The Faerie Queen (The Faerie Ring #4)

by Kiki Hamilton

  “I speak to you, Fire, as the element that can both create and destroy, to heed my command: light the bonfire that waits yonder and burn anything that touches the flame until there is only ash left for Air to scatter.”

  A great mound of sticks that Ailléna had gathered at Tiki’s request stood stacked in a pyramid nearby. As Tiki spoke, the wood burst into flame. The fire leapt toward the sky, dancing and flickering like a hungry beast.

  Fial stepped down from his horse and pulled a quiver free from the saddle and slid it over his shoulder. From the leather holder on his back he pulled a thin axe. His face was set with grim determination as he approached the dryad.

  “No,” Donegal shouted from within the tree. “What do you think you’re doing? Let me out of here! I COMMAND YOU TO LET ME OUT OF HERE!”

  Fial threw the ax. It turned in perfect circles and sliced a limb clean from the tree.

  A hideous howl of pain erupted, filling the sky. Fial pulled another axe free and threw again at the tree. “This is for my wife—” he threw a third— “and my children. This is for everyone you have murdered and threatened and tortured all these centuries.” As he reached for another axe, other axes flew through the air to join with his to slice the branches from the tree.

  The ring of the axes as they bit into the wood mixed with the screaming of the tree. When there were no branches low enough to entrap someone and pull them into the trunk, Fial drew the final axe. He stepped close and with a mighty swing he buried the axe in the trunk. Other soldiers joined him—each taking turns burying their axes deep in the bark of the screaming tree.

  “Stop this! STOP, I TELL YOU. WHERE ARE MY GUARDS? HELP ME! I AM THE KING!”

  As the crescent-shaped cut within the bark grew, a loud creak echoed as the tree began to sway. Men pushed on one side of the trunk, while others continued to chop at the bark. The tree tipped further and further to one side.

  “I COMMAND YOU TO STOPPPP!”

  With a final woody crack! that reverbrated across the Tor, the tree toppled to the ground and was silent.

  “Chop it into firewood and take it to the fire,” Tiki called. The ring of the axes continued for another few minutes, then one by one the pieces of wood that had once been a tree were carried over to the bonfire and thrown into the flames. As each chunk of wood landed in the fire a spray of sparks and flames shot into the sky as if in celebration.

  Tiki, Dain and Rieker picked up the last piece together. She motioned to Fial. “Come with us.” They walked to the bonfire, heat rolling off the greedy flames like waves. “Ready?” Tiki asked, looking from one to the other.

  “Never more,” Rieker said.

  “Absolutely,” Dain said eagerly.

  Fial nodded wearily. “Let it end.”

  They swung the segment of tree back and then together threw it into the fire. They watched as the orange flames of the fire licked the bark before it consumed the wood.

  Tiki slid her hand into Rieker’s and reached over and took Dain’s. Fial slid his arm around Dain’s shoulders and together they watched as the fire burned until there was nothing left but ashes.

  Tiki spoke softly, but her words were heard by all. “We are free.”

  Behind them, the Macanna, the hobgoblins, the soldiers and homeless faeries erupted in cheers.

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  IT WAS TWO days later that they gathered in the Palace of Mirrors.

  “Hear me one and all.” Tiki sat on the golden Dragon Throne in the Great Hall. She was dressed in a glittering gown of gold—in homage to Larkin—a golden circlet woven in her black hair. Rieker and Dain stood on one side of the throne, Fial on the other. Toran stood next to Fial and the Macanna proudly surrounded her. The dead had been removed and the hall was overflowing with all species of fey, stretching out the doors and filling the Night Garden that was now green and verdant.

  “I am Tara Kathleen Dunbar MacLochlan—Queen of Faerie.”

  A cheer echoed through the hall, rattling the windows.

  “I claim this throne in winter and summer, spring and fall. I claim it for both Seelie and UnSeelie—for everyone and anyone who lives here in the Otherworld.”

  Another cry went up—louder this time.

  “From this day forward we will be united as one court—one world. We will work together so that all may live in peace and harmony.”

