“Mauve.” Roland’s fingers gripped her pointer finger. “I’d never do anything to hurt my niece. I only want to get to know her.”
“Ten minutes.” Uncle Kalen led my reluctant aunt back to the throne room.
King Roland scrubbed a hand over his face and mussed his hair before turning to me. His palms grasped my shoulders as he looked me over. “You look like her.” He pulled me into his chest, and I froze with my hands hanging by my sides. He squeezed once and let me go. “Sorry.” He faced the windows and stared past the glass. “I know you have questions.”
“Why does Aunt Mauve hate you?” I stood next to him and watched the water below as he gathered his thoughts.
“She was right, you know?” He grabbed the windowsill and his eyes turned glassy. “I was a horrible brother. Jealous and bitter. I wanted the throne, but by succession I was third in line for it. So, I took my anger out on her and our Father sent me to live with my aunt Mab in the Unseelie Court.”
“Wait. We’re Unseelie too?” What were my aunt and uncle keeping from me?
“Yes, our family has governed both courts for many generations.” He glanced over at me. “We’re both. They were only divided because of the undesirables. The Seelie Court doesn’t allow creatures with innate darker tendencies among their ranks, but those fae have to be governed or else anarchy ensues.”
“So, your behavior got you sent away?” He nodded once and looked back outside. “What did you do?”
“Injured your mother.” His body shook, and his eyes closed as he gulped. “It wasn’t one of my finer moments. I challenged her to a duel for her throne and she refused. I lashed out in anger with my dagger and sliced her shoulder open.” My feet shuffled backwards, and he dropped his head. “Kitra, I was a stupid kid. I loved your mother.”
“What happened next?” I got closer to him again and thought I smelled the crispness of a winter’s morning.
“I was banished.” His silver eyes darkened, the pupils growing in size. “My aunt made sure I received my punishment. I lived as a knight and rose in the ranks until I gained her trust and became her trusted guard. We were attacked by the Dark Ones during the War and she was gravely injured. She was childless, and on her deathbed, she named me her heir.” He turned, facing me. “When my father died, Meghan took her place as the Seelie Queen, but my guilt kept me on my side of Faerie. I should have fixed things between my sister and me, but I was a coward and now Meghan is gone.” He reached for me and my wolf’s hackles rose, but he dropped his hands again. “Do you think you could ever allow me to be part of your life?”
Tears slid down his sharp cheeks and my heart ached for him. Could I have a relationship with someone so selfish? Did he truly learn from his mistakes? I wished I had longer with my mother to understand how she felt towards him, but I was on my own.
I grabbed his cool hand and squeezed. “I think we can manage something. I know you need to talk with Aunt Mauve and Uncle Kalen. I don’t know how deep those wounds are, but they must be dealt with first. Then maybe they will allow it.”
“You’re a young lady of great wisdom.” A smile warmed his features and I returned it. “You’ll make a great Queen one day.”
We joined the others and Roland moved to the side with Aunt Mauve and Uncle Kalen. They whispered, and I caught sight of my own unruly blonde fairy. It was time for our heart to heart.
Chapter 11
“I NEED TO SPEAK WITH you.” I pulled Ryn to the side. “Alone.” Austin suggested that the others should go to the arena for more training, but Caden stood as a statue with his arms crossed over his chest, bulging his biceps. His lips tipped down and his eyes narrowed. “I promise we will join you all in a minute.” Caden spun on his heels, growling the entire way to the door.
Austin nodded and ushered the others from the throne room. I dropped my grip on Ryn and planted both hands on my hips. Ryn’s gaze was locked on the marble under our feet and his lips formed the perfect duck face. At least he had enough sense to appear chastised, but his guilt wasn’t stopping my words.
“I know what you’re about to say.” Forest green irises ringed in silver collided with my violet ones, but I held my palm up as he took another breath, ending whatever words lingered on his tongue.
“I really want to scream how selfish and despicable your actions were today, but I’m not going to.” His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “Tell me why, Ryn. Why insert yourself during my time with Caden and use the Looking Glass for your own gain?”
