Redemption of the Fae

by Jenee Robinson

  That could’ve been awkward.

  I wince a little as I try and sit up, gripping my side with one hand, and I push myself with the other. I stand with a little groan, looking back I see that Evans is starting to stir. I use my unused hand to cover my mouth in case anymore groans try to escape my lips. I shuffle to the bathroom, straight to the mirror to peek at my wound.

  I tug on the tape that’s holding the bandage in place, to uncover an angry red scar. I’m a little taken aback that it already closed. My finger glides smoothly across the surface of the scar. It is tender to my touch, but it seems to be closed.

  I was paying so much attention to my scar, I didn’t notice that Evans had joined me in the bathroom. He stops a foot behind me, a troubled look on his beautiful face.

  “It’s just a scar, Evans. It happens.”

  “Yes, but I did that to you. I will never be able to forgive myself. I will always remember that I did that to you. Kalli was able to close the wound on the outside, but inside will take a few days to heal.”

  I turn and face him, cupping his face in my hands, “Evans, injuries happen. I knew this was a possibility before training started. I’m grateful it happened here at the castle and not during a battle. I am fine, I’m healing, and I’m not mad or upset. Just remember this when I do the same to you.” I wink.

  “Oh, you really think that you will land a hit?” he replies, as he traces the line of the scar lightly with his finger. It sends a tingle through me.

  As I catch my breath, “I plan to do more than one hit, I plan to kick your ass.”

  I can feel the rumble in his chest as he starts to laugh.

  Breaking free from his embrace, “You won’t think it’s so funny when I do it.”

  I grab a shirt as I cross back into my bedroom. I decide I want to thank Kalli and check in on Jaime and Zach. I was serious about her getting some rest. I stop at the kitchens for a snack and head to the throne room. The sun’s rays are coming through the windows as it starts to set. How long was I asleep? I think for most of the day.

  As I enter the throne room, everyone stands. Kalli and the council are there along with Anton and Callum. I see their eyes light up when they see me. That sends a spark through me, with just that look.

  I’m happy to see them. Walking up, I kiss both of them on the cheek.

  “Can I steal Kalli for just a moment?”

  The council all nod in agreement, so I pull her to the side.

  “I just wanted to thank you, Kalli. I’m still tender, but I know it would be worse if you hadn’t healed me. Thank you.”

  “Of course, Princess, I would do anything in my power to save you. You are not only my princess, but my friend.”

  “Okay, I will let you get back to work, I want to check on Jaime.”

  Anton and Callum each take one of my hands.

  “Oh, do I need an escort to Jaime’s lab?” I ask with an eyebrow raised.

  “Maybe.” Anton smirks.

  As we reach the stairs, Callum scoops me up and heads down the stairs. I am grateful that I don’t have to go down the stairs, and Callum’s steps seem to glide down the steps. There is no bounce that hurts my side. I hold tightly to him and enjoy his woodsy scent. I need to start enjoying the little things more. Hopefully, once we’ve taken care of this witch and Deezy, I can.

  Sighing as Callum stands me up, I lean on him for just a moment longer. Then I knock on Jaime’s door, it opens on the third knock. Zach’s smiling face appears behind the door.

  “Oh, Princess, perfect timing. Jaime has the first antidote ready,” he said as he steps aside to let us enter.

  Jaime is still going one hundred miles a minute, her hair is a rat’s nest, but nothing is stopping her. She finally stops and looks at me, raising a hand to me, she opens it to reveal three tiny vials on chains.

  “Princess Liauna, I did it. Here is the cure. I put it in necklaces, so it can be worn under a shirt and accessible in battle if needed.”

  “Thank you so much, Jaime. You are an amazing Fae. Now, please get some sleep. I would like you to make as much as you can, but you need rest.” I reply taking the vials from her hand.

  “Yes, Princess, I will make more, but a nap would be nice.”

  I tuck her in for the second time since I’ve met her and head back to my guys. I hook one necklace on Callum and another on Anton, the third will be for Evans.

