“Yes, well…” Gwen shot a meaningful glance to Ian and flicked her eyes to the four guards behind them. “I believe I will wait until we are in private.” Of the fae behind her, Gwen only knew Jai. Despite their loyalty to her grandparents’ court, she did not want strangers to overhear what she wanted to discuss with the Wise Ones.
Ian picked up on her cue. “Jai, Duke Aeron and I shall guard the princess while she meets with the Wise Ones. You and your men will remain here until she is finished.”
With a tight nod, Jai and the three other guards took positions along the hall and became as stiff as statues. Gwen wondered if Ian saw the disapproval flash across Jai’s face before he concealed the reaction. The guard became much more diligent following the attempted poisoning, which Gwen had not known to be possible. She knew Jai was not comfortable leaving her side, but he would not argue with Ian. Especially not with the new title the monarchs bestowed upon her friend.
The trio continued following the Wise One down the hallway and into a small library. Dust covered the numerous scrolls stacked on the shelves around the room. It looked chaotic, but Gwen assumed there was some type of organization at work.
“Have a seat. The Elders will be with you in a moment.” Their guide promptly left the room.
Gwen’s shoulders relaxed as soon as they were alone. Suddenly, she noticed her pain level from that morning had lessened. Gwen rubbed her temples, amazed that doing so did not send the usual sharp stings behind her eyes.
“Thanks for keeping the others out of this,” Gwen addressed to her best friend when she finished assessing her body. She lowered her hands and gave both fae an appreciative smile.
“Of course.” Ian’s return smile was soft, but uneasy.
Full of nervous energy, Gwen started walking around the small space. She was careful not to touch anything, but did lean close to scrutinize the open scrolls on the tables against the far wall.
It was not long before four Wise Ones with bare feet soundlessly entered the room. The friendly fae from earlier followed behind them.
Gwen’s brows furrowed in confusion at seeing the hooded Wise Ones. Were these fae the Elders? Before Gwen could complete the question in her head, one of the hunched fae spoke.
“Yes, Princess Gwenevere,” his surprisingly strong voice seemed to emanate from all around her. “We are Elders, and it was I whom escorted you into Eirie on your last visit.”
Gwen stiffened as a chill trailed down her spine. Can he hear my thoughts?
“Yes.”
Gwen instinctively took a step back. She swallowed the lump of fear that threatened to choke her. Ian drew closer, putting his body slightly in front of her own.
“What’s going on?” Aeron asked, also positioning himself closer.
A sound, which might have resembled a chuckle if Gwen had the ability to process it, came from the darkness beneath the Elder’s hood. With pale hands, the fae lowered the covering from his head.
Beneath the creepy clothing stood a perfectly normal fae, and based on his coloring, Gwen would guess he was a Winter Fae.
Well… Gwen thought after a moment, maybe not…
The fae in front of her looked much older than any Gwen had seen, and his eyes were a cloudy color. Gwen would have guessed his age to be in the sixties if he was human.
The Elder smiled. “I am much older than sixty.”
Gwen flushed, not knowing how to handle this fae’s ability to read her mind.
He raised his hands in an assuring gesture. “I am not trying to frighten you, child. Forgive me. Communicating through thoughts is the main method used in Eirie. I forget it is not normal for others.”
His smile seemed genuine. Gwen wondered if he knew how unfriendly he appeared the first time she encountered him. He seemed perfectly approachable now.
The Elder’s grin widened. “I must confess that I did not know. It is unusual for me to welcome visitors in Eirie. That is a job for the novices.
“And before you can think the question,” he continued with a hint of amusement. “You were the exception.”
“Honored Elder, would it be agreeable to continue the conversation out loud?” Ian asked politely with a bowed head. “My brother and I wish to know what is being discussed.”
The Elder nodded. “Certainly.”
Gwen cleared her throat to speak. “Why was I the exception?”
“Because we know who you are. You, my dear, are an anomaly. A dual-court fae of both royal bloodlines has never existed. I wished to meet you.”
