Beyond the Mountain

by Lily Archer

  “We will discuss this later.” I roll my shoulders. “But nothing you can say will stop me from crowning Taylor as queen of the winter realm. She is my mate. I know her. I know the good that lives in her along with her father’s bloodline. She will never commit his evil, no matter what you may have seen.”

  Queen Aurentia doesn’t respond, just stares with those sad eyes.

  I turn and leave, Gareth at my back, and stalk past the summer realm soldiers. We stop outside the great hall, the room full of winter realm nobles, foreign dignitaries who could make it on such short notice, and plenty of winter realm citizens.

  Gareth turns my crown back slightly to the left and smooths my black fur cloak. “Just a dream. She doesn’t know Taylor. Not like we do.”

  “I put my life, my faith, my realm in her hands with no reservations.” Nothing can change my bond with her. I will cherish Taylor until the end of Arin, and I know her heart is a shining thing, one that gives love to all who need it.

  Gareth steps back and gives me a final once-over, but trouble creases his brow. “What is it?”

  “Nothing.” He shakes his head and glowers as if he’s scolding himself on the inside.

  “I can read you, Gareth. So you may as well get it off your chest before we enter the great hall.”

  “I don’t want to spoil your ceremony.”

  I stare at him and cross my arms over my chest.

  “Don’t do that.” He pulls my arms down and straightens my tunic. “Wrinkles.”

  I laugh, half at him and half at the joy welling up in me as I contemplate seeing Taylor in her mating dress. “Quick now, I can’t keep her waiting. Spit it out.”

  He curses himself, then says apologetically, “I just had a thought about the mate bond. About how it hasn’t happened for anyone else in the realm.”

  I sober. “I’ve thought about it, too. I intend to consult with Branala on it as soon as possible after the ceremony.” I put a hand on his shoulder. “We will find your mate. I swear it.”

  “Don’t intend to get on it too soon after the ceremony.” He smiles, the gloom fading away. “I think you’ll be quite busy for a few days with your mate.”

  Just the thought of the filthy things I intend to do to her sends a jolt of need through me. “Let’s go.” I nod at the soldiers to open the doors.

  The entire room stands as I enter, a sea of faces turning to look as I stride toward the throne. The crowd murmurs, nobles and commoners sharing their excitement for the royal mating. This, above all, is the thing that can bring my realm into an even more stable existence. More than that, I want everyone to know that my mate is without equal and totally, unequivocally mine.

  Branala stands at the top step, just aside from the silver throne, her hair plaited in a rope and the Book of Ancients laid out before her. The Phalanx lines the stairs on each side, my most trusted warriors dressed in silver armor or simple black.

  When I reach my place at the front, I turn and face the crowd. They all bow or curtsy, but I’m not interested in them. My gaze is firmly fixed on the doors at the back of the great hall. Thousands turn and wait for my mate, their curiosity coloring the air. Gareth takes position beside me, and I know he’s scouring the crowd for threats and to ensure our most important invitees are in attendance.

  Queen Aurentia enters through a side door and, after a quick nod of deference, she takes a seat to the side.

  “Ready?” Gareth asks.

  “Eager.” I clasp my hands in front of me. She’s almost here. I can feel her nerves through the bond. “I can’t wait,” I whisper to her.

  “Shhh!” she shoots back. “Trying to concentrate here.”

  I laugh even though it gains several stares.

  Gareth clears his throat. “Looks like every diplomat who could make it here in time did. I see plenty of good alliances out there.”

  I can’t tell if he’s chattering about politics because he wants to or because he’s trying to keep me calm. Either way, he doesn’t stop until the doors finally begin to open.

  I straighten and stare.

  When she appears, I send every bit of my excitement down the bond, skittering along our connection like a wildfire.

  She meets my gaze, her sparkling eyes the most beautiful blue in all of Arin. My heart seems to beat triple time as she walks toward me, her gown like a winter’s dream of white lace and gray spidersilk with a white fur cloak trailing behind.

