Whims of Fate

by Nissa Leder

  After spending half the night awake waiting for something to jump out of the bushes and half the night asleep on the hard ground, exhaustion weighed Cade down.

  His heavy eyes wanted nothing more than to shut. Even walking had become tiring. He imagined this was what humans felt like most of the time. Awful.

  Now on the move again, he and Poppy kept side-to-side. The air remained as thick as it had the day before, but Cade’s body was slowly adjusting. Rain drizzled in the air, blanketing his skin like a thin layer of glitter. The mist on the trees around them enhanced the vividness of their green colors.

  Cade watched for movement in the forest around them. But outsiders weren’t his only worry. He didn’t trust the others, despite being rescued. He wouldn’t put it past the Unseelie King to free him only to kill him himself.

  Raith had little love for Cade, and, after Cade left him to die in the Faerie forest, he couldn’t quite blame him.

  He didn’t know much about Sage, but she appeared loyal to Raith. Were they lovers? Cade didn’t think so, but Sage was strong, fierce, and beautiful. Much like Poppy.

  Cade stared at Poppy. Now in black fighting leathers, she looked more herself than in the dress she wore at the Seelie Court. He’d been surprised at how well she pulled off the formal look, but it was nice to see her back to her old self.

  Her long, blonde hair was braided and fell to the middle of her back.

  She glanced at him from the side of her eye. “What are you looking at?”

  Cade shrugged. “You look good. I mean, it’s nice to see you back in your usual attire.”

  “Are you saying I looked bad in a dress?”

  “No, quite the opposite, actually.” Cade blushed. He hadn’t meant to sound so flirty. “But you look more like you now.”

  Poppy’s mouth slightly curved. “Thanks.”

  A few minutes later, Cade slowed his pace. Poppy did, too. After they’d fallen out of hearing distance, Cade asked, “Do you think this is all a trap?”

  “I’ve been contemplating the same thing,” Poppy said. “My first instinct was yes, of course, they’re tricking us, but from what I’ve picked up, it was Scarlett’s idea. I don’t like the girl, but she doesn’t seem the conniving type.”

  No, she didn’t. But that didn’t mean Kaelem or Raith didn’t have a plan of his own to backstab them. Scarlett might have grown up mortal, but the rest of them were all pure fae. Cade couldn’t predict their true intentions, but what choice did he have but to trust them?

  They knew nothing about this realm and had no magic. The portal that brought them here had vanished. Without the prophesized power the Fates spoke of, they may never make it back to Faerie. No one knew where Cade had gone, and if he didn’t return, his mother would become Summer Queen again.

  If Kassandra was in charge again, Cade knew she’d join forces with Nevina. Nothing would prevent her from allowing the Summer Court to kidnap humans and bring them to Faerie to feed off of. He’d told his mother he’d consider the idea, but, truthfully, he didn’t need to give it any thought. He would never allow it.

  Ahead, something caused everyone to stall. Cade and Poppy caught up with the group.

  “Footprints.” Sage pointed to the ground. “These are huge.”

  Cade looked at the ground. The footprints had to be at least twice the size of his own.

  “I’ll go ahead and scout,” Sage said. “Anyone else care to join? It’s safer to travel in pairs now.”

  “I’ll go,” Poppy said.

  Cade snapped his gaze to her. She was going to leave him alone?

  “You all wait here.” Sage continued ahead, Poppy right behind her.

  The remaining four stood awkwardly in silence until Raith spoke.

  He looked at Cade. “Did you know?”

  What was he talking about? “Know what?”

  “About our mothers.” Raith watched Cade, waiting for his answer.

  Cade had no idea what he was talking about. “They were both married to our father?”

  “They were sisters.”

  Shock rose on Cade’s face. “No, that’s not possible.”

  “No? Why not?”

  “Because…” Cade couldn’t think of anything that made it inconceivable, but he didn’t know anything about his mother’s family. He’d never thought to ask. “How?”

  “Your mother killed mine to steal her crown.” Raith’s face filled with fury. He believed what he was saying.

