“What are your terms?”
He gives me a sad smile. “I am not at liberty to say unless you agree.”
“How can I agree to terms I don’t know?”
“To speak the terms aloud will alter everything greatly,” he says. “I cannot vocalize them without risking your life more than this contest already does.”
His words give me pause. I know little of Fae dealings, but I know they cannot lie.
Deceive?
Sure.
But outright lie?
No. Fae are incapable of speaking falsehoods.
I chew the inside of my cheek, weighing my options. “Will your terms put me in danger?”
His voice remains even, “No more danger than you’re in as a contestant.”
Fair enough.
I cross my arms and turn my head to stare at the space just beyond the carriages we’re tucked between. I’m now certain the king is using magic to keep my absence unnoticed. There’s no way Jordan wouldn’t have come looking for me by now.
“You do not belong in this contest, Sera,” King Sebastian takes another step. His proximity makes my skin tingle.
I meet his eye. “You think I will fail.”
He shakes his head. “No. I fear your true identity will be revealed if you participate in this contest.”
His words send chills shooting through my veins, and my stomach drops with dread. I think back to the afternoon by the pond, when two handprints had been burned into Frederick’s chest.
I told myself I wasn’t responsible. Some other magical entity or power had caused the strange marks on the guard’s torso.
“You aren’t human.”
Camden’s words ring through my mind.
The prince had been wrong. Frederick, too.
And so is the king.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
King Sebastian watches me warily—like I’m a skittish horse about to bolt. If it weren’t for the barrier, I’d probably do just that. I back up until my spine is pressed against the nearly-transparent border. I’m trapped here until the king deems otherwise.
“Sera, it is not safe for you to participate in this contest.”
“It’s not safe for any of us,” I point out, slashing my arm in the space between us. “Why am I the only one you are concerned with?”
An idea presents itself, and I voice it without considering what I’m saying, “Is this because you and the prince don’t like each other?” I don’t wait for an answer. “You know I’m Camden’s favorite to win. You want to pull some strings to get me out of it so you can make him mad.”
It all makes sense. King Sebastian is doing this to anger the future Seelie ruler. I should’ve known.
The king’s jaw tightens, and his eyes narrow in anger. “I am not so petty as to conspire against the uncrowned prince of Seelie.”
Was that a jab at the prince’s title? It sure sounded like it.
“I think that’s exactly what’s happening.” It’s the only logical explanation I can come up with. Why else would the King of the Unseelie Fae bother to help me, a lowly human who was kidnapped from her home?
His cheek muscles twitch from the tension in his clenched jaw. “You will not accept my help.”
It’s not a question. Still, I answer, “I won’t.” It isn’t a matter of not trusting the king. I trust he wants to help get me out of the contest, and I believe he thinks I am in danger. He wouldn’t be able to say the words otherwise.
But I don’t know his motives. Not only that, I fear what Queen Aria would do if the king actually tries to get me out of her contest. My morbid side imagines she will kill me where I stand rather than let King Sebastian ruin her event by stealing away one of her more popular contestants. Not to mention, the idea of abandoning the others to face unknown danger—of leaving Jordan… it doesn’t sit right with me. My gut says I need to go through with what’s to come. Yes, the contest will be dangerous, but I will face it nonetheless.
The king shifts back. “I accept your decision to not take my help.”
I blink, surprised. “You do?”
“Yes, but I want you to consider another offer.”
He sounds reasonable.
I don’t know if I should be on guard or not.
I decide it’s best to be cautious. “What offer?”
“I can make you a deal. Should you be in danger, I can send my powers to help you. They will heal you if injured, guide you if you’re lost, or protect you from the vilest of creatures found on your journey.”
Another chill flows through my body. “You can do that?”
When he raises a brow, I explain, “Send your powers, I mean. Won’t that be… hard?”
He puffs out his chest. “Not for the Unseelie King.”
I nod. Of course not. Normal Fae have powers. I can only imagine the strength the royals must possess in order to rule over a vast number of magical beings.
