by Leder, Nissa
Nevina twisted her arm, her hand facing up. A tendril of ice shot from her palm down the throne, onto the ground, straight to Poppy’s ankle. It crawled up her leg to her knee. “I could break her leg so quickly. Maybe I should—a lesson for not telling me about the power when the Fates told you.”
Cade’s muscles tensed. He could throw Summer magic at the line of ice and break Nevina’s connection to it, but then what?
No, he needed to stay calm. Panicking would show fear. “You could, but then you’d lose your chance to have me as an ally.”
“And you think I need you that badly?” Nevina twisted her hand to slightly to the right, causing Poppy to groan. “I will need some time to decide. My advisor will escort you two to one of our guest rooms to relax while I deliberate.”
The ice around Poppy’s leg melted.
Cade relaxed. Things were going as he had planned. He’d done what he could to convince Nevina his visit was genuine and she seemed to believe him.
So far.
* * *
Kaelem adjusted the pillow beneath his head. He was curled under a blanket, lying on his side as he watched today’s episode of his favorite soap opera.
In the last scene of the today’s episode, Nathan, a med student in his last year of internship, showed up on the doorstep of Claire, a young journalist who had been kidnapped by her stalker and finally escaped in the previous episode, to confess his feelings. As rain poured down, he told her he’d loved her for years, and it wasn’t until she was gone forever that he’d gained the courage to tell her the truth.
As tears dripped down her cheek, she ran to him with outstretched arms. He pulled her into a hug and spun her around as they shared their first kiss.
“You and your mortal dramas,” Aria said as she sat at the end of the couch.
“Does my sister not believe in true love?”
Aria glanced at the screen. “I don’t believe that is how true love works.”
“Maybe not, but it’s entertaining to watch anyway.” Kaelem grabbed the remote and turned the TV off.
“What about you, dear brother? Has love struck your heart?”
“Love is too dangerous for someone like me.”
“When has danger ever stopped you from going after something you wanted?”
“And what makes you think that’s what I want?”
Aria pulled her legs into a crisscross. “Your desire for Scarlett is quite obvious.”
“Desire and love are different things.” It wasn’t a lie. There were plenty of women Kaelem had taken to bed that he’d never thought of again. His feelings for Scarlett surpassed plain lust, but he didn’t think they reached the love level.
“True, but I sense it’s more than just lust.”
Kaelem tossed the blanket onto the back of the couch. His sister had always been able to see through him. But there was no need for her to know exactly what he felt for Scarlett.
“Have you talked to the guard about adding more security?” He changed the subject.
“Yes, they’ve added three more layers of protection and are researching other options.”
“Good. If you’re here, who’s with Ashleigh?” No matter what he thought about Scarlett, the last thing he wanted was to tell her someone had taken her sister.
“Three guards are protecting her.” Aria got up and walked to the door. Before leaving, she paused and said, “It’s okay to care for people, you know.”
Kaelem followed behind her. “But it clouds judgment, and now isn’t the time for anything to stand in the way of me protecting my court.”
Aria reached out and pulled Kaelem’s face toward hers then kissed his forehead. “You are a great king, brother.”
After Aria left, Kaelem stared out the window. The city lights sparkled throughout the valley below. Unlike most rulers who spent most of their time in their castles, Kaelem enjoyed going out into the city. The clubs were always his favorite. Alcohol, dancing, a general lack of clothing—what could be better? But he also bought clothing at the shops, went to the movies, and just meandered through the streets.
He wanted to visit the Otherworld again, to check in on Scarlett. Maybe repeat their last moment together. But that would leave his kingdom unprotected.
He had no claim to moral superiority, but he would protect those he cared about, whatever the cost.
Chapter Sixteen
With his pent-up magic, Cade lit the fireplace across the room. He needed something to warm him up from the chill of the Winter Court.
“Was this your plan?” Poppy lifted her arms and glanced side to side.
“She’s just trying to make us nervous.” Cade paced back and forth, trying to convince himself of his own words. If Nevina had wanted to hurt them, she’d have already done it. Unless she was trying to be cruel, which wouldn’t surprise Cade.
No, she needed allies and the Summer Court was strong. Its army had defeated the Winter Court the last time they faced one another. If Nevina wanted to take on the Seelie Queen, another war with Summer would slow her down.
It wasn’t like Poppy to be so…anxious. Her calm, collected nature was one of her greatest strengths. Normally, she’d sooner die than show fragility. Her apprehension was making him nervous.
“Are you okay?” Cade asked.
Poppy turned away from him. After a few seconds, her shoulders relaxed and she turned back. “Sorry. I’m fine. What do we do next?”
“We wait.”
An hour later, the Winter advisor escorted them back to the throne room. The number of guards had doubled. Next to Nevina, the Fates watched Cade and Poppy as they approached. Their appearance had drastically changed since they’d visited Cade with their predictions. Their dark, crazy eyes looked normal now. Their once frizzy hair had tamed.
“Look who’s come to be our friend,” the middle Fate said.
“Now, now. Be nice, Morta,” the one to the right spoke.
“You’re one to talk, Decuma.”
“What do you think, Nona?” Morta asked.
