The Fae Queen's Warriors

by Tara West

  “Ouch!” She jerked, feeling as if he’d lit her on fire.

  He sat back on his heels. “I was afraid of that. The threads of this hex are traveling up your legs like poisonous vines.”

  “How do I get rid of it?”

  “We must kill the roots,” he answered plainly, slowly coming to his knees. “I will make you a potion.” He let Titus pull him up, his bones creaking.

  She thought about the vial of life water. What if the cure was as simple as a drop of the elixir? She hadn’t told the defenders about it yet. What would they say if they knew she had it? Would they be angry at her for keeping it a secret? Not that a good time to talk about it had ever come up. If they asked her, she’d have to dredge up memories she’d rather forget, telling them all she knew about the king and his mage. What would her uncle do if he found out about the life water? The thought of him seizing it filled her with dread. Perhaps it was best if she lost her claim to the elixir, since it was obviously causing her neurosis.

  “What about life water?” she asked Euclid as he walked away.

  One bushy, white brow rose. His milky eyes made it difficult to know if he was looking in her direction. “What about it?”

  “If I drink a drop of life water, will that heal me?”

  He shrugged a bony shoulder. “Possibly, but I don’t have any.”

  She tucked a hand in her pocket and smoothed her thumb over the vial. “I do.”

  Euclid’s jaw dropped. “You?”

  She pulled out the vial with a trembling hand.

  Quin’s jaw dropped. “Where did you get that?”

  “I stole it from the mage who cursed me.”

  “Great goddess, child.” Euclid exclaimed. “How?”

  “I knocked her down and took it,” she said.

  Kneeling beside her, Titus nuzzled her ear. “That’s my brave sprite.”

  Quin beamed. "You have Alexi’s Fae reflexes.”

  She hoped Euclid wouldn’t tell anyone about her Fae roots, though she was starting to understand that secrets spilled in Periculi remained in Periculi. “I did until Demendia.”

  “Demendia!” The old man gasped. “The king’s mage?”

  “Yes.” She grimaced, remembering those ugly wisps of black smoke that curled from her fingers.

  “No wonder the curse is so dark.” He scratched the back of his head, his hair crunching like dry grass. “Do you understand how life water works?”

  She nodded. “One drop heals you, three drops will kill you, and two drops extends your life.”

  “You are a clever Fae.” He grinned widely. “Let’s try it.”

  When he held out a hand, she instinctively reared back. Did he expect her to give him the entire vial?

  “Wait.” Theron grabbed her wrist. “How do you know it’s not poison?”

  “It is poison if you take too much,” she said, horrified by the grotesque images of Brutus flopping like a fish that replayed in her mind. “But I’ve already used it to heal bruises.”

  “But did you drink it?” Quin asked.

  Oh. “No.” They wouldn’t let her ingest something that might kill her.

  Titus let out a low rumble. “I don’t want you drinking it, Kyria.”

  “And I don’t want to deal with this clumsiness forever.”

  The old mage said, “If I may, let me volunteer to try it first.”

  So he wanted his sight back? So much for his parables on everyone being blind and the horseshit about eyes seeing what we don’t want to see.

  “Hold out your tongue,” she said and uncorked the vial.

  He stuck out a dry tongue. She let one drop fall on it.

  Closing his eyes, he swallowed the water. His gray pallor shifted to light brown. His eyes shot open; the milky white pools had been replaced by two brown irises.

  “Great goddess!” Quin exclaimed.

  When the old man broke into a toothless grin, she couldn’t help but smile. The life water clearly didn’t grow back teeth, but it did heal blindness, which gave her hope it would free her from this curse.

  “My old bones no longer pain me!” The mage jumped up, smacking his dirty feet together and cackling like a madman.

  “Okay,” she said, “my turn.”

  All three defenders moved back. “We should watch Euclid to be sure.” The mage was running a circle around the room, like a dog chasing its tail.

  “Quin.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s fine.”

  He took her face in his calloused hands. “I don’t want to lose you.”

