Art's gaze immediately went to Cyn, and some sort of silent communication passed between them. Art looked concerned.
“Before we go,” Nyx added, stepping closer to Bri. “Our vow to you stands. You have our alliance and our support for anything you may need."
He pulled a charmed portal key, one that could access only our end of the Gate of the Realms so that she could reach us. Like mine, it was a large silver key with delicately ornate filigree on the top. I grinned. Nyx had always been brilliant. Now the Priestess could reach us whenever she pleased, giving her a feeling of security with us and reinforcing our friendship. Exactly what we came here to do.
“Should you ever need us, hold the key to your lips and whisper ‘Princes, I summon you.’ Then announce what you need, and the enchantment will deliver your message to us. We shall be here before you blink.” Nyx smiled, touching his fingertip to her nose—an indication he was smitten—then his.
I grinned, mounting my horse. My little brother was adorable sometimes.
Straightening, Nyx bowed to Cyn and Bri, and then fixed his glasses getting on his black mare. We turned and galloped towards the portal with Kah and Gallia behind us. They waved the High Priests goodbye, right before the archway closed returning us home.
I turned to look at Nyx while we galloped to the castle. “Giving Brina the key to our portal was the perfect gesture, Nyx. You were astute as always.”
"Thank you, brother." His lips stretched into a dazzling smile, pleased by my compliment. If you wanted to see my little brother happy, all you had to do was mention his intelligence. He loved when people realized how smart he was, but most of all when he was able to help others with his brilliance.
"And you, Ash…" I moved my horse closer and waited until he faced me. "I have something for you too." He smiled, and my fist flew, connecting with his nose.
"Damn it, Kyr!" Ash moaned cupping his bleeding nose. "I mean, I deserved that but still."
Nyx and I laughed.
Chapter 2. The Art Of War
KYR
A week later…
* * *
Crimson blood dripped from the leather of my war suit, falling onto the crisp white snow. Summer Fae blood, to be exact. I should deem them fools for even daring to think they could go against my army. Yet, I couldn’t fault a mother for trying to rescue her child. Nevertheless, they were no match for my legion of Warrior Fae.
The thing about war was you needed to have a precise strategy, capable warriors, and the courage to do whatever it took to win the battle. No matter the cost. The Summer Queen only had one of those three. And it wasn't the army. I almost felt bad enough for her, to teach her a thing or two about how to command her warriors.
Almost.
Queen Abella's first mistake had been to underestimate her women. Unlike mine, her army was comprised of ninety percent male, which was fine if you wanted to use brute force, but that only got you so far. Her females were set aside as nurses for the wounded warriors. What she had yet to understand, was that men—with a few exceptions, of course—could be bought. Which was precisely how I got into her castle and kidnaped her daughter from right under her nose. Gold, sex, and sometimes even human liquor, was enough for them to turn their backs on those to whom they had sworn loyalty. Women, however, were complex beings. Once you earned their respect and loyalty, there was nothing in this world, or the next, that would persuade them to betray you.
Our women were not only brilliant in battle, but fiercely skilled with a sword or bow, and dexterous like nothing I had ever seen. Their strength came from the inside and it never tired. They conformed my army, but they were also my equals, and they would give their life for me without batting an eye, just as I would for any of them. Equal respect was more important to warriors than Queen Abella could understand. Her strategy hadn't been half bad, to be honest, yet we had all but destroyed her warriors in the first ten minutes of the fight. Needless to say, she had returned home with only half her army still standing, and without the one thing she had come to our land to obtain.
Princess Aura, her daughter.
I dismounted my horse, and my gaze swept the rear castle grounds, as my Dark Warriors removed their armor and cleaned their weapons. The smiles of triumph still lit their faces brightly. I breathed, utterly satisfied by the sight.
"Ahh, the smell of victory. Never has anything been so sweet." I grinned as Kahina's voice reached me, and I turned to face her. My second in command dismounted next to me. "High praise, Kyr. Another easy victory under your belt. Not that I’m surprised, of course.” We handed the horses to the stable hostlers and began to walk towards the entrance of the castle.
