Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2)

by Britt, Samantha

The queen’s smile was cold. “Lady Gwenevere. Sir Ronan’s alleged niece.”

  Kalan had to force himself not to jump to his feet and send his wooden chair sliding across the floor behind him. “Ronan’s niece is not dual-court.” The prince countered. It was true. Kalan knew the identity of three of Ronan’s nieces. They were definitely Winter Court Fae.

  His mother did not drop her catlike grin. “Yes. Well… Gwenevere is not truly Ronan’s niece. Is she, Son?”

  “What evidence do you have to support your claim?” King Kheelen interrupted, relieving Kalan of being forced to condemn Gwen.

  Queen Tanya turned her eyes to her husband. With an indifferent wave, she gestured for Lord Leo to step forward.

  “Ah, Leo,” the king said with reprimand. “How good of you to join us.”

  The secretary bowed nervously. “I apologize, Your Majesty, but the queen requested my assistance with regards to this sensitive matter. I-”

  “And what matter is that?” King Kheelen interrupted sternly. “This allegation that Lady Gwenevere of Vetur is a dual-court fae? Is there any evidence to confirm these loaded suspicions?”

  “Husband,” Queen Tanya took over, her confident smirk filling Kalan with alarm. “Lord Leo felt a strange recognition of the young fae during the Summer Solstice Ball. It bothered him for some time, his inability to place where he had seen her before. Then, it dawned on him.”

  The queen paused, commanding every fae’s attention, before saying the dreaded words, “Gwenevere is none other than the daughter of Princess Gwendolyn of Summer Court.”

  The table erupted in exclamations of disbelief and cries of absurdity. Kalan ground his teeth, forcing himself to remain quite. He did not want to say anything which might incriminate his lifemate.

  “That is impossible,” Prince Alvin rose to his full height, facing Queen Tanya with reprimand. “We have all been in Lady Gwenevere’s presence. She is Winter Fae, through and through.”

  “Half-Winter Fae,” the queen corrected with a frown, clearly not appreciating her brother-in-law’s tone. “And I will have you remember whom you are speaking with, Alvin.”

  “Your Majesty, may I ask what proof there is on this matter?” Lady Suisan asked in a curious voice. “Or are your assumptions solely based on a physical resemblance?” The lady managed to ask the question without sounding impertinent, which provoked a nod of approval from the king.

  “Yes,” King Kheelen inserted into the conversation. “Is there evidence to back up your claim?”

  Kalan stiffened and clenched his hands as he awaited the answer. Surely there was no proof. There couldn’t be. They had been so careful.

  “Leo?” Queen Tanya’s falsely sweet voice prompted the fae to speak. “Why don’t you reveal what you saw?”

  His father’s secretary gulped under the king’s intense gaze. “When I first met the female at Winter Court, I felt a strange sort of recognition. It was not until we were on the dais at the ball that I placed her resemblance to Princess Gwendolyn.”

  Kalan’s jaw hardened, and he could not remain silent any longer. “So the accusation is based only on resemblance?”

  Lord Leo shook his head emphatically. “No, Your Highness. There is more. While I roamed the ballroom, diplomatically speaking to various Summer nobles, I saw the female-”

  “Gwen,” Kalan gritted out, unable to stop himself. “Her name is Lady Gwen.”

  “Yes, of course,” Lord Leo acquiesced, lowered his head slightly. “I watched Lady Gwen disappear behind a screen at the ball. Through its fabric, I could see the outline of a male.”

  The secretary returned his gaze back to Kalan with foolish sincerity. “As I knew of Your Highness’ feelings for the young lady, I believed it my duty to inspect the situation to ensure you were not being misled with her affections.”

  Kalan’s eyes narrowed at the male’s audacity to imply he might have been a fool.

  Lord Leo quickly continued his explanation. “When I investigated, I saw the female engaged in conversation with a Summer fae, whom I believed to be Duke Aeron.”

  “She also danced with the Summer duke,” Prince Alvin offered in a bored tone. “What of it?”

  “It turns out,” Lord Leo continued, seeming undeterred, “she was not speaking with the duke, for I watched him walk up on the pair moments later. Then, it hit me.” He paused for dramatic effect, causing Kalan to completely lose what little self-control he had.

