Waters of Fate

by Jessica Jarman

  “Abagail fell here. Before they were taken.”

  “Taken?” Leilen questioned. “What do you know, my King?”

  “Rhys felt unrest in the area and came to me. Then my daughter contacted me. Something had happened to Abagail, but Neiva was stopped before she could explain. Damn!” He slammed his fist on the ground.

  “Can you not feel Abagail?” Dermet questioned.

  Kaelen twisted around, rage and pain twisting his face. “Do you not think I’m trying? I reach for her and feel nothing but emptiness!”

  Leilen and Dermet exchanged worried looks. Rhys knew exactly what they were thinking. If their Queen was lost, their entire world was at risk. Even a powerful King couldn’t survive losing his true mate.

  “We’ll find them,” Rhys stated with more confidence than he felt. Dear Lady above, they had to find the women. “We need to focus. Kaelen?”

  The King inhaled deeply and rose. The four formed a circle and power surged. All their energy narrowed on the remnants of magicks. Rhys stumbled back when images flooded his mind. Abagail falling. Neiva kneeling beside her. Pain and then blackness.

  “That was useless!” Kaelen exclaimed. “We know nothing more than—“

  Rhys stepped forward and grasped his friend’s shoulders. Not being able to reach out and touch his mate would make any man—even a King—frantic. “Stop! We need level heads to find them. I understand your panic, Kaelen. Trust me I do, but you need to push it aside. For Abagail and Neiva.”

  Kaelen nodded shakily. “For Abagail and Neiva.” He narrowed his eyes and Rhys was relieved to see the strength in his gaze. “They will pay, Rhys, for daring to touch my wife and daughter.”

  “We need to go to the cabin,” Rhys advised. “Perhaps Beth has information that would be helpful.”

  “What could—” Leilen stopped abruptly as power disturbed the air. Lights shimmered and colours burst around them.

  Two men appeared. Rhys narrowed his eyes and struggled not to launch himself at them. Fey popping in wasn’t just a coincidence. They had something to do with the women’s disappearance. He stepped in front of Kaelen, blocking the King from possible harm. Leilen and Dermet followed suit, flanking their friend.

  “Rhys, stand aside.” Apparently Kaelen didn’t appreciate the protection. His harsh tone cut, but Rhys stood firm.

  “State your business,” he demanded of the men.

  Kaelen pushed him to the side and stepped forward. Rhys swore under his breath and moved beside him.

  “Where are my wife and daughter?” Kaelen asked, his voice booming through the trees.

  The taller of the two grinned. “Safe. And they’ll remain safe if you do what we say.”

  “And your demands?” Rhys’ stomach roiled and his heart hammered.

  “Lift Darrick’s banishment and allow him to leave the Dark Realm,” the short faery snapped.

  “You will step down and Darrick will take the throne,” the other stated firmly.

  Rhys clenched his hands, wanting nothing more than to take these men out. The only thing that kept him motionless was the thought of Neiva out there under the control of these men. If anything happened to them, would he be able to find her?

  “Are you insane?” Leilen shouted. “Darrick is not the rightful King!”

  The men didn’t react to the outburst and kept their gazes on Kaelen.

  “We’ll give you time to consider.” The tall faery tilted his head as if considering. “You have twenty-four hours. If you don’t meet our conditions, your daughter will be the first to die.”

  Rage clouded Rhys’ vision and fired through his veins. He let out a roar and leapt at the men, but fell to the ground as they flashed away. He pushed up onto his knees and lifted his face to the sky and for the first time in his life truly questioned the Goddess. Even when Kaelen had been banished those years ago, he’d believed there was a reason. He’d been right then. Kaelen’s banishment had brought the King his true mate and resulted in Neiva.

  Why? Why would you take her from our people? he asked, then added selfishly, from me?

  “Rhys?” Kaelen clapped his hand over his shoulder. “Let’s go. We need to move. Now.”

  Rising to his feet, Rhys turned towards his King. He searched Kaelen’s face. Though fear was there, layers of determination and pure anger kept it in the background. The grieving husband and father had stepped back—the King was in control.