"You flatter me, Kah, but we both know I couldn't have done this without you. Or them, for that matter." I waved towards the thousand warriors behind us, and took off my riding gloves. Only a third of my Dark Army had been required to defeat the queen, which made her attempt even more pathetic. The guards pulled the doors open, and we walked into the weapons room.
Kah nodded, the slick black hair of her ponytail falling over her shoulder, as her curvy lips stretched into a half smirk. Her light green eyes sparkled with mischief, from within the black oil mask. “Well of course, but I didn’t want your ego to get hurt. The truth is, you are nothing without me.”
“And here I thought you had already come down from your high horse.” I repressed a smile while she laughed, punching my arm.
Kahina, ‘Kah’ as I called her, had been by my side for as long as I could remember. She was the daughter of the castle master and had mostly grown up within these walls. Although my father hadn’t allowed my brothers and I to interact much with her as kids—for the lack of her royal blood, and while she was the youngest of us all—we had managed to form a friendship, which had grown into a steady partnership in battle. There were few people I trusted in this kingdom. In fact, I could count them with one hand. Kah was one of them.
I pulled my bloody sword from its scabbard and handed it to the boy for cleaning. So did Kah. We stepped into the empty corridor into the castle.
After we cleared the door, she pulled me towards the far end, hiding us in the shadows of the servant’s staircase. "What do you say we celebrate tonight? I can pass by your chambers after the castle is asleep." Her voice dropped an octave, turning into a sensual caress to which I smiled. Perhaps we had shared a bit more than just a partnership in battle.
I raised an eyebrow, leaning into her ear. "As tempting as that offer is, you know very well I've left those antics behind. What happened between us was a one-time occurrence, and it’s been over three thousand years since you shared my bed, Kah. You couldn’t possibly want me still.”
“Well, they say you never forget your first.” Her head turned, and she claimed my mouth in a slow, sensual kiss. Holding her waist, I allowed my lips to follow her lead, although no feelings arose within me. She pulled back from the kiss, and I smiled. Her gaze settled on mine, searching for something she could no longer find. Kah sighed, scrunching her face.
“You are no fun anymore.”
I chuckled. “That is true. It tends to happen after you’ve lived as long as I have.”
“Oh, please. Spare me the drama. Perhaps I should pay a visit to your brother instead.”
A full laugh escaped me, booming through the corridor as we continued to walk. “I’m sure Ash will be pleased to see you. Although you might have to make an appointment, I’m not entirely sure he accepts walk-ins these days.”
We laughed, finally entering the great hall. Laurel greeted me straightaway.
“My prince,” she said, with a small bow. “Congratulations on your victory.”
Her gaze swept over Kah in a disapproving manner, Laurel didn’t like seeing her inside the castle. I sighed, ignoring her and handed my riding gloves to her, along with my Dilrunarta Galothnae Kuru—Dragon Wings’ Cloak. It was a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation—gifted to my family thousands of years ago by the Drago
n Lord. It had seen many battles and death, and as such, it was invaluable. Laurel was the only one I trusted to touch it. Not even my brothers had.
"I shall clean it and safeguard it, my prince."
"Thank you, Laurel. Please have the maids prepare a bath for me. I shall meet you in my chambers shortly." With a slight bow of her head, she went on her way.
“Did someone mention my name?” Ash inquired, coming down the staircase as though we had actually called him.
He couldn’t help himself from using his gifts on a daily basis. Well, at least one of them. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had heard Kah and I kissing too. My gaze swept his form and I slightly shook my head, disappointment descending on me. He hadn't even had the decency to dress for the day. The silk of his long robe covered his body, dragging behind him as he took the last step. I wondered for a moment if he wore anything underneath, then chided myself for the question. It was answered as he looked at Kah.
She and I exchanged a glance, and she grinned.
