by A. J. Macey
“I know we’re all dating and everything, but I was wondering,” he hesitated, shuffling from one foot to the other. “Well, I was thinking we never did get to go on that date I wished for, and I was wondering if maybe you would want to go on a date with me on Sunday? I know you have your trip to Fae tomorrow, so I was thinking we could go get some dinner and spend some time together.” He sped through the rest of his statement in a hurried string of words.
“I would love to go on a date with you.” I put the final book away and strolled back over to him. My arms wrapped around his waist, and his circled behind my shoulders. The worry that had been etched on his face melted into a wide smile. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, a happy sigh falling from my lips as that feeling of love warmed me. I pulled back to look up at him. “Let’s head upstairs. I’m sure the rest of the guys are here with coffee, and I’m in need of my morning lifeline.” His baritone laugh echoed throughout the basement, our fingers linked as we made our way back up to the main level.
November 16th
Friday Evening
Lucienne
The crowds were loud in the stands as cheers and yells sounded from the sea of students. The game was going to be starting its fourth quarter shortly, and while I was bundled up and squished between Sadie and Benji, my guys behind us while Elijah and Gabe were in front of us, I was still freezing. I hopped in line at the concession stand with Austin who was grabbing a snack for him and Benji to share. I had seen Troy on and off throughout the game, but right now he was nowhere to be found, lost in the bustling group of students going to and from the stands to the concessions and bathrooms. Cam had broken off from me and Austin to run to the bathroom, with plans to rejoin us in line. Thankfully the line wasn’t long with only two people in front of us, and it was moving quickly. I stepped up and ordered my extra-large hot chocolate—never can have too much hot chocolate, I hummed to myself—and paid. I took my drink and headed to wait behind the lines for Austin and Cam.
While blowing off the steam I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and a chill that had nothing to do with the weather slid down my spine. My eyes flitted around the crowd of students seeing nothing but nameless faces. I was about to stop my perusal when I saw him leaning against the fence near the entrance. Noah’s cold, deep brown eyes locked on me, his lips curled into a cruel smirk. Blood thudded through my ears as he pushed his weight off the fence and took a step toward me, causing me to drop my full cup of hot chocolate. A warm glove rubbed my lower back, scaring me away from our staredown. A startled yelp ripped from my lips as I jumped away from the hand. Cam pulled his hand back, palms facing me with open hands.
“It’s just me, Doll.” His hazel eyes scoured my face before his lips thinned into a tight line. “What’s wrong? What happened?” he demanded.
“He’s here, he was against the fence over there.” I waved with a shaking hand toward the fence where he was no longer leaning. “He had just pushed off the fence when you came up.” My voice was low, trembling with the amount of adrenaline pulsing through my system.
“Where’s Troy?” Cam’s head was whipping around us looking for my security detail. I shrugged my shoulders.
“I haven’t seen him since I came up here. Austin was waiting on his order when it happened,” I explained. Troy finally moved back into view, and I pointed him out to Cam. Austin had walked up to us, and Cam whispered in his ear gesturing to me before he pulled back and headed toward Troy, leaving Austin to loop his arm through mine to lead me back to our seats. The rest of the game was spent in a haze of panic, unable to relax after having seen him so close to me. He had changed his style—outfit and hair—since the photo Charlie had given us, but those eyes, I’d know those eyes anywhere. I had stared into their cold depths too many times to ever forget them.
It had been easy, for the most part, to be ignorant to how close he actually was when I hadn’t seen him, but that bliss came crashing down tonight, fear settling deep into my stomach. The guys closed ranks around me while we waited for the others. Alex and a large group of security guards had scoured the crowds as soon as Troy had alerted them to Noah’s presence, but they didn’t manage to find him in the crush of spectators.
