by Nissa Leder
Scarlett gulped as Aria’s words sank in. All she wanted was to protect her sister, but she’d given Ashleigh no choice in the matter. Not once.
“A tiger trapped in a cage is no life for a tiger,” Aria added.
You will lose someone, but not all will be lost.
They hadn’t said who it would be. The thought of losing anyone twisted Scarlett’s stomach into a pretzel. But the thought of losing Ashleigh stole the breath in her lungs.
“I need her to at least try to understand,” Scarlett said. “I would do anything to keep her safe.”
“But would you do anything to keep her happy?” Aria’s expression softened. “You’re not the only one to blame, not in the slightest. If my brother hadn’t been so extreme in his desperation to save me, maybe your sister would still be in the mortal world, curled up with her boyfriend on the couch.”
Aria hadn’t trapped Ashleigh in the mirror, but Kaelem had done it to save her. “It wasn’t your choice and not your fault.”
“Nevertheless, Ashleigh’s life has changed.”
“Thank you for being there for her. If she won’t talk to me, I’m glad she has you.”
Aria hopped up from the bed and pulled Scarlett into a hug. “She will forgive you if you give her time and let her choose her own destiny.”
Scarlett appreciated Aria’s advice.
She just wasn’t sure she could take it.
Kaelem slouched on the leather sofa as he watched that day’s episode of his favorite soap opera. Human struggles were so very… human. He wasn't sure how else to explain it. Both mortal and fae alike experienced the same emotion, yet humans were cursed with disease and famine and such short lifespans. For as much as they valued money, it couldn't save them from death.
At least not yet. Human technology advanced more every day, and Kaelem wondered how long until it could stop even death. And what humans would be willing to do to each other for such a luxury.
On today’s episode, a man had been shot in the head and was unconscious in the hospital. Two women, both his lovers, visited him, just missing each other. But the preview for tomorrow’s episode promised a clashing between the two and Kaelem couldn't wait.
“I can't believe you watch this show,” Scarlett said behind him.
He’d heard her come in a few minutes ago but she’d waited until the show was over to speak.
“Mortal drama is so much fun,” Kaelem said.
He expected a witty remark, but Scarlett didn't reply. Instead, she silently sat next to him, arms crossed.
Kaelem had worried Scarlett would despise him for what he’d done to her sister, but, although she hadn’t completely forgiven him, her time at the Unseelie Court had subdued her anger. It was unlike him to feel guilt, but he regretted forcing Scarlett to help him like he had.
“Everything all right?” Kaelem straightened his posture as he pushed himself from his slouch.
“She’ll never forgive me. No matter what I do.” Scarlett looked forward as she spoke, with a wide-eyed gaze. “She’s getting thinner every day.”
“It’s only been a few weeks.” Kaelem scooted closer to Scarlett and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Give her time.”
Scarlett turned her head toward Kaelem, tears pooling in her eyes. “Time to what, waste away as she glares at me every time I try to talk to her?”
Guilt rose in Kaelem like bile. What a horrid feeling. He was developing a soft heart, something unheard of for an Unseelie King. Maybe he’d watched one too many mortal shows. He grabbed the remote and turned the television off.
“I can erase her memory.” Kaelem watched Scarlett as she took in his words. “Whatever it is she longs for in the mortal world, I can make it disappear.”
Scarlett stared at him.
Kaelem tried to listen to her thoughts, but her mental shield stood too strong. She mastered her fae gifts more every day. The way she took down Kassandra in the Winter Court was impressive, to say the least, but since that day, her power had only grown.
“Could you ever give back her memories?” she asked.
“No, not if I took them,” Kaelem answered. “There are ways to trap memories, but that’s a different type of magic than I possess.”
Scarlett glanced ahead again.
Kaelem attempted to pry into her thoughts one more time. A small crack in her metal shield appeared. He snuck in.