  It’s as if the entire room draws in a breath, shocked by the gorgeous queen who must surely be straight from the Glowing Lands. Her hair is loose and wavy, perfect for my fingers. It’s a shame her dress is so beautiful, because I intend to rip it off the moment I get her alone after the ceremony.

  She climbs the steps, her eyes locked with mine.

  With her at my side, I am the most blessed king Arin has ever known.

  She stops beside me, and I can’t help but take her hand and kiss it.

  Branala clears her throat. “My lord.”

  We both turn to face her as the guests take their seats.

  Taylor’s hand shakes as I hold it, and Branala begins reciting the ancient liturgy, the words of binding. Magic begins to sparkle in the air around us, blue and white flickers that dance as our bond becomes visible.

  “You put all other queens to shame.”

  Her cheeks redden, and she sneaks a look at me from the corner of her eye. “You murdered my panties the second I saw you.”

  My low growl stops Branala, who gives me a scolding glare. I force myself to calm and nod for her to go on.

  She shakes her head but continues reading.

  “You are going to get a spanking for that, little one.”

  Her eyes widen, but I can sense her interest tickling down the bond.

  “My queen is far naughtier than I ever imagined.” I squeeze her hand. “Thank the Ancestors.”

  Her cheeks brighten even further as the magic intensifies, Branala’s words sealing our bond for all to see.

  When she finishes, we turn to face the crowd, and Gareth brings forth Taylor’s crown.

  “That’s for me?” She puts one hand to her mouth. “Delantis.” Her eyes water. “It’s perfect.”

  “Fit for a queen.” I take the silver circlet with the soulstone diadem and place it on her head.

  “More to the right,” Gareth whispers.

  I smile and adjust it as the magic swirling around us intensifies.

  When Taylor looks up, her eyes sparkling and her mating mark practically glowing, my heart feels like it could burst.

  I raise her hand. “Your queen, Taylor Gladion.”

  A roar goes up and applause breaks out.

  She smiles, but then it fades.

  “What?” I face her, blocking her from the crowd and cupping her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

  The guests quiet.

  “The curse.” She squints at the magic. “Don’t you see it?”

  I turn and stare at the blue and white sparks, the wisps of bond magic. “No.”

  “The dark is there, staining it. I can feel it, like oil on water.” She reaches toward it. “Look.” A tendril of her dark magic flows from her fingertip.

  The guests gasp, and Gareth yells for calm.

  A thicker wisp of darkness appears from the maelstrom, one I didn’t see until Taylor pulled it forth.

  I tense. “Be careful.”

  “It can’t hurt me. It’s part of me.” She opens her palm, and the darkness thickens, flowing into her from the shimmery circle. It grows lighter and lighter, the sparks turning into stars, the hues growing even more vibrant, our bond in its full glory.

  When she pulls the last tendril inside herself, the magic bursts in an explosion of light, and a ripple cascades outward with a boom.

  She falls back into my arms, her eyelashes fluttering.

  “Taylor.” I pick her up. “Are you all right? Taylor!”

  She opens her eyes, and her lips turn up into a luscious smile. “That was kind
of wild.”

  I kiss her, sealing our mate bond and anointing her as queen of the winter realm.

  Branala’s voice rises, silencing the chatter in the room. “The ceremony is now concluded. All hail the king and queen!”

  A cheer goes up, but confusion still reigns in the hall.

  “Handle it,” I bark to Gareth as I hurry past with my queen in my arms.

  “But you must attend the feast and the—”

  “I said handle it,” I call back as I dodge well wishers and dash down the center aisle. Once free of the great hall, I waste no time getting to our bedroom and slam the door behind us.

  “What was that?” I lay her on the bed.

  “I don’t know. I just saw all that dark power there for the taking, and I wanted it.” She covers her face with her hands. “Does this mean I really am evil?”

  “No.” I grab the front of her beautiful dress and rip it in half.

  She yelps. “You’re going to be in so much trouble with Cecile and Nadian for that!”

  “I’ll take whatever trouble comes as long as you are mine.” I shred her panties and free myself from my black pants. With a hard thrust, I’m inside her, and she claws at my chest.