Ryn’s fingers interlocked behind his head and he paced in front of me with his head tilted down. His arms fell to his sides when he finally stopped in front of me and raised his head. Ryn’s cheeks were rosy and moisture gathered near his lashes. “I’ve waited countless years for my other half, Kitra. The day I met you I felt a pull. An invisible rope tying us together, but I never believed it was anything other than that you would be my future Queen.” His fingers steepled in front of his face, tapping his chin twice as his lids squeezed shut. A harsh snort puffed from his nostrils. “Then, fate played a cruel trick by tying you to another. I can’t compete with Caden.”
“Ryn, what are you talking about?” The muscles in his jaw clenched as he ground his teeth together. Ryn’s shoulders slumped, curving in on himself.
“I can’t compete with the relationship you’ve already built with him over the years. Where does that leave me?” His lids fell to half-mast and my fae magic shuddered with an ache in my heart. This wasn’t my pain but his and I reached for both of his hands.
“Look at me, Ryn.” I tugged our clasped fingers until his wet gaze met my eyes. “I promised I would get to know both of you. Open up to me, Ryn. Tell me what drives you. I don’t want to know the Commander of the Royal Guard. I want to meet Ryn Ralodi.”
“But you already know Caden so well, Kitra. You’re childhood friends. I’m the new guy trying to butt in.”
“Let me speak.” I paused and took a deep breath to clear my head. “Caden and I do have a history, but we missed a huge portion of each other’s lives and still have things to learn about one another. Ryn, his actions and sharp words have hurt me, but so have yours.” He tried to pull his hands free from mine, but I held tight. “But I’ve forgiven you and Caden and I want to know both of you. I know my choice will leave one person hurting, but it won’t be made lightly.” He finally escaped my grip. “Are you giving this up? Do you even still want it?”
“Yes!” His chest heaved as he moved into my personal space, filling my nostrils with the scent of sandalwood and my heartbeat matched his. “Do you?”
“Yes.” The word was breathier than I liked and Ryn took it as an open invitation.
He cradled my cheeks and closed the distance between us. Butterflies flew up my throat as a tiny mewl escaped me. I knew I shouldn’t allow this to happen. I was supposed to take things slow, but my fae side called to belong to him even if my wolf disagreed. The first swipe of soft friction was a test, gaging my response and my fingers gripped his arms as I gasped. Ryn used the opportunity to explore the confines of my mouth and stars burst behind my closed lids.
Sapphire irises poured ice water over my skin and I pulled back from Ryn’s embrace. “Ryn.” My wolf huffed, turning in a circle and facing away from me. The weight of my shame crushed the butterflies to nothingness. No matter how I behaved with either of my soulmates, it would always be betrayal of one of them. Was true love even in the cards for me? Or was I destined to be alone? Why couldn’t I enjoy the company of one without feeling like I deceived the other?
“I know.” Ryn watched the battle of emotions visible on my face. “But don’t say anything.” His swollen lips spread, a twinkle reaching his eyes. “Let us have this moment without your brain interfering. Don’t feel ashamed.”
My lips tightened, and I nodded once. I spun on my heels and fled for Aunt Mauve’s room. Maybe Ryn understood, but our triangle ripped my soul in half. My dual nature sealed into one coin, but both sides wanted
different men and until they were on the same page, my lips were off limits. I found the secret passage to Aunt Mauve’s quarters easily and I crept to her cracked doorway. If she and Uncle Kalen were still talking to Roland, I wanted to listen in.
They lied to me about my other uncle and I was afraid they still wouldn’t tell me the truth. I peeked through the gap, but no one was in the room. I’d learned to shut off sounds I didn’t want to hear when training with my Aunt, but after the kiss with Ryn a cacophony of noise beat against my eardrums. I focused my new hearing and heard soft giggles and a low groan from the balcony. What was that? I slipped past the door and my footsteps were those of a concealed assassin as I sneaked forward. At the entrance to the balcony, the sounds grew louder, and I peered around the edge. I choked on air and yanked myself back.
Aunt Mauve and Uncle Kalen were locked in an embrace like the one I was in only moments ago with Ryn. There wasn’t enough bleach in the world to clean my retinas. When did this happen? Had they always been an item and kept it hidden? There were times when I questioned their relationship but now witnessing the truth fractured my mind.
