“You’ve got this, Liauna. Without you and the guys they would’ve been over run. Just take a deep breath.” She places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
I cover her hand with mine and smile weakly at her in the mirror. She places my tiara, perfectly center, on my head and then hands me my engagement ring.
Before I can say anything, she starts talking.
“Please wear it. You don’t want this king to try to arrange a marriage with you, or for you. Evans, Callum and Anton all have a ring to wear as well. Your father’s idea. The Fae Realm Kingdoms are all different. Please tread carefully with your words and promises here.”
I slide on the ring, “I will think before I speak. Thank you for your guidance. Will you please join us? You may need to be my voice of reason, whispering in my ear.”
“For you, Princess, it would be my honor.” She smiles at me.
We hear the doors open behind us, creaking on the hinges, and Evans enters with Anton and Callum on his heels. “Princess, they are ready for us. It’s time to meet the king.”
Sighing I get up. I’m as ready as I'll ever be. I walk towards the doors, noticing all three are wearing a ring on their left ring finger. They are silver with diamonds and sapphires, the perfect complement to my ring. My heart swells with pride and joy. As I reach them, Evans and Anton each hold out a hand for me. Taking each of their hands, we head to meet the King.
Walking in silence, we follow the same guard we fought along with just a short time ago. Wordlessly, he leads us to the throne room. As he bows we follow suit. I don’t bow as deeply as the others, being that I’m a Princess.
The guard faces us and says “May I introduce you to my king: King Metis, and his daughter, Cait.”
I look up at the throne, and by the king’s side stands the girl that I saved outside the gates earlier.
It’s really a small world.
“What are you and your band here for? What do you want, and why did you bring those monsters with you?” Metis says angrily, in a huff of breath.
I take one step forward. “Your Majesty, I am Princess Liauna of the Western Kingdom. My father, King Roman, sent me and my group to warn you of the attack. We only just arrived in time to help defend your castle.”
He looks past me and talks to Evans. “You, male Fae, why do you let this woman speak for you?”
“She is not only my Princess, but my soulmate. I will let her speak for me whenever she sees fit. My King sent her here to talk to you, not myself, nor our companions.” Evans replies in a flat tone.
“Father, if not for this Princess, those things would have eaten me. You didn’t see them. They were disgusting, with missing limbs, and black goo in place of blood.” Cait tells the King.
“Why were those monsters coming to my kingdom?” He asks the room.
“Have you heard of Deezy? The former King of the South? My father’s sources were told he went mad, wanting to rule the whole Fae Realm. He sought out a witch, and she cursed him with this creeper plague. I had a run in with him recently, and he said he was the ‘one true King of this Realm.”
I give them a few minutes to let this news sink in, then I continue.
“You need to protect your subjects, and stay inside the palace walls. If you have willing Fae, I would also train them to fight. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but we may need them to win this war.”
“I will think on what you have said. Tonight we will have a feast and I will announce my answer. You are to return to your chambers to prepare for the feast. I will have attire brought to you each. You will be expected to wear it.” He dismisses us.
Led back to our guest rooms, I pull out a book that I had snuck into my bag. I climb into an armchair and get comfortable. We still have a little while until we have to get ready for the feast.
Just as I’m getting to a good part in the book, there is a knock on my door. Sighing, I place a bookmark in my book, and head to answer the door. Cautiously, I open it, and I’m relieved to see it’s Princess Cait, and not the King.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She says.
“Not at all, I was just reading to pass the time.”
“With a soulmate that looks like yours, I could think of more fun things to do.”
“Is that so, Princess?” Evans speaks, startling us both.
Evans and I both laugh at the shocked look on Cait’s face.
“My apologies. I came to check on my Princess, because she was alone in her room. Ever since we arrived back in the Fae realm she has had an escort, so I thought she might be lonely.” He smiles.
“What is it that I can do for you, Princess?” I ask.
