Page 26

Chapter twenty-six

S mack! The side of my face swelled with pain.

“I told you not to speak with any male, you stupid bitch. You are a poison and blemish to my blood line. You are lucky you serve a purpose, or I would have disposed of you as the law requires.”

The toe of his boot slammed into the side of my ribs. I tasted copper in my mouth as blood saturated my tongue. He leaned down next to me, removing a strand of hair from my face. “The next time I give you an order, you follow it. Your life depends on your cooperation. The moment I no longer have a use for you is the moment your life ends. Am I clear?” he whispered.

I swallowed a few times, my throat beginning to swell. “Yes, father,” I replied.

I jolted awake, rushing to the toilet to alleviate the contents of my stomach. I sat back against the cold wall, taking a few deep breaths. I ran my hands across my face, trying to calm my frantic heart.

“Dammit, Evinee,” I said out loud. “Get your shit together.”

I stood up, going to the sink to wash my face and then mouth. I had only been asleep an hour. Better than most nights, but not what my body needed. I peered into the mirror, taking in my violet eyes—her eyes … my mother’s. I exhaled, still shivering from the fear I had felt in my nightmare.

Looking at my reflection, I gradually released the hold on my power, allowing the facade to fall away from my appearance. I closed my eyes, the cool breeze of my magic washing over me. The smell of salt and sea engulfed my senses as it passed across my face, tangling its fingers through the strands of hair. Finally, the weight fell away. I cautiously opened my eyes and stared back at the real me … the me without my mask.

My facial features were recognizable, but shockingly different. My eyes had dark circles underneath them from the lack of sleep. My cheek bones were sharp, adding to my sunken cheeks. My hair wasn’t as full and appeared a duller shade of black. My body was thin and frail from a lack of nutrition. I only ate when absolutely necessary. My normal diet consisted of wine and more wine.

I ran my hands down my unfamiliar form. My body looked sick. My clothing hung over my depleted husk, drawing attention to my sharp shoulders and knobby knees.

I didn’t often reveal my true self. It was easier to fake a desirable form than to actually work on my issues. Though I still had the same features, the picture I projected gave the illusion I was a happy and confident female—not someone still haunted by childhood trauma.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and focusing on the mask everyone knew and desired. I felt the blue and purple swirls of my magic begin in my fingertips, coiling around my arms before spreading across my body. When I opened my eyes, my full figure and soft face had returned. I went to the wardrobe and picked out a deep eggplant-colored dress that hugged my desirable form and elevated my breasts.

I stood before the mirror, examining my appearance. I pushed the memories from my nightmare out of my head and practiced a few smiles and seductive facial expressions.

“Time to conquer another court, Evinee,” I whispered.

In the commons area, everything was silent. They were all still asleep. I ascended the staircase into a busy hallway. Fairies passed me by and nodded in my direction. I always felt welcome here: sometimes more so than the dark court. Here, I fit … I made sense. Back home, I was misunderstood and undervalued, just like the fairies.

In the main throne room, I found Pyra leaning up against a table, speaking with a few other fairies. She spotted me as soon as I crossed the threshold. She quickly ended the interaction and beelined towards me.

“Finally!” she said, wrapping an arm around my waist, ushering me towards a back room behind the thrones. “I’ve been waiting anxiously to hear all about your drama. Also,” she said, stopping to hit me in the arm.

“Owe,” I yelped. “What in the hell was that for?”

“I’ve written you once a week for the past four months and you have yet to reply. How do you think that makes me feel?” she said, closing her chocolate brown eyes and flicking her bright red hair over a shoulder. I loved the fairies, but they were extremely sensitive creatures.

“Py, I am sorry,” I said, reaching for her and turning her to face me. “We’ve been so busy with court politics and the rift. I’ve barely had time to do anything for myself.”

“Liar,” she spat, chattering her teeth in annoyance. “I know you don’t sleep. You had plenty of time to reply to my letters. Yes, you did.”

I smiled, taking her into my arms, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry. I have learned my lesson and will never go more than a week without replying to your correspondence. Deal?” Her arms wrapped around my body.

