My eyes scanned the crowd discreetly, searching for the familiar face of the handsome Fae I had met not too long ago. If not him, I at least wished for Aria. Her presence was always of great comfort, and something told me that she would always look out for me should I asked for her help. I often wished Aria stuck around the Unseelie court more, but she really could not stand Sylius. Her demeanour towards her brother was something I unconsciously took into account whenever I questioned my feelings for the King. In some way, it acted like a shred of common sense that would so often fly out the window whenever Sylius held me close within his intoxicating range.
But right now, as I stepped down with him to the dance floor, I could not feel it affecting me as much. Not since I came in the presence of Cornelius intense and electrifying energy. Cornelius was…something else, and I was very, very curious about him. I just could not shake off the memory of how his eyes felt on my skin. It had brought up goosebumps along my spine and arms.
As we reached the last step and headed towards the center of the room, the music changed. The guests cleared the way and took to the sides as spectators. The bass reverberated deeply through the ground and into my chest, almost seductive. The giant chandelier above us dimmed enough to cast a shadow on the faces of the party guests. It made me feel as if there was no one else but me and Corneli– I mean, Sylius, goodness…
He led me into a waltz, and I followed. I could hear slight gasps in the shadows and it soon became clear what caused it. I looked down at my dress to see the small crystals and my jewellery glow with a slight tint of blue, soft and luminescent. It quite reminded me of the moonlight, but gentler.
“Sylius…” I gasped and looked up at his face bathed in the dress’s soft glow. Although the darkness around him wafted stronger with the shadows, the light softened his features.
“Do you like it?” he asked, seeming a little abashed, “I was…thinking much about how the moon complimented your skin. The night I found you on the balcony, remember?”
“You’d been thinking of me?”
“Well, I did get distracted a lot by my royal duties, of course,” he shrugged offhandedly, “but…yes, I kept remembering the first time we met as you– well, never you mind.”
“As what?” I insisted, hoping it was a slip about my identity.
“I wouldn’t know how to put it,” he sighed, “but the best way to describe it would be…meeting from scratch, I believe. I’d made the wrong impression back when we’d first met and it led to an unfortunate turn of events. But you’re here now and I’m glad. I hope you like the dress. It really does suit you very much.”
My heart stumbled a little in my chest at his declaration.
“Wait, did you just admit that you like me?”
“Martha,” he looked down and cocked a brow dubiously, “whatever is this party for?”
“Oh, yes…” I cleared my throat, a little embarrassed, “it’s just that I’m hearing you say it upfront to my face. It’s different.”
“Right,” Sylius coughed and looked away. His hand was warm as he led me into the waltz, but I could not see his face well enough in the shadows to tell if he was as flushed as I believed he was. I felt a little sad for Sylius. If he felt for me more than I had been intercepting, there was not much to reciprocate on my end. Not yet, at least…but maybe not later, either. I didn’t know. Something deep down told me that he just was not the one.
I felt a buzz under my skin, one that was all too familiar to an energy I had been acquainted with recently. There was a small cough behind us, and Sylius turns us while dancing to address who it was. I brightened up when I saw Aria dancing beside us, adorned in a beautiful green gown accented modestly with gold threading and jewellery. And she was accompanied by Cornelius!
“A word, brother,” she sounded as distasteful as the look in her eyes. I almost chuckled. I was not aware of the severity of their repulsion towards each other, but the sibling banter could be amusing at times.
“We may switch partners,” he rolled his eyes, “I hope it’s quick.”
My skin heated up as my heart lurched in my chest at the sight of Cornelius. He was dressed handsomely, and his eyes were as intense as ever. Sylius spun me gracefully and let go of my hand, only for it to fall into another’s. This hand was rough, calloused, but also very gentle. It was so much bigger compared to mine, and I squeaked a little as Cornelius’s other hand came to settle on my waist, his fingers reaching my spine and his thumb on my rib.
Cornelius coughed, seeming a little awkward, “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. There was silence for a bit, and we danced. The air between us was practically crackling with energy.
“How are you, my Queen?” he asked, his voice soft and caring. It was such a contrast to what I was feeling between us but I wondered if he felt the same.
“Oh, I’m not your Queen yet,” I rushed to correct him, “Sylius and I have yet to mate so I’m not–”
I gasped as his hand tightened over my body and he pulled me close. My skin was buzzing under his fingers. His scent of wood and lemon greeted my nostrils as his breath fanned my neck, and I could help the sudden heat that rushed between my legs so enticingly. My skin grew hot where his hands were, and I could only pray that he did not feel my nipples harden as he pressed me up against his strong and firm chest.
“Goodness…” I breathed quietly. I could feel my core light up with heat, and my walls throbbed embarrassingly as it felt the emptiness between my legs, whining for something to replace it.
Begging for this man before me specifically.
“You don’t really need a man to bestow his jewels unto you to define your status, my Queen,” he chuckled into my ear, although he did sound a little upset behind the strain of his voice. I blushed at the implication of his words and squeezed my legs as his deep voice travelled right down to my clit, but why did it feel like there was a much deeper meaning to it? As if there was some kind of answer that I was looking for.
