by C. J. Anaya
“I held you like this, lifted you, supported you, danced with you, until the music and the beauty of that moment ran its course.” His lips pressed against my ear. “And then we did it all over again.”
The fire along my skin was now a raging inferno within my core.
May day. May day.
He was totally taking advantage of this dark tunnel and my inability to run the hell away from him.
Man, he played dirty.
My thoughts flashed back to the memory of Jareth and I dancing together. The small breakthrough I’d had on Goblin Mountain. Not a figment of my imagination, but something real. Something I could latch onto and possibly analyze if I really wanted to. I almost found myself leaning against him, reveling in the moment and the familiarity of it.
But then I got hold of my malfunctioning brain and stuck to the plan.
Instead of attempting to bring that memory to life within my mind I opted to change the subject.
“Did you know that your father, Moridan, has kidnapped the Goblin King’s daughter? Any chance you know what the Goblin King has that your father would want?”
My question surprised him so much, it was pathetically easy to extricate myself from his yummy arms—no, I would not be saying yummy out loud again—and make a beeline for the tiny pinprick of light up ahead. Light meant end of tunnel and end of tunnel meant Jareth could no longer launch his romantic emotional and physical assault on me.
Victory.
I reached the end of the tunnel just as he grabbed my arm and brought me up short.
“What are you talking about? Why would my father steal the Goblin King’s daughter?”
“The Goblin King said your dear old dad wants something from him. Any idea as to what that might be?”
Jareth screwed up his brows, clearly perplexed.
“None. He hates Goblins. I can’t imagine he’s treating her well if that’s the case.”
“Well, she’s another casualty in this, and I promised the king I would get her back.”
Jareth looked up at the stone ceiling and let out an exasperated sigh.
“Of course you did.”
“Hey, people are people even if they do have a million warts all over their bodies.”
“We’re not people, Crysta. We’re faeries.”
I ignored the jab and looked ahead, taking in the open expanse that led out to the ledge. Instead of walking to it, however, I turned to the left and headed for the staircase I’d found on my previous visit.
“Down we go,” I said, turning around when I realized neither one of them were following me.
The first thing I noticed was Jareth placing a supportive hand on Graul’s shoulder as the Stargis stared across the ledge in surprise. Soon his expression turned to joy as large, green tears seeped from his eyes. It might have grossed me out if I hadn’t realized what was going on and why this might be so emotional for him. I looked out at the sea of faces below, everyone having already stopped to stare at us once we emerged from the tunnel and came into view. They clearly recognized Graul, a tangible feeling of welcome permeating the air, a sense of homecoming despite the fact that this was neither their home or Graul’s.
But family is home, and home is family.
“Graul,” I said. “Maybe you should go first since these are your people.”
“Our people,” he said gruffly, but he gave me a grateful smile and walked past me down the staircase, reaching the ground level in a hurry. He was immediately engulfed by a flurry of arms and exuberant greetings.
I stayed on the staircase, not wishing to interrupt this moment for him. Even though I only had a day’s worth of memories where Graul was concerned, I knew I must have promised him we’d find his people before I lost my memories. It felt good to accomplish something worthwhile after being so helpless for so long.
Jareth came down the steps and stood just above me, resting a hand on my shoulder as we watched Graul greet his people.
“It’s obvious they love and respect him,” Jareth said. “I knew Graul was a special individual when he took it upon himself to protect you.”
I shrugged.
“I don’t disagree with your opinion of Graul’s character, but he kind of had to make sure I absorbed his people’s magic so they didn’t die.”
“True, but Graul was the heir to that power, and he had every reason to resent you for taking his place. Instead, he’s become just as devoted to you as I have. He’s also become a very good friend.”
I bit my lower lip, feeling a little puzzled at the way he delivered that last bit of info, as if that hadn’t been a possibility he’d expected.
“Are you not used to having friends?” I asked.
I turned and tilted my head back to look at him. His eyes focused ahead on Graul, but a self-deprecating smile graced his lips.
“I’m not used to interacting on a social level with lower level faeries, including their royals. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s the truth. I never considered that to be wrong…until I met you.”
I quirked my eyebrow in disbelief.
“Are you saying meeting me cured you of racism and extreme douchebaggery?”
Jareth’s attention snapped my way.
“I wish I hadn’t left that slang dictionary in the human realm. I’m fairly certain that last word is a new one.”
“Considering how long you claim we’ve known each other, I’m surprised this is the first time you’ve ever heard me use it to describe you.”
He narrowed his eyes, studying me intently as I smiled up at him with a doe-eyed expression. Then his lips turned up at the corners, a satisfied glint in his eye.
“I’m really getting to you, aren’t I?” he asked.
Even though his words served to take the wind out of my sails, I kept my cool and didn’t change my expression.
“Why would you think that?”
He reached for my chin and bent low, drawing his lips closer.
“Because you were just as prickly and resistant to the idea of falling in love with me the first time around. Always so sassy.”
“Maybe that’s because you’re an ass.”