  But Cade’s mother wouldn’t do that. Surely, there had to be a misunderstanding.

  As hard as Cade tried to convince himself that a mistake had been made and Raith was simply misinformed, he couldn’t shake the doubt that his mother was, in fact, capable of almost anything to get what she wanted.

  “I didn’t know,” Cade said.

  Raith’s features softened. “Now you do.”

  Sage kept her footsteps silent as she walked next to Poppy. They carefully maneuvered through the trees as they followed the trail of big footprints.

  “You’re welcome, by the way,” Sage whispered.

  “For what?” Poppy asked.

  “Saving your captured asses.”

  Poppy rolled her eyes. “We would have figured something out.”

  “Mmhmm.” Sage laughed. “Sure.” When Poppy didn’t reply, Sage added, “You’re not still mad about me getting the best of you back in the Winter Court are you?”

  Poppy stopped. “Please. Like I’d give you that much thought.”

  Sage knew it bothered Poppy because it would have bothered her. She was all about girl power but that didn’t mean she liked getting bested, and she and Poppy shared a similar fierceness. Sage didn’t have to like Poppy to appreciate her tenacity.

  As they followed the path of footprints, the trees grew closer together. The smell of smoke lingered in the air.

  Poppy held her index finger over her mouth and pointed to the right with her free hand. Sage glanced that direction and saw the rope dangling from the tree. A trap. They must be getting close.

  Rain drizzled down as Sage followed Poppy around the trap. They hid behind a tree as they peeked around to see the group of three giants sitting on large rocks around a burned out fire.

  If they all went around this area, they should be able to avoid them. There were only three giants to six of them, and if they had their magic Sage wouldn’t worry at all, but it was best to play it safe.

  Sage glanced at Poppy and tipped her chin.

  Poppy returned the nod.

  As they turned around and began the trip back to the group, something crushed beneath Sage’s foot. The crunching noise wasn’t loud, and for a moment, Sage thought no one else heard.

  Then a roar spread through the forest.

  Raith wanted to believe his brother had known about his mother all along and just played him for a fool but, deep down, he knew Cade was just as clueless as he had been.

  Cade always wore his emotions too transparently to be lying now.

  As they all waited for Sage and Poppy to return, they fell back into silence.

  Scarlett stood next to Kaelem as she stared at the ground. Her face looked tired and Raith considered walking to her and offering his shoulder to rest on, but he decided against it.

  He hated her proximity to the Unseelie King. Jealousy was a common emotion of the fae, who were possessive creatures by nature, and Raith had never felt it so intensely.

  Almost as if he sensed Raith’s envy—which normally wouldn’t be impossible, but with no magic in this land, the ability to read emotion had vanished—Kaelem moved closer to Scarlett.

  Had Kaelem been telling the truth? Had Scarlett slept with him? Raith shouldn’t care, he reminded himself yet again. So why did he?

  Kaelem wrapped his arm around Scarlett and pulled her close. “You okay, darling?”

  Darling? Raith rolled his eyes.

  The hatred in him boiled as Kaelem grazed his finger on Scarlett’s arm.

  Scarlett lean
ed into him. “This was a stupid idea. What if I never get back to Ashleigh?”

  “You will,” Kaelem assured her.

  Sage’s scream pulled Raith’s attention away.

  “Grab your weapons,” Sage yelled, her voice growing louder as she neared.

  Raith pulled out his daggers, Kaelem and Cade readied their swords, and Scarlett picked up her staff from the ground.

  Behind Sage and Poppy, three large creatures more than twice the size of Raith, gray-skinned and bald-headed, ran through the trees.

  The one in the front held a black sword, slicing the greenery in his way. Another had a machete and the last had a huge bow.

  “We found them,” Sage said, turning to face the creatures.

  “So much for being sneaky,” Kaelem said.

  To Raith’s relief, their group instinctively made a circle around Scarlett. He knew Kaelem would want to protect her, and even guessed Cade would, too, but he wasn’t as sure about Sage or Poppy.