I bit my lip, catching myself from accidentally moaning softly. I could feel his breath against my bare neck and I wanted nothing more than his lips to latch onto my skin and explore me deeply. His hands were big, calloused, and gently. I had to force myself to stop thinking about how they would feel in the ungodly spaces of my body.
Guilt. I should be feeling this way about Sylius.
“Cornelius?” I coughed lightly and reluctantly pushed for some distance between us, “I have a feeling you’re here for more than what meets the eye. I’m not sure if I can help you, though.”
His eyes softened at my words and his hand traced a lock of stray hair behind my ear ever-so-lightly. The back of his finger followed the curve of my cheek, and I was so tempted to let my face fall into palm and nuzzle into it. Against my better judgement, I had done just that. His thumb stroked my face gently.
“I just want to make sure you’re in good health,” he stated, “Tell me, my Queen, are you…safe and unhurt?”
“Just very confused,” I admitted softly and looked away. His hand brought my face back to meet his eyes.
“You can trust me, my Queen.”
Silence followed except for music, and some hushed and heated argument between the royal siblings some distance away.
“Why does it feel like I know you?” I whispered. Relief washed over Cornelius’s face, which did not make sense.
“I promise it will all come back to you at some point in time,” he whispered back, “The greatness you’ve been destined for requires patience.”
“What?” I shook my head out of his palm and looked at him through narrowed eyes, “Whatever do you mean?”
“I hope you consider my words well,” he said softly and eyed someone behind us. I could sense Sylius coming, “Keep this between us?”
I intended on it. Sylius was not the one with answers, but Cornelius was. I could not risk losing any chance of communicating with him later on in the future. I was taken from him, and Sylius
’s tug on my arm was urgent. I was in his embrace sooner than a second.
“I suppose my sister’s companion was entertaining,” he sighed, seemingly distracted by whatever else was on his mind. I wonder if he was perhaps concerned about Aria being attacked. Violent werewolves near the Unseelie Court was not the best news he had received.
“He’s a strangely quiet man,” I lied through my teeth. Surprisingly enough, he did not catch my dishonesty. He must be very distracted.
“Sylius, my Lord,” I asked carefully, “Must I be concerned? You look very…”
He sighed and broke our waltz, grabbing my hand and dragging me away from the floor. The lights brightened again and crowd erupted in whispers, but parted to give us way. Making our way to a set of glass doors, we find ourselves in a large balcony under the full moon and stars speckled in the sky. He closed the doors, groaning with a hand over his face.
“Sylius?” I touched his shoulder tentatively, “Are you all right?”
He sighed, “Tonight was important. We were supposed to consummate our bond, if not officially mate.”
“Sylius,” I stated firmly, “I think there are things we must discuss.”
“I know,” he sighed, “Aria reprimanded me on how I was taking this. She is aware you and I are not properly acquainted in some aspects of mutual agreement and understanding.”
“Well,” I huffed, “you did pull me into the engagement without consulting how I felt about it. I don’t feel like my word has value in your court. How did you intend on taking me to bed this way?”
“Yes, I’m aware,” he grunted and turned away from the door, “it seems that I wasn’t farsighted on this particular matter.”
I looked at him uncomfortably, and he must have sensed it. He looked at me, concerned, “I assure you that I would not have forced you into anything of the sort. I may be all sorts of unreasonable, but I would never hurt you that way.”
I frowned and crossed my arms, “I’m glad to finally hear that from you. So…what of tonight?”
“For now, I have some things to take care of with another realm,” he said, “and for later, I don’t intend on rushing anything. The mating…it can wait.”
My eyes widened in surprise. He was actually serious, and this was a side so much different from what I was seeing.
“I will leave in the morning,” he said and walked forward. He held his hand out, palm facing upwards. I placed my hand in his and he brought it up to his lips, kissing my knuckles gently. “You’re free to do what you please tonight. But before that…”
He produced a vial from his pocket, a familiar deep blue liquid. I could already taste its sour berry tickle in the back of my mouth. He uncorked it and handed it to me. I obediently took it from him, bringing it to my lips.
“To your health,” he whispered as I downed it in one go. It trickled down my throat, cold and sharp. I almost coughed. How I hated medicine.
I returned the vial to him and he disappeared, swift as wind.
Chapter Nine
The News
Darragh
It seemed that Aria’s job was done, but she had yet to leave.
“Would you like to accompany me on patrol?” she asked, “Or has someone caught your eye?”
“There is certainly someone I’m looking for,” I said with my mind on Thomas, “I know they will be here tonight. I must find them. It’s important.”
“You’ll get home safely, I presume.”
“You need not worry,” I smiled gratefully at her, “You’ve helped me out more than you can imagine.”
The corner of her lip quirk and she nodded at me, “I’ll be off then. Hope we shall meet again. You’re quite a resourceful combatant regardless of magic, so I hope to learn from you. Farewell.”
“Farewell,” I waved her off.
Aria was magnificently admirable. Not only had she actively avoided the tainted clutches of the dark magic that had spread the Unseelie Court, she also went out of her way to protect those who were similar to her. They lived in peace and patrolled their section of the realm, trying to form alliances and treaties that created a path of neutrality for Faes like her who could not find a home in either the Seelie or Unseelie Courts. I made a mental note to offer my alliance and protection to her community once I had regained my throne from that idiot Ulrich.
