Midsummer Night's Fling: Belinda Boring, Kamery Solomon, Lacey Weatherford

by Weatherford, Lacey

  People were milling about the walls of the canyon. I found them very interesting. They did have defining features as a race but were as different as any other group of people. Both the men and women wore their hair long, though the men's hair was much shorter in length, falling to their shoulders generally, while the women wore theirs to their waist.

  They sported all kinds of styles of clothing, as well—brightly colored, but made out of the most exquisite materials I'd ever seen. I myself had been suited in something similar today, provided by the castle staff.

  We reached a pier, and I helped Eirian out of the boat, taking her arm in mine as we continued to stroll along.

  “I thought we were going to explore the passageways,” I said to her when we were out of earshot of the servant.

  “We are, but we’ll enter them from the exterior castle. I thought you would enjoy seeing the city on the way there.” She led me out of the sun and into one of the tunnels where I was surprised to find several open areas carved into the rock where people were selling their wares. Everything was well lit, and we strolled around looking at all the items.

  “This is one of many market places. I thought we could maybe pick something out together—to remind us of the day we discovered we were having a child together.”

  “I would love that.”

  I noticed everyone deferred to her as we passed. They could see her radiant skin as well, and I saw several secret smiles of approval over her condition. It seemed strange to have things displayed so publicly, but I loved showing her off—knowing that the luminosity came from the child I’d placed inside her.

  We stopped in front of a table that had many silver charms hung from matching chains. The designs were beautifully made, and we studied each one until we reached a charm of the moon and stars.

  “I think we should get this one,” I said, lifting it to hold next to her skin. “It will remind us of the day you started glowing.” I smiled and caressed her skin softly. “And besides, I love looking at your skin in the moonlight.”

  Eirian’s eyes misted over, and she blinked rapidly. “You’re right. This is perfect.” She leaned forward and kissed me on the lips in front everyone before turning to the man standing behind the table. “We will take two of these.”

  The man looked very pleased. “You honor me, milady.” He lifted another one and handed it to her. “Consider it my gift to you on this joyous occasion.”

  She smiled widely and dropped a small curtsey to him, and he blushed with pride at the gesture.

  I took the necklace I still held and walked behind her. She swept her long hair aside as I placed the charm on her, kissing the back of her neck where the clasp met together, and she shivered.

  She turned and helped me with mine as well, and when we were done there was a smattering of applause from the group of people who had gathered to watch us.

  Eirian blushed and nodded toward them before she wrapped her arms around me. “I love you. Thank you for making me so happy, Bran.”

  I groaned. “You’re not playing fair. We’re in the middle of a crowd of people.”

  “I don’t care.” She laughed and kissed me soundly enough to steal my breath away and make me wish we were alone.

  “Eirian,” I whispered, caressing her face.

  She grabbed my hand and led me deeper into the tunnel, past the market place and what appeared to be a few residences, until she came to a narrow opening. We slipped inside, and I found we were standing in a dimly lit area with many sculptures carved straight out of the rock. All the statues depicted people in throes of passion—from stealing a tender touch to kissing in impassioned embraces.

  We walked with our hands clasped together, observing each of the pieces in silence until we came to the end.

  “It’s lovely, isn’t it?” she asked. “This is how I feel when I’m with you.”

  Her glow added to the ambience of the whole place. She was so stunning, a gift of beauty to the world around her.

  “There should be a statue of you in here looking just like you do right now. Then it would be perfect.”

  “Bran,” she whispered as I gathered her into my arms. We swayed back and forth together—her with her head on my chest and me stroking her hair. No words were needed, our silent embrace saying it all. She pulled away to look me in the eye. “Wherever life may take us, I hope you’ll always remember how much I love you right now in this moment. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

  “I am happy, Eirian. Thank you for bringing me into your life.”

  She let out a small laugh combined with a sob. “Don’t thank me. Just come with me.”

  We didn’t speak anymore as she led me through a myriad of tunnels and turns. When we emerged, we were near the mouth of the crevice that led out to her gardens and the high castle. We crossed the bridge and headed down to the edge of the water.

  “I told you that my magic rules over water. Well, that was how I watched you all these years.” She knelt down and stirred her hand in the surface, muttering a few words in an ancient sounding language I didn’t understand. When she removed it, ripples spread outward, revealing blurry images in the water that smoothed and sharpened.

  I could see my village, Glynshire, the white painted mud on the exterior walls of the dwellings shining in the moonlight. On the hill behind the town, a large bonfire raged, and I could make out the small images of people dancing merrily around it.

  “Remember, I told you time passes differently here in Faery. The festivities are still continuing there.”

  “This is incredible. How do you do this?”

  She shrugged. “I recite a magic spell, asking the water to let me see and it does.”

  “How did you come to single me out?”

  “I came across your mother one day when she was in labor. I found it very interesting, so I watched. Later, I became curious about how her child was faring, so I checked to see. You were adorable. I found myself watching you and your family more often as you grew up, very slowly I might add. My heart became attached to you as a child, and then one day I came across you flirting with a young woman.

