Page 11

Eli

It's been twelve days since we rescued that witch. Twelve bloody days of sleeping on rocks, moss-covered trees, dirt-stained grass, and by the lords outside . Twelve fucking days, across the fucking freezing forest and snowy desert. And she tells me now. Now! That she knows a teleportation spell. I could wring her neck. I really will do it.

"I thought it would be fun to explore our surroundings." She shrugged her shoulders without a care in the world.

Has she gone mad?

"Besides, the view was nice. But then I got tired of walking. So I decided it was in our best interest if I told you guys about the teleportation spell. Plus, I really wanna sleep in a bed. And it's cold."

The view? What view?! I see trees, trees, trees, and some more bloody snow-covered trees! Perhaps she meant the pile of animal dung or infested carcasses lining the snow-laden floor. Does she mean the frozen stream filled with insects and two-eyed freaks? Possibly the twigs being constantly thrown at us from every branch alive!

"Everetta." I started calmly trying to control the twitching at the corner of my right eye.

Everetta smiled, turning towards me without a clue as to what she had done.

How great for her.

“Yes, Eli?" Her smile would make even a baby look sinful.

My right eye twitched some more.

Taking a deep breath in. I tried my best to not tear her head off.

"When did you first learn this magic?"

*Twitch twitch*

She paused, placing a finger on her left cheek, "Hmm, not sure. Maybe two days after we saved Luna. I don't know, why you didn't ask me earlier?” Everetta beamed at me as if I was the one in the wrong.

That was it, I was going to kill her. I'm going to drown her in some disease-infected stream! No matter how I may feel about her, nothing was worth trudging through avalanches of dirt.

"Wait, what?" Luna deadpanned, taking the words right out my mouth as my left eye began to twitch along with my right. Her head slowly turned towards Everetta, her eyes burning in a fiery heat enough to melt the snow around her.

Everetta nodded affirming her previous statement, oblivious to the tension in the air.

Clearing my throat I smiled trying my best to simply breathe.

"So let me get this straight, you let us walk through miles upon miles, with little to no sleep, on the ground, where wild beasts, and shadows who might be spies for my elder brother, in a field where we could be killed, for a little sightseeing ?" It was like her mouth couldn’t close. Luna stood there, the snow almost to her waist as Everetta nodded emphatically.

I couldn't stop what was coming next. No, let me rephrase that. I didn't want to stop what was coming next.

Taking a deep breath in and out, Luna launched herself across the gap between her and Everetta, her claws lunging for the fragile skin on the other girl's neck. And perhaps I really would have let my most hated enemy kill one of the few people I care about in this world if only she wasn't the only one to be able to cast a teleportation spell.

Of course, I could as well... but I don't know the words to the spell. I do know a lot of other things such as any creature's weak points.

Aside from the few necessary charms and spells I've learned as a kid, I-I didn't bother to learn new ones, which included teleportation, especially not when my father's second-hand man could just do it for us. I mean why else would my father have kept him around? Teleportation magic was rather rare after all, only a few knew the spell and could correctly speak it without getting cursed. If you chanted a spell wrong or lacked the necessary magic for it the spell could turn against you or do something completely different. Hence why very few bothered to make or mess around with spells.

"Wait! We need her!" I hurried over to grip the witch’s squirming waist as she struggled against my arms.

"I am going to kill you!" The witch bellowed towards Everetta who just stood there still smiling like a loony.

Despite the witch's fragile state, I am regrettably impressed by her strength.

"I understand, but think for a moment! She’s the only bloody fae who can cast the spell!” I gritted my teeth against the effort of holding her back before eyeing Everetta to hurry the bloody hell up and say the damn spell before I kill her too.

Everetta shrugged, humming under her breath, seemingly unfazed as she took her time to cast the spell in the howling winds. Chanting some activation words before a glow lit up beneath us as we fell through. I was too busy to remember the spell but from what I could hear over the witch's screech of rage it was something about moving through space and time.

Clothes disheveled and hair a mess, I frowned. Casting some cleaning magic over myself, I fixed the frazzled waves of my golden locks and Everetta's as well, regrettably that witch too. I needed to transform them into a style more befitting for a royal court. Closing my eyes I made it so that their uniforms fit their bodies better and no longer appeared as the rags of peasant clothes. With glamour magic, I cast an illusion of an elegant silky blue dress with sapphire leaves as decorations along the edges of the skirt for Everetta and a nice form-fitting tunic for myself. A nice less ragged blue dress for the witch with just enough elegance to show she's of some noble descent. We'll have to change as soon as we get inside the castle. After all, glamour magic can only fool the eye. With one bare touch of skin to our itchy clothing, any fae would know the truth.