  “You are not to blame.” Kaelen shook Rhys’ shoulders. “I can see the guilt on your face. Get rid of it. You are no more to blame than I am for letting Neiva come here. We will find them—make no mistake of that—then I will deal with those who dared take what is mine.”

  Rhys shoved everything down. Finding his Queen and Neiva was the priority. He’d deal with the rest later, when they were safe.

  * * * *

  Neiva rolled over and winced when something poked sharply into her back. She opened her eyes and her vision swam a moment. The air was cool, humid, and the sound of…waves?... echoed around her.

  What was going on? She struggled to sit up. Her head ached and nausea threatened. Neiva took a few deep breaths, then surveyed her surroundings. Goddess, she was in a cave. It was dark, except a small circle of light given off by a tiny fire several feet away. Her mother lay on her side a couple of feet away.

  “Mom?”

  She pushed through the pain and rose onto her hands and knees. Pebbles cut into her palms as she crawled to the older woman. Weakly, she rested her head against her mother’s chest and nearly wept in relief as she felt it rise and fall. Thank the Lady Above. Her breath hitched as she laid her hand over where her brother rested and concentrated. A burst of energy answered her probing mind. Despite Neiva’s fear, a smile curved her lips. Already the little Prince was insistent. He was confused but strong and safe. And she would see he stayed that way.

  “Mom?” she repeated, lifting her head.

  When she received no response, Neiva closed her eyes and held tight to her mother’s hands. Focusing on home, she tried to flash them from this place. Searing heat swept through her body and a roaring filled her ears. Her head pounded and blackness dotted her vision. She fought to stay awake, the pain was so overwhelming.

  Why were they here? Why couldn’t she flash them away? She could guess at the first—someone was trying to get to her father. It didn’t take a genius to figure that. The second? Obviously a spell was blocking her powers, and Neiva struggled to think of who was strong enough to weave a spell so strong. She knew next to nothing of Darrick’s followers. Most were caught before she was born or when she was very young. Her father hadn’t shared information with her about those who had eluded capture.

  Neiva looked at her mother for a moment before forcing herself to her feet. She swayed unsteadily but managed to stay upright. Following the sound of waves, she walked blindly, hands running along the rough stone walls. After an eternity, she saw the opening of the cave several feet ahead of her. It was night, but moonlight offered a bit of illumination.

  If she could just figure out where they were, perhaps she could wake her mother and get them to safety. It appeared as if their captor had abandoned them—for the moment, at least. Hope blossomed in Neiva’s mind. Perhaps their abductor hadn’t expected them to awaken so soon and they had an opportunity to escape.

  She continued towards the cave’s mouth, noticing the cool mist on the wind as she approached. The volume of the crashing waves increased with each step, as did the heavy feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. The little hope she’d had dissolved and she cried out.

  The cave opened to the sea. Neiva sank to her knees as she realised escape was impossible. She scooted to the edge and peered over. Waves rolled far below her—a sheer drop of at least fifty feet. There was no path, no ledge, no escape. She couldn’t even discern if she were in the human world or the faery realm. Or another realm for that matter.

  Tears filled her eyes, blurring everything around her. Her chest ti
ghtened and she lowered herself to lie on her stomach. The rough cave floor bit into her cheek, but she ignored the pinch of pain and allowed the cold despair to wash over her.

  “Lady help us,” she whispered.

  Chapter Nine

  “What do you mean they’re gone?” Beth shook her head. “They just went for a walk. They’ll be back soon.”

  The King and his men stood in the living room of the cabin, questioning Neiva’s cousin.

  “Beth, sweetie, they were taken,” Kaelen explained. “Have you noticed anything odd lately? Any strange men hanging around, watching Neiva?”

  “No, everything’s been fine. Normal.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “How do you know they were taken, Uncle Kaelen?”

  Rhys bit back his impatience. He’d known questioning Beth would be difficult. They couldn’t tell her everything, and she could have overlooked anything. She wasn’t able to sense magicks nor did she know to stay alert and observant. Of course, that had been his job. Guilt and anger turned his stomach.

  Kaelen cleared his throat, clearly thinking of an explanation.