“Fine, but I will hold you to this bargain, yes, I will.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” I pulled away, taking her slender, pale face in as she finally let a small grin slip.

“Now, get to the good stuff,” she said, sprawling on a red velvet couch. “What happened with Lyklor?”

I rolled my eyes, falling onto the cushion next to her. “Well, I made a play for him. Was vulnerable, like we discussed. I told him everything. And then he rejected me for the princess.”

Pyra made a spitting noise, sitting up forcefully. “Ah, I don’t understand your kind. With all you two have been through … what you two mean to each other. … the sex! And he wouldn’t even consider it?”

“Nope. He is completely head over heels for Genevieve. And honestly … even though it hurts like hell, I do want him to be happy. That’s what matters in the end.”

“Bah, don’t talk like that. Maturity doesn’t suit you.”

I laughed, hitting her in the shoulder with a pillow. “Excuse me, I think I am handling this whole situation with grace, thank you very much.”

She ignored me, looking at the wall. I knew she was deep in thought. Her body straightened. “What if … what if we remove the princess? Eren would hurt, but then you could heal him.”

I looked around the room, making sure the door was still closed, and we were alone. “Pyra, don’t talk like that. After what Gen has been through, if you even think about harming her, King Drezmore would destroy this place.”

“Ah, let him try. We could make it look like an accident. She wouldn’t see it coming.”

“No,” I said bluntly. “I don’t wish her anymore harm. Eren has made his choice, and I must live with it. I have to move on and learn how to be happy for my friend.”

Pyra took my hand in hers, nuzzling my neck with her head. “You will find your mate, my sister. He is out there, just waiting for you to conquer him.”

“Honestly, I am tired of conquering males, and females, for that matter. It would be nice to have someone fight for me as hard as I’ve fought for those in my life. To know, without a doubt, I am the only one they want. Without worrying if it’s because of what’s inside of me. My power, that is,” I admitted.

Pyra grabbed my cheeks abruptly, turning my face towards hers. “Do not think like this. Your gifts, your abilities, are from the goddess Persephone herself. You are unique: there are so few like your kind. You are beautiful and entrancing, just as you were made to be. When your mate comes for you, they will see the true you and won’t be able to stay away. You will lure them with this. Not with your power … but with your heart,” she said, placing her hand over my chest. “Nothing else.”

Tears pricked behind my eyes as I leaned my forehead into hers. “Thank you, sister. I love you,” I whispered.

Pyra ran her long, pale fingers through my hair. “And I love you. Always, I will love you,” she said, kissing me softly on the lips.

“You two are starting without me, I see,” Phasis’s voice startled us both. I turned to see him leaning against the doorway. “Usually, I prefer to be the center of attention, but for the two of you, I am willing to share the spotlight.”

“Ah, brother.” Pyra stood, making her way over to her husband. “No worries, no worries at all. Wasn’t that type of kiss.” She fluttered in the air, kissing him on the cheek.

“Well, if you two are done, the rest of your friends,” Phasis said, nodding towards me, “are waiting to be fed. Shall we proceed to the merry festivities?”

“How about the three of us call it a night and head to your rooms instead?” I suggested, approaching them. They both wrapped an arm around me while we stood in a huddle.

“I adore the way your brain works.” Phasis clicked his teeth, his wings rattling behind him with excitement.

“Oh, oh,” Pyra said, clapping her hands together. “May I make a request?”

Phasis nuzzled her nose with his as he looked upon her with love and admiration. I almost forgot they were brother and sister sometimes because of the undying love they had for one another. Incest wasn’t permitted among the alfar, but their race didn’t have the same social standards ours did. They were happy. Their kingdom was thriving. Who was I to judge?

“Anything for you, my little sprite,” replied Phasis.

“May we bring the light one? He smells so sweet, and his yellow eyes are so entrancing,” said Pyra, licking her lips.

“You mean Levos?” I asked.

“Mm, yes, Leee-vossssss,” she said, exaggerating the letters in his name. “I want him, I want him, yes I do.”

“If he’s invited,” I said, “I’m out.”

“Oh, Evie,” she said with a pleading face. “Don’t ruin my fun. I just want to take a bite. Please. One … little … bite.”

