by HDA Roberts
She was tall and statuesque, sharply beautiful. She wore black, matching her hair. Her eyes were dark and intelligent. She was also dangerous as hell. And if I was seeing her, I couldn't believe that Evelina was too far away.
"Beloved," said a soft voice from behind me, right on bloody cue.
I turned to Evelina. She was a little shorter than her mother, her features a little less sharp, her figure not as rounded, but she was still lovely, astonishing beautiful in fact. She was also under the distinct (and mistaken) impression that we were soul mates. It was a Fairy thing; don't ask me how that worked. I did have to admit that I felt... better when she touched me, even something as simple as holding my hand. From the look in her eyes when she did it, I was fairly certain she felt the same way. Which is why I avoided touching her, it wasn't fair to Cathy. Even that limited contact with Evelina felt like a betrayal of the girl I loved, and I simply wouldn't have that. I would not do anything that would bring Cathy pain, not for any reason.
"Hi Evi," I said with a smile. All that emotional stuff aside, I was quite fond of the Machiavellian Fairy.
She scowled, "I have told you my opinion about contracting my name," she said, crossing her arms.
And she'd also told me that she was alright with it when I told her it meant I was comfortable with her. But then I saw her eyes dart briefly to her mother and I understood. Evelina was the heir to Unseelie. Familiarity such as that could not be tolerated in a subject, even a Beloved, in public. Another reason I wanted to keep away from that mess, royal politics...
"Apologies, Princess Evelina," I said with a short bow and a neutral tone.
"Putting her need before your pride... interesting," Adriata said.
Evelina blinked and then blushed. Adriata gestured to her daughter and walked towards the gathered Archons, the younger Sidhe in tow. Unseelie bodyguards came out of the woods after them. They wore black armour and carried swords and shields. Every one radiated a lethal grace. The gathered Wardens watched them carefully as they approached.
"Your majesty," Kron said with a bow. I was still at the edge of the clearing, not wanting to interfere, "We weren't informed that you were coming."
"A meeting between the rulers of this pitiful dimension and my greatest rival and you thought I wouldn't be present? You're slipping Vanessa."
I rolled my eyes at the melodrama and settled down on an outstretched branch while Kron assured the evil queen that she was quite welcome and so forth. Melody quickly became bored and settled herself into the crook of my arm where she promptly fell asleep.
After a few minutes, a breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of wild flowers and the warmth of the deep summer. The Pixies immediately perked up, looking in the direction the wind had come from. And just like that, Elora was there, walking gracefully along a small track in the woods. There were a number of Seelie guards with her, their armour gold and heavy, women in hoods and long flowing white dresses gliding along behind them.
She was as tall as Adriata, but her hair was golden blonde, her features delicate and yet soft, with just a hint of sharpness. She wore a white, comfortably modest dress that dragged on the floor and yet remained completely unstained. It was inlaid with pearls and diamonds and she wore a simple circlet of platinum around her forehead.
She came right up to me, smiling warmly. I stood to welcome her.
"Summer Shade, I thank you for welcoming me into your home," she said.
"It's my honour, your majesty," I replied, bowing.
Summer Shade was what the Seelie called me after that Crooked House thing. It was better than 'Rat-eyes' or 'Shadowborn-freak' as far as nicknames went...
"I've been looking forward to seeing you again, that I might thank you properly for what you did. You have friends among the Seelie, should you ever need them."
She took my hand in hers and bowed her head slightly over it, making me blush.
"I did only what my conscience dictated," I said truthfully.
"That makes it more impressive, not less. We haven't known many humans who act like that. Not after they've been exposed to the world's ugliness," she said, tracing her fingers gently along the scars on my left cheek, a flash of empathetic pain crossing her eyes.
"You'd be surprised," I said, "For every monster humanity has made, there's twice as many good men willing to do the right thing."
She smiled; it was warm and kind, indulgent almost. It told me that I was far too young to know what I was talking about. Compared to her, she was probably right.
