“Why not?” I demanded.
“Yes, Folas. Why ever not?” the female in white purred, drifting closer to our group.
“She’s Princess Aerith’s sister,” he said as though that was answer enough.
Blue eyes lit up in the female’s face. Her irises seemed to contain the only color on her person. She appeared as delicate as a white rose with loose petals. The dainty female looked me over with as much scrutiny as I gave her. I’d say she looked impressed, which meant she had good instincts.
“Who better to guard Aerith than her own flesh and blood?” the female asked.
I grinned. She made an excellent point.
Puffing up my chest, I announced, “Plus, I’m the best warrior you’ll ever find even if a thousand elves showed up to compete.”
Folas grunted.
“Hey, no fair,” the youth with the rusty sword whined. “You can’t choose her just because she’s family.”
I didn’t feel as sorry for him now that he was bellyaching. I turned and stepped up to his face. “I’ll fight all three of you right now,” I said.
“No,” Folas said. “You’ll fight in the order that I call.”
“Why not end this charade once and for all?” I challenged.
Folas narrowed his eyes. “You’ll shut your mouth and do as I say.”
“This isn’t Faerie. You can’t order me around,” I snapped.
The female chuckled. A hand flew up to her mouth, and her eyes widened as though she couldn’t believe she’d been the one to laugh.
Folas huffed out a breath of foggy air and turned to her. “You find this amusing, Teryani?”
“Don’t you?” she asked sweetly.
“I have a job to do.” He returned his attention to me, showing none of the amusement of his companion. “If you wish to compete to become one of your sister’s guardians, then you will wait patiently and do as I instruct.”
“Fine,” I said, “but you’ll be choosing me and Devdan here as Aerith’s guards.”
The female, Teryani, jerked her head in Devdan’s direction, her eyes drinking him in as though he was sweetberry wine. Up and down her gaze ran, lingering in places where I’d never looked. I narrowed my eyes. She’d seemed cool, but she better not be entertaining any fantasies of elf-on-Fae action in that whitewashed head of hers.
Teryani moistened her pink lips. What male would want to kiss lips that pale? Death lips? They looked like sugar cookies without enough frosting. I hoped, rather than believed, she was mated to Folas—not that a union ever stopped the Fae from infidelity if rumors were to be believed. The Fae weren’t as honorable as elves.
“Is he family as well?” Teryani asked, her gaze still fastened on Devdan.
“He’s a . . . friend,” I finished after a pause.
The female’s eyes lit up brighter. “A special friend of Aerith’s?” she asked eagerly.
“A special friend of mine,” I stated, not sure why a possessive surge came over me.
Devdan didn’t contradict me or say anything at all. I had no idea how he’d reacted to my claim on him since he was a step behind me.
“Ah,” the female said, sounding disappointed. “Does Aerith not have a personal champion who wishes to fight on her behalf?”
“Yeah,” I said, taking a step closer, “me.”
Teryani returned her gaze to me and grinned. For someone with pastel lips and clad all in white, she managed to make her smile come across dark.
“Aerith is lucky to have such a devoted sister.”
Teryani pronounced the word “sister” as though it were somehow sinister. Looked like the white rose had thorns.
I had a wicked smile of my own, one that always made Aerith uneasy. I flashed Teryani my teeth. “Anyone who messes with my sister pays the price.”
Teryani’s smile widened. “I do believe her. Don’t you, Folas?”
He frowned, not at me but at Teryani, as though her approval was a strike against me.
“Are we fighting or what?” I asked. Once he saw me in action, all his doubts would burn away with a flash of my fire magic and kick-ass sword moves.
“You,” Folas said, pointing at the elf with the rusty sword. “And you,” he said, pointing at Devdan.
I squeezed Devdan’s arm. “Make that little pit head eat dirt.”
He gave me a look that could have been amusement or exasperation. It was hard to tell since he needed to walk forward and commence with the fight.
