To Wed The Goblin King (The Realm Trilogy Book 2)

by Lisa Manifold

  “So I’m too hysterical to understand how I feel? Really, Mom? Is that the party line?” I turned away, and finished cleaning up the cockpit. “Why don’t you go find Dad? I’ll close her up.” In truth, I wanted to be alone…and maybe try and use the mirror to fae mail Brennan.

  “You sure, honey? That might not be a bad idea.”

  “I’m good, as much as I can be. Go on, he probably needs to talk to you.”

  She hurried off the boat, and I stood, watching her as she disappeared from the dock. I tried to tamp down the anger that short conversation brought. Stop, I told myself. Don’t waste your time alone. Sitting down in the cockpit, I pulled the mirror from my pocket.

  “Brennan?” I felt silly but my voice dropped to just above a whisper.

  Nothing.

  “Brennan?”

  The mirror winked into life.

  “Iris.” His rich voice washed over me. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m cleaning up. We were sailing today.”

  I could see his smile and that made me feel better than anything else all day. No need to tell him of the attempts on the part of my parents. Or that Heath had been here, with their blessing. God, he’d blow a gasket.

  Part of me warmed at the thought of Brennan being jealous. Sick and twisted, I know. But it’s nice to feel…valued? Sought after?

  The other part of me felt like a stupid girl, like the ones I’ve read about who excuse their boyfriends who hurt them. I wasn’t doing that, was I?

  I wanted to talk to my mom, ask her how to deal with this. What did I know? I was twenty, almost twenty-one, to Brennan’s hundreds of years. I’d spent my formative years on a boat. I didn’t feel I knew anything about how to handle relationships. As for Brennan, I don’t think he had lots of relationship experience, because if he did, it was no wonder he was still single when I met him.

  But Mom was with Dad on this. She didn’t want me with Brennan. She didn’t understand—or didn’t want to understand—that I would marry him with or without their blessing. As old-fashioned as it sounded, I wanted their blessing. Badly. I’d never done anything my parents disapproved of. It made me feel very alone, not having my mom to talk to.

  I thought about it and then, almost as if a lightbulb went off over my head, I had an idea. I’d call Mara. She was fae. She understood their world, even if she didn’t want anything to do with it. I didn’t think my parents could be—

  “Iris?”

  “I’m sorry, Bren, I was wandering. I didn’t mean to. What were you saying?”

  “I asked you how your parents were.” I could hear the slight tone of annoyance.

  Well, tough shit. “They’re okay.” That was the best I could do.

  Even though he and I hadn’t known one another for long, he knew that all was not well in my world.

  “What does that mean, okay? What aren’t you telling me?” The annoyed tone gone from his voice, all I heard was concern and love.

  Hearing the love in his voice, I warmed all over again. And this time, I didn’t worry that it wasn’t a good thing.

  “They are struggling with me going back to the realm,” I said, not wanting to get into it too deeply. I didn’t want to tell him about Heath. I didn’t want him to hate my parents. If things were reversed and Nerida started throwing some fae chick at him, I’d be hard pressed to like her.

  He sighed. “I understand it, even if I don’t like it. They feel they have you back with them with a future they didn’t see before. It’s hard for them.”

  “You are such a good man, Brennan. I’m not feeling very charitable towards them. You’re doing way better than me right now.”

  “It gives me hope that you think I’m good,” His face was serious as he looked at me, and even through the mirror, I could see the depths of pain in that one little sentence.

  “You are good. You haven’t blasted your parents, and frankly, I wouldn’t have your self-control.”

  “I can’t forgive them.”

  The words brought tears to my eyes. This amazing guy, the man who’d saved me twice now, and he could be totally brought down by his parents being asses. It amazed me even more that he felt willing to share this with me. Me, Iris, plain old human girl.

  “Then don’t.” We’d talked about this, but I wasn’t in the mood for parents who were being assholes. Mine included.

  His brows furrowed. “We’re both dealing with parental issues, are we?”