“If he lets you sink your teeth into him, by all means, don’t let me stop you. But I am not getting physical with that judgmental, hypocritical, closed-minded asshole.”

Phasis chuckled, drawing the two of us into him. “We would never force something on you that you are not comfortable with, dear Evinee. And little sprite,” he said, looking to Pyra. “If it is a bite you want, it is a bite you will get.” He leaned down and kissed her on the head while she beamed with excitement.

“Don’t say anymore,” I said. A game was now in play between the two of them, with Levos’s flesh as the reward. “I don’t want to have any part in this. Eren would have my head.”

“And a very pretty head it is,” replied Phasis, kissing me.

The door cracked open behind us. Phasis and Pyra snapped their heads towards the intrusion, baring their teeth as they growled.

Eren walked through casually, taking in the sight of the three of us huddled. He arched his eyebrow, placing his hands in his pockets before smirking. “And here I thought dessert was going to be served after the main course,” Eren said.

“Are you spying on me, prince ?” growled Phasis.

“Not at all,” he replied. “I was simply looking for the restroom. Oops, my mistake.”

Phasis dropped his arms from around us, heading towards the door. “Come. We eat,” he said, brushing past Eren. Pyra followed, stopping in front of Eren, slamming him back against the door frame.

“Ungrateful bitch,” she hissed before exiting.

Eren straightened himself, looking towards me. “And what in the hell was that for?” he asked.

I walked towards the door and shrugged. “I don’t know how her mind works. Who knows?”

He fell in step beside me as we made our way to the dining tables. “Uh, you and I both know that is a lie. You, out of everyone, know best how both those twisted little minds work. A little too well, if you ask me.”

“Jealous much?” I asked, winking at him.

“I’ve had Pyra once already, remember. And though it was an … experience, let me say, I admire you for braving both of them at the same time.”

“Oh, stop assuming you know what is between the three of us. Because you don’t. I don’t talk about what happens in my bed. You know that.”

“Yes, I am aware. Even after a century, you still haven’t told me about the fairy twins. But I am all ears, whenever you feel like divulging your adventures.”

I knocked him into a wall and smiled slightly He laughed, giving me a quick side hug before we made our way to the table with the others.

Gen, Zerrial, and Levos were waiting for us as we approached the head table, which was shaped like a horseshoe. Phasis and Pyra took seats in the middle. Pyra signaled to me to take the chair next to her. Eren, Gen, and Zerrial sat on the other side of Phasis, which left Levos next to me.

He approached my right side and nodded, then took his seat. I turned to Pyra. She was beaming while she drummed her fingers on the table, eyes locked onto Levos. As the food trays began to circle the room, Pyra never took her eyes from her prey. Levos made a point to look anywhere but in her direction. If only he knew her intent. I took a bite of fruit and then brought my napkin to my mouth to hide my amusement.

Levos finally dropped his fork to the plate and turned to meet Pyra’s gaze. “Is there something I can help you with, Queen Pyra?” he asked.

I sat back, taking my wine glass with me. “Should have just left it alone,” I whispered, taking a deep drink.

“Oh, there are many things you can help me with,” she replied, leaning across me towards him. “Actually, I’ve been making a mental list of all the things you could do for me, and I could do to you, as I’ve sat here just now, yes I have.”

Levos looked taken aback. “And why, might I ask, are you interested in me?” he whispered.

“What do you mean, why ? Have you seen yourself? You are most handsome, yes you are. I dare say, more beautiful than your king cousin.”

Levos nodded, focusing on his wine glass. “Well, thank you, Queen Pyra. I am flattered,” he said, taking a drink.

“And here we go,” I mumbled into my glass.

“May I have you then?” she asked.

“Though I am humbled by your offer, I’m afraid I would only be a disappointment,” Levos said, more kindly than I had heard him sound since he had been at our court.

“Nonsense. I insist. I must have you,” she hissed.

Levos looked at me, presumably for help, but I shrugged. It was a death sentence to get between Pyra and her sexual ambitions.

“Thank you for the offer, but I am going to have to decline,” he said, returning his attention to his food.

