Queen of Dark and Light (Whims of Fae Book 6)

by Nissa Leder

  They were on the outskirts. No one would notice if Raith reached out and altered Jaser’s memory to forget about them. But still, trying to blend in would be difficult. And what if the next time someone grew curious about them there were too many people around? No, actually mingling with the other soldiers would be even more challenging than getting into the castle grounds.

  Unless they had someone to help them.

  Raith thought back to his training for the Battle of Heirs. He’d hated the idea that he was supposed to let someone else help him prepare. He hadn’t trusted most people then, and truthfully, he still didn’t. But Jaser had surprised him. And when Raith had learned about Scarlett’s fae power, he had shared the secret with him.

  “It’s me, Raith,” he whispered. He hoped he wasn’t making an epic mistake. “And that’s Cade.”

  He had no idea what Kassandra had told the soldiers. Did they even know Cade was gone? Had Kassandra lied and said he’d abandoned his court?

  Raith looked at Cade and nodded.

  Understanding his message, Cade quickly lowered the glamours so Jaser could see their true faces. Before more than a second had passed, Cade raised them again.

  Raith held his breath as Jaser looked back and forth between them as if deciding exactly what he should do. Would he believe them? Showing him their actual faces should help, but it wasn’t as if someone couldn’t glamour themselves to look like them as a disguise. Raith’s voice would be the same as it always had, but would that be enough to convince Jaser?

  And if he did believe them, would he help them? Or was he contemplating yelling for backup and turning them in to Kassandra?

  Jaser turned and headed toward the tent he’d come from. “Come with me.”

  Raith’s heartbeat raced as he and Cade obliged. They didn’t have much choice. And he still didn’t know what Jaser was thinking.

  Jaser entered the tent, holding the cloth open so Raith and Cade could follow. Before he spoke, Jaser opened a chest next to the mattress on the floor and pulled out a small jar of powder. He sprinkled a little in front of the doorway. “Willow root. So no one else can hear.” He turned to Cade first, bowed, then did the same to Raith. “Now, what in the world are you two doing here?”

  “We’ve come to learn what my mother is doing with the Summer Court,” Cade said. “Morta declared her queen without my consent. I hadn’t expected such a thing, and I needed time to figure out what I must do, so I fled.”

  “She announced that you’d relinquished your crown to her and were on a secret mission for Morta,” Jaser said. “I sensed she was hiding something.”

  “What is the army doing?” Raith asked.

  “We’re preparing for war. The queen—or whatever she actually is—stated that Morta had blessed the Summer Court and it would fight by her side.” Jaser returned the jar in his hand to the trunk.

  “We need to blend in so we can learn everything we can,” Cade said. “The Summer Court should not ally with Morta. She has no true desire to help or protect our people, and neither does my mother.”

  “The people don’t respect her,” Jaser said. “They’re only following her orders because they think you blessed them.”

  “After we learn what we need, we will return to the Otherworld where Scarlett is queen,” Cade said. “Then, on the battlefield, I hope to step up and convince the people to follow me and not Morta. I fear if I do that too soon, she will hurt them.”

  Jaser nodded. “I’ll do what I can. Come, I can set you two up with a tent and introduce you as new recruits.”

  It wasn’t the answer to all their problems, but at least it was a start.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kaelem and Scarlett rode in the back of a taxi in San Diego to the address Maeron had texted them. The vibe was much different than when they were in a cab in New York. This time they moved much faster. Though, based on the people they passed on the streets, the fashion vibe of New York was more up Kaelem’s alley than the laid-back style he saw now. He never understood the appeal of flip-flops, no matter how warm it was outside.

  Before they’d left the Unseelie Court, they’d each said goodbye to their siblings, who’d headed to the mortal world at the same time they had. Instead of San Diego, Aria and Ashleigh had gone to Ashleigh’s college town.

  Seemed like a waste, if you asked Kaelem. Aria could take Ashleigh anywhere in the world. To Paris, Rome, Shanghai. Even the North Pole. But the human would rather go to where her boyfriend was.