  “Is there a ransom note or something?” Beth questioned.

  “Something,” Kaelen repeated slowly.

  “Well, can’t you, you know, talk to Aunt Abby in your head or something?” Beth gestured with annoyance. “Or, I don’t know, poof over to her?”

  The four men stared at the young woman. Astonishment rocked Rhys. She couldn’t possibly know… Could Neiva have told her who, what, they were?

  “Beth…” Kaelen, too, seemed at a loss for words.

  She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know, and no,” she turned her gaze towards Rhys, “Neiva didn’t say anything. I’ve known for a while what you are. I overheard you telling Dad.”

  “And you never said anything?” Kaelen’s voice rose a few degrees.

  “Of course not. I wasn’t supposed to know.” Beth smiled at her uncle, even though worry was evident on her face. “So? Can’t you just talk to her…telepathically or whatever?”

  Since his King seemed to be struggling to find his voice, Rhys spoke up. “Whoever took the Queen and the Princess used powerful magicks. Kaelen can’t reach them and we can’t locate them.”

  Beth tilted her head and studied him. “What about you and Nee? The true mate thing? Doesn’t that make you even closer? Have you tried to contact Neiva? Maybe they didn’t use as much magick on her since no one knows you’re true mates.”

  Oh Great Lady Above. Everything dimmed around Rhys as Beth spoke. He turned towards where his friends stood beside him. Leilen and Dermet stared at him, mouths hanging open. In any other situation, Rhys would laugh at the disbelief on their faces. Shifting his gaze to his best friend, his King, he felt a cold sweat break out over his body.

  Kaelen stared at him as well, but he wasn’t mirroring the stunned expressions of the others. No, disbelief didn’t tighten the King’s jaw, stiffen his stance, or darken his eyes. Rhys recognised rage when he saw it.

  “My King—” he began.

  “You and my daughter are mated? And you failed to inform me?” Kaelen’s voice was deathly quiet and calm.

  “No, it isn’t like that,” Rhys protested. He hated that he sounded like a youth caught doing something forbidden. “The Princess saw in the Waters we were meant. I couldn’t believe that. I thought she was mistaken. I wouldn’t mate with her, wouldn’t bind her to me. She is so young, and she is your daughter. I tried many times to explain that it couldn’t be.”

  “The Waters showed you to be true mates,” Kaelen stated. “When?”

  “Does it matter?” Rhys snapped, worry and fear weakening his control.

  “When?” Kaelen shouted, startling everyone in the room.

  Rhys pulled shoulders back, bracing for the full brunt of his King’s anger. “I don’t know exactly when she saw it. The first time she approached me…in that manner…was before her twentieth birthday party.”

  “Five years,” Kaelen murmured. “You have denied my daughter for five years?”

  “Kaelen.” Leilen stepped forward and placed a hand on his King’s arms. “We need to focus on Abagail and Neiva.” He glanced at Rhys, sympathy clear in his gaze. “We can resolve this afterwards.”

  The King nodded, but turned his cold silver gaze back on Rhys. “I wonder how much you let your emotions rule you, Rhys? How much did you miss because of your connection to my daughter? Would this have happened if you had been honest?” he spat.

  “Kaelen, surely you cannot—” Dermet protested.

  Rhys lifted a hand to stop his friend’s defence of him. “He’s right. I’m at fault.” He lowered himself to his knees before his sovereign. “I allowed my emotions to govern my actions, and this is the result. I will, of course, accept any punishment you deem fit, my King. You must allow me to find her, though. I will not rest until your Queen and daughter are returned to you. You must allow me this.” He kept his gaze lowered and waited.

  “I don’t have to allow anything. Remember that.” Kaelen’s voice floated on the air. “Go. Find my women and bring them home. You owe me that.”

  “Thank you, my King,” Rhys managed before flashing out of the cabin to begin his search.

  * * * *

  Neiva pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. She’d crawled back to her mother and, feeling hopeless, sat and waited. Waited for what? She didn’t know. For their captors to return, she supposed. With more information, maybe she could figure a way out of this. She let out a hoarse, humourless laugh.

