Tempted By Fae

by Midnight Coven

  Faerie fruit.

  Of course we’re going to a farm that grows faerie fruit.

  Of all the dangerous things here, the fruit from these trees is one of the most deadly. I’ve managed to avoid tasting it but I’ve heard of its sweetness. It’s supposed to be the most delicious taste of any food. The problem is that for humans, it’s like a drug. Once we have a bite, we crave it until we eventually go mad. I’ve heard tales of humans enslaved by its power. Willing to do whatever it takes for the next fix. And like a drug, while the fruit is in your system, you’re helpless to resist anything. They don’t even need compulsion to get you to perform any task they ask.

  I know I can’t trust a single item of food or drink here. With this much access to faerie fruit, it’s probably in everything. It would keep the servants docile and compliant. Until they had too much and tried to do something crazy to get more.

  I won’t be able to bide my time. I’m going to have to leave this place tonight.

  Chapter Seven

  Darius

  I tried to tell myself that I would give her space. Give her time to process what happened between us. Help her to not be afraid of me.

  But I can’t.

  I have to have her.

  Knowing she’s in my palace is too much. Feeling the empty pit in my chest for one night was more than I could bear. I have to have her back.

  Murmurs follow in my wake as I walk down the halls toward the servant’s quarters. I can’t remember the last time I was in this part of the palace. When I was a child, I’d played down here with the human children until my father decided it was below me. They were memories I hadn’t thought about in at least a century. It felt like a million years ago.

  “Your highness,” Margot, the head of my household says as she bows low.

  “Where is she, Margot?” I ask.

  “Who, sire?” She straightens.

  “The girl from last night, Rena,” I say.

  “Don’t worry about her, Sire,” Margot says. “She’s been sent away.”

  I feel like the wind was sent from my lungs. “What do you mean sent away?” My words come out as a growl and I ball my hands into fists.

  Margot’s eyes widen. “They needed more assistance at the orchard. I thought it would please you to send her away.”

  I bare my teeth. “It does not please me. When did she leave?”

  “A few hours ago,” Margot says.

  I turn and walk back the way I came. The faerie fruit orchards are one of my most profitable properties. They’re also the property that churns through servants faster than any place in Faerie. Eventually, the humans that work there fall victim to the fruit and they are reduced to a quivering mess.

  Rena’s smart. She has to be. She wouldn’t touch the fruit. Though, humans don’t always have a choice when it comes to what they do around us.

  For the first time in my life, I feel bad for the humans in my realm. They’re so fragile compared to the fair folk. I never looked on that as anything other than weakness but now I’m faced with it in a way I haven’t been before. I never watched any of my childhood friends whipped. I never saw any of them die. I never had to face what it meant to be human in a realm of immortals with magic.

  For Rena to be safe, even as my queen, I know things will have to change in the Summer Realm.

  The guards part without word as I reach the doors. I’m not willing to wait for anyone to bring my horse to me. Instead, I walk to the stables and grab the saddle myself.

  “Your highness, please, let me help,” someone says from behind.

  “No time,” I say as I tighten the straps.

  I’m on my horse and on my way to the orchard without even looking back.

  Chapter Eight

  Rena

  “Welcome to the orchard,” a goblin with moss green skin and brown horns says. He moves quickly for someone with such short legs and I nearly run to keep up with him.

  “This is where you’ll sleep,” he says as he pulls open a door to a large wooden building that looks like a gust of wind could blow it down.

  I peek inside and see a single room lined with cots. I count quickly. Twelve on each side. In front of each cot is a chamber pot. I wrinkle my nose. At least at the palace, I had my own room.

  If I wasn’t already planning on running tonight, these sleeping arrangements might have been enough to force me there.

  He closes the door and takes a few steps back. “The others are already in the field. I’ll take you there.”

  I’m following the goblin again but not really listening. I think he’s talking about meals or quotas or something. I’m too busy squinting into the distance. As far as I can see, there’s a field of faerie fruit trees that stretches into infinity. It’s impossible to know where it ends. But it’s also very good cover for hiding.

  We’re walking toward the trees and I notice that the row we enter has a flag stuck in front of it. “What’s the flag for?”

  “We work one row a day and rotate through the orchard,” the goblin said. “Today we’re here.”

  He stops in front of the flag. “Walk in, you’ll find the the others. They have baskets.” He narrows his eyes and studies the three of us. “I assume I don’t have to teach you how to pick fruit from a tree and put it in a basket?”

  “I think we can handle it,” I say quickly. Because I’m pretty sure he’s going to walk away and leave us here. Apparently, they’re not worried about us running.

  I guess Margot didn’t warn them about me. Thanks, Margot.

  A shiver runs through me when I realize that the others who work here are probably too addicted to the fruit to run. I don’t think he said anything about not eating the fruit. I’m sure they encourage it to keep the humans working for them.

  “When the sun sets, you may return to your room. Dinner will be provided then.” The goblin doesn’t wait for questions. He turns and walks away.

  My heart races as I stare out into the orchard. So much space. So much unwatched space. There are no guards, no gates, no walls.