I cleared my throat as I tilted my head to the guard stationed not twelve feet away. It was a good thing we were hidden near a bush. Luna was still staring daggers at Everetta as she seemed all too oblivious to what she had done wrong. I cleared my throat once more to catch their attention, which should have been on me, as I was clearly the only one fit enough to lead us. As both girls turned their gazes on me I tilted my head towards the silver armored guards with pointy spears and shining swords at their waist.

In a hushed voice, I laid out our plans to invade the Winter Court castle, "We'll enter the castle as messengers from the lost kingdom of Dracool, the once-known Dragon Court of the Dragons. Claim an audience with the king and announce that Dracool wishes to return to the Fae Realm. He sent us here as messengers as he is still managing the welcome party for all future allies. The reason he wants to rejoin now is because there is an upcoming war in his kingdom, and he wishes to have allies, for this enemy will also be targeting the Fae Realm in general. Everetta, could you please create a replica of these badges used by the Dracools for their ambassadors." I explained, handing her a badge from the Dracool kingdom I had obtained from the bartendress in that shady bar a few weeks back. A green-colored background with two dragons standing on their hindquarters facing one another, as if in a duel. The whole thing was then framed in spirals of claws and the long tails of the ruling family's dragon species. The golden glimmer of the embroidered scales made it seem as if they were real. They also helped provide a sharp contrast to the royal green of the dragon. Although the background was also the same color as the dragons the shade was slightly different. The background color seemed almost dimmed compared to the color of the dragons and their glistening scales.

I'll have to find out how they made this. The craftsmanship was simply divine.

Everetta nodded as she took the drawing. Turning I faced the bright purple-blue irises of the witch, "You, just keep your mouth shut and don't say anything about the Summer court. For all we know My fath- I mean the king might want you as his prisoner too. " I ordered as I straightened, ready to make our appearance known.

Once Everetta was done I needed her to do one last thing. When the guards catch us I’ll need her to implant a memory of us arriving in a glamourous carriage. After all, it would be suspicious if we just walked up to the gate without any memories of expected guests. We'd be thrown in jail. But before we could make any moves the fucking guards were on us like hounds. They must have sensed the magic of the spell.

Great, so much for my entrance.

All spears were raised, pointed ends towards our necks, blocking our entrance into the castle.

Well, shit.

We might have very well been carted off into the dungeons at that moment if Everetta hadn’t used her magic. But I can’t say our current predicament was any better. With the constant jabbings and rude comments trailing behind us to the throne room from the servants and guards, it was hard not to feel like a circus group.

The guards had decided to escort us there after noticing our little badges and I might have had Everetta implant the thought of sending us to the king. I couldn't very well just be carted off to the dungeons.

But what was more troubling was how much Everetta seemed to have advanced. I was fully ready to provide her with the spell she needed but she never asked. If anything she seemed like she already knew. She’s learning more magic than I thought from that book. I've seen her reading it instead of sleeping at times. This is indeed rather worrisome.

That book is proving to be rather problematic.

I'll have to get rid of it soon.

There he stood, his elegant and formidable presence known to all.

I wanted it.

The jewels, the court, the throne, everything. I stared at the almost transparent blue crystal-like throne, the shimmering crown made of winter itself, its pale white snowflake-like points aiming at the ceiling above. The fine cobalt-colored leather and silk, the dazzling sapphire jewels along his neck, the white furs sewn onto his clothing, the badges upon badges reflecting so much light on its gold surfaces that each one looked like a mini sun.

I want it.

The wealth, the luxury, the money, the control , all that power , it should belong to me . Then I’ll show everyone that I was worthy. Once I overthrow my father, as much as it hurts me to do so, I would finally be deemed good enough. I could still remember those days when the hunters had raided my village and I couldn't do anything about it. Once I was king I would prove to them all that a male cub can be strong. Because I would finally be in control . I could finally change the way things are done in this court. I would have enough strength to command my army to gain back the winter outlands, and then my mother would have no choice but to acknowledge me. Dead or not I was sure she would be watching over me. Once she sees how much control I have over everything as king she’d finally call me her son.