When we finally got back to my room, I was a shivering mess. I couldn’t get the image of Noah coming toward me out of my head. God only knows what would have happened if Cam hadn’t shown up when he did. All I wanted to do was sleep for days, but I was terrified of what nightmare I would be sucked into if I did. I didn’t even feel it when Logan helped me out of my wool coat, or when Landon sat me down and removed my boots. I couldn’t stop shaking. I wanted to scream, I wanted to run, I wanted to crawl out of my skin. I felt so stupid for thinking that I would be strong enough to face him. He knew that I would cave. He had beat the submission into me. I felt Logan wipe tears I didn’t know I was crying from my cheek.
“Lemon Drop, I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong. You are brave; you are strong. You can’t see it, but we can. You stayed when you could have run despite being scared.” Logan’s words were soft and reassuring, urging me to listen yet giving me a quiet moment to try and come back to myself and them.
“Love, I know you’re scared. I know you think that you’ll never escape him, but you did once, and you will again, and this time you have us. You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone again.”
I looked at my twins. So sweet, so caring. I wanted so much to believe them, so I did. If only for tonight, I would believe. They laid me down between them, their warmth and soft breathing lulling me to sleep.
12
November 17th
Saturday Midday
Lucienne
I was seated next to Logan on the right hand side of the bus with Landon across the aisle, the window seat next to him empty. The greyhound bus had left campus a half hour ago toward the nearest portal to Fae. It was situated outside of Seattle to avoid major traffic from the city and was halfway between the large city and the campus. As we neared the portal, the bus pulled to the side and was boarded by a tall man. His long hair was pulled back into a braid showing off his pointed ears. He collected the roster of names and quickly walked the length of the bus. When he had verified we didn’t have any stowaways, he disembarked and the bus was rolling again. Going through the portal was an odd sensation, like being wrapped in a blanket of static, light shocks running over my skin causing goosebumps to rise.
When we reached the other side, the cloudy sky had transformed into a sunny day. The portal we used took us to the Spring Court, the grassy rolling hills spreading into the distance, budding trees and flowers randomly splashed through the greenery. The road was paved, but more rural with only two lanes, rather than the large interstates that dominated the human world. I watched countryside slowly turn into a small town. I remembered Professor Rasmussen explaining that Fae was a blend of historical aspects, such as smaller towns and villages with modern technology, but it was different to see in person. It was as if we were transported back in time.
The people around the main town center looked to be wearing peasant style clothing. Women were adorned with long skirts and tucked-in flowy blouses, some with leather tie vests around their chests. The men sported britches tucked into knee-high boots, loose shirts that were either under leather belts that held small leather pouches, or vests. There looked to be a market off the main street, different booths and stands holding fruits, vegetables, and a range of other food and goods. On closer inspection, not everyone was wearing peasant inspired clothing, some were in jeans and shirts, and there were a couple cars parked at the other end of the market. There were other modern touches as well including street lamps that held light bulbs instead of oil-fueled flames. We drove through the town without stopping, watching a few of the locals wave at the passing bus with cheery smiles.
On the outskirts of the town a stone building stood with a large set of wooden doors and a sign above it reading “Spirit’s Tavern.” One woma
n walked toward the door but stopped before going inside. She was shorter, with coppery ginger hair styled in a long bob. She turned her head and seemed to be talking to thin air. Her black leather pants and boots, as well as a loose top under a leather jacket, stood out in front of the historical face of the tavern. She turned and headed inside as the building moved out of view from my window.
After another forty-five minutes of driving through similar towns the bus finally pulled up to the main gate of the capital city, Frondescentia. I rested my head against Logan’s shoulder as we went through the verification process with the gate guards. We had been briefed before we left that we would be taking smaller groups in rail cars through the city since larger vehicles weren’t allowed due to the narrow cobblestone roads. We filed off the bus, my twins and me standing with Mr. Hanson, who had insisted that I call him Gerry.
