“What do your people grow?”
Her people. The Fae, he meant. But the truth was she hadn’t lived among them in many years. Having lived in the castle for most of her life, she served kings and queens. She had to learn the ways of the mortal kings and queens--and Gray had taught her all of it.
She never minded a life in servitude. Instead she enjoyed it. What gave her the most pleasure was raising the princess.
“They grow herbs mostly,” Flora answered for her. “We haven’t lived with our people for a while. We serve the royal family.”
“Ah, well there are no royals here in Stirling. We have a government, but we mostly govern ourselves. There are not many laws that are broken here,” he told the fairies.
Merry wondered why rules weren’t broken. Surely, not all mortals and Fae were good among them.
But it was none of her business. They wanted to meet the Healer and that was it.
She busied herself with her food, and when she was done, she asked, “When can we meet Aiofe?”
Holger laughed. “Eager are you?”
“A boy is sleeping and unable to wake to be with his beloved. I’d say we’re eager,” she told him sternly.
“Well, you’re in luck, because she’s not far.”
They left the tavern once they were finished with their delicious meal and followed Holger to a small quiet section of town. Merryweather noticed that the children of the town seemed to flock toward this part of Stirling. Playing on a grassy knoll, they rolled each other down, laughing loudly.
Holger waved to a few of them as they stopped to shout his name.
“You’re popular, aren’t you?” Merry questioned.
“The children all know me well. I help them learn skills to keep them safe—survival skills.”
Merry was impressed that a rough guy like Holger would teach kids. But then again, she loved children as much as he did. Helping raise Aurora was her life’s work. She had never been proud of anything else as much as she was with helping her grow into the woman she was today.
They arrived in front of a quaint box-like house that sat alone. It was covered with moss and low branches from the trees surrounding it.
“This is where our Healer lives. She’s a private woman, but she will probably be happy for the company,” Holger said.
“She lives alone?” Flora asked.
It was strange for a woman to live alone, even if she was a Healer Fairy. Most Fae, besides shape-shifers, lived in a community.
“She has had a rough life and chooses to live alone. We do not fault her for it at all.” Holger knocked on the door as they waited. No one answered and minutes went by, so Holger knocked again, louder this time.
The door opened and a fairy appeared.
“May I help you?” she implored wiping her hands clean on her apron.
“I have two fairies here who are in need of your, er, services, Aiofe. May we come in?” Holger requested.
Merry had a hard time seeing Aiofe as Holger blocked the entrance and was very curious who she was exactly. She pulled the door open, and they entered the small home. It was clean and smelled of lavender and spices familiar to the Fae. Merry and Flora entered the home, and Aiofe, with her back to them, ushered them to sit at a table.
“Please, sit. I’ll make you a cool drink.”
She busied herself in the kitchen making them a beverage. Merry looked around her home and found it to be quite nice. Not many fairies lived in homes that belonged only to them. This was very different for her, but she found herself feeling a tad bit envious of this fairy’s freedom.
She wondered if Ancora would someday allow such homes for Fae kind.
She sat at the table and Flora began telling Aiofe about Sawyer. She started from the beginning, much like she did with Holger. Sitting with them, Aiofe listened intently.
She was a beautiful fairy with long dark hair that fell neatly to her lower back. Her dark chocolate brown eyes watched Flora as she told her about Sawyer’s service to the people of Ancora and how much he and Aurora loved each other. She explained to Aiofe about Raven taking him by the neck and slitting his throat and how the curse was the only way to save his life.
“He’s under a sleeping curse that none of our Healers can fix, not even our best Healer, Fauna. We need someone who knows more than the average Healer does,” Flora said honestly. “We are hoping that person is you.”
Aiofe smiled. “I understand how connected you are to this boy, and I see how much you care for him. You’ve certainly traveled a long distance to help him.”
“We have,” Merry said. “We would do anything to get him the help he deserves.”
Aiofe sipped her drink and nodded. “I have dealt with a curse similar to this one. It was many years ago.”
Aiofe looked young and ageless, like most Fae. They didn’t age at the same rate as mortals. They could live a hundred years and only have a few wrinkles to show for it. Merry wondered just how old Aiofe was, and if she had experienced more than the average fairy. Healers most often saw the worst of the worst.
“The only thing that was different in that case was it was a female, and she had slept for hundreds of years before I was able to assist her.”
Merry leaned forward. “What did you do to help her?”
“I found the weapon and the person responsible. I used the weapon against them, and she awoke,” Aiofe divulged.
Merry’s mouth fell open. The person who put Sawyer under this spell was Fauna. But it was Merry who had given Sawyer the gift of sleep.
“My friend, Fauna, was the one who put him under. Would that mean … that she would have to die? Or would it be me since I was the one who bestowed the gift of the sleeping curse?”
“I haven’t even seen the boy yet. I cannot say. All I can say is it worked the last time.”