Devdan was new to swordplay, but it was clear from the start he was stronger and faster than the younger elf. Pride washed through me every time Devdan crashed his blade over his opponent’s. Silver flashed and cut down the sad, rusted sword again and again. It was pitiful, really, which made me want to feel sorry for the young male again.
After Devdan knocked the elf’s sword out of his hand, I applauded. I mean, I felt bad, but that was my male kicking ass.
“You, you’re out,” Folas said to the young elf.
The scamp picked up his rusted sword, kicked a clump of dirt, and stormed off, cursing under his breath.
“Now, you three against her,” Folas said. He didn’t look at me. He didn’t have to. We all knew what he meant.
I smiled in delight.
“I’m not fighting her,” Devdan said.
“Then you can leave as well,” Folas answered, sounding bored.
“What? No.” I widened my eyes at Devdan.
He sighed and nodded.
I wrapped my fingers around the hilt of my sword and pulled it out in a motion that made the steel sing. I’d been practicing the move for weeks.
The two opponents beside Devdan stared at me in awe. That was my read on their wide-eyed, openmouthed stares, anyway. The shorter one blinked then charged me, sword raised. I jumped aside and swung at the other male, determined to make my first strike one of attack, not defense. I was so confident that it took me aback when the male held strong then struck back. I whacked his blade with mine. Keerla would have winced, but this was three against one—anything went.
Actually, it was more like two against one. Devdan made weak attempts to come at me. At least he held on to his blade. It would have been an embarrassment to us both if he’d dropped his sword fighting me.
The two other males nodded at one another and stalked toward me, one from the front and one from behind, the tips of their blades pointed at me.
Devdan’s jaw tightened as he started toward the male behind me. From the determined look in his eyes, I knew he was about to ruin everything by going after one of my opponents. I had to act fast before Folas noticed.
I flung one arm behind me, and my sword arm in front, sending fire shooting from my arms to my hands. Flames rolled down my blade as though it had been dipped in kerosene and lit with a match. Behind me, my sparks flew from my fingertips to the blade coming toward me, consuming the sword in swirls of red flames.
The elf behind me shrieked and dropped his blade as though the steel had burned him, even though it hadn’t had time. Element of surprise, I thought with a wry grin.
The elf in front of me backed away.
Devdan jabbed his sword into the earth hard enough for it to stick and stand on end. He lifted his hands in surrender, a proud smile on his lips when he looked at me. I grinned back, wanting to kiss him in my moment of triumph.
“No fair. She has elemental magic,” said the elf who’d dropped his weapon.
Not this again.
“Which makes her even more capable of guarding the princess,” Folas said.
Finally, the brute was coming around to my side.
“Looks like you get your way, Red,” Folas said, cutting a glance my way.
“It’s Mel,” I informed him haughtily as I sheathed my sword.
“Very well, Mel,” he said, the grumpy tone returning, “I’ll take you to Faerie. Just remember this isn’t a social call. The king expects you to protect the princess—with your own life if you have to.”
�
��Duh.” I rolled my eyes.
Folas narrowed his. “And that goes for you as well.”
I turned to share a smirk with Devdan, but as I twisted around, I saw Folas’s long, pale finger pointing at the wrong male—the one who hadn’t dropped his blade when I’d sent fire after him.
“Wrong elf, genius,” I said. “That one’s Devdan.” I pointed at Dev, who was frowning tightly at Folas. I didn’t blame him. Did the blond brute think all elves looked alike?
Teryani’s eyes crinkled, and a wide smile spread over her cheeks as though she were about to laugh again.
Folas glowered at me. “I know which one is your lapdog, and I also know he’d choose to protect you before the princess.”
“I’m no one’s lapdog!” Devdan shouted, storming forward.
My cheeks burned hot right before flames engulfed my body. Devdan needed to stay back, Blondie was mine. I’d fry him to a crisp then hitch a ride to Faerie with Teryani.
Applause startled me out of my fury and lessened the heat of my flames.
Teryani clapped her pale hands in merriment. Once she had everyone’s attention, she squeezed her hands together. “Folas, I think we should keep the happy couple together,” she said sweetly.
