by L. P. Dover
My eyes welled with tears, but I nodded in reply. If this was our last night together I was going to do my utmost to fulfill his request. “Yes, Brayden. On this night nothing else exists, except you … and me.”
The night was young and there was nowhere else I wanted to be than in Brayden’s arms as we made love to each other. Hours upon hours our bodies and souls connected into one magnificent union, and what made it even better was that the magic of our court was strengthening our love. Out of every single gift in the world, love was the most powerful. I just wished it was strong enough to save the Land of the Fae.
WHEN THE NIGHT ebbed off to bring the dawn, I watched Brayden sleep peacefully beside me. I wanted to fall asleep and relax in his arms, but the night was over, meaning that our world of nothing else existing didn’t exist anymore. The evil was still there, lurking behind the corner and waiting to strike; I had to face it head on.
Dressing back in my white gown from the night before, I draped my blue cloak over my shoulders and quietly walked out of the house and out onto my land. The ice was smooth as I ambled across it, and I wondered what it would feel like to have ice skates and be able to dance and glide around on them. It didn’t matter, though. All that mattered was that my court was strong and ready.
The sound of hooves beating across the ground vibrated through the trees, and when I glanced behind me, I was amazed to see a whole entourage of people headed our way. My whole family, now including Brayden’s, trudged along on their horses along with Kamden and Zanna, and a contingent of warriors including Coran.
Brayden must have felt them coming because he walked out of the house, buttoning his shirt up in the process. “What are you doing out here?” Brayden asked softly. “I thought you would be in bed with me.”
I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I couldn’t sleep. Besides, we have company,” I informed him, pointing at our approaching guests.
Calista reached us first and jumped off her horse, flinging her arms around me. “You look amazing, Ariella. So how does it feel to be the queen of your own court?”
“It feels great,” I answered honestly. “Why are you all here?”
“Meliantha and I are here to help lend our magic to make your home, and the warriors are here because they choose to be allegiant to this Winter Court and follow Brayden. We also had a meeting last night about our plan of attack, and now that you and Brayden have completed the bond we wanted to discuss it all with you.”
“What did you come up with?” I asked hesitantly.
She smiled and shook her head, but that smile didn’t touch her eyes. “Let’s talk about that later. Right now we need to get your home built. You don’t want to stay in your little ice house forever do you? Where would you put all your kids?”
The thought did bring a smile to my face, imagining all the children Brayden and I would have, but it was just a dream and Calista knew it. Her eyes misted over, but I took her hand in mine and pulled her to the forest edge. “No tears, Calista, you understand me?” She nodded, but didn’t say a word. “Let’s use your magic and get this palace built.” Meliantha came up on my other side and took my hand, leaving me in the middle of my sisters.
“You weren’t planning on doing this without me were you?” Sorcha scolded playfully, taking Calista’s other hand.
The moment we all four took hands, the magic between us exploded into the land. The ground rumbled and shook as everything began to shift and change. In my mind, I pictured a palace just like mine in the Summer Court, but this one with white stone bricks surrounded by glimmering sheens of ice. It sparkled just like mine and Brayden’s little ice house in the woods and I loved it. Instead of gargoyles, like you would see on gothic castles across the world, I had angels protecting mine. If I couldn’t be there for Brayden, at least he would have his own guardian angels protecting our court. It all materialized in front of my eyes just as I imagined it.
“Thank you,” I whispered to my sisters as I gazed out at my new home. “I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life.”
They all looked over at me incredulously, and then to each other. “I didn’t do anything,” Calista admitted, letting go of my hand. “Once you grabbed a hold of my hand you took over somehow. I think that was all you. You didn’t even tell me what you wanted, remember?”
I stared at her for a moment, brows furrowed, and then out to my new home. “You’re right,” I whispered with uncertainty. “I didn’t tell you what I wanted.”
It was strange, but it was true. I thought it up in my head, and the moment I grabbed everyone’s hands it just appeared. It was weird, but then for some reason my whole body felt weird. Did I get new powers when Brayden and I bonded?
Things only got weirder when out of the corner of my eye I saw someone appear that I wasn’t expecting to ever see again. I blinked a couple of times, thinking it was just from lack of sleep, but when he saw me looking at him, I knew then that he was actually there. He gazed at me uncertainly, not knowing if I was seeing him, but when I made full eye contact with him, he started to approach me slowly, cautiously.
I backed up quickly, thinking that I had to be going crazy. What was wrong with me? Brayden could immediately feel my panic and rushed over, taking my face in his hands and going on full alert.
“Ariella, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he uttered worriedly, running his hands along my arms.
“I think I am,” I told them.
Everyone gazed at me with concern in their eyes, but what was I supposed to say. I didn’t understand what was happening, but even I couldn’t deny what I was seeing. It wasn’t an illusion, but there was some kind of magic at work that was making me see things.
It only became even more real when he spoke. “Ariella, can you see me?” he asked.
