His lips twist into a mischievous grin. “How frustrated they will be when they see I’ve chosen to escort a human instead.” He’s gleeful, and he speaks loudly. A group of soldiers overhears, and they chuckle, nodding approvingly at the Unseelie King.
The tingles disappear in quick succession. I bite my tongue, fighting the urge to snap at him for being rude. This is a Fae king. He can be rude to whomever he wants, especially a human.
I place my hand in the crook of his elbow, keeping my arm as straight as possible to allow the greatest amount of space between us while we walk.
King Sebastian moves forward with masculine grace. His head is held high and he holds the stare of any Fae who looks his way. Which, surprisingly, isn’t a lot of Fae.
In fact, most of the room seems intent on avoiding the Unseelie king’s attention as he leads me around the room. I don’t know what he’d been talking about when he mentioned females flocking to him. Sure, several admiring gazes linger his way, but none of the Fae actually try to catch his eye.
I frown. What’s going on here? Why are Seelie Fae acting like the king is a carrier of the plague?
I keep my head down, resigned to the fact I am fated to attract attention this evening. There’s nothing to be done. I’ll just ride it out and wait for the first opportunity to escape the banquet and return to the safety of the barracks.
But first, I need the queen to make her speech about this blasted contest.
We approach a tall oak bar. Surrounding Fae scatter. The king acts if he doesn’t notice. He grabs two flutes and holds one out to me. I don’t waste my breath trying to deny the drink. It hadn’t been presented as a choice. I take the glass and turn to look out at the crowd trying so hard to watch us without looking directly our way.
“Why are they scared of you?”
King Sebastian laughs. He seems to do that a lot. “You’re observant.”
“It would be hard to miss.” I hazard a look back at him, and I wish I hadn’t.
Intrigued violet eyes meet mine, mixed with approval and affection. I don’t know what to make of the way he’s looking at me, but it’s making the tingles return. I cough, forcing my eyes away.
Across the room, Jordan catches my eye. She is smiling at something the male beside her says, but the slight widening of her eyes, and the way she looks pointedly at the king, silently screams, “What the heck are you doing?”
It’s funny. After being friends for less than a month, I can read Jordan’s looks. That’s the mark of a true friendship.
A pang of sadness hits me.
There’s someone from my life on Earth I’m close with. A best friend, perhaps. I might not be able to remember a name or even a face, but I know this person exists, and I feel their loss deep in my chest.
“To answer your question,” the king interrupts my unexpected mourning, “Seelie and Unseelie Fae are tentative allies. Queen Aria puts on a good act, but her subjects see me as a wild card. As far as they know, I could turn on them at any moment and wreak havoc on this quaint gathering.” He eyes the enormous bouquets of summer flowers flowing over their vases and shakes his head. He doesn’t approve of the event.
“But what could you do?” I look around and count at least fifteen soldiers wearing full armor and a sword on their belt, positioned along the outer wall of the room, close to each exit. He’s outnumbered. “You’re in a room full of Seelie Fae. Surely, they aren’t that scared of you?”
He smirks and it makes my knees grow weak. “I’m stronger than you give me credit for.”
I lock my legs.
God… Get ahold of yourself, Sera.
This guy is dangerous. I sensed it from the moment I first saw him. How else could he elicit such strong reactions from me?
I can’t afford to let his crazy good looks make me forget what he is: a Fae king. Only the most powerful Fae are able to claim the title. I’d be better off keeping my distance. Just as soon as I can find a way to escape his company, I’ll make a run for it.
Against my better judgement, I sip the drink in my hand, eager for anything to distract me. The tart liquid hits my tongue and I almost choke.
“Not to your taste?”
I cough, clearing away the potent flavor. “Not particularly.”
He shrugs and takes a healthy gulp of his flute, emptying its contents before swiftly grabbing another one. “It’s an acquired taste.”
I say nothing.
