by Riley Walker
Colton slowly stands up while Edrik and I collect the bags that were tossed through the portal. Somehow the latch on the suitcase broke and half my belongings are strewn about the ground.
Seriously? Is that a pair of my thongs hanging on a bush? Today must be show Frannie’s unmentionables day.
I shove my stuff back into the suitcase and head for the castle. Both guys are following behind me and I am pretty sure I can feel both sets of their eyes on my ass. I need to start training before said ass gets flabby again. Besides, someone has Shelby, and I am ready for war. Whoever this hawk is, he is in for a world of hurt. Shelby is my best friend and nobody, and I mean nobody will mess with what is mine.
We are dragging the bags into the castle when I hear a loud gasp. Please don’t let that be my Mother, I think to myself.
“Franchesca, where have you been and why is there a human in the Fey Kingdom?”
20
What’s In A Feather
I am stopped short by my mother’s question. I take in the scene in front of me and mentally groan. My dad, Mother, Winston, King Richard, and the entire Light Fey Advisory Board are all in the sitting room staring at the three of us.
“Mother, dad, everyone,” I nod my head and start to walk past the group of people.
“Franchesca, may I have a word with you?” Winston asks.
He places his hand on the small of my back and leads me into my Dad’s study.
“What are you doing here Winston?”
“I am here with my Father and the other members of the Advisory Board. We are discussing this ridiculous issue with the Renegade Resistance. Why is there a human here with you?”
“That human just so happens to be one of my best friends. His name is Colton and he decided to follow Edrik and I through the portal. Shelby, my roommate, and other best friend from the Earth realm, has been kidnapped. He came because he wants to help me find her and bring her back home.”
“I do not like this Franchesca. Humans in the Fey realm? You going off trying to find someone you think may have been kidnapped? What if something happened to you? Where do you plan on putting this human?”
The look he gives me and the slight squeeze he puts on my waist confuses me. Does Winston care about me?
“It is none of your business, but Colton will be staying in the empty suite across from mine. I have my Knight, Edrik, with me for protection. For your information, I also have three years of Mixed Martial Arts classes under my belt and I can take care of myself. But thank you for being concerned about me.”
The concern that I thought I saw in his face is gone and of course he has to ruin the moment by speaking again.
“Do not confuse worry for you with my concern over the wellbeing of my people. What I meant is, what will happen to the peace of our two Kingdoms if you go and do something stupid before our marriage takes place?”
I pull away from Winstons hold on me and storm back into the sitting room. The Advisory Board is gone, probably excused by my Mother who is giving me a death glare.
“Dad, I have reason to believe my friend Shelby has been taken. I found this feather in our dorm room. Do you have any idea what this means?” I place the feather I found in my dad’s outstretched hand.
“You found this in the Earth Realm?”
“Yes. It was on top of my bed at the university.”
“Franchesca I forbid you from looking for this Shelby person. I recognize this feather. Its from Hawkeye, Rook’s second in command. He is the Renegade Enforcer.”
“It’s from a Renegade? I do not understand.”
“Hawkeye is a shifter. The hawk is his animal form.”
A hawk shifter? He has been following us all this time.
“Dad I will not sit back, especially now knowing the Renegades have her! Winston, will you help me? Can you gather some of your army?”
“I am sorry Franchesca, but I agree with your father. It is too dangerous and who is to say your friend is even still alive?”
“So neither of you will help me? You are both okay knowing an innocent is being held by the Renegades because of her connection to me?”
I cannot believe what I am hearing. I shake my head at them and walk out of the room. I can hear both of their heavy footsteps behind me but I refuse to stop until I am upstairs and in my own bedroom.
“Chess, stop whatever it is you are thinking. You cannot go after her alone. Your father is right. It is too dangerous.”
“No Edrik. I will not sit back while Shelby is out there having who-knows-what done to her!”
“Dude, you obviously don’t hear well. Franchesca and Shelby are attached at the hip. You aren’t going to talk her out of going to find her.”
Thank you for knowing me so well Colton, I think to myself.
“Colton is right. Shelby is like a sister to me and I will not rest until I have her back where she belongs. You can help or you can get out of my way. Besides, I have been studying the maps of the Renegade camps and I know their weak spots.”
“Chess….”
“Eddie….”
We just stand there staring at each other, waiting for the other to break. Colton is right. If Edrik expects me to back down, he really doesn’t know me at all.
“Fine”, Edrik sighs. “We will do this, but we do this my way. We research their camps first and train together so I know you can protect yourself.”
I jump up, throwing my arms around my Knights neck, giving him a big kiss on his cheek, “Thank you Edrik for doing this for me.”
“Only for you Chess, would I risk my life.”
21
Back To Basics
Over the next several days, Edrik and I take the servants tunnels down to the library to study the different maps of the Kingdom and Renegade camps. We have to do this undetected which is difficult because since returning, the castle has been under lockdown and we are constantly being watched.