Flora looked at Merry and shook her head. “We can’t even think of it, Merry. It’s Fauna, our sister! And if it was you—”
Merryweather pondered for a moment. It was Fauna. It was true that they were as close as sisters, but it was the future queen’s beloved, and even Fauna would agree that they would do anything for Aurora. If it was her that was responsible, then she would take the punishment gladly.
Accordingly she said, “How soon until you are ready to travel to Ancora with us?”
Chapter Ten
Rory
The council had their time, a full hour. I stood up and dusted off my dress, even though it was perfectly clean. It was now or never, but I was extremely nervous about the answers that awaited me in the next room.
They might all have left the castle by now, packing their things and moving on. Then I’d have to hire new members and hope they followed my rule and respected me.
Or they could be waiting for me to tell me they agreed. I wasn’t sure what awaited me, but I entered the room with Gray and my mother. I expected to see some members gone, but was shocked to find many still in their places.
Councilmen Shepperd was among the missing, but all of the Fae Council members were in their place. When I stood in front of them, they stood and bowed low to me, sending chills up my spine.
The Fae Council all declared, “All hail Queen Aurora!”
And I almost fell over from shock. Of all the people, I never expected them to follow me.
“Please … be seated,” I said nervously.
“Your Majesty, if I may,” Fae Councilman Noctus said.
“Of course, Noctus.”
He walked around the table and bowed before me, taking my hand in his. He rose and pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it.
“We have been waiting two-hundred years for a leader like you. Not since King Magen the Fourth have we had a leader willing to accept us and treat us the same. We have been living
as unequals for so long, and I do believe that it will take time for your people to understand. It will also require much patience on your part as queen, while these people adjust.”
“You may also have to show our people proof of your willingness to unite our people. We ask that you come with me, on horseback, and ride to the Fae Woods to show our people just how serious you are.”
He let my hand go. He was right. It would take time, maybe years, for my people to understand my decision. But I had to do it.
“I’ll ride with you, Noctus,” I told him.
“Very well then. Our members will part with you now, and I will be waiting for you at the stables,” Noctus stated as he bowed once more.
The Fae Council left, but the Royal Council stayed behind.
I had to address them and make them feel at ease.
I took a breath.
“You’ve made the right decision by staying. Noctus is right; we will all need time to come to terms.” I paced the floor in front of the men and counted the number of missing. There were only fifteen members left after the six had left.
“We will need new members. I also ask that some of these members be women. One woman will be Gray, my military leader. Also my mother, your former queen. Do you have any issue with that?”
“No, Your Highness,” Councilman Moore said. “Whatever pleases our queen. We are here to serve you and only you. We just want to say one thing, if we may.”
I stopped pacing and nodded, eager to hear what he had to say.
“We agree with your decision to unite our kind. You have our full support in making a better kingdom. But … you still need to court a prince, Your Majesty.”
I knew it was too good to be true.
“And why is that?” I asked, trying hard not to get angry.
“Because if you do not appease Bordell to the East, then you may be looking at a war. They want to take our kingdom and have wanted to for a long time,” Councilman Moore informed me. “We have told your father, the late king, many times. But he never realized the threat. The laws of you taking a husband are in place because it makes the kingdom weak if you do not show that you are doing well by your country. Even though we all know you are not weak, Your Highness, you must at least let the princes court you. At least befriend them and make the people think you are at least trying to take a king.”
I felt heat rise up my body as my cheeks flushed. I was not weak and I hated being told what to do.
“Must I? I have a king; he is just ill.”
I felt Gray take my arm and cough quietly. “May I?”
I nodded and she took the floor.
“Most of you know by now that I lead the Queen’s Army. And I too know of this threat,” she said. Then she faced me. “It is a real threat, Aurora. One that we all must address when the princes come to your coronation.”
Did everyone know about Bordell planning to take over my kingdom but me? I knew that it said in the old books if I didn’t marry then the title would go to their king, but I never knew they planned on taking over. This is my kingdom, not theirs.
“They’ll have to kill me first before I let them take my kingdom,” I told Gray. “I’ll play nice. When they come, keep an eye on them at all times, Gray.” She nodded.
There were many princes coming to catch my eye upon coronation. I knew what I had to do. The King and Queen of Bordell were sending two of their sons. I would only be speaking to both of them. They were my biggest worry. If they wanted my kingdom, who better to send to try and court me, to undermine me?
I turned to the council.
“This information is to stay in this room only,” I explained. “I will only court one prince. Prince Aiden is the eldest son of Bordell, correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Gray said with a nod.
“I’ll dance with him the night of my coronation. I want to keep a close eye on him. I do not trust Bordell one bit.”
They all nodded.
“We will make sure Prince Aiden is chosen. And all eyes will be on him at all times,” Gray told me and the council sternly.
For once I had faith in the people before me.