“Or maybe it’s because you’re afraid…afraid to feel, afraid to trust me, afraid to try. This is your way of dealing with unwanted emotion, with any emotion that makes you uncomfortable. And Crysta, everything you feel for me right at this moment makes you extremely uncomfortable.”
He smoothed his thumb over my bottom lip. I kept myself firmly in check even though it would have been the easiest thing in the world to bridge that small gap between us and lock my lips with his. I kept a clear picture of Kheelan in my head and the way he’d looked at me when he couldn’t deny all the accusations piling up against him.
Nope. Not interested in doing that all over again.
Jareth brought my lips even closer to his until I felt his warm breath on my face.
“I didn’t let you push me away then, and I won’t let you do it now. I remember all your tricks, Crysta. I clearly have the advantage.”
I pulled out of his grip and glared up at him.
“Douchebaggery,” I said. “Get used to that label, faerie prince. I’ll most likely be using it again.”
I turned away before he figured out just how much power his nearness had over me and quickly descended the stairs. I was immediately met with smiling faces as the Stargis welcomed me with open arms.
Zauhn came forward and knelt before me. I quickly grabbed his arms and pulled him to his feet before the rest of his people decided to follow his lead.
“Zauhn, I really don’t want you bowing to me. It’s completely unnecessary.”
“But you are our queen,” he said looking a bit perplexed.
Graul grunted.
“Crysta queen, but also friend. Different from most royals.”
Zauhn tilted his head to the side in a gesture very similar to what I’d seen Graul do over the last twenty-four hours. He considered me for a moment, then nodded.
“You are here to help us?”
“Absolutely.” I turned around to call for Jareth, but smacked right into his rock hard chest. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. “Does the term personal space mean anything to you?”
His grin spread wide across his face, lighting up his incredible blue eyes.
“That, funnily enough, is not the first time you’ve asked me that question, but I imagine you already know the answer.”
I ignored him and took a deliberate step back.
“You said you know the spell I need to cast to break the wards that are trapping the Stargis here.”
“Yes.” He gently grasped my shoulders and turned me so that my back faced him. Then he placed his hands on my shoulders and spoke softly in my ear. “I will give you the words you need to break the wards, then it is up to you to draw on your Winter magic and freeze the wards’ threads until they snap.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, hoping the sharp pain would keep me grounded in the present instead of visualizing Jareth’s lips meeting my own.
“Why can’t you break the wards?” I asked.
“Your father…er…Rodri was the one to bind the Stargis. I recognize his signature. Since I do not have mastery over Winter magic, this must be done by you. I think it very fitting either way.”
I looked at Zauhn, his hopeful expression making my heart seize for just a moment. What if I failed them all miserably? What if I messed it up?
I shook the terrible thoughts from my mind and focused on the blue wisps of magic within my core, waiting for Jareth’s instructions.
“Ready?” he asked.
I merely nodded.
“Repeat three times, congelo et discutio.”
I did as he instructed and sent my magic outward, wrapping their icy tendrils around the threads of my father’s wards and freezing them until one-by-one they snapped out of existence. Within moments the wards were down and the Stargis were free. A hushed silence permeated the air, and then a joyous cry sprang forth. I opened my eyes and couldn’t help but smile at all the joyful faces surrounding me.
Maybe I was getting the hang of this whole magic thing after all.
Graul gabbed my hand and squeezed, a silent thank you shining within the depths of his eyes.
“Well done, Crysta.” Jareth spun me around to face him, a tiny smile hinted at the corners of his mouth. “I do believe you’re going to be quite fearsome once you’ve fully harnessed all your powers.”
“Remember that the next time you decide to antagonize me.”
He let out a soft chuckle and gave me a feral grin, making me think he’d just accepted my words as a challenge.
Great! Like he needed the encouragement.
“You found her,” cried a nice looking girl the minute we apparated within the Unseelie Palace Courtyard.
Eh?
Her blond hair flew behind her as she took the stone steps two at a time, raced forward, and happily flung herself into my arms. I immediately hugged her back, feeling grateful for the affection even though I had no idea who I held.
She was a lot stronger than she looked. Her arms clamped tight around me, giving me the kind of sisterly love I hadn’t realized I’d been craving.
She pulled back after a moment, an exuberant smile on her face.
“I’m so relieved they finally found you. We thought for sure you would be dead because we couldn’t get rid of the death trap, which meant we couldn’t get rid of the binding spell, which meant you couldn’t absorb the Stargis magic, which meant you and Graul and all of his people were going to die without the bond being complete.”
A slow smile spread across my face as she continued to babble. I had no idea who she was, but I decided we were definitely friends. Graul placed a quieting hand on the young girl’s shoulder.
“Crysta not remember yet,” he said.
She blinked at him in surprise for a moment and then looked at me in alarm.
“You don’t remember what?”
“Anything,” Jareth said. His voice was matter-of-fact, but I noticed the bitter edge to it. “When she severed our soul link there was some blow-back with the magic. She doesn’t remember anything before waking up in the presence of Kheelan and…King Rodri.”
