Whims of Fae - The Complete Series

by Nissa Leder

  Always night in the Court of Darkness.

  With a glance at the fireplace across the room, Scarlett lit a fire with her magic. Warmth spread through the room as the embers crackled, brightening the room with an orange glow.

  “And she wakes,” Kaelem said as he opened her bedroom door and entered.

  Scarlett pushed herself to a sitting position and checked that her nightgown adequately covered her chest.

  “Still so modest.” Kaelem wore nothing but a pair of boxers.

  Scarlett studied his face, careful not to look elsewhere. She’d improved her ability to block out his ganacanagh gifts, but hadn’t quite mastered it. The more of his body that was exposed, the harder it was.

  “Someday you’ll quit fighting it.” Kaelem smirked as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Having second thoughts about joining me?”

  “No,” Scarlett snapped. “Maybe I just don’t see you sexually.”

  Kaelem tipped his head back and roared in laughter. “Please. You may be better at keeping me out of your head now, but I see the struggle in your eyes.”

  “Cocky as ever.” Scarlett pulled the covers over her breasts.

  “If you’re so immune to my gifts, then you’ll have no problem stopping us as we feed on each other’s lust.”

  “Piece of cake.”

  “Then let’s begin.” In three long strides, Kaelem arrived at the bed. He placed a hand on Scarlett’s knee, still hidden beneath the covers.

  “Now?” A shiver crawled up her leg like a spider.

  “Is that an issue?” Kaelem’s hair was pulled into a low ponytail with a few strands hovering in front of his self-assured expression.

  “No.” Scarlett gulped. Her heart fluttered. She could do this. It was nothing more than a game. Like spin the bottle or truth or dare. It didn’t mean anything.

  Kaelem tugged the blankets off of Scarlett and pushed himself on top of her, straddling her.

  Scarlett’s arms hugged her side as his face moved closer to hers.

  “Don’t look so enthused,” he quipped.

  He trailed a finger down her cheek then tipped her chin up so her eyes stared into his.

  Scarlett’s heartbeat sped as his lips pressed down onto hers. She’d kissed him before to make Cade jealous. Part of the ruse, she’d claimed.

  Kaelem was attractive, as most fae were, but it was more than that. He held an innate allure few possessed. A security that showed in his confidence. Scarlett had always had a thing for self-assured guys. Her kryptonite, as Natalie would always joke.

  As drawn to them as she was, Scarlett always kept the control. Things never went further than she said. She’d managed to hold onto her virginity until her night with Raith, and that had been the only time she’d gone all the way.

  But as weak to lust as she had been as a mortal, it was ten times worse as a fae. Add in Kaelem’s ganacanagh gift and Scarlett was lucky to have already held on so long. Her arrangement to attend the Seelie ball with him was dangerous. She held a burning match in her hand and, if not careful, she would get burned.

  Kaelem took her face in his hands as the kiss intensified. Any misgivings Scarlett had slipped away as his tongue trailed her lower lip, causing a quiet moan to escape.

  This encouraged him, and his pelvis crushed against hers. The lust in the air thickened. Scarlett absorbed it. It filled her, her magic buzzing. Heat swam in her veins.

  Though still clothed, it felt intimate. Too intimate.

  Scarlett pulled away. “That should do for now.”

  Breathing heavily, Kaelem moved off of her. “We leave in an hour.”

  Chapter Seven

  Cade had his servants pack his things for him.

  He still wasn’t used to having servants of his own. His mother’s had helped him on occasion when he was prince, and some were servants of the castle itself, keeping it tidy, preparing meals and such. But his mother had chosen three servants that were his and his alone, two humans and one fae, there to attend his every need.

  The humans had pledged their lives in exchange for something. Usually, they wanted their memories erased or their pain dulled. Sometimes, they wanted to avenge a loved one, but a strong request like that cost them.