“Tell me about yourself, Sera.” King Sebastian leans an elbow on the bar. He’s loosened the tie around his neck, and a hand must’ve run through his hair to give it that freshly-messy look. He looks like a cover model on a magazine.
I take another sip to buy myself time, immediately regretting it. I cringe and swallow. “Ugh.”
He plucks the flute from my fingers. “Stop drinking it if you don’t like it.” He hands me a glass full of a clear liquid. I take a careful sip, relieved to find its only water.
The king waits for me as I drink half the glass before he repeats, “Tell me about yourself.”
“My name is Sera. I’m nineteen, and I’m human.”
“That’s it?”
I shrug and take another drink. “That’s all I remember.”
“Indeed.”
Is it just me, or does he not sound surprised?
“You already knew,” I accuse, but there’s no bite to my words. I’m not totally crazy. I’m not going to risk pissing of a Fae king.
It’s his turn to shrug and drink his beverage. “I’ve heard rumors.”
“Why would anyone be talking about me?” And to the Unseelie king, of all people?
His eyes trail over my body, and I’m acutely aware of the high slit in my skirt when his focus lands on the exposed skin. I hadn’t realized it, but I’ve propped my left leg, and my thigh is peeking through the break in the fabric.
“There are many reasons for Seelie to talk about you.” Mercifully, he moves his attention back to my face. “One of which, the queen, herself, revealed. You seem to Prince Camden’s favorite.” Again, I detect animus towards the Seelie prince.
“I’m not his favorite.”
“It doesn’t matter if you are his favorite or not. What matters is everyone thinks you are. Unfortunately, that makes you a front runner in the contest.” Again, he finishes his drink, picking up his third in less than ten minutes.
I almost call him out on his excessive drinking, but I have more pertinent things to do than worry if the Unseelie king is secretly an alcoholic.
“What can you tell me about the contest?”
“Nothing.”
“Not even a hint? I have no idea what I’m going to face.”
“Looks like you won’t have to wait long.” He swings his head across the room. A podium has appeared, and I see Queen Aria glide forward with unbelievable grace.
“Don’t envy her,” the king’s whisper tickles my ear. I give an involuntary shiver.
“What?” I whisper back. The room’s grown quiet, waiting to hear what the queen is about to say.
“Don’t envy Queen Aria. She is the one who should envy you.”
I shake my head in disbelief. Of all the absurd things to say…
“Why would she envy me—”
“Lords and Ladies of Seelie, honored guests, and lovely contestants,” Queen Aria begins, drawing the eye of every individual in the room, “I hope you’ve enjoyed dinner and one another’s company. I’ve looked forward to this banquet for months, and I’m so happy to see it come to such a marvelous end.”
“The queen is gracious!” A voice shouts from somewhere near the back.
Another says, “Long live Queen Aria!”
Enthusiastic murmurs float into the air, and several Fae clap and nod toward the queen.
“Typical.” I almost miss the king’s scoff. He hides his lips behind his glass and, once again, the beverage promptly disappears. Is he trying to get drunk? Or is his tolerance really that high?
Again, a
memory tickles the back of my mind. I feel like I spent a lot of time around people who drink…
A bartender!
I was a bartender.
I feel my lips pull into a wide grin. Finally, I have another memory! Everything has been so fuzzy lately, but now I know I worked as a bartender at a place called the… something Horse. Night Horse?
No, Dark Horse. I worked at a bar called The Dark Horse.
I want to jump up and down.
Feeling someone’s gaze, I turn and see King Sebastian no longer watches the queen. Everyone else in the ballroom is staring at the sovereign, but the king is looking at me, and his wide, open-eyed expression gives the illusion he is mesmerized by something… and that something is me.
“What?” I ask, feeling self-conscious. I haven’t eaten anything lately. There can’t be anything in my teeth. Just in case, I drop my smile.
The king struggles to speak. Finally, he gets ahold of himself. Clearing his throat, he asks quietly, “Why are you smiling?”