  Scarlett’s nervousness had opened a crack in her mind, and Kaelem peaked in to hear her thoughts.

  She will be fine. Aria can keep her safer than I can. I need to calm down.

  Kaelem chimed in. I can distract you, if you’d like.

  He placed his hand on her knee.

  She glared at him. “You’re supposed to stay out of my head.”

  “I made no such agreement,” Kaelem said. “But seriously, just relax. Aria will protect Ashleigh. We need to worry about finding a way to defeat Morta.”

  With a deep breath, Scarlett leaned her head on Kaelem’s shoulder.

  He hadn’t been expecting it, but her warmth pressed into him felt nice.

  The taxi moved at a good pace, but with no knowledge of San Diego, they’d evanesced ridiculously far away from where they needed to go.

  But with Scarlett’s body pressed against Kaelem’s, he didn’t mind a bit of a ride.

  Finally, the cab pulled over. “Here you go. It’s just down the block.”

  Kaelem pulled out some mortal money and handed it to the driver. Before they’d left, Scarlett made him promise to actually pay people this time. She didn’t think to ask where the Unseelie Court got their mortal money—which was usually by robbing banks—but if seeing him hand out the green paper made Scarlett feel better, then he’d keep its source to himself.

  Kaelem got out of the cab first and extended a hand to Scarlett. After he helped her to her feet, they stepped away from the cab to face a café front.

  The enclosed patio area was filled with brightly colored chairs and tables. For the most part, it was empty, but Kaelem noticed a blue-haired mortal sitting alone.

  She circled the rim of her glass, boredom spread across her face. With dark red lipstick and a ring in between her nostrils, she looked like the kind of human Kaelem would like. He thought most mortals seemed boring, but he always admired the ones with a fearless sense of style.

  He glanced at her feet. She wore gladiator sandals, which still were a bit casual for his taste, but a few steps above plain flip-flops. Since the rest of her outfit was impressive, he’d let the shoes pass.

  Her aura was a mix of happiness and annoyance, nothing too out of the ordinary. Humans were constant bearers of mixed emotions. But unlike normal humans, her aura had a slight opal outline. He’d never seen anything like it.

  A cell phone lay on the table, and when its screen lit up, the girl glanced at it. Her hand slid away from the glass, and the phone flew to her palm.

  Like magic.

  But she was human.

  The girl turned her head and, when she saw Kaelem staring, her cheeks turned a bright red. She averted her eyes to the phone in her hand as her aura glowed fearfully.

  “There it is,” Scarlett said, pulling Kaelem’s attention away from the human. “Antonio’s Italia.”

  Scarlett walked ahead, and after one more look to the girl, Kaelem scurried behind.

  Had he just imagined the cell phone flying through the air? He didn’t think so. And when she’d met his eyes, she’d looked incredibly guilty. Like he’d just witnessed something she didn’t want anyone to see. Could she have fae blood? It was possible, but what was the opal glow around her?

  “It smells amazing,” Scarlett said.

  From around the corner of the building, Maeron stepped out from the shadows. “Hello, my queen.” He bowed. “Kaelem.” He approached them. “I thought we could chat while eating some delectable food. This is my new favorite.” He
turned and headed into the restaurant.

  After they were seated and had ordered drinks, Scarlett asked, “Have you learned anything?”

  Maeron lifted his glass of water that had been waiting when they’d been seated, sipped it, then replied, “Yes. It took a while, but I found Cerise here in San Diego. She has settled outside the city where she has her own resort of sorts.”

  Scarlett eyed Kaelem, her eyebrow raised.

  He wasn’t sure what exactly Maeron had meant, but it sounded quite fascinating to him. “What type of resort?”

  “She owns a mansion where she throws themed parties,” Maeron said matter-of-factly.

  Confusion and curiosity swirled in Scarlett’s aura.

  Kaelem’s interest was piqued as well. He always loved a good party. Adding a theme only made it sound all the more interesting.

  “Cerise has always enjoyed celebrations. She used to be great friends with Ailani,” Maeron said. “I should have guessed she’d have brought that hobby with her to this place.”