  “TARR-UH, TARR-UH—” the chant started and swelled in volume.

  Tiki held up her hand, waiting patiently until the crowd quieted.

  “There is more—the most important part. I will forever be your queen, but I have made a decision. I will lend my guidance, my strength and my love, but I will not rule over you. It’s time for Faerie to rule itself.

  We will form committees and groups—a government of sorts—that will be the voice of our people. You will select representatives to guide our world to a better future. And to preside over these committees is the person I trust most in this world to seek and find the peace we all want. A man who is both Seelie and UnSeelie, who has the most knowledge of Faerie, the most wisdom to envision and guide our future. A man of honor and unbelievable strength— Fial Lasair Cathall Winterbourne.”

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  “When did you decide to turn control of the Otherworld over to Fial?”

  Rieker, Tiki and Dain sat in Rieker’s study in Grosvenor Square. It was Christmas Eve and they had just finished decorating a Christmas tree with the children and the Bosworth’s. Outside, snow fell in sparkling white, fluffy flakes, turning the landscape into a breathtaking winter sculpture.

  “For the longest time I suspected there was more to the Faerie Queen’s mirror than just to read the smoke in the Cup of Plenty but it wasn’t until Donegal was dead that I realized it was never Donegal on the bottom of the mirror’s frame—it was Fial.” Tiki held up the mirror that sat on a small table next to her, pointing to the face carved into the bottom of the frame. “It’s so obvious now—there’s even a Jester’s mask carved into his crown.”

  “I noticed that when Leo gave me the mirror,” Dain cried, “but I wasn’t smart enough to put it together.”

  “That’s when it all made sense—” Tiki said. “Fial knew all the secrets of the both courts; Finn and Eridanus had entrusted him with knowledge about the location of the Four Treasures; He was there to guide me when I needed help. He gave up everything for a future he believed in—there was no one more perfect to rule Faerie.” Her lips twitched in a mischievous smile. “And just to be sure—I put the mirror in front of his face.”

  “And what did that prove?” Rieker asked.

  “I saw his reflection. The only faces I’ve ever seen the mirror reflect are myself and Fial.”

  “Ah,” Dain said. “The Faerie Queen or the Faerie King?”

  Tiki nodded. “As you know, Fial is distantly descended from Eridanus. My guess is that’s why those two likenesses are carved into the frame—Finn and Eridanus meant for one or the other of us to rule. As Finn’s daughter I am a true-born queen—the only one who could make the Stone of Tara cry out. From what Fial and Larkin have told me—I was meant to rule—but I know in my heart that Fial is more suited to joining these courts together than I.”

  The patter of stocking feet against the wood floors could be heard through the open door.

  “Tiki, Tiki, Tiki,” Clara ran giggling into the study, Toots on her heels. “Come quick!”

  “What is it?” she asked, leaning forward to catch the little girl’s hands as she slid to a stop in front of her.

  “Leo is here! He says he must speak to you and Wills immediately.”

  Tiki glanced at Rieker. This was unexpected. Had something gone wrong already?

  Tiki and Rieker excused themselves, leaving the children with Dain and hurried out to the foyer. Leo stood in a dark overcoat dusted with snow.

  “Leo,” Rieker extended his hand. “What a pleasant surprise! How did you know we were back?”

  Leo swept his hand aside
and uncharacteristically embraced Rieker in a tight hug. He leaned back and clapped him on the shoulders. “Have you forgotten? My mother has an advisor with good connections.” He set Rieker aside and held his arms out to Tiki. “And the beautiful Tara. I’m so happy to see you both safely home again.”

  Tiki embraced Leo, happiness and relief filling her. Leo was exactly right—she was home.

  “Come into the study. My brother is visiting.” Rieker led Leo toward the study where Toots and Clara skipped out to meet them. “What are you about tonight? It’s Christmas Eve.”

  “So it is, so it is,” Leo said with a happy smile, “but when I learned you’d returned I just had to pop in for a minute and say hello.” He looked from Rieker to Tiki. “You do remember, we’ve got a wedding to plan.”

