Daughter of the Red Dawn (The Lost Kingdom of Fallada)

by Alicia Michaels

  “Show me, Titus of Mollac, those things which I have not seen.”

  A flash of light blinded him as the tentacles of Adrah’s powers seeped into his mind and latched on, giving her full access to his memories and he knew that she could see what he was seeing. He felt tears filling his eyes as images of himself, running with his pack in wolf form, flitted through his mind’s eye. His father, the pack Alpha male, ran alongside him. He was muscular, proud, and covered in a pelt of mingled white, black, and gray. His sister and mother brought up the rear. The other wolves of the Awcan pack surrounded them, flurries of snow swirling around like fairy dust.

  Another flash of light brought the image of Eranna’s Minotaurs, as they invaded the cavernous cliff where the Awcan pack lived, taking them all captive after a bloody fight that left many of his pack mates dead. He relived it all so that Adrah could see the Witches and Sorcerers taking him from the cell where his family was held and bringing him to Eranna, who’d offered him a deal. His skin tingled as he relived kneeling before Eranna and accepting the wicked queen’s mark. The rest followed in a speeding blur up until his arrival at Goldun with the Grimm brothers and Selena.

  Adrah snatched her hands away from his face and fell back onto the arm of the couch, her chest heaving with effort as she adjusted her draping gown’s neckline. She watched him pensively as he quickly swiped at the tears running down his cheeks. Titus sniffled and turned away, embarrassed.

  “It is as I suspected,” Adrah said after a few minutes of silent reflection. “You have a strong heart, Titus. Circumstance has dealt you an unfair turn, but I shall do all I can to see things put right.”

  Titus couldn’t help the hope that blossomed as he met her gaze once again. “You do not wish to punish me?”

  “These are desperate times, young Titus, and I cannot fault a young man for doing what he thought was best for his family. I do wish you had come to me first, but I am willing to forgive you the oversight. I will help you as much as I can, but first you much pledge your loyalty to me, King Endroth, and Goldun.”

  “You have it!” Titus proclaimed emphatically, dropping swiftly to his knees and lowering his head.

  Adrah’s laughter was sweet and not condescending in the least as she reached out to ruffle Titus’ dark hair.

  “The mark of a good wolf is his loyalty and I can see that you have plenty of that. It is no wonder she is so enamored of you.”

  Titus shivered as Selena’s warm, brown eyes flashed through his thoughts. Adrah lifted his chin until their eyes met.

  “She means to leave Fallada,” he said, his voice hitching and his breath racing at the thought of losing Selena forever. He wanted her to stay; not just for Fallada, but for him. Just as Fallada would be cast into darkness without the princess of Damu, so would Titus be flung into a lifetime of loneliness.

  Adrah squeezed his chin gently, that half-smile curling at the corner of her lips once more. “Princess Eladria’s journey is not yet complete and all is not lost. Now to deal with that pesky mark on your neck.”

  Her hands were on his shoulders then, holding tightly as her eyes burned into his. The mark on his neck warmed until Titus felt as it his skin were on fire. He groaned and sank to his knees on the floor, taking Adrah with him. She merely tightened her grip, her eyes flashing white and searing Titus to his bones as she worked her magic within him to remove Eranna’s poison. It seeped out of his ears and nostrils like black smoke, curling around them before dissipating onto the air.

  Titus collapsed onto the floor with relief when she was done, caressing the back of his neck to find it smooth and unblemished once more. Adrah stood and moved to leave the room in ethereally graceful motions.

  “You will find clothing on the bed; they should fit you perfectly. There is a bath prepared in the washroom adjacent to this one and I hope, after you are clean and suitably attired, you will join us for a celebration in the ballroom.”

  “I’d be honored, Your Majesty.”

  She paused in the doorway and flashed him her Mona Lisa smile. “Good. Never fear, young Titus. I have seen much through the Eye of Goldun. It may not seem like it now, but I promise you that in time, all will be well.”

  ~*~

  “You look like a freakin’ Greek goddess!”