“The hell you say?” she croaked out.
It sounded so funny I had to laugh. I also had to throw my arms around her and hug her close to me too because her once-ecstatic expression had become so crestfallen. I hated to see someone so spunky become so morose.
“I may not remember you, but it’s obvious we must have been friends. Am I right?”
She shrugged her shoulders, biting her lip to keep a few tears at bay.
“I certainly wanted to be your friend. I was really just your servant.”
“Servant?” I said. I turned to look at Jareth with thunder in my eyes. “What is she talking about?”
Jareth let out a tired sigh.
“Lily is a slave here at the palace due to a blood debt she inherited from her parents.”
I kept a protective arm around Lily and pulled her close.
“The hell you say?” I echoed Lily. It exploded from me in an outraged huff. “Slavery is not okay. Lily is not a slave, she’s obviously my friend. I hope to hell you two haven’t been treating her like one since I’ve been gone.”
Jareth and Graul looked at each other with wide smiles on their faces.
“Crysta not remember, but still she is good person,” Graul said.
“What is he talking about?” I directed my question to Jareth.
“You were just as outraged before as you are now when you found out about Lily’s blood debt. Make no mistake, Crysta, we do not consider Lily to be a slave. She is our friend, and she has kept our spirits up week after week when we all thought we’d lost you for good.”
“And I love her,” Graul grunted, giving her a wide grin.
My jaw dropped in shock as I turned my eyes to Lily. She gave Graul a happy smile and rushed forward into his open arms. He tucked her head under his chin with a satisfied look on his face.
Well, this was a hell of a thing.
Wasn’t bothered by it. Just hadn’t expected it.
“Did I know about this before?” I asked. “Or is this a post-memory loss development?”
Jareth laughed and walked toward me while Graul gave Lily a sweet kiss on her forehead.
“This has been developing over the last few weeks,” he said, standing by my side. “It was kind of hard to watch. Every time Graul took Lily into his arms it made me ache for you, but I was still very happy for them. To use a human phrase, we’ve all become pretty tight-knit since you disappeared. Losing you brought us together in a way we may not have been otherwise.” He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Graul, Lily, and Roderick kept me sane during moments when your absence nearly became too much for me to handle.”
The tenderness in his tone and the lingering ache brought my gaze to his. A hungry fire and depth of feeling deepened the blue of his eyes. I swallowed hard and pulled my gaze away, moving a step toward Graul and Lily even though everything within me urged me to take Jareth in my arms and reassure him that I was here for him. That he’d never be without me again.
Kheelan’s deceptive smile and beguiling kisses rose to the forefront of my memory, and I brushed the longing I felt for Jareth away.
I watched Lily say something to Graul that caused a wide smile to split his features, and then he made a noise that sounded like the Stargis version of a laugh.
It was nice.
“Well, I’m extremely glad that something good came from my disappearance,” I said.
Jareth placed his hand on the small of my back and drew me closer to his side. I stiffened immediately and pulled back.
“We should probably get started on this memory retrieval…stuff,” I said. I folded my arms across my chest since the urge to wrap my arms around him was a bit overwhelming.
Jareth’s eyes narrowed. He gave me a disgrunt
led look.
“You can’t avoid physical contact with me forever. I hoped last night might have fixed that silly notion of yours.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve officially known you for less than two days—”
“You’ve known me far longer than that.”
“—and I’m not comfortable with how touchy, feely you want to be.”
“That’s not what you said last night.”
“I didn’t say anything last night. You just grabbed me, and kissed me, and didn’t give me much of a chance to object.”
Jareth stepped forward until our noses were inches apart.
“Object? I do believe you were practically begging to be kissed.”
Lily made a small noise of protest to my left.
“We not interfere,” Graul said in an admonishing tone.
“But he’s approaching this all wrong,” she muttered.
“Thank you,” I said, giving her a grateful look. I turned back to Jareth. “You see? Lily is aware that when you first get to know someone you don’t just grab her and kiss her like a caveman. You can’t just assume that I’ll be on board with however things used to be and act just as I did before, when I don’t remember how I acted before and I don’t remember you.”
Jareth grabbed my arms and pulled me to him, looking as if he might be ready to protest everything I’d just said by reenacting last night’s kiss. If I’d thought an audience would deter Jareth from being too amorous I was dead wrong.
“Although,” Lily said, a little sparkle to her voice, “the idea of your lover throwing you over his shoulder, taking you back to his cave, and kissing you senseless holds real appeal.”
I gave Lily an exasperated look.
“Not helping, girlfriend.”
Her sweet smile was all innocence even though there was a naughty little gleam in her eye as she looked between me and Jareth.
Graul studied Lily for a moment then reached down, picked her up, and flipped her over his shoulder.
“Graul,” Lily said with a laugh, “what are you doing?”
“We find cave. I kiss you senseless.”
Lily’s laughter was filled with delight as he took off with her in the opposite direction.