King of the Unblessed

by Michelle M. Pillow

“Don’t be so sure,” he warned.

  “I love you, Merrick,” she said, ignoring his gruff voice and his irritated sighs. “Whether you like it or not, want it or not, I love you. Freely. Completely. Forever. And I’m staying by your side. You cannot be rid of me.”

  A breeze fluttered over the hall. Merrick’s black banners were replaced with lighter blue, a cheerier color. He glanced around the hall. Juliana’s dark gown changed. The kohl faded from her eyes and arms. Her tight black dress was replaced with a blue tunic gown.

  “I didn’t do that,” he whispered in awe.

  “I did,” she said.

  “How?”

  “I have absolutely no idea,” she laughed softly, looking around. All she knew was that she’d desired it and it had happened. “You have lived in darkness for too long and you have ruled it alone. Not anymore.”

  He didn’t speak.

  “Tell me you love me,” she demanded, smiling insecurely.

  Merrick hesitated. She knew he was scared, felt that he was. Slowly, he nodded. “Aye.”

  Juliana grinned, knowing he wouldn’t say the words aloud, and pulled at his neck. She forced his body to hers as she kissed him. Pouring all her passion and feelings into the embrace, she couldn’t stop smiling.

  Finally, pulling back, Merrick stroked her hair. “I should force you to leave.”

  “I won’t go.”

  “The things I said to you earlier about kidnapping you to start a war,” he began to explain.

  “Were done to get me to leave,” Juliana said. “You can’t trick me anymore, Merrick.”

  He smiled. “It will not be easy.”

  “The best adventures never are.”

  Merrick looked down at her stomach. Lightly he touched her. She stiffened, following his eyes down. “I should tell you something. Kalen saw—”

  “—too much,” Kalen said from behind her. “You send Iago to the borderlands to retrieve me from my post only to make me watch this?”

  Juliana turned. Kalen strode into the hall, frowning. The man shook his head, giving a wry smile.

  “Go away, Kalen,” Merrick said, grinning. “You are no longer needed.”

  “Wait,” Juliana ordered. She eyed both men. “Kalen saw what?”

  “Many things, my queen, many things.” Kalen winked.

  “Hum,” Juliana began to question further when she froze. “Did he just call me queen?”

  “Well, aye, you are,” Kalen said, as if it was no big deal.

  “Married?” Juliana looked from one man to the other.

  “For some time now, my queen,” Kalen answered, grinning widely. “I told you we smelled him on you. We’ve been waiting for the announcement for quite a long while. Oh, and another celebration. If not for this damned war, I would have enjoyed the company of a dark mermaid temptress last time.”

  Juliana quirked a brow at Merrick. “I am your queen and you were just going to let me walk out the door?”

  “I didn’t know,” Merrick said, looking just as stunned as she.

  “Well, I didn’t want to ruin it. You seem so happy when you’re fighting.” Kalen turned to leave before stopping and saying, “Oh, and if you think that news shocks, wait until that baby is born. You’re in for a great surprise.”

  Juliana gasped. “Merrick?”

  “I was trying to tell you. Your powers, the reason you were able to get through the garden.”

  “A baby?” Juliana looked down, stunned.

  “A family,” he whispered, capturing her face and kissing her gently. Then, kneeling before her, he pulled her hips, resting his cheek on her stomach. Juliana smiled, stroking his hair. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear it.”

  “And I will protect you as well, my love,” Juliana said, stroking his blond hair. “Your burden is no longer your own.”

  * * *

  Lucien gripped his stomach, growling in anger as he glared into the little cell beneath his palace. Three men hung before him in chains. They didn’t move, didn’t moan in pain. Trapped in their minds, they were in a suspended state of horror and pain.

  “Welcome home, Sir Nicholas,” Lucien said darkly, eyeing the newest member to his prison. Nicholas opened his eyes and instantly screamed in agony. He looked around in confusion. Lucien merely chuckled, knowing the man didn’t completely understand what was happening to him. “Don’t worry. I’m leaving you with some very prestigious company.”

