Curse of the Fae Moon: Allied Kingdoms Academy Book 2

by J. M. Kearl

  My cheeks flamed. Taz gripped my arm harder. Stay calm. Stay calm, I chanted in my head. I can’t even imagine the consequences if I whipped Jennika’s ass, the daughter of an Entari, on Hesstian soil. The academy was neutral ground but here it could be seen as an act of war.

  Jennika took her turn making fun of me, “Oh Zyacus, I can’t wait to see you again. These three months have been torture. I miss you so much.” Jennika crumpled the paper and threw it in a trash can. “I hate her.”

  The feeling is mutual. Hate. Loathe. Detest. Abhor.

  “You said he seemed open to the two of you at dinner last night. Don’t worry, Jen. After you give him a little taste of you tonight he’ll forget about her.”

  “It seems he already has forgotten her if he isn’t writing her back.” She let out a wicked laugh.

  Jade grabbed my other two letters and tossed them as well. “Let’s go sneak some of the King’s good wine.”

  My hands trembled with fury. If we were back at the academy I’d attack her. Straight up like a wild, ravenous predator pouncing on fresh meat. But I had to bury my rage.

  They exited, laughing about something I hadn’t heard.

  I turned to Taz, angry-hurt tears stinging my eyes. He patted my shoulder. “Don’t let them get to you, Vis.”

  “It’s not them making fun of me I care about; it’s what Jennika said. She’s right, he’s not writing me back and she has plans with him tonight.”

  Taz’s face softened. “Before you presume anything, find out what’s really going on. I know it sounded bad but—”

  “I’m going to tear her eyes out and then when I’m done with her, I’ll hit Zyacus so hard he’ll never forget it.” I clenched my fists, digging my nails in until they cut skin.

  Taz cocked an eyebrow. “She could just be being devious, but if he has been slumming with her then kick his ass and we’ll leave.”

  I let loose a long breath and dug my letters out of the trash bin. Setting the notes back on the table, I eyed the envelope Jennika left. My stomach turned as I imagined the words inside.

  Taz stood beside me, arms folded. “You should read it,” Taz said, grabbing the envelope. He set it in my hand. “I would.”

  I ripped the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper. It read: Come to my room at sundown. I miss your kisses, birthday boy. Love, Jennika.

  I set it on fire and threw it on the stone floor. That conniving whore.

  Taz stared open-mouthed at the simmering ashes. “That bad huh?”

  “It was an invitation to go to her room tonight,” I said through nearly clenched teeth.

  Taz bit down his bottom lip, tapping his foot. “Alright, you wait here. I don’t want to be around for this conversation with Zyacus. It would be awkward anyway. I’ll be nearby when you’re ready to leave. Send a note.”

  “Thank you,” I said softly.

  He made his way to the exit. After he’d only been gone a moment he stuck his head back in. “The sparring is over. Everyone is gone. He may be up soon.”

  I nodded, and as I waited I wandered around his room. It sort of felt like an invasion of privacy since he hadn’t invited me in, yet I didn’t care. I picked up a crystal ball on his shelf; it warmed at my touch so I set it back down. I ran my fingers along the spine of a white dragon sculpture. Opened a book titled Call of the Dragon and glanced at some of the pages he’d folded at the corners. It appeared to be an adventure fiction novel. For whatever reason, I didn’t expect him to read for fun.

  After setting it down I walked over to his massive ornate mirror and inspected my reflection. I ran my fingers through parts of my hair, making sure nothing was out of place and then heard a deep voice. A spark of panic shot through me. Should I hide? It seemed foolish since I was waiting for him— but what if it wasn’t him? I didn’t know who else it would be but I pulled the hood of my cloak up and hurried into his connected bathroom.

  “See you in the morning,” Zyacus called and then the door closed.

  I swallowed hard. Why am I afraid? Toughen up, Visteal! I berated myself silently. But I still only watched him.