My eyes burned with unshed tears as I gazed upon the guy I looked up to as a child. I even had a silly crush on him when I was a little girl because he was always around my sister, Calista. Even in death he still followed her around. He still looked the same, all Summer Fae with golden tanned skin and blond hair that curled slightly over his ears and hung over his forehead. Merrick hadn’t changed a bit in the six years he’d been gone to the Hereafter. The question was … why could I see him?
I nodded quickly and whispered, “Yes, I see you.”
Brayden gently grasped my chin and turned my face toward him, his brows furrowed in confusion. “Are you all right? Who are you saying yes to?”
Standing by Calista, Merrick smiled and assured me, “I’m here, Ariella. Just tell them you see me. Maybe someone will know why you can. Elvena usually knows everything.”
I glanced at Brayden and then over to Calista, letting the tears fall as I kept looking at them both and then to Merrick. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and opened them one more time … only to see Merrick still there with a smirk on his face. “I’m still here,” he teased.
“Oh, holy hell I am going crazy,” I muttered, shaking my head. “I’m talking to a ghost.”
“Who?” Brayden and Calista asked at the same time.
I glanced at them both and whispered, “Merrick.”
It turned out that Merrick wasn’t the only deceased person I could see. Lukas happened to be one of them, too. It wasn’t easy relaying his and Kamden’s messages to each other. I spent the entire time crying, trying to talk to both of them. After a couple of hours of speculating and questions from Elvena and my family, the conclusion came down to my seeing ghosts being a case of delayed magical abilities. However, I knew it wasn’t true, but how could I tell my family that it didn’t feel right? I knew what my powers were and what I could do, but this gift didn’t have anything to do with my own abilities. It was something else.
Everyone gathered in the throne room of mine and Brayden’s newly built palace while he and I walked through the halls. I needed some time away; time to think. “I can’t believe you can see Merrick and Lukas,” Brayden announced. “I wonder why
you can see them now and not before. Is it strange being able to see them?”
“Of course it is,” I replied incredulously. “Especially with Merrick since I know how bad Calista misses him. Now that I can see him and she can’t, it makes me feel bad for her. I know your sister helped her see him in her dreams, but I know it’s not the same thing as what I can do.”
He draped his arm across my shoulders and sighed. “I know it’s not the same thing, but at least you have ties to him now in case she ever wanted to talk to him.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Are you ready to go back now?” he asked.
I glanced up at him and nodded. With my newfound powers my body felt odd and not like myself at all; it was strange. “Yeah, I’m ready to go in there. The sooner we do, the faster everyone will leave.”
And the sooner I could get away and get to the dark sorcerer to kill him. The longer we waited the more time he had to get his mortal army into place. Brayden opened the giant heavy wooden doors with our Winter Court crest carved onto it and led the way into the room. Merrick and Lukas were still there, and with a nod I acknowledged them along with everyone else gathered around.
“What have you all discussed?” Brayden asked, glancing around the room.
I took a seat in the front of the room on the dais while Brayden gathered around everyone else on the floor. It was hard to participate in the strategy planning when I already knew what was going to happen. I was going to head out first thing tonight and make my way to the Black Forest.
Merrick lifted a brow and strolled up to me looking grim. “I hear that weapon you carry on your belt is what’s going to save our land,” he mentioned, taking a seat beside me.
“Yes, it is,” I answered as quietly as I could.
Merrick pursed his lips and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Did you know they were thinking about taking it away from you?”
Immediately, I jerked my head in his direction and glared. “What?” I hissed, placing my hand protectively over the hilt of the dagger. “I don’t think so.”
“Why do you need it?”
I huffed, “Because I just do. I can’t let them take it away from me.”
He studied me for a moment and then lowered his head and groaned, running his hand through his blond hair. “Oh, baby girl, you haven’t changed a bit. Always so fearless and strong, yet running head first into trouble any chance you got.”
I rolled my eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Merrick sighed. “It means that I know you’re up to something. Have you forgotten already that I’d been a part of your family for years? I watched you grow up, Ariella, so I know what you’re capable of. Calista told me to keep my eyes on you because she thinks the same thing.”
“Is everyone going to always think I’m up to something?” I snapped halfheartedly, knowing very well everyone would always think that no matter how old or young I was.
He chuckled, showing off the dimples I used to love seeing on his face when he was alive. He said, “Yes, I think so. Look, whatever you have in your mind that you plan on doing, don’t do it. I wasn’t joking when I said they wanted to take your dagger, but if you have something up your sleeve you need to forget about it.”
I scoffed and crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. “Even if I did have something up my sleeve there is nothing you could do to stop me. I’m a big girl now, Merrick, and I’m also queen of my own court. I think I know how to protect my people and keep them safe.”
Standing from my chair, I didn’t wait on him to reply. Instead, I joined into the group and went to stand by Brayden. “So what’s the verdict?” I asked, peering at everyone and taking in their concerned gazes.
Leaning over the drawings of our land, Brayden straightened his shoulders and sighed. “We strike the day after tomorrow. It’ll give us time to get everyone ready to fight and for our allies to join us.”