  When his voice cracked and splintered, she swore her heart did, too. But she had no choice. “You won’t.” Wrapping her fingers around his wrist, she squeezed. “Do you want me to be paralyzed? This curse is traveling up my legs.”

  Titus held out his hand. “I’ll do it.” She handed him the bottle.

  Theron knelt beside Titus, watching carefully as he uncorked the bottle.

  Swearing, Quin scooted behind her, wrapping strong arms around her waist. “Lean against me,” he whispered in her ear.

  Heaving a sigh, she sunk against him, letting his strength surge through her. “Stick out your tongue,” Titus said to her.

  Closing her eyes, she stuck out her tongue and tried her best to hold still while ignoring a strange twitch in her ankles.

  Her ankles felt weak, as if they were twigs ready to snap. She swallowed the drop and then she waited. Her ankles and feet tingled. Was it working?

  Titus gave her an impatient look. “Well? Did it work?”

  “I’m not sure.” She turned to Quin. “Help me up.”

  He pulled her to her feet.

  Euclid was still laughing maniacally and running around the cave. “My bones are free!”

  No sooner had she left Quin’s arms than she tripped over a fur rug and fell flat on her face. Swearing, she rolled onto her back, covered her face with her hands, and let out an enraged scream. How could she go up against the king if her feet didn’t work? She’d be a helpless invalid, and he’d use that as an excuse to mistreat her even more.

  The defenders and Euclid knelt beside her.

  The mage took her ankles in his hands. “I still feel it, but it’s weaker. The roots are not as deep.”

  “Can I take another drop?” she asked. A few days ago she was slipping on the ice. Now her legs wanted to buckle when she stood.

  He shook his head. “No more than one drop a day.”

  “You said you’d make a potion,” Theron reminded him.

  The mage stood and brushed wrinkles out of his robes. “I will, but it won’t be ready until the next full moon.”

  She protested. “That’s not until next month. Is that the only way to break this curse?”

  “Either that,” Euclid said, “or kill the witch who cursed you.”

  “Don’t worry,” Titus spoke from between clenched teeth, the veins in his neck popping out like raging rivers. “She’ll be dead soon.”

  “Not soon enough.” She wished she could drive a blade through Demendia’s heart, but how could she with her legs in their present state?

  “I’m sorry, child,” the mage said. “Return to me in a month, and the potion will be ready.” He gave her a look of pity that soured her stomach. Only moments ago she’d been looking at him the same way. “I sense you want to talk about something else,” he said to Titus, “but I don’t think she’s ready.”

  “Ready for what?” she blurted.

  Titus and his brothers grimaced.

  “Euclid,” Titus said, “do you mind if we speak to Kyria alone?”

  Her gut soured when Titus turned his dark gaze on her. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like what they had to say.

  “Of course not,” the mage said. “I need to get to work on that potion.” Moving with the casual grace of a young man in his prime, he marched into a tunnel she assumed led to the cavern where he kept his potions. “Great goddess!” His holler echoed down the tunnel. “My chamber is a mess.”


  They knelt beside her, and Titus put her hand on his heart. “We want to make you our bride,” he said while his brothers voiced their agreement.

  “What?” Her world spun. “I’m already married.”

  “It wasn’t consummated,” Theron said. “Euclid can annul it and marry you to us instead.”

  “Oh, Theron,” she cried. Overcome with self-loathing, she arched away from them, knowing she was about to crush them. “I want for nothing more, but if I annul my marriage, I won’t have a claim to the throne when we take down the king.” It hurt to reject the men she loved, like she was driving a double-edged sword through her heart.

  Titus jumped to his feet, hands balling into fists. “I don’t give a damn about the throne.”

  “I do.” She stood on shaky legs, not knowing if fear or the curse made her unsteady. “Do you know how much good I can do as queen?”

  Quin steadied her with a hand on her elbow. “Kyria, we can’t protect you as long as he lays claim to you.”