  Ugh, that beautiful boy came into view. His dark hair tousled and windblown. He scratched at his scruffy, perfectly cut jaw. It looked like he hadn’t shaved in a week. Standing at the foot of his bed, he opened a dark wooden chest and placed the sword strapped between his shoulder blades inside. Then he slipped his navy blue shirt and sword holster over his head and tossed them to the floor. I stared at his tanned sculpted body. The muscles in his back flexed as he bent down to remove his boots. I was practically drooling but my heart sputtered. What if he’s undressing to take a bath?!

  I had to speak up before he waltzed into the bathroom stark naked. I stepped through the archway and into his room. He whipped toward me, pulling a dagger from his belt. His winter blue eyes watched me with suspicion. “Who are you and why are you in my room?”

  I pulled my silky gray hood back and revealed my face. His tense features relaxed into confusion and he lowered his dagger. “Visteal?” he questioned as if he didn’t believe I stood right in front of him.

  “Zyacus, after you didn’t return any of my letters—” My mind burned with the fury I’d felt waiting and wondering why he ignored me, furthered more after what Jennika said. I walked over and slapped him hard in the face.

  He blinked several times, the silence between us growing heavy.

  “How dare you ignore me for weeks. Bastard! And what’s this about—”

  Shockingly, he smiled like I’d just given him a compliment. Then he shocked me further still when he tossed his dagger on the bed and his lips crashed into mine. All at once wrapping his arms around my waist.

  I pressed my palms against his bare chest and pushed back. Confused, I demanded, “Tell me why.”

  He kissed me again, this time softer. “I did get your letters.” He released his hold on me and moved to his bedside table, taking them into hand. “I wanted to write you back, Visteal.” His fingers touched the center of his chest where I noticed for the first time the absence of his magic blue stone and wolf pendant. “My father took my stone. I would have had someone else send a letter for me but he forbade anyone to use magic in my stead. No one dares defy him.”

  One of my fears. Enden must truly hate me. Unless Zyacus did something else to warrant having his magic taken away. “Is this because of me?”

  His gaze clung to mine. “Not entirely.”

  “So in other words, yes.” I looked out the window and sighed. Why did I have to fall for him? Why did being with him have to be difficult when he was all I wanted?

  He took my hands into his, kissed my knuckles then draped my arms around his neck. “I’m intrigued that you came all the way to Hesstia, snuck into my castle and then found my room to see me. How?”

  He was getting me sidetracked. I’d heard Jennika myself talking about them being together. Missing his kisses. “So your silence has nothing to do with Jennika?”

  His eyebrows pulled closer. “No, why?”

  “She left you an invitation to her room tonight. I-uh-burned it.” My eyes fell to the pile of ashes on the floor. “But only a fool wouldn’t know what she wanted you in there for. She also said she missed your kisses. When was the last one you shared with her?”

  Half his attractive mouth pulled up when he too found the ashes. “Long before you and I got together. And I won’t lie, she’s been attempting to snake her way back to me,” he sounded annoyed at that, “but I want you. Only you. Did I not make that clear before?”

  My cheeks warmed thinking of how he’d made it very apparent. He made sure everyone knew at the academy that he wanted me the first time we sat together at his table in the dining hall. With his arm usually around me in the halls and asking me to the winter formal, he made sure all knew that I was his to pursue. “You did but what did you expect me to think when I hadn’t heard from you?”

  “I should have made a better effort to send word. I apologize. I planne
d on sneaking off castle grounds and paying someone in the city to send a note for me but I got caught both times. If only the guards were as loyal to me as they are my father.” Pulling away, he went to his bed and sat. “You have no idea how frustrated—no, that’s not a strong enough word. How unbelievably furious I am with my father. He canceled my birthday celebration and threatened to make my younger brother Drakonus his heir if I didn’t do what he said.”

  So that’s why I hadn’t gotten an invitation to his party. Not a good move on the King’s part, yet Zyacus had confessed previously that he’d thought of giving up his position and running away. Part of him didn’t want to be the King of Hesstia and if he weren’t destined for that, it would make our relationship easier. I felt selfish even thinking this. “And what did he say?”

  His eyes fell to his closed fists. “To accept the betrothal to Jennika.”

