by Jarica James
“It’s not safe to go out alone now, my Queen.” His voice is low, but it doesn’t matter. I’m so on edge that when he startles me, I jump and almost punch him in the jaw.
“I’m so sorry, Allwyn," I give him a sheepish smile. “I guess I’m a bit on edge and I didn’t hear you.”
“I guess I don't need to worry about your safety.” He laughs at me, despite my attempt to punch him. Men are so odd sometimes. The sound of his laugh is mesmerizing and I can’t seem to look away from the softening of his features and the husky laugh that he’s indulging in. My cheeks flame when I realize I’m openly checking him out.
“So, you’re here to babysit me?” I ask as I turn to face the trees. At this point I can’t ignore the tug anymore.
“I’m merely trying to be your guard. It’s what I do," his voice is back to being stoic. I already miss the light tone he uses when he’s not being so serious.
“And I’m not trying to be rude, it just feels like I’ve lost my independence," I explain quietly, pausing just on the edge of the tree line.
“That’s understandable. It’ll be alright,” he says with a robotic head pat. Clearly comforting people isn’t his strong suit, but I appreciate his effort.
With one last deep breath, I head into the forest. I’m not sure which way to go, but as soon as I follow the path I feel the tug in my stomach become weaker. That startles me enough to pause and I turn in a circle to see if anything else jumps out. As I face deeper into the woods, I feel it’s strength again. Of course my internal compass couldn’t possibly lead us through a path, instead it sends me through thick tree branches and waist high plants.
“May I ask what you’re doing?” Allwyn gives me an incredulous look as I spin again, then take off into the thick of the forest.
“I need to follow the pull," I say over my shoulder as I fight my way through the snagging branches and vines. Now that I’m here, it’s so strong it consumes me.
After fighting our way through a patch of thorns that have both of us cursing under our breath, we reach a small clearing and I sigh in relief. I’m not made for intense hiking but the magic doesn’t care.
Unfortunately it’s short lived, the tugging sensation is now strong and painful. It feels like a rope is tied tightly around my stomach and keeps yanking me in new directions.
Gritting my teeth, I shift until I find the area that feels the strongest and follow it again. The walk is a bit neurotic as I constantly stop and shift my direction, but the closer we get to whatever it is, the more intense it is. I just want answers and we’ve come too far to go back now.
The pull stays strong, but the further I walk, the more lightheaded and dizzy I feel. At one point Allwyn puts his hand on my back to keep me steady and I don’t even bother to fight it.
Then all at once it tapers off. I try to find it again, but the moment I find the pull, my body goes rigid and my magic begins to rise to the surface.
“My Queen?” Allwyn asks in alarm. If I wasn’t in a weird trance, I’d answer him. When he realizes that, he tenses and crouches slightly in a defensive stance, looking around for danger. When nothing pops out, he walks in front of me, likely seeing the panic in my eyes. Before he can touch me or try and break me out of the trance, my legs propel me forward at an inhuman speed.
At least my body seems to know how to avoid the pain, so I’m not slammed into trees or tripping over roots. Allwyn jogs beside me and his head swivels like an owl taking in every inch of our surroundings. I’m so fucking panicked I can barely breathe, but I can’t stop myself no matter how much magic I try to throw at it.
After what feels like at least an hour of trance travel, we face a thick ancient tree. The forest is calmer here, quiet. No outside noise or animals can be heard, just the slight rustle of wind through the leaves. The tree itself is strange, almost like several trees have grown and twisted together to form it. A warm light surrounds it, making it stand out against the deep green of the forest.
All of that is forgotten quickly as my body continues to pull me forward and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Oh my God! I’m going to be smashed into this tree!
“Arabella!” Allwyn screams as he tries to yank me away, but my body doesn’t slow down even for him. I can’t even close my eyes to avoid the impact, forced to watch my impending bludgeoning.
Just as I mentally prepare to be knocked out or killed, I feel a temperature change and somehow pass right through the bark. The inside of the tree is hollow and I’m standing inside the shelter of it. My body is released and I turn to see if Allwyn was able to follow me. He’s standing behind me in a fighting stance, relaxing when he realizes that I can move.