"My dear king-" I addressed, bowing low. Dashing glances across my sides to ensure both my followers did as well.

To get what I want I must dethrone my dear father. He's had a fair run, but now it's my turn. And if my brother in this life changes his mind without his distraction, well, that's unfortunate. Hopefully, a few years in a dungeon cell would help change his mind. Of course, I would make the stay as pleasant as possible. However, I highly doubt he wanted the throne even if he couldn't have Everetta by his side. My brother was a strange creature, to say the least. By no means did he not want power but I believe what my brother wanted wasn't the power of the throne but something else, besides Everetta of course. I could never figure it out but I didn't need to. So long as it didn't hinder my ruling.

Now that I think about it. I never did figure out when those two met but once they did she became his only desire, his obsession, and an unhealthy one at that. Which was why it was up to me to help guide them on their right paths. And what better way than if I just withheld those memories? If I could make Everetta forget about Flynn then, her feelings for him would never develop and I wouldn't have to worry about those events reoccurring. Yes, it was for the better. I was just looking out for her. For the entire realm. If she doesn't remember my dear younger brother then everything would be perfect. I would be able to live a better, happier life if she only relied on me instead of my brother. If she never remembers, she would never grow so close to him that she started to depend on him too , that she started listening to his suggestions as well. Yes , that's the answer and I’ll make sure she and Flynn never reignite anything. Because I was no fool, I knew the kinds of power Everetta held, with her gift of light and ability to create. If I was her only confident just like before she had met my brother then think of the things I could control . I could even rule the entire realm. Everetta's always told me no, and lords only know why she hasn't done so, what with her gifts. Perhaps with my ability I could finally. No, get a hold of yourself Eli, this is madness we are speaking of. Everetta's mentioned it before and you've seen the evidence of what it truly means to rule over the realm.

It was impossible .

Better to focus on getting back the Winter Court than trying to conquer a dream that can only ever be that, a dream .

One thing was clear aside from getting back the throne. I mean just look at what had happened to the Griffin, or well Summer Court. I can not allow Everetta to remember Flynn. I just can't, or else the past will repeat itself. For now, I shall focus on overthrowing my father, then I'll dissuade my brother from his unhealthy little binge. Nothing I haven't done before and with my control over Everetta, I wouldn't have to worry about her.

Honestly, I am quite proud of my fath- I mean the king. After all, he had managed to maintain his authority unlike the other courts, which seemed to have been conquered by someone else. Still, although I do intend to change some things in the future I don't need to change everything.

As I did in my past life, I lived in poverty at first, but I will thrive in the future. Burying myself in the finest silks with no one to challenge me, and those who do will see the bones of their corpse in the afterlife. That's my future, my past, and all mine . Not to mention my lovely wife . I do wonder if she had managed to conquer her realm in this life. Hopefully, she has a change of heart and decides to claim her rightful throne instead of tossing it to her brother. Honestly, she was always too kind for her own good.

I gave a side glance to Everetta and the witch making sure that they would allow me to handle this matter. I am the leader here . Everetta just shrugged as the witch rolled her eyes. As infuriating as the witch may be, at least she knows her place.

I smiled my best smile, my head still lowered, afterall so goes the courtship of this kingdom, no one must rise without a command from the king. Not even a gulp of breath shall be taken without the king's permission. So goes the saying at least.

"-the mighty hero of the Four lands, of all of the Fae Realm. I beg of you to allow me to relay this message." I continued lowering my head further to acknowledge the superiority the king had over me for I was but a mere peasant, for now at least .

I could sense the suspicious nonchalant expression on the king's face without needing to look up. His slightly scrunched brows would be just small enough that no one who wasn't close to the king would notice.

Perhaps the Summer Queen had passed the news to her sometimes lover, the Winter King, that one of her prisoners had broken free. If so, why? Unless the Summer Queen knew how powerful said prisoner was.

I had heard the rumors of their relationship in the small run-down towns Everetta and I would stop by every so often along our journey. The gossip of how the Winter King was able to maintain his rule through his “ favors” with the Summer Queen. Bah! How preposterous as if my fa- I mean the king, would ever need to do that. No, she must be just a simple side piece to him. Yes, that must be it. The only reason she sits on the throne now must have been thanks to my father, the king. Yes, those scrawny villagers just had it backward. Probably too starved to think properly.