  My heart still sank even if I’d known that’s what he’d say. My throat tightened. I bit my bottom lip to stop it from quivering. I knew what I had to do. “You cannot give everything up for me. I think it would be best if—”

  He hurried in front of me and pressed his thumb to my lips. “Don’t even finish that sentence. If you and I meet our end, it won’t be because my father or anyone else forces that outcome.”

  Gently, he took my face into his hands. His piercing gaze burned into mine. At that moment I felt he could see my soul. Hear my thoughts. Knew me. Knew who I truly was. Knew how much I desired him. It frightened and tantalized. Stirred in my belly. Smoldered in my heart.

  “Are you sure it’s worth risking everything?”

  His hands dropped and a small smile formed at his lips. “You have no idea how much I want you, do you?” He grabbed me around the waist and spun in a circle. “Gah, it’s good to see you. It feels like it’s been forever.”

  I couldn’t help the heat rising in my face as I giggled. I didn’t know how to respond to that. Truthfully, no, I didn’t know how much. “It really does feel like it’s been longer than three months.” I reached into the pocket inside my cloak and pulled out the wolf ring. “Oh, by the way, happy birthday.”

  Releasing me, he smiled and took the ring. After inspecting it a moment, his eyes met mine. “It matches my pendant. Thank you.” He slipped it onto his left middle finger. “It fits perfectly.”

  “Why did you choose a wolf?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “It was actually given to me by my mother and I’ve always liked them. It’s actually my favorite animal. With dragons, and unicorns, and hippogriffs, all these magical creatures, you’d think I’d like something else more.”

  I smiled. “There are a lot of things to like about wolves.”

  He twirled a piece of my hair around his finger. “And I know, my father is being a pain in my ass right now but soon he’ll see reason. He wouldn’t actually take the heirship from me, and if he did, I could challenge my brother for it when my father dies. If that’s what I wanted.” His footsteps clapped against the floor as he walked over to a cushy high-backed chair. “I’m unsure about that. But what I’m not unsure about right now is you.” Zyacus patted his thighs with a sultry smile. “Have a seat, Princess.”

  Heart pounding, I removed my boots and lowered myself onto his lap, then swung my legs over the armrest so they hung over the side. I found my fingers reaching for his hair. I played with a piece and pushed it out of his eye. “This is random but I’ve always wondered. When did you go from hating me to—not.”

  He chuckled. “As a child it was simple jealousy. You’re magic-born. Your father is caring and doting, my father is not.” He took my hand and interlaced our fingers. “Don’t take this the wrong way but when I saw you in the dining hall the very first day of academy, I thought, ‘my gods she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’ Not that you weren’t before but you were kind of an awkward child the last time we saw each other.”

  “I think you had me beat with the awkward child phase.” I pinched his arm. “Oh, and I was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen, yet you continued being a pompous, arrogant bastard?”

  “I couldn’t very well fall and grovel at your feet so soon, Princess. I had a reputation to uphold.”

  I shook my head but laughed lightly. “A reputation of being a prick?”

  “If you want me to grovel at your feet now to make up for it, I will.” His fingers brushed my ankles. “I could start by kissing you here,” his light touch moved up my leg to my knees, “then here.”

  “Oh hush up,” I said, rolling my eyes.

  His hands slid around my waist and he hugged me tighter. “Alright I won’t gravel but I still want to kiss you.” He didn’t wait for me to answer. His lips landed on mine.

  His soft full lips stirred up butterflies. A hand slid up my waist and over my breasts then around my neck. A quiet involuntary moan escaped me. I kissed him harder. My fingers slid down his muscular chest and rested on his abs.

  His roaming hands cupped my bottom and he squeezed. “Nice bum,” he murmured against my mouth.

  Our kissing and caressing would have gone on longer but a scream tore through the quiet. I jumped to my feet. My already erratic pulse now thrummed like the wings of a hummingbird.

  Zyacus ran to his window, peeking his head out. When I reached his side, people scattered and screamed below. “What is happening?” I searched for attackers or people fighting at the castle gates but saw none.

  “Are those… birds?” he asked.