“We really didn’t meet,” Gwen whispered. She cringed at her inability to control her tongue.
“I suppose you would not believe so. I, however, felt as if we have.”
“Okay,” Gwen replied lamely, choosing to not ask what he meant. She shifted her weight from side to side in the following silence. She didn’t know what to do or say.
“Why don’t we begin with what brings you to Eirie,” the Elder offered kindly. He and the three other Elders moved to stand in one line, facing Gwen. The friendly Wise One remained by the entryway.
“Um, sure. It’s… It’s about a prophecy.”
The Elders gave no indication they heard her. Gwen watched the friendly Wise One slip from the room. She closed her eyes with a sigh.
Just say it.
Gwen proceeded to describe what was happening to the Wise Ones. She began with her time at Winter Court. She described the pull she felt for Kalan and shared how they both believed she was his lifemate. Gwen wasn’t sure what made her think so, but she felt like the Wise Ones already knew about everything she was telling them. It was disconcerting to say the least.
“And the feelings get worse every day,” Gwen wound down her explanation. “I was hoping you could help me get rid of them, or at least control them. I’m worried of how bad they will get if I continue to do nothing.”
The main Elder gave a small nod. “You were right to seek our guidance. The situation you are in is very delicate.”
“Can you help her?” Ian asked with an eager and expectant expression.
“Only with advice on how to handle the work of Fate,” the Elder answered. “Despite our close connection with Fate, not even Wise Ones can interfere with its dealings.”
His choice of words gave Gwen an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. “What do you mean? Are you saying that my pain is caused by fate?”
The Elder did not hesitate. His clear eyes met hers. “Yes. That is very easy for us to see.”
“Is it because we’re related?” Gwen knew the explanation was unlikely. Ian and Aeron already revealed that such things were not common between siblings, but Gwen could not help hoping she and Kalan were the exception. The alternative would be too much for her to bear.
“The symptoms you describe are a direct result of separation from your lifemate. The only solution we can offer is for you reunite with Prince Kalan before the pain becomes too great to render you gravely ill.”
The surroundings around Gwen blurred.
Her lungs constricted in her chest.
Gwen barely heard the cry of disbelief sound near her; she did not know if it came from Ian or his brother.
She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up from the nightmare. That’s what it had to be…a nightmare. Her worst fears and desires could only meet in such a setting. It was impossible to believe she could be her half-brother’s lifemate. It was a sick fantasy in the dark recesses of her mind.
Despite being distracted with her turbulent thoughts, Gwen was able to register the Elder’s following words. It was as if they came from her own mind. “Given the precariousness of your safety in the Fae Realm, we would also strongly insist your reunion take place and remain at Summer Court. Our Sight reveals you will be protected there.”
“Am I hearing you correctly?” Ian’s voice was strained. He shot Gwen a troubled look. “You recommend Prince Kalan and Gwen be reunited in Summer Court? In order to resolve her physical complaints?”
“Exactly so.”
“Impossible,” Aeron replied. “The Winter prince could never enter our realm unnoticed. He would bring too much attention to Gwen. It would only endanger her.”
The Elder’s gaze narrowed in his first display of irritation. “Questioning the Wisdom of Wise Ones is unwarranted. We are the Seers of Fate. Are you questioning the Seers of Fate?”
What little hope in Gwen shriveled away and died as she watched both Ian and Aeron lower their eyes in submission. They acknowledged the authority in the Elder’s words.
No. Gwen refused to give in to the madness.
“There has to be another reason,” Gwen whispered into the silent air.
“I assure you, there is not.”
“Another way then?” Gwen’s voice grew stronger with resolve to find an alternative. She would do anything but admit being with Kalan was her only choice.
Gwen remembered her diminished pain. “What if I stay in Eirie? I am not in as much discomfort here.”
Ian faced her in surprise. “Really?”
She nodded to her friend before turning back to the Elder. “I bet I would be safe here. If you add that fact to my improved comfort, Eirie is the perfect place for me to stay.”