  I laughed a little and rolled my eyes, exaggerating the motion so he could see it. “They’re so sure they’re right—that I need to stay here to give you and I time to see if this is all real.”

  He looked pissed then. “Why do they doubt us?”

  “Because you’re my first boyfriend, like, ever,” I said. “Because you’re so much older, because, because, because!” My voice rose as I complained.

  To my surprise, Brennan laughed. “It doesn’t get any better. You’ve met my mother, correct?”

  I laughed with him. “Yeah, you have me beat on bossy mothers. I miss you,” I said, changing the subject abruptly.

  “I miss you terribly. I find that not having loved anyone before, not like I do you, I am impatient to have you with me. But I have to be patient, Iris, and so do you.”

  “This sucks.”

  “I agree, but we must do this. And remember, we will have all the time in the world together. Be patient with your parents. As much as you can,” he added, seeing my frown.

  “I’m trying,” I said. I wasn’t ready to give up my sulk.

  “You have to. I love you,” his voice took on a rich tone that made my toes tingle.

  “I love you, and—”

  I heard noise on his end, and he looked up. Nodded. Then back at me.

  “I have to go. I’m sorry, Iris. I know I said I’d come to you, but—” He glanced away at something I couldn’t see.

  He did look unhappy.

  “No, I’m sorry. I’m whining about stuff that doesn’t matter, and you’re dealing with all the things there,” I grimaced, feeling young and foolish.

  His face softened as he looked at me. “Nothing you said is what I’d consider whining. I envy that you do not have to face the problems of my Realm yet, Iris. Don’t wish that burden on yourself before you have to take it on. It will be ours soon enough.”

  Oh, hell. I hadn’t even thought of that, in the moment. “Then that’s why you should be talking with me about it.”

  “Later. I promise, sweetness.”

  I loved it when he called me that.

  “I love you.”

  “And I you, Iris.” His lips curved into a smile.

  For a moment, we said nothing, merely watched one another. Then with another quick smile, his mirror winked out, leaving me holding a blank piece of silver metal and glass.

  “Take care of yourself,” I said softly.

  I’d rather sit and daydream about Brennan, but I needed to put the boat to bed so I could go home and deal with my parents. I frowned so hard I could feel the dent between my eyebrows. I would have a headache later if I couldn’t get it to relax. There was nothing less I wanted to do.

  But—I could get Mara’s phone number. I looked down at the mirror in my hand and wondered if Mara also had a mirror. I leaned in, and whispered, “Mara.”

  No answer.

  “Mara?” I hoped Brennan wouldn’t pick up. Did the mirror let everyone know you were calling someone? What were the rules of this thing? Still no answer.

  So it would have to be a phone call, and I would need to get her number. I had no reason to think this, but I didn’t think they’d give it to me without a fight and lots of questions. I didn’t want that. I wanted to understand the fae from someone other than Brennan or Drake or even Taranath. Those were my only sources of information, and they all had some sort of bias.

  The thing is, what would I say to Mara? She wasn’t exactly a Brennan fan. Even though she’d been low-key since my mom had been healed. I knew they talked
every day. My dad struggled with her, too. So no one fae was on his good list. In fact, they all seemed to be on the shit list. Mara, I could understand. Brennan, not so much. It was due to him Mom had been healed. Had he not come back with me over a month ago and used his magic to help her, she might not be here.

  I didn’t understand the hate. Well, I did, sort of. They loved that he healed her, but they didn’t want me to go. They didn’t want anything else to do with the Fae Realm, and they sure as hell didn’t want me having anything to do with it.

  I thought it over as I walked home. First order of business—call Mara. Ask her to meet me. I’d go from there. I didn’t like winging it. I liked having a float plan—a plan where someone knew where you were headed.

  But I had no charts, no maps, and no guide for this.

