Slade and Sage looked to each other before Sage spoke, "This is the spirit tree. It," she pointed to the willow with a smile, "is at every fae gateway."
"It," repeated Nicole with a shake of her head. "The same tree is moved from placed to place?"
"Not exactly and yet, yes." Slade took Nicole's hand and lead her to the tree with a proud smile. "This tree is the embodiment of the fae spirit and magic. It is the only way that one can travel in or out of the realm. This exact tree is located in two places in your world and two places in mine at this moment because it is made of spirit. Spirit can divide, protect and grow."
"It's easier to think of the tree like the feeling of being in love," spoke up Luke from behind Nicole.
Nicole's heart sped up as he barely spoke above a whisper. She didn't dare turn to face him for fear of meeting his cold eyes again so she laced her hands in front of her and looked down at her feet that sat on a pillow of bright yellow flowers and green moss.
"You can be in one place but your heart is always with the one you love. A part of you is with her always and you can feel her worlds away, sending you strength and filling your soul with happiness," He stepped up to Nicole's side but never looked at her.
Nicole stared up at the eloquent limbs of the beautiful willow. She fought to whisper past the lump of emotion in the back of her throat, "I know what you mean." Taking a deep breath she tried to clear her head of Luke's words. "Where are all the gateways at? I mean, couldn't just anyone run up on this place?"
Sage smiled a knowing smirk at Nicole, obviously enjoying the building tension radiating from Luke. "Well, the placements of the gateways were based on prophecies made centuries ago and it would seem the old bat was right. One gate is," she did a perfect curtsy that almost looked lady-like if it wasn't for her tight, black leather pants, "conveniently located just miles from where we needed to escape from today. Another is in the forest that connects to your father's land back in Alabama."
Nicole's eye's got wide, "I wondered how you and Rhys seemed to just appear at my house out of nowhere." In the same second another question ran to the front of Nicole's lips, "Where is Rhys? He's not here too is he?" The thought of the crude but incredibly sexy warrior brought bittersweet feelings rushing to Nicole. He had fought by her side and helped her save her best friend but his pushy advances had caused her to say some harsh things to him and she never got a chance to apologize.
"He's with your father and Kat. He and Kat wanted to come with us but Luke sent them back to be with your dad," Sage said as she placed an impatient hand on her hip. She didn't like to be interrupted and she wasn't afraid to let it be known. "Now, if you would like to let me finish or do you already know this story?" She raised her eyebrows waiting for Nicole's response. Nicole tossed her hands up in front of her as an apology for her rudeness and waited for Sage to continue. "There was a forth gateway but….it was lost."
"How do you lose a gateway?"
"Not really sure but it would seem that it was sealed away from us. The fae and warriors have searched for years for the gate but it was never found."
"Why would someone want to hide it," asked Nicole.
Slade, who had grown silent after Luke had joined the group, spoke up, "The gateway led to the fae burial grounds. It's how those fae who chose to give up immortality can pass on their powers to the next generation. The spirit tree recycles the power into the fae children, which are very rare now. No child can be conceived in the fae world unless there is power waiting to be granted to the baby. The tree is near empty so the fae race is weakening with each fairy who chooses to pass on without being allowed to give back the power." Slade shook his head as if shaking off the depressing topic, "Right now it's important for us to make sure you're safe inside the fae realm then we will figure out how to defend our kingdom from the war that is sure to come." He leaned forward so he could see Luke, "I'm sure we can at least agree on that one thing."
Luke nodded then moved the low hanging branches so Sage and Nicole could step under the canopy. "Just one question," he turned back letting the branches block Slade from following, "Do you think your people are going to welcome you with open arms? Surly they know what kind of traitor you have been to the kingdom." Luke crossed his hands over his chest, "You're not going to cause Nicole any more trouble. I know what you are."
