Betrayals of Spring

by L. P. Dover

  I’m sure if I could see Ashur right now he would be flinching from my screams in his head. I have to figure something out, NOW. I can hear the murmurs and feel the lust pouring off of the Tyvar as I walk through the crowd. Their desires are thick in the air caressing my skin making me feel exposed and bare.

  “You are almost to their leader, Princess.”

  “No need to worry, my lady. We will take very good care of you,” the Tyvar fae says. I swallow hard and I take in a deep, shaky breath. Yeah, I’m sure you will, I think to myself. I know how they plan to take care of me and I beg to differ. I huff in return and he laughs, low and seductively in my ear. “I promise you will enjoy it,” he whispers.

  I hold my head high and I thrust my chin forward.

  “I don’t think so,” I hiss back. Inside I am terrified of what’s going to happen to me and my men, but I refuse to show defeat. We come to a stop and the group grows quiet. I can hear someone approaching and my body instantly goes rigid. I’m frozen in place and my chest tightens so I can’t breathe. I know my hands are shaking and the Tyvar holding my arm gently takes my hand and holds it tight. If I knew he wasn’t planning on seducing me, I would find the gesture endearing, but all it does is make me more terrified.

  An exotic and sensual voice speaks and I notice that his voice sounds exactly like my escort. “I see you brought me a visitor, Bastian. I must say you have done very well, brother. Where may I ask did you find this beautiful she-warrior?”

  That explains why they sound alike...they’re brothers. “Aye, she is a beautiful fae woman. Her face is by far the most beautiful I have ever seen. I found her after she crossed the bridge into our territory with her two warriors,” Bastian replies.

  The group of Tyvar hollers out their victory of my capture and hearing it makes me cringe in fear. I don’t want to imagine what it would be like to be taken by so many men day and night. Bastian releases my hand and passes me along to the leader, Bayleon. He moves closer and I can feel his breath against my face. If Bastian wasn’t behind me I would have moved back. “Open your eyes, my lady,” he urges.

  “No!” Ashur and Finn both scream simultaneously. I hear a struggle going on behind me and it kills me that I can’t help them. I worry for their safety and it sounds like something bad is happening to both of them.

  “What’s going on, Ashur?” I demand.

  “Finn tried to get to you, but they knocked him out cold. He seems to be coming around as we speak. Don’t worry about us, Princess. Whatever they threaten you with you better not open your eyes. They never physically force women to open their eyes, but they will threaten you to do it. Stay strong, do you understand?”

  “Yes,” I reply shakily.

  I shake my head at the leader and with a strong voice I say the one word they are not going to want to hear.

  “No.”

  Bayleon releases a sigh and if I could see him I’m sure he would be shaking his head. “I see we are going to have to do this the hard way,” he suggests. “If you do not open your eyes I will have one of your men brutally tortured and killed. I can promise you that. I’ll even let you pick which one lives if you would like.”

  I gasp in shock and my knees go weak. I knew they would go to any lengths to get me to open my eyes, but I didn’t think they would go to this level. The fae have to keep their promises, and Bayleon promised to kill one of my men if I did not look at him. I have no choice. I have to open my eyes or one of my men will be killed.

  Before I have the chance to answer, I hear Ashur’s voice in my mind. His desperation makes the tears build up behind my eyes.

  “Don’t you dare open your eyes, Meliantha. I will gladly offer myself for your safety.”

  I can’t see him, but I shake my head in response.

  “He promised to kill one of you, Ashur. I can’t lose you or Finn, I just can’t.”

  “Time is wasting, my lady,” Bayleon taunts.

  I take a deep breath and answer as calm as I can, “I will give you what you want, but in return, all I ask is that you let my friends go. I will give myself to you for their freedom.”

  Finn must have woken up because his screams pierce the air. “NO, MELIANTHA! I refuse to let you do this!” I clench my teeth hard to keep from crying out as I hear another struggle taking place.

  “Very well,” Bayleon agrees.