“My Queen?” He inquires. Needing the comfort, I walk toward him and take his hand. For once he doesn’t argue, simply giving my hand a squeeze. Feeling a bit more in control, I start to check out the room we’re in.
From the outside it was huge, but inside seems even more so. It's nearly the size of a normal cul-de-sac. It reminds me of Mary Poppins bag, magically expansive.
The tree may be hollow, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty. Someone turned it into a makeshift home. There’s a bed, a kitchen, a table, a giant ornate mirror and in the center of the room is a large circular rug tying it all together.
The mirror catches my attention and once I look, I can’t tear my gaze away. It’s almost eight feet tall and four feet wide. The outside is an intricate design of vines and flowers that twists around the frame. It’s all painted a bright silver with jewels inlaid into each of the flowers. It’s beautiful.
“My Queen!” A man’s rumbling voice booms in the silence. We both startle, looking around frantically but there’s no one but us here. “I have been waiting for many years for you to come. I am glad to finally meet you.”
“Show yourself!” I call, not letting go of Allwyn’s hand. If anything I’m crushing his fingers with mine.
The sound of air rushing through the room rushes past as a man finally appears in front of us. He’s dressed in a long, dark green cloak. He has the pointed ears of a fae, which I expected. He’s ruggedly handsome, with his chiseled features and broad shoulders. Despite the roughness to his appearance, he has kind, blue eyes. His shoulders are hunched forward in a bow while he studies my reaction.
“Who are you and why did your magic bring me here?” I demand in the most confident tone I can muster. He glances down at mine and Allwyn’s joined hands and raises a brow.
“I’m what you might call a gatekeeper. This is the location of the last portal to Faerie. The Princess of Spring and Prince of Winter came many years ago to confide in me. They were warned that the dark army was a day away and wished to hide their infant in the mortal realm. I was tasked with binding your magic and using my magic to give you a permanent glamour. You were placed with a human family and I’ve been awaiting your awakening. It was to be triggered when your royal instincts kicked in to protect your people. I assume that happened?” he asks, with a neutral expression.
“She took a bullet for me. We didn’t know each other then. In fact I wasn’t kind to her since I thought she was human.” He sounds ashamed so I give his hand a squeeze. I know his past couldn’t have been easy, and I’m not holding any grudges.
“That would do it,” he says as he studies me. “You are quite remarkable, and I think you are just what Faerie needs. You were created out of love, and your mixed heritage makes you one of a kind. It’s not only the mix of courts, but also the mix of royal blood that makes you strong and unique. Very few have survived Faerie, but you my dear, will restore it. It’s time to go home, are you ready?” I raise my eyebrows at him. Whatever I thought we’d find at the end of this experience, it was not to be asked to go to Faerie, let alone restore it.
Unable to process it alone, I turn to take in Allwyn’s reaction, which is much more controlled than I anticipate. He looks intrigued, with a hint of excitement. He also looks incredibly suspicious.
“We’re going to need to
know how you expect her to restore a land that rejected us," Allwyn’s somber tone is fierce when directed at someone else. It must be him in guard mode, and I can easily say I’m a fan.
“It was believed that you would have unique abilities. Your mother possessed the ability to alter the weather for a short time, as well as nature abilities. She was able to communicate with animals and could feel Faeries’ emotions if they were strong enough. Your father had control of Winter abilities, such as ice and shadows. You’ll probably have a mixture of those as well as rare gifts not known before. Either way, my Queen, you are the one who will bring balance back to the fae realm,” the gatekeeper finishes and raises both of his hands in triumph. But I’m not taking him at face value just yet.
“Are the fae the only ones who left Faerie?” I had heard legends of other creatures who lived in Faerie and had always wondered what happened to them. The gatekeeper looks sad for a moment before answering.
“Most couldn’t survive when the land became hostile. Other’s disappeared. Honestly I don’t have a good answer. We just don’t know,” he explains.
