Betrayed

by Julia Crane

  “I need a moment alone with my daughter.” Grabbing my arm, she pulled me into one of the many rooms, threw up a shield, and lowered her voice. “Daughter, if I don’t return—”

  “Mother, don’t even speak like that.”

  She held up her hand to silence me. “If I don’t return, or I am overthrown, you must make sure this planet lives on. It is more important than I led you to believe originally. If Earth implodes it will impact the rest of the Universe. As I told you, this is the third Earth, but what I didn’t explain was there are no more chances after this. And I don’t need to tell you that losing a planet would upset the balance,” she paused, “in ways you can’t even comprehend. It is vital that you do whatever it takes. Do you understand?”

  I wanted to argue with her, but now was not the time. I drew my shoulders up. “Mother, I will not let you down or our lineage. I’ll do whatever it takes, just please return to me.”

  She smiled sadly. “There is nothing I want more. However, we both know some things are divine timing and we must allow them to unfold. But not without a fight. I assure you, I will do everything in my power, to bring peace back to our realms and hand the kingdom down to you when the time is right. I must leave now, I’ll keep in touch as much as possible.”

  I threw my arms around my mother, suddenly feeling like a little girl instead of a princess. In my eyes my mother has always been invincible, I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to her.

  “Daughter, it doesn’t make sense to you now, but trust me when I say, Demitrious is your most loyal ally. He will not lead you astray.”

  So many questions ran through my mind, but they could wait. I knew time was of the essence. “Hurry, Mother.”

  In the blink of an eye she vanished before me. How had she done that without the opening of a portal? Perhaps my mother was stronger than even I knew. I rubbed my temples, trying to erase the tension. It hit me that I hadn’t had time for her to restore my energy. Great.

  What I needed was rest but that was not a luxury I had at this moment.

  Taking a deep breath, I made my way back to the foyer. I couldn’t show any signs of weakness in front of the creatures. Not now. Not ever.

  The storm had already started. The wind howled and the rain came down in sheets. When one of the windows broke I realized I didn’t even have enough energy to throw up a shield. The safest place for us would be the basement. Which was where the offspring were.

  Casting my eyes around, I sought out the most powerful creature in the room. My gaze landed on an older, hunched over woman, with sunken eyes. As if she felt my gaze on her, she looked up and we locked eyes. I tilted my head in summons. Without even the slightest hesitation she moved through the crowd of creatures, until she was standing before me. “Your majesty.” She inclined her head ever so slightly.

  “I need you to cast a spell that will shield everyone from what we have hidden in the basement.”

  One of her brows rose. “You trust me with this?”

  I sighed. “I have no other choice.

  “I’ve seen you wield magick, child. Why would you require the help of an old witch like myself?”

  “As you know, when too much energy is expended it needs to be replaced. I can take no more from the Earth at this time.”

  The old lady cackled. “Then why not take it from the dark?”

  Her words caught me off guard. Why hadn’t I thought to draw from the dark? After all, I was a dark faery.

  Just then Demitrious was by my side. “Never question a princess, Lila, you know better.”

  I was startled that he’d heard our conversation but also annoyed that he felt he had the right to step in.

  “The Princess understands that taking from the dark in this moment, with the storms raging, would only make it harder for Mother Earth. Just do as she asked of you, she is the acting Queen now.”

  My pulse skyrocketed. I was both grateful and annoyed at the demon, but mostly I was a little freaked out that the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind, about the effects of using the dark energy. I also didn’t like to be called the acting Queen. And now he knew I had something to hide in the basement.

  “Thank you, Demitrious, but I do not need your help at the moment.”

  He bowed and stepped back, fading into the swarm of creatures.

  “I’ll take you downstairs, but we must hurry.” I turned and eased my way through the crowd; they stood straighter and moved aside as I walked. It was strange. I’d always been regarded highly, but now they were treating me as if I were my mother. I’m not ready for this, I thought with despair.

  As we descended the stairways, I spoke in a commanding voice. “What you are about to see is an experiment. We planned on showing everyone today but now the storms … Anyway, I want my mother to be here when we explain, so please, keep this to yourself.”

  “I can’t help but wonder, why me? There are others much more powerful than I am.”

  I forced a smile. “Because you’re also keeping a secret. I thought you might understand.”

  The old woman’s body stilled. She stared at me, as if she was seeing me for the first time.

  “Why are you hiding your true identity?” I asked, curiously.

  The woman continued down the stairs. “Just for once I wanted to experience life not as an object of desire. And where better to do that than on a planet that is hell bent on destroying itself?”

  My jaw tensed at the reminder. “Show me your true form.”

  The air wavered and gone was the old woman—she was replaced with one of the most beautiful creatures I’d ever laid eyes on. Her skin was milky white, hair fiery red, and eyes so green it was hard to look away. Her body was all curves and softness.

  “Yeah, I can see why you would have trouble avoiding attention,” I said wryly.

  She sighed and turned back into the old lady. “It’s a pain in the ass.”

  “Well, I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine,” I said, pushing open the heavy door.

  Henrek didn’t even bother to look up when we walked in.