  I have no supplies, no idea where I am, and no idea what will happen to me out there on my own. But I have to try. It’s the one thing I tried a hundred times before and it always failed. Now, I finally have a shot at freedom. Or something closer to it, I hope.

  I step into the orchard and walk forward. I hear the other two servants footsteps on the soft dirt behind me. They’re following me but I doubt they’ll continue once I pass the others.

  I walk five minutes before I see any signs of life. A whole swarm of servants in overalls and wide brimmed hats is busy picking fruit and dropping it in baskets.

  None of them look up as we approach.

  I frown as I see one of them pull one of the golden faerie fruits from the tree and take a bite. The juice runs down his chin and his eyes glaze over instantly. The servant chews slowly, then sinks to the ground, cradling the fruit in his hands.

  He’s going to be down a while from the looks of it.

  I keep walking, past the servants, past the baskets.

  “Where are you going?” Someone asks.

  I turn to see one of the servants who traveled with me.

  “I’m not staying,” I say.

  “They’ll catch you,” he says.

  “I don’t care,” I say. At this point, I’ll take my chances with the rumored hunters who supposedly capture humans and keep them for their own. It wouldn’t be any different from what I’m experiencing now. At least with this, I have a chance. If I stay, I’m already dead.

  “Good luck,” he says as he picks up a basket.

  I nod and turn away from him. Then, I cut through the orchard and walk toward where I hope the sea awaits.

  In all directions, I’m surrounded by trees. Thousands of them. There’s no sign of life. No sign of a road or anything. Just trees. As I’m walking, I feel a strange tug in my gut. As if something is calling to me.

  I change direction, suddenly driven by intuition. It
doesn’t make sense, but I have nothing else to go on.

  Sweat rolls down my back and I stop to take a deep breath. It’s a warm day and my mouth is dry. What I wouldn’t give for a glass of water. Even the fruit on the trees is starting to look inviting.

  I shake off the thought and make myself walk again, following the feeling I can’t explain. All I can do right now is hope.

  Chapter Nine

  Darius

  A goblin shuffles over to me when I arrive. He bows low, recognizing me. “Your majesty, to what do we owe the honor?”

  “I’m here for one of your new servants. A girl. Is she here?” I ask.

  The goblin stands. “The new servants are in the field, your grace. Shall I retrieve her for you?”

  “Where?” I demand. “Show me.”

  The goblin nods, then walks toward the orchard. My whole body tenses as the reality of where she’s been sent hits me. This is no place for a queen.

  We walk down a row between the trees and the scent of the fruit rushes in. The wind rattles the leaves and the sun warms my skin. Under normal circumstances, I might find this place beautiful. Today, it feels more like a prison that I must free my mate from.

  Ahead, I see servants who mechanically pull fruit from the tress and drop them into baskets. Their eyes are hollow, their gazes unfocused. To them, it is a prison.

  I know that Rena has changed everything in my world. I know humans cannot be treated like this. I know this is wrong. A few days ago, I wouldn’t have cared. It makes me realize just how much she’s already become a part of me. My mate. My other half.

  I scan the faces looking for her.

  “She’s not here.” I growl, turning to the goblin next to me. I grab hold of his collar and lift him off the ground. His eyes widen and he visibly shakes.

  “I sent her here. I sent all of the new ones here,” he says.

  “The girl?” Someone asks. “You’re looking for her, my king?”

  I lower the goblin and drop him on the ground, then I turn to the servant.

  His head is lowered, eyes downcast.

  “Where is she?” I ask.

  He looks up at me and I notice that his eyes are still bright. Still focused. He’s not eaten the fruit. Yet.

  “She left,” he says, lifting a hand and pointing.

  I raise my brows. “Why lie to me? I’m here to save her.”

  “Oh?” he asks.

  “Show me where she really went and you’ll have your freedom,” I say.

  The servant straightens and moves his hand, indicating a new direction. I nod, then walk through the trees.

  “Your highness, do you wish me to accompany you?” The goblin calls from behind me.

  “No,” I shout. “But if she returns here, keep her safe. If a single hair is harmed, I will kill you myself.”

  I don’t turn around to see the response. I can feel her now. She’s close.

  I take off at a run when I catch her scent. It’s weak, but I know she’s been through this way. I turn, following my instincts, trusting our bond to lead me to her.

  I don’t know how long I’m running when I see movement out of the corner of my eye. It’s her. I can feel her before I turn to confirm.

  She stops walking and stands in-between the trees, frozen in place. Her dark hair is a halo of fuzz around her face, her dress is covered in dirt. She’s taking deep breaths, her face red.

  “Rena,” I whisper her name.

  Her brow furrows and I can sense her apprehension.

  “Please, Rena, don’t run. I came for you. I wanted to give you space, time to think about all this, but I can’t be without you. Don’t you feel it?” I ask. “Tell me you feel the bond.”

  Chapter Ten

  Rena

  Flutters fill my chest as I stare at the summer king. Everything inside of me is on fire at once. As if my whole body is calling out to run to him.

  But how can I?

  None of it makes sense. Why is he here? Why am I so fucking happy to see him?