  “Does she know anything?” Scarlett asked.

  “I believe she does.” Maeron glanced around the room as if he was looking for someone. “But whatever secret Dana gave her, she will keep it until she reveals it directly to you.”

  The server returned with a bowl of bread, a bottle of wine, and three glasses. After she’d poured everyone a glass, she promised their salads would be out shortly before heading back toward the kitchen.

  Maeron removed a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Scarlett. “This is her address. She is having a party tonight and is expecting you there. I let her know you’d likely have a plus-one.” He glanced at Kaelem.

  Scarlett took the paper from him. “Thank you.”

  “The dress code is sultry.” Maeron pulled a piece of the bread for himself.

  After they had their salads, the server brought out the pasta course. As Kaelem ate the Alfredo he’d ordered—creamy and delicious—he thought about the human girl he’d seen.

  “Have you heard of mortals with opal in their auras?” Kaelem asked Maeron since the Sidhe had spent many years with the humans. Maybe it wasn’t actually as strange as Kaelem was making it out to be.

  “No,” Maeron replied after finishing his bite. “Why do you ask?”

  “I thought I saw a girl with an opal swirl around the edges of her aura, which struck me as odd. But then I thought I saw her levitate her cell phone with her hand, which was even stranger.” Saying it aloud made Kaelem feel silly. “Maybe it’s just been a long few days.”

  Scarlett twirled her spaghetti onto her fork. “Like she had magic?”

  “Yeah,” Kaelem said.

  “Maybe she’s part fae, like I was.” Scarlett took a bite.

  “Could be, but you never had a weird tint to your aura.” Kaelem looked at Maeron. “With more and more fae living amongst the humans, have they noticed our presence?”

  With magic, the fae should be able to shield themselves, but that would require being careful, which he doubted they’d bother with.

  “Yes. Unfortunately, too many fae are careless and don’t always disguise their abilities. Some enjoy startling humans with their magic.” Maeron set his fork on his plate and sipped his wine. “I’ve heard rumors that an organization exists that hunts the fae. I’m sure they would mistake me for one of you, as even most fae do, if they saw me, but I’m discreet.”

  A fae hunting society of some sort? The thought was interesting. Laik had mentioned Genevieve’s concern with humans. Kaelem couldn’t see how they could be much of a threat without magic.

  What had the girl on the café patio been? Was it possible that somehow mortals had found a way to use magic? Regardless, that was something to worry about another day. Any threat humans might possess dimmed in comparison to the immediate danger of Morta.

  “We should be going.” Maeron set his napkin onto his plate. “Cerise is expecting us soon. She wants to meet you before the party begins.”

  Kaelem pushed away his questions about humans. They were there to find answers to win the current war at hand. Any other concerns would have to wait.

  After dinner, Maeron led Scarlett and Kaelem to an alleyway where they could evanesce to the mansion where Cerise lived.

  Scarlett couldn’t believe she was about to go to some risqué party. And with Kaelem of all people. Half of her wanted to laugh at the odds. The other half found the idea thrilling. How much longer could they continue their game without crossing the line once more?

  When they were away from the street lights and shielded by the darkness, Maeron grabbed each of their hands. Moments later, they appeared in front of the biggest house Scarlett had ever seen. If you could even call it a house.

  Its face was made entirely of glass and concrete, screaming modern architectural style. The smell of the sea blew through the air. And though the sound was faint, Scarlett could hear the crash of waves.

  “This way.” Maeron led them through the lit pathway and to a large double door that was at least twice as tall as Scarlett.

  He knocked twice, paused, then knocked twice more.

  Scarlett adjusted the tight red dress she’d glamoured for herself. Its V neckline was sexy without showing too much.

  Kaelem, as always, wore a suit, his tie the same red color of her dress.

  A fae man—or maybe woman, Scarlett couldn’t quite be sure—answered the door.

  “Welcome.” The fae, dressed in all black with matching lipstick, stepped to the side and allowed them all to enter, eyeing Kaelem as he stepped into the mansion.