  “They will be let free and escorted from our territory. That was a wise choice, my lady. What of your wolf? Do you want him freed as well?”

  I can feel Aki rubbing against my legs and I can sense that he wants to stay with me. I don’t want him trapped here so I say, “My wolf has a mind of his own so let him come and go as he chooses. He won’t be a bother to anyone.”

  I can hear Ashur and Finn struggling against the Tyvar as their voices drift farther away. I can’t believe I will never see them again, and what’s worse is that I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye. There is a way I can at least tell one of them.

  “Please forgive me, Ashur, but I have to do what I can to keep you both safe.”

  “Please don’t do this, Meliantha?”

  I have never told either one of them how I felt because admitting what was in my heart made me feel vulnerable. Being with Kalen and experiencing love again has opened my soul to a whole new world — a world I had once known. If this is my last chance to tell them how I feel, I am going to do it.

  “I love you both so much, Ashur. I know I have never told you before, but I do. Please make sure you tell Finn that I love him too, and that I am so sorry. Goodbye, my Guardian.”

  “No!” was all I heard before I put my shields in place with an unbreakable wall. The absence of my guardian feels like a hole in my chest, but soon I won’t even remember him when the Tyvar’s power takes hold of my body. The only thing that will be in my mind is lust and sex.

  “Let us go to some place more private, my lady,” Bayleon suggests. He takes a hold of my right arm while Bastian takes up with my left. I can barely walk for being nervous, but they keep a tight grip on me leading the way. If I knew I could escape without looking at any of them I would be out of here in a second. I gave the Tyvar a quick glance when I crossed over the bridge, but it was only for a few seconds before Ashur yelled at me to close my eyes. I guess that glance wasn’t enough to take me under.

  I don’t know where I’m going but I can tell we have entered inside one of their dwellings. It’s a drastic change from the outside. This part of the Mystical Forest is warm and humid, but inside where we are is cool and dry. It feels better in here, but I would rather be out in the blistering heat than in here about to be taken.

  My left arm is freed from Bastian’s grip and Bayleon gently picks me up and sets me on what I assume is the bed. It’s soft and fluffy beneath me, but nothing feels comfortable to me right now. He removes my bow and arrows that I have strapped to my back, and he also takes my armor off one piece at a time. He lightly touches my skin each time he removes an article of my armor, and he also seems to be enjoying taking his time with it. After the tormenting is over I’m left with nothing on but my undergarments. I might as well be naked.

  “I’ve never seen a female warrior, my lady.” Bayleon says, sounding fascinated. I would love to show him my warrior skills, but I know I can’t fight all the Tyvar and make it out alive. He pushes me back gently to where I am lying on the bed and crawls his way slowly up my body. The realization of how screwed I am finally sinks in and I can feel the panic beginning to rise. Bayleon places both hands against my cheeks and whispers against my lips.

  “Open your eyes.”

  This is it. This will be my final doom. I have failed my people and now the Spring Court will never exist. I wish with all my heart that I could see Kalen one last time. The last tears I will ever shed have left my eyes as I now prepare to open them to my doom. Bayleon comes closer and I know he is about to merge his lips with mine when I slowly open my eyes to meet his. His midnight blue eyes bore into mine, but then they
go wide in surprise. This is my end.

  I can feel the power flowing all around me, but then...nothing. His power was trying to take over my body, but something held it back. Why didn’t his powers work on me? Bayleon’s eyes go wide as he pulls back to gaze at me bewilderingly. He narrows his midnight blue eyes, penetrating mine to the depths of my soul looking for answers.