“Really, brother? The day is half gone, you’ve had no chance to dress?”
He smirked. “I’m waiting for father to see me, it’s been a while since I got a rise out of him.”
I took a deep breath while Kah chuckled. “Kah called your name, brother.”
“Ahh, the beautiful Kah requires my attention?" He took her hand, pulling her riding glove off and kissed it. "Say no more. I will take care of all your needs." He winked at her, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "But first, why don't we prepare a bath for you as well. You must be exhausted after the torture my brother puts you through." His arm wrapped around her waist and Kah grinned at me one last time, while he took her up the stairs and towards his chambers. I shook my head, taking the stairs two at a time, and rushed past them towards the west wing.
“My prince,” the guards outside my door called the moment they saw me. They bowed, clearing a path for me, but my gaze went straight down the hallway to the east wing of the castle, where the Summer Princess and her lady in waiting were being held.
“Your bath is ready.” Laurel’s voice pulled me out of my reflection.
I nodded, my gaze returning to the room and walked in. “Thank you.” The maids were adding salts to the bathtub. They bowed.
Laurel took my armor off, undressing me and I stepped into the steaming water. A groan escaped my lips as the heat seeped through my sore muscles, instantly releasing the tension. My eyelids closed and I leaned back, allowing Laurel and the maids to wash me clean, while I made up my mind to visit the princess after my father was updated on our victory.
“Open the doors!” I ordered the guards placed outside the Summer Princess’ chambers.
My fists clenched and unclenched as I tried to rein my anger. One step inside the room and my gaze went straight to Aura, the Summer Princess, as she paced the length of it. My left hand lifted, the energy in me connecting with the gold, magic blocking bangles she now wore on her wrists and ankles. They softly glowed. One thought, and she was dragged backwards and pressed against the cold stone wall. Marigold gasped, rushing towards her, but my other hand lifted, stopping her advance, and pushed her back, detaining her on the bed.
Aura looked at me frightened, struggling to remove her hands and feet from the wall, but my energy was stronger. I took a deep breath and gave her a dazzling smile. “I can see you need lessons on how to behave around those who have power over you.” I walked closer as she gave me the best snarl she could manage, looking at me defiantly.
She was adorable.
"You see, if the situation was reversed and I was your prisoner, I would never use my abilities until I was certain it would allow me to escape. I would take time to study the people who held me, to learn about my surroundings, the guards' schedule, and when a change in guard occurred so that I could move all the pieces together to my advantage.”
I tsked and stopped a few steps away.
“Electrocuting Gallia—who happens to be my personal guard—while she checked on you was not only foolish, but it also told us too early what your power was." I gestured towards the blocking bangles on her wrists and ankles. "Which didn't work too well for you, and to be honest…" I closed the distance between us and slammed my hands against the wall on either side of her. "It enraged the hell out of me!"
She whimpered, trying to get away from me as our noses almost touched. My gaze bore into her ocean blue eyes, and I could see the fear in them. I grinned, as she shut her eyes and turned her head away from me. Lifting my hand, I gripped her jaw tightly, and forced her head towards me. She whimpered under the pain of my hold.
“She’s with the healers as they try to mend the burns your hands caused on her skin,” I whispered in her ear, leaning even closer. “Lucky for you, she will survive.” I pulled back and waited until Aura opened her eyes. “Now I know you are a Spiritual Faery, with energy manipulation. Impressive.” I let go of her face, and held my hands behind me as I took another settling breath. “Is that all you can do?”
Confusion transformed her features. “Are you insane? Fae only have one power. At least the lucky ones, who receive the Goddess’ blessing. Everyone knows that.”
Although our entire race possessed some degree of magic in our essence, not all were gifted with abilities, so I understood her confusion. Still, I couldn’t help the smirk that curved my lips, which only made her madder.
“I see. Well, yours won’t help you in the least.”
"Let us go!" Marigold interrupted from the bed, trying to stand while my energy still held her down.