I tried not to blush as she referred to Devdan and me as a couple. Being kissy didn’t make us love doves, even though I’d become territorial over him. I didn’t know what we were, only that I didn’t want anyone else putting their lips on Dev.
“It’s not your decision to make,” Folas said in a harsh tone.
Teryani narrowed her eyes, the thorns coming out. Ice seemed to form in her irises, as if she possessed elemental magic too. In a flash, the frozen look melted away into an angelic face with fluttering lashes. Teryani swept up to Folas, running her fingers from his shoulder to his elbow as she flashed him a coy smile.
The voice that emerged between her pink lips floated out like a rainbow-infused lullaby. “Wouldn’t it be nice to keep these two friends together? Faerie is such a long way away and can get rather lonely. Happy guards are much likelier to want to stick around doing their duty, serving the royal family, don’t you think?”
Folas’s gaze turned dreamy. The fog around us felt as if it had transformed into wispy clouds that we were all floating through blissfully. I leaned forward, not wanting to miss a word of Teryani’s beautiful song. But it had come to an end.
I blinked and stared at her in wonder.
Wicked.
Folas still wore a stupefied expression as he nodded. “You and you,” he said, head bobbing at me then Devdan. “Congratulations. You’re about to enter the service of King Liri, ruler of Dahlquist. Gather your things and meet me back here in two hours.”
“We already have our things,” I announced.
“Very well. Follow me then,” Folas said.
I quickly grabbed my pack and smiled at Devdan, whose grin looked more like a grimace. At least he wasn’t staring all dreamy-eyed at the enchantress in white.
We did it! I wanted to shout before eyeing the Fae responsible for making certain Dev accompanied me to Faerie. I fell into step beside Teryani and asked, “Why did you help me?” I would have liked her smile a lot better if it weren’t the same coy one she’d used on Folas.
“I want us to be friends, Mel.” Her voice sounded different when she said my name. It sounded normal, like she couldn’t turn the succinct sound of it into singsong.
“And why would you want to be friends?” I asked suspiciously.
“Because your sister is my sister-in-law.” Teryani smiled. “That practically makes us sisters.”
I stared at her harder.
“Did Aerith not mention me?” Teryani’s lips formed a pout, but her eyes were bright with amusement rather than hurt.
I shrugged and answered, “From the sounds of it, you have a large family, though a little short on males these days.”
Teryani’s laughter was filled with sugarcoated delight. “True enough. Still, I wish Aerith had mentioned you before. I would have liked to have met you earlier.”
“Cirrus didn’t want me visiting,” I said, frowning.
“Good thing he’s dead.” Teryani winked.
I couldn’t tell if she was joking. I’d never be able to understand the Fae.
She laced a soft white arm around mine. “Liri will be delighted by your presence. He wishes Aerith to be happy, and I can see the two of you have a very special sisterly bond. Once you join our household, there will be no reason for her to miss this soggy, cold, mist-covered town.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, unable to stop my brain from thinking of a gargantuan reason Aerith would miss Pinemist.
Jhaeros had already come calling twice. Both times I’d pretended not to be home. He had no idea Aerith was missing. With any luck, I’d have her back before he figured out something was terribly wrong and panicked. I knew what it was like to worry, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not even boring old Jhaeros Keasandoral.
“I can’t wait to meet Liri,” I said pleasantly.
“King Liri.” Folas turned his head and narrowed his eyes at me, apparently waking from the enchantment Teryani had placed over him.
“Yeah, King Liri,” I fired back impatiently. I softened my voice when I redirected my conversation to Teryani. “I’ve only ever heard about him in letters.”
“Your sister wrote to you about Liri?” Teryani asked as her delicately shaped platinum eyebrows rose.
I nodded. “It sounded like they were close.”
I might not be able to enchant other beings, but I did know how to manipulate and read an audience—even a sly Fae like Teryani. She ate my words right up, grinning with pleasure.
“Is that so?” she asked, pulling me closer.
