by Jaymin Eve
Queen Fae
NYC Mecca Series Book 3
By: Leia Stone and Jaymin Eve
Table of Contents
Chapter One - The funny thing about fae…
Chapter Two - The road to Winter is paved in souls.
Chapter Three - Frozen feet. Frozen heart.
Chapter Four - Help is only a flower call away.
Chapter Five - Winter woes.
Chapter Six - Familiar faces in the crowd.
Chapter Seven - The wheels of time are often jagged.
Chapter Eight - Daddy dearest.
Chapter Nine - Freedom always has a price.
Chapter Ten - North, south, east, west. Which way home is the best?
Chapter Eleven - The insidious creep of frostbite.
Chapter Twelve - Warmth does not always equal life.
Chapter Thirteen - Why do the best plans always end with a murder?
Chapter Fourteen - Mother dearest.
Chapter Fifteen - The blood of thy enemies is the liquid of thy victory.
Chapter Sixteen - Long live the queen.
Copyright © 2017 by Leia Stone and Jaymin Eve. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced. Stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, live or dead are purely coincidental.
Stone, Leia
Eve, Jaymin
Queen Fae
For information on reproducing sections of this book or sales of this book go to www.leiastone.com or www.jaymineve.com
[email protected]
To our children, who have no idea of the crazy things their mothers dream up.
Chapter One
The funny thing about fae…
The fire crackled as embers shot toward the sky. Leaning back, I enjoyed the heat enveloping me as I sank into my soft chair. My clothes were still a bit damp from the downpour I’d run through, so it was nice to feel warm again. Still, I found myself snuggling further into my furs. Tonight the cold was bone deep; so far the Otherworld’s weather was far more extreme than New York City. We were on our second and final night with the gnomes, and this was the third time I’d been caught in turbulent weather as I raced from my small hut to the general gathering area where they prepared and ate their meals.
The gnomes had retired to bed now, which meant it was just Kade, Nikoli, and me around the huge copper pit, only the roaring fire to keep us company. With one ear listening for any unwanted eavesdroppers, I turned to Kade: “We still haven’t received word from Baladar. Do you think everything is okay? What if Selene attacks your people?”
That was why I was late. I’d forgotten to take the flower with me and had to duck back. I was trying to keep the magical bloom with me at all times so I wouldn’t miss a communication from Earth.
Kade ran a hand through his thick dark hair, sending the unruly strands out in a few directions. He looked absolutely massive sitting by the fire, his furs giving his already giant size an extra boost.
“I think with the time difference between the Otherworld and Earth, they’re probably only just realizing what happened. It’ll be fine, Ari. I trust my people to keep us from war for as long as possible.”
I nodded, but I was worried. I had tried to stop Kade from coming with me. He was the king of the bear shifters; he had responsibilities to them. But he had refused, and secretly I was really happy to have him here.
Kade then lifted me from my chair, depositing me in his lap, sending my heart off in a race of pitter patters. I forced myself to focus on what he was saying when all I really wanted was to wrap myself around him. “We leave at first light,” he said in a reassuring voice. “We’ll find Violet and then return home before Selene can do too much damage.”
I let out a sigh, leaning in closer to him. “It’s hard for me to sit and relax like this. I need to get out of here and save my best friend. Who knows what the Winter Court are doing to her?”
Dark expressions descended over both Kade and Nikoli’s faces, which definitely looked odd on the pale magic born. But I understood it, he was close to Violet too. All of us worried about her.
Nikoli leaned forward in his chair. “At least our time here has not been a waste. We have learned a lot from the gnomes. The information will definitely aid us in the coming days.”
He made a very good point. The gnomes were an odd, earthy race. Roughhewn on the outside, with blunt speech and mannerisms, but not unlikable creatures. They lived simple lives, filled with hunting, gathering – a strong tight-knit community – and their dedicated metal weapon craft. They still hadn’t completely warmed to us “highborn fae” as we were pretending to be, but were forthcoming enough with information.
We had learned that we were on the border of the fall and winter courts, in a stretch of lands that sounded like a rural outlier of the courts, which also explained the turbulent weather. Apparently the four courts controlled much of this world, or the moods of their leaders did at least. Not to mention the unstable mecca was making it worse.
We couldn’t see it now in the dark, but there was a huge shadowy mountain off in the distance. This was apparently where the Winter Court’s main city was. It was there we hoped to find Violet. We would set out at first light; the gnomes told us it would be a three-day trek unless we could buy some horses, which was pretty much impossible as we barely had anything left to trade.
“I just hope we have enough food to make the journey,” I said, allowing myself to relax into the comforting heat of my mate. My body was on fire from being in his lap like this, our bond so newly formed that the need to touch Kade got stronger every day.
“Finn at least said that they were doing okay, and had their full rations left, which will help.” Nikoli repeated the information I had given them yesterday, after being in contact with my familiar. Our other party of friends were in position now, waiting for our arrival tomorrow.