"I believed that once. Sometimes I can even bring myself to remember it. People like you help with that."
She stepped back. I noticed that the Magicians and the Unseelie had been watching this interaction very carefully. Adriata didn't look pleased.
Elora moved towards the table, followed by her people. The ones in the armour ignored me completely; the women looked at me sideways as they passed me by. All except one, who took one look at me and went rigid. I barely noticed, following the queen.
I yawned slightly, it was just after ten in the morning, but I was ready for a nap and another breakfast; and I was feeling guilty for not walking Burglar. The groundskeeper couldn't either; he had specific instructions to stay indoors today, as did the housekeeper, in case there was a screw-up and spells started flying about the place.
"Excuse m- Ah!" said a musical voice from behind me; I turned and was immediately tackled to the ground by a white and gold blur. Pixies darted away with tiny squeaks, barely avoiding the impact. Goodness knows how Melody woke up in time...
We landed with a thump, her hands grabbing my shirt sleeves by reflex. Everyone froze as the girl started apologising profusely. She was flat on me, her legs tangled with mine. It looked like she'd tripped. I'd never seen a Sidhe trip before. Her hood flopped back over her head and my breath caught in my throat.
She had to be the most adorable looking person I'd ever seen in my life. She looked about my age, maybe a little younger, her face was heart-shaped and soft, her eyes big and bright blue. She had a dainty nose, full lips and cute cheeks; like one of the Pixies writ large. Her hair was curly, not overly long, but a dark gold that seemed to suit her. She was quite lovely.
She stopped talking as our eyes met. Her hand released my arm and she placed the palm over my heart. I was very aware of her, her warmth, her gentility. I felt her heart beat speed up and suddenly it was beating in time to mine.
Just like what happens with Evelina...
"Uh oh," I whispered, the words just tumbling out almost on their own.
"I've been looking for you," the girl whispered, tears in those lovely eyes as she smiled at me.
Guards were suddenly above us, they quickly pulled her up and drew weapons to point at me.
"No!" the girl all but screamed, and suddenly the guards were flying through the air to land none too gently in the shrubbery (which was certainly taking a beating from flying imbeciles today).
She stood between me and the other guards, who'd also drawn weapons.
"You leave him alone!" she said, her tone commanding and strong. Quite impressive actually; more than a little attractive...
Focus, damn it!
"Gwendolyn, do calm down," Elora said indulgently, waving at her guards, who sheathed their weapons, "that is Mathew Graves. And the Lord Shadow is certainly the person in the very least danger here."
She squeaked, it was a very 'Cathy' thing and it made me smile as she turned around, looking down.
"I'm sorry Milord," she said, "I was presumptuous... and, and, and... foolish."
"Not at all," I said, standing up and dusting myself off, "I appreciate you standing up for me. You weren't to know otherwise; you just stood between a stranger and harm. That's nothing to apologise for, nothing at all. It's impressive."
She blushed from her chin to her forehead and seemed to lose all ability to speak. I looked around, hoping to find someone to help me. I didn't really have the necessary social skills to deal with situa
tions like that.
Elora smiled and walked up to the girl.
"This is my youngest, Gwendolyn," she said to me, putting her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Gwendolyn, this is Mathew."
She extended her hand automatically, still looking down, and I took it, bending over to kiss the back as etiquette demanded. She blushed even harder if that was possible.
"Come on, Little One," Elora said. She led her daughter to the other side of the table while the guards Gwendolyn had tossed like they were confetti got to their feet. She tugged on her mother's sleeve and Elora leant towards her daughter.
Whatever Gwendolyn said couldn't have been good, because Elora tensed.
"Are you sure?" the Queen asked as I walked over to stand with Hopkins.
"The women just literally fall all over you, don't they?" my sister asked, nudging my ribs.
"Oh, ha de ha," I said, glaring, "I think she broke my coccyx."
Hopkins snorted.
"Adriata," Elora said, beckoning the Unseelie queen.