“For how long? Forever?” The Elder’s voice was stern. “And what of the prince? Does it not occur to you that the separation from his lifemate is affecting him as well?”
Gwen cringed, but stood her ground. “You’re wrong. I know I am not his lifemate.”
“You know nothing,” the Elder said coolly. “The moment I laid eyes on you in Eirie, Fate revealed your path to me. Denying your destiny would be foolish.”
“How can you say that? Kalan is my brother. How can you believe your fate would link siblings?”
“Wise Ones merely see Fate’s will; we do not question its work.”
“That is grade A bullshit. You’re wrong.” In spite of the forceful words, Gwen’s strength began to seep out of her. She tried to hide it from the fae around her. “You have to be wrong.”
“Gwennie,” Ian’s said her name in warning. Gwen knew she was being disrespectful and rude, but she could not find it within herself to care. She could not stand by and let them force their incestuous advice on her.
“Perhaps you need physical proof.” Gwen raised her watery eyes to the Elder’s. They were surprisingly compassionate considering their heated words to each other.
“What do you mean?” She asked with a tilt of her head.
The Elder did not answer. He did not need to.
Gwen’s eyes were drawn to movement at the library’s door. The shoe-clad Wise One reentered the room.
Gwen figured out what, or rather who, the Elder had been talking about the moment he walked through the door.
Following behind the friendly Wise One was Kalan. His eyes immediately found hers.
Gwen watched him take a staggering breath just as her knees buckled beneath her.
Chapter 16
Kalan watched as Ian quickly latched onto Gwen’s elbow to hold her up. She slumped against her friend, but did not remove her gaze from his. The prince was initially taken aback by their sea-green color, but quickly moved past them and focused on drinking in the rest of her. He was like a man dying of thirst, and only the beauty in front of him could sate him.
The prince’s eyes moved over Gwen’s stunning blonde hair. He watched the color glow in the candlelight. Kalan swore his heart was going to beat out of his chest. Was it possible Gwen had grown even more beautiful during their short time apart?
On their own volition, Kalan’s eyes returned to hers. They returned the intensity of his stare. Gwen seemed just as entranced by him, as he was with her. Simply standing in the room with her was soothing his aching soul. He longed to reach out and touch her.
The aged voice of the de-hooded Elder broke through Kalan’s admiration of Gwen. “Duke Aeron. Lord Eilian. If you would please follow us.” The three silent Wise Ones departed the room without a sound, but the two Summer fae did not move. They continued to stand protectively in front of Gwen.
Kalan could feel the Elder’s displeasure fill the room.
“Young Lords, do you intend to defy the instructions of Fate? Prince Kalan and Princess Gwenevere must speak in private. Do not force me to remove you.”
The fae remaining in the room stiffened; Kalan included. He knew enough about the power and strength of Elders that he did not want to witness a show of force.
Ian turned to Gwen; his face revealed his uncertainty.
Gwen tried to offer him a reassuring smile. It wavered. “Go,” she told her friend. “I’ll be fine.” She straightened her body so Ian did not support her weight. “I’ll find you when we are finished.”
With obvious reluctance, the Summer fae stepped away and slowly made his way to the door. The duke, however, held his position. Gwen reached out to squeeze one of Duke Aeron’s crossed arms. Kalan gritted his teeth at the casual touch.
“Go,” she repeated with more strength to the duke.
“I do not think this is a good idea, Princess.” Duke Aeron cast a meaningful look towards Kalan. “You’ve made it clear, in the past, you do not wish to entertain communication with the Winter prince.”
Kalan’s reaction was two-fold. His blood boiled at the familiarity the duke insinuated he held with Gwen. The prince had to suppress the growl rising to his throat. Along with the anger, however, came a depressing sadness at the thought Gwen might have actually said she did not want contact with him.