I don’t want to get into the story of how I’d lost my memories. The king is not an ally. He’s a stranger. A powerful, dangerous stranger. “No reason.”
“As you all know,” the queen continues, saving me from providing an explanation. “Seelie Court is hosting another contest. Twenty-four brave young humans will embark on the journey to the Cursed Mountains, venturing through the Dark Forest. We, Fae, are humbled by their strength, and are gracious for their willingness to risk their lives to face these treacherous conditions for the good of our Realm.”
Cursed Mountains?
Dark Forest?
What in the world is the queen talking about? None of us volunteered to be here. We were stolen from our homes. We’re forced to train or subject ourselves to the highest punishment. Is anyone else really buying her bull?
Looking around me, I’m sickened when I continue to see Fae watching the queen with open adoration. It doesn’t matter if she’s telling the truth or not. Seelie subjects will believe whatever she tells them.
Jordan stands near one of the Fae I observe. She’s frowning. Most of my fellow contestants are. I see several exchange confused looks. None of us know what to make of the queen’s speech, but none of us are brave enough to voice our questions out loud.
“The contest will begin four moons from now. You, ladies, will encounter some of our realms most vile creatures. Your mind will be toyed with, and your bravery will be challenged. But, fear not, you have been aptly prepared by our formidable sentries.”
Queen Aria gazes around the room, again, wearing a humble and serene expression. It’s nothing but an act. “Please know, I do not ask this of you lightly. Seelie is in great danger. Darkness is rising on the horizon. Though, we have allied with our historical enemies, The Unseelie, the two Courts will not be enough to oppose the impending Darkness.”
I glance at King Sebastian, as do several others around us, but he wears a blank expression. His violet eyes are trained on the queen, giving the impression he listens intently to every word she says. I look back at the queen, and she finally reveals the objective of this entire ordeal.
“We, Fae, must rely on one of you ladies to retrieve an ancient diadem, hidden from Fae by a powerful curse, it’s location protected by the threats residing in the Dark Forest and along the Cursed Mountain.”
A diadem? Like… a tiara? All of this for a piece of fancy jewelry?
I am beyond confused. Queen Aria mentions Darkness like it’s a powerful entity. I’ve been in Seelie for weeks. Nothing about life here indicates anyone is in danger. What is she talking about?
“At the end of the contest,” she continues, elevating her voice, filling it with strength and confidence, “when one brave contestant reaches the cavern at the peak of the Cursed Mountains and succeeds in freeing the diadem from its depths, she will be given the most honored gift a female can receive.” Queen Aria pauses, letting the anticipation build. She searches out and locks eyes with each of the contestants, leveling us with her authoritative air. When she finally looks at me, her lips curl. It’s not a kind expression.
“Prince Camden looks forward to taking the winner of this contest as his future bride. One of you ladies may very well be the next Seelie Princess.”
14
Branches snag on my clothes, threatening to tear through the green tank top. Sharp edges scratch my arms and cheeks as I stomp through the Royal Forest. I don’t let the annoying trees and bushes slow me down, and I couldn’t care less about the monsters lurking in the woods. I’m a girl on a mission, and that mission is to figure out what in the hell is going on. I’m done waiting. I want answers. All of them. And I know just the person to ask.
The banquet ended last night with very little fanfare. Shortly after the queen’s speech ended, contestants were escorted back to the barracks. We’d walked in a single file line, none of us uttering a word until we were in the confines of our familiar barrack walls and the last sentry left us on our own.
Then, shit hit the fan.
Shouts of disbelief and cries of fear had traveled amongst us as fast as a wild fire, destroying the last hope all might be well once we finished the contest. I hadn’t been the only one to hear the queen describe the dangers of our upcoming task. Now, the rest know their lives are at risk.
It finally dawned on me why Camden has gone out of his way to ensure all contestants are prepared for the venture. He’d known the dangers. Everyone did, but he is the only one who’s tried to make a difference and increase our chances at survival. But that’s not all the prince had known.