“I just wanted to personally thank you for saving me. It was inspiring to see you out there with the guys. I think it is amazing that you can hold your own. I think you are better trained than half of our guards.”
“I’m just glad I got to you in time. Evans here is my trainer for sword fighting. I only just started my training, so I still have a lot to learn. Anything else, Princess?” I ask.
“Yes, what is your favorite color?” She asks mysteriously.
“Blue. Why do you ask?”
“Just a surprise I have planned.” She replies with a smile. Then she turns and walks out the door, leaving me and Evans alone.
I turn back to Evans, “So, do I need a babysitter now Mr. Big, Bad Fae?” I inquire, walking towards him.
“Not at all. I just missed you.” He smiles.
“It’s been thirty minutes since you saw me last.” I laugh, reaching out to him.
“It was agony. Thirty minutes of pure agony.” He smirks, wrapping his arms around me as well, as he leans in to kiss me.
I lead him back to my armchair, pushing him to sit. I take my place on his lap, and lean into him.
“Give it to me straight, how bad did I do meeting the King?” I ask, looking into his blue piercing eyes.
I see the corners of his eyes crinkle up as he smiles. “You worry too much, Princess. You were wonderful. I am so proud that you were able to hold your tongue when he so rudely ignored you.”
“Yes, that was a test, and it wasn’t easy to let it slide. Princess or not, I will not be talked down to.” I proclaim.
“Nor should you be.” He replies as his fingers trace my spine.
Straightening, I laugh at that remark. “Did you forget how you talked to me when we first met? You got better after we sparked, but you still had to work at it.”
“Is that so, Princess? For that, I am sorry.”
“No worries. I like this loveable Evans better, even if it took awhile for him to appear.” I yawn.
Evans picks me up as he stands and carries me to the bed. He pulls back the cover and deposits me in the middle of the bed. He then takes his shirt off, and he climbs in to join me. I snuggle close, and he wraps his warm arms around me. I drift into a dreamless sleep, and I am grateful the nightmares don’t return.
When I wake up, I am again sandwiched between two of my guys. Evans is still wrapped around me, and my arms are wrapped around Anton’s cool back. I’m a little sad that Callum isn’t snuggling with us as well when I hear his snoring. I peek my head up from in between my guys, and I can see that Callum is sleeping in the armchair. How sleeping in that position is comfortable is beyond me.
I hear a light rapping on the door. Struggling to get loose from the arms and legs I was happy to be wrapped in a few minutes ago, I make my way towards the end of the bed. Just as I manage to climb out of the bed, Kalli is entering the room, arms loaded with dresses. Zach is on her heels, struggling with the weight of clothes he is carrying too. I rush to Kalli’s aid, grabbing a handful of dresses and throwing them atop of my sleeping beauties.
Hearing them both groan under the weight of the dresses, I stifle the laugh.
Boys, you think that’s torture, you should try wearing them.
“Kalli, what’s with all the clothes? I thought they were just gonna send over an outfit for us to
wear. This is a little overkill. I can’t wear all these at once!”
“Just pick one. The Princess insisted that you have a choice, so she brought every blue dress in the kingdom for you to decide.” Kalli sighed.
“Wow, I guess I need to start looking if we are to get to dinner on time. Callum, Anton, Evans, get your asses up and come help. I have a shit-ton of dresses to look through.”
More groaning comes from the guys, but they get up. Kalli coordinates, getting four piles laid out on the bed, each guy in front of one. They hold a dress up for me to look at, and after I say no, they put it to the side and grab another. We are almost near the end of the piles when I see the perfect one. A dark sapphire mermaid gown that has a crystal encrusted bodice with a sweetheart neckline.
“Ok guys, the one Anton has is it. Thank you for your help. Kalli will stay to help me dress, and then we will come get you when it’s time for dinner.” I kiss each of them, but Zach, on the cheek as they exit my room.
Sitting down on the vanity, Kalli starts brushing my hair. She then braids my hair into a beautiful bun. I wiggle into the dress, and Kalli ties up the back.