I ignored her. "Have I not been a gracious host? I allowed you to stay in the east wing of my castle, instead of the dungeons. Prepared you a lovely chamber with ladies to tend to you, and let your maid stay by your side. I left you unshackled so you wouldn't feel like a mere prisoner and even received you at my table for dinner. I thought that would at least earn me a thank you."
“The queen will come with her army, and when she does, you will regret this!" She hissed.
I feigned a cringe at Aura’s words. “Oh, did I forget to mention? She was already here. It’s a shame she left with barely half her army still alive.” I shrugged. “Perhaps she’ll return to play some more, but she’ll need time to gather more useless soldiers and weapons, only to be defeated again.”
Aura’s eyes widened, tears gathering in them. Helplessness slowly settled into her, and I couldn’t help but admire her features. The red silk of her gown contrasted with the white, grays and ice blue tones that surrounded her, yet it favored her greatly. The corset of her dress wrapped around her bust firmly and the soft skirt covered her hips, falling gracefully to the ground. Aura was a beautiful woman, and our seamstress had certainly done her justice.
My eyes returned to her face, and my left hand slowly lifted to her cheek. I allowed my fingers to caress her tanned skin. Unlike the Summer Queen who had pale skin, much like ours, Aura’s had a golden tone and it glistened with a soft glow that only our kind possessed. The loose waves of her light auburn hair fell carelessly around her, brushing her royal markings. They gracefully stood out against her skin, the swirls forming an intricate pattern. Unlike mine, hers were on either side of her face, along the length of her cheekbones. My thumb carefully stroked them, and the magic in her awoke, rushing over the patterns in a shimmering pink light. Her reaction was delayed, yet she flinched away from me. My eyes found hers once again. She was beautiful, pretentiously so, but beauty wasn’t enough for me.
I wondered if I would feel anything were I to kiss her.
“In spite of what you might think of me, I shan’t hurt you." My fingers left her skin, and I reached for her hands. “You are a princess, but above all, you are a woman, and I would never put my hands on you.”
She visibly relaxed with my words, although confusion once again filled her ocean blue eyes.
"I shall give you one more chance to adapt to your surroundings."
One thought, and my energy disappeared from her
and Marigold, releasing them. My finger moved and the gold blocking bands from Aura’s wrists and ankles flew away from her, crashing to the ground. She stumbled forwards falling to her knees in front of me. A whimper escaped her.
"It is nice of you to kneel.” Her gaze flew to mine as she scrambled off the floor. “But should you hurt anyone else in my castle, I won't hesitate to throw you in the dungeon, where the guards shall flog you as they do with every other prisoner." Her eyes widened and I smiled. “Who knows, you might end up being a treasured part of the king’s cloak.”
"You said you wouldn't hurt me," she spat the words at me.
“Well, I won’t. But I can’t speak for the guards.”
Princess Aura lunged at me, her hands flying to my neck, and sent a surge of energy through me. I grunted, feeling the ache in my throat and chest. Her attack would have brought anyone else down, even burnt their skin off, but on me they had barely made a burn mark. Aura's eyes widened as realization dawned on her.
“It can’t be. It’s impossible.” Her hands fell from my neck, and she looked at them shocked. “The rumors are true—”
I sighed, bored. "That the Princes of the Winter Court have more than one power? It's true. I too am a Spiritual Faery. As you already experienced, I have control over matter at a universal level, but that is not all I can do. Telekinesis was the first ability I ever mastered; Invulnerability came next. I'm nearly impervious to any harm.”
“Is that all?” She asked, resuming her prideful attitude, while trying to mask the fear that shone through her eyes.
I smirked, leaning closer. “You can act superior all you want, I can read you like an open book. I know you are scared of me, so trust me when I say you don’t want to find out the third.” I cradled her neck, pulling her to me and my lips closed over hers, stealing a kiss I hoped would awaken something inside me, yet the emptiness had settled long ago.
Forgotten Kingdom Page 4
