Page 6

If I were discovered, my rule would be over. Our realm would fall to the unseelie. They would enter us into a millennium of terrible storms, ruthlessly battering the isle, the coral reefs, and the human settlement too. A fate I could not allow.

My heart beat frantically, but I listened to the steady crash of ocean waves in the distance. It calmed me, and I smiled pleasantly at Queen Liliana. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

"I’d like to be frank with you. I know my visit is unplanned, and I do not wish to take up more of your time than is necessary."

"Speak freely then." And quickly, I thought.

"My youngest sister is to be married to one of the Autumn Court."

I nodded. "Go on."

"She will travel through your harbor." She paused.

I frowned, cocking my head to the side. "You needn’t have made the trip for such a minor request. You know we’ll permit your sister safe passage across our waters. Our courts have been at peace for a long time now."

"Yes, I know, but…" She trailed off, looking uncertain.

I was running out of time. I needed her to get to the point, and at this rate, she never would. "Liliana, how many years have we known each other? Simply make your request."

She nodded, seemingly summoning her courage.

I have to admit I was curious what required such secrecy. It wasn’t Liliana’s way. Court politics had never been her strong suit. She was too kindhearted for fae royalty. Yet, it endeared her to many, and her cabinet fiercely defended her from those who sought to take advantage.

Finally, she blurted, "I need her trip delayed!"

Ah, it was a family matter then. Something about marriage. I didn’t see any reason to deny her. I doubted the Autumn Court would hold me accountable for a runaway bride, and my acquiescence would likely end this meeting. "How long?" I asked.

She sighed in relief, and I noticed even her shoulders seemed to relax. "Only two days. That will be enough."

"Consider it done," I said, beginning to stand.

"Really?" She squinted. "You have no request in return?"

"We have been friends for more moons than I care to count. I won’t ask you why. One day I may ask a favor, and I ask only that you graciously listen."

She leaped out of her chair and kissed both my cheeks.

I gave her a fond smile and pushed my chair back from the table. "Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a prior engagement." It was true, if unspecific.

Once rushed farewells were exchanged and I was through the doors, it took everything I had not to transform right there. I could feel the change ripping through my body. Holding it off was excruciating. Pain tore through my nerves, starting in my fingers and trailing up my hands and arms.

I staggered down the hall, and a sheen of sweat broke out across my forehead. More dripped down my neck, sticking my white tunic shirt to my back.

By the time I made it to my chamber, Harry was close behind.

I collapsed onto my bed. I was briefly in and out of consciousness when I felt his hands on my shirt, loosening my collar. A welcome respite except…

"No!" I said, clamping my hand on his. My grip was steel.

I was too late. Harry sucked in a rattling gasp. His mouth dropped open in an expression of grief and horror.

I followed his eyes to my own chest. Small black dots formed on my skin, encircling my heart. The telltale signs of soul rot.

"It's true," he whispered.

"Yes," I said, unwilling to bother denying it or rising from my bed for that matter. "Why did you return?" I prompted after several still minutes.

"Hawthorne. He demands a reply to a bit of paperwork, but I will put him off. You rest."