  You have an admirer, Scarlett said into Kaelem’s mind.

  Jealous? He laughed.

  They stepped into a large great room area, with concrete walls all around and dimmed recessed lighting. Small seating areas were scattered about, some empty and others filled with fae dressed in different types of clothing.

  “I’ll go find Cerise,” Maeron said before heading further into the mansion.

  “Oh, look, a bar.” Kaelem pointed across the room.

  “A drink sounds good right about now,” Scarlett said.

  They weaved through the room. A chill ran through her as she took in all the fae in various levels of clothing, desire bursting from all the visible auras.

  The bar was placed in front of a humongous window that overlooked the never-ending ocean. The house sat high on a hill, making the view the prettiest thing Scarlett had ever seen. The sun had nearly vanished below the horizon, leaving the sky a vibrant pink.

  When they reached the bar, Kaelem said, “Two of your strongest drinks, please.”

  The bartender was female, with long, silver hair and pink eyes. “First time here?” She flipped two glasses up and reached for a bottle of liquor under the counter.

  “Is it that obvious?” Scarlett asked, knowing it likely was.

  The bartender poured each glass half full. “Everyone has a different stare when they come here for the first time, but I can almost always spot the newcomers.” She grabbed a jug of what looked like orange juice and poured it on top of the alcohol. “You look like you’re considering bolting for the door,” she said to Scarlett before turning to Kaelem. “And you look like this might be the best place you’ve ever been to.”

  Scarlett glanced at Kaelem, who shrugged.

  Of course, he would love this place. He and his stupid gancanagh nature. Nothing about sex was likely to intimidate him.

  It wasn’t as if Scarlett was a prude. And, especially since turning fae then Sidhe, she’d had plenty of lust coursing through her. But she’d never been to a place like this, where most everyone showed their bodies—and desires—so proudly.

  The bartender pushed the drinks toward them. “Enjoy.”

  Kaelem handed one to Scarlett then took the other for himself.

  Scarlett drank half of the drink in one gulp. A tingle quickly washed over her. What type of liquor was in it?

  Kaelem took a sip. “Hmmm. That’s i
nteresting. And strong indeed.”

  They meandered through the room, which was filling up. Some women walked around shirtless. Some people wore masks. One woman, dressed in a leather jumpsuit, held a whip. As they walked by, she winked at Kaelem.

  Maeron appeared. “This way. Cerise will see you now.”

  They followed him down a long hallway and into the last door on the right.

  It was a bedroom with an iron, four-poster bed covered in a fluffy red comforter made of silk. A woman with long, back hair sat at the edge of the bed, one leg crossed over the other and her hands folded in her lap.

  She wore a tight, black dress with matching lacy mask. When she saw Scarlett, she rose and removed the mask before bowing. “My queen.”

  The woman—who must have been Cerise—was petite with a large chest accentuated by the snugness of her dress.

  Maeron sprinkled powder in front of the door. “I must be going. You know how to reach me if you need me.” With a bow, he left, shutting the door behind him.

  Cerise stepped closer and ran a finger down Scarlett’s cheek. “You are lovely.”

  Scarlett wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or freaked out.

  Cerise turned to Kaelem. “Mmmm. A gancanagh. Yummy.” She walked around him, practically drooling.

  “We’re here for your help,” Scarlett said, hoping to bring the focus back onto the whole purpose of coming here.

  “Yes, as with Maeron and the other protector, Dana entrusted me with information.” Cerise returned to the edge of the bed. “It begins with a story.

  “Once upon a time, Dana was the only ruler of the Otherworld. There was no Darkland. Anyone who passed on went to the Otherside, wherever that is for the Sidhe. No one has ever known for certain.” Cerise tucked her hair behind her ear. “Dana was the Queen of Light, but something else lingered within her. Something dark.

  “Dana didn’t like the new feelings slithering inside her. She sent me to find a solution to her problem. It took three years, but finally, I found a woman with an answer.” Cerise paused, her eyes wandering back to Kaelem. “You are so beautiful. Are you sure we can’t discuss this later?”