  “Neiva?” Abagail mumbled.

  “Mom?” She unfolded herself and leaned over her mother, searching her face in the dim light.

  “Are you all right, honey?” Abagail lifted a hand and cupped Neiva’s cheek.

  Neiva sniffed. How like her mother to worry after her first. “I’m fine. I…I…” She trailed off, tears clogging her throat.

  Abagail sat up with a groan and pulled her daughter into arms. Neiva clung to her and squeezed her eyes shut. A silent sob gripped her. She wished she was still a child and her mama could make everything better. But that wasn’t the case.

  “Where are we?” Abagail pulled back and brushed the hair from Neiva’s face with both hands. “Who did this?”

  “We’re in a cave. That’s all I know. There’s no way out.” Her voice shook. “I haven’t a clue who did this, though I think it’s safe to assume it’s someone who follows Darrick. Unless Dad has other enemies out there who would try to use us as leverage.”

  The older woman bit her lip, silent for several moments. “I don’t know either. I can’t think of anyone who would do this. You’re certain there’s no way out?”

  “The cave opens above the sea, and I can’t flash out of here. There must be a spell… I try to use my powers and nothing happens. Well, nothing but a headache.” She grimaced.

  “Okay…okay. We need to think. If nothing else, we just need to manage until your father finds us.” Abagail gripped Neiva’s hands tightly. “And he will find us, baby. Trust me on that.”

  Neiva smiled at her mother’s trust and optimism. She didn’t doubt her father would do everything in his power to locate them. Whether he would succeed or not, she didn’t know. She wrapped her arms around the Abagail and pleaded with the Goddess.

  Sweet Lady, please help me find a way to save my mother and my brother. My father couldn’t survive without them. And if he were lost, our people would suffer. Please, please, please show me what I need to do. Great Mother, I don’t ask for myself, but for my people. Allow me to return their Queen and Prince to them. I will gladly give myself for them.

  The air around them swirled, lifting the hair off Neiva’s neck. She pulled back and glanced around her. Several feet from them, lights in every imaginable colour burst from floor to ceiling.

  “What on earth?” Abagail whispered.

  Warmth and calmness embraced Neiva, and she immediately understood. “Not ‘on earth’, Mom.”


  A woman appeared before them, the glow around her illuminating the cave. Neiva’s jaw drop and her breath left her in a whoosh.

  “Hello, my daughters,” the Goddess spoke.

  “It was you,” Neiva gasped. “By the Waters that day. Mara.”

  The beautiful woman nodded. “Yes, it was me. I’m always there when my children need me. Although you may not recognise me.”

  “What is going on?” Abagail questioned.

  Neiva bowed her head. “Mom, this is the Great Lady, the Goddess.”

  “Oh my,” her mother breathed and also dropped her head forward. “You can get us out of here, my Lady?”

  “I’m here, Abagail, because our daughter has selflessly asked my guidance.” The Lady knelt before the two women and, reaching out her hands, lifted both of their faces to look at her. “Neiva, are you truly willing to sacrifice yourself to save your mother and the child she carries?”

  “No!” Abagail whipped around to face her daughter. “I forbid it, Neiva. Don’t do anything rash. Your father will find us.” Her voice broke and tears streamed down her face.

  Neiva glanced back towards the Goddess and reached out with her mind. “Yes. I do so willingly and gladly, my Lady.”

  “You please me greatly, daughter.”

  Neiva fought tears of her own as the deity’s voice filled her head. “Tell me what I need to do. I wish to cause my mother as little pain as possible.”

  “Our daughter is a brave soul who would surrender herself for the good of all.” The Lady spoke to Abagail.

  “You cannot ask me to consent to sacrifice my daughter. As a mother, you cannot do that,” Abagail sobbed. “Please.”

  “There is a spell which causes pain when you use your power.” The Goddess met Neiva’s gaze. “I can give you the strength to bear the pain to flash one of you from this cave. One, not both.”

  “You are a Goddess!” Abagail shouted. “You have unlimited power, yet you will not help us! How can you do this to us? How? You are supposed to be the Great Mother, and you will not help your children.”