by Julia Crane
Chapter Five
Next thing I knew the door was opening and one of the servants walked in with a tray of tea and food. If she was surprised to see Michael in my bed she did not show it. Hopefully, she wasn’t a gossiper. “The queen would like to see you once you’ve showered and eaten.”
I nodded, detangled myself from Michael, and reached over for the warm tea. It felt like I hadn’t really slept—my eyes were still puffy—but I knew I had to put the crown back on and take my place beside my mother. None of the others even knew about the halflings yet. We’d made some progress, openly using magick to restore the lands, but there was still much to be done. And the humans had not yet joined us. So we really weren’t any further ahead when it came to integrating the humans with magick. Basically, we’d just taken over. Yes, it was for their own good, but it wasn’t what we were here for.
As soon as my mind went to the lost souls, I pushed the despair down. I had to compartmentalize, or as Michael had said, put the mask back on.
The door shut behind the woman, and Michael stirred.
“It’s time to get up,” I whispered.
He flung his arm over his eyes with a frown.
Is he less of a morning person than I am? There was still a lot to learn about him. Even though we’d shared so much we were still virtually strangers.
Nudging his shoulder I whispered, “I’ve got food.”
His arm slides from his face. Even in the morning, half asleep, hair in disarray, he was gorgeous.
Slowly he pushed himself up to sitting and glanced around the room as if trying to reorient himself. “It wasn’t a bad dream, was it?”
If only, I thought grimly. “No. They are gone, but like you reminded me yesterday, we have to put our focus on the ones that are still with us. I want to name them. I hate that they have been called numbers.”
He nodded, while reaching for one of the cups of tea. “I like that. Do you have anything in mind?”
“Not yet. But I’ll think on it today. You should think on it, too.”
He scratched the side to his head with his free hand. “Okay. But I don’t think I can come up with anything unique like Tulupea.”
I couldn’t help but smile. We definitely came from different worlds. To our lands the name Michael would be considered very exotic.
Reaching over, he grabbed a piece of fruit.
It surprised me how much I enjoyed waking up by his side. If only he were a faery, he would be the perfect match. I know he would make a good king if he were able to be one. Which he was not, and that was something I couldn’t allow myself to forget. My time on Earth was limited. We were there to help, not live here for good.
“I was thinking … maybe I should go back and talk to the tribe, and see if I can get them to at least come to the castle and check it out. Perhaps if they are around the creatures and see they are trying to help, they won’t be so afraid of them.”
“It’s worth a shot. I wish we’d hear from your friend Blake. We still have no idea what became of your brother.”
His jaw tightened. “Don’t remind me.”
“We’ll have to deal with him eventually. I don’t like loose ends.”
“I’m in no hurry.”
Neither was I. Just thinking about his brother made me want to shred something.
As soon as we finished eating, Michael went back to his room and I jumped in the shower real quick. Even though I was tired I was excited to see the halflings that were still alive. Hopefully there were no more losses throughout the night.
With haste I dressed, then threw my hair up in a clip. The house was already loud. I heard what sounded like an argument, but I was too focused on going to see the babies that I didn’t even bother to turn and see who it was.
I raced down the stairs to the basement.
My mouth dropped open as the tank came into view. There were still five babies but they were already quite a bit larger than last night. My mother stood off in the corner talking to Henrek.
“They look like they are ready to walk,” I said, the stress rising in my chest.
“We’re going to try to take one out of the tank today. Their lungs should be developed enough to breath on their own.” My mother walked toward me. “You must be prepared, just in case …”
“In case what? Another one dies? You can’t really prepare for that, Mother.”
“That’s not what I meant. Never mind. Henrek, you might as well do it now. Is there one in particular you’d like to bring out?”
My eyes immediately flew to the one with the defect. But I don’t think I could handle losing him. If taking him out would put him more at risk … Dear spirits, what is wrong with me? They are all mine, I shouldn’t have a favorite. “Henrek can decide.”
With a shrug, Henrek walked up to the tank. “Girls are usually stronger,” he explained, pulling one out. He grabbed the slippery baby and handed her off to my mother who wrapped the little one in a blanket.
“She’s precious. You looked very similar when you were this size.” My mother smiled down at the tiny baby girl. She had dark hair—it looked like a blue so deep it appeared black. Her eyes were the color of honey, her cheeks chubby and pink. Her tiny hand reached up and grabbed my mother’s hair.
It took a lot of self-control not to grab the baby from my mother, but I also wanted her to bond with them so maybe then she would understand how I felt. How hard it would be to leave them.
The girl’s head turned and our eyes locked. I felt love surge through my heart. Please don’t let anything happen to her.
“She wants you,” my mother said, handing the small bundle over to me.
Reaching out I pulled the baby into my hands. Her heartbeat was so loud in my ears. As if she was telling me, I will live.
“How are you doing? Can you breathe okay? Do your lungs hurt?” I spoke out loud.