  “More,” I demand and grab her shoulder, holding her in place as I spread her legs even wider, claiming what’s mine.

  She arches for me, her pink nipples ripe for the taking. I suck one hard peak into my mouth as she grabs my hair, yanking the strands as she moans and writhes beneath me like the goddess she is.

  I can’t be gentle, can’t take my time with her. I need to soak her with me, to let everyone know that we are bound body and soul.

  Licking my thumb, I press it to her clit, and her heady scent of arousal grows. I run a hand through her hair and pull, watching as she lets herself go, her soft body perfect against my hard one.

  My control is gone, and I can’t resist biting her. When I sink my fangs into her mating mark, she comes wildly, her legs shaking as I bury myself deep inside her warmth and coat her with my seed.

  I roar to the tops of the granite turrets, my soul forever bound to hers, my heart in her hands, and my kingdom at her feet.

  Epilogue I

  “Take it all off.” The magic pulls at my dress as Selene dances around a roaring blue fire, her naked body reflecting the flames.

  “This is …” I gape as Delantis sways into view, her nudity putting her (frankly amazing) rack on full display. “What are you doing?”

  “Just go with it.” Delantis howls at the moon and dances away, her hips in tune to a distant drumbeat as her gryphon prances along behind her.

  The magic twirls around me, shimmying and sparkling under the full moon. “No one will see.”

  “This is insane.”

  “Take it off!” Selene cries from the other side of the wide bonfire.

  “Peer pressure.” I pull my tunic over my head and drop my skirt but keep my panties in place.

  “Prude.” The magic frowns but leaves me alone to swirl around the fire.

  Delantis grabs my hand and pulls me along with her, the drumbeat seducing me as the moon glows high above, the otherworld dark all around us. I dance, swaying as we trample the grass underfoot and raise our arms to the sky, howling like wild animals as the music grows louder.

  I let my wings out, my back aching as they unfurl.

  “Yes,” the magic hisses and holds out its hand, blowing onto its palm as if sending me a kiss. A sparkling wind lifts me into the air, and I soar around the fire, wheeling and shooting up into the night sky. Delantis’s gryphon joins me, the two of us racing and chasing each other as the others laugh around the fire below. My heart expands, the dark chambers working together with the light.

  “Having fun?” Leander’s voice ripples down the bond.

  I flap harder and pinch Delantis’s tail before dropping toward the ground. The eagle head caws, and she chases me as I giggle.

  “A little,” I tell him.

  “Just a little? What, exactly, are you females doing in the otherworld?”

  Delantis’s gryphon soars past, its tail whipping out and yanking my panties away. We’re wild and free, naked and a little crazed.

  “We’re just doing girl stuff, you know.” I pull my wings close and plummet downward, Delantis chasing me and nipping at my heels with her beak.

  “Mmhmm.” He doesn’t sound convinced.

  I open my wings and the wind catches me and drops me to the emerald grass. “Don’t worry.”

  “I have to worry. The bed is cold. I’m snapping at everyone. I pondered removing one of my noble’s heads earlier, simply because he spoke out of turn. I need my mate.”

  “I’ll be back soon.”

  “When?”

  “Soooooon,” the magic croons down the bond.

  I shiver. “That’s creepy. Like someone listening to my phone calls.”

  “Stop worrying, winter king. She will return when she is ready.”

  He growls, his feral coming through loud and clear. “Wily magic. She better be back here in my bed, safe, within the week, or I will come there myself and rip out your—”

  His voice cuts off as the magic titters with laughter. “Wrong number.”

  “Naughty.” I fall to the grass and splay my arms over my head as I stare at the swirling sky above. “I love you. I’ll be home soon, promise.”

  “Fine,” he grumbles. “I will wait. Impatiently.”

  Selene collapses beside me, then Delantis falls on my other side, her gryphon curling up next to her.

  The magic turns into a faun, its deer-like ears twitching as it pulls out a lute and begins to play softly.

  “Secrets,” the faun whispers. “Tell me yours, my queen, and I shall tell you mine.”