I’m so grateful for all the training and cardio. I wouldn’t fit into this dress otherwise.
Kalli adds my tiara to complete the look, then she hurries off to ready herself. I take this time to relax and center myself. I decide to practice a little of my fire and water powers. With a clear mind, I open my eyes to see an orange ball of fire. I will it to change from orange -to yellow -to blue. I am amazed when it does just that. I hear a knock on the door and quickly, with my water power, quench the flame. I call on my air power to dry the puddle I made.
When Anton enters my room, I almost have to pick my jaw up off the floor. His spiky hair is gelled perfectly. They sent him black dress slacks and a green button up shirt.
Wow they have normal clothes in the Fae Realm?
I swipe at my mouth checking for drool, as Anton chuckles at me.
“What? You should be apologizing for not having to do a drool check when you saw me.” I pout.
“Yes, Princess, I apologize. You are gorgeous. I was too stunned by your beauty to process a reaction.” He smiles innocently.
“Sure, sure, suck up now. You still aren’t forgiven.” I mockingly huff a half smile playing on my lips.
“Are you ready for this feast?” He asks, changing the subject. Sly dog.
“No, but let’s go and get this over with before I change my mind.” I sigh.
This time our steps are slow as we take in the palace. It is so different from my father’s. Everything here is decorated in golds and reds, murals line the walls. Our walk ends too quickly as we are already stepping in front of the doors that will lead us to the feast.
“Anton, I’m really glad you’re here with me. I wish Evans and Callum were too.”
Kissing me on the lips, he whispers as he pulls away, “They are awaiting your arrival on the other side of those doors.”
We quietly make our way to our seats, holding hands. All eyes are on us as we sit.
“Princess Liauna, I thought you and Evans were soulmates? Yet, you enter the dining hall holding hands with this half-breed.”
“Yes, your Majesty, Evans and I are soulmates. This half-breed has a name. It is Anton. He is also my soulmate. I am a half-breed too, but you will refer to me as Princess Liauna, and to him as Anton. To set the record straight, Callum is also my soulmate.”
I pick up my glass and take a drink of the water in front of me.
“Wow, I have never heard of Fae with more than one soulmate. How is this possible?” Cait asks.
“Honestly, it took us all by surprise. My father explained to us that he himself had two soulmates. His late wife, and also my mother. He was just as surprised that I have three.”
“Well, you just keep getting more and more interesting. Too bad you are spoken for, my older brothers have yet to meet their soulmates.” Cait ponders.
“Let us eat our feast, and then we'll discuss business.” Metis commands.
A team of Fae come around and deliver our meals. After one bite I’m done. The lack of flavor killed any appetite I had left. I sit there politely and just push the food around with my fork. After about twenty minutes of listening to the king talk about himself, I’ve had enough. He can gloat when the world is safe and creeper free. Just as I am about to excuse myself, the King turns to me.
“So, Princess, what exactly are you wanting from us? What do I get in return?”
“We only want you to fortify your palace, and keep your people safely inside. If you have extra men, we will need them when we face Deezy and his witch. We have nothing to offer in return. We are just trying to save as many Fae as we can. My father and I didn’t start this fight, but we intend to finish it.” I say, looking him in the eye.
“Interesting. I do not have any men I can spare, but once you call we will be there to aid you. I will personally see that each of the Fae in my kingdom is comfortable in the palace until this threat is taken care of.”
“Your Majesty, can I ask why the sudden change of heart?”
“Cait. She told me how you saved her life. Not fearing for your own, your only focus was getting her to safety. I don’t know many selfless Fae. I believe if there are more of us like you we will be better off. I know I come off arrogant, but that is just one of the many roles I play. I am father first, King second. You saving my daughter is something I can never repay.” The gratitude on his face warms my heart.
“I am glad that I was able to save your daughter. And many thanks for the food and shelter. We will depart first thing in the morning, as we need to make it to the Eastern Kingdom before more creepers do.”