Almost reluctantly, I placed my hand over her heart and mingled my essence with hers. Thankfully, everything seemed to be working fine. She wiggled in my arms, causing me to laugh. “Oh you want to get down? You think you’re ready for that?”
Her lips turned up.
I glanced at my mother and she shrugged.
She certainly looked big enough. “Henrek, hand me another blanket.”
He grabbed one off the back of a chair and handed it to me. After laying the blanket out, I sat down crossed-legged with the halfling. I set her down in front of me holding her at the arms. Her chubby arms flailed around; her body was not stable, it moved back and forth. She might be big but she wasn’t ready to sit on her own. So I turned her around and let her back rest on my stomach. Her hair was starting to curl. I wondered if it was going to be a mass of messy curls like my own or pretty, tamed curls like my mother had.
The door creaked open and in walked Michael. A smile lit his handsome face when he saw the baby laying against me.
“Does this mean they are okay to take out?”
I gave a slight shrug. “So far so good. Look how much bigger she is.”
Michael was now hunched down in front of me reaching out his arms. She reached for his hand and grasped his finger in her chunky hand. Instinctively he reached out for her and she swayed forward. I swear I thought my heart was going to burst when he picked her up and cradled her in his hands.
“I think she likes you,” my mother said with a smile.
Michael didn’t look away from the beautiful girl. “I’d like to call her Isla if that’s okay?”
“Isla?” I repeated, letting the name roll around on my tongue. I’d liked it. “I think it’s perfect.”
“It’s the most unusual human name I could think of.” He laughed.
“We’ll have to name the others. I want to name the boy with the eyes like mine after my father, Calamus.”
“He would like that,” my mother stated, walking over to the tank. After carefully pulling him out, she wrapped him in the blanket. His little feet were kicking like crazy, as if he were ready to take off
running. I had no doubt he would be soon. I wished they weren’t growing so quickly, but I also knew that was what would be best for Mother Earth.
After a lot of discussion we tried to decide on names for the rest of the children. The other boys were Jinx and Rusty. The other girl was yet to be named.
“We’re going to have to tell the others about them soon.” I frowned
“Yes,” my mother sighed. “They are going to have to know. I’ll tell them tomorrow if the halflings make it through the night.”
My head snapped up. I didn’t even want to think about losing any more of them. I don’t think my heart or my soul could bear any more loss.
Chapter Six
We spent the rest of the day going about the surrounding areas and growing plants, trees, and small structures just in case humans came across them. This way they would have a place to stay.
Michael was getting antsy because all of the work was being done through magick, so there wasn’t really anything he could help with.
“I’m going to the tribe to talk some sense into them. If they don’t want to come back to the castle they can at least stay in the dwellings you’ve made.”
Rising, I brushed the dirt off my hands. “I’ll go with you.”
He shook his head. “I think this is something I have to do on my own. I don’t want them to think you are forcing me with magick. I’m sure they still fear you for what you did to my parents and the others.”
There was a sadness in his eyes when he spoke. Even though he knew that I’d done the right thing, it was still hard to lose the people who raised you. I wished I could say I felt guilty, but if I had a chance I’d do it all over again.
While his family was still in the picture there was no way to move forward. Now that they were gone, there was at least hope. Of course, his brother was still in the back of my mind. I couldn’t help but wonder where the brother was and if he was going to cause trouble. I shouldn’t say it, but a part of me hoped that Blake took care of the problem once and for all.
“Okay. If you think it’s best. Make sure you get back before nightfall.”
His lips quirked up. “Somehow I have a feeling if I’m not back before nightfall you’ll come looking for me.”
I crossed the distance between us. “You are beginning to know me well.”
“Oh, Tulupea, I think there are many sides to you and I’m not sure I’ll ever know you well enough, but I’m going to do my damnedest.”
A flush rose to my cheeks as I watched his hand lift from his side and move toward me. His fingertips lingered on my jaw, before moving to trace my lips. A shot of adrenaline flared to life in my body. I wanted him to kiss me so badly but his hand dropped. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
I bit my lip, which was still tingling from his touch. “You better.”
Grinning, he started to walk away. I watched his tall frame, wide shoulders, and narrow hips as he took off down the dirt path.
My heart stilled when he turned to look back at me. Lifting my hand I waved.
I waited until he was out of sight before I went back to working on the land. My thoughts kept drifting between Michael and the halflings.
My mother startled me, approaching from behind. “Tulupea.”
I turned in surprise. “Mother, I didn’t hear you.”
“So I noticed. Even though we are working with the other creatures, you still need to keep on guard. Who knows how many other tribes like Michael's are out there.” She paused. “Or creatures that disapprove of us helping the humans.”
Embarrassed, I dropped my head. She was right.
“What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be back at the castle?”
“I wanted to talk to you alone. Something is going on with the other fae. I can sense some of them are not in agreement with working with the rest of the creatures.”
My mind flashed back to the annoyed faery yesterday. I nodded my head. “I’ve noticed the same. But they will get over it.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. However, I think I should make a trip back to the realm, take my seat at the table, and reaffirm my placement as Queen. The last thing we need is an uprising.”