  “Out with it!” He shouted.

  Lord Leo smirked. Gone was the nervous male. He was replaced by an arrogant fae who more than enjoyed delivering the bad news. “The lady was speaking with a Summer fae who shared an intimate friendship with Princess Gwendolyn. The fae was Eilian of Summertide, the late princess’ closest friend.”

  “You mean the brother of Duke Aeron?” The king questioned with condescension. “The duke could have been introducing Lady Gwenevere for all you know. That does nothing to imply the girl is dual-court.”

  Kalan found himself appreciating his father’s authoritative air for the first time in his life. The king was clearly doing his best to invalidate Lord Leo’s claims and protect Gwen, while appearing diplomatic and aloof.

  “Patience, Kheelen,” the queen purred. “Lord Leo is not finished yet.”

  The king looked at her dubiously. With an exasperated wave, he motioned for the secretary to continue.

  “As the evening was ending, I followed Gwen and the Summer fae out on the patio as they were exchanging goodbyes.”

  Kalan’s chest constricted. His skin grew cold.

  “They were speaking about her mother. Though they never said her name, the female mentioned the Winter Solstice Ball as being the day of her mother’s death. Given the physical resemblance, it seems clear Princess Gwendolyn is her mother.”

  Kalan wanted to shout denials… obscenities… anything to discredit the male’s words.

  Before he could do any of that, his mother spoke, “On another note, my personal spies have informed me King Cai and Queen Orla have been busy as of late. Apparently, Their Summer Majesties are employing Wise Ones for implementation of new protective measures for their palace. Isn’t it quite the coincidence they would do such a thing just after Lady Gwenevere disappeared from Winter Court?”

  “What are you implying?” Prince Alvin asked, no longer sounding as skeptical of the information as before. The change in his uncle made Kalan even more uneasy.

  “I imply nothing. I believe it is quite obvious Summer Court is harboring the dual-court fae, and it is our job to end her.”

  “What?!” Kalan asked, completely taken aback with his mother’s blunt proposal. “Mother, how could you say such a thing?”

  The queen turned mockingly sincere eyes to him. “My Dear, I know you fancy yourself in love with the girl, and I will admit she is quite lovely. Regardless, we cannot deny it is too much of a coincidence that irregular Summer weather conditions are beginning to cover Earth at the same time we discover a dual-court fae from a powerful Summer Court bloodline. I wish I could have taken this information to my end, if only to save you heartache, Kalan. But I cannot.”

  “This could have nothing to do with the girl,” King Kheelen stated, trying to use his commanding aura to achieve his desired effect.

  “Perhaps you are right, though I believe you are not,” Queen Tanya allowed in false compliance. “How about we compromise?”

  “How so?” Lady Suisan questioned. Kalan’s friend gave him a regretful glance, as if apologizing for her question.

  “We investigate and dig further into the girl’s background,” the queen answered. “We shall utilize our informants at Summer Court to determine if she is residing there. It is our duty, as protectors of Winter Court, to inspect the potential threat. For the prophecy is certainly clear, a dual-court fae will be the end to the Fae Realm as we know it.”

  Time slowed to an excruciating pace as Kalan watched each fae around the table slowly nodded their agreement to the queen’s pl
an.

  In a last ditch effort to protect Gwen, Kalan shot his father a pleading and loaded look. Surely, he would do something to protect Gwen and her secret from his mother’s plan.

  Kalan’s gaze was met by one of equal concern, but there was no comfort behind his father’s blue eyes.

  “Very well,” the king’s words slammed into Kalan’s ears. “We shall investigate the queen’s allegations regarding a dual-court fae.”

  The fae around the table glanced around, assessing the others’ reactions. No one seemed to know the best way to respond.

  “And if we discover the allegation has merit?” Prince Alvin asked his brother in a murmur.

  King Kheelen sighed, running his hand down his face. “Then we speak with Summer Court… and figure out a way to eliminate the threat.”

  Chapter 5

  Gwen was a bundle of nerves.

  Aeron called on her and Ian the next morning, happy to deliver the news that Gwen would be able to leave her elegant prison for dinner with the king and queen. While initially thrilled with the knowledge her confinement was over, anxiety began to seep in as the time to meet her grandparents drew near.