  “Rena.” He whispers my name as if we share secrets. I suppose after last night, we do.

  My brow furrows. Out of all the situations I could imagine for how me running from here would end, this one never crossed my mind. Yet, as he stands here in front of me, I feel more at peace than I have in months. The heavy weight in my gut is gone.

  “Please, Rena, don’t run. I came for you. I wanted to give you space, time to think about all this, but I can’t be without you. Don’t you feel it?” I ask. “Tell me you feel the bond.”

  “I don’t know what I feel,” I say. It’s the truth. There’s a part of me that wants to run to him but another part of me that’s terrified. And mortified.

  He closes the distance between us and stops in front of me. My breath hitches and I swear I can feel his body heat rise with every passing second.

  “You’re running,” he says.

  “I am,” I say. “I won’t be a slave anymore. I’d rather die.”

  “You’re not a slave anymore,” he says. “You’re free.”

  The words send tears to my eyes because I know he can’t lie. Whatever the reason, it’s real. By word of the summer king, I’m free.

  “But please, before you choose to run, will you try one thing for me?” he asks.

  Despite myself, I find I want to help him. He sounds heartbroken and it makes my chest hurt. “What?”

  “Kiss me. Just once,” he says. “If you don’t feel the bond, I’ll let you walk away. But if you feel it, even a little bit, please come back with me. Give it a chance.”

  My heart pounds wildly and my body is already betraying me. Before I can let the logical side consider his words, I throw my arms over his shoulders and lift my chin.

  His mouth is on mine so quickly it makes my head spin. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me tight against him. I melt into his embrace, feeling safe. Feeling comforted. Feeling at home.

  And then everything seems to fall into place. All the emotions rush into me. It’s like I’ve known this kiss my whole life. As if his lips were made for me.

  I can’t explain it, but he was right. I kiss him hungrily and slide my fingers into his hair. His hand drops to my waist and he grabs my ass, pulling me even closer.

  My whole body heats and tingles run down my skin. I feel more alive than I’ve ever felt. This is right. This is so, so right.

  All too soon he breaks the kiss. His cheeks are flushed and he’s breathing heavy. I’m sure I look just as red as he does.

  “You’ll stay with me?” he asks.

  His words are desperate but determined and he looks softer somehow.

  I nod. Tears stinging my eyes and my throat too tight to form words. Suddenly, I feel like I know why I was brought here.

  He gently brushes his fingers over my cheek. “You will be my queen.”

  My eyes widen and I tense at the thought. “I’m not queen material.”

  “You’re my mate and we belong together,” he says.

  I open my mouth to object again, but he silences me with another kiss. I melt into him, eagerly meeting his tongue with mine. The kiss is pure passion and tastes like desire. I didn’t even know a kiss could be this intense.

  Wetness spreads between my legs as his hand cups my breast over my dress. This time, I’m not running away.

  I break the kiss and lift my dress over my head. He grins and quickly removes his clothes.

  I take him in in all his naked glory. The man is built like a god. He might be a king, but his body shows the story of a life of hard work. His sculpted chest and washboard abs are the stuff of fantasy. His erect cock is a thing of beauty. I can’t believe he’s all mine.

  I move closer to him and run my palms down his chest to his stomach. Then, I wrap around and slide my hands up his back. I freeze when I feel something familiar on his skin. A raised ribbon of flesh.

  I look up at him, a question in my eyes, and quickly move to see his back. Scars from lashes long healed c
riss-cross his strong back. I trace my fingers over them.

  He turns and grabs hold of my arms. “Now you know why I wanted to kill them for what they did to you.”

  “But you’re king,” I say.

  “I had a cruel father,” he says.

  I look down, the weight of being with him sinking in. If I’m with him, I’m supporting that kind of pain for all the humans in his service. I look back up at him. “I can’t do this.”

  He lifts my chin with his finger. “Yes, you can. We’re going to fix it. Change things. Make the Summer Kingdom a place of peace and prosperity.”

  “For fae?” I ask.

  “For everyone,” he says. “I can’t have a human queen ruling over repressed humans.”

  I can tell he’s already thought about this. “All that from one night with me? We didn’t even have sex.”

  “I love you,” he says. “I won’t allow the continued ensalvement and torture of my wife’s people.”

  “For real?” I ask.

  He nods. “Yes, for real.”

  I know the fae can’t lie, so my clarification wasn’t necessary, but I still can’t believe the sudden change.

  “Can you say my name?” he asks.

  I laugh then I move closer to him and slide my arms around his waist. I have to lift my chin to look up at him and my eyes lock onto his. The bond he was talking about is clearly there. I know I’d do anything for him. Anything to be with him. “Darius.”

  His mouth claims mine again and I press into him, my breasts up against his bare chest.

  I drop one of my hands and grab hold of his cock, slowly sliding my hand up and down the shaft. He moans into my mouth before breaking the kiss.

  He takes hold of me under my ass and lifts me. I squeal in surprise and wrap my arms around his neck to steady myself.

  My legs are around his waist as he lowers both of us to the ground. I’m on his lap, his cock against my thigh. I release my legs and lift myself so I’m positioned above him.