I can’t lose her. But taking her memory? God, to even consider it makes me a horrible person. Aria is right, though. She’s trapped in a world where she doesn’t belong, and as long as I keep her here, she’ll hate me.
Kaelem felt the love Scarlett possessed for her sister in her concern. The same love he had for Aria. He’d have done almost anything to save her.
But what if what the women said is true? What if something will happen to Ashleigh?
The women? Kaelem pushed harder into Scarlett’s mind. An image of the Fates speaking to Scarlett appeared.
They’d visited her, too? Visiting a common fae was nearly unheard of. The Fates were known for sharing their warnings with fae royalty, but they didn’t meddle in the day-to-day life of other fae, especially one of mortal birth.
Kaelem pressed further, hoping to learn the warning they’d given her, but Scarlett lifted her mental shield, forcing him out. She hadn’t sensed his presence.
Now that was impressive. It was one thing to block him out, but Kaelem’s mind gift was as powerful as it could be. Very few fae could push him out without realizing he was there.
“I don’t know what to do.” Scarlett’s shoulders fell. Her chest quivered as tears poured from her eyes.
Kaelem pulled her close, awkwardly patting her back. He wasn’t used to comforting someone. He inhaled her sweet rose scent.
He didn’t need Scarlett’s permission to take Ashleigh’s memory. Maybe she’d hate him more if he did it without her consent, but if it would save her the guilt of making the decision herself, it would be worth it.
The Fates’ warning to him replayed in his mind. Scarlett could be crucial to whatever changes were on the horizon of the fae world, and alienating her even more than he already had wouldn’t be wise.
Scarlett sniffled as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Thank you for the offer. I’ll keep it in mind.”
Kaelem nodded. He considered making a joke about taking her mind off of her worries, but he didn’t. “Just say the word, and I’ll do it.”
Scarlett stood and took a deep breath. “I think I need a break from practicing magic today.”
“No problem. Go do something fun.”
Scarlett gave a half grin. “Yeah, maybe.”
After she left the room, Kaelem turned the TV back on and flipped through the television channels, only to turn it off again. Suddenly human drama seemed less entertaining.
Lola entered the room with an envelope in her hand. With one hand on her hip, the other handed it to Kaelem. “This just arrived.”
He took it from her and she left. The sparkly silver envelope was embossed with the Seelie Queen’s seal, a gold circle surrounded a swirly letter S. Inside was an invitation to the annual Seelie ball.
Kaelem was sick of the courts and all their rituals. He didn’t have to go to them all, and if he were to skip any, it would be the Seelie festivities. But with the Fates’ warning of an upcoming war, he couldn’t risk missing out on a chance to learn where the other courts stood.
Plus, the Seelie Queen hated when anyone refused an invitation, which would be a reason not to go if she wasn’t the only other fae ruler whose power rivaled his own.
And so, to the Seelie Court Kaelem would go.
Chapter Four
Although Sage had kept her emotions locked tight, Raith saw the dread in her eyes as her brother led them to the Autumn Castle. Behind the hedges, the castle grounds looked like an empty field of grass, but after crossing the threshold, Raith saw them for what they really were.
An ironwood fence stood on each side of the
cobblestone path, a twisting vine with deep red leaves climbing up it. They crossed a small bridge that hovered over a shallow creek, with crystal clear water flowing over stones of different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Raith’s magic buzzed inside him. As they neared the castle, they passed a row of trees that served as another barrier to the castle. Leaves of red, orange, and yellow fell from the trees and scattered across the ground, yet the path remained clear.
The silence between Sage and her brother grew awkward. It wasn’t as if Raith didn’t understand a sibling feud, but witnessing such tension felt a lot different than being the one caught up in the bad blood.
A single guard, dressed in tan fighting leather, stood at the tall, walnut door that served as an entrance to the castle.
Sage’s brother, whose name Raith learned was Ajax, nodded and the door opened. He had an arrogance about him that put even the Unseelie King to shame.