  “It is going to be fine.” Ian did his best to calm Gwen from his casual and relaxed pose on the main room’s couch. “They are going to love you.”

  Gwen ran her hands down the white, flowing, knee-length skirt in front of a gilded-framed mirror. “Easy for you to say,” she muttered as she picked imaginary lint from her pale green blouse. “You aren’t the abominable dual-court fae.”

  She could hear Ian’s exasperated sigh from across the room. His playful annoyance lightened her mood a tad.

  “Shouldn’t someone change my hair?” Gwen questioned as she pinned the long waves behind her ears. “I mean, we can at least try to make me blend in here.” Her dark tresses were a beacon in the court of light.

  “This is going to be a private dinner. No one but Their Majesties, Aeron, and I will be present.”

  “What about the servants?”

  “Everything is under control, Gwennie. Relax. King Cai and Queen Orla have done everything possible to secure your safety. I am sure they have thought through your Winter appearance.”

  “But what if they haven’t?”

  “Am I going to have to glamour you to calm down? Because I can and will. You are still under the influence of defalutar.”

  Gwen rolled her eyes in jest. Ian saw the gesture in the mirror’s reflection and threw one of the decorative pillows at her back.

  Gwen laughed after she shifted to avoid its impact. “Very mature, Ian. Glad to see that after more than a century of life, you can act like a child.”

  “What can I say? Growing up with you has rekindled my adolescent ways.”

  Her response was interrupted by a quick rapping on the door. Jai, the burly Summer guard, opened the door.

  “Don’t you look lovely,” Duke Aeron greeted with a smile as he entered the room, his eyes graciously assessed her appearance. Gwen easily returned the smile.

  “Thank you, brother. You don’t look so bad yourself.” Ian interjected, drawing Gwen’s attention back to him.

  The duke shook his head at his brother’s joke. “How does his presence bring you comfort?” Aeron asked Gwen, ruefully.

  She shrugged. “He grows on you.”

  “Indeed.” Ian jumped up from his lounging position and shrugged on his beige sports jacket. While both brothers assured Gwen the dinner would be a casual affair, a dress code seemed to remain in place when dining with the royal couple. “Shall we?” Ian offered his elbow.

  Gwen took her friend’s outstretched arm and they followed the duke out of the villa.

  As they walked down the light sandstone hallways, Gwen could not resist peeking out every window they passed. She was eager to take in more of Summer Court and its palace. Aeron took note of her interest.

  “Perhaps I can give you a tour of the palace following dinner?” He offered kindly. “If Their Majesties approve, of course.”

  Gwen beamed. “I would love that. Thank you.”

  Ian squeezed her hand and gave her a happy grin. “There is nothing like the Summer Palace. I cannot wait for you to see it in all its glory.” Her friend’s eyes were luminous. He seemed so content and comfortable with his surroundings. Gwen took a moment to wonder how much Ian might have missed his home during his time in the Human Realm.

  The trio continued to make various turns and climb down sets of stairs until they were in an elegantly decorated dining room. Its walls were covered in flowering landscape paintings, accented by pale yellow paint.

  In the center of the room stood a table with an emerald green cloth over its surface. Eight chairs surrounded the table with matching green seat cushions. Gwen admired the crystal goblets and fine china already set at each place setting.

  “These are the private dining quarters of the royal family,” Duke Aeron informed her. “Their Majesties prefer to dine here when not entertaining large numbers of guests.”

  Gwen nodded absentmindedly as she continued to observe the room’s finery. Her eye was drawn to the wall across from her.

  On the opposite side of the space stood an elaborate fountain. Water seemed to seep from mid-height on the wall and gently flow down mossy rocks and stones, ending in a small pool at the floor. The fountain wasn’t what initially caught her attention, however.

  Positioned above the charming fountain was a life-sized portrait of a beautiful young woman. Gwen knew the beauty could only be her mother, Princess Gwendolyn. The princess appeared to be the same age as the photo kept in Ian’s locket, but that meant little since fae stopped aging after reaching twenty-five. The princess could have been any number of ages in the portrait.

