringed at his twin’s final word.
Gwen knew Aeron was trying to scare her with a reality check and harsh statement, but he was wasting his time. Gwen was already frightened by the attempt on her life, but fear was not enough to stop her from trying to figure out what the hell was happening between her and Kalan. She needed to know.
Gwen turned on her heel and walked out of the pool room. She had enough fake freedom for one day; she would go back to her prison of rooms and contemplate ways to get the answers she desperately needed.
Gwen clenched her hands into fists as the sound of multiple pairs of boots sounded on the tile behind her. She would have to think of a plan while in the presence of her babysitters. Briefly, she thought of asking for privacy, but knew it would be pointless. As long as those around her worried for her safety, she would never be alone.
Gwen tried to covertly wipe away her tears as she walked down the echoing hallway, back to her luxurious prison.
Chapter 13
“We hope we are not interrupting anything.”
If Queen Orla’s voice was not full of kindness, Gwen would have rolled her eyes and informed her grandmother it was clear she was, in fact, interrupting something. Gwen and Ian stood in the middle of one of Summer Palace’s numerous, large halls. Each had their own purpose for the royal family and court. As of five days ago, this one’s became to serve as Gwen’s personal practice room.
Ian only allowed Gwen one additional day of moping, after their conversation in the pool room, before he insisted she stop. Knowing her as well as he did, her best friend managed to entice Gwen to leave her rooms with the promise of continuing to practice her fae abilities. Gwen jumped at the chance to have the defalutar potion removed, and the hours she spent working with Ian quickly became her favorite time of day. Gwen relished having something to do to distract her thoughts from inevitably going to unsavory subjects. Working with her abilities also took her mind off the constant physical discomfort, which increased with each passing day.
“Of course not, Your Majesties.” Ian immediately straightened and bowed to the couple behind Gwen. She couldn’t stop the eye roll that time. She smirked as she wondered if Ian would ever stop treating her grandparents with such ceremony. Gwen had heard both King Cai and Queen Orla insist he did not need to address them so formally in private, but Ian seemed unable to kick the habit.
Gwen turned to face her grandparents. “We were just practicing,” she offered. She watched as King Cai’s eyes roamed around the hall. He took in every object without a reaction, but Gwen knew he had to be with the state of the room. Potted plants and liquid containers of various sizes littered the space; each in a different state of both summer and winter influences.
Queen Orla was unable to hide her surprise. Her eyes locked onto a solid chunk of ice. “Did you do that, Gwen?”
One day, in boredom, Gwen wondered if she could use her Winter abilities to carve objects out of ice. Ian had laughed at her idea and told her it was a completely useless trick. He stopped laughing as he watched Gwen carve the Texas A&M University logo into the frozen material. He could not deny being impressed with the fine control of her Winter ability.
Gwen gave the queen a small smile with her nod.
Queen Orla’s lips parted in admiration. “I knew you had Winter abilities, but it is quite a surprise to see.”
“A good surprise,” King Cai added quickly.
“Thank you,” Gwen returned in appreciation. She remembered a similar discussion with Aeron after her first day working with Ian. The duke seemed just as astonished with her dual-court abilities. Ian was the only Summer Fae who seemed unaffected with seeing her skills.
Having twenty-three years to get use to the idea probably didn’t hurt.
“How can we help Your Majesties?” Ian asked after the room fell silent.
King Cai cleared his throat. “Would you like to do the honors, Orla?” No one could miss the adoration in the king’s eyes as he looked at his wife. She smiled at him before turning to Gwen.
“Of course. Gwen, Cai and I would like to discuss something with you. It is about your introduction to Court.”
Gwen frowned, confused. “Haven’t I already met all the Summer Nobles?” She really hoped her grandparents were not proposing another blood-infused ceremony.
Queen Orla nodded. “Yes, but we are not simply speaking of nobles. Your grandfather and I think it would be beneficial to host a Court-wide coming out party, in your honor.”
“Coming out?” Gwen’s eyebrows rose at the date words. “You mean, like 1800’s debutante style? Am I not a little old for that?”
“It’s not exactly like that.” Queen Orla’s laugh was musical. “It’s tradition to introduce royalty to our Court with formal celebrations for all Summer Court citizens,” she continued. “It typically lasts two days. Your mother’s occurred only three months after her birth.”
Now, Gwen was really confused. What was the point of having a huge party for an infant? She voiced the question.
King Cai answered. “The party is less for us, then our court’s citizens. We know you are new to this life, but trust us when we say Summer Court Fae truly enjoy and appreciate when our family includes them in our lives. It is an easy and pleasant way to bring them happiness and secure their loyalty.”
Gwen saw Ian stiffen out of the corner of his eye. “Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but is this a wise idea? How will we ensure Gwen’s safety during such a large celebration?”
Her grandfather seemed unfazed by the question. “We have secured our borders, and our spies have revealed Summer citizens are unanimously thrilled with Gwenevere’s arrival at Summer Court, just as we suspected.”
“Yes, but they do not know of her father’s identity.”
King Cai’s eyes narrowed. “Nor will they. Only a select few know of her father’s name. The only fae privy to the truth of her Winter Court blood are those Summer Nobles who remember Gwen from the solstice ball, and they have all taken blood oaths to protect and serve their princess. All other Court citizens believe Gwen is simply Wendy’s illegitimate daughter.”
He shot an apologetic look to Gwen. “Not that it makes them view you any differently, my dear. Fae are not troubled by such things as humans.”
Gwen waved away his concern. The thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. She had enough to worry about without adding her “illegitimacy” to the list.
Ian was not convinced by the king’s speech. “Don’t you think you are being terribly optimistic? You do not fear someone will leak Gwen’s true parentage? Are you not worried Summer Fae might fear the prophecy as well?” Her best friend’s deferential demeanor practically disappeared as
he asked questions meant to protect Gwen from danger.
“We can limit the number of fae in attendance,” Queen Orla suggested to her husband, placing a light hand on his arm. “Better crowd control. There are many measures we can take to ensure Gwen remains safe while also introducing her to Court.”
Gwen tuned out the subsequent discussion as her grandparents and Ian worked out the details surrounding their desired party. She sighed in resignation. There was nothing she wanted to do less than attend a party in her honor, but she didn’t really think there was a choice.
Suddenly, a thought came to mind.
“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Gwen spoke up, drawing the room’s attention to her. She swallowed, preparing herself for the battle ahead. “I’d rather there wasn’t a party for me. I don’t really feel like celebrating with everything that is going on.”
Queen Orla caught her attention with compassionate eyes. “We understand this might not be the easiest thing to do, given the circumstances. However, we believe this show of inclusion with our court will solidify their loyalty to you, Gwen.”
“She doesn’t need their loyalty right now. She needs to stay safe.”
“They are one and the same,” the queen countered, sending Ian the first displeased look Gwen had ever seen from her.
“You have to realize, Eilian, Gwenevere is practically guaranteed to become one of the next monarchs of Summer Court. She needs to secure the position with our subjects sooner, rather than later.”
Gwen’s expression grew horrified. “What?” She almost shouted. “No. That’s crazy. You expect me to be queen? That’s ridiculous.” She looked to Ian to back her up and was shocked to realize he did not look surprised with the queen’s words at all.
“It is not what we expect that matters,” Queen Orla continued calmly. “It is Fate’s decision, and it is typically the way of Fate that Monarchs are chosen from our royal line.”
“Typical.” Gwen grasped desperately onto that word. “But not always.”
King Cai cleared his throat. “It would be unwise for you to hold on to that hope, Gwenevere. The reality is, you will most likely inherit the throne.”
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