Kaelem had surprised Raith, which he didn’t know was possible. He’d gone to such great lengths to save his sister, and, blood or not, Raith didn’t know the Unseelie King had such love in him. It wasn’t just his sister that Kaelem cared for. Raith had sensed his fondness for Scarlett as well.
And hers for him. Even thinking about them together sent a jolt of rage through Raith, but where had he left Scarlett? The fear he’d felt when he’d sensed she was in danger at the Winter Court was the strongest emotion he’d ever felt. If he wasn’t so desperate to find out more about his mother, he’d have never left Scarlett alone with Kaelem.
Although Raith worried what might happen if they grew even closer, he knew the Unseelie King would keep Scarlett safe, and the only thing worse than her caring for Kaelem was for something to happen to her.
Raith regained his focus as they entered a large entryway with a grand staircase covered in ivy. Greenery inside a castle was unusual, but it didn’t give a dirty feel like Raith would have expected.
Raith and Sage continued to follow her brother to the Autumn Court throne room.
A large skylight sat high on the tall ceiling, brightening the room. At the far end were four thrones. The largest sat ahead of the others, a male fae sitting in its seat, watching as they approached with the owl from the forest perched on the throne’s back. A few feet behind and to his right sat a smaller throne with a female fae who Raith assumed was the Autumn Queen.
In the Summer Court, the king and queen sat side-by-side, thrones of equal fashion. Whoever had royal fae blood was the ultimate ruler, though the people equally loved their partner. Something told Raith it wasn’t the same here in the Autumn Court.
The king wore a serious expression. “I knew you would return to us someday.”
Sage’s face remained calm. “We’re here for information.”
The king glanced between Sage and Raith. “And who is we?”
“This is Raith. He is part Summer and part Autumn, and is searching for knowledge about his mother.”
The king looked back to his wife, who grinned and asked. “Are you two a couple?”
Raith almost burst into laughter at the thought. Did they not know Sage preferred women?
“Yes,” Sage snapped. “Will you help us or not?”
Wait, what? Why had Sage lied? She’d been so open with Raith about her sexuality. Did her parents really not know? He knew humans got caught up on sexuality, but he’d never known any fae to care one way or another.
But the Autumn Court distanced itself from the others more than any other court. Occasionally, a ruler would attend another court’s festival, but rarely did the Autumn Court host its own. Raith hadn’t realized how much he didn’t know about the court that gave him his most treasured nature gift until that moment.
“Welcome to our home,” the queen said. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Sage looked at Raith, wide-eyed. Was she afraid he’d tell them the truth?
Raith bowed. “The honor is mine.”
“What makes you think we can help?” the king asked.
Sage explained what Kaelem had said, how he’d met a servant whose memories showed that Raith’s mother was Kassandra’s sister. “The servant worked for the Summer Court but fled here, which is where the Unseelie King claims to have seen her.”
“You’re friends with the Unseelie King?” the king asked.
“He’s an acquaintance of Raith’s,” Sage replied, eyes locked on her father’s.
He didn’t blink. With his hands gripping the throne arms, he stared at Sage with furrowed brows.
“He’s a Summer Prince,” Sage added.
“The one who lost the battle against his brother?” The king’s expression turned sour. “I’d heard he’d been killed.”
“Obviously not.” Sage huffed. “It doesn’t matter who he is. Will you help us or not?”
The king’s glare fixed on Sage. His distaste for Raith was apparent, but Raith didn’t want her getting herself into any trouble. Royal blood or not, Raith didn’t think the king would take kindly to rudeness.
The queen spoke before the situation could escalate. “I will see if I can find her.” She glanced back and forth between her husband and her daughter.
“Thank you, mother.” Sage turned to her and dipped her head.
“For now, you may take your old room. I’ll have a servant prepare it for you two.”
For them both? Raith shouldn’t have been surprised. Sage had basically just claimed him as her lover. Why wouldn’t they share a room?