  Selena tugged self-consciously on the skirt of the soft pink gown that had been provided to her by Adrah’s Fae servants. After leaving the house of the royal court, Rothatin and his flying warriors had escorted their party to Osbel tower, where they were promptly provided rooms. They’d indulged in tea—which had a very mysterious calming effect when Selena drank it—and hot baths filled with fragrant bubbles. The tub, which was more like a small swimming pool, was lined with hand-painted tiles bearing the images of exotic birds and plants. Selena had been reluctant to leave the hot water and invigorating bubbles, but Adrah’s beautiful servants had coaxed her out by showing her the gown she would be wearing and the promise of food.

  Pink wasn’t exactly her favorite color and she hardly ever wore dresses, but even she had to admit that she’d never looked better. The gown’s plunging neckline made her a bit self-conscious, but the silver clasps at her shoulders and matching belt at her waist were stunning against her sun-kissed skin. The dusky shade of pink complimented her coloring nicely and the sweeping, draped skirt of the gown made her feel as if she were floating instead of walking.

  Her hair had been curled and pinned up on top of her head and decorated with silver combs sporting jeweled dragonflies. A pair of silver earrings shaped like flat disks dangled from her ears. Zoe was outfitted in a similar dress in sky blue with gold accents rather than silver. Her blond bob was accentuated by a golden headband featuring a cluster of jeweled flowers. Selena wrapped her arm around her taller friend’s slim waist and pushed aside feelings of envy over Zoe’s full breasts and tiny middle. Selena’s shorter, less slender frame was her own and she knew that she was pretty in her own way.

  “We both look pretty awesome,” she admitted. “I wonder if they’ll let us take this stuff home.”

  Zoe pulled away from Selena’s embrace to lift an ornate silver hand mirror from the vanity table where they’d both had their hair done.

  “Let us? Girl, I plan on slipping this dress, this headband, and this mirror into my purse!”

  “You didn’t bring a purse.”

  “I’m going to slip it somewhere,” she said as she replaced the mirror on the table. “Besides, you don’t exactly have to leave. I have a feeling that Queen Adrah would give you anything you asked for as long as you promise to be their savior.”

  “I am not anybody’s savior,” Selena argued, an edge to her voice. Why couldn’t everyone just leave her be?

  “Anyways, what would you and Gram do without me?”

  “I guess you’re right, but what about that hunk-a burnin’ Werewolf down the hall? You can’t exactly take him back with you.”

  Selena turned her back and pretended to inspect a mural of a forest taking up an entire wall in their shared room.

  “Why would I care about that?”

  “Hmmm.”

  Zoe didn’t elaborate but Selena could hear the doubt in her tone. It wasn’t exactly unwarranted; along with a desire to help Titus rescue his family was an even deeper want. She was grateful when an opening door and the sound of Rose’s enthralled gasp interrupted them. She turned to find her grandmother wrapped in a more modest, long-sleeved and high-necked gown in yellow satin. Her dark, silver-streaked hair was left to tumble down her back.

  “Oh, you girls look so beautiful. Selena, you look like … ”

  “A princess?” Zoe offered shamelessly, a mischievous smile curling her lips.

  Rose chuckled and grasped Selena’s hands. “That’s exactly what you look like.” Her blue eyes were soulful and filled with tears as she gazed up at her granddaughter. “I always knew that you were special, sweet pea. Now I hope that you know it, too.”

  Selena’s answer was a smile and a hug.
She grasped the hands of her grandmother and best friend before turning to lead them out of the opulently decorated room.

  “Come on,” she said. “Let’s go party, Faerie style!”

  Glad to have distracted everyone from all the princess talk—at least for now—Selena followed Adrah’s servants, who led the way to the ballroom where the celebration was taking place. More of the same music the Faeries had been playing in the royal hall came flitting through the doorways and greeted them, only this tune was livelier. Selena felt excitement pulsing through her as the bright lights of the ballroom enveloped them when they stood framed in the doorway. It would be hard to forget that these people were celebrating because they believed she had returned to Fallada to take her rightful place as Damu’s eldest princess. For now, though, she would try to enjoy herself as much as she could. Adrah had promised that they would talk later and Selena fully intended to take her up on that once she was full.