  This far up it was hard to make out what the little black things swarming around were. That was until a swarm came our way. Screeching, shrilling birds aimed their attack at us. The birds crashed into the glass. I took a step back when they repeatedly slammed their bodies over and over.

  “I’ve never seen birds act this way. Do you think they’re bewitched?”

  Pounding on the door drew our attention from the birds. “Zyacus, you’re needed outside!” a male shouted.

  “I’ll be right out,” he yelled back. Turning to me, he grabbed my hand. “I don’t know how long I’ll be but—”

  More pounding on the door. “The King said he’ll give your stone back if you help. We’re being attacked by, I can’t believe I’m saying this, birds,” the man said.

  I took a step closer. “I could help—”

  Zyacus shook his head. “No, you can’t be seen at the castle right now/ If you can, meet me at The Thirsty Pirate. It’s a tavern in town. Hopefully this will be over in a couple of hours.” He threw a shirt on. “You never did tell me how you got here. And are you alone?”

  I fidgeted with a piece of my cloak. It unnerved me listening to the people screaming outside. I could help if King Enden wasn’t being so difficult. “The portal at the library, and no, Taz came.”

  His feet slid into his boots. “Oh, good thinking. Perhaps I’ll come to see you next time.” Throwing open the lid to the chest, he grabbed his sword out. Then he kissed me briefly. “Now I have something to negotiate with. Father gives me my stone, for good, and I’ll help with whatever this is.”

  “Be safe, Zyacus. I’ll wait until midnight.” I stood beside his bed with a sinking feeling in my gut. “If you need me, please send word. I’ll risk the punishment.”

  He paused at the door and looked over his shoulder. “I’m Tournament Champion, remember? A few crazy birds won’t hurt me.”

  It wasn’t the birds that worried me. It was whatever or whoever controlled them.

  “Come on, Zyacus!” A fist slammed against the door again.

  “I’m coming!” He gritted out. “I’ll see you soon, Visteal.”

  “Goodbye.”

  Chapter 5

  As soon as he left, I sent word to Taz that I’d meet him at the servant’s entrance. I closed my eyes, chanted the appearus spell and felt my magic surge. Pulling, squeezing, draining and I stood just outside the castle.

  Taz, who’d sat against the wall, jumped up. “There’s an attack or something. We need to go. Whatever is h
appening here isn’t our problem.”

  Since we were allies with Hesstia they could call on us for aid and then it would be our problem but the king would have to ask first. I lifted my gaze up to the sky. “Birds. Birds are attacking.” This side of the castle was too quiet. The screams I’d heard earlier far off in the distance were barely audible. No guards, no servants, no wildlife to be seen. Maybe luck graced us this day as Taz had said.

  “Birds?”

  “Yes,” I said and ran for the outer stone wall. The guards who’d stood watch earlier had gone. Several feet from the exit a flock of birds came from the forest beyond and like a black cloud above us, whirled in a cyclone formation funneling downward.

  “They’re coming at us!” Taz said, taking off at a sprint.

  “Shield!” I commanded. We wouldn’t be able to outrun them.

  I imagined a thick bubble surrounding me, impenetrable and immovable as I chanted the spell in my head. Seconds later, the birds slammed into us like the head of a spear but bounced off the invisible force like water around rocks. They flopped and squawked on the ground. Some of them hopped up and flew away. Some would never move again.

  “Could anything be more creepy!” Taz shouted over the squealing and screeching.

  “Insects,” I shouted back. Ew, I imagined a swarm of tiny spiders crawling all over my shield and shuttered.

  “The question was meant to be rhetorical!”

  When the birds were either dead or gone, we bolted for the door in the wall.

  Taz reached it first, and started pushing up the heavy wood beam holding the doors locked.

  I helped him lift it and we tossed it to the ground. Hopefully the guards would be back soon to replace it. We would have simply used magic to get to the other side but a spell barrier prevented anyone from using the appearus spell to get to either side of the wall.

  We closed the heavy doors behind us and started down the path to get my clothes and sword. We didn’t get far before a group of small grunting creatures made their way toward us. From the distance I couldn’t make out what they were but I’d guess there were twenty or so.