“Ah!” Pyra screamed, slamming her hands onto the table. “Not fair, not fair, not fair!” she spat. Phasis was in the middle of a conversation with Eren and Gen, but managed to slide a hand to his wife, rubbing her leg softly. Her wings fluttered at the contact. She nuzzled into his side, turning away from Levos.

I moved my food around my plate, looking out into the fairy court. The large domed room was filled with underground trees and flowers that bloomed along the walls. An unexplainable light source illuminated the entire room. The floor was made of beautiful black stone that had gray veins stretching throughout the design. All the attendants were in high spirits. Fairies flew throughout the room, laughing and dancing, on the ground and in the air.

“This isn’t what I had in mind,” Levos commented quietly.

Without looking at him, I replied, “Which part?”

“Their court. I was expecting hanging bodies and torture chambers. Instead—”

A group of young fairies ran past us, laughing and fluttering off the ground as they played tag. One ran into his mother’s arms, and she swept the child up, kissing him profusely.

“—that,” he said with astonishment.

I smiled, watching the group of young fae. “Yes, come to think of it,” I replied, “I’ve never seen any light court children within the palace when we’ve visited your court. Only in the streets.”

“They’re kept isolated, in the nursery, until they’re eighteen.”

“Why would you want to keep something so joyous hidden?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Not my call. That’s just how it’s always been.”

“Well, the fairies have a different mindset when it comes to their young. They believe their children are the most precious and valued gift. When a female fairy is with child, there is only a forty percent chance that she and the child will survive the birth. Complications due to their anatomy often result in a dead child or mother … very often both.

“When a birth is successful, the hive throws a massive celebration to welcome the new member into their kingdom. I’ve never seen anything like it. The love they have for their young … it’s beautiful.”

“Do you want kids?” he asked.

I about spit out my drink. “A bit personal, isn’t it?”

Another shrug. “It’s just a question.”

I placed my cup on the table, circling the bottom of the glass with my finger. “I’m too fucked up to be a mother,” I finally replied.

“Aren’t we all,” he whispered, shooting the rest of the liquor in his glass.

“Ambassador Atros,” said Phasis.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Levos replied.

“Come. I must show you some more of our kingdom,” insisted Phasis as he and Pyra stood. Pyra’s grin was wide with anticipation. Levos stood and nodded to the two of them. As they left the table, I couldn’t help but giggle, coughing to cover it up. Pyra was going to get her bite of flesh alright.

Eren looked across at me and arched an eyebrow before looking in Levos’s direction. “What is it?” he asked.

I shrugged, bringing my wine to my mouth. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Eren took the seat next to me, leaning in closely so only I could hear. “Is our friend Levos in danger?”

“Nah,” I said. “He’ll be just fine.”

“Evinee,” Eren said, taking a quick look back to Gen.

“Oh, Eren,” I said. “They won’t risk starting a war with the light court over its ambassador. Not when we are dealing with the rift. Calm down. He will be returned to you. He just might … be missing … parts.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“Pyra was very taken with him. She asked very nicely to have him, but he refused her. You know how sensitive fairies are when they are refused.”

“Dammit, Evinee,” Eren said, running his hand through his hair.

“He’s a big boy. He can handle himself.” I finished my fifth glass of wine.

Eren’s gaze drifted to my plate. “You haven’t eaten.”

“I took a bite. Not very hungry.”

“When was the last time you had a whole meal?”

I shrugged, not knowing the answer myself.

“Have the nightmares returned?” he whispered. I didn’t answer. Eren ran his hand down my arm. “I am here for you, always.”

“No Eren, you’re not,” I snapped, feeling the tether on my self-control finally give. “You have a life now, and someone you need to take care of, which doesn’t leave much room for me.” I settled myself, taking a deep breath. I noticed Gen’s eyes shifting away from Zerrial, focusing on us.

“Ev—”

“No, I am sorry. That wasn’t fair. I am happy for you Eren, really, but I am on my own and I need to figure this out by myself.”

“That’s not true. You have all of us, your family.”