We wouldn’t be with anyone else per Alex’s instructions. He had pulled me aside after the game yesterday and expressed his concerns that someone was working with Noah. Alex didn’t think he’d be able to get as close as he had, especially after no evidence of someone picking the lock or forcing their way into our dorm, without help. I knew without a doubt it wasn’t one of my guys, Sadie, or Benji, but I wasn’t willing to risk doubting him. Alex had told me he was personally taking a look at any and all security guards, any mutual friends with other students on campus, or other potential issues. He also told me he had been in contact with the human police for not only the investigation but to also press charges for his previous domestic violence and the current charges of stalking and destruction of property.
My attention was brought back to Fae when Gerry started walking toward the streetcar. The rest of the students were splitting their attention between looking around them and staring at us. The personal security I’ve been sporting recently combined with all the rumors going around had drawn a large amount of attention to me through campus. Ugh. I slipped my hand in Landon’s and took a few quick steps to catch up to him. I pushed the thought of being the center of the gossip mill out of my mind as I climbed into the car, with Logan close on my heels. The buildings passed by the open windows, moving from smaller, closely-packed houses to more shop fronts, and finally to the city center where taller buildings, the courthouse, the capitol building, and more extravagant homes littered the blocks.
The warm breeze and shining sun were a stark contrast to the cloudy, misty, cold weather of campus. I took off my cardigan and shoved it in my bag, leaving me in a pair of yellow skinny jeans, a dark blue blouse, and nude colored flats. My hair was tossed up in a messy bun like usual on the crown of my head. The twins were wearing their typical dark wash jeans, but instead of their coordinating graphic tees, they were sported white dress shirts which were buttoned and tucked into their jeans to show off their black belts, and then topped off with black ties. We had been told to dress nicely, but we were not required to wear formal wear. The twins had actually gelled their hair up and out of their faces in a very Nik hairstyle. I had been sneaking peeks at them all morning, unable to keep my eyes off their handsome faces and tanned forearms that were on display under the rolled-up sleeves. We got off at the Capitol when we reached the front of the building.
The outfits of the people moving up and down the steps around us were similar to the historical style from the smaller towns on the drive in—women in fancier dresses and men in higher end coats and pants and shined shoes. Some of the women had parasols or larger hats like what one would see at a horse race. We walked up the marble steps to the ornate doors, no one paying attention to us. Probably because they get visitors fairly frequently, I surmised as the twins pulled open a set of double doors for Gerry and me. I smiled and gave a small thanks when I walked by.
The lobby of the capitol building was bustling with different creatures, some appearing human, while there were also elves, giants, dwarves, and a few with wings. The clopping of footsteps and hushed conversations echoed off the marbled floor and walls. Marble was everywhere around the building including the columns and detailed ceiling, decorated in a foil filigree that was reminiscent of the Music and Arts building back on campus.
We were all going to meet in the lobby, and since we were the first ones there, the twins and I took a seat in one of the empty sitting areas off the front doors. After the rest of the students filtered in, Professor Rasmussen signaled for us to follow her. She went over the history of the building and the functions, hands waving around animatedly. I found myself taking in the details around me, her voice fading into the background the more I focused on the day to day goings on flitting around the lobby. I knew I shouldn’t stare at the different creatures that were scattered around the room, but even though I’d grown up in a world where supes and humans coexisted, it was still a reality I couldn’t wrap my head around. I’m one of them.
The group started toward what looked to be the main staircase, footsteps clopping on the smooth stone steps. The professor turned off the large hall through a similar set of ornate wooden doors to the front of the building. Large canvas portraits surrounded by golden frames adorned the walls. I dragged my eyes away from the very realistic faces as I headed into a room that seemed to be smaller than the lobby, but just as extravagant. A golden throne sat at the head of the room, and long benches faced the small dais, filling the majority of the space. Landon sank onto the bench near the far end, and I followed suit with his hand curled around mine. Gerry stood at the end of the row next to Landon, his hands tucked into his slacks as he eyed the room.