  Lila’s eyes were locked on to the five halflings, as were mine. I blinked a couple of times to make sure I was seeing what I was. They were standing and playing, dressed in white shifts, even the boys. “Henrek,” I whispered, “what is going on?”

  He looked up first at me and then at Lila. His eyes focused on her longer than normal, which was strange for him. He barely even glanced at my mother, and yet he appeared fascinated by the plain older woman.

  “Henrek,” I repeated.

  Shaking his head, he glanced over at the children. I say children because they were no longer babies. He gave a slight shrug. “I told you it was all experimental.”

  Lila looked like she wanted to ask questions but kept her mouth shut, probably because of Demitrious’ reminder.

  “Can you spell them?”

  “It would be easier to conceal an area instead of the individuals.”

  She was right. “Okay. Well, why don’t you conceal this room? Just leave a slight opening when the door opens so the others can go to the rooms down the halls. There also has to be a spell to dampen the noise, too.”

  The little ones were talking and giggling. My heart felt as if it would explode and my mother wasn’t even here to witness them. I wanted so badly to go play with them, but we didn’t have time. Once everyone was in place, I’d see if I could breach the barrier and go to them. Because who knew how long the storms would last.

  As Lila went about casting her spells, I walked into the enclosed area where they were playing and building with blocks. I was startled when I realized they were conjuring the blocks as they played. They’d learned magick without being taught.

  “Hey, remember me? I’m your mother.”

  The symbols of our language flashed in my head—mother.

  I laughed. My goodness.

  The little boy with the different eyes came up to me. Reaching down, I lifted him and held him agai
nst my hip. Soon he’d be too big for that, I realized, sadly. Calamus took his little hands and placed them on the sides of my temples and a burst of energy jolted through me.

  Dear spirits, he renewed my energies without being asked. How in the world?

  He grinned and I kissed the top of his head. “Dear one, you are very strong. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he replied, and wiggled to get down.

  So he’d already learned English. My mind was blown.

  I had a sudden thought. “Come here.”

  The five of them rushed over to me. “Sit in a circle, we’re going to hold hands.”

  Plopping on the ground, they reached out and clasped hands. “I don’t want you to think anything, okay? I just want you to offer me your energy, nothing more.”

  They nodded.

  Closing my eye, I conjured up the elements required to shield the castle from any damage from the storm. It happened so quickly, I had to ask the energy to rewind and show me in slow motion to be sure it was done properly.

  “Wow. Henrek, this is beyond our wildest dreams. They are prodigies—” I stopped myself from continuing when I remembered Lila was in the room. “They are perfect.”

  “Lila, we no longer need the spell of concealment.” I paused. “Actually, let’s keep it up. With the rate they are growing who knows what will happen. It’s best to wait and see what happens with the realms and the storm before we bring them to the others.”

  Lila’s face softened as she gazed down upon them. “I’ve always wanted children.”

  “Why haven’t you?” I asked.

  “Barren. Part of the curse.”

  “You were cursed?”

  The old woman glanced sideways in surprise. “You don’t get perfection without a price.”

  Chapter Ten

  In a rush I hurried back upstairs, leaving Lila downstairs with the halflings and Henrek.

  Without wasting time I made my way to the center of the room. “We’re protected from the storms. Of course, you are free to leave the castle if you wish, but I’d suggest that you do not. I’ve been warned about the impending storms, and they will wreak havoc on the lands around us.”

  There was some mumbling but no real complaints. I don’t think anyone really wanted to venture into the storm. Hopefully, they would all get along in the confined space, who knew how long they were going to be stuck indoors together.

  Scanning the room, I found Michael and Blake talking. They had Seth with them. Thank goodness, in all the commotion I’d forgotten all about bringing the boy back.

  Mother, are you okay?

  No reply.

  My heart literally stopped in my chest. Mother?

  Demitrious came to my side. “She’s fine. Her attention is focused and she can’t be distracted right now.”

  My head snapped up to stare at the demon. “How would you know?”

  His face never changed. I wondered if he always looked so serious. “She made sure I would know if her magick was no more.”

  Why would she do that? I wondered. And why hadn’t she done the same for me?

  As if he’d read my mind, he lowered his voice. “You would know as well. It’s encoded in your family genetics.”

  “How do you always know what I’m thinking?” I demanded.

  One corner of his mouth tilted. “I don’t. I just know that’s what I’d be thinking if I were in your shoes.”

  Hmm. Something about this demon did not sit right with me. I really wished my mother had found a less dangerous advisor. I lowered my voice. “Can you really shift into all your former selfs? Anyone you’ve been throughout all your lifetimes?”

  He nodded, glancing off in the distance. “It’s both a blessing and a curse. To remember what you once were and could never be again …”

  I could see how that might be troubling, especially if your current incarnation was that of a demon. “Why does my mother trust you so much?”

  He studied my face. “She has her reasons. Princess, know that I will put your safety above all else. That is the least I owe your mother.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Why would you owe her anything?”

  “Someday I’ll explain, but not this day.” He turned and walked away, leaving me even more confused than when he first came over. Like it or not I was going to have to deal with him until my mother returned.