Edrik and I train everyday until I can no longer lift an eyelash without pain. He is impressed with the moves I know, especially my jiu-jitsu, but he says it still is not enough. I may be able to fight hand-to-hand, but the Renegades are known for their sword skills and sadly, I have never used more than a butter knife.
“Ok then Chess, I need you to get into your sword stance. Remember, your feet are shoulder width apart, right foot forward and both hands gripping the hilt. As you bring the sword down, take a step forward with your left foot. This will help you with your balance and help push the sword through the swing.”
I do as he asks and feel my body gliding across the mat.
“Do not lock your right arm Chess. Keep it straight but don’t lock it up. If you do, you could break your arm with the force of the swing.”
We go over and over the stance and swing until I can do it without a mistake. After I have the moves down, Edrik brings in a hanging bag for me to practice against.
“Now, I want you to aim for the neck.”
“Ummm, where would the neck be on the bag, Eddie?”
He walks to the back of the room and comes back carrying a marker. He draws a line where the neck would go and places an ‘X’ over the heart and the middle of the stomach area.
“These are the three death points. The neck, the heart and the stomach. Aim for one of those points. If you do not kill them, you will at least incapacitate them and that will give you the opportunity you need to get away. Neck. Heart. Stomach. Now aim and kill the Renegade.”
Edrik steps back as I get into my stance and aim for the neck first.
The bag is full of grain and the first hit jars my arms. I shake it off and go for the neck again. This time the hit feels more natural. After the neck, I pierce the heart and then the stomach. I do this over and over again until I can no longer lift my arms.
“I can’t do anymore today. I don’t think I can even walk out of here,” I whine to Edrik.
“It’s alright Chess. You did great for your first sword lesson. Lets go to the grotto and relax y
our muscles. The warm water will help loosen up the knots.”
I follow him outside, throwing off my tank top, leaving me in my tight shorts and sports bra and walk straight into the warm water. I sink down and feel my muscles cry in relief.
When I look over at Edrik, I can see the hunger in his eyes. My body instantly responds and I suck my bottom lip into my mouth. His eyes follow the movement and he reaches over, grabbing me by the waist and pulls me onto his lap.
“Tell me to stop. Tell me you do not want this as much as I do.”
My body arcs into him and my nipples harden. He caresses my jawline with his thumb and I break out in goosebumps.
“I want this Edrik. I have wanted you for as long as I can remember.”
I pull him to me and kiss him like my life depends on it. I pour every ounce of passion and need I have into this kiss, letting him know how much I want him. How much I crave my Knight.
He kisses me back with just as much passion and hunger and I melt into his arms. His hands roam up my back, caressing my skin and I hold on to his shoulders and refuse to let go. One hand stays on my back while the other grabs my waist and squeezes before rising up to my heavy breast. I feel his thumb flick over my nipple and I let out a small moan.
Edrik breaks our kiss and slowly begins peppering butterfly kisses across my jawline and down my neck. The hand resting on the small of my back raises up and he grabs me by the back of my neck. He kisses me again, holding me so tight I can barely take a breath. He finishes our kiss and places his forehead against mine.
“We have to stop now or I will never be able to. I promised to always protect you, even if that means from myself. You are still betrothed to Winston. I cannot tarnish you this way. I am sorry.”
Edrik tries to move away from me but I will not let him go.
“I am not marrying Winston. I already told my dad this. Winston doesn't even want me Edrik. Besides, I want you. Will you not give yourself to me?”
“Chess, I would give you the world if I could, but please do not ask me to change my mind. I promise, when the time is right, we will be together. You are my fated, my destiny and my heart. Nothing could take you from me.”
He gently lifts me off him and sets me down on the grotto bench. I understand what he is telling me but the emptiness I feel has left me once again insecure about myself and my future.
“Don’t look so sad, Princess. Right now we have to focus on getting your friend back and the Renegade Revolution. If we were to further this along, it could cause a war between the Light and Dark Fey and I will not be responsible for that.”
He reaches over and places his arm across my shoulder, pulling me into his side. We sit like that until I can feel myself starting to doze off.
“Come on Chess, let’s get you out and dried off.”
He steps out of the grotto and holds open a towel for me. He wraps me up and follows me into the servant’s tunnels and up the stairs onto our floor, stopping in front of my bedroom door.
“Get some rest Princess. We will start training again tomorrow morning after breakfast,” Edrik kisses me lightly on my forehead and turns towards his room.
I cannot help but watch him walk away. He has always had the tightest ass.
22
Why Hide
Franchesca, may I come in?” I hear Colton ask through my door.
I stand and walk over, pulling the door open, “Come on in.”
He enters my room and takes a seat on the couch.
“What’s going on? You doing okay?”
“I’m doing better. I’m just trying to adjust to all the differences here, worried about Shelby and frankly, I am missing my best friend.”
“I miss you too Colton. I am sorry I have been so busy training with Edrik, you should start coming with me to train with the swords. If you are determined to help, you need to be prepared for everything.”