  I peer over at Bastian and he’s standing in the corner of the room looking just as confused and transfixed. Bayleon and Bastian look exactly alike, and being that they’re brothers, they must be twins. Their looks are all fae, but the Tyvar are more angelic and ethereal looking in appearance than the warriors of the courts. It’s deceiving because any woman who gazes upon these men will think they are angels when actually they are the complete opposite. I can see how many women are seduced by their looks alone without their power. Both Bayleon and Bastian have long, silky golden blonde hair that hangs perfectly straight past their shoulders. Their eyes are the most beautiful thing about their faces. They’re so big and full of color that you could get lost in the depths of them with one single look. If I wasn’t immune to their powers I know I would have already been lost. I don’t see where they would need their powers of seduction to seduce women. I’m sure any woman who happens to gaze upon them would be more than happy to come willingly.

  “Who are you?” Bayleon asks. “You’re not just a she-warrior. What are you doing here, and why have you come?” he asks, astonished.

  I don’t understand why I can thwart their power, but knowing that I can sends relief and hope surging back into my body. With my newfound strength I am able to finally speak with confidence.

  “I’m Meliantha, Princess of the Summer Court. I was led here by someone and that is the reason I’m here. I am trying to save Prince Kalen of the Winter Court.”

  Bayleon nods his head, “I believe I have met the fae you speak of. His complexion was different like yours, but he also had a female with him.”

  I snap to attention.

  “How long ago was this?” I ask hurriedly.

  Bastian saunters over and uses this time to speak.

  “He was here early this morning and left just as quickly. He has a strong lead on you if you are trying to track him.”

  The dark sorcerer is doing everything to delay me from getting to Kalen, like leading me through tasks that he deems unbeatable, and who knows what else. The longer it takes, the more desperate I know I will become. I don’t want to make mistakes by being careless. It doesn’t feel like this search is ever going to come to an end. Will there always be something that evil bastard throws in my way.

  “I’m trying to track him, and my wolf has been helping me follow him. Do either one of you know about the prophecy?” I ask. They both nod their heads so I continue, “The man you saw was the dark sorcerer. He is not of this land and he is not fae. Evil runs through his veins instead of blood and his goal is to take over the Land of the Fae and bring ruin to all that live here.”

  “Why did he look fae when we saw him?” Bayleon asks.

  I take a deep breath to calm my nerves before speaking.

  “The dark sorcerer has trapped himself inside Prince Kalen’s body, and that is why he looked fae. He’s leading me on a wild chase across our realm to torment me. You see, I can’t complete my destiny without Prince Kalen.”

  Both men seem to contemplate everything I have said and then they both look at me with admiration in their eyes. Bastian is the one who comes to the realization first.

  “I know how you were able to thwart our powers! You are one of the Four!” he exclaims.

  I never thought that being one of the Four would give me special advantages, but I am thankful nonetheless. I nod slowly at them and they both get down on their knees and bow their heads. Maybe I should have said this before and saved all of us the torment, especially with Ashur and Finn. Now they are out there thinking the worst, and doing who knows what to get me back.

  “What can we do to help?” Bayleon asks.

  “I need you to let me go,” I plead whole-heartedly, looking at both of them.

  Bayleon gets to his feet and reaches for my hands to pull me up. I didn’t realize how tall he was when I had my eyes closed, and now I have to peer up at him. He turns my hands over, palm up, and kisses them both lightly. Please let them understand and let me go, I wish to myself. Bayleon looks me in the eyes, sadness and longing evident in his midnight orbs, and vows.

  “I will let you go, but only if you do me one favor.”

  I can see the honesty in his eyes, but favors to the fae can mean anything from something easy to something extremely difficult. I begin to grow weary and a frown takes over my face. “I am not asking for much,” he admits, smiling.

  I breathe a sigh of relief.

  “Then what, may I ask, is your favor?” I ask curiously.

  “I have never had the pleasure of a woman who hasn’t been enthralled by my power, so all I ask from you is…one kiss.”

  “One kiss?” I repeat, confused.

  He nods his head, “Aye, one kiss. Our mother once told us before she died, that there is no greater joy than the pleasure of true love. She said that we have been cursed with our powers of seduction.” He moves closer to me and continues. “By kissing you, it will give me a taste of true love.”