I could deal with that because it would give me plenty of time to do what I had to do before anyone got hurt. The gloomy expressions on the faces of everyone around me, however, gave me pause. From the hesitation coming from Brayden through the bond I knew exactly what was going on; Merrick was right. They wanted the weapon.
“What else is going on?” I demanded, placing a protective hand on the dagger. The movement didn’t go unnoticed, making the tension in the room elevate a hundred levels.
Brayden cleared his throat, his tone wary as he gazed at me and began, “I want you to let us have the dagger, angel. We all decided that since the sorcerer is not after you specifically anymore that it might be best for someone else to carry it into battle.”
Fuming and eyes wide with rage, I hissed through gritted teeth, “Are you saying I’m not going to be fighting? Who else is going to carry it other than me? It’s not like there are too many other choices of people who can touch it.”
Taking a deep breath, he nodded sadly and closed his eyes. “You’re right, there are not that many choices, but Elvena thinks we may have a way to where someone else can wield it other than you or the others. Also, I would never keep you from fighting, Ariella. You are an amazing warrior and no matter what I, or anyone else, says you will be out there with that sword in your hand.”
“Who then?” I demanded, placing my hands on my hips, observing them all. “Which one of you is going to be the one to kill the sorcerer? I don’t remember all of you letting me in on this decision.”
I stood there waiting on someone to answer me, but all they did was either look away or send apologetic glances toward Brayden. Each second I didn’t get an answer was a second closer I was to losing control. I couldn’t take anymore.
“Who!” I shouted, my hands shaking with anger. The echo of my scream bounced off the walls with a deafening roar, making everyone flinch.
“It’ll be me, angel,” Brayden confessed softly. “I have to know you’re going to be safe,” he finished silently.
My blood froze in my Winter veins and my heart tightened in my chest. Turning around slowly, I gazed at him in disbelief. There was no way in hell I was letting him sacrifice himself for me. He probably didn’t even know that I was the one who had to do it. By the look in Elvena’s eyes when I cast her a sideways glance I knew for a fact she hadn’t told him the truth yet.
“Like hell you are,” I exclaimed firmly with my head held high. To everyone, I said, “I am the one who is going to do this, not anyone else. It was destined for me and I’ve accepted that. Keeping me in the dark wasn’t going to change anything.”
Confused, Brayden furrowed his brows and spoke, “What are you talking about keeping you in the dark? Who kept you in the dark?”
My gaze found Elvena, my sisters, and Sorcha, but then I turned and focused just on Brayden. When I left this room it would be the last time I saw him, especially if he wanted to take the dagger from me. If he succeeded in that, our world would suffer the dire consequences, and I couldn’t have that.
“Do you know what the scroll said?” I asked him.
He nodded quickly. “Yes, it told us what we needed to do as far as the weapon to kill the sorcerer.”
“Is that it?”
“Yes, why?” he inquired hesitantly. “What else was there? Was there more?”
Sighing, and with tears beginning to blur my vision, I cupped his cheeks in my hand and kissed him one last time. If I explained to him what I knew he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. I had to go now before he could stop me.
I poured all my love and soul into our final kiss and let my tears escape. “I love you, Brayden. Whatever you do, don’t forget that.”
He immediately pulled away from the kiss and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you saying that? What else was in the scroll? Tell me!”
Shaking my head, I wiped away the tears and forced myself to smile up at him even though I was breaking apart inside, knowing it was the last time I would ever set my eyes on him. As softly and calmly as I could, I cried, “It doesn’t matter
right now. All that matters is keeping our land safe and we’re going to do that. If you don’t mind I’m going to rest while you all finish up in here. If you need me I’ll be in our room.”
Frowning, he took my hand in his and lifted my chin with his other. “Do you want me to walk with you?” he asked, his tone laced with worry.
Shaking my head, I tried to keep my voice from trembling when I replied, “No, I’ll be fine. Stay here with everyone and I’ll see you when you get done. I just need to rest.”
I kissed him one last time and turned away quickly so I could get out of the room before breaking down. My heart broke with each step I took toward the door, and it took all I had not to look back. I couldn’t look back.
Good-bye, Brayden.
“WHERE DID ARIELLA go?” Calista asked after Ariella left the room. Her gaze was wide and panicked as she rushed up to me.
Befuddled, I responded, “She said she was tired and needed to rest so she went to our room. Why does it matter?”
“She can’t be alone right now,” she muttered quickly. “She’s up to something. I can feel it and it’s not like her to just walk out of here calmly after we wanted to take the dagger away from her. Trust me, you need to go after her … now. We need to get the dagger before she goes and does something stupid.”
“Tell me what’s going on. Does this have to do with what the scroll said?” I demanded. “I’m not going anywhere until I get some damn answers.”
Mumbling something about me being just like Ryder, Calista stepped aside so Elvena could come in and explain. When Calista told me to track down Ariella, I never knew the situation was as dire as they thought until Elvena said, “Brayden … there are some things you don’t know. Things that myself and the others kept from you and Ariella.”
Clenching my fists at my sides, I started to fume but I had to hear what she had to say. “Go on,” I snapped impatiently with a wave of my hand.