  Brennan

  “What is it, Drake?” He felt annoyed that he’d had to end his talk with Iris. Each moment felt precious. He couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t steady, and that she might be taken away from him at any moment. That he felt unreasonably angry at not being able to be with her now. Nor could he tell anyone about this. Least of all Drake, who stood glaring at him.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your mooning, Bren, but we need to—”

  He stood. “We need to. We always need to. Damn my parents. Damn Cian. Damn Ailla. Why must they behave as they do?”

  The flash of pain across Drake’s face left as soon as it appeared. Iris was right. Drake had feelings for the traitorous Dragon Princess. He reminded himself that he needed to be more mindful of it. Inhaling, he thought, why not now?

  “I’m sure I don’t know. I cannot fathom the twists of and turns of the minds of those you listed,” Drake answered dryly. “Unlike them, I respect and honor my pledge to you.”

  That went deep. “You do. For which I am grateful daily, my snarling notwithstanding.” He tried to smile, but thought it probably didn’t look like much of one. “One would think that one could count on one’s parents, at least.”

  Drake sighed, and threw himself into a chair across from where Brennan had been sitting. “We need to talk about Mother and Father, Bren. Ignoring them isn’t going to make things any better.”

  Brennan glared. They’d been over this.

  “Don’t glare at me. That doesn’t work with me, and well you know it. Sit, and let’s finally clear the air. You’ve been shut tight since Iris came.”

  Brennan sat back down, considering Drake’s words before he spoke. Had there been a tinge of jealousy in Drake’s tone?

  “I have not been as open with you in recent time, Brother,” he said slowly. “For that, I apologize. It’s not meant to slight you.”

  “Cut the formality. I know this isn’t something that either of us wants to talk about, but we must.”

  “Must?” Brennan raised his brows.

  “Yes, simpleton. What is it that Ailla and Cian are intent on doing?”

  The pain was still there for Drake. He could see it. “Destroying my kingdom.”

  “No, Brennan, they want to destroy you. Not your kingdom, but you. What do you hold dear? Our parents, your goblins, your realm, and your responsibility. What better way to bring down the Goblin King than to go after the things he finds important, one by one?”

  “And you, Brother?” He peered at Drake. This was the perfect opening to talk about Ailla. Treacherous bitch. “How will they weaken you? Have they done so already?”

  Drake drew back as though startled, and he opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. Breathed in and out a few times, and then began to speak.

  “I wondered when we might talk of this. I owe you an apology, Bren.”

  “You owe me noth—”

  Drake cut him off. “No, I do. Ailla and I didn’t begin to talk or…or anything until the negotiations between your fathers began. I felt sorry for her because I knew you didn’t love her. She—” He stood to turn and kick at the bench near him. “Damn the woman, she saw that, and I let her toy with me like a child on leading strings!” He faced Brennan again. “I’m sorry. I had no business being more than friendly with your betrothed. I did fall in love with her, or at least,” he sat down, “the woman she wanted me to see. Now, I don’t know if that was even a real person. All this time, she was plotting with Cian…” He rubbed his hands over his face. Then looked up at Brennan. “Can you forgive me?”

  He and Drake didn’t speak like this. This felt raw and unfamiliar. Iris and her human emotionality were rubbing off on everyone who spent time with her. It was the only thing he could think of. He could hear a clock in the next room ticking, and the sound seemed to echo in the otherwise silent room. Drake’s question hung in the air, waiting.

  Brennan sat down across from his brother, indicating Drake should do the same. “Of course I forgive you. I must ask, however, what you planned to do with the feelings you have? You know had Iris not come along I would have married Ailla. I had no idea of your feelings,” he said.

  “Nor should you. It’s unseemly that I have them.” Drake said with no hesitation. He sat at attention on the edge of his chair. “It’s a betrayal of—”

  Brennan held up a hand. “I won’t hear that, Drake. You and I both know that Ailla had no interest in marrying me other than furthering her own plans and those of Cian. She used you, just as she used me. You have not betrayed me.”

  “I understand if you wish to replace me,” Drake hung his head.

  “What are you talking about? You’ve completely lost your head, man. Answer me this—what would you have done had I married the woman?”