  They were never forced into service, Cade assured himself. Not since his father’s reign, that was. Before that, the Summer Court was known for stealing humans from the mortal realm. And now, his mother urged Cade to reconsider the laws his father had put into place. With human emotion so fulfilling to the Summer fae, he understood her motivation.

  But he couldn’t ignore the wretched taste the thought alone left in his mouth. Was luring them into Faerie as servants by preying on their weaknesses any better?

  What would he be willing to do if it meant keeping his people safe? How far would he go?

  Once his things were packed and ready, he’d send a servant to help Poppy, then they would leave for the Seelie Court. While he waited, his mother visited him.

  They sat in the corner of his room, where two high-backed chairs were placed for conversation. Kassandra’s legs were crossed beneath her long, midnight blue dress and folded her hands in her lap in her lap. A large ruby sat atop a golden band on her fourth finger.

  “You inherited your father’s heart,” she said. “There is honor in kindness, but rulers don’t have the luxury of honor.”

  His mother gave him too much credit. Was it kind when he brought Scarlett into their world? What about when he nearly killed her? Was leaving his older brother to die alone in the world honorable?

  “I am not my father.”

  “You are fae, my son, and our natural tendencies are selfish. But you care for others. The human girl, your brother. I’ve even seen the fondness you carry for that guard of yours.”

  “Poppy is loyal to me. I respect that.” He wanted to remind her Scarlett was no longer human, as his mother very well learned at the Winter Court.

  “You must be smart now, my son. War is coming, one way or another. Choosing what to fight for will change the fate of the Summer Court.”

  “And how do I know what the right choice is?”

  “You don’t.” Kassandra tilted her head to the side. “But the decision that strengthens the Summer Court best prepares us for whatever the future holds.”

  The warning the Fates gave Cade stirred in his mind.

  His mother continued. “Nevina will either be our enemy or our ally. Strife between our courts has existed since far before either you or I were born. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.”

  “You think I should join with her to take back our power from the mortal realm courts. Is that not suicide? Attacking them with our hands tied behind our back seems the surest way to bring destruction to Summer. Do you not remember what happened at the Winter Solstice?”

  He’d tried to avoid the topic, but she needed reminding of how a fight against the mortal realm courts could go.

  Kassandra pursed her lips as her eyes burned into Cade’s.

  His mother was too proud to admit defeat. But she’d joined Nevina in a personal attack against the Unseelie King, then Kaelem and Scarlett had taken the two queens down.

  They’d left them both alive. Mercy, perhaps. Or intelligence. War was ugly and no ruler wanted to bring its destruction to his court. No matter the reason, partnering with Nevina against Kaelem could prove fatal.

  But if war was really coming, Cade and his people needed all the magic they could get. And if he partnered with Nevina and broke the curse, they’d be better prepared.

  It was a big if, though, and Cade wasn’t one for gambling.

  “I am still weighing all the options. I value your council and will keep your thoughts under advisement.” Cade nodded, indicating their conversation was now over.

  Kassandra stood and curtsied. “I hope you make the right decision, son.”

  Cade hoped so, too.

  For now, he would go to the Seelie Court to represent the Summer Court. But Nevina would want an
answer soon, and no matter what he chose, Summer would make an enemy.

  Scarlett linked her arm with Kaelem’s as they dissolved at the Unseelie Palace and reappeared at the Seelie Court.

  Scarlett blinked as she oriented herself after evanescing. Kaelem swore it would eventually be fun, but the queasiness twisting in her stomach was not fun in any way.

  High upon a tree-covered hill sat an ivory-colored castle with a golden roof shimmering in the sunshine. If the Unseelie Palace was the Court of Darkness, then this was the Court of Light. A few other smaller buildings were scattered among the trees.

  Behind them stood a tall stone fence, differently shaped rooflines peeking above its top. Scarlett wondered how far the houses spread and what else lay behind the wall?

  Ahead, another fence enclosed a section of the grounds, but instead of the opaque stone it was made of twisting gold metal.

  “This way, m’lady.” Kaelem tugged Scarlett through the golden gates.