“I will. I’ll start training tomorrow morning.”
“What else is on your mind Colton. I can see the wheels spinning,” I joke.
“Franchesca, what is going on with you and Edrik?”
I was not expecting this question at all.
“Well, you know when you saw us back in the Earth realm and our eyes were lavender? Only Royals who have found their fated will change eye colors.”
I stop speaking and let what I just told him sink in.
“Your fated? Is that like a soulmate? But your eyes now are back to their crystal blue.”
“It is exactly like a soulmate. The reason our eyes are back to their normal color is because Gretchen had a witch make us amulets. When we wear them, they keep our eyes natural so no one knows that we have bonded.”
“Why don’t you want anyone to know you found your Fated? I would think everyone would be happy you have found each other.”
“You would think, but remember I am still technically betrothed to Winston. The peace of our two Kingdoms are dependent on us being married.”
“Franchesca, what are you going to do? You’re fated to one man, promised to another. I can’t see how you are going to get out of this unless you marry both,” he chuckles after saying that.
“Right now, I am playing my part of the dutiful Princess. I must allow everyone to continue thinking that I am going along with this marriage. Colton, he does not even like me. Every time I see him, he has a different bimbo on his arm. Winston is an asshat!”
“Ok, Franchesca. No need to rile yourself up. I just really wanted to spend some alone time with you. We don’t have to discuss your crazy three-way love life.”
I throw a pillow at his head while he’s doubled over in laughter. What a jerk.
23
Respect
Holding true to his word, Colton has started training with me and Edrik. I am glad to finally have a sparring partner that is closer to my level of expertise. Don’t get me wrong, I still spend a great deal of time falling on my ass, but at least I get some hits in.
“Come on Franchesca, are you even trying?” Colton is looking down on me with his hands on his hips.
“Yes, I am trying but you have a hundred pounds on me and more years of training.”
“Franchesca use your smaller body. You are agile and speedy. Figure out how to use that against me.”
With determination I stand up and return to my stance. Colton lunges at me and I twist left out of his grip. Spinning around, I kick the back of his knee and hop out of his range. As he falters, I come up behind him and climb his back like a spider monkey, grabbing his neck in a choke hold. Colton’s face is turning red and it looks like he is about to pass out.
“Enough!” Edrik bellows.
I immediately let go and jump off his back.
Colton is rubbing his neck and smiling at me, “I knew you had it in you. My little ninja.”
The compliment has me grinning from ear to ear.
“Franchesca, you will not be fighting humans. Those parlor tricks just won’t do against the Fey,” announces Edrik.
I give him my middle finger. That sign is universal in all the Realms.
Colton lightly punches me on the shoulder, “Well I was impressed.”
I stick out my tongue, “See Eddie, Colton thinks I’m impressive.”
Edrik gives me a look full of lust and promises, “Yes, Chess, you are very impressive in many ways.”
I duck my head and try to keep my blush at bay.
Several more hours of training, we finally part ways. I am thinking about Shelby and not really paying attention to where I am going when I slam into a wall. Just as I am about to fall back on my butt, strong hands grab my shoulders. I look up into Winston’s deep blue eyes. So not a wall after all. When did he get so big? I back away from him when I realize my hands are on his strong muscular chest.
“Franchesca, you really should pay attention to where you are going. Why are you so sweaty?”
Yep, once an asshat, always an asshat.
“I just left the training room if y
ou must know. What are you doing here?”
“For your information, I am here with my father. He is meeting with King Bastian and the rest of the advisory board.” He looks down at me with his hands on his hips, “I hope you are not still thinking about trying to rescue your little friend.”
I roll my eyes and move around him, heading straight for my room. The shower is calling my name.
“Franchesca, look at me when I am talking to you. I am your betrothed and I deserve your respect.”
I am too tired for this bullshit. I turn around and take three quick strides towards him.
“Winnie, you lost my respect on my sixteenth birthday when you chose that bimbo over me. In fact, you have lost all my respect with every bimbo you have paraded in front of me over the last five years. On my eighteenth birthday, I went from disliking you to loathing you. So no Winnie, you are not getting my respect or my hand in marriage.”
I turn and start to stomp off towards my bedroom when a hand on my wrist suddenly stops me. I look up into a pair of very angry blue eyes.
“First of all Franchesca, my name is Winston. Secondly, you will not speak to me with such disdain. We will discuss our upcoming marriage, which will be happening, very soon. I do not wish to marry you either, but for the greater good of both our Kingdoms, I will do my duty. Keep in mind, no matter how much we loathe each other or how much you enjoy spending time with your Knight and your little human, I do not do sloppy seconds.”
With that, he releases my wrist and storms off.
Once I am able to move, I run up the stairs into my bedroom and walk straight into my bathroom. A shower is definitely in order.
Once I remove my clothes, I pause and take a good hard look at myself in the mirror. I focus on the amulet hanging from around my neck and slowly remove it. I stare into my unfamiliar lavender eyes.
The sight still makes my breath hitch.