  Nicholas stopped screaming as Lucien lessoned his pain. The man turned to the two elves hanging motionless by his side.

  “Meet Ladon and Wolfe, once princes of Tegwen, two of my most treasured possessions.” Lucien laughed. “Like you, no one knows that they live. You disappointed me today, Nicholas, but you show so much promise, so much rage, that I hate to let you out of our bargain so quickly. I have a feeling I may need you someday soon.”

  Nicholas breathed hard, glaring at Lucien, unable to speak. The King of the Damned laughed, waving his hand in the air. Nicholas again fell into the hellish world of his dreams, reliving the crimes he had committed over and over again.

  Lucien was angry his plans had gone awry. Merrick would no longer trust him. Lord Bellemare wasn’t his to control. Lady Juliana was obviously in love with Merrick—a fact that would make him even more on the side of the blessed than of the damned. The only bright spot in his failed plotting was that Tegwen and Valdis were still at war. Gregor had done his job well and, with his death, none would ever know the truth of it. The kingdoms would fight and Lucien would wait. Someday, he would find a way to try again. Someday, he would rule all.

  Letting the flames consume him, he went to Mia to release his frustrations. This news would bring her happiness, no doubt. And whereas her happiness weakened his strength, it also pleased a small part of the man left inside him.

  * * *

  “My queen,” Lady Roslyn said, bowing low before Tania in the Silver Palace’s hall. “It is done. The whispers say King Merrick has accepted Lady Juliana. She is his queen.”

  “What news of my lord?” Tania demanded. Her heart fluttered, mimicking the rapid beat of her wings as she hovered over the throne. All knew the war had started between the blessed and unblessed. Many would stay out of it until they were forced to take sides, letting the two kingdoms fight. Tania knew she would have to choose Tegwen, but faeries were no good with war and it was unlikely they would call upon her people.

  “Lord Bellemare lives, my queen,” Roslyn said, her blue wings fluttering. She glanced over to her sister Lily. Lily looked down at the floor, her wings turned down, as she hid her face behind her long blonde hair. “The rumors say he fought bravely.”

  “Then he will come soon,” Tania said, smiling slightly. She tried not to let her pleasure show, but it was hard when her body practically sparkled with just the thought of Hugh.

  Roslyn and Lily both looked up at her. They weren’t smiling.

  “What is it?” Tania demanded, flying to stand before them. She lowered her voice. “Tell me.”

  “I don’t think he’s coming, my queen,” Lily said quietly.

  “He’s gone back to the mortal realm. He’s at Bellemare even as we speak,” Roslyn added.

  “He did not come for you as he promised,” Lily said.

  Tania’s skin darkened. She shook, not liking the bad feelings forming inside her. Hugh did not come for her. He forgot her already. “It cannot be. He will come. He will take care of Bellemare and he will come back.”

  “Yes, my queen,” Lily and Roslyn said in unison, backing away from her.

  Tania breathed hard, her face contorting in anger. Screeching loudly, she repeated, “He will come back.”

  * * *

  “I christen you Commander Adal, leader of the Tegwen armies,” Ean said, placing his hand on Adal’s dark head. The man’s bronzed skin glistened with oils from his preparation for this night. He was a big elf, a strong, true warrior, quite capable of leading the men to battle. All were surprised Ean had pic
ked the man over all others, over those who’d served closest to the fallen Commander Gregor. King Ean was surprised himself. Something told him, as he had been about to name Talan the new commander, to pick Adal instead. He followed his instincts. Talan was not happy with the choice, but could not fight it. As king, Ean’s word was law. “Rise, Commander Adal.”

  Those gathered in the hall cheered. Musicians struck up a song and couples instantly spread out over the floor to dance. Faeries brought out trays of food and pitchers of mead. It was going to be a great celebration. Ean put his hand out, fingers up, pressing his palm to Adal’s.

  “Enjoy your night, Adal,” Ean said. “Tomorrow afternoon we will talk.”

  Adal smiled. “Thank you, my king.”

  Ean moved to leave. He needed to be alone to think.

  “My king?”

  Ean turned to Adal.

  “Pardon me, but may I walk with you? Just for a moment?” Adal asked.

