Revealed

by Riana Lucas

“I trusted you when I needed to go after Reed and Rho. Will you trust us now?”

  He takes a deep breath and nods. This does not calm him. I can see he is still tense, but at least he is willing to wait and work together. That is all I can ask.

  We all put our heads together and come up with a solid plan. We know we need to work fast, not only for Holly’s sake but for the sake of the Seelie Court, as well. Damien and the Unseelie Court is still an ax hanging over our heads, waiting to drop at any moment. We need to get back to planning our attack on him. Holly is an intricate part of that. Once we have her back and healthy, we can move forward with our plan before Damien has the chance to strike again.

  The plan is that Gideon, Thorne, Reed, Willow, and I will once again set out together. We will search the forest for Holly, using Willow’s great magical skills and intuition. While we are away, Rowan and my mother will begin testing Rowan’s research on other Unclaimed Fae. It may not be a cure, but it will help immensely with the Fae who have already begun to show symptoms. Rowan knows where to find some to start helping. Hopefully word will spread and we will not have to look far for more Fae to help.

  With a plan in place, we all set out to gather our things and meet within the hour at the front gates. I get another sense of déjà vu and find myself once again hoping the outcome does not result in death. Reed and I are exiting the room, followed by my mother and Rowan, when Anna comes rushing down the corridor. Her face is pale, and I can see tears in her eyes. Reed begins to move toward her, but she rushes past him, almost knocking him to the ground. She pushes past me and throws herself into Rowan’s arms.

  I had planned their reunion to be after she was rested and hopefully in a better state, but she must have heard about The Golden Fae from a passing servant. So now we all take a few steps back, trying to give them space while still remaining close. We all know the delicate state Anna is in and do not want to abandon her in case she needs someone.

  Their words are whispered, but plenty loud enough for a Fae to hear.

  “Oh, Anna!” Rowan’s voice is soft and wistful.

  “I thought you were dead.” I can hear the tears and fear behind Anna’s words, along with the relief.

  “I’m so sorry. I just wanted to keep you safe. How did you know I was here?”

  “At first I thought I felt you, but then I heard some guards whispering of a Golden Fae. I just knew it had to be you. I’ve missed you so much.” She begins to sob, and Rowan pulls her tighter.

  “I’m here now, and I’ll never leave you again.”

  “Do you promise?”

  “I vow it.” Rowan’s words are solemn and firm. He will never leave Anna or his son again.

  Seeing everything is okay and that they only need each other at the moment, we all quietly make our way down the hall to give them more privacy.

  “Are you okay? With all of this? I know it has happened so fast your head must be spinning.” I look at Reed to gauge his reaction to my words. His mind is completely shut down to me right now, and I cannot blame him for it. He probably does not even know what to make of his feelings.

  “Yeah. I think I am. I’m just glad you’re here with me. It’s nice to know that someone really understands. You know?”

  “Yes. I do and you know I will always be here if you need me. Right?”

  He takes my hand in his. “Yes, I do.” My heart feels heavy in my chest, and I sneak a look at my mother, a little embarrassed to be talking and holding Reed’s hand in front of her. She is walking quietly beside us, head pointed straight forward, and completely ignoring us. I might even think she did not notice us at all if she were not trying so hard to keep from smiling.

  For the first time, even though I am embarrassed, I do not pull away from Reed as we continue down the hall. He is my best friend, and I enjoy holding his hand. There is no reason for me to be embarrassed over that or to hide it from others. In the back of my head, I know that it means more, but for right now, I am going to choose to ignore that and focus on the much more important tasks that are before us now.

  We silently walk the rest of the way together. Once we reach the split in the hall that will take us in different directions toward our rooms, Reed gives my hand a final squeeze before allowing it to drop to my side. He then looks at both me and my mother. “We’ll find her quickly and bring her back home. She will be fine.”

  “I hope you’re right,” my mother says sadly.