“Any supplies you may need, please just ask, and they are yours. I will try to be a better host the next time you visit.” He replies, surprising me by looking somewhat embarrassed.
“Thank you, King Metis, I think I will retire for the night. Kalli is my go to for supplies, and she knows what we need. If you will excuse me, I’m going to lay down.” I stand and bow a little. Callum does the same, taking my hand, he leads me to my room.
In no real rush to get there, our steps are slow.
“What are we gonna do with this Zach kid?” Callum asks.
“I really don’t want to drag him around, but I will not let him go on his own. I will not send him to his death either. I can teleport him back to my father, that’s an option. We will have to ask Anton and Evans what they think later. I’m ready to get this dress off and get into bed.”
“Princess, what exactly are you saying?” Callums smirks.
“Sleep, Callum. Sleep. Geez, get your head out of the gutter.” I laugh.
As soon as we arrive at my room, I have Callum untie my dress so I can change into pajamas. I just ignore him as I focus on comfort and sleep. As soon as I’m changed, I crawl into bed.
“Callum, you can’t come to bed in those.” I tell him.
In two seconds flat, he is stripped down to just his boxers and jumps into the bed beside me.
“I thought you’d never ask.” He whispers.
“I didn’t ask, but I meant you needed to change too.” I laugh.
“Do you want me to go?” He teases.
I kiss him on the lips and snuggle in closer. “No.” I whisper as I fall asleep.
Chapter 13
I am rudely awakened to someone shaking me. I open one eye to see that it is Kalli.
“Ok, I'm up. What's the matter?”
“Princess, you have overslept. You need to get dressed now and meet the King and Princess for breakfast.” She replies.
“Crap!” I scramble out of the bed, noting that it is empty.
“Why didn’t anyone wake me sooner?”
“We all wanted you to get your rest. The trek to the Eastern kingdom is long and dangerous. You will need all the strength you can manage.”
Since we are leaving right after breakfast, I forgo the dress. This will save
time, and the headache later for both Kalli and I. My hair was still braided, and since I don’t have terrible bed head, we decide to go as is. I will have to pull it up into a bun for the walk but it is ok for now.
“I already have everything packed and ready for our journey. Let us head to breakfast, and try not to make a fuss since we’re late.” Kalli says.
We hurry to the dining hall, and I notice a few new faces joining us that hadn’t been at the feast last night.
“Aw, here she is sons. Princess Liauna, of the Western Kingdom.” King Metis turns to me as I take my seat. “May I introduce you to my sons, Eli and Ender.”
I nod and start eating, I am starving after just picking at my food last night. The King and his sons talk back and forth, Evans answers some questions every now and then. I sit back happily and just enjoying the food while I watch them talk.
As breakfast comes to a end, the King makes his way over to me, his sons in tow.
“Princess Liauna, I want to thank you again for saving my daughter. I would like to offer that my sons accompany you to the Eastern Kingdom. They know the best path to get there, as well as being two of my most skilled fighters.”
I smile, then reply, “I would love for them to come, but I make no promises for their safety. They come at their own risk. We will do all we can to keep them safe, but I have no idea what we will run into.” I tell him honestly.
“We understand what we are volunteering for. We are packed and ready to leave whenever you are.” Eli, the larger of the two, says.
I stand there and look them over for a minute. They are both tall and muscular, the opposite of their father. Their blond hair tied back out of their faces, with sincere looks on their faces. I nod and see smiles break through their lips.
Ender takes a step closer, “On our honor Princess, we will not fail you.”
Eli and Ender take their leave to grab their supplies, leaving me with the King.
“Thank you for hosting us. It has been a pleasant stay. I hope the next visit is less eventful.” I say, and bow slightly.
Evans takes my hand, nods to King Metis, and guides me back to my room.
Curse of the Fae (The Creeper Saga Book 2) Page 8