  AT LEO’S REQUEST, the wedding was to be held in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

  “I’ve given it a lot of thought, you see. We have occupied this castle for over 800 years. St. George’s Chapel is where we marry and bury our family. It seems the right place for my dearest friends to be married.” He grinned at them. “One day I will be buried here myself and it pleases me to know that I will rest in a place that has shared such joy with those I love.”

  RATHER THAN WAIT for summer, the wedding was planned for shortly after the New Year. The day dawned bright and clear, a soft breeze blowing the few clouds in the sky toward the horizon. Snow still covered the ground making the world look magical—as though it were covered in sparkling frosting.

  “TIKI—” FIONA WAS weaving Tiki’s hair in fine braids and pinning them up in an elaborate hairdo— “I’m so nervous. My first wedding and my first ball—I can’t believe it—and the bloody Queen is going to be there!”

  Tiki laughed. “I promised that you’d attend a ball one day, Fiona. And you’ll look as beautiful and royal as any of the blue bloods. Hurry up with my hair so I can do yours.”

  Clara skipped around the room with Doggie. “And somebody has to do mine too!”

  “And then—” Tiki paused, a grin twitching at the corners of her mouth, we have a guest who needs her hair done.”

  Fiona frowned. “Who’s that?”

  “Her name is Bridgit. I saw her working in the kitchens at the Palace of Mirrors and knew I recognized her. It wasn’t until after Donegal was dead and we actually met the servants that I knew who she was. Mr. Potts is going to have a big surprise at the wedding.”

  THE SUN WAS high in the sky as Tiki stood in the entrance of the chapel with Fial, waiting for the time when she was to walk down the aisle. An orchestra played and Clara blew her a kiss as she turned to skip down the aisle throwing rose petals.

  “See you at the other end,” Toots said, once again straightening the Ring of Ériu and another solid gold band that were tied onto the white satin pillow he held. His green eyes were wide and nervous as he looked down the long stretch between the pews.

  “William, Dain and Shamus are at the other end waiting for you,” Tiki said softly, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “They’ll probably want to talk about horses when you get there.”

  Toots face lit up. “D’ya think?” He turned with a new sense of confidence and walked boldly down the row.

  “Are you ready, my dear?” Fial smiled gently as he offered his arm to Tiki. He looked elegant in a black tuxedo, a white rose tucked in his lapel. His black hair was combed back from his face and tied behind his neck, as regal as any king.

  Tiki slid her hand up under his elbow and hugged his arm close. “I am. My only regret is that Larkin’s not here with us.”

  A smile turned the corners of Fial’s mouth. “Actually, my dear, you’re right—Larkin has died, but Breanna has come and would love to walk you down the aisle with me.”

  “Hello Tara.” The voice was the same, but different somehow. There was a sweetness to it, a lightness and joy—that had been lacking when Larkin spoke.

  Tiki whirled in disbelief.

  The woman who stood before her was breathtakingly beautiful—soft blond waves of hair framed an exquisite face. Guileless blue-green eyes smiled at her and her lips curved in a gentle smile. “Allow me to introduce myself—” she held out a slender hand— “I am Fial’s wife, Breanna. I was your mother’s best friend.”

  Tiki stared at the woman before her—so familiar, yet someone she didn’t know at all. For the first time ever, she saw uncertainty in those eyes. Tiki let out a cry of pure joy and threw her arms out and hugged her tight. She whispered in her ear, “We have a lot to talk about, Breanna.”

  Breanna laughed, the sound like wind chimes. “Yes, we do. And we have all the time we need to do it.”

  Fial kissed Tiki on the cheek and patted her hand. “I am so proud to have you as my daughter. I couldn’t hope for a better match for my son, William.”

  Breanna moved to the other side and kissed Tiki’s other cheek. “And I feel the same. We are very thankful for the strength and love you have shown our family. Your mother and father would be very proud of you.”

  Tiki smiled. “And I couldn’t ask for a better family,” she said softly. “We’ll have many happy years together.”

  The music changed, announcing Tiki’s entrance and the congregation got to their feet.