Nona didn’t answer. She was the prettiest of the three, with softer eyes than the other two.
“She’s a bit shy,” said Decuma.
Nevina rose from the throne and walked toward them, the train of her dress trailing behind her. “You’ve come to ask what we can offer you, but I want to know what you can offer us.”
“The Summer Court has a strong, loyal army. It will fight for whatever cause I choose.”
Nevina tapped Cade’s shoulder with her finger as she circled around him. “Yes, armies are valuable. But as you’ve just said, they will follow you. How do we know that you won’t betray us?”
Cade counted his breaths. One, two, three, keeping them slow and even. He thought of the chain around his neck. If Kaelem lied and someone could see into his mind, they’d sense his doubt.
“Have you made up your mind, Summer King? Are you our friend or our foe?”
The guards were as still as statues around the room, but with Nevina’s command, they would strike within seconds.
If he denied her, she might let them leave. But it was a risk. He needed to think of his court. Joining with Nevina gave him the most options. He could do as Kaelem asked and share their secrets, or, if he so chose, could follow through and become their true ally.
“The Summer Court would like to join with you to take back our power and challenge anyone who stands against us.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Nevina nodded to the guards by the door. “Bring her in.”
The guards left the room and returned with a dark-haired young fae woman. Her long hair was ratted and her cheeks were wet from tears.
Fabric had been shoved into her mouth and tied around her head. She struggled—to no avail—as the guards yanked her forward by the chains around her wrists.
Cade breathed in the fear pulsing from her. His magic stirred.
“This is one of the Seelie Queen’s seamstresses.” Nevina stared at Cade as she talk
ed as if oblivious to the muffled cries of the woman.
“And?” Cade asked, though he feared he knew what she wanted.
“We want to send a message to Genevieve. We aren’t going to sit around any longer without retaliation. All she need do is return us our power and we can move on. If not, there will be death.” Nevina looked to the girl. “Show us your commitment and kill her.”
Cade kept his head forward. He couldn’t look at the woman or his sympathy would show. She was a seamstress, not a member of the royal guard or army. A seamstress who most likely hadn’t been trained to fight. Who had no prayer to protect herself when whoever had stolen her had taken her.
With another inhale, Cade drew her fear from her. Her weeping stopped.
What had he expected? He’d witnessed the heartless expression on Nevina’s face as she tortured Laik to find out where Genevieve kept their bound magic. She’d enjoyed it.
And she’d enjoy watching Cade take an innocent life. He swallowed the guilt rising in him like bile. He couldn’t save this woman. If he didn’t kill her, someone else would. But if he could earn his spot with Nevina, someday he might be able to save someone else.
Cade pulled the dagger strapped to Poppy’s side. At least he could offer her as painless a death as possible. He went straight to her and met her gaze, her eyes wide with fear.
Did she have a family? A lover? What was her favorite hobby? None of it mattered, he reminded himself. War was coming. She wouldn’t be the only innocent one to die.
He absorbed her panic and numbed it as much as he could.
Then he slit her throat.
* * *
He might have failed the first time, but Raith had finally gotten Scarlet to the Darkland.
All due to her own stupidity. It was almost funny. His screw up should have made her more careful. Instead, she’d wandered exactly where he needed her to be. Soon, he would get the powers the Fates promised and get revenge on those who’d betrayed him.
He walked around the cage where Scarlett was trapped.
“You should have known coming here was a bad idea.” He unlocked the cage and entered. “I overestimated your desire to live.”
She lifted her chin and glared.
He approached her and extended his arm. He ran is fingers down her cheek. Scarlett tried to pull away, but her bonds prevented her from avoiding his touch. He laughed.
“I can see why the Unseelie King likes you. You’re easy on the eyes and I can sense the fire inside you,” Raith said.
Scarlett avoided his gaze, her jaw clenched.
He tilted her chin toward him and forced her eyes to meet his. “You were so happy to see me last time. What changed?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I thought you were someone else.”
“Your mistake,” he said. “I have to go for now, but don’t fret. I’ll be back.”
He let go of her chin and she looked away. Such stubbornness. It was tempting to stay and toy with her longer, but instead, Raith found the Fates in the castle parlor and shared the good news. “Scarlett seems to have found her own way to the Darkland. I was able to capture her and she’s ready whenever you need her.”
Morta smiled. “Lovely. You have done well and will be rewarded.”
“What should we do with her?” Decuma asked. “Throw her into father’s fire?”
“That would be too easy,” Morta said. “Perhaps she can be a living pin cushion for a few days. The creatures could have fun with her.”
“I have wanted to practice my archery.” Decuma clasped her hands together.
Raith didn’t care what they did with her as long as he got the power he was promised and could get the revenge on those who’d betrayed him.
Nona excused herself first, followed by Morta, leaving Decuma and Raith alone.
Decuma moved to Raith, grabbed his collar, and yanked his face to hers. “Good work, my pet.”
Her other hand reached around to his backside and pulled his body closer. She kissed him roughly.
His body responded as his hands grabbed her hips. This was dangerous. Who knew where the king was. But as her hands roamed his body, the risk flew away.