“All right class, I have a special surprise for you.” Professor Rasmussen’s voice bubbled with excitement, her eyes wild. “Queen Lily Attwell has agreed to meet with us.”
Gasps, jaw drops, and wide-eyed stares met her statement, including my own. The queen? My fingers intertwined with Logan’s, holding both of my twin’s hands in mine as I processed what she had said. Holy crap, the queen. My brain blanked as a tall, lithe woman breezed into the room. Her tan skin and warm golden hair had a slight glow to them, but it was her green floral crown and wide smile that caught my attention. She was wearing a silk dress in a light cream, and her golden tan was warm against the light, shiny fabric. She sat on her throne, her back straight in regal elegance.
“Hello, students.” Her voice was tinkling yet strong in the quiet room. “I’m so happy that you came to visit us here in the Spring Court. I do love seeing young faces come through, and I hope you are enjoying your trip so far.” She looked around the room, her eyes bouncing from student to student until her light pastel green and golden streaked gaze met mine. Her eyes widened slightly, but her friendly demeanor slid back into place fast enough for me to question whether her reaction had even happened in the first place. “What are all of your names? Oh! What year of schooling are you on?” She clasped her hands in front of her, twinkling eyes sparked with excitement. Professor Rasmussen started the line of introductions when no student spoke up, inviting each of the students to stand and speak respectfully when it got to them. We were near the back. So many names I won’t remember, I found myself thinking. Logan and Landon stood at the same time on either side of me.
“Logan Anson, freshman.” He dipped his head as Landon introduced himself.
“Landon Anson, also freshman.” He gave her a small smile before they both took their seats. All right, you can do this. My internal pep talk was not quite soothing my building anxiety, and my legs felt weak as I stood.
“Lucienne Envie, freshman,” I answered, my voice wavering slightly as I nibbled on my lip when I was done. Her eyes were speculative, burning with curiosity before flicking to Gerry.
“Gerry Hanson, Head of Security at the university.” He gave a slight bow to the queen. Her smile still on her face, the energy that shone through her made her look young despite the few wrinkles that crinkled around her eyes.
“Wonderful! Does anyone have any questions?” She called on a girl on the other end of the benches, the questions and answers flowing betwe
en the queen and the students after that initial volunteer. I tried to focus on what was being said, but exhaustion weighed on me heavily. Don’t fall asleep.
Twenty minutes later, Professor Rasmussen thanked Queen Lily before leading the students out into the hallway to view the paintings. I stood with my twins and Gerry, waiting for the rest of the class to go ahead of us so we could avoid the gossip-hungry eyes that had been following me since the dance. Landon’s thumb rubbed over my knuckles softly, the small gesture warming my chest. I’m not alone. I took a deep breath before eyeing the paintings.
“Love,” Logan called back softly, having moved a few paintings over. “Come look at this.” It didn’t escape my notice that multiple students looked at the painting then looked to me with raised brows or slight frowns. My breath and calm whooshed from me when I looked at the painting. That can’t be…
“Wow, Lemon Drop.” Landon’s voice was filled with awe as he stared at the portrait. A woman smiled down at us, her pale skin wrinkle-free. Her light brown-blonde hair held a slight curl, pulled in front of her right shoulder. Dark blue eyes sparkled even in the painting, but what caught my gaze was around her neck. A gold medallion with a fleur de lis in the middle.
“She looks just like you.” Logan’s voice matched his brother’s, his gaze bouncing between me and the woman. I felt my heart drop from my chest painfully. Is she my… Is she family? I looked down the gold plate under the portrait. Mireille Bonheur, 1940 -
“She’s still alive?” I found myself asking quietly. Wrapped up in staring at the painting, I didn’t notice the class had filtered farther down the hallway.
“No one knows where she is,” a tinkling voice came from behind me. I let out a startled yelp as I whipped around, my hands coming up to guard position until I realized I came face to face with the queen. Holy cannoli. I dropped my hands as quickly as they had gone up and bowed my head.