  “I can help,” Scarlett said, but no one moved to let her out.

  The giant with the sword attacked first, a roar booming from his mouth. Closer now, Raith noticed the small third eye in the middle of its forehead.

  He and Cade stepped forward. Together, they charged, weapons out.

  Raith went for its lower half, slicing his daggers at its shins.

  Cade traded blow for blow with his sword against the giant’s.

  For being so large, the giant was a lot faster than Raith would have guessed. With its free hand, it knocked Cade ten feet back onto his ass.

  “Raith!” Cade yelled.

  As Raith turned to see if his brother was in trouble, he saw one of the other giants aim its bow at him and release the arrow.

  It struck Raith through the shoulder. He stumbled back as pain radiated down his arm. He grabbed at the wound, wincing as he bumped the bow.

  He looked up. The giant hovered over him, its sword ready to strike.

  This was how he’d die.

  A sword tip jutted through the giant’s stomach. Blood gushed from the wound. The giant fell forward, the sword handle sticking up from its back. Cade stood over it, surprise covering his face.

  Raith blinked as everything blurred around him.

  “Brother.” Cade’s cracked voice was the last thing he heard before everything went black.

  “Ow,” Raith said as a sharp pain hit his shoulder.

  “Toughen up,” Sage said.

  Raith opened his eyes to see Sage grinning at him.

  “You have the shittiest luck.” She laughed. “Or maybe you are the luckiest person ever. I’m not quite sure.”

  “Is everyone else okay?” Raith wanted to sit up, but his body was too heavy to lift.

  “Yes, Scarlett’s fine,” Sage said.

  Raith was glad to know Scarlett was okay, but the first face that popped into his mind when he regained consciousness wasn’t hers, but his brother’s. “Cade?”

  Sage poured a few drops of liquid from a small black vial onto a cloth. “Not even a scratch.”

  “Lucky bastard,” Raith joked. “What are you putting on me?”

  “Well, unlike the rest of you, I figured this place might be dangerous so I packed some healing ointments.”

  “Always so prepared.”

  “He’s awake?” Scarlett said from behind Raith. She rushed over and kneeled next to him. “You scared us all.”

  “It takes more than a giant with a bow and arrow to kill me.” Raith coughed, weakness spreading through him.

  “You need rest.” Scarlett kissed his forehead.

  “I…” Raith wanted to say he needed her, but tiredness consumed him and all he could do was close his eyes.

  Chapter Nineteen

  No one would let Scarlett do anything.

  Kaelem and Sage took the first watch then Cade and Poppy took the second.

  It was driving her crazy. She wasn’t some fragile human anymore. Why was everyone so set on protecting her? She had a staff and could have helped with the giants, but instead, they all stayed in between her and the creatures.

  She was at least capable of staying awake and watching for anything that might attack. But no, they insisted she get a good night’s sleep. What for? She was the most worthless of them all and the only one who didn’t need to be alert.

  At least Scarlett was allowed to carry the compass Vida had given her.

  Scarlett’s feet ached more with every step. It was their third day of walking and fatigue consumed them all. With his injury, Raith grew slower every hour.

  Scarlett linked her arm with him. Hopefully, she could help walk him without anyone complaining she might get hurt.

  “Hey, you.” Raith smiled.

  His face looked pale, dark circles growing under his eyes. He should have been healing, but Sage said whatever kept their magic from working here must keep their other fae qualities at bay too.

  Scarlett squeezed his uninjured bicep. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’ve had better days.” He coughed. “But, thanks to my brother, I still have my head, so I can’t complain.” Raith glanced ahead to Cade. “I’m surprised he didn’t let that thing decapitate me. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about me interfering with his right to the Summer Court.”

  “You’re his brother.”

  “And in the fae world, blood is a threat.”

  “Not everyone is as evil as Kassandra.” Scarlett didn’t know it was possible to hate her more than she already did, but after hearing Raith’s story, she did.

  “No, but Cade is her son.”