  The lust between them still swam through Scarlett. Any time it would get low, they'd need to replenish it. It was part of the deal she’d made and necessary for her safety. She hoped she could keep things from going too far like she had that morning.

  A white stallion and golden carriage with an embossed vine pattern waited for them on the other side of the gate. Kaelem helped Scarlett balance as she stepped into the shimmering carriage. Once they were both seated, the horse started toward the castle on the hill.

  How did it know to leave?

  “They’re well trained,” Kaelem said.

  Scarlett quickly pulled her mental shields up. She needed to be more careful now. Kaelem didn’t need to know her every thought.

  The horse trotted at a steady pace. Scarlett looked out as she rode. Horses roamed in the pasture to the side of the road. Some were black, some brown, some white with spots. But none were solid white like the one that pulled the carriage.

  One stood out from the others. Instead of spots, it had stripes and was smaller than the rest.

  “That’s a zebra!” Scarlett blinked her eyes to make sure she was seeing clearly.

  “Yes, the Seelie Queen is fond of exotic animals.”

  Scarlett searched further and noticed the tall neck of a giraffe. “Are there lions?”

  Could fae powers keep a wild animal from harming anyone?

  “Yes, but those are elsewhere.”

  Scarlett gulped. She’d lived through Kassandra’s powers. Surely a lion should seem less intimidating.

  The path curved around a hill. As they approached another set of gates, the horse slowed. Once the gates opened, the horse continued through. It circled around a large fountain, water flowing from its top to the pool below, not stopping until it reached the castle.

  Now closer, Scarlett admired the details of the castle. The same vines that decorated the carriage curved around four columns that framed the tall golden double doors, their metal sparkling in the sunlight. Two octagonal turrets rose—one on each side of the entrance—each covered in windows looking out to the never-ending view down the hill to the village below.

  A man in a black suit opened the carriage door and escorted them inside. His jade eyes avoided Scarlett and Kaelem. Scarlett could feel the distaste pouring off of him. Could he really hate them that much simply because they were Unseelie guests?

  That was something the fae and humans shared: hatred based on being parts of different groups. With as much wealth and magic as the fae possessed, they still found excuses to dislike one another.

  Once they were inside, a familiar face greeted them. It was the man from the Seelie Court Scarlett had seen at the other events. The one who she swore she’d caught staring at her.

  Now, his wide eyes held fear. Why would he be afraid? Kaelem had a reputation, but the man had to know Kaelem wouldn’t attack them at the Seelie Court at a royal event.

  Scarlett took Kaelem’s hand. Touching each other would keep their connection stronger.

  Could he have sensed my Seelie nature when he met me before? Scarlett asked Kaelem through her mind.

  Doubtful. Only those with royal blood can sense aura.

  Scarlett had thought she’d been able to learn the difference. But her powers were so new, she wasn’t sure of anything yet.

  “Welcome,” the man said, his expression now friendly.

  “Laik.” Kaelem shook Laik’s hand. “We didn’t have the chance to catch up at the Winter Solstice. Perhaps we’ll have time during my visit.”

  “That would be an honor.” Laik nodded. “I’d heard you were busy with other affairs at the Solstice.” He glanced at Scarlett.

  “Yes, I’m afraid it wasn’t the most relaxing of events I’ve been to. But I got what I wanted, as I usually do.” Kaelem let go of Scarlett’s hand and wrapped it around her waist.

  Laik’s expression kept still. “Let me show you two to your room and we can catch up later.”

  Scarlet and Kaelem followed him up a staircase with an iron railing. After climbing three sets of stairs and walking down a long hallway, they arrived at their room.

  “Please let any of the servants know if you need anything,” Laik said before leaving.

  The first thing Scarlett noticed when they entered the room was the golden border outlining the windows. The intricate floral design reminded Scarlett of the carriage and columns, though this one was more detailed. As she scanned the room, the ceiling also drew her eye. Just like the border, it was made of squares carved with images of different flowers.