“So, you will send me your powers. What will you get in return?”
King Sebastian tucks his hands behind his back. Again, I swear I’ve seen a man who looks just like him do that many times before.
“My payment is simple,” he leans forward, ensuring I meet his stare as he says, “If you win the contest, I require you to visit Unseelie Court.”
“You want me to win?” Wasn’t he just trying to get me out of the contest?
“I didn’t say that.” His mouth turns down. His displeasure is obvious.
I mull over the offer. “But if I win, you want me to visit Unseelie? Like as a diplomat?”
He dips his chin and a smirk pulls the corner of his lips. “Yes. Sure. Let’s call it that.”
Even if I planned to win the contest, which I don’t, his stipulation doesn’t sound so bad. And I’ll get some powerful Fae help in the process. It seems like a no-brainer. “That’s it? I just have to visit?”
“For the Winter Season,” he adds on, sounding indifferent, like it’s not that big of a deal.
“Three months?”
“Yes.”
Again, I don’t plan on winning. That’s the only reason I say, “Okay. Deal. If I win the contest, I will visit Unseelie Court for a season.”
The king straightens, and there is no way to miss the brightening in his violet eyes. “Wonderful. You officially accept my offer, then?”
I don’t see why not. “Yes.”
He extends a hand. “We must shake, or the deal won’t take hold.”
I place my palm in his, and the contact immediately ignites my skin. What is it with this king? I’m so affected by him. I can’t explain why. Again, it’s like my soul recognizes him… or some other ridiculous notion.
“You accept my offer of assistance while you are in the midst of the contest?” he asks, staring deep into my eyes. I feel like I might drown in his warm, stunning gaze.
“I accept,” I whisper.
A sharp sensation stabs my palm. I yelp. The king holds firm. Emotions I can’t begin to name swirl in his gaze. The pain ends quickly, but my palm throbs with its memory. I look at my hand and see the fading outline of a crescent moon and stars swirling in a silvery blue background. The pattern seems familiar.
“It is done.”
I look up at him. “So, how does this work?” I gesture between us, looking pointedly at my still-tingling palm. “Do I need to say your name three times and spin around in a circle when I’m in trouble?”
He smirks. “If you find yourself in danger, the mark will alert me. I will find a way to lend my aide.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“Wow. Okay.” I drop my arm, baffled the deal had been that simple. “Thank you.”
The king dips his head. “You’re very welcome.”
The barrier at my back disappears, and I almost fall backward. Quick as a strike of lightening, King Sebastian snags my wrist and keeps me upright for the third time today.
I part my lips, preparing
to thank him again, when the king shocks me by bending forward and placing a lingering kiss on the inside of my wrist. I gasp. The sensitive skin sings with pleasure, and my stomach clenches. I find myself swaying closer to him, pulled by some invisible force, but the king swiftly straightens and walks away from me.
Over his shoulder, he calls out, “I am rooting for you to finish the contest, Sera, but do try not to win.”
20
“Well, this is certainly off to a great start,” Jordan mumbles. I’m not sure she meant to be heard, but her voice bounces off the walls of the small rock outcropping we’re tucked into to wait out the rain storm.
Shortly after King Sebastian released me from his bubble of silence, Queen Aria initiated the beginning of the contest. I’d returned to the group without anyone asking where I’d been. King Sebastian has some impressive skills.
Each contestant had been given a pack stuffed with supplies for our journey. Our bags fit like backpacks, and each contains a canteen of water, a bundle of dried meat, a steel knife, flint rock, several yards of rope, tarp, a basic first aid kit, and a thick wool cloak. No wooden staffs we trained with, no freshly sharpened swords. Why bother training us with the weapons in the first place? Seems like a waste of time to me.
“At least we found a way to avoid getting soaked,” I offer as weak consolation.