  She despised the king more than she ever thought possible. She thought of the dagger Evander had given her, wishing she could plunge it through his chest. “I don’t expect you to,” she said, regretting the words as soon as they left her lips.

  “You don’t expect us to?” Titus’s eyes blazed. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”

  “Have you lost yours?” She ignored her trembling ankles and wagged a finger in his face. “You do realize he will kill my family and friends if I don’t return.”

  He pressed thick fingers into her shoulders. “I’m sorry about them, but keeping you safe is more important.”

  She jerked away from him as if scalded, nearly tripping over her own feet. When Theron caught her, she moved away from him too, not bothering to thank him. She suddenly felt as if she was being suffocated by their care and concern. She had to get away from these men. How selfish did they think she was? She was supposed to risk Jade, Lea, and her parent’s lives?

  “I’m not annulling my marriage. I’d like to return to the hut now.” Brushing past them, she hobbled to the exit, cursing her wobbly legs.

  “How can you take down the king when you can’t maintain your balance?” Theron attempted to help her, but she glared at him until he let go.

  “I have other resources.” Namely Evander, but she also had her wits and Fae strength.

  “He will crush you,” Titus said at her back as they reached Demon, “and if he doesn’t, his mage will.”

  She petted the horse. “There are others helping me.”

  “Who?” All three of them asked in unison.

  Her spine stiffened at their jealous tone. “I can’t disclose.”

  Titus looked at her like a dragon sizing up his next meal. “Your guards?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You’re acting like a jealous ass.”

  When he let out a warning rumble, she knew she’d pushed him too far. “Do you think this is a game?”

  “I know it’s not a game.” Emotion tightened her throat. If anyone was acting like this was a game, it was them. “If I stay, not only will he kill the people I love, he’ll declare war on the defenders.”

  “We’ll be ready.”

  Bitter laughter escaped her. “Do you speak for my uncle? For all defenders?” Did he not understand she couldn’t have men going to war over her? Dying for her?

  “No, which is why we must wed,” Quin said. “If you were our bride, he’d have no choice but to let you stay.”

  “I will not be the reason this nation starts a civil war.” She didn’t want to leave her defenders either. The thought of turning her back on Periculi, on them, filled her with a soul-crushing depression that made it hurt to breathe.

  “Sprite, look at me.” Grasping her shoulders, Titus searched her eyes. “We can’t lose you.”

  Though it pained her to see Titus so worried, she was also aggravated by his stubbornness. He wasn’t thinking clearly. The other defenders obviously didn’t like her. They wouldn’t want to fight for her, and she didn’t expect them to.

  “What do you think will happen to you if we go to war? You heard my uncle. Dragon mating season approaches. You will not be able to fight on two fronts. You will be killed, and I’ll be executed for adultery. This conversation is over.” She jerked free of him. “Take me back to the hut.”

  He untied Demon and stormed out of the cavern.

  She didn’t know why she looked to Quin and Theron. Their disappointment was enough to shatter what little of her heart was left. She didn’t blame them for their anger. She was angry with herself. These amazing men were willing to risk everything to protect her, and she was going to abandon them and walk right back into danger. But what choice did she have?

  SHE RODE BEHIND THERON, clutching his waist and trying not to look while the horse carried them downhill. Afraid of falling off, she kept an iron grip on him. She buried her face in his back, angry with herself for rejecting them and angry with Titus for not offering her a ride on his big horse. Demon would’ve carried them both comfortably.

  The waves grew louder as they made their descent. The only thing stronger than that sound was the pungent odor of the sea. The farther they descended, the more powerful the smell. It reminded her of something. Her blood ran cold when she recalled the awful smell of the dragon she’d fought inside Sawran’s walls.

  “I smell a dragon,” she hissed.

  Theron glanced at her over his shoulder. “What?”

  “I recognize the stench,” she said loud enough for him to hear over the waves. “A dragon is nearby.”

  He let out a loud whistle.

  Titus stopped Demon and turned in the saddle.

  “Kyria smells a dragon,” Theron called.