Aerith’s sister-in-law said she wanted to be friends, but as far as I was concerned, all Fae were foes. The more angelic-looking, the more likely to be devious.
I could be devious too. “Uh-huh. She barely mentioned Cirrus at all. It was always Liri this and Liri that.”
Folas cleared his throat.
“Well, he wasn’t king at the time,” I said stubbornly.
“My brother will be pleased to hear of Aerith’s regard for him,” Teryani said.
“You can’t tell him. I shouldn’t even be telling you. Those are private letters my sister wrote to me.” I didn’t care if Teryani went prattling to her brother. She clearly preferred Liri over Cirrus and expected Aerith to share in her fondness. I’d also made myself sound like an ally she could count on.
“Not to worry,” she said with an overly sweet grin.
Clever Fae. Her answer made no promises.
The fog cleared ahead with the exception of a large round swirling mass of wispy white air that churned violently, reminding me of a tornado turned sideways.
It must be a portal to Faerie!
Everything was almost perfect until Jhaeros showed up, cantering across the field like a damn knight to a battle. A little late for that, Jhaer. I’d already won. He could thank me after I returned with my sister. I was literally three steps closer to reaching her as he charged at us, hair windblown, cheeks rosy, and brown eyes so bright they looked like melted caramel. His mid-length coat blew open at the sides, exposing a partially unbuttoned white shirt. He looked more like a rogue in his disheveled state than his usual tight-collared attire.
“Melarue!” he yelled, jumping down from his horse.
The agile way he landed on his feet made my mouth part in admiration. It was at times like these that I got a small glimpse into the appeal Aerith saw when it came to Jhaeros.
But there was no time to gawk. Teryani had been way too keen on uprooting any males who might hold a special place in Aerith’s heart.
I took another step toward the swirling mist, hoping Teryani would do the same. “Heya,” I called over my shoulder. “Got places to be, but I’ll drop you a line after I’m settled in Faerie.”
As Jhaeros strode up to our group, Folas folded
his arms, locking his gaze on Jhaeros while Teryani anchored herself to the ground as though she’d turned to lead.
“Where’s Aerith?” Jhaeros demanded.
Oh pitberries!
I scowled at Jhaeros, willing him to shut his trap.
Teryani drifted over to Jhaeros, her smile thinning. “And who is this?” she asked.
“Nobody,” I said quickly. No, that wouldn’t do. “He’s engaged to our other sister,” I amended. “Our father probably sent him to try to stop me from joining Aerith in Faerie.” I faced Jhaeros, beseeching Sky Mother to make him play along as I addressed him directly. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Aerith and I will be granted leave to attend your wedding.” I widened my eyes, as though that would help transfer my thoughts to him. A supposed family wedding would make a brilliant excuse to return with Aerith to Pinemist.
But Jhaeros bared his teeth in misguided outrage. “What’s gotten into you, Melarue? And what is Aerith doing back in Faerie?” When I pressed my lips together, Jhaeros looked around the group. “Perhaps one of you can explain?” His tone was commanding, but he was up against Fae.
“I’ll explain in a letter,” I said, making one last attempt to protect him. “Right now, I’m anxious to get to my new post as Aerith’s personal guard. I’ll be sure to tell her you said ‘hello’ and that you expect her attendance at the wedding. Now, good day.” I inched my way to the swirling mass, halting a foot from the opening. I looked over my shoulder and groaned inwardly when I saw that Teryani hadn’t budged.
“Perhaps I can explain things,” the Fae princess said, her words dripping like thick, sticky honey. She turned her head to Folas. “Take them. I’ll follow momentarily.”
As Folas’s arm shot out, and his hand gripped my wrist, my mouth flew open.
“Don’t listen to—” My words were swept away as Folas tossed me into the swirling mist that sucked me backward into a tunnel of wind and blinding white light.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Melarue
My hair streamed on either side of my cheeks in rippling ribbons of red. I fought to breathe through the vortex of wind. A sensation of flying took hold, except I wasn’t facing the right direction.
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