"What?" The Unseelie asked, her arms crossed, impatient as she stomped over to her counterpart.
Elora whispered to Adriata, I might have listened in, but I was feeling courteous for once.
"Any idea about that? This isn't normal," Palmyra said.
"How would I know?" I asked.
"You live with Fairies," Hopkins pointed out as the girls resumed their spots.
"Not those ones, they scare the crap out of me," I replied.
"What doesn't these days?" Palmyra asked sweetly.
"That's not very nice."
"True, though," she said, grinning mischievously.
"I'll set the Pixies on you," I threatened.
"I'm an Archon," Palmyra said with a smile, "Do your worst, Shadowborn."
This was all in good fun, Palmyra liked to talk big. I was rather fond of it.
"You asked for it, Girls, would you?"
"I don't know Matty," Meadow said, "That seems a little harsh, has she really earned that sort of punishment?"
Palmyra grinned at the girls.
"I think so," I said.
"Alright," the little Fairy replied.
I stepped forward and the little Pixies stood on their various perches, looking at Palmyra, and simply burst into tears.
Completely false, they used just the threat of this tactic to make me give them my sweets and dessert all the time. It was completely devastating, even knowing it was faked.
"Oh God!" Palmyra said, darting forward, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I promise I'll never do it again!"
Jewel wailed convincingly, turning away so she could cry into my hair.
"God, Matty, make them stop!" Palmyra begged, trying to pat Melody's shoulder.
"Okay, Girls, I think she gets it," I said.
Immediate cessation, like flicking a switch. They all grinned evilly as they wiped away their crocodile tears.
"You're supposed to be Seelie, how can you be this evil?" Palmyra said.
"Don't say that," Jewel said in a tiny voice, "We were only trying to help."
Her tiny lip trembled.
"Crap," Palmyra said, "I didn't mean it! I think you're lovely! Please don't cry again!"
I chuckled and Meadow sniggered evilly behind my ear. Jewel took a great, theatrical sniff and subsided onto her perch.
"Graves, you have thoroughly corrupted these innocent beings with your mean-spirited trickery. Shame on you," Palmyra said, grinning despite herself.
"I did not!" I complained.
"So they did this before they met you?" Hopkins asked.
"I only know of it because they do it to me!" I said.
"Graves!" Adriata hissed, making me jump, "Come here."
I looked to Hopkins, who shrugged and Palmyra, who did the same.
"Girls, maybe wait here?" I suggested.
They nodded and darted up before flying over to perch on the back of one of the chairs.
I walked around the table to where Adriata was waiting with Elora, Gwendolyn and Evelina.
"Yes?" I said.
"Put up your hands," Adriata commanded.
"Am I under arrest?" I asked.
"Please, Mathew," Elora said gently, "Put your hands out in front of you."
I sighed and obeyed. The queens gestured their daughters forward. Neither would look at me. Each took an outstretched hand in one of theirs.
I can't adequately describe what that felt like.
It felt... good isn't the right word. It felt like... the best way to describe it would be as 'coming home'. There was energy; it came from them to me, merged with my own and went back out to them. I saw their eyes close as they felt it too. It was warm and comforting like the feeling you get when you're wrapped up in your favourite blanket in front of a fire on a cold day, a bowl of soup in your lap made by someone who cares for you... times a thousand.
I let them go and stepped back, banging into the table, shaking my head. I was breathing hard, and I swallowed, getting my emotions in check.
"Damn," Elora said.
"What was that?" I asked.
"Nothing," Adriata snapped.
"You know better," Elora said, "They are both bonded to him."
Like hell they are! Cathy was going to kill me! It was bad enough when there was just the one princess...
"Soul mates don't come in threes!" Adriata hissed.
"True," Elora replied, which brought her counterpart up short, "He is a soul-mate to each of them. Not them to each other. They benefit from the two bonds he has, but do not share them. They each have only the one."
I was backing away at this point, as surreptitiously as I could.