“What I go through, what I am, none of you can truly understand. And that’s not for a lack of trying, I know, I just … I need time away. By myself, for a bit, okay? Just focus on your duties and the princess. I’ll be fine,” I said, pushing away from the table, heading for the exit. He didn’t follow or call after me. A part of me was glad, another part ached.

For the next four hours, I drowned myself at one of the fairy bars. No one bothered or even spoke to me. It was glorious. Alone at last. I thought about what I wanted out of life. Where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be.

I was tired: of playing games, of being someone I wasn’t. And I was tired of people assuming they knew me. No one knew who I really was … not even Eren. It was time for a change.

I made my way back to our commons area. The fireplace within the circular room was still blazing. I stumbled into the large, open space, using the wall for support. Yup, I was drunk. I’d sleep a little more tonight because of it.

Hiss . A sound came from one of the couches off to the side. I looked over lazily to find Levos sitting alone. His shirt was off, and his sun-kissed skin shimmered in the firelight. A large, open wound bled from the back of his shoulder blade. He brought a bloody piece of cloth to it, dabbing the opening gently. I took a step towards him. His head snapped in my direction as he stood defensively.

My eyes trailed down his long, bare torso and arms, admiring the lean muscle that was tragically hidden by his clothes most of the time. His pants hung low on his hips, revealing a perfect V that led to his more masculine parts. His hair hung down loosely, no longer tied back away from his face. His expression was stern.

“This is why you were laughing,” he said. “Before I left, you were giggling. You knew what she was going to try.”

I stumbled my way towards him. “I learned a long time ago not to stand between Pyra and what she wants. Especially if it’s sex.”

He looked away from me.

“So do tell,” I continued, “how was it?”

His head tilted back. “I did not sleep with that … with the fairy queen. She might have gotten a bite in, but that was all she got her lips around. Thank Thor,” he said, sitting back on the couch.

I laughed, bending down to look at the wound. He leaned away, as if appalled by my presence. I straightened.

“May I … take a look at your wound?” I asked.

He studied me for a moment and then nodded. I leaned down, placing my hands gently on either side of his mangled flesh. The bite mark was deep. She somehow managed to take an inch and a half of meat from his shoulder muscle. He hissed at my touch.

I sat in front of him, taking the rag out of the bloodied bowl of water. I made a circling gesture with my wrist, summoning the salve I had for wounds from my room. Blue and purple smoke appeared around my fingers before the container appeared in my palm. Levos studied the action.

“What’s your power again?” he asked.

My inhibitions were lowered, thanks to the five bottles of wine and ambrosia shots I had ingested on my own. “Bone spurs and shielding are my unique gifts. Everyone in the dark court can summon objects, though. You should know that.”

“Yes, but they usually just appear. They aren’t accompanied by a colorful smoke show.”

“Look, do you want my help or not? I’m not in the mood to play twenty questions,” I said flatly.

He smirked at me and nodded. “Yes, Evinee, your help would be greatly appreciated.”

“Okay then, turn around and shut up.”

He did as I asked, wincing every time I ran my hand across the wound. His skin was soft and felt like velvet. I couldn’t deny I was enjoying this, maybe a little too much.

“All done,” I announced. He turned around to face me. I placed the jar in his hand. “Here, use this twice a day. Fairy bites take a little longer to heal because of their saliva, but it should be gone in a few days. Can’t say you won’t have a scar afterwards, though. She got you pretty good.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” he mumbled sarcastically.

I laughed, standing. “You would have been better off sleeping with her. She wouldn’t have taken such a big chunk.”

“Duly noted. Next time, accept the fairy’s invitation to bed me.”

I shook my head, turning away from him, stumbling towards my room.

“Evinee,” he called out.

I turned, trying to keep upright as the alcohol rushed to my head. “Yes, Ambassador Atros?”

“I’m sorry … about what I said to you earlier today. Truly.”

“Ah, I’ve been called worse. A part of the mask, I guess,” I slurred.

“Your mask?” He tiled his head, seeming intrigued.

“Levos, if you can’t tell, I am very intoxicated. If you wouldn’t mind, I am going to bed. Good night.”

“Good night, Evinee,” I heard him whisper before I shut my door. I crashed into the bed, allowing the alcohol to rock me to sleep.