My feet moved on their own and I was back in the stairwell. If I had to handle anymore emotions, I knew I’d lose it. What I needed was numbness and the only thing to give me that was training. A large form emerged from a doorway and I bounced off a concrete wall of muscle. My chest caved in on itself and air whooshed from my lungs. Iron grips held me in place and the world tilted, spinning on an imaginary axis as my legs dangled in the air.
“Princess? Can you hear me? Are you hurt?” A gruff voice righted the world and I blinked several times. Good thing concussions healed quickly. I focused on the blurry blob near my face and scruffy fur surrounding full lips greeted me.
“Dannick?” I shook my head as my vision cleared and he set me on my feet. “I’m good now.”
“You can’t travel alone anymore, Princess.” The beige tunic he wore stretched to its limits as his arms crossed and his stance widened. “Either Bretton or I have to be with you whenever you’re not with your Guardians. You know the rules.”
“Sorry.” I was still getting used to the royal rules I now had to follow. “I went to see my aunt, but she’s busy with something else.” I mentally scolded myself as a shudder rocked my stance, getting a raised brow from the lumberjack. “I told everyone I’d train with them once I was finished.” I skipped in front of him, but I still felt his scrutiny in the tingles on the back of my head. “I should probably change first.” I glanced at my gown and turned around.
Dannick stood guard outside my room as I searched for suitable clothing in the armoire. Only frilly dresses greeted me, and I grabbed the door intending to slam it shut when a shimmer glittered over the clothing.
“Huh.” I didn’t know if it was the armoire or how I’d changed my outfit when I sparred with Bretton, but black leather trousers and feminine white tunics hung inside now. I grabbed a pair of matching black boots and some clothes and quickly changed.
Dannick and I made it back to the arena in record time. I was relieved when I didn’t have to explain my funny behavior.
“Sparkles is here.” Ryn shouted as he dodged the wooden sword Bretton swung at his head.
“Took her long enough.” Linc splintered a post and spun to me. “How are we doing this?”
“I say we take on the fairies as a group.” Zander kicked out at Curtis’s ankle, but Curtis jumped out of the way.
“Are we shifting?” Curtis moved out of striking range from his friend.
“I think we can beat Kitra and her Guardians.” Bretton stopped his assault on Ryn. “Allie and Gwen are with us to even the odds.” He pointed between himself, Dannick, and Ryn. “What do you all think?”
“I’m good with it.” Allie rubbed her hands together. “I like a challenge.”
“Austin is mentally connected to them when they shift and fight together.” Ryn scratched his head as we separated into our two teams. “Watch Austin for cues.”
“It won’t be that simple.” Caden’s black wolf erupted, landing on all fours and the rest of us except for Linc followed suit.
Austin? You with us? He nodded, and I counted the minds I was connected with.
“Twinkle Toes’ brain is smaller than a peanut. I doubt he can see any cues past his own reflection.” Linc’s chocolate wolf burst forth and rolled its hazel eyes and he trotted over, bumping me in the shoulder.
“Fido, all dogs are simple creatures. It won’t be that complicated.” Ryn picked up his training weapon, brandishing it in front of him as Linc lunged, showing canines.
Stop it! I charged between them and snarled at them both. Linc kicked up dirt in Ryn’s direction as he walked back to the others.
This isn’t going to go well. Curtis’s yellow wolf walked over to Allie and nuzzled against her.
“Can we train now?” Allie’s fingers smoothed Curtis’s fur. “Or are they going to keep marking territory?” Both Linc and Ryn glared at each other with Linc growling and Ryn mumbling under his breath. “Let’s do this then.”
“Try to keep up.” Gwen kissed Austin’s cheek and joined her team.
“Human, you have a lot of spunk.” Bretton dropped into a fighting stance. “I can’t wait to see what you’re made of against Supernaturals.”
“Did we forget to tell you my mother and I are Hunters?” Gwen’s feet spread to shoulder width as she raised her weapon. Bretton visibly paled and stared at her from the corners of his eyes.
“Good thing she’s with us.” Dannick’s chuckle didn’t match the deadly intent in his gaze. “They’re wicked fast.”