Slade went toe to toe with Luke, not backing down from his challenge. "Where do you think I got my orders from? I'm overdue to report in anyway so this little trip is perfect timing. Though the welcoming may not be warm for you when I tell that you personally fucked up a plan that has been years in the making with your little show of heroics." Slade moved in to whisper in Luke's ear, "You're not going to win this fight…or the girl." He pushed past, bumping Luke's shoulder roughly with his own. After a moment of muttered profanities Luke ducked through the green curtain to follow the group.
"It's pretty simple really, you place your hands on the tree and the portal opens," explained Sage to Nicole as she placed her hands on the thick, rough bark around the large base of the willow.
Nicole stared with wide eyes not wanting to miss the second the magic started to happen but as time ticked away she realized that Sage had forgotten one key thing, "How can you open a magic portal without your magic?"
Sage placed her hands a little closer together then closed her eyes tight with a frustrated snort, "I was hoping that I could at least make this work." She sat still and focused for another moment then groaned, "Damn it Slade. Where's your off switch? Pull your power back so we can open the doorway."
"We could just get rid of him," Luke turned toward Slade, "he's only going to turn on us again anyway. Let's save ourselves some suffering now and end this."
The edge of Slade's lips turned up into a taunting grin, showing the glimmer of his perfectly white teeth, "You could try." He motioned for Luke to try him with a flick of his finger in a “bring it” motion.
Luke didn't hesitate, moving forward with a guttural roar, but a squeal from Nicole stopped him in his tracks. He spun on his toes and lunged forward, ready to attack the unknown enemy without a second thought but the sight he beheld stopped him cold.
"I did it," gasped Nicole as she beamed. The center of the tree had liquefied into a swirling pool of blue and white that pulsed with a heartbeat of its own. "It's so beautiful," she whispered as she pulled her hands away from the tree.
Sage put her arm around Nicole's shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. Turning her eyes on Slade she said, "Well, it would seem you aren't as strong as you thought, dear brother. Looks like Nicole is becoming resistant to your overpowering charm."
Slade stared into the vortex with tension showing with each flex of his jaw, "She's unlike any I've ever known." He tried to conceal his unhappiness but Nicole noticed the flash of anger in his eyes before he pasted on a smile, "Shall we move then?"
Chapter 11
The world around Nicole became surreal as she stepped out from the gateway. The view was no longer that of the green willow branches but a deep crimson that blanketed the world around her. She reached her hand out and touched the leaves of the willow, "It's beautiful," she breathed. She had never seen a tree such as this. The leaves were smooth like velvet between her fingers. A blue magical glow twirled along the veins of each red leaf and twisted around the surface of the bark.
Sage took Nicole by the hand a pulled her from under the limbs, "Just wait until you see the rest of your world," she smiled.
Nicole let Sage guide her out from under the canopy of leaves to where she stood on vibrant green grass. The smell of salt water danced on the breeze and the warmth of the morning sun kissed her cheeks. The willow was on a cliff high above the sea water below. Stepping to the edge Nicole took in the view of the perfectly white sands of the beach below then let her eyes drift along the area around her.
"Look," Sage pointed, "There is your kingdom," she beamed. A massive white stone castle clung to the edge of the cliff with stained glass wi
ndows near the top of each tower glimmering in the sun like diamonds. A town lay at the castle's feet and even from where Nicole stood she could see it was full of people coming and going.
Nicole shook her head as emotions clamped down on her chest like a vise. She fought back the tears that were filling her eyes, "It's so beautiful but…this isn't my kingdom or my people," she whispered as thoughts of her dad and Kat started to consume her. She missed them so much and hated that the only way to protect the both of them was to leave them behind. Her powers had already caused them so much pain. She had to finish this war so they wouldn't need to worry and she had to see it through to the end. That would be the only way she could keep everyone safe—her dad, her best friend and two races of people that were all depending on her.
"It's your kingdom when you're ready," Slade put a hand on her shoulder but she kept staring blankly toward the sprawling green land and grand castle that kissed the white beaches of the sea. "You must take your place, Nicole. You can't fight destiny, love."