  I take her hand in mine this time, silently offering her reassurance and strength. “Reed’s right, Mother, we will find her, I am sure of it. We all know her better than anyone else, and she cannot have gone far yet. Hopefully, Willow will be able to follow her using her magic. She will be safe at home with us by the end of the day tomorrow.”

  She just nods and I can see the wetness in her eyes begin to build. Not wishing for her to be embarrassed, I tell Reed I will see him when we meet up again, then pull my mother down the hall to my room.

  Once there, my mother watches me quietly as I once again prepare items to go on a mission. This task has become so frequent, that I can do it almost without thought. If I am honest with myself, I am actually growing quite tired of it. Before coming here to the Seelie Court my life was so different. I lived for my missions, training with Damien, and doing all I could to please my king. That was my life, and at the time, I thought it was the best I could hope for.

  Now my life is different. I am a princess, I have a wonderful, loving mother, and I have more friends now than I have ever had throughout my entire life. For the first time, I am finding I do not wish to live the same sort of life I had before. It would be nice to take the time to get to know my mother better, to learn what it is like to truly be a princess, and the duties that are involved with that, and to spend time with my friends. I would like, just once, to wake up in the morning and not feel the overwhelming urgency to have to rescue someone.

  My thoughts make me feel selfish, but I do not regret them. I want to be selfish. I want all of my friends, my mother, and my Court to be safe and secure. Most importantly, I want Damien dead and gone so we all may breathe easier and get on with our lives.

  “Soon, Poppy. Don’t worry, it’ll happen very soon. I promise.” I had not put my mental blocks up completely, and being so lost in thought, Reed was able to slip in. I smile at his words.

  “I hope you are right. I do not know how much more of this I can take.”

  “Are you speaking to him?” My mother’s voice catches me off guard for a moment. I had been so lost in my thoughts, then in Reed’s kind words that I had actually forgotten my mother was even here with me.

  She must see my shame in having forgotten her, because she smiles and her words are kind, as well. “Don’t worry, my darling. I am very happy you are letting him in. Have you been able to speak with each other about your situation?”

  “Not really. Things have been happening so fast around here, and there are much more important matters to attend to first. I did not feel now was the appropriate time.” I bite down on my lip as a thought occurs to me. Something Rowan had said earlier.

  “What is it, my dear?” she asks, noticing my hesitation.

  I shake my head, but tell her what I am thinking. “Rowan said that Reed and I are soul mates.”

  “Soul mates? I have never heard of such a thing. What does it mean?” Her brow is drawn together in thought.

  My eyebrows rise in surprise. I cannot believe my mother has never even heard the term. It makes me question Rowan’s explanation. I throw up a block so Reed cannot hear or sense our conversation. I do not want to give him any ideas until I have more information about all of it.

  “He said he and Anna are soul mates. That they are able to sense things about one another and that they can communicate mentally, just like Reed and I. He said they are extremely rare and special. How is it that you have never heard of such a thing? You are the queen.”

  “I admit I am a bit surprised, but I would not doubt him. As I al
ready told you, I think we should keep this a secret because it could be used to harm one or both of you. I imagine that is why I have never heard of it. I cannot imagine those that have been lucky enough to possess such a gift have told many about it. And you did say he said it was extremely rare. I wonder just how rare?” She seems to be looking past me now, deep in thought.

  I clear my throat to get her attention once again.

  “Oh so sorry, honey. I was just thinking of ways to confirm Rowan’s claim.” She shakes her head. “I must admit, I am not sure if there is a way.”

  “It is okay, I understand. Honestly, I do not wish to think about it now. I really need to focus on finding Holly. She is the most important thing at the moment.”

  “Yes. You’re right.” Her voice takes on a sad tone once again, and I feel bad for causing that, but the truth is Holly is the priority and we cannot lose sight of that.

  I throw my satchel over my shoulder and look back at my mother. “Ready?”