I glanced up surprised. “Do you really think that could happen?”
“Honestly, no. But I just have a strange feeling I can’t shake.”
We both knew never to underestimate our intuition. “Then you should go, right away.”
“I’ll leave tonight. I just wonder how big the halflings will be when I return. They are growing so quickly.”
Alarmed, I met my mother’s gaze. “You don’t plan on being gone that long, do you?”
“I don’t know how long it will take, but if I am gone too long you must make sure to step up your role here.”
“Mother, don’t even speak like that.”
“We have to be prepared. I have complete faith in you, I know you will do what’s right for Mother Earth.”
I wanted to argue with her, yet I knew she was right. We had to take precautions and be prepared. “If it’s needed I will step into your role. But only to hold it until you return.”
She gave me a sad smile. “Tulupea, I’m so very proud of you. And I want to admit something to you.” She paused. “I love those little ones as much as I love you. I didn’t think they would affect me so deeply, but my heart hurts from the loss and I hope I get to witness the others thrive.”
I blinked. I’m not sure why but knowing my mother cared for them as I did made my heart swell. “I will do my best with them, but hurry back because they will need you to teach them the way of the fae.”
After pulling me into an embrace, my mother linked her hands with mine. “Let’s converse with Mother Earth.”
We sat down facing each other, hands linked, eyes closed. As I imagined my heart dropping deep into the core of Mother Earth, I felt the familiar stir of energy floating back up into my own heart. It was a large spiral of energy, much stronger than when we first arrived.
“Dear, Mother, tell us how are you?”
The wind stirred, blowing our hair. “I will not lie and say I am well, but I am improving. I feel as if I can breathe a little better. But, children, I must warn you, I need to release some of this pent up energy. There will be great storms. I will attempt to keep them from the haven you have made, but I cannot promise. My control is not what it once was. Once the storms are released they can take on a form of their own. And there is still darkness that is saturating the lands. The darkness, if it is strong enough, can take form on its own and use my energy to destroy. I wish I could prevent this from happening, but your work, while healing, has stirred up all of the darkness I have been trying to hold down inside inner Earth. The darkness is not happy that you are here, it’s not happy that you are fighting them. At first they did not fear you because you are of them. But once you started working together with the others to help, they became angry. I will hold off as long as possible, but I fear it will be soon. I’m sorry.”
The energy in my chest suddenly felt very sad, so much so that tears were streaming down my face.
My mother squeezed my hand. “Fear not, Great Mother, we have help. We can control the darkness. You let off your storms and free yourself from this distress you have been holding on to for so very long. If the land is destroyed, we will build again.”
“Thank you, Tatiana, you are most kind. I heard your conversation about your realm. You are correct, you must return at once. There are whisperings throughout the Universe that all is not as it appears on the faery realm.”
My mother and I exchanged a glance. Her face was creased into a frown.
“We will heed your warning, and send you our eternal love in return.”
Silently, both my mother and I merged our energies and sent a great healing blast of love and light to the Great Mother Earth. I felt her expansion and joy.
“Thank you. I must go, the darkness has felt the shift. If we do not win this battle, know that I will find you o
n the other side of the moon and we will begin anew.”
With a whoosh her energy was gone.
My mother and I sat back, and I wiped my face. “Mother, what are we going to do? What if the storms come while you are away?”
“I don’t know. Under normal circumstances I would stay and wait for the storms to pass, but since she gave us a warning, I am conflicted.” She rose to her feet, brushed her hands on her dress, and gazed off in the distance. “I need time to think.”
As if in answer the ground gave a slight tremor.
“Dear spirits, it’s starting already. I will stay through the night and leave in the morning. Hopefully, the worst will have passed by then.”
The tension in my shoulders made my head hurt; I sent myself a burst of healing energy. I needed to be at full strength to deal with whatever was coming our way. “She said the darkness, what does she mean by that?”
“Daughter, as you know there are many forms of darkness. Some even we cannot see. It could be one being or a group of them, or not even an actual thing but an energy form. We have been well-sheltered in our realm, but elsewhere the darkness has run rampant.”
I shuddered. Even though we were dark fae, I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to destroy a planet. And for what? Mother Earth would self-implode before she would allow the darkness to take over. Maybe they didn’t realize she was willing to give her life if that was what was required.
“I’m going to return to the castle. I need to speak with Demitrious, he might know what the Great Mother was speaking of.”
I’d forgotten about the demon. I guess if anyone would know it would be him.
Chapter Seven
I was too worried about the impending storms to get anything done, so I ended up picking up and heading back to the castle. Seeing the halflings would help elevate the unease I was feeling. The emotional strain from losing them had taken so much out of me. I needed to see that they were okay even though a part of me was afraid to find more gone. Pain flared up from deep inside of me. Taking a deep breath, I tried to keep the thoughts at arm’s length, there was no sense in letting my imagination get the best of me.