  “Exquisite, isn’t it?” Kaelem said. “The Seelie Court is nothing if not extravagant.”

  “It’s more…elegant than the Unseelie Court.”

  “Yes, my court has continued to evolve with the human world. The Seelie Queen attached herself to a different time and refuses to change.”

  A large, four-poster bed sat against the wall to the left. Its wooden posts held a swirl design that matched the fireplace mantle across the room, a fire already burning.

  “Is it just me, or did Laik seem shocked to see us?” Scarlett asked as she ran her fingers across the silk bed covering.

  You’d best talk to me through your mind with certain things. Kaelem sent the words to Scarlett’s mind. But yes, I sensed his surprise. I RSVP’d as the queen requested, so I’m not sure why he didn’t expect me.

  Kaelem flung off his shoes and fell back onto the bed.

  “Let’s relax for now. Soon, the celebration will begin,” he said aloud again.

  Scarlett slipped into bed next to Kaelem, careful to keep some distance between them.

  As she lay there, her thoughts found Laik again. Her instinct knew something was off about him. She just didn’t know what.

  Maybe it wasn’t Kaelem Laik didn’t expect. Maybe it was Scarlett.

  Chapter Eight

  Raith listened as Sage told him what she’d overheard. Her voice was a whisper and Raith could feel the fear radiating from her.

  “If they find out I know…” Sage said.

  “We can leave now,” Raith said. “If they had known you heard, well, I don’t think you’d be able to be here telling me.”

  Raith liked to think if Sage’s father had found her, he’d have trusted her. At worst, locked her up. But Raith wouldn’t fool himself. The Autumn King would have killed his daughter if he needed to. Fae rulers were known far more for their brutality than their loving natures.

  “But what about finding out more about your mother?” Sage asked.

  “It isn’t worth risking.” Raith already regretted leaving Scarlett with the Unseelie King. He should have been there for Scarlett instead of on a hunt for nothing more than information. He’d already been selfish. If something happened to Sage because of him, he’d never forgive himself.

  A knock on the door caused them both to jump.

  Sage grabbed the dagger strapped to her side.

  Raith guided her hand to put it away.

  “Come in,” Sage said.

  As th
e door opened, Raith was relieved to see Sage’s mother enter, regal in her dark green dress. He hadn’t noticed at first, but now, on closer inspection, the resemblance between them was uncanny. Both had long copper hair and bright green eyes, though Sage’s were a shade lighter than her mother’s.

  She shut the door behind her. “May I have a moment alone with my daughter?”

  “Raith can hear whatever it is you have to say.” Sage raised her chin.

  Raith felt the anger Sage exuded.

  “Very well.” The Autumn Queen’s eyes glanced downward. “I’ve come to apologize.”

  Sage glanced at Raith, confusion on her face.

  Her mother continued. “You are my daughter and you will always be my daughter, no matter what you do with your life or who you choose to love.” She glanced at Raith, and he knew she didn’t buy their lie. “I should have stood up to your father. We both knew you had a different vision for your life than was customary for an Autumn Princess. You wouldn’t have been happy here. I’m sorry you had to run away.”

  “I…” Sage tried to find words.

  “You had to leave like you did. Your father would have never let you go otherwise.” The Autumn Queen took Sage’s hands into hers and stared into her eyes. “I understand. I just hope you can forgive me someday.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive.” Sage smiled.

  “Your father has left for the Seelie celebration. I elected to stay behind, so I could tell you what I learned. The servant you’ve come to speak to lives outside of the Autumn Castle now. She was last known to reside in the Eastern Autumn Wood.”

  “Thank you, mother.” Sage pulled her into a hug. “I wish I could stay here and be the daughter you deserve.”

  “You are far more than I deserve. Go now, before your father returns and does whatever he can to convince you to stay.”

  The queen curtsied to Raith. “I know you aren’t together, but protect my daughter nonetheless.”