  “I don’t have any.” I yawn.

  “You have plenty.”

  “I want to know about the royal mating. Is Leander as kingly as he looks, eh?” Selene elbows me.

  I blush down to my toes.

  “It’s just us girls.” The magic morphs into a female faun, bare-breasted and beautiful.

  “I can’t talk about that.”

  “Sure you can!” Delantis grins. “My mate could barely keep up with my appetite. I think he went to the Ancestors simply to escape my lusty desires.”

  “Oh, I’ve had my share of males.” Selene cackles. “I’ve sat on so many faces that I can only remember a few.”

  “TMI.” I cover my face.

  “TMI.” Selene’s voice sobers. “Is that why you brought Taylor here, magic? The true reason? To give her TMI?”

  The lute stops. “Too soon for such conversation.” She starts playing again, louder this time. “First, let us make merry.”

  I turn to the magic. “Is it about the future? About the war?”

  She stops on an off note. “You know of the war?”

  I sigh and lie back on the grass. “I don’t know for sure, but I can feel it.”

  “Feel what?” Delantis rises on her elbow.

  I tell the truth that has been haunting me, the one that wakes me in the night and has Leander comforting me with soothing touches. “Death. It seems like it waits with bated breath, ready to pounce.” I flex my hand and call forth a black flame. “I can feel it, like a deep inhale before diving beneath the surface. I’ve sensed it ever since the Gray Mountains.”

  Selene clacks her teeth together. “Taste it, I can. Dark things know of what you speak.”

  The magic sighs as if it’s tired, the exhaustion bone-deep, but continues its song. “First, make merry. Then, secrets and darkness and prophecy.”

  “And bones?” Selene asks hopefully.

  “And bones.” The magic nods.

  “Do not fear.” Delantis grabs my hand. “You have allies, more by the day. Whatever comes, keep them close.”

  I let out a breath and push the worries to the back of my mind. The magic is right. We must grab our pleasures while we can. Tomorrow is not promised, and each day with my mate is a
singular joy. “As long as I have Leander, I can weather any storm.”

  “Yes, Leander.” Selene grins. “Let’s get back to him. Does he mate like a beast or a gentlefae? Does he ride you like a dragon? Stroke you like the kindest breeze? Rage inside you like a monster? Whisper sweetness into your ear? Pull your hair? Tell, tell, tell!”

  The lute plays, the sky glitters, and I let myself sink into the emerald grass of the otherworld. I turn to Selene, mischief in the air between us, and ask, “How much time do you have?”

  Epilogue II

  A pile of stone shifts, the rock crumbling as a figure rises from the destruction. Under the moonless night, he creeps along the ruins of the mountaintop cavern, bones crunching beneath his feet as he struggles to find a way out of the debris of rock and death.

  It takes time, but eventually he climbs from the pit and stands atop the cold, dark mountain, the valley spreading out below. Some soldiers still dwell there, campfires burning in the night. They didn’t go back to their realms. Not all of them, anyway. Enough remain. Enough to start again.

  But he can’t lead them. Not as he is.

  His snakelike tongue darts out, tasting the air. The winter king has gone, returned to his realm, assured that the war was thwarted.

  He turns and looks down at the throne room, at the exact spot where his father was turned to nothing more than ash. Though he never loved Shathinor, never cared for him at all, he knows that he cannot lead without him. But he’s gone, his physical form utterly destroyed by that bitch of a sister.

  Cenet reaches inside his tunic, past the brand of the twisted tree, and snags the golden chain that hangs around his neck. Pulling it free, he peers at the phylactery. It emits a crimson glow in the dark night, a promise of things to come.

  Carefully, he unscrews the top. Even more carefully, he lifts the vial to his lips. Closing his eyes, he drinks his father’s blood.

  And when he opens his eyes …

  Continue the story with Beth and Gareth in Fae’s Captive 5.

  Chapter 1

  Beth

  I creep out of Taylor and Leander’s room. They didn’t notice me passed out on their sofa when they burst in after the mating ceremony that I accidentally missed.