  Shaking off my unease, I made my way toward Michael. He was deep in conversation with Blake and didn’t notice my approach. However, Seth watched me the whole time. Poor kid looked scared out of his mind. I guess I would be, too, with all the creatures he’d been raised to hate in one room.

  When I got close enough, he looked down at the floor and then back up at me. I offered him a smile and reached out my hand. He hesitated before grabbing it. “I want to show you your room.”

  Eyes wide as saucers, he nodded in agreement. I gave a slight wave to Michael before leading the little boy down the expansive corridors to a room that was closest to my own. Before we made it to the doorway, I internally made a few small changes, making it more appealing to a young boy.

  When the door opened he looked around without a word, then back at me as if to say ‘is this for real?’ and I laughed. “It’s all yours. Can you think of anything else you’d like?”

  “I’ve never had my own room. Let alone all these toys. Can I play with them?”

  “Of course.”

  He ran over to the rocking unicorn and jumped onto it. A huge grin spread across his face as he rocked back and forth. I knew it wouldn’t last, but at least for that brief moment in time, he was happy, all of his troubles forgotten. I sat down on the bed and watched him play. In truth I was itching to get back down into the basement, but I knew Seth needed me more and once he was settled into bed I’d check on the halflings. Maybe tomorrow I’d bring Seth down to play with them.

  For the next hour or so he went from toy to toy playing. Finally, I saw him rubbing his tired eyes.

  “You ready to try out this bed?” I pulled the blankets back.

  “Will the toys still be here in the morning?”

  I smiled. “Yep. They aren’t going anywhere.”

  He slid into the bed and I pulled the covers back up under his chin.

  “Can you sleep with me? I’ve never slept by myself. With the tribe we always slept in groups.”

  I sat down on the bed beside him. “I wish I could but I have a lot to take care of. However, what I can do is give you a little friend to keep you company. Would you like that?”

  He nodded.

  It took me a few minutes to decide what would be the best companion for him. And then I remembered one of my childhood friends, Minko. With a smile I mentally imagined the little furry creature and brought him to life. Of course, it wasn’t Minko but very similar; a fluffy, tiny animal that would be small enough Seth could take him anywhere.

  He had bright blue fur, orange eyes, floppy ears, and a long tail.

  At first Seth jumped back, frightened. I guess they didn’t have creatures like Minko on Earth.

  “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you.” I picked him up and held the little animal up to my face and kissed his nose.

  Seth got curious and came closer. “He doesn’t bite?”

  “Never. Well, he would if he had to protect you, but he would never hurt you. He’s yours now and you will be the best of friends. What do you want to name him?”

  Seth reached forward and grabbed the little ball of fur. “How about fur ball?”

  “Fur ball? I don’t think he likes that, how about something unique to him?”

  He scrunched up his face, thinking. “How about Oscar?”

  I looked at the little guy and asked, “What do you think of Oscar for a name? I’ve never heard of that one so it must be a good one.”

  “Oscar. Me like it.”

  Seth dropped Oscar, thankfully on the bed. “He talks?”

  I laughed. “Of course he talks. I told you that you’d be
great friends. Are you okay to go to sleep now?”

  Oscar snuggled up to the little boy and he laughed. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.”

  “Great, I’ll peek in on you before I go to sleep. And if you need anything there is a bell beside the bed, just ring it and one of the staff will come. I’ll make sure to tell them that you can have whatever you want. Goodnight, Seth. I’m glad to have you here with us.”

  He was too busy paying attention to Oscar to even notice I’d shut the door. The little creature will be of help to him. I remember when Minko came to me, it was after my father disappeared, never to be heard from again. After enough time had passed he was presumed dead, his life celebrated. Gods, how I missed him.

  Chapter Eleven

  The winds howled but the castle was unharmed due to the protection spell. The ground shook beneath our feet several times but nothing was broken or destroyed.

  I hoped that the humans were safe in the shelter and that the shelter would hold them throughout the worst of it. I’d done what I could, the rest was up to them.

  If we were lucky, in the morning the storms would have passed, but something told me it wouldn’t be over that quickly. The Earth’s reminder of the darkness sent a shiver down my spine. I really should be trying to help Mother Earth keep the darkness at bay, but first I wanted to check on the children again.

  It bothered me I hadn’t heard anything from my mother yet. What was going on in the realms? I wished I could make a quick trip to be assured she was okay.

  Why was everything happening at once?

  Taking a deep breath, I wandered until I found Michael and Blake. “Blake, you want to see something special?”

  He looked between Michael and myself with a raised brow. “Lead the way.”

  I glanced back over my shoulder and saw Demitrious watching us. He did not look happy, but then again did he ever?

  We managed to get downstairs without anyone following us.

  I was not prepared for what I’d see when we walked into the room. Lila and Henrek were sitting down across from each other lost in conversation. Henrek was hanging on to every word she said as if it was the most interesting thing he’d ever witnessed. What in the world? And Lila’s face was lit up, her cheeks rosy. I swear she looked several years younger.