But right now, I needed to make sure the boy got into the party and straight for Sylius. I had met him once again in a nearby town. Aria accompanied me since she’d invited me as a plus one to the party.
“I don’t have anyone to go with,” she admitted, “and I fear Sylius won’t let you near Martha so easily. What could Lyn want with her, anyway?”
“It’s common for queens to be on talking terms to strengthen alliances,” I explained, “I’m just a messenger. I suspect she simply wants to welcome her to the Courts.”
“They often have lavish tea parties, don’t they?”
“Very lavish,” I agreed, “It serves as good use of their free time. Women need companions that they can relate to. It’s not easy being a queen, and even more difficult when the king is away.”
“Right,” she shook her head in amusement, “I’m glad that I abdicated myself off the royal status then. How about I meet you at the square’s fountain in about an hour’s time? I’m in need of a dress and you must change out of those clothes, too.”
“All right, I’ll see you then.”
Aria disappeared and I looked around as my skin prickled, picking up a familiar energy. I spotted Gabriella behind an alleyway, peeking at me curiously. I carefully walked over and we hid ourselves in the shadows.
“Any updates?” she asked, “It doesn’t seem like Sylius’s guards are suspicious of anything just yet and we’ve managed to pin down their shift rotations. I see you’re with Aria. How did that happen?”
“A werewolf attacked her and I stepped in,” I explained, “She owes it to me and get me into a ball Sylius has planned tonight. Although I’m not sure how I’m going to get anything–”
Gabriella shoved a pouch into my hands that jingled with shillings.
“No questions, now go get yourself what you need,” she hissed, “Make sure you’re dressed to the nines. This is Sylius we’re talking of.”
I nodded and she disappeared. Turning around, I gasped and almost toppled over a chid. He stared up at me with inquisitive eyes and I sighed.
“Thomas, my boy,” I shook my head, “You gave me a fright.”
“You said we’d meet again,” he said, “I thought I’d be able to deliver your letter tonight, but only my older sister can go since he has a ball.”
“Right,” I rubbed my head, “Tell you what, I could sneak you in somehow.”
“Yes, which is why I sought you out here,” he nodded, “I sneak in and out of the Court a lot, so here’s what you’ll need to do.”
The bastard was busy chatting up some generals from another realm, no doubt filling them in on the recent werewolf attack to create some tensions towards the werewolves’ realm. I was sure there is something he must have wanted from them, and now he would use the situation to his advantage to have other realms gang up on them and force them into submission for whatever Sylius nodded. As always, the coward would stay far away from the front lines and face of the conflict. As much as he loved starting shit, he hated carrying it on and always lured others to do his dirty work. Sylius was not the best talker when it came to forceful negotiations, except when him and I met at the Sinful River.
He’d turned his back on the offer he had made soon enough, but there was no telling what he was really planning besides trying to steal Martha from me. He should know that my heart’s been broken enough to still fight my way into regaining control over my rightful throne. Even if I had to mate someone else, I have no doubt of my determination to find some kind of a loophole. Even if it meant beheading the people that got between Martha and I.
I breathed deeply to take ahold of my mind. It was losing focus. I cou
ld not behead people anymore. The situation had become more delicate than ever and there was not enough space for battle. Only strategy. I only had my wit to help me now.
“Sylius,” I heard a familiar voice call for him. It was Ravanna. I almost growled out loud, but held my tongue. There was no forgiveness for mistakes here and blowing my cover could put Martha and the Seelie Court at risk.
“What is it, Ravanna?” the Dark King snapped.
“I bear news,” she whispered, “from the Seelie Court. Ulrich had Darragh imprisoned with some of his comrades and has taken over the throne yet again.”
Sylius groaned in annoyance, “Now it just seems like the universe wishes to pester me with more minor inconveniences.”
“This is not minor.”
“The man’s a buffoon, Ravanna” Sylius deadpanned with a dramatic sigh, “Get me a drink, please. Before he sends a battalion I must have wiped out yet again this year. Does he not learn?”
I had to hold myself from laughing in agreement. I would not normally want to agree with the Dark King on anything, but this was an exception.
“The war seems to be akin to a hobby to him,” Ravanna shakes her head, “but do beware, lest he interrupts your plans or causes delay.”
“They’ve been delayed enough without his interference,” he growls, “I’ll be off to a meeting to the Land of Wolves as soon as my carriage is prepared. I will be back on the second moon from tonight’s”
“We’re almost done,” Ravanna nodded, “The mage is half hour away, and you’ll be off at sunrise.”
Sylius nods and turns away with the general, heading off towards the bar at the back of the ballroom. Ravanna books it to the corridor that leads further into the castle somewhere. Turning away from the party and keeping within the crowd as to not draw Sylius’s attention, I follow her closely to see if there is any more information I can gather from her. She passes a pillar where three men are closely situated. She slows down before them, letting her silk shawl slide off her shoulder and down her chest. The men look at her, and then at each other. Soon, they were following behind her closely.
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