  Turning back to Zach, “Please make sure she gets some rest, I know she has a lot of work to do. She will work better after some sleep.”

  “I agree, I will try and see that she does get some. She sure is stubborn.”

  Patting him on the back, I’m ready to head to bed. It’s been a long day, even with the nap. This time Anton scoops me up, and we are back at the top in no time.

  “You will really have to let me in on your cardio secrets.” I tell him as he sets me down.

  “Vamp blood,” he simply states.

  “Well, that just seems like cheating.”

  “This coming from the girl that can teleport. Yep, because that’s not cheating right?”

  “My dear sweet Anton, it’s only cheating if I use my powers.”

  I continue on to my room. I lay the vial for Evans on my dresser and quickly change into pajamas. Carefully, I crawl back into my bed.

  Chapter Seven

  I am awoken as the sun streams onto my face, peeking just through the open part of my window covers. I’m covered in arms, Callum on the left and Anton on the right. Evans is nowhere in sight, it hurts my heart that he is not here.

  As I try to rise, Callum’s warm arms tighten their hold on me. I turn towards him, to see one eye peeking at me and a smile.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” he growls.

  “Well if you really must know, I have to pee.”

  “I guess, we’ve passed the romance part and are straight to the TMI part.”

  “Like we are married already, but we missed the honeymoon,” I reply as I crawl off the bed.

  He throws a pillow at me, but it flies past my head.

  I ignore it and keep walking, hurrying to the bathroom, the tile cool under my feet. Before I return to the comfort of my bed, I peek at the scar again. I lift up my shirt just to see it, and the color has faded from angry red to a light pink. I’m surprised how fast it is healing. I wonder what Kalli did to me exactly.

  As I head back to bed, I see the door knob start to turn. Unsure of who it could be at this hour, I am a little sorry that I didn’t grab my sword.

  Evans pokes his head in the door, a smile fills his face as he sees I’m awake. He raises a hand and motions for me to come over with a finger.

  I join him in the hall. Still not saying a word, he takes my hand and leads me to the courtyard. I see a blanket setup with candles all around it, a basket in the middle.

  “What is all this, Evans?”

  “Thought we could have a little date, it’s not often that I get you all to myself. I want to learn more about you, Princess.”

  He leads me to the blanket, helping me take a seat, he sits opposite me.

  “So, Princess, I have some sweet snacks packed in the basket for you to pick from. In order to get one, you have to answer a question. What’s your favorite color?”

  “Well, that one’s not hard, any shade of blue. Yours?”

  “No, no, Princess, I ask the questions.”

  “I need to know more about you as well. So, favorite color?”

  “Honestly, I don’t have one. Clothes have always been provided, I grab what fits and go on.”

  This goes on, back and forth, until I’m over full of sweets and on the verge of a belly ache. I know a little more about my Fae, and he knows a little more about me. It was nice to have a semi-normal date in the middle of the end of the world. It was just what I needed to relax. But now I need to get back to training and head out to find my father.

  Evans helps me up and walks me back to our room. Once we get back to the room, I make An
ton move over, and Evans slides in next to me. I don’t like Evans more, I just need him close right now. Snuggling close, it doesn’t take long before I’m asleep. Whatever the morning brings, I’m safe for the night.

  I crawl out from the arms and legs wrapped around me and head to the closet to grab a tunic, leggings, and some sneakers.

  Man, I would kill for some shorts.

  I head back to the bed and Callum peeks an eye open at me.

  “You’re gonna have to stop doing that, it’s kinda creepy.” I whisper.

  “I think you’re just jealous you can’t sneak up on me.”

  “Maybe,” I say and stick my tongue out at him, “get your ass up, we have some training to do, let’s get this damn cardio over with.”

  “Let me run to my room and change. I’ll be ready to go in a jif.”

  I’m on his heels as he heads to his room, and I can read the surprise on his face.

  “Princess, are you following me?”

  “Yes, you guys are always watching me change. It’s my turn.” I wink.