  Titus dismounted from Demon and drew his sword. Quin did the same and ran to them.

  “You believe me?” she asked Quin as he helped her down.

  “Of course. Alexi could smell them long before we did.”

  Swinging off his horse, Theron led her toward Titus.

  “Kyria,” Titus said urgently. “Get behind Demon.”

  His nostrils flared as he looked over Demon’s back, scanning the mountain and an imposing cliff above them. “I smell him now.”

  A deafening roar filled her ears and then he hung his blue head over the cliff above them. Though the crag was easily four men in height, her fae-touched eyes discerned a bloody slash across his snout. Had he been in a fight with another dragon? This monster was a giant, so she had no doubt he’d been the victor in the battle. His head was the size of a chariot, and she imagined he could swallow her in two bites. The blue frill around his neck opened and rattled, clacking like a serpent’s tail. He spit a wad of venom the size of a shield on Quin’s horse. The horse let out an unholy cry, rearing on his hind legs. Then he ran, nearly knocking her over the side of the cliff when he brushed past, his right flank oozing blood as venom dripped down his leg.

  Theron’s horse bolted, too. Demon shifted nervously but held his ground. No wonder Titus wanted her behind Demon. She stroked his mane, whispering soothing words. The dragon’s head weaved back and forth like a snake. Venom dripping down his scaly neck, he slithered down the crag and landed behind Quin with a thud.

  “Stay behind Demon!” Titus called and rushed the dragon with shield and sword.

  She cursed her weak ankles, wishing she could help but knowing she’d only distract them. Blood hammered in her ears as they circled the dragon on the narrow road. She feared most for Quin, who battled without a shield. His horse had run off before he could grab it. Hopefully his helmet and breastplate would be enough to protect him.

  Theron banged his sword against his shield, distracting the dragon while Titus lunged, stabbing him. The beast howled and spun toward Titus, coating his shield with fire as Titus ducked behind it. She felt the flame’s heat licking at her heels, but it was Titus she worried about, so close to the inferno.

  Titus banged on his shield while Quin and Theron attacked next.
The leviathan spun, venom flying. When Quin let out an agonized scream, crumbling to the ground like a lifeless doll, her heart lurched.

  “Quin!”

  Theron jumped in front of his fallen brother and waved his sword at the dragon.

  Titus banged his shield again, drawing the dragon’s attention long enough for Theron to drag Quin away. He left him several paces from Demon, blood soaking his cloak as dragon venom burned a hole through his gut. Theron returned to the fight, helping Titus push the beast back. The dragon retreated until he straddled the ledge. Emitting an enraged roar, he slipped over the side, smearing blood on the snow as he desperately clung to the ledge.

  Clutching Demon’s mane, she urged him forward. “Help me get to Quin,” she cried, but the horse wouldn’t budge. She tried to walk around him, but he blocked her path. “Move!” She banged his side as hot tears stung her face. Her legs gave way, and she landed on her knees and crawled under him to Quin, thankful her thighs still worked.

  She was almost there when the beast propelled himself back on the road, spraying fire in the air. She curled up when sparks rained down, singing her cloak and hair.

  “Get back!” Titus yelled, lunging at the dragon.

  “But Quin!”

  Retrieving the life water from her pocket, she fell on top of him, alarmed when she barely felt a pulse. She uncorked the bottle and tipped it over his mouth. One drop landed on his blue-tinged lips. She reached for it, intending to push it into his mouth, but Titus scooped her up.

  Stretching toward Quin, she cried out, “Wait!”

  Theron shielded them from fire as the dragon advanced.

  She let out a strangled cry when the beast trampled Quin. He had to have broken all his bones.

  The dragon was almost upon them when Demon surged forward and reared, kicking the dragon, giving Theron a chance to slide under the beast and jam his sword into its chest to the hilt. Theron rolled away as the beast howled and thrashed, blood oozing from the gash between its thick scales. He let out a gurgling sound, blood and venom spewing from its mouth, all over Demon, right before the dragon collapsed on the snow-packed ground.