Staying with the gnomes had been the right decision to make, it had been very helpful in acclimatizing us to this world, but they were also getting plenty from the deal. They had all but cleared us out of food, except for what we kept as absolute minimum rations. Food was scarce here because of the dying mecca and the war between the summer and winter courts, which meant we had no chance of replacing that which we had traded.
For our food we got three exquisite, elf forged weapons, and two days’ room and board. The elves were part of the Tuatha too, an ancient race who kept to themselves in the mountains and did not bother with the drama of the fae courts. Thankfully they made unbelievable swords. We were keeping the weapons back in the hut, and I was a little in love with mine. Every time I saw it I had to stop myself from pulling it out and examining the intricate detailing of the silver and gold handle, the way the blade narrowed to a perfect point, the sharpness that could cut though anything.
Another burst of coppery flames lit up the fire pit, and my eyes fluttered closed as Kade’s hands settled on my shoulders and started massaging the tight muscles at the base of my neck.
“I love this freedom,” I murmured to him, reopening my eyes and tilting my head back so I could see his dark, handsome features. “That we can be together in the open.”
It was not something I was used to. Wolf and bear shifter couples were forbidden. Throw in that we were both royalty in our worlds … we were screwed.
“I won’t go back to hidin
g,” Kade said, and I could hear the growl of his bear. “We are bonded mates. We will not hide that from the world.”
He always says the most perfect things.
Our bond was the strongest thing I had ever felt, even when we were teenagers. I had fought as hard as I could to resist him, but in the end I couldn’t. And it had cost me my crown. I wasn’t worried, though, I was going to figure out how to have Kade and still be a just leader to my people. According to Baladar – who was old, wise, and definitely appeared to top the magic born power scale – bear and wolf royal couples had worked in the past, and it would again.
“We’ll get her back, Ari,” Kade said, sensing my gnawing worry that would not abate. I turned so I could face him, pretty much straddling his body. For a brief moment I got lost in his whiskey-colored eyes as I reached up and brushed my hand across the scruff on his chin, pulling his face to mine.
Lips barely a breath apart, I said, “Together we can do this. I have absolutely no doubts.” If I’d learned anything in my time as queen, it was that Kade and I were stronger together.
His soft lips crushed mine, and as his scent and taste crashed through me, my head went light and my body tingly. I had no idea how he did this to me, but I was not complaining. When he finally pulled back I let out a contented sigh, which had a grin and dimple appearing on his face. Poor Nikoli had to put up with our constant physical contact when he had no one of his own. He was a good sport about it, even now he just sat quietly, eyes half closed, staring at the mesmerizing flames.
“I wish we could leave right now to get her,” I murmured.
Kade nodded. “Me too. But this time has been essential for us. We now have weapons, furs, and knowledge. This might just be the thing which gives us the upper hand we were lacking before.”
He was right, I knew that. We had ferreted out detailed information of the surrounding woods, people we might encounter, the best path to take. The gnomes had accepted our story that we were seeking jobs in the Winter Court, fleeing a scandal at the Summer Court.
All of us turned at the sound of wings. I sat up as Nix dropped down in front of us. Kade’s majestic familiar had taken to flying around and hunting at night. She was not easily concealed, and we didn’t want to draw attention to ourselves. When we travelled in the day, she’d either be flying low at our sides, or way up high to disguise her size.
Worries for tomorrow. Now it was time for bed.
I accepted Kade’s hand up and helped put out the fire and gather our things. We made the small walk over to our one-bedroom cabin, thankful that the icy rain had ceased. When we reached the front door, Nix flew up to sleep on the roof. She would keep watch and alert Kade if anyone suspicious approached. Upon entering the cabin, Nikoli crashed onto the bedroll in front of the fire.
“See you at first light,” the magic born said as he rubbed his eyes. “Oh, and we should wear our weapons. The gnomes told me there is no way we will make it to the Winter Court without running into trouble.”
I nodded, my eyes resting on the three swords leaning against the wall, all beautiful and deadly. The gold scrollwork on mine made it look feminine, but the serrated tip gave it a lethal edge. Kade’s blade was huge and thick. It had a base of branded steel and the tip had the slightest hook, making it an easy kill weapon. Nikoli’s was plainer but still amazing, a shorter sword with a three-pronged tip.
We had really lucked out finding that gnome when we stepped through the portal to the Otherworld. We were armed in many ways.
“Goodnight,” I told Nikoli, and made my way into the bedroom I had been sharing with Kade. My mate closed the door behind us, before crossing to sit on the edge of the bed and removing his boots.
I took off my boots too and then both of us crawled onto the bed. There was no point getting undressed, we would run in these clothes come morning, and we needed the furs to stay warm. It didn’t matter to me though, just being able to sleep in his arms was enough for me today.
“Can you believe this world has existed parallel to Earth this entire time, without our knowledge?” I said, snuggling closer to his warmth and the hard muscles of his chest. His smell enveloped me as he tightened his hold.
“It seems there is a lot we don’t know.” His tone was dripping with anger. My mate didn’t like to be kept in the dark about things.
