by Riley Walker
Isabelle,
I have given you plenty of opportunity to aide me. Sherry was unsuccessful at getting rid of our problem, and now I expect you to find a way to correct her mistake. If she is not gone within the next week, I will expose your not-so-little secret and destroy you. Do not fail me again.
-A
I quickly place the letter back in the drawer, lock it, and return the key to its hiding spot. I slip out of her room and head for my study. I need to get back to the Princess. This letter confirms that Mother did know Sherry and what her intentions were. I have no idea what secret it is, but I have no doubt that this letter is from Armand and the ‘her’ he is speaking of is my Beloved.
“What are you doing, running off to the Light Kingdom again, Winston? Your people need you here. I need you here. What if that man comes back?” Mother is standing in front of my desk, her hands on her hip and fury in her face.
“I told you already, you have the entire Royal Guard here to protect you. I need to be there. I have a meeting with King Bastian and other matters that need my attention right now.” I look back down and continue reading over the report Commander Bishop sent to me.
“Your loyalty is to the Dark Kingdom, not the Light. Besides, the Princess already has two mates. She does not need nor want you. You do not want to be associated with someone like that anyways.”
I throw my chair back and stand, both hands on my desk, my chest heaving. “Franchesca is still my betrothed. You will not speak of her like that. She is my future and my responsibility. Until I know Armand, and anyone working for him, is dealt with,” I take a deep breath and look her straight in the eyes, “I will not stop protecting her. I will find him and I will deal with him and anyone that has aided him in anyway. I do not care who they are. Do you understand, Mother?”
Her face pales and she takes a step back. “What are you trying to say, Winston?”
I walk around the desk and face her. “I read the letter, Mother.”
“I do not know what you are talking about.”
“Do not lie to me! I saw it with my own eyes. What is the problem you are supposed to get rid of, or should I say, who?”
Her hand trembles as she places it over her mouth. “Winston, you do not understand…”
“I do not need to understand. I just need for you to tell me the damn truth. What is he holding over your head? If you will just tell me, I can help you. If you refuse, I cannot protect you.”
I wrap my arms around her shoulders as she begins to cry. I do not think I have ever seen her cry, not even at Father’s funeral.
“I cannot tell you,” she whispers.
“I cannot protect you unless I know.”
“It is unforgivable, Winston. It happened so long ago, not even your Father knew everything.”
She removes herself from my arms and walks to the other side of the room. When she turns back to look at me, I see determination on her face. She stands taller and the Queen is back.
“Before I met your Father, I was seeing Armand. It was not anything serious, just two friends who did not always fit in. We befriended each other and after a while, I gave in and spent a night with him. It was only once, but that one night changed everything. I became pregnant, Winston.”
I fall back on my desk. “Is he?”
She rushes over to me, grabbing both of my hands in hers. “No. Oh, no. Your Father was King Richard. This was before I really knew him. He knew I was not pure when we married, but I never told him who, and I could never tell him that I had a child. Once I discovered I was with pregnant, my parents sent me off to live with your Aunt Kate. After he was born, Aunt Kate set up the adoption to an Inferior couple. I never met them or saw him ever again. I never even held him.”
“Mother, I am so sorry. I understand this is not something you would want anyone to know, but how did Armand find out and why would you ever agree to help him harm the Princess?”
She turns and begins to pace the study. “I found out later the Inferior couple that adopted him was killed when he was just a child. Aramand took him in and raised him. Not only does Armand know him, he has been apart of the Renegades since the beginning. I have an illegitimate child with a killer and he is on the opposite side of a war against us. How would this look if it came out? It could destroy our name!”
I shove my hands through my hair. “Who cares about what anyone thinks? You have a son out there who deserves to know he has a family. We can deal with anything that is said or happens because of it. So, you know who he is?”
“Winston, you do not understand. I cannot deal with this right now. It is best to leave it alone. We need to find Armand and stop him. If we do not, the Princess will not be safe, and neither will you. He will stop at nothing to take over the Light Kingdom’s crown.”
“I understand. I am leaving today for the Light Kingdom. Edrik has sent out guards to search for him and Rook has his second in command, Hawkeye, searching places the others cannot get to.”
“Hawkeye?” Tears begin to flow down her face again. “He is Rook’s, the Renegade leader’s, second in command?”
“Mother, what is wrong? You are looking pale again.” I take her by the elbow and help her sit down.
I am not prepared to hear the next words she speaks to me.
“Hawkeye. That is what he was named by the Inferior couple who took him.”
21
Can’t Be Handled
(Winston’s POV)
I cannot believe what I am hearing. Hawkeye is my half-brother, and my Mother had an affair with Armand? Could my life get any crazier? “Mother, I understand why you would not want anyone to know about you and Armand, but keeping a brother a secret from me is unfathomable.”
“Winston dear, I am so sorry. I was young and ashamed. I was supposed to stay untouched until my wedding night. Surely you can understand the scandal that information would have caused? Can you forgive me?”