“Thank you for your kindness,” Raith said. He’d learned long ago the importance of being polite to fae royals. Nothing struck their egos more.
“We will take a walk around the castle grounds while we wait for our room,” Sage said, avoiding her father’s gaze.
Raith followed Sage outside through a door on the side of the castle to a creek surrounded by trees shedding their leaves. Though it was spring, the Autumn Court lived in a continuous cycle of birth and rebirth. The sound of flowing water sent serenity through Raith. The colors of fall all around were the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. The bright colors of the Summer Court plant life dulled in comparison.
Sage stopped and turned toward Raith. “Thank you for playing along.”
“Any time,” Raith said. “Why didn’t you just tell them the truth?”
“The Autumn Court is different than the rest.” Sage bent near the creek and placed her hand in the water. “It’s old-fashioned in its beliefs. While the rest of the courts let go of past standards, the Autumn Court has hung on as tightly as it could.”
“They don’t know you prefer women?” Raith plopped down a few feet behind Sage. Close enough they could speak quietly, but far enough he wouldn’t get wet.
“They know, or at least they knew I did. I know they hoped I’d change my mind. I am not the daughter my father wanted. Thankfully for him, he got two.”
“You have a sister?”
“Yes, younger. She’s probably pent up in some tower studying as good princesses do. I haven’t seen her since I left.” Sage frowned.
“I noticed your father’s throne was bigger than the rest.”
“Yes, only men can be rulers here in the Autumn Court.” Sage sighed. “Women are to be subservient. It’s ridiculous and why I left.”
Wow. Raith didn’t know the Autumn Court was so chauvinistic. According to its history, The Summer Court had been open to women rulers for over three centuries. “Yikes.”
Sage had come back here for Raith. If pretending to be her lover made it any easier for her, then it was the least he could do.
“We should head in,” Sage said. “Mother will expect us at dinner.”
Raith admired the plant life surrounding them. The energy radiating from it gave him a buzz, like the perfect moment after drinking alcohol when every inch of him felt good but his mind was still his and not the wine’s.
The closer to the castle they got, the slower Sage walked.
Before they went inside, Raith said. �
�Thank you. I owe you.”
“Don’t forget it.” Sage smiled and slugged Raith’s arm.
Nearly getting eaten alive by wolves turned out to be one of the best things to happen to Raith. He was thankful to call Sage a friend, and he’d be even more thankful to learn everything he could about his mother.
Cade blocked the sword swinging at his throat. He pushed it back with his own sword, and, with a spin, struck at Poppy’s feet.
She jumped over the blade, landing in a somersault then rolling into a crouch.
“I admit, you’ve improved,” Poppy said as she stood. “But you have yet to take me down.”
Cade sprinted toward her, sword raised. They matched each other stroke for stroke, the clinging of blades ricocheting through the circular stone training room where they’d trained for the Battle of Heirs.
Although the people of the Summer Court thought Cade had defeated his brother and earned the crown, he and Poppy knew the truth: the Battle of Heirs continued.
And, thanks to a visit from the Fates, he knew he needed to end the battle once and for all.
Poppy shrieked as she lunged, sword aimed at Cade’s heart, determination in her eyes.
Cade dove out of the way, quickly spun and used his free arm to take out Poppy’s legs from behind.
As she fell to the ground with a thud, her weapon slipped from her hands. Cade pushed himself on top of her, his sword above her throat.
“I did it,” he said, pleased he’d finally won a sparring battle.
“Took you long enough,” Poppy replied.
Cade could feel her body beneath his. The bond that remained between them intensified any interaction they had, both sensitive to each other’s emotions. A new thrill rushed through Cade, stirring his stomach.
Poppy stared at him, something dancing in her eyes.
As lust radiated through Cade, he wondered if it was just his own or if Poppy, too, felt what he had.
Cade pushed himself up, reaching out his hand to Poppy. To his surprise, she grabbed on and let him help her up.
“Lunch?” he asked.