  Drake looked up, his eyes bleak. “I don’t know. I felt so badly for her. She would tell me, almost crying, of course, that she wanted so much to make you happy, the normal tripe,” he said with a twist of his lips. “I fell for all of it. I wanted to talk to you, tell you what a treasure you had, and confront you. Who knows what I might have done as time went on? If she continued her plan to divide us, to lead me on…I might have not stayed true as I should. I…” His head fell again.

  “I am sorry as well, Drake.”

  “For what?”

  “Iris saw this immediately. She told me what a complete ass I am.” It was his turn to grimace now, “I feel foolish and unkind to have missed it. I had no idea.”

  “Why would you? I was out of line.” Drake looked to be holding in a smile.

  “Neither of us looked for treachery or deceit.” He knew what he needed to say, but the words wouldn’t come. “That is to our credit. Ailla and her father and my cursed brother are responsible for taking advantage of that. It will not happen again. Perhaps this time,” he stopped and felt the rage in him flare up. It lay dormant most of the time, but even this conversation showed him how ready the rage was to leap up and take over. It would be something he’d need to be aware of. Iris had been right. They needed to talk. He wished she was here—had they talked enough? He decided that for the time, they had. Regardless of whether it was true or not.. That made him a coward, didn’t it? Shirking his responsibility?

  Perhaps not. While he knew he put off finishing this uncomfortable conversation with Drake, he also knew that his way forward with regard to his brother Cian was clear. Perhaps this time he would actually kill Cian, and be done with this.

  “I’m glad to hear you say it,” Drake said.

  “What?”

  “That you plan to kill Cian if need be. There’s no other way around it.”

  He hadn’t been aware he’d said the words aloud. “I didn’t actually say it. However, I think it may come to that, if that is what is needed to defeat him.”

  “Say it, Bren.” Drake’s eyes were like ice.

  “Do you doubt me, Brother?”

  Drake shook his head. “I know you as the good man you are. You have no wish to hurt our parents further. It’s clear they hold a lot of guilt and emotion over this wretched son of theirs. I think you have no choice when it comes to Cian—you must kill him, or he will kill you, after destroying
all that you love and hold dear.”

  “I will kill him if I must. When that happens—for it will happen, Drake, no matter what it takes—I fear that the breach with our parents will be too wide to traverse.” Brennan looked away. Maybe it would have been easier to talk about Ailla. “I don’t like to admit it but I know how hard this will be on Mother and Father, and we will have to live with them afterwards. I don’t want us to be estranged.”

  “You don’t feel we are now?”

  “No. Mother is refusing to come to her senses, but Father seems to be more reasonable.”

  Drake shook his head. “I don’t see that happening, Bren. Mother feels they did the right thing, right down to not telling you the truth or correcting your assumptions. I know that you beat yourself up, but you were a child. Cian was hateful and cruel. You reacted as a child would, a child who was hurt. You didn’t mean to hurt him as you did—and you certainly didn’t mean to kill him.”

  Drake sighed. “You’ve thought you killed him since I met you, which wasn’t long after the accident. At that point, our parents knew Cian wasn’t dead, merely unconscious. They should have corrected your belief. There is no excuse for not being truthful with you. And there is no excuse for allowing you to believe you killed your brother. None. They did you a great disservice—how much of your life has been spent making sure you never lost control again? Brennan couldn’t offer any defense of Nerida and Jharak. It hurt to know that his parents allowed him to carry a burden he didn’t deserve all these years. It hurt even more that they dug their heels into their position, and expected him to understand. He also felt extreme gratitude at Drake’s defense of him.

  The rage flared once more. “They will need to apologize to me, to both of us. Had they been honest, we wouldn’t be facing the revolt and unrest we are now.”

  It was now Drake’s turn to shrug. “I think you’re hoping for the impossible. I fear that Cian will show himself to them, and Nerida will fall apart. She’s not easy about this.”

  “Nor should she be! She thought he died in a fire! After keeping the fact that he was alive from me for years! Letting me and everyone else think I killed him! That is not the act of a mother!”