  “Aye,” Ean said as he unhurriedly made his way to his private chambers. “And speak freely.”

  “Not that I question your judgment, my king, but why choose me over Talan?” Adal glanced over his shoulder.

  “It’s what fate wanted,” Ean answered without further explanation.

  Adal nodded. “I will not let you down.”

  Ean clasped the man’s shoulder. “I know.”

  “There is one more thing, my king. Rumor has it that King Merrick has taken a queen,” Adal said.

  “I have heard this. Lady Juliana. It would seem she was truly Merrick’s mate. You will be told all you need to know of her on the morrow,” Ean assured the man.

  “Aye,” Adal nodded. “But King Merrick is Unblessed. He shouldn’t have a true mate. And there is more. I have also been told that Lady Juliana carries the heir to the Valdis throne.”

  Ean stiffened, stunned by the words. “If it is true, the baby cannot be his. It’s hard enough for us to beget heirs, but for the Unblessed King to find such a match, even with a mate, to reproduce without spells or black magic. It…it can’t be.”

  “Merrick was like you once, my king. Perhaps that lingers,” Adal persisted.

  “If she carries a child, it cannot be Merrick’s,” Ean said. Adal opened his mouth, but the king held up his hand. “There is plenty of time for this, Commander. Now I order you to go. Find a woman or two to warm your bed and celebrate this night as it should be celebrated. I have to go contemplate a war.”

  “Aye, my king,” Adal said, grinning. “I will gladly obey a command such as that.”

  Ean watched the man leave before climbing the stairs. Merrick, a father? It was impossible. It was too bad that Merrick hadn’t chosen Juliana as his bride from the beginning. If he had, perhaps the whole war could have been avoided. Once started, it was hard to undo.

  Regardless, Merrick’s army had shot the arrow. It was clear his brother wanted this war, Queen Juliana or no. Ean had no choice but to fight it.

  * * *

  “Oh, aye, of course I knew!” Gorman boasted, puffing his chest out with pride. He glanced around the forest at his fellow sprights. The small village was lifted into the trees. Small rope handrails worked along the tree limbs, joining the small houses. The onlookers stared at them with rapt attention, treating them like heroes as they brought them leaves filled with nuts and berries. “I mean, Lady Juliana is obviously blessed. Anyone could see it with just one look at her.”

  “Obviously,” Halton added. “And we’re to be moving to the Black Palace to protect her. We tried to resist, but it was her wish and we are now bound to serve her.”

  “When a queen calls, you must listen,” Gorman added. “She wants us to be her protection against damned forces.”

  “Protect a queen,” someone said in awe.

  “Aye,” Gorman said smartly.

  “Tell us about the war,” a young boy said. “Is it true you fought alongside Tegwen?”

  “Nay, we fought for both sides,” Halton bragged. “The Blessed King wanted us and Lady Juliana, being the future unblessed queen, wanted us, so we helped both sides win the battle.”

  “Aye, that’s never been done before,” Gorman added. “Now, we have to go to Valdis to be with Queen Juliana. She demands it. Naturally, I’ll be in the castle. I’m her favorite.”

  “What?” Halton demanded. “You know I’m her favorite. I’ll be sleeping in the same room as she and King Merrick.”

  “Will not!”

  “Will so!”

  “Will not!”

  Halton leapt up from his chair, tackling Gorman to the ground. Dust flew up around them. “Will so!”

  * * *

  Hugh sat on the end of Thomas’ bed, his feet kicked up as he leaned against a poster. Thomas was recovering slowly, but his injuries had brought him so close to death that Hugh was still worried for him. William sat beside Thomas on the bed. The youngest brother had agreed to stay at Bellemare, helping Thomas and Hugh to understand the immortal realm better. None could understand Juliana’s decision and Hugh was not sure he could make peace with it either.

  No one spoke of Nicholas and they did not spread news of his deeds. Nicholas was dead. There was no reason to dwell on it. The man had been like a brother to them and they could not make sense of Eadward’s murder.

  “I cannot believe you kissed Queen Tania,” William said, laughing to break the silence. “I’ll bet she was livid.”