  I furrow my brows and stare at him. How can he get that from me? I don’t love him. I’m about to ask him, but he stops me with his next words. “I know you do not love me, but I will be able to feel the love you share for your prince when I connect with you. It’ll be a gift I will cherish for the rest of my existence.”

  “Is there not a way you can stop using your powers on women and experience love for yourself?”

  He shakes his head wearily and looks down at the floor. “Nay, that is why we are cursed.”

  I am shocked by his admittance, because I never would have thought the Tyvar would consider their powers a curse. I can feel the sadness in his soul, and I wonder if all the Tyvar feel this way or if Bayleon is the only one. I’m sure a lot of them thoroughly enjoy bedding the women until they die, and thankfully, Bayleon isn’t one of them. If kissing him is the only way to get out of here, then I’ll gladly give it to him. Doing so feels like a betrayal to Kalen, but I think he would prefer I kiss one man instead of bedding a hundred of them. I know I would prefer the kiss. I will do anything to save Kalen, and if it only involves a kiss then so be it.

  Bayleon is still looking at the floor, hands in mine, when I squeeze them to get his attention. He hesitates before finally looking up to meet my eyes. “You can have your kiss,” I say softly.

  His midnight blue eyes glow and a smile takes over his angelic face. He reminds me of Finn with how ethereal he looks. Thinking of Finn spikes my need to get out of here quickly, and to let him and Ashur know that I am safe and well. I don’t want them getting killed trying to save me, but when I get out of here I’m going to do what I should have done in the first place. I am going to finish out this journey alone.

  Bayleon moves closer and with him being so tall, I angle my chin higher to receive his kiss.

  Before touching my lips, he whispers, “I need you to think of your prince and the love you feel for him. Take all of that love and build it up here.” He releases my hands and places one of his over my heart. “Are you ready?” he asks.

  The love I have for Kalen has never left my heart, but I do as he says and concentrate on all the love and all the passion I have for the one man I desire most. I let those feelings build until my heart feels like it’s going to explode. I close my eyes and nod my head, ready for Bayleon’s kiss.

  “I’m ready,” I confess, shaky and breathless.

  He moves closer and takes my face in between his hands. His lips feel warm when they close over mine. I part mine slightly, giving into him fully, and he uses this invitation as time to deepen the kiss. I try to picture Kalen in my head while another man takes claim to my lips. The way Kalen looks when he smiles and
the way his eyes smolder when he looks at me are fresh in my mind. My lips move against Bayleon’s and I know that if I am to get out of here I have to make this gift memorable. I have to put everything into it, and that means doing the only thing I can think of to do — pretend it is Kalen that I am kissing.

  I envision the man before me is the strong and handsome Winter Prince that I have fallen madly in love with. I take us to the place in our vision where everything is colorful and free, the place where we will make our court and begin a new life. I deepen the kiss of my own accord and the man before me moans into my mouth and pulls me in tighter to his body. I wrap my arms around his waist while our tongues intermingle in a sensual embrace. His breathing becomes frantic and so does mine. Things are beginning to get really heated when Bayleon breaks away from the kiss, and I am thrust back into reality. Imagining he was Kalen might not have been the best idea because things were beginning to get carried away really fast.

  Bayleon tilts my chin up and presses his forehead against mine.

  “That was the most amazing feeling I have ever felt, Princess. Your love for the prince is powerful,” he says, amazed.

  I give a small laugh, “Yes it is, and that is why I must go. Am I free to leave?”

  He smiles at me warmly and nods, “Aye, you are, and thank you for giving me the taste of true love. I know it must not be easy to give yourself to me when you love another. It warms my soul and has made me see things in a new light. Are you sure you don’t want to stay for the night? Your warriors are gone which means you will be travelling alone at night.”

  Traveling at night is not the safest thing to do, but staying here with an army full of lustful Tyvar definitely isn’t. I bow my head in respect, “Thank you, Bayleon, but I really think I should be on my way. I have lost so much time already.”

  “As you wish, Princess, but I would like to escort you to the edges of our territory to see you off,” he advises.