Raith lifted her and carried her to the couch. As soon as he had the power they promised him and his freedom, he would leave. But in the meantime, he would enjoy himself.
Chapter Seventeen
“I’m here to see your king. It’s important.” Sage groaned.
When she arrived at the Unseelie Court, she tried to evanesce directly to the palace gates at the top of the hill the castle stood on.
Instead, she’d hit a magical block and went flying backward, hitting the ground with a thud. Something had stopped her at the bottom of the hill and she’d had to climb it on foot.
“I’ll see if he’s available,” one of the guards replied before evanescing away.
Sure, he could evanesce here.
A few minutes later, the guard returned. Instead of bringing Kaelem, Aria followed behind. She looked thin in the short black skirt that accentuated her lean legs and purple tank top that showed off her delicate arms. Although she was petite, she exuded ferocity.
Sage would take some getting used to before such mortal clothes would seem normal to her. She’d spent her entire life in the Autumn Castle or the Autumn Forest, where mini-skirts and bright colors were unheard of.
“Let her in,” Aria said. “Do you not recognize the Autumn King’s daughter?”
The gates opened.
“I didn’t realize…” the guard who’d left said.
“Next time, I’m sure you will.” Aria turned and headed back to the castle. “Welcome, Sage. Follow me.”
Sage glared at the guards as she passed them. When Sage caught up with Aria, she was smiling.
“They get freaked out so easily. As if on a whim I might take their heads.” Aria laughed.
“I’ve heard worse things about the Unseelie Court,” Sage said.
“It’s earned its cruel reputation, but neither my brother or I have ever participated in its most sadistic traditions.” Aria eyed Sage. “I see you’re back in your usual attire.”
Sage’s ears grew hot. “The dress was fun for a night but not nearly mobile enough.”
She pictured fighting the wolf-like creatures in a dress.
“You look good in either.”
A string of lights on the ground lit the path they followed on each side. The sky above was dark, as it always was in the Unseelie Court. Sage wondered what time it actually was there. She knew time moved faster in Faerie, but she wasn’t sure how much faster. She’d been to the mortal realm too few times to have ever cared.
A large palace appeared, so different than the Autumn Palace. Its white exterior was grand, but odd. There was no elegance to its shape. Were all buildings in the mortal world so square? As they approached, the palace door opened.
“Well, hello.” Kaelem waited inside. “What brings you back here so soon? Has your father seen the light—well, maybe the dark—and decided to ally with me?”
“He hasn’t made up his mind yet.”
Confusion coated Kaelem’s face, wiping away his usual smirk. “What happened?”
Sage and Aria followed Kaelem into the parlor. This room was even stranger than the exterior, with purple walls and three lights with metal contraptions around them hanging over a counter. Were they considered stylish?
Sage pulled her focus from the bright walls and told them about the incident in the Faerie Forest, how she and her sister had visited Declan and barely escaped with their lives. “There were at least six creatures, one of which I killed.”
Kaelem poured himself a glass of liquor and downed it then poured another before offering Aria and Sage a drink.
“Yes,” they answered simultaneously.
“And you’re sure they were the same creatures you saw in the Otherworld?” Kaelem handed them each a drink.
“Yes. Positive. I’ve never seen them in Faerie before, and I’ve spent
plenty of time in the forest.” Sage took a sip and nearly choked. It was stronger than she’d anticipated.
Aria downed hers. “We know that Nevina is siding with them, but if everyone else joins against them, they’ll be outnumbered.”
It wasn’t as if the Fates unleashing the creatures into Faerie was surprising. But it meant that whatever their plan was, it was already in motion.
Kaelem refilled his and Aria’s drinks. “The Summer Court is joining the Winter Queen.”
“That ass.” Sage finished her drink. And to think, she’d actually started to have the tiniest bit of respect for Cade. He’d saved Raith’s life on their quest for the tree’s power and seemed genuinely upset when the Fates took his brother.
And now he wanted to join the side the Fates were on?
Sage expected Kaelem to remark on the betrayal, but he didn’t.
A tingling started in Sage’s fingertips and swam up her arms, heating her veins. The overwhelming feeling of everything faded just a little as the liquor spread through her.
Aria sat on the couch and extended her legs. Her already short skirt rode up even higher. She glanced at Sage and grinned. “Well, he chose the wrong side. Clearly, our side will kick their side’s ass.”
“Does your father know?” Kaelem took Sage’s glass from her.
“Not yet. Willow hid Declan with the brownies for now as he heals. I can’t tell my father about him or he’ll be furious with my sister and likely kick him out of the castle.”
Kaelem set his drink on the bar counter. “He needs to know. It will help him understand how far the Fates are willing to go. Your sister and her boyfriend are welcome here if he kicks them out.” He refilled Sage’s drink and gave it back to her.
“I’ll see what I can do.” She took another drink. The liquor didn’t taste as strong this time. Had he made the drink weaker or was she getting used to its taste?
She hated the idea of revealing her sister’s secret, but the entire Autumn Court was in danger. If her father didn’t send protection outside of the castle, innocent Autumn lives could be lost. She would have to make Willow understand.