  “I couldn’t believe how you’d grown and how handsome you’d become. Something changed inside me as I continued to watch you. You were noble, and strong—so reliable to those around you. I noticed my heart began to flutter with excitement every time I looked at you, and I spent whole days watching your every movement. I knew I should stop. There was no way we could be together since you weren’t even aware I existed.

  “Then one night, I heard your father telling a story about how he’d once seen the Fae in the glen, and you seemed mesmerized by the tale. It gave me hope, and I began devising a plan to bring you here.” She turned to me with sorrow in her eyes. “I know now I should have left you to live your life without my interference, but I’ve been in love with you since you were sixteen. I’ve wanted you all this time. My feelings for you never diminished for one second no matter what was going on in both our individual lives or who you were with. For me, there has only ever been you. I’ve never loved another.”

  It was hard to believe this beautiful creature found me so desirable. “Don’t ever fret about bringing me here, Eirian.” I grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet. The image in the water disappeared as she moved away. “It’s true, I’ll miss my family, but love is noble too. I had no special woman in my life. They would be happy to know that I’ve found love and a child is on the way.”

  Eirian gave me a small smile, but her lips trembled.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing,” she replied. “Come let’s go see the tunnels.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The next several days passed in a blur of excitement. Eirian showed me everything about her kingdom; secret passages into the castle, the far fields where food was grown, small exterior villages, and I even saw my first troll. That was exciting—for me, even though she called them ugly, distasteful creatures that no one should
ever be excited over.

  The Fae did have horses after all—fine specimens that were used in the flat lands where the food was grown. I could’ve spent the whole day just inspecting their stock. Eirian teased me, saying she never knew she would have to compete with a horse for my affection. I just laughed and continued looking—wondering if the king would one day allow me to work out here with them. I knew Eirian said I didn’t need to work, but I wanted to. I missed it. I enjoyed it.

  The only time we stopped our explorations was to eat and to make wild, passionate love together. Being so free with someone like this was invigorating and refreshing. She allowed me to feed from her often—in short delicious bursts—and on occasion she drank from me as well.

  We’d been together seven days now, life was wonderful, and I couldn’t be happier. Today she was showing me where the boundaries of Faery met my world and where safe passages could be found in between both places during the Midsummer’s eve.

  If I were being truthful, I wasn’t paying much attention to the things she was telling me, instead allowing my gaze to drift over her beautiful form and the way her hair blew in the soft breeze. I knew I’d never tire of looking at her. She was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen.

  She paused and turned to look at me with a smile, but I could tell it didn’t reach her eyes. They looked sad, almost mournful.

  “Are you all right?” I asked.

  She nodded. “I’m just tired. Why don’t we sit and rest for a spell under this tree?”

  I placed my hand on the small of her back, helping her to sit before I joined her.

  “If you’re tired, let’s return to the castle after you’ve rested. There’s no need for you to show me every bit of Faery right this minute. We have a lifetime to explore together.”

  She looked away, but I could see the tears in her eyes. She was blinking rapidly, trying to keep them from falling over the red-rimmed edges.

  “Eirian. Talk to me. Something is wrong and I need to know what it is, so I can help.” I placed my finger under her chin and turned her face toward me.

  Her bottom lip quivered. “Just kiss me, Bran.”

  I did. It was one of the easiest things for me to do. I needed her, wanted her. She was as essential to me as air. My hands tangled into her hair, pulling her closer, and she shifted so she was straddling my legs.

  She broke away. The tears streamed steadily down her face and she took a big breath.

  “Bran, look at me.”

  I locked gazes with her—unable to pull away.

  “I love you. I will always love you, and on some subconscious level, I hope you will remember that. I’m setting you free, returning you to the life you had before.”

  I wanted to scream out and tell her to stop, but I was unable to speak.

  “You don’t remember, but you asked me to enchant you once more so you could live out the last days of your life happily. You made me promise I would help you do what was best. Well, this is what is best. I can’t live knowing my actions would’ve caused your death. So I’m returning you to your people.

  “You will not remember anything about your stay in Faery. You will remember nothing of me, or your child. The only memories you will retain are those regarding your condition as a Vampire. You will need to feed regularly and can do so from the blood of animals to help protect those you love. Keep drinking your honey mead. There are properties in it that will help dampen your blood cravings.”

  Don’t do this! I shouted at her mentally. Please! Don’t leave me!

  If she could hear me, she made no notice.

  “Be strong, Bran. You can still have that life you dreamed of with Ceridwen. You just need to stay in control of yourself.”

  She was sobbing, and I could tell it was hard for her to continue. I could feel my own tears leaking down my face, and I wanted to lift my hand and cover her mouth to stop her words.

  “As of this moment, our bond is broken. I release you from all vows.”