“How are we to survive and rebuild in a toxic land? We left for a reason.” Allwyn makes a valid point.
“That’s where the balance comes in. The reason the people worked so hard to save and hide you, was that your abilities should help restore the lands. They have had time to heal, and your nature abilities should help them along.” Now I’m skeptical. How can I restore anything?
“If my mom had these abilities, why couldn’t she restore them? Why do you even think that I can? I have no connection to Faerie.” I glance at Allwyn and he still holds his suspicious gaze on the gatekeeper.
“One of the people who helped to bind you was able to read your magic. She claimed your healing abilities would surpass anything we’ve seen. It will take time, and work, but they believed you could do it. And I highly doubt you have no connection. Every fae knows Faerie.” He finishes speaking and pauses, letting the new information sink in.
“We shall go and discuss this, we’ll return tomorrow, gatekeeper," Allwyn announces, making the decision for us. I appreciate it, my mind is already overwhelmed with information.
“Before you go, here is a royal communication stone.” He passes me a smooth purple stone. It’s flat, fitting perfectly in the palm of my hand. I slowly turn it over, watching it reflect the light in the room before giving a questioning look to Allwyn.
“Will this contact all of the remaining fae on the Earth realm?” Allwyn inquires. The gatekeeper nods and Allwyn gives one in return, before he pulls me by our linked hands through the fake wall. Once we’re in the forest again, I turn around to look at the tree. I don’t want to forget which tree led us to the Gatekeeper, but I think that would be an impossibility, it stands out too much.
“Let’s go back to your apartment and get only what you need. Call Jacob and have him bring his car.” Allwyn is bossy when he’s on a mission but he’s missing one key aspect… I never agreed to leave. I need time to process, and I need to talk to Jacob. Annoyed, I let Allwyn have his hand back. The moment I release it I regret it, a twinge of loneliness striking even though he’s right next to me. Allwyn seems to affect me in ways I’m not used to.
As we walk, I try to think things over. Life here isn’t exactly inviting now, I don’t want to fight my way through crowds every day just to go home. Plus the whole unemployed thing doesn’t quite help. I loved my job at Deb’s but I’m afraid working there would be like wearing a blinking sign, telling the assholes ‘freak fae here’.
The need to get to Jacob and have one of those serious talks we do when big decisions pop up, is overwhelming. I power walk through the forest with more grace than I’ve ever managed before.
We get a few hostile looks as we wind our way through town and my apartment building, but I barely give it a second thought. Once we’re safely inside, I lock the door behind us. Pausing, I send a quick text to Jacob with the plan and mention that we need to talk about the latest news, before I focus on packing. Because going to Faerie or not, I can’t pay for this place anymore. At least Jacob offered for me to stay with him until we figure this shit out.
Glancing around my apartment I feel a wave of sadness. This has been my home for two years and even if it’s small, it’s mine. I feel a few tears leak down my face for the life I lost in the blink of an eye. With everything happening, I know I’m not going to be returning to school. Arabella Florian is a past life. Now I have to be Arabella, Queen of the fae. The pressure of my new role is weighing me down. I don’t know how to lead, or anything about the land I would potentially rule. What kind of queen could I really be?
I feel a hand on my shoulder as Allwyn steps in front of me. He wipes away my tears and puts a finger under my chin to raise my gaze to his. I didn’t even realize I was standing with my head down, not moving. He probably thinks I’m losing it.
“I understand the feeling of leaving your home. Change is never easy, but always necessary. Think of this as a new chapter. And do not doubt yourself. I can see the power and strength you possess. You also have a humble nature that sets you apart from any previous fae royalty. You’re unique and exactly who I would picture to save Faerie.” He has a look of understanding and respect, giving me a boost in confidence. Taking a calming breath, I nod and touch his cheek. This man is so hard to understand, but I appreciate him all the same. He closes his eyes for a moment, as if savoring the intimate touch.