I take a deep calming breath, “I cannot deal with you right now, Mother. I need to get back to the Light Fey Kingdom. We can deal with your sordid lies after I have ensured Franchesca’s safety.
Mother bows her head, sobbing, as I walk out of the office. I cannot even muster a goodbye to her. I check in with the Royal Guard and inform them to tighten up security. It is their duty to keep my Mother and the Kingdom safe while I am away. I doubt Armand has a reason to infiltrate our region now that the Prophecy is coming true. His only mission will be to get rid of the Golden Queen, Franchesca.
I have a lot of time to think on my journey to the Light Fey Kingdom. My mind goes from Mother’s revelation to the Princess. My Beloved. I push the thoughts of Mother and Hawkeye out of the way and focus on my first priority, keeping my Beloved safe. Armand has to be found and stopped. She will never be free from worry or the threat of harm while he is still out there. I know Edrik and Rook are working on finding him.
Speaking of Edrik and Rook, what am I to do with this triangle I find myself in? I refuse to share a bedroom with anyone, fated mates or not. I am well aware of how Royals usually deal with these issues. She and I would still marry, but I would turn my head and ignore the fact that she would have two consorts. Could I do that?
The answer is simple. No.
I shelve this thought when I see the Light Fey castle ahead. When I enter the castle, I turn left off of the foyer and head directly to King Bastians study. Knocking on the door, I wait for his response before I enter.
“King Bastian.” Even though I am now a King in my own rights, I still show him respect by bowing.
The King comes out from behind his desk, his hand outstretched for a handshake. “King Winston. How are you doing?”
“I am doing well. The cleanup from the small fight Armand brought is complete and we have tightened up on security. I have run into a few issues with some of my Advisors, but I will deal with them in due time.”
“Of course. If I can help in anyway, you just need to ask. So, I assume your reason for a visit so soo
n after leaving, would have to do with my daughter?” King Beastain walks over to a small couch and sits down. I take it as my cue to sit in a chair facing him.
“I am here for the Princess. I think it is time we finalize the details for our wedding.”
The King takes a moment to stare at me, no doubt trying to gather his thoughts. “You are aware she has found two fated mates?”
I run my hands down to top of my legs, wiping the sweat off of them. I knew this conversation would have to happen eventually. “Yes, sir. I am aware of the situation. I have not decided yet how to handle it.”
“Let me stop you right there, Winston. You cannot ‘handle’ my child. I cannot even handle Frannie. She has two fated mates. She is the Golden Queen the prophecy speaks of, and she could very well have more fated than just those two.”
“What are you trying to tell me, sir?”
King Bastian takes a deep breath, “Winston, the prophecy is clear. Along with her fated mates, she is to bring peace to two Kingdoms. Edrik is logical, due to his connection to the Light Fey, but Rook? He is not attached to either Kingdom. In fact, before my ancestors granted them asylum here, they lived in the Earth Realm. That still leaves the Dark Fey that she, if the prophecy can be interpreted as such, needs to connect with.”
I take my time to digest the words King Bastian just spoke. He is right. She is connected to the Light Kingdom by Edrik, the Inferiors by Rook, but not to the Dark Kingdom.
My Kingdom.
“I can see your mind running through all the possible scenarios. Last time I saw Frannie, she and her group were heading out back to work on her powers.”
I am out of my seat and headed out of the King’s study before he finishes his sentence. After hearing what he said, I have an even stronger need to see her.
I find her and her gang, as the King put it, out back near the Queen’s rose garden. She is currently facing off with Edrik, the rest of them creating a wide circle around them. My steps falter when I see Hawkeye. I know I need to speak with him, but not today. I continue walking until I am close enough to hear what they are saying, but far enough back that I am still hidden.
I watch her struggling, trying to attack Edrik with her vines. I watch them come up from the ground, then fall back down. Over and over she is doing this. I see the frustration from here beginning to take its toll on her.
“You have to concentrate, Chess. Use your emotions to move them.” Edrik is attempting to coach her.
“I am, Eddie! What does it look like I’m trying to do? My damn nails?” I decide now is the perfect time to make myself known.
I clear my throat before speaking. “You are not concentrating, Princess. Knight, maybe you should move out of the way and let me work with her. After all, I am the only other person here that actually has the ability to wield an element.”
22
Is She Premenstrual?
“You have to concentrate, Chess. Use your emotions to move them.”
“I am, Eddie! What does it look like I’m trying to do? My damn nails?” I throw my hands up in the air, frustration is seeping out of me. Something is wrong with me today. I can call on the nature with no problems, but today, nothing is happening.
“You are not concentrating, Princess. Knight, maybe you should move out of the way and let me work with her. After all, I am the only other person here that actually has the ability to wield an element.”
I blow my hair out of my face before turning to Winston. Why does he have to be such an asshat?
“What do you want Winnie? Can’t you see we’re busy training.” I turn back around, ignoring the strange feelings being near him gives me.
“Princess, I only want to help. Frankly, I do not wish to see you pale and bloody again anytime soon. You need to learn to control your powers so you can better defend yourself.”