  “Whatever you want, Princess.” He laughs.

  His room isn’t too far from mine. I haven’t been down this part of palace before. I haven’t had any reason to come down here. This hall has two more doors. As I go to ask, Callum answers my question before I can voice my question.

  “That is Evans’s room on the right and Anton’s on the left. Seems like a waste really. We spend most nights in your room, this is just like a big closet for each of us.”

  “Hum, is that a hint?” I ask, raising my left eyebrow as he turns to look at me.

  “Well, with all the Fae living in the castle, if we all shared a room, there would be more room for some of the families, so they aren’t so crammed into a room.”

  “Good thinking, Callum, we will talk to the others after cardio. Now move your ass, stop stalling and get changed.”

  “Geez, I thought I was the bossy one.” He smiles.

  Callum opens the door to his room, and I’m amazed that it is just like mine only smaller. The bed is a twin size, it has the vanity and an attached bathroom, but it is missing the tub. As I return into the room, Callum is sitting on the bed, tying his shoes.

  I walk up to him, and he looks up at me with those amber eyes, making me lose track of my thoughts. I slowly and purposely trail my hands under the tank top he put on, pulling it over his head in one swift move. My eyes never leave his as I playfully push him into the bed. I tease him, torturing just a little as a I glide my fingers down his chest, and his breathing starts to get heavier. Once I think he can handle some more, I climb on top of him and trail kisses from his neck to his lips and chest.

  He pulls me in close and returns the gesture, sparks run through me with each kiss. He returns to my lips, and he deepens the kiss as I open my mouth to his. I tease him with my tongue and then pull away to catch my breath.

  “Well, well, princess, that was fun and unexpected. To what do I owe the pleasure?” He raises an eyebrow at me.

  I lose it, I just crack up with laughter.

  He pulls me back in closer and whispers, “Whatever it was tell me, so we can do this again soon. Now time for me to torture you a little, with cardio.”

  “You really are evil, aren’t you?” I laugh.

  He helps me off the bed, and starts the jog already.

  Damn, he wasn’t joking was he?

  He doesn’t lead to the courtyard, no he is the devil and is headed to the stairs by where Jaime works.

  I stop and suck in a few deep breaths then speak, “You are gonna make me do stairs? I will not be able to walk tomorrow.”

  “Suck it up, buttercup. We need to see how the cure is coming, so it’s the perfect time to throw in some cardio.”

  “Fine, let's do this.” I say as I start down the first flight of stairs.

  I keep my pace steady, Callum zooms past me like I’m standing still. I can hear laughter as I make it to the bottom.

  “Shut up, I say you need to shift and do it in your wolf form. At least you’ll be cute then.” I say pushing past him, and knocking on Jaime’s door.

  A well-rested Jaime answers on the second knock. She looks the most put together I’ve ever seen her, even her hair is smoothed, and no ink smears on her face.

  “Princess, you are just the Fae I was heading to look for. The cure is ready, and I have enough necklaces for your faction and a few extras in case you need them,” she states, handing me a little pouch.

  “Jaime that is wonderful news,” I squeal and pull her into an awkward hug. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  I back away, and she is still beaming.

  “It is nice that my work means so much, and so much good can come from it. Thank you, Princess, for trusting me with this. I will not let you down,”

  “No, thank you Jaime. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”

  “Please rest, take the day or two and relax. Hopefully, we will not need the cure here just yet.”

  I see her smile widen, “Zach didn’t tell you? I sent him to deliver the cure to all your subjects this morning. Each Fae will have a necklace on by now.”

  “Jaime, you are brilliant,” I say, having to refrain myself from hugging her again. “I have to go tell Evans and Anton that I’m going home for a visit.”

  I take off up the stairs, not even caring that it’s cardio. I’m going to see my parents and Rae, I can hardly contain my excitement. I use it to help propel me up the stairs, not even Callum beating me can bring me down. I continue running until I’m back in my chambers, jumping in the bed right in the middle of Evans and Anton. They groan under my surprise weight on them.