  Tiki took a deep breath and began the walk down the aisle. Though the church was full, she had to bite the corner of her lip not to laugh at the attendees who couldn’t be seen—faeries filled the aisles, hung from the columns and even stood up on the altar behind the minister. Toran, Gestle and Ailléna stood near the front close to Rieker and Dain. The little goblin jumped up and down in excitement when she saw Tiki and began waving wildly. Gestle leaned over and spoke in her ear and she pulled her arms in, looking chagrined. But it didn’t last long. She waved again until Gestle reached over and held her hand causing her to smile happily at him.

  Johnny stood behind Fiona, invisible for now, though Fi knew he was there. The plan was for him to escort Fiona to the ball in person. From there—no one knew, but Tiki was confident that they could manage to live happily between the worlds. Dain had already promised to teach the young boy how to navigate on his own.

  Clara stood between Fiona and Toots, holding their hands, looking like a young, sweet version of Larkin, with tiny blue forget-me-nots woven in her blond curls.

  Mr. Potts sat clutching tightly to the hand of his daughter, Bridgit, his eyes wet with tears of joy as he smiled at Tiki.

  Leo, Arthur, Mamie and Queen Victoria sat in the front row but Tiki looked past the guests up to William, where he stood with Dain. They were both dressed in black tuxedos—one with dark hair and the other with blond—but the same height, the same build, with features similar enough that they were a blurry reflection of each other—and of Breanna and Fial.

  A warmth spread through Tiki’s chest—a love that filled her completely for the family that surrounded her. She would never regret her decision not to rule the kingdom of Faerie. This was where she belonged. Her mother and father had wished for the world of mortals and faeries to live in peace and she would gladly be the one to meld the worlds. She would always have a place in her heart for the Otherworld and all who lived there—but her life and family were here, and that’s where she would stay.

  Fial kissed her again when they reached the altar. “Once for me,” he said softly. Breanna kissed her too. “And once for me. We both give you our love.” They released her hands and William stepped forward and slid his long fingers around hers.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  Tiki smiled at him. “Absolutely.”

  THE MINISTER SPOKE eloquently of patience and commitment, of family and duty and mostly of love.

  “Do you, William, take Tara to be your wife for all time?”

  “I do.”

  “Do you, Tara, take William to be your husband for all time?”

  “I do.”

  “With these rings that you place upon your fingers may they symbolize your commitment to each other th
rough the circle of life—through good time and bad—to remain true and loving to each other.”

  William slid the Ring of Eriu onto Tiki’s finger, the red stone glowing softly in the light of the chapel. Then Tiki slid a burnished gold band onto William’s finger.

  The minister smiled with a pleased expression.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  William lifted Tiki’s veil and leaned close. “I love you, my faerie queen.”

  “I love you too, my faerie king.”

  They kissed amid shouts and cheers. Applause filled the room and in the distance Tiki could hear the chant of Tarr-uh and William! Tarr-uh and William!

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  “A honeymoon with the whole family?” Wills laughed. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  “Please!” Clara cried jumping up and down. It was the day after the wedding and the ball had lasted until dawn. No one had actually gone to bed yet, though Fial and Breanna had departed at dawn saying they had their own honeymoon to go on. “Leo said we could all go.”

  “Yes, well, Leo talks a lot now, doesn’t he?” Wills winked at Leo who sat slumped in a nearby chair looking exhausted.

  “But it will be so much fun!” Clara danced around the room. “We can dance some more.”

  Wills raised his eyebrows at Tiki. “And where has Leo plotted to take us?”

  Clara twirled her way back to Wills chair. “He says he has a little castle in Scotland called Balmoral where we can stay.”

  “Really?” Dain sat up in his chair, suddenly looking interested. “I would love to visit Scotland again.”

  “Please?” Toots asked hopefully. “He said there are horses and dogs there too. Loads of them.”

  Even Fiona looked hopeful. “And it’s a real castle. Can you imagine?” She looked shyly at Johnny who sat by her side.

  Seated in a chair by the fire, Shamus laughed out loud and smiled at Juliette, who was snuggled in the chair with him. “Not me.”