I moved to the center of our group and slowly coaxed my fae magic towards the surface. Warmth flashed behind my retinas and purple threads wove their way out to each of my Guardians. Everyone one of them inhaled softly as my energy embedded itself into their flesh, making them glow violet. Austin held his arms out, taking in the new changes as the other team fanned out around us. Fully pushing my magic into the others amplified their strengths, but it was a new sensation and I hoped I wasn’t hurting them. My powers may be fully awakened, but there were still some that I’d have to work at to completely control.
Bretton was the first to move and Caden sent us a plan. If we took out Ryn, Bretton, and Dannick first, the fight wouldn’t last long. Allie and Gwen were great fighters, but as a team we were stronger. Curtis and Linc paired against Bretton and Dannick, while Caden and I took on Ryn. Zander and Austin zeroed in on the girls. We corralled our targets around the peripheral of the arena and Bretton released a deafening battle cry.
Dannick struck at Curtis with his training sword and kicked out at Curtis who lunged for his legs, leaving Dannick’s center of mass open for attack. I leapt through the air intent on taking Ryn down, but my opponent dropped, and I flew over his head and landed on the sand. Caden attacked from the side while I righted myself and joined the fray again. Each of our groups fought hard for half an hour, but I saw their strength fading in the onslaught and forced more magic into them.
This isn’t working. Dannick’s sword connected with Curtis’s flank and he bared his teeth to the fairy.
Regroup back in the center. Caden and I jumped away from Ryn’s new attack.
“Stupid moves from stupid dogs. If this were a real fight, you’d get them all killed Caden.” Ryn’s ugly words raised the hackles along Caden’s spine. “This ends now.” Caden roared and snapped at Ryn, but he leapt out of the way. Ryn’s fae power manifested in a green orb.
My magic shattered its connection with my Guardians, and I couldn’t pull what I’d given them back. It crackled across their skin like lightning dancing over the night sky until it disappeared. Bretton and his group scurried away from the mayhem as Ryn and Caden faced off against each other. Ryn aimed an orb at Caden’s face, but my Guardian slid to the side as easy as dodging a ball in a child’s game. They collided with a fierce yell and howl; the energy inside Caden was out of control instead of fizzli
ng out like it did with the others. The air sparked with arcs of purple lighting shooting from his skin and slamming into the stone arena wall. Small fissures spread along the surface and tiny chips rained to the ground. I had to stop this before they killed each other.
I ran forward but was knocked out of the way as Linc soared past me. He collided with both men, flinging them through the air. Ryn and Caden landed in tangled heaps on either side of the arena, but all eyes were on the wall above Linc’s head. A giant chunk fell before any of us had time to move, crushing Linc in its descent. Sand blasted into the air as a shockwave blew past us.
Finally, the sand settled and Linc’s paw was the only thing to be seen under the stone.
“Linc!” Ryn and Caden groaned and sat up as I ran to Linc.
“How did this happen?” Zander’s panic filled my bones with ice.
“I…I don’t know!” Tears streamed down my face as I reached my unmoving friend. “I couldn’t pull my magic back once Caden and Ryn started fighting each other.”
Caden was the first to recover and sped towards us as I tried to lift the stone off Linc. Curtis joined Caden and me and we were then able to move the stone enough to pull him from underneath. Linc’s form shifted back and his tunic was ripped in several places, and the bones underneath bent at angry angles. I didn’t want to move him anymore than we had to, but a small bloom of blood grew below him. We needed to know where he was bleeding and how badly he was injured. We gently turned him over and the liquid pooled between his pecs. Ryn and the others made it over to us as I felt for a pulse and listened to hear if Linc was breathing.
“He’s not breathing!” I tilted his head back and filled his mouth with air. A sound like a wrapper crackling met my ears and I knew there wasn’t anything else I could do. “You two did this!” Spit flew from my mouth as I turned to Caden and Ryn. Your constant fighting and trying to best one another caused this.” I pointed to Linc and swiped at the snot leaking from my nose, mixing with salty tears. “We’re supposed to be working together to beat the Dark Ones, but that will never happen if you two can’t stop fighting...a...and now...we’ve lost a friend.” I collapsed in the sand, the fight left me, and my muscles grew heavy.
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