Jordan and I had stumbled upon this outcropping just as the heaviest rain started to pour from the sky. I’m pretty sure it hadn’t rained a single day when we were at the castle. It’s like the spring-timey court is immune to ill weather. Except when we are thrown out into the wilderness, that is. Now, the Fae version of Mother Nature is more than happy to literally rain on our parade.
“This is so frustrating.” Jordan kicks a stack of loose stones. “I want to get this stupid contest over with already.”
“I know. I feel the same. But we have no idea what’s lurking out there. It’s best for us to remain somewhat protected until things clear up,” I gesture toward the large rock shielding our back and the majority of our sides. All things considered, we’re pretty lucky.
Jordan groans. “I know you’re right, but I just hate the idea of sitting here and waiting.” Jordan’s all action. She’s itching for the chance to prove herself by conquering the queen’s contest. And I suspect she’s also itching for the chance to get back to a certain Seelie sentry…
I don’t bother trying to console her. Boredom is something she needs to work through on her own.
Tucking my arms, I pull the cloak I’d retrieved from the pack closer to my body. My mind is preoccupied with thoughts about my conversation with King Sebastian. I open and close my hand, remembering the feeling of our “deal” taking hold. Though the idea still makes me nervous, I can’t deny I’m comforted knowing the Unseelie ruler has promised to help me on this journey. I still don’t know why he deigned me worthy of such help. Annoying Camden still feels like the most probable reason, but the Seelie prince had barely spared me a glance before the royal sentries had shoved us into the Dark Forest, tossing us into unknown danger. I didn’t receive a nod, or even a raised brow. Camden had acted as if he didn’t know me at all.
Perhaps everyone put too much stock in considering me the prince’s favorite. King Sebastian is sure to be disappointed when his ploy doesn’t aptly annoy Camden like he expects.
I lean against the firm surface behind me and close my eyes. I trust Jordan will keep watch. When she’s tired, she’ll wake me.
Unfortunately, Jordan isn’t so willing to keep her own company. “So what’s going on with you and the prince?”
I crack open one eye. “What?”
“Oh, come on. Every single one of us noticed his royal highness gave you the cold shoulder after the parade. Did something happen?”
I’d hardly call not looking at me as giving me the cold shoulder. Both eyes open, I frown and avert my gaze, staring at the falling rain plunking into a puddle just outside our hiding spot. “Nothing happened.” Aside from me freaking out on him after he and his guard tried to assert I’m something other than human…
And aside from him basically telling me he hopes I’m the one who will become his bride…
Ugh. This entire thing is just too weird.
“Huh. Sure seemed like he was going out of his way to avoid you.” I glance over in time to see Jordan’s shrug. “Don’t worry. He’s obviously still infatuated or whatever. Your position as the favorite is still secure.”
“I’ve already told you, I’m not his favorite.” The lie weighs heavy on my tongue.
“Yeah, okay. Sure.” Jordan rolls her eyes dramatically. “All I’m saying is: don’t let what I’ve said freak you out. If you win this thing, I don’t doubt the prince will be more than happy, no matter what might’ve happened to cause his grumpy mood earlier.”
Again, I turn my attention to the rain. It’s easier to focus on the methodic drops versus my friend. “I thought you resented the fact you think I’m the favorite.”
“I did, but seeing as I don’t really want to win, I’ve gotten over it. Besides, I’m kind of happy you’re the favorite.”
“What? Why?”
“Because imagine the looks on the others’ faces when they realize a girl who’s barely had any training manages to beat them. Not only that, but the prince actually favors her. It’s going to make them so mad. Especially, Trish.”
And there it is.
“What’s your problem with Trish?”
“You mean other than her being a total bitch?” Jordan smirks. “Let’s just say she reminds me of a girl from my past. A bully, if you will. I’m going to love watching her fail to get her way. It’ll be very cathartic for me.”
“Ah.” I suppose there are worse reasons she could’ve given.