  She rises from my bed and follows me to the door, all while shaking her head sadly. “Why does it seem as if every time I turn around, you are running off on some sort of dangerous mission?”

  I let out a loud sigh. “Because I am.”

  Chapter Thirty

  I meet the others at the usual spot just outside the main doors to the castle entrance. Anna and Rowan are both there talking with Reed. Not one of them seems to want the others out of their sights. I cannot say that I blame them after such a long separation. It is nice to see that they already look so comfortable and at ease with each other, as well. Getting to see another good thing come out of all the chaos that has become my life is encouraging.

  I smile at them all as my mother and I approach. Everyone stops what they are doing and focuses on us. My mother is her ever-regal self, even though I know that inside her emotions are churning like the rest of ours. Everyone gives a slight bow of their head, still unable to completely disregard her as their queen, even when she has asked them to. I understand, though. She has been their queen for so long; only recently has she stepped into the role of their friend’s mother. I am at least thankful that they are all regarding me more as their friend, rather than their princess. I am greeted with warm smiles and a wink from Thorne. I can still sense his extreme tension, but at least he is trying to relax.

  I wink back at him, causing Willow to giggle, probably because I look absurd doing it. The thought causes me to roll my eyes at myself.

  “Poppy? Did you just wink and roll your eyes?” Reed asks in mock horror. I elbow him in the stomach as I move into the circle we have instinctively formed.

  “Yes, I know. I am working on it, okay?”

  “Hmmm.” It is the only response I get, which causes Willow to giggle yet again.

  I smile at her then quickly sober up. I hate being the one to always spoil our good moods and fun, but I guess someone has to do it. “Okay. We all know the plan. We need to stick together, just like when we went after Reed and Rho. Willow is to always be in the middle and protected.” She rolls her eyes at me but does not argue. No matter how much she hates being protected, she knows the necessity behind it. “Reed will take up Holly’s position at the back of the group.” I swallow a lump that has somehow managed to form in my throat. “When we find her, she will take that position back up and Reed will help me lead the group back home.”

  I can see the determination and agreement in all of their eyes. Holly is not and will not be a threat to us, and for that reason she will not be replaced. She will continue to watch all of our backs, just as she has always done.

  “So everyone keep your senses open, stay alert, and watch each other’s backs. I do not anticipate any problems, but in the Faery Forest, you never know. As soon as we find her, we will get her and head back home. The sooner we can get her treatment, the sooner we can get back to our plan to attack the Unseelie Court and kill Damien once and for all.”

  Everyone murmurs their agreement. I know, just as everyone else does, that I have made this seem much easier than it probably will be. There is no sense in dwelling on this. I am sure everyone is as eager as I am to get Holly home, see our plans through, and get back to some sort of normalcy.

  My mother claps her hands to draw everyone’s attention. “I would just like to say, as I am sure you all already know, that this is very important to me, and I thank each and every one of you for your help with this. Holly is a very brave and honorable warrior and has chosen to protect us all, even at the cost of her own health and safety. She is not aware that her measures were rushed and unnecessary. Please be safe on this mission. As much as I want her back here, I do not wish any for any of you to be harmed or worse.” She looks at me imploringly, and I nod. I will do all I can to keep my friends and myself safe. “I will have a meal waiting for all of you when you return safely home. Good luck.” With her final words, she hugs me quickly then turns and walks purposefully down the hall.

  We all watch as she disappears down the hall before Rowan draws all of our attention by clearing his throat. His eyes roam from each one of us as he speaks, making sure to include all of us. “Although the feral disease has begun to set in, your friend is not very far into it. She will still maintain many of her same habits and routines. If you know her well, you should be able to find her easily. Just be careful when you approach her. As Poppy has already seen, a threat is not received well by the Unclaimed. Their instincts automatically will kick in, no matter who the perceived threat may be coming from, even a friend or family member.”