  The scent of fresh flowers was the first thing that Selena noticed. The colorful buds were everywhere, blooming from long chains of ivy that looked as if it had naturally overtaken the entire ballroom. The greenery and flowers climbed up the room’s massive white pillars and some sections of wall, creating a colorful and awe-inspiring display. Lanterns made from the thin branches of trees hung from the ceiling, and as they moved further into the room, Selena could see that they were lit by swirling fireflies.

  More lights danced about the room on their own accord and Selena gasped to find that those particular creatures were not fireflies, but small winged creatures. Two of them twirled right in front of her, glowing from within and surrounded by a shimmering, golden haze. They were male and female, clutched together in a hypnotic waltz, the skirt of the tiny woman’s gown floating around them like a silken banner. Selena watched as they twirled back up toward where the other little lights had gathered close to the ceiling. They converged as one glowing mass before dispersing, bursting out across the room in a display of light and color that left everyone in the room breathless.

  “They are pixies,” said Queen Adrah as she appeared beside them from out of nowhere. She was dressed in another pristine white gown, but this one was embroidered with blossoms matching those adorning the ballroom. Real blooming petals decorated her upswept hair and she carried the same entrancing glow as when Selena had met her earlier. “They are distant relatives of the Fae; mischievous, but beautiful and important to our way of life as the keepers of nature. Our other cousins have joined us as well. The Elves have come all the way from Inador Forest to attend.”

  Adrah gestured toward a group of beings very similar in appearance to the Fae. Their coloring varied from pale to ebony, but each and every one possessed eyes as blue as the ocean. Their ears were a bit larger, but just as pointed as their Fae counterparts. Their garments were as flowing and beautiful as the Fae’s, but trimmed in brown leather and feathers. Many wore bows across their bodies and sheaths of arrows on their backs. Their figures were thicker and more robust than those of the Fae, as if they were born from Amazon warriors.

  “And, of course, there are also many Werewolves present,” Adrah continued as she led them toward the corner of the room boasting tables full of food. “Those who have not fallen prey to Eranna have sought refuge in Goldun.”

  Adrah’s smirk widened into a smile as she placed a full goblet in Selena’s hands. “Perhaps you will find a familiar face among them.”

  Selena lifted the goblet to her lips as she turned to locate the group Adrah had spoken of. They gathered in clusters among the Fae, easily recognized by their muscular builds and un-pointed ears. Like the Elves, their looks ranged from blond haired to dark with eyes from shades of crystalline blue to black onyx. A pair of electric blue ones pierced her as her eyes came to rest on a lone figure dressed in shades of white and chocolate brown.

  Zoe was at her side in an instant. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but that is one yummy Werewolf.”

  Selena had to agree as she eyed Titus’ lean and muscular build from across the room. His attire was much like that of the Fae males; long-sleeved tunic with leather vest and matching pants. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top and Selena felt her face growing hot at the sight of exposed chest muscle and the shining silver necklace resting against smooth, pale skin. His dark hair fell across his eyes in a haphazard way that lent him an air of mystery. Selena took a long gulp from her goblet, trying to concentrate on the sweet and fragrant drink instead of Titus, but failed miserably.

  “Those were your exact words when Breaking Dawn came out, remember?”

  “I meant I never thought I’d be saying that about a real Werewolf. Jacob doesn’t count, he’s not real. That, on the other hand … ”

  Zoe trailed off and lifted her eyebrows, jerking her head in Titus’ direction. “That is real. I suggest you take advantage of it while you can, since we’ll be leaving soon and all.”

  The last sentence was said with a shrug and knowing smirk before Zoe was disappearing into the crowd with Rose on her arm. The last thing Selena heard was something about going to the buffet table before she lost sight of them both.