Mate.
A fairytale concept, but it was a bond I already couldn’t live without. From the moment our connection kicked in, we could sense each other’s emotions and feelings, and even speak mentally if we needed, the same way we did with our familiars. I was still perfecting the mental-speak, but it was definitely nice to have it, especially in this place where certain things shouldn’t be said aloud.
I could feel the heaviness of sleep pulling on me as I drifted off. I fatigued faster here; the lack of mecca was definitely hurting us. Luckily shifters were resilient. Still, the longer we stayed the worse it would become.
Darkness dragged me under, but instead of disappearing into the land of slumber, I realized part of my mind was still coherent, like I was in a sort of half-awake, half asleep state. Drifting in this groggy place, I heard Violet’s voice:
“Arianna,” she whispered behind me, and in my dream I spun around. My surroundings became clear then. We were deep in a forest of thick trees. This definitely wasn’t a normal dream. I could still sense my body lying on Kade’s chest, but part of me was not in that room any longer.
“Violet!” I rushed to my best friend to pull her into a hug, but she put her arms out to stop me.
“Don’t touch me!” she shrieked, her face crumpling. I skidded to a halt a few feet from her.
Now that I was closer, it was clear Violet did not look well. Bruises and welts marked her face; she was paler than usual, which was saying something with her pigmentless skin, and she was very thin.
“Violet, we’re in the Otherworld. I’m coming for you, hold on.” I was freaking out seeing her look so sickly. We should not have spent two nights with the gnomes. She was running out of time. “Where are you? What are they doing to you?
She swallowed, holding out a shaky hand to calm me. “I’m okay. It’s just … they have most of my magic bound. It’s painful but … I’m okay.”
“How are you projecting in my dreams if your magic is bound?”
Her face crumbled for a moment before she straightened again. “They weren’t able to bind all of my energy. I tucked a small part away … a hidden pocket of mecca they can’t touch. It’s how I’ve come into your dream … but it takes a lot out of me. I don’t have much time.”
“Tell me what to do. Where are you? How many people are guarding you? What’s the best way in?” I rambled on, trying to get as much information out of her as I could before she had to go.
Violet bit her lip and a tear drifted down her cheek, “Ari, that’s not what I need to tell you. There’s something more important you need to know.”
My stomach sank. What could be more important than saving her?
Violet pressed on. “They took me for a reason. There’s this small glass case here. It’s filled with so much magic I can barely stand to be near it for more than five minutes. They told me they will unbind my powers if I can release the magic inside of the glass case and transfer it to Isalinda, the Winter Court queen.”
I frowned. “That sounds like an awful idea … but if they will let you go afterwards, then do it!”
Violet looked even sicker, her face pinched in pain. “I can’t. I mean … I might possibly be able to release it … but I won’t.”
I stepped closer. “Why? Do whatever you have to in order to get out of there, Violet! Do you understand me?” My panic was taking over. She was barely able to stand straight now.
Violet shook her head. “No, Ari. I can’t. The jar flashes with scenes of your life. Your magical essence is in there. The moment I saw, touched, smelled, and felt it … I knew it was yours. Arianna, someone’s been lying to you. Not all is as it seems. Your mothe
r … has lied. I think your father is a fae.”
The shock of her revelation hit me so hard my body was ripped from the dream state and I woke up panting. Kade was immediately alert, his hands tightening on me as he pulled me closer. I blinked a few times as droplets of liquid fell into my eyes; my whole body was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. As I met Kade’s dark gaze, my breathing stuttered. Could Violet be right? Holy shifter gods, what had my mother done?
“Arianna!” The deep tones cut through my disorientation, and I realized Kade had been calling my name for some time. He growled then, before turning to yell for Nikoli.
I dropped my hand onto his chest, which had his eyes right back on me. “What happened? Are you okay?”
I nodded and shook my head at the same time, trying to figure out how to answer. “Violet just appeared to me in my dream. She’s hurt – they’re hurting her.”
Kade’s grip got tighter, before he gentled his hands again. “Did you tell her we’re on our way? Did you tell her to hold on?”
“Yes, I told her.” I wiped my clammy hands on the rough bed coverings. “She was barely listening to me. It took all of her energy to get through to me. She wanted me to know that the Winter Court have a magic-filled glass container there. They took Violet so she could free the energy and transfer it into the dark queen.”
Nikoli was in the doorway now, listening in, his white features looking pinched and stressed. Kade and the magic born remained silent, letting me finish. “I told her to do it, do whatever it took to get out of there, but she said…” I licked my lips, searching for moisture. “She said the energy is mine. She made it seem like it was fae energy. Violet must be the only one who can figure out how to release it or they wouldn’t be asking her.”
Nikoli took a few steps further into the room. “Violet is bonded to you. Not only is she your best friend, she’s also your palace magic born. She knows your energy better than anybody. The same way I am with Kade – we too were childhood friends. This might explain why they needed Violet to control that energy.”