  “Aye,” Thomas said, his soft laughter joining William’s. “You should have seen her face.”

  Hugh frowned. “I don’t wish to discuss it.”

  “Aye, he’s still sore because he didn’t get to bed the pretty ladies,” Thomas said, grinning weakly. His skin was pale, but it was good to see him smiling.

  “Perhaps he’s not sore,” William snickered, “and that’s the problem.”

  Hugh grumbled. “I don’t want to hear any more about that woman or her faeries. She’s a menace and I’m glad to be rid of her.”

  His brothers laughed harder. Hugh shook his head, giving nothing away. Truthfully, his body still burned for Tania. He would never admit to it and he knew going back to slake his lust wasn’t wise. It was better to leave things as they were. He didn’t belong in that world any more than she belonged in his. Besides, the last thing he needed was that aggravating pain in the neck as his lover. He’d be as likely to strangle her as to make love to her. No, his duty was to Bellemare. This was where he would stay and here he would find another lover. So long as her body was soft and her arms willing, any woman would do.

  “The only reason I would ever go back to the immortal realm is if Juliana needed us,” Hugh said.

  “Aye,” Thomas whispered. He stared down at the blanket.

  “Aye,” William added. He too became quiet with contemplation.

  The brothers didn’t say a word as the room again fell to silence.

  * * *

  Juliana wrapped her arm around Merrick’s waist and sighed. The garden walls parted as they moved toward the divining basin. The stone didn’t make a sound. Soft moonlight caressed them from above and crimson flowers bloomed as they walked, rippling like a wave over the dark stone.

  There were no more secrets. They’d talked for a long time about what was between them. Merrick told her everything she asked to know. However, just because they didn’t have secrets didn’t change the fact that they were still at war with Tegwen. Juliana had come to understand that war was just as necessary as peace. And, hate it as she did, she would dream of a day when peace could again have its turn.

  “Can’t we just send a missive and tell Ean we don’t want to fight?” Juliana asked. “Can’t we just hate each other for a while, play some pranks and then call a truce?”

  “It doesn’t work like that, my queen,” Merrick answered, kissing her temple. “I told you. Peace has ruled and now is the time for war. It is the way things must be.” He slipped his hand over the small swell in her stomach. “Some must die so others can be reborn.”

&n
bsp; She covered his hand with hers.

  “Do you regret staying with me?” Merrick asked. “The curse of what we are will only get harder with time. The things you’ve been seeing, feeling, they only get worse.”

  “So long as we have each other,” Juliana said softly, caressing his chest, “we will be fine. No burden is too great.”

  “Aye.” Merrick kissed her softly, continuing to walk. “May you always feel that way.”

  “I will,” she assured him. “Together we can get through anything. I love you. Nothing can change that.”

  “And I you,” he said, never saying the actual words. Juliana didn’t care. She knew he feared what would happen if he admitted his feelings aloud. How could she blame him? He was King of the Unblessed, after all.

  They reached the center garden. As the wall closed, blocking them in, the flowers spread, filling up the garden with crimson life. Merrick led her to the basin of water.

  “Are you sure we have to do this?” she asked.

  “Aye.” Merrick looked at the water.

  “But we will no longer be able to see the future and past. What if we need to someday?” Juliana asked.

  “This basin was from Lucien. I will not give him access to my home.” Merrick let go of her, knocking the basin of water over. The pedestal fell. The basin cracked. The demonic figures slowly faded and turned to dust, blowing away in the wind.

  “How will I see my brothers? A bowl of water?” Juliana asked softly.

  “That power was tied to the basin,” he said, motioning to the broken stone. “I’m sorry, but I can’t show you like that.”

  “Then how will I know all is well with them?”

  “In time you can visit Bellemare. I will take you there with our son. Just not now.” He gave her stomach a meaningful pat. Juliana smiled. “Not until it is safe.”

  Slowly, he walked her back toward the Black Palace, her new home. It wasn’t perfect, but it was what she wanted.

  The End

  Realm Immortal Series

  King of the Unblessed

  Faery Queen