I would keep my enemy very close this time instead of letting them get away. Raven wasn’t the only one I had to watch out for. Prince Aiden was out to steal my kingdom, but he had a surprise waiting for him in Ancora: a queen who wasn’t willing to go down without a fight.
****
I met with Noctus after I changed into my riding gear. He was a tall Fae, and he rode the biggest stallion I had ever seen. Dwarfed by his steed, I rode my small mare into the woods. He led us into the heart of the Fae Woods—a place I hadn’t been in many years. As we led our horses through the woods, I waved to the Fae who came out to see us. Noctus, a council member for many years, had the respect of the Fae. Gray had taught me all I needed to know about him while I was dressing in my gear.
“He will do anything for the Fae people,” she told me. “He tries very hard to keep them happy, and I think that he has waited many years for a leader such as you.”
I could see that his people were important to him as we rode through; it showed in the way he held his head high and smiled at everyone. He was a proud fairy, that was for sure. His golden hair gleamed and his green eyes shined in the sunlight as we came to an open glen. Several Fae had gathered to give us food and drink for our ride.
A young fairy, that looked to be about twelve, handed me a basket. “This has some meats and bread for you both to eat. My mother made the bread just this morning.” She smiled proudly.
“Thank you. I’m sure it’s delicious,” I said taking it from her. “I’ll bring the basket back to you on our way home.”
She grinned and bowed low to me. I wasn’t used to so much bowing and hand kissing, but my mother assured me I would come around. For now I smiled at the girl and wished her a good day.
“Great Fae of the Wood,” Noctus addressed the fairies, “Her Majesty has agreed that she will unite our people. She wants to make us equal to her own. And in doing so, I’m afraid she will come across a few doubters and non-believers.”
Boy, he was so right about that. I could tell earlier that I had made a few men very upset when they left the council. I knew going into this that not everyone would conform; they’d get angry and revolt. But with change came great possibilities for my people and theirs. I think the Fae understood that because they cheered loudly as Noctus told them my plans.
When he explained how I planned to never take away another child from their Fae mother, because the father was mortal, the women openly wept. It wrenched my heart to see so many women crying in the street, probably mourning their children that were already gone. It was then that Sawyer came to my mind—he was taken from his mother and forced to work in the kitchens in the castle. While I was happy I had him in my life, I wondered if his mother thought of him, ever. I also pondered if his father, the Duke of Worner, ever speculated as to what became of him. Sawyer would be so proud of the progress I already made, and I couldn’t wait to tell him.
“We have come into a new dawn, my friends. The time we have all hoped for has come upon us, thanks to Her Majesty,” Noctus told the cheering crowd. “And I hope you all will be there to celebrate her coronation in just a few days.” The Fae cheered even louder and I smiled. I couldn’t help but feel the energy from the crowd. I waved at them, and they waved back and all came forward to greet me. As the crowd came closer, my mare became restless. I felt her pull back as the fairies closed in and cheered louder.
With her head beginning to tremble, I knew she was going to buck. “Calm yourself, Siana,” I said as I pet her head. But that didn’t work just as I knew it wouldn’t. Bucking upwards, nearly throwing me off, she shot into the woods at full speed. I held on with all of my might.
I heard Noctus somew
here behind me, but Siana was running at full speed; she was incredibly fast.
“Whoa, Siana, whoa!”
I should have known better than to take a mare I had never ridden before out of the stables. It was foolish.
As we rode through the thickest part of the forest, I began to worry just how far she was taking me. The basket the small fairy girl gave me flew from the horse, and I looked back to see where it landed. That’s when I noticed that we were no longer in the Fae Woods. The thick landscape of the Dark Forest came upon us so fast I hadn’t even realized it until it was too late. Siana was too wild to notice any threat; her only thought process was to flee.
I gripped onto her as tight as I could and yelled, “Whoa, Siana!”
She finally started to slow when it was too late. We were smack dab in the middle of the worst part of the forest. Siana knew it too now as she started whinnying and turning in circles. “Stay calm, girl. If we just turn around, we can get back home just fine.”
As she turned calmly, I heard a man say, “Oh, I do think that it’s too late for that, my pretty. Don’t you?”
I searched the forest for him, but what I found was not a man but a boar staring back at me and my mare.
Chapter Eleven
Raven
Raven was curled up in a ball when the girl threw a rock at her. She shot up like a spring and glared at the small child whose dark hair resembled her own. She hissed, and the girl stepped back, but didn’t run.
“I … I thought you were dead or something,” the girl said quietly. She was scared; Raven could smell it on her. Sniffing the air, Raven relished in the scent of fear. She wondered if Maleficent had the same powers as she did when she herself held the powers of the darkness. Could she sense fear in those around her?
“Dead? No. Sleeping? Yes.” She hissed at the girl again, but the girl didn’t run. Foolish child.
Awaken (Slumber Duology #2) Page 5