"Well, what do you propose we do about this, then?!" Adriata asked, sounding seriously miffed, not that I could blame her.
"Nothing right now," Elora replied, "I think we can both agree that we need to handle this better than out great-grandmothers handled the last one. And that requires time. He's only human, he doesn't understand, and he's clearly in love with someone already."
Gwendolyn sniffed, cuffing at her eye. That broke my heart on the spot. She was the sort of person who made you feel like you'd be willing to move a mountain to protect her (an actual possibility when you're talking about an Archon). I wanted to hug that pain away, and that thought didn't belong in my head...
"That problem is being dealt with," Adriata continued, waving her hand dismissively.
"What?" I asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
The queens turned to me, Elora's eyes went wide.
"He heard us," she said.
Ardiata cocked her head, "Impossible. He simply heard speech and asked what we were talking about."
"Did you understand us, Mathew?" Elora asked.
"Of course, you're speaking English not three feet from me."
"No we're not," Elora said.
"Yes you are."
"We're not speaking English now, you half-wit," Adriata said, "Look at our lips."
"You shouldn't be able to understand our speech, Mathew," Elora said, and indeed her mouth didn't match the words coming out of it.
"Leaving that aside, you didn't answer my question," I said to Adriata, "What do you mean 'That problem is being dealt with'?"
"Only that my daughter met your little concubine. She's going to break your heart. And I'm going to enjoy watching your pain," Adriata said, her voice dripping with venom.
I took a step forward, my Shadows leaping from every crevice, great waves and tendrils of blackness that surrounded me protectively as I glared at the Fairy queen. I knew that my eyes would be completely black with my power, making my glare even more intimidating.
"I do my very best to be polite to you for Evelina's sake," I said, my voice a low and sinister whisper that made Adriata step away from me, "but it would be unwise for you to forget where you are or who you're talking to. And if you do anything to Cathy I will redefine what you think of as wrath, do you understand me?"
Surprisingly, Adr
iata smiled, "My child said you had spine. You have nothing to fear from me, Lord Shadow. Your actions in the face of people attacking those under your care are well known. Not even I would tempt that sort of response. But just because I won't be solving my daughter's problem doesn't mean it won't get solved just fine on its own."
I glared hard at her and felt my brother and sisters nearby, their powers close at hand. It wouldn't take much for this whole thing to degenerate into a colossal mess.
"You've made your point, Graves," Adriata said, "Evelina already told me that you won't attack unless provoked in kind, this posturing is meaningless."
I grunted, but released my Shadows, they went slithering back to where they'd came from.
"Why doesn't it taste foul?" Gwendolyn asked her mother in a small voice, "The others reek from all the way over there, why doesn't he?"
"I don't know, Little One," Elora said, squeezing her daughter's shoulders, "Once this conference is over, you can ask him."
"He scares me, Mother," she said, her voice even frailer, "That magic of his, it looks horrible."
"You don't scare me, Beloved," Evelina said from right next to me.
"More's the pity," I replied, turning to smile at her. She replied with a glare and a stuck-out tongue that inspired a great many none-too-wholesome thoughts and made me blush again.
Gwendolyn heard Evelina and she turned back towards me, something much stronger in her eyes as she looked at the pair of us. She looked me up and down, as if trying to burn a picture of me into her mind. It was a tad unsettling.
"I have questions," she said finally, her voice a little stronger, "May I ask? When the conference is over?"
"Oh... alright," I said, "I can't promise good answers."
She nodded, giving me a tiny smile.
That made me happy. Not good. I could already foresee having immense trouble saying no to that girl. And I was going to have to; Cathy was nobody's consolation prize. She was the girl of my dreams, and I loved her more than I could easily describe.
I would not lose sight of that.
I moved off back to the Magician side of the table.
Can we please get this over with? I sent to Hopkins, This is going to give me an ulcer!
She snorted, What the hell was that? There was all sorts of strange energy flowing.