While Kalan vividly remembered Gwen saying as much in the Human Realm, he never believed she meant them. The prince explained away his love’s denying statements as her natural reaction, given the unfortunate circumstances surrounding their relationship.
Kalan barely blinked at addressing Gwen as his love in his mind. It did not matter what she, or anyone else, said. He would never think of her as his half-sister. Especially not after hearing what the Elder told Gwen moments ago.
Kalan could never begin to describe the elation flowing through his body as a result of the Elder’s proclamation. The burden on Kalan’s soul lifted, leaving behind a sense of contentment and peace. He had been right all along; Gwen was his lifemate.
“I promise I will be alright,” Gwen continued to assure the duke. “Just go.”
Duke Aeron left with great reluctance. The Elder closed the door behind him as he left, leaving Kalan and Gwen privately enclosed in the library. Kalan watched as Gwen moved to stand on the opposite wall beside a disheveled table. The prince did not close the distance, despite his strong desire to do just that.
“What are you doing here?” She asked with crossed arms, shielding herself from him. Kalan tried not to be bothered.
“Actually, my visit to Eirie concerns you.”
“What about me?”
The prince’s soul was soothed by the mere sound of her voice. “Your safety, mainly. Which reminds me, what are you doing out of Summer Court? It is too dangerous for you to be out and unprotected.”
“I know all about the danger I’m in, and have it covered, thank you.” Kalan could not help but to smile at her snarky tone.
Gwen’s eyes narrowed. “Is this funny to you?”
Kalan composed himself. “Not at all. I’ve just missed you.” The truthful words slipped out so effortlessly; he could not have stopped them if he tried.
Gwen’s reaction was to tighten her crossed arms around herself. “Why would my safety bring you to Eirie?” She effectively avoided addressing Kalan’s declaration with her question.
“I arrived in Eirie to discuss the dual-court prophecy with the Wise Ones.”
Kalan could see Gwen’s interest was piqued. “Really?”
The prince nodded. “Yes. I hoped to propose an alternative interpretation of the prophecy and determine if the Wise Ones might give it merit.”
“What’s the alternative?”
Kalan proceeded to explain. He told Gwen of his mothe
r’s determination to rally Winter Court against her. He confirmed the suspicions that the Winter queen was promoting assassination attempts. The words were hard to get out as Kalan looked at the beauty’s horrified expression, but he felt she deserved to know. After all, it was her life that was in danger.
Kalan finished his speech with his interpretation, “I believe the destruction mentioned in the dual-court prophecy is not accomplished by any one fae’s hands. I have seen your abilities, Gwen. While no one who sees them can deny they are strong, the combined forces of Winter and Summer Fae could subdue them.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” Gwen’s arms had unfolded during his explanation; she gazed at him with open curiosity. “What are you going to suggest to the Wise Ones?”
Kalan smiled, happy to see she was no longer as wary of him. “I’m going to propose the destruction which comes from a dual-court fae’s existence will come out of the actions of many. For example, the actions my mother would have Winter Court take. If she openly condones your demise, and something happens to you, war between the courts will be inevitable. The Summer Court will not stand by if another one of their heirs is hurt. Such a war has greater potential of mass-destruction than you, alone.”
Gwen’s mouth dropped in surprise. She quickly clamped it shut. “That… that’s pretty good, Kalan.”
His growing grin wilted with her next words, “But it won’t negate that my existence is ultimately responsible for destruction. Even if the Wise Ones give your alternative opinion worth, some fae will still believe I am the problem.”
Kalan’s lips thinned with determination. “If the Wise One’s declare my theory has merit, Winter Council will be unable to condone my mother’s actions. You will be safe from her.”
“But not safe from individual fae who believe I am an abomination,” Gwen countered softly. “Your plan will only protect me from public attacks, but I will still be in danger.”
“Isn’t that better than nothing?”
Gwen shrugged, irritating Kalan with her air of indifference. “I guess.”
It was like she accepted the dangers and couldn’t be bothered to care. Her attitude infuriated him.
Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2) Page 10