  “Damn you, Zo,” Selena muttered as she drained what was left in her goblet before setting it down. Conveniently, Queen Adrah seemed to have disappeared from sight as well, leaving Selena completely alone. Titus was watching her from across the room, his hands in his pockets and his gaze intense. As if drawn magnetically, Selena felt her feet moving her in his direction until they were standing face to face. Just inches away from where Fae, Elves, and Werewolves frolicked on the dance floor.

  “Hey,” Titus said in that gravelly tone of his, reminding her of the day they met in the grassy field.

  “Hey,” she responded, for lack of anything better to say. Titus’ eyes swept over her, from her pinned-up hair and down over the gown draping across her body. Her heart leapt up and lodged in her throat as his eyes lingered a fraction of a second longer on the cleavage of her gown than anywhere else.

  “You look … ” he trailed off and inhaled deeply, his Adam’s apple bobbing forcefully as he swallowed. “Stunning.”

  Selena lowered her eyes from his probing stare. Guys never looked at her the way he did and the effect was unnerving; she just didn’t know how to handle it.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled.

  And then his hand was in hers, the warmth of his palm brushing up against hers. His gentle squeeze on her fingers forced her to look back up at him. He smiled.

  “You want to dance?”

  Selena eyed the twisting and turning bodies crowding the dance floor and felt fear gripping her chest. No one was doing the shuffle or the running man, so she was sure to stand out. Add that to the fact that she had absolutely no rhythm and two left feet, and Selena was terrified at the prospect.

  “I don’t know how,” she admitted.

  Titus smiled, flashing his pearly whites and pointed canines. “There aren’t really any rules. Fae music is very unpredictable, like nature. It’s what rules this realm. So, the dance moves are just as unpredictable. I can show you.”

  Selena didn’t have time to protest before he was pulling her toward the crowd and right to the center of the dance floor. Nerves prevented her from really enjoying it at first, but Titus’ genuine smile put her at ease and relaxed her. He showed her the steps, which reminded her of something out of a movie set in medieval times. Arms linked, they spun in circles before participating in a series of claps and turns before joining again with hands touching. Titus’s eyes never left hers, crinkling at the corners and twinkling with humor as he watched her catch on to the steps. By the time the song ended, Selena’s forehead had broken out in sweat and her heart was pounding in her chest.

  “Had enough?” Titus asked as he wrapped an arm around her waist to protect her from the jostling crowd.

  “Yes!” Selena shouted to be heard above the boisterous Faeries, Elves, and Werewolves.

  Titus grinned and grasped her hand, pulling her
swiftly through the crowd. “Come on,” he said once they’d reached one of the open archways leading out from the castle. “I have something I want to show you.”

  Selena’s eyebrows furrowed as she glanced over her shoulder to find Adrah watching them. “Are you sure it’s safe?”

  Adrah’s nearly imperceptible nod was timed with Titus’ exclamation. “Of course!” he said with a gentle tug. “Unless you’re worried that I might hurt you.”

  Selena looked into his eyes and saw guilt there, along with worry. Impulsively, she stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tightly. The feel of him against her felt natural, like something falling into place, and Selena closed her eyes against the feeling of oneness. Feeling right with Titus meant accepting her place in Damu, in Fallada, and she just wasn’t ready to do that. Still, she held on tight as she reassured him.

  “I know that you would never do that.”

  ~*~

  Chapter Nine

  “You should know that I am free from Eranna’s possession.”

  Selena turned to look at Titus as she walked alongside him, away from the towering castle of the Fae queen. She smiled.

  “That’s great! So that means … ”

  “When I shift into my animal form, I am in complete control.”

  “So no more freaky red eyes?”

  Titus laughed. “Absolutely not.”

  Soft grass swayed beneath their feet, shimmering green in the light of the crescent moon. It invited her to take her sandals off and dig her feet into the soft blades, an impulse that she gave into without hesitation. She sighed and wiggled her toes in the grass, the blades like silk between them.

  “You know,” he said as he grasped her hand again to pull her along, “I thought you were beautiful when I met you, but seeing you here … it’s as if you coming home has enhanced your beauty. You’re glowing, Selena.”