Camden knew the winner of the contest was destined to be given to him as his future wife.
Given… like a prized mare.
Set aside the fact that’s the most archaic and ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, a woman can’t be given in marriage this day in age. The major crime here is that every single one of us believed we’d be allowed to leave the Fae Realm once the contest ended. It’d been one of the most common conversations during meals and when we lied down to sleep at night.
Now, it’s looking like death or marriage to a Fae prince are our two most likely option. And neither choice ends with us being able to walk out of Seelie and returned to our families on Earth. I should’ve found a way to escape a long time ago.
I’d mentioned the idea to Jordan once. It’d been the middle of the night during my first week in Seelie, and I’d suffered a particularly nasty verbal lashing from Zander for not training hard enough. I’d wanted to leave, and I was willing to make a run for it that evening. All it took for me to abandon the notion was one gruesome story about a castle maid who’d tried to leave the castle and escape back to the human realm. Allegedly, she’d gotten a lead on a portal’s location, but the girl didn’t make it more than a mile away from the castle walls before being caught. She’d been hanged within the day.
“Ugh!” I shout as I bat away the branches in my path. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what happened to the maid. Not that I don’t care about her fate. What I mean is: I would’ve tried to escape if I’d ever learned where one of the mysterious portals that connect the Fae Realm to the Human Realm was located. They are, apparently, rare and reportedly well-hidden. They’d have to be, otherwise Seelie would be hemorrhaging human servants as they found their escape.
Blinded by anger, I almost miss the gnarled tree root which marks the turning point towards the clearing with the pond. I pivot my feet and head the right direction. I see the water shimmering as the moonlight bounces off its surface. Then, Camden steps out from behind the trunk of a tall tree, expecting me for our normal post-dinner run.
“Sera?” His hands are in his pockets. He looks at the empty space behind me. “Where’s Frederick?”
I stop walking, planting my feet shoulder-width apart: my battle stance. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
“About the freaking contest!” Birds fly off a nearby branch, disturbed by my shout. “A freaking
dark forest? A cursed mountain? What the hell, Camden? We’re going to die out there.” Any qualms I have about upsetting a powerful Fae have gone out the window. We aren’t friends. Far from it. But I had, for the smallest moment in time, believed the prince might actually be a decent person. But I’d been wrong. A decent person wouldn’t let this happen. A decent person wouldn’t let innocent young women risk their lives and try to soften the evil by awarding the successful contestant a marriage. It’s sick. The whole thing is sick!
“Ah.” Camden shakes his head, looking off in the distance. “Frederick was right. You’re upset.” I’m not sure if he is talking to himself or me, but I respond like it’s the latter.
“Damn right, I’m upset. I’ve just been handed a death sentence.” I’d known my survival was at risk, but hearing a description of what I will be facing in the contest pretty much sealed the deal.
He flinches. “You may not die.”
“Being forced to marry someone is as much of a death sentence as actually dying,” I spit back. I don’t remember everything, but I know I had a life back on Earth. A life which is slipping through my fingers, slowly being stolen away from me for forever.
“As much as I appreciate hearing your high opinion of me,” Camden replies in a dry voice, “I am speaking of you not dying in the contest, and also not being the one to find the diadem.”
The snarky remark building on my lips is put on hold. “Wait. I can survive and not win?”
“Yes.” He withdraws his hands from his pockets, folding his arms across his torso. “It’s possible not to die while also steering clear of the Cursed Cavern.”
Well, that’s good news. The situation might not be as dire as I feared.
A thought hits me. “This isn’t the first contest.” It’s the sixth.
It wasn’t a question, but still, Camden confirms, “No, it isn’t.”
I take a deep breath, preparing myself to ask the big one—the question which will either encourage me to hope or squash all positivity like a boot squashing an unsuspecting spider.
“And did all of the previous contestants…” I have to take a second to swallow the lump in my throat. I start again, “Did all the previous contestants… die?”
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