A low growl reaches my ears, making every muscle in my body tense, on high alert. Jordan and I squint out into the blurry world before us. I can barely make out the tree less than three feet away, the rain is so intense. Another growl sounds, and I think it’s come from our right. My attention swings that way, but I fail to identify the source.
A gleam catches my eye, and I see Jordan has brandished her steel knife. She clenches it in her fist as she stares out at the world in front of us. Man, I’m lucky to have her as an ally. She looks positively ferocious. She won’t hesitate to protect us, even with such a meager weapon.
The wait is agonizing. I fully expect a lion-sized animal to leap out of the mist and ensnare me in its powerful, sharp teeth. Or maybe a bear-like monster? Do bears and lions exist in the Fae Realm?
No attack comes.
The growls cease. Only the constant patter of rain remains. Gradually, the tension fades from my muscles. Jordan tucks her knife away, then shifts and leans against the rock beside me.
Sometime later, Jordan says, “I don’t blame you, you know.”
I lean back, confused. “For what?”
“For being the prince’s favorite.”
Oh.
I don’t speak. I’ve denied the title many times. There’s no point in doing so again.
“I’m actually happy I’m friends with the prince’s favorite,” Jordan continues. She shifts closer and nudges me with her shoulder. “And I totally get it. You’re like a helpless puppy. Who wouldn’t be smitten with a puppy?”
“I’m not like a puppy,” I deny with a frown, “and I’m not helpless!”
Jordan chuckles, nudging me again. “I know. I’m just kidding. But for real, I get your appeal. Not only are you pretty, but you’re mysterious. Not to mention hardworking.”
“Mysterious?”
“Yeah. Most of the girls are easy to read. You? You’re an enigma. I can’t tell what’s going on behind those pretty green eyes of yours.” She swirls her fingers towards my eyes. “Must be the whole ‘I lost my memories’ thing. You’re complex.”
Everything Jordan is saying takes me by surprise. There’s nothing special about me. I’m not an enigma. She’s mistaking shyness f
or mysteriousness.
“And the thing is,” she continues, “you don’t even notice the appeal you have. Anywhere you go, Seelie Fae watch you. It’s like they’re drawn to you or something. But you don’t even notice! That’s probably what I like most about you.”
Alright, that’s where I draw the line. “The Fae do not watch me any more than the other contestants.”
“How would you know? You don’t even notice.”
“Exactly! Don’t you think I’d notice if a bunch of notably powerful beings were constantly watching me?” Just the thought of drawing the superior race’s attention makes me shiver with dread. Nothing good could come from it.
Jordan purses her lips, as if she’s truly considering the merit of my argument. “No,” she finally replies. “You wouldn’t notice. Like I said, your lack of vanity is probably what I like most about you. You can’t imagine how horrible it was before you arrived. I was ready to jump off the castle walls if I had to listen to one more girl talk about themselves like they’re God’s gift to creation. Especially, Trish. She’s the worst offender.”
“Well, I’m glad you don’t think I’m vain, but I still don’t think what you’re saying is true.”
She shrugs. “Think what you will, but I know what I’ve seen almost every day since your arrival. The prince isn’t the only Fae you’ve cast under your spell. Even Morty admits you have a certain allure.”
My cheeks heat, and the rock outcropping suddenly seems too small.
“Relax,” Jordan laughs. Once again, she bumps her shoulder against mine. “I’m not the jealous type. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’ve got Morty locked down.” She winks, and I laugh. It only sounds a little awkward.
Moving my attention back out to the weather outside, I take a deep breath. I’m lucky Jordan decided to introduce herself on my first day in Seelie. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. I would’ve been lonely, that’s for sure.
Tucking my legs close to my body, I rest my chin on my knees. Quietly, I say, “I’m sorry I freaked out about you and Morty.” Jordan’s been there for me, and I should’ve been there for her. That doesn’t mean I don’t think she’s making a mistake if she decides to stay in Seelie after the contest, but as a friend, I can show her I care by trusting her to make her own decisions.
Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels Page 150