"She doesn't have to do a damn thing Slade so back off," snarled Luke as he yanked Slade's hand from Nicole's shoulder.
"Gentlemen," a strong but feminine voice sounded from behind them. Nicole turned to see a group of warriors flanking a small fae woman with snow white hair reaching past her waist. Her skin was equally as white and smooth as her hair was and set off by deep, dark brown eyes. Slade, Sage, and Luke all bowed low at the sight of the woman leaving Nicole standing in confusion. "Slade, it would seem you have forgotten your medallion," she looked down into his face as he stared up at her.
"Yes, I'm sorry my Queen. There was no time for me to collect my things before we changed realms," he apologized with what Nicole thought was genuine fear in his voice. The queen motioned to the guard nearest her and he pulled a silver chain from his pocket and threw it at Slade's feet.
Slade begrudgingly retrieved the necklace from the ground. Nicole only caught a fleeting glance of the silver dollar sized medallion before he placed it around his neck and tucked it inside the sweat stained white shirt but within seconds she knew its purpose. The air around her crackled with power and warmth took over her whole body. The familiar ball of fire sprung to her palms without a command being thought and a rush of words flooded her mind. The walls that had been blocking her powers fell away. She leaned her head back and sighed with relief then she turned her eyes on Slade, "You've had a way to turn this off all along and you never did?"
Slade looked at her and started to speak but, after a look of defeat, he drew his lips into a tight line, "I'll explain everything, just not right now, love."
"Yes you will," she bit off her words, "and stop calling me love."
Nicole turned her attention back to the group but not before hearing a small grunt of laughter from Luke as he stepped up to her side.
The woman moved closer to the group with a tender smile on her thin, pink lips, "Nicole, we have been waiting for you my dear." She touched Nicole's face like a mother would her child, there was so much tenderness in her eyes as she pulled her into a warm embrace.
Nicole smiled back after the woman released her, "And who are you," she asked.
"Oh, yes, how forgetful of me. I am Teya. I have been acting Queen since the passing of my sister Titania many years ago," she sighed. "You look so much like her." Teya got lost in her own thoughts for a moment and the smile fell from her face but she soon recovered and reached for Nicole's hand. "Come dear, you must be dreadfully tired. Let's get you a hot bath and a warm meal."
Nicole fell into step with Teya. She noticed that even though the Queen was a small woman she carried herself so strong. The large warriors that were escorting her didn't seem as intimidating as the petite fae in the beautiful white dress. Even Nicole felt herself wanting to cringe back from her and walk a step behind but she held her ground, "But how did you know we would be here?"
"I see everything that goes and comes through the gateway. I can feel the change in the air when the portal is opened. It's a gift that only the King and Queen of the Fae possess. It helps us keep the kingdom safe," she smiled warmly as they continued down the path that was bringing them closer to the gates of the town.
Nicole's gaze drifted ahead to the people who were scrambling about to reach the side of the path, "What are they doing," she whispered.
"They all want to see you. This kingdom has been lost without a true Queen sitting on the thrown or so that is what I'm told," Teya laughed a beautiful, bell like sound as she patted Nicole's hand.
Nicole weighted Teya's words for a moment and was about to ask why the people felt that way but Teya spoke instead, "You have really got to remember to put the guard up in your mind dear. I can hear your questions spinning at an alarming rate," she turned her eyes on Nicole and though she was wearing a smile on her thin lips her eyes reflected a bit of smugness.
"Oh, so sorry. I've been without the use of my powers for so long I guess I'd forgotten to block everyone out of my mind." Nicole was feeling a bit overwhelmed as the power rushed back to her on top of taking in all of the new world that she had just stepped into.
"Well, it's best to fix that now because most of the fae in this kingdom can hear your thoughts and some of those you need to keep to yourself, dear."
Nicole wondered if she was imagining a hint of a darker warning in the Queen's words. She decided it was best to not speak and focus on the world around her. The closer they got to the gates the more the sides of the cobble stone streets filled with smiling and curious faces. Nicole was amazed at the warm energy and excited thoughts she was sampling from the crowd.