  She took my face in her hands and kissed me, her lips trembling as she did so. I fought the sleepiness that threatened to overwhelm me, clinging to her until I couldn’t resist it any longer, before finally giving in to the darkness.

  Dawn was creeping over the horizon when I opened my eyes. I glanced around warily, finding that I was still leaning up against the tree in the glen. Fergus had been right. There were no such things as Fae. He would probably laugh when I told him about my wasted evening.

  It hadn’t truly been wasted though. I was never one to complain of spending a beautiful night outdoors. I loved sleeping under a moonlit sky.

  I slid my hand up to rub the crick in my neck and paused when it came to rest against something cold and metal. Looking down, I discovered a chain hanging with a charm resting against my chest. I lifted and observed it closer, seeing it was a finely crafted ornament of the moon and stars.

  A chill settled over me. This object was not mine. I’d never seen it before. My initial reaction was to cast it from me, but when I started to take it off I was suddenly loathe to do so. Instead I grasped it tightly as I glanced around the glen, scouring the tree line for any movements. I wondered if someone was playing a joke on me.

  “Hello?” I called out, listening intently for any other sounds, but only the whisper of an early morning breeze greeted me.

  I climbed to my feet, bracing myself against the tree as a moment of dizziness washed over me. I tried to walk away but stumbled to my right. Grabbing another tree, I paused.

  Something was off. I was changed, different, only I couldn’t remember what had happened, no matter how hard I tried. I studied my hands before running them over my face. I felt the same on the outside, but inside I was altered.

  A small rabbit darted in front of me and froze. I could hear its pulse from where I sat. The longer I watched, the louder the sound became, until it felt like it was screaming. My mouth watered, and suddenly I was very thirsty.

  The rabbit bounded away as I lunged for it, but I was faster, grabbing and bringing it to my face. I inhaled its scent and felt a strange sensation in my mouth. My teeth began to lengthen, and I bit into the animal as it squirmed, trying to escape.

  I held tighter, drinking, devouring the blood that welled up and pulsed into me. It was delicious, salty, yet sweet somehow, and the more I consumed, the more power and energy I felt coursing through me. I continued to drink heartily, and I felt the life of the creature slowly begin to ebb away.

  That was when the realization of what I was doing hit me. I cried out, releasing the rabbit in horror, watching as it fell lifelessly to the ground.

  Vampire. I was a Vampire.

  I staggered backward, glancing around. How was this even possible?

  My breathing was ragged as I looked around again for any signs of life. There was no way I’d been alone last night. Someone must’ve taken me—changed me, but I had no memories of any such interaction

  This can’t be happening. I must be dreaming, I thought. I pinched myself hard and it was very painful. I closed my eyes, breathing rapidly.

  This was real.

  A moment of panic overwhelmed me as I thought of my family, and how I might harm them. I felt the need to flee—to run far away and protect them. Almost instantly, a calming influence followed my panic. I didn’t know where it came from, but I took a deep breath. There was no need to act rashly, I just needed to try and stay in control.

  Control was the key. I took another calming breath, and observed my surroundings. I noticed how everything seemed so crisp and alive. I could see things with a sharpness I’d never experienced—pick out each individual smell from the earth and the vegetation that surrounded me. I marveled over it—amazed by the clarity—and I walked around the glen for a while, studying things in wonder.

  I could faintly smell smoke in the air, and I turned toward the village assuming it was from the bonfire celebration. I was eager to make sure Ceridwen and the others were all right—that nothing had happened to th
em as well.

  I took off running, increasing in speed as I went. The scenery whipped by me, and I could feel the wind rippling through my hair from the swiftness at which I raced. I’d never run so fast in my life, yet everything seemed to come with ease now. I tested myself, moving even faster, until the trees around me became a blur. Amazingly my senses were still acutely aware of my surroundings, knowing where every bush, stone, or log lay, and I navigated them easily. The power my body could produce was extremely invigorating, and I laughed with excitement.

  A few moments later I was standing near the top of the hill where the bonfire had been earlier. It had burned down to mere embers now, and though most of the people had left the celebration, there were still a few who lingered behind. A handful of men were tending to the extinguishing of the fire, and some of the women were cleaning up the remains of the feast.

  Despite all the aromas in the air, my senses clearly settled on the blood that ran inside each of the humans present. It called to me, thrummed out in an intoxicating rhythm. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth, determined to stand my ground. I cared about these people. I wouldn’t hurt them. Soft footsteps caused me to look again, and I saw Ceridwen approaching, her smile wide in greeting. She’d always smelled good, but now she set my senses on fire. I took a step backward, trying to blend into the tree line. I didn’t want to harm her.

  “There you are!” she said happily. “I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come back. I thought I might need to send Fergus to look for you if you didn’t show up soon.”

  “I … I fell asleep,” I stuttered, not sure what else to say and took another step away.

  She didn’t appear to notice my retreat though, continuing to walk toward me. “So you didn’t get to see any of your Fae then?”

  “Not that I can remember if I did.”