  “Guys, get up. Jaime got the necklaces done. We get to go back to my other home for a visit.”

  I drag Anton off the left side and do the same to Evans off the right. Once they are both up and moving, I head to my closet, dig out my tank and jeans that Kalli has hidden. In the last spot left for them to be in, I find them. I quickly change. I sit down at the vanity and run a brush through my hair and braid it. Satisfied that I look acceptable, I grab my sword and hook it to my jeans.

  All three guys are waiting on me when I emerge.

  “Ready? I need to stop and talk to Kalli, and then we are headed home.”

  As if she knew she was summoned, Kalli walks in my room.

  “Jaime just told me the wonderful news, when are you leaving?” she questions.

  “Well, we were on our way to see you,” I say and grab the pouch off the bed.

  “Safe travels, the kingdom will be waiting for your return.

  “Thank you, Kalli, I’m more grateful for you than you know. Yes, we will be back soon, to pack supplies then head out to rescue my father,” I say and approach my guys.

  They each wrap their arms around me and each other, this is the first time to teleport us all at once. I take a deep breath and focus on home, my parents, my room. I close my eyes and exhale, once I open them, we are standing in my parents’ living room.

  “Mom, Dad are you home?” I call.

  When they don’t answer, I unwrap from my guys, and I start to wander around the darkened house. This is so unlike my parents to have it dark in here.

  “Something is wrong, my parents never keep it dark,” I whisper as I unsheathe my sword.

  Tiptoeing, I make my way to the front picture window, I peek outside the curtains. I am distraught, the neighborhood is full of creepers. A million things run through my head.

  Why did I leave? What happened? Where is my family? I should’ve stayed.

  I burst through the door and start going after the creepers. I can’t bear to look at them as I cut them down in case they are my family or neighbors. Tears blind my vision, I pray these aren’t my family and neighbors. Strong arms wrap around me, and I start to fight. I will not die here, I have to find them.

  “Liauna, stop fighting. It’s me, Anton.”

  I turn in his arms until my fac
e is buried in his chest, my tears staining his shirt. Once I’m cried out, I see Evans and Callum are repairing the panels, securing my home. I try to flatten out Anton’s shirt where I was holding it, until I hear him chuckle.

  “Let’s go help Evans and Callum. Then we can search for your family,” he says and then kisses my forehead as he keeps me in his embrace.

  I take a few deep breaths, calming my nerves just a little. I turn in his arms and take in my home. All the houses are intact, the creepers that are left are just wandering on the pavement and grass. I look towards the front gates, they are wide open, but all the creepers are crowding around the supply house.

  My heart starts pounding harder in my chest. “Anton, we need to clear those creepers from the supply house. I have to see if my family is in there.” My voice is pleading.

  “Let’s get the fences up and secure. We don’t want anymore creepers to get in. Then we will clear the creepers and look in the house. I promise you will we find them.”

  Anton and I join Callum and Evans, they have half the fencing back up and secure. Anton helps lift the gates as I stand guard. Third gate up, Anton lifts the next with ease, the muscles in his arms not straining from holding the gate in place by himself. I turn back around, and I see a stray creeper heading towards us. I get my sword ready. As the creeper steps closer, I take my sword and stab it through what is left of chin up into its brain. I see the body relax instantly. Knowing I hit my mark, I remove my sword. The body falls onto the grass with a thud.

  “That’s the last panel on this side, let’s go check the supply house. After that we will finish the panels and search each house.”

  Anton leads us to the supply house, Callum by my side and Evans in the rear. He quickly and as quietly as he can, takes the head off of the nearest creeper in one swift move. Tossing it to the side, he goes for the next. The creepers haven’t noticed us, and we use that to our advantage. Evans and I use our swords and either behead them or stab them through the back of the neck, depending on the shape the creeper is in. We have about half taken care of when the rest turn on us. We stay in a tight line, but with enough room to move and fight.