"Princess," squealed a soft voice from the growing sea of faces. A small, pointed ear girl came into view and just as her mother was reaching to stop her she darted forward at a speed that was just slightly faster than that of a normal human child.
Nicole looked down just in time to see a blur of white lace and golden ringlets wrap tiny arms around her leg. She smiled down into the young fairy's big green eyes with a laugh and spoke, "Well, hello there."
The little girl squealed with delight and hugged Nicole's leg tighter. Her mother reached for the little living doll, "Zeva, let go please." She smiled up at Nicole as she pealed Zeva's small arms off, "I'm so sorry, Princess, she is a very free spirit," she gave a nervous laugh.
"She's very beautiful," called out Nicole as the young woman led the tiny fairy away. Nicole glanced around and didn't notice any other children. Then she remembered Slade saying that children were rare because of the lost gateway. It was lonely at times for Nicole to be an only child in her house so she could imagine it was a hundred times harder for little Zeva who looked to be the only child in this town.
Zeva followed her mother with her bottom lip quivering and un-shed tears shining in her big eyes. When her mother reached the edge of the road she stopped suddenly and pulled her hand away, "Wait," she whispered in an urgent tone. Her white and yellow dress billowed out around her as she crouched down. She looked up at her mother eagerly and after a moment's hesitation her mother nodded with a smile.
Zeva clapped her hands together like a child receiving a new toy then lowered her hands toward the ground.
Nicole stepped closer to the golden haired child to get a better view of what had caught her eye. She couldn't imagine what kind of shining trinket or crawling bug hid in the crevice could cause such enthusiasm.
Zeva smiled over at Nicole then turned back to the small spot of dirt between two glistening cobblestones. She lightly touched the rich soil with her tiny fingertip then pulled her hand back as if encouraging something to come out of hiding.
Within seconds a small sprout sprung from the ground causing Nicole to gasp. The seedling weaved and danced. It stretched higher and higher, forming bright green leaves on a long, thick stem. Then, with one last flick of Zeva's finger, the large bud on top opened up into a beautiful, royal blue tulip. Nicole stared in amazement at the once empty spot among the stones that was now glowing with colo
r. "It's beautiful, Zeva. I'm absolutely sure that is the most enchanting flower I've ever seen in my life," she breathed.
The rosy cheeked fairy took in Nicole's impressed stare then let out a beautiful giggle as she plucked the flower from the dirt. She placed the tulip in Nicole's hand then took a step back to curtsy like a perfectly trained lady.
Nicole kissed Zeva's round cheek, "Thank you, it's almost as pretty as you." The little girl beamed a proud smile as she stepped back to her mother's waiting arms. Nicole admired the flower then turned back to join the group. She thought she caught a hint of a smile on Luke's face but she dropped her eyes to the path ahead of her. She refused to focus on the pain his tender side brought to the surface of her heart. Not having him by her side hurt like hell but people change—grow apart—and now wasn't the time for her to dwell on her own loss. She had a whole kingdom of people to think about.
Chapter 12
Luke followed the group into the castle. He stood in the grand vestibule taking in the still somewhat familiar surroundings of the place he used to call home many centuries ago. The ornate statues of kings and queens of the past lined the stone walls but a new one was sitting in the center of the floor—the acting Queen Teya. The figure was imposing and heavily ornate compared to the modest likeness of the other tributes. The realistic replica sat atop a pedestal in the center of a flowing fountain. Luke walked up to the fountain's edge and admired the array of colored exotic fish that swam about in the frozen queen's shadow. They darted away from him creating glimmering rainbows in the dark waters.
He glanced up seeing the group was being lead to rooms but he didn't need to follow to know where Nicole would be. With his renewed powers he could once again feel her every move as her warrior blood called to him. He wondered if she could still feel him or if she even cared to notice any longer. The lure of the fairy life is one that anyone could easily fall into but would she forget that she was also like him?
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