He begins to walk my way, a small smirk on his lips. Before I know what is happening, Winston hits me with a blast of air and I’m knocked on my butt. Oh no, he didn’t. I hear Shelby snickering on the sidelines and I give her a dirty look. “Who’s side are you on?”
Shelby laughs even harder, “Whatever side has you falling on your butt.”
I stand up and dust myself off only to be blasted with air again. I am knocked back on my butt, and I hear Shelby snickering. I start to see red and the next thing I know, a vine shoots out of the garden, heading straight for her head. Shelby jumps out of the way just before it hits her.
“What was that for, Frannie?”
“Oh no! Shelby, I am so sorry. I have no clue what is going on. One minute I can’t use my powers, and the next they are out of control. I feel out of sorts. Eddie? Do you have any idea what might be happening?”
“No, Chess, I have no clue. Rook?”
Rook shrugs his shoulders, “Damn if I know. Are you premenstrual?”
He did not just say that. I walk over to Rook contemplating on kicking him in his family jewels, when Winston clears his throat.
“Princess, I think we need to talk to someone about this. You should be in control of your powers by now. You had no problem fighting Armand with them.”
“I think you are right, Winston, and I know just the person. Guys, I need to visit Ruby. If anyone will have answers, it will be her.”
I hear a loud squeal and see Shelby jumping up and down. “Shopping trip, yay!”
I shake my head and face palm myself. Leave it to Shelby to turn a serious trip into a fun outing.
Edrik and Rook both step forward shaking their heads. Edrik is the first one to speak up. “Absolutely not, Chess. We are not risking your safety to visit that witch.”
“If you don't recall, Eddie, that witch has been more helpful to us than anyone else. I trust her and I need her help to figure this out. What good am I, if I can’t call on my powers?”
Rook smiles down at me and looks at Edrik. “Cara is right. We need to go see Ruby.”
Winston nods at Rook. “We should all go. I would like to ask her some questions also.”
There goes that horrible squeal again. “Yay! Sunday funday!” Shelby is now bouncing on her toes.
Winston quirks his brow. “What is she going on about?”
Rook laughs, “That’s our little penguin. Everyday is a funday for her. Just roll with it.”
My heart melts at his words. These two men, my fated mates, love my best friend just as I do.
23
He’s Not The One
Ruby’s shoppe never changes. It has the same yellow awning with red letters that says Ruby’s as it always has. It’s hard to open this door, knowing this is where Gretchen was stabbed by Armand. I take a breath and open the door, the bell above it announces our arrival. Before I can step foot in the door, my pixie sized best friend blows past me and heads straight for the counter, no doubt looking at the new jewelry Ruby has been making.
“Geez, Shelby, knock me down, why don’t you?” I roll my eyes, knowing she won’t see it. Once she steps through these doors, she has blinders on.
“Franchesca! What a pleasant surprise. I see you brought the entire group with you. Edrik, Rook, and Shelby. Oh my, King Winston. It is an honor to have you here.” Ruby bows slightly at Winston, and I have to cough to cover up the snort that threatens to come out.
I push Winston out of my way and stand before Ruby. “We need your help. My powers are failing and no matter what I do, I just can’t control them anymore.”
“Oh dear. Yes, I could see how that would be a problem. Come sit down and let me get a look at you.”
I follow her over to a small sitting area by the bookcases and take a seat. The guys all stand, surrounding me, while Ruby takes a seat facing me. I try to sit still when she grabs both of my hands in hers and stares at me right in the eyes. I swear I can feel her looking all the way through me and into my soul.
Ruby gives me a small smile “Franchesca dear, your chakra is off. If I am not mistaken, you are not fully mated, but I can feel them near. It is like you
r powers can feel the energy that needs to be bound to you. Until you merge with all of your fated mates, your powers will continue to be erratic. I suggest you figure it out before you have to deal with Armand again. There are rumors going around that Armand is coming for you. He also knows about the prophecy and he will do everything he can to stop you. You must find all your mates and perform the Binding Ceremony before it is too late.”
Do what? A Binding Ceremony. Is Ruby for real? This sounds like I’m going to be committing myself to several men. Oh no, I can barely handle the two I have.
I was so wrapped up in myself that I hadn’t noticed Shelby bouncing over to us. “Frannie! You lucky dog. You get to add to your already hot sausage fest! I am so jelly. Look, if you can’t deal with all this, just throw one my way.”
Sweet, baby…. “Shelby! You can’t be saying things like that.” I risk a glance over at Rook and Edrik, but neither seem to be bothered by this idea. If anything, they look, relieved?
“Rook, what are you thinking? You know the prophecy better than we do. Does this make sense to you at all?” I am ringing my hands in my lap at this point.
He pushes himself off the wall and strides toward me. Kneeling down in front of me, Rook runs the back of his hand down my cheek. “I already knew that you might possibly have another, if not more, fated mates. We will deal with it. Edrik and I are only concerned about your safety. Everything else will fall into place.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Ruby asks the group.
“Of course. What do you suggest Ruby? I am willing to try anything at this point.”
Ruby looks at Winston then turns her eyes back to me.