  Gwen focused on the details of the portrait. Her mother sat in a formal gown; her arms covered in white silk gloves. The dress was pale green, also made of a sleek material. Her blonde hair was curled to perfection and adorned by a pearl and diamond encrusted tiara. The painter did a wonderful job catching every aspect of the princess’ beauty. Gwen was so distracted by her observation she did not hear the approaching footsteps.

  “We commissioned that painting in honor of your mother’s coronation ceremony,” a deep voice spoke from behind her.

  Gwen turned in surprise and was met by two warm sets of green eyes. Even if she had not seen them from a distance at the Summer Solstice Ball, Gwen would have recognized King Cai and Queen Orla. Their resemblance to their daughter–and she supposed herself–was unmistakable.

  “Oh my,” Queen Orla raised her fingers to her lips. Her hand shook slightly. “You… You look…”

  “You look just like your mother,” King Cai finished as he took his wife’s other hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “An absolute beauty.”

  “Th- Thank you.” Remembering the protocol she learned at Winter Court, Gwen quickly dipped into a wobbly curtsy. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties.”

  “Now, now,” King Cai motioned for her to rise, a playful smile on his face. “There is no need for ceremony here.”

  “Your Majesties,” Ian stepped forward and positioned himself beside Gwen. “It is nice to see you again.”

  “Oh, Eilian,” Queen Orla beamed. “It is so good to see you. It has been too long.”

  “Yes,” King Cai affirmed. “How many years has it been since you were last at Court?”

  “Twenty-five, Your Majesty,” Ian grinned. “Long enough to raise this one.” He shot Gwen an amused smile. Gwen resisted her instinctual eye roll. Their foster mother, Sharon Longe, did most of the parenting while Gwen was growing up. Ian’s role was more of a sibling.

  “Of course…” Queen Orla spoke with a hint of sadness. “Of course.”

  Seeming unable to allow his wife even a moment of unhappiness, King Cai jumped in. “Shall we take a seat? We can continue getting to know one other while we wait for dinner to be served.”

  The party moved to the table. King Cai
sat at the end in front of the fountain wall with Queen Orla to his right. Duke Aeron sat to his left; Gwen beside him. Ian took the chair in front of Gwen’s, shooting her an assuring glance as he lowered himself.

  “Would anyone like elixir-laced wine?” Queen Orla asked, gesturing to a beverage cart in the corner of the room.

  King Cai stood and retrieved the bottle. “Of course, forgive me for forgetting.” He poured his wife a glass. “Anyone else?”

  “I will have some,” Duke Aeron raised his glass as the king filled it. Gwen couldn’t help but be surprised to see King Cai serving others. It did not seem like a kingly thing to do. The duke took the bottle from the king and turned to hold it up to Gwen in question.

  She nodded. “Only a little, please.” Aeron smiled and obliged before pouring his brother a glass as well.

  Once everyone had their beverage, King Cai raised his crystal goblet in the air. “A toast,” he began while the rest mimicked his gesture. “To family. There is nothing so valued in one’s life than those fae we hold dear to our hearts. Let us all embrace each other despite our differences and rejoice in the connection we share through our blood by the blessings of Fate. To family.”

  “To family,” the room chorused before drinking from their glasses.

  Gwen knew the toast was inspired by her; the king’s sincere eyes on her during his speech said as much. However, she couldn’t help but believe the toast was directed at Ian and Aeron as well. She did not miss the duke’s hesitant glance his twin’s way during the king’s words. Nor did she miss Ian’s body stiffen out of her peripheral vision. Gwen wondered how long the brothers’ wariness of each other would last.

  “So, Gwen,” Queen Orla began kindly, “If I may call you Gwen?”

  Gwen nodded and swallowed her wine. “I prefer it.”

  “Perfect.” Queen Orla’s smile grew. “We understand you were unaware of your fae heritage until a couple months ago. How are you finding the change?”

  “It’s very… overwhelming, but the Fae Realm is beautiful beyond belief.” An image of Kalan sitting on top of the Avalon Mountain during their picnic sprang to mind. Gwen remembered the way his dark hair glowed in the sunlight escaping from the clouds. He looked adorably unsure of himself when presenting her with his arranged picnic. Gwen took a large gulp of her elixir to hide her sad expression from the room.