  Everyone nods gravely at Rowan’s words. Holly may not be far into the disease, but she still has it. We have to proceed with caution.

  “Also, be sure to keep alert for other Unclaimed. They do not necessarily travel in packs, and it is very rare to find them working with one another, but their survival instincts keep them closer to one another than you would think. If you find one, there will usually be another that is not too far away.”

  “Understood,” I tell Rowan, surprised by this bit of information. The look of surprise on everyone else’s faces probably mirrors my own. My only encounter with an Unclaimed was not pleasant at all. We all knew to leave the area immediately, but that was more out of basic survival instinct. Now knowing that another Unclaimed was probably in the area sends a shiver down my spine. We were all a lot closer to danger than we thought.

  “Good.” He hesitates for a moment before reaching out to take my hand in his. It is large and warm and surprisingly soft and smooth. I would have thought it rough and coarse for all the time he has spent in the wild. “Please be careful, my dear. I know how strong you are, but sometimes when dealing with those we love, we do not always think properly. Whatever you do, do not let your guard down.”

  Thorne makes a rough noise in his throat as if disagreeing, but he does not say anything. I give him a sympathetic look that I do not think he appreciates because he scowls at me before turning his attention to his gear.

  I turn my attention back to Rowan. “I will remember that. Will you be ready when we get back? I want to make sure Holly is treated right away. Otherwise, she may flee again in fear of harming someone she loves.”

  “Yes. Anna and I are going to take care of things. The queen will give us a room that we can use as a treatment room, and I will go to the human world to retrieve the things I need for now. Anna is going to take over setting up a blood bank here, as well, so we do not have to keep going to the human world. Hopefully, we will be completely set up by the time you return with your friend.” His smile is eager. I am sure knowing that he is finally going to be helping people is very exciting for him.

  “Very good. Thank you very much for all that you are doing. I know that you did not have to come back here with me.”

  He looks over at Reed then Anna. “There was never any other choice for me, Poppy. I am where I have always wanted to be.”

  Anna blushes at the look he gives her when he steps back and takes her hand in his once again. Her e
yes are bright and her smile is bigger than I have ever seen. I smile at both of them.

  “Good luck to all of you and be safe,” Anna tells everyone before turning to me with a serious look in her eyes. “Take care of my son, Poppy.”

  “Oh please! I can take care of myself, Mom,” Reed wails dramatically, causing everyone else to snicker and giggle. “See what you’ve done. Now everyone is going to think I can’t handle this.”

  Anna rolls her eyes and walks over to stand in front of her son. She reaches up to straighten his shirt and move his hair out of his eyes, which of course causes another round of muffled laughter.

  “Mom!” he whines while trying to swat away her hands.

  Anna takes one small step back so that she can peer up at her son. Her hands are on her hips, and the glare she is shooting Reed is enough to make all of us stand at attention. “Now you listen to me, mister. I have finally gotten my family back together, and I do not intend to lose either one of you again. So don’t get all bent out of shape just because I asked someone to look after you. Do you understand?” Although she is putting on a good front, I can hear when Anna has to choke back a sob because of her fear.

  Reed hears this, too, because he bows his head, looking apologetic and cute at the same time. “Yes, Mom. Sorry,” he mumbles out.

  “Good.” She extends her arms out toward him. “Now give me a hug so you can get going.”

  Reed’s eyes take on a wicked glint as he engulfs his mother in his arms. He lifts her off the ground and spins her around once. She squeals and slaps his shoulders, but when he sets her back on her feet, I can see how much she really enjoyed the hug. Her eyes are now smiling instead of sad. Rowan watches quietly, smiling at both of them proudly. I think I even see a glint of tears in his eyes but turn away quickly without knowing for sure, not wanting him to know I saw.

  Thorne finally steps up, having become impatient, I am sure. “I appreciate all the two of you are doing, but I think we should get going. I think we all agree that it would be better to utilize as much daytime as possible, in the hope of finding her before nightfall.”