When he opens his eyes again, I pull away and move to find my moving bins. There are only four, but that will have to be enough, the landlords can toss the rest. I put them down side by side in the living room and get to work. By the time I hear a knock on the door, I’m almost finished with everything important. I open the door to let River and Jacob in and Andras walks in behind them. It definitely can’t hurt to have an extra set of hands.
“I’m almost finished. Should we wait until we’re back at Jacob’s to discuss the news?” I ask, looking at Allwyn for confirmation.
He gives them a quick glance, before agreeing. “Your walls are thin,” he says simply, his somber protector mode back in full force. I nod and go back to my room to finish the final packing. As I fold a pile of my favorite clothes on the bed and watch it grow by the second, I let out a sigh of defeat. I can’t take them all and only have one bin left. Jacob comes into my room as I’m dumping my bras on the bed and grumbling to myself.
“How are you holding up, Queenie?” He asks, carrying the empty bin over and placing it next to the bed. I stack my clothes inside before answering, ignoring the fact it’s towering out.
“I’m not done processing and today made it worse. Jacob, I’m scared," I admit quietly, my voice quivering. He doesn’t respond, instead he comes up and pulls me into the tight hug he knows I need. Jacob is my safe place and the thought of leaving him behind is making this all worse. If only I could take him with me, then the decision would be easy.
“On to more pressing matters,” he announces and I laugh at his subject change. “Andras, what’s his story?” He lowers his voice conspiratorially so they can’t hear us from the other room.
“I have no clue, honestly. Why?” I ask, forcing him to admit the reason for his sudden curiosity.
“He’s cute, that’s all.” He tries to play his question off as nonchalant, but I know better. Jacob has a crush. I giggle and point at him in accusation.
“You like him!” I squeal and he quickly shushes me, though he’s grinning widely. Good, Sam was a jerk and he shouldn’t let that stop him from finding his happiness.
We gossip as I pack up the last few important possessions. Jacob eventually forces the lid on my clothes so I don’t have to toss them. Then finally we move on to the last thing, my art desk. “Grab Dormy’s cage please, we need that. He’s been in his travel cage for too many days," I direct at Jacob as I grab my roll of art paper and supplies. I can’t seem to give up everything that made me who I am. With a sigh of defeat, I throw
the supplies on top of the bins and secure the lids.
I glance around at my apartment one last time, taking in all I’m leaving behind. Before I let it really sink in, I pick up a bin and the others follow suit. Jacob locks the door and slides my key under it before we walk away, officially leaving my old life behind.
Chapter 9
“What do you mean, you’re going to Faerie?” Jacob yells, his voice loud and accusing. He’s been pacing and yelling since I explained the basics of what the gatekeeper told us. As my gaze follows the path he’s wearing into the carpet, they fill with tears. I can’t do this.
Trying to push away the feelings of doubt he’s giving me, I put a gentle hand on his arm so he’ll stop and face me. “Jacob this is about more than just me. I can’t leave these people to this bullshit for the rest of their lives. I also can’t leave the land like it is. If there’s even a chance I can fix it, then I have to," I say through my tears.
“You can’t leave me behind, Queenie," Jacob pleads quietly as the fight leaves him. “You are all I have left, and the only real friend I’ve had my whole life. Even my family cast me away when they found out I was gay, but you never have,” he says as he falls onto the couch in defeat.
I scoot over and sit in his lap, wrapping my arms around him. We sit in silence for several minutes until River can’t hold her questions in anymore.
“What will we eat? How can we bring in the rest of the fae? Do you really think you can heal the land? What if it takes a while before we can survive there?” she asks all at once, causing Allwyn to hold up a hand to calm everyone down.
“First, we don’t know what Faerie is like right now. We will pack and take food with us. We can exit the portal the same as we can enter it, so we can send some of us to replenish supplies as often as we need. We also can’t be sure of what all our queen can accomplish until she’s fully connected with Faerie and her power. This is a mission of faith. But you can’t expect Arabella to have all the answers right now, it’s unrealistic and rude.” His serious tone and logical explanation calms the hysteria floating through the room.