  “Kassandra might be his mother, but I don’t believe Cade is like her.”

  Scarlett had had no respect for Cade after the Battle of Heirs. But since then, he’d surprised her. She’d heard his thoughts as guilt consumed him while Nevina tortured Laik. She’d seen his worry as blood gushed out of Raith’s wound when Sage pushed the arrow through his shoulder.

  He wasn’t a selfish leader. He cared for others.

  Raith’s eyes threatened to close as he put more and more weight on Scarlett.

  “We should find a safe place to make camp for the night,” Scarlett said.

  Kaelem started to complain, but when he saw Raith falling into Scarlett, he closed his mouth.

  A new distress rose in Scarlett’s chest. Somehow, she’d winded herself into a triangle between Kaelem and Raith. It wasn’t some cliché love triangle. Love was such a strong word and turning fae had changed Scarlett in a way she didn’t know was possible. Things like love and lust were different now. Her emotion had turned into a piano. Human Scarlett lived her life in the treble clef, but Fae Scarlett was comprised of both the base and treble, the melody of her soul alternating between the two.

  Music had always been Scarlett’s escape. She’d spent countless hours lost at the piano, fingers rapidly moving to the songs of Chopin and Beethoven. What could be more fitting than using it as a metaphor for her life now?

  “Look!” Poppy stopped ahead of everyone.

  When Scarlett caught up, she saw they’d arrived at a cliff that dropped off to a valley of death.

  The green of the jungle suddenly stopped and, below, gave way to an open area of bare trees. Vulture-like birds with purple heads and dark feathers hovered above.

  On the other side of the valley sat a large white-bark tree with fuchsia leaves, similar in shape to the tree that brought them to the realm. To be able to see it from such a far distance meant it was bigger than any tree Scarlett had ever seen.

  “That’s it,” Scarlett said. “The tree is the power.”

  She couldn’t say how she knew. It was large, sure, and beautiful, but that didn’t mean it was powerful. But as Scarlett stared at it, something inside her vibrated, like when she ran her hands over the three stars as a child only much, much stronger.

  But why would such a beautiful thing be surrounded by such ugliness? It couldn’t be a good sign.

  Could the others feel its power, to
o? Scarlett considered asking them but decided against it.

  “Let’s camp up here and we’ll finish our journey tomorrow,” Sage said.

  No one argued. It had been days without magic or evanescing, full of humid air and repetitious steps. Perhaps it was because she’d been the only one not taking a guard shift, but more likely because she’d been the only one ever to be human, Scarlett seemed fresher than anyone else. She’d lived eighteen years without magic. In some ways, the respite from it was a relief.

  After they’d eaten dinner—finishing off the last bit of meat from their first night—they all sat around the fire.

  As Scarlett stared into the flames, the tree sang to her from across the valley.

  Kaelem and Cade offered to take the first watch.

  After everyone else went to bed, Kaelem sharpened his sword. The fire burned low, giving off only a little light. It had rained during the day, but for now, the precipitation paused.

  Next to him, Cade brooded silently as he leaned against a tree.

  “You’re more selfless than I would have thought,” Kaelem said.

  “Oh?” Cade stared ahead.

  “You fucked up and let your brother live the first time, and when you had another chance to seal the crown without even dirtying your own hands, you saved him.” Kaelem shrugged. “It surprised me, that’s all.”

  “He’s my brother.”

  “Would he have done the same for you?” Kaelem waited while Cade thought about the question.

  “I don’t know.”

  “I don’t trust him and Sage.” Kaelem planted the seed. “They agreed to come too quickly. I mean, I get he fucked Scarlett and all, but to risk so much with no desire for the power himself? I don’t believe it. And what’s Sage’s role in all this? Do we even know anything about her?”

  Cade shifted his body. “What about you?”

  “Of course I want the power,” Kaelem said. “I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.”

  “No, you’re upfront about your deceit. Doesn’t make it any less deceitful.”

  “At least I’m actually King of my court.” Holding back a grin, Kaelem put his sword away.