I heard they even had a kid together in this life, or perhaps two, could they be my half-sibling or siblings in this life? Not quite sure if that's just rumors or the truth. My father was always having romantic affairs, hence, me. Though, it was to be expected of someone with power, not that I would ever do such scandalous actions. It is far beneath my status, or soon-to-be status as king. I will not defile myself with the clawing hands of women who only idolize the title I am given. Yes, I much appreciate the thought but, the words of venomous vipers will always be venomous and vile. Take the witch that kneels behind me for example. Once I get what I came for I'll use her to help make sure the past remains just that in the past. After all, by sacrificing an oracle one can change the outcome of the future. Not much is known about it, for if it was the witch would have been hunted far more than she currently is.

The king cleared his throat and from the corner of my gaze, I could see the flick of his hands as they flipped it back and forth in the air motioning for me to continue.

"I am a messenger of the nation of Dracool. I and my fellow compatriots have received orders directly from Dracool itself. As you can see we are from separate kingdoms of the Fae Realm. The King of Dracool has made us his ambassadors in hopes of convincing you to join his war, for the war will not only destroy his nation but our Fae Realm as well. He believes-" The king raised a hand cutting me off. For a moment I dared to raise my eyes, just to see a glimpse of the man whom I call my father, his features were all the same. Pale white hair covers the masks of his face, the stubble of a man with all the ferocity of a wolf, as he should, the whitening pale blue hair and eyes like the Northern Lands, covered in snow and just as chilly. His build was that of a coal miner, the bulging muscles and hammers for fists. His eyes are as piercing as the finest swords. His legs are like the trunks of trees. How pitiful it was for him to use muscle and height as a necessary tool to instill fear. I used to admire his physique, even crave it. I was a “ wimpy-looking pretty boy ” as he used to call me, too small to lift a sword. I showed him, and though his physic may help, I don't need it to win, a little girl taught me that. I smiled remembering her bright blond curls as she swung her sword, smiling brightly as she told me to be brave, to never give up, and to use my magic for once. She showed me how maintaining a slender build didn't mean I was weak. On the contrary, I could use it to make my enemies underestimate me so that I could kill them in the end. That's how I ended my father.

Of course, that fanciful memory of my first encounter with her turned to ash as I remembered what happened only seconds after she uttered those words. She'd transported us into a hellish dimension filled with six-headed monsters I have never before seen in the realm so fearsome I- let's not finish that sentence. Either way, as much as I did not like playing with her, I was too scared to refuse. If I ever did I was sure she might have transported us into that lords awful realm again. Keep your enemies close and your tyrants closer, as they say. I gave a side glance to Everetta, her bright blond hair, and goddess-like features a contrast to the wicked core that lay inside. We were seven, seven, only seven sun cycles, and yet- I still remember those days, the horrors, the monsters, the blood and bones, the fucking dirt, oh how torturous it was for me. The constant sleepless night on the muddy hard stone floors of caves.

"I don't care. Dracool disassociated from our realm a long time ago, and I would never work for such a man, not after what he had done. Guards, arrest them!" The king proclaimed to my horror and shock. Fuck ! I thought he would buy the excuse. Then again perhaps suddenly showing up with only guards to vouch for us was pretty stupid of me. But I had been relying on the badges on our clothing to prove our statements.

I was hoping to follow plan A but if plan B must come forth then so be it. I opened my mouth to do so but someone beat me to it. "Wait!" A voice shouted just as I was about to pull the dagger out of the sleeve of my cloak. The thumping footsteps stormed towards us.

"These are my guests!" A boy with white-no blue hair panted as he made his way into the throne room. His eyes were a calm sky blue as he gazed at me-no wrong again, at Everetta. What in the world? It couldn't be. I narrowed my gaze on the boy, something about him seemed familiar.

The noble at the summer market? No, something else, I can't quite pinpoint it but something is very familiar but not quite right. Is he the Summer Queen's ambassador? No, his hair is much too white, for a summer fae, they are often golden and yellow, orange, or brown. He was part of winter. Yes, that is more likely where he inherited those features, the whitish aqua hair and sapphire blue eyes were traits of a Winter Court fae. But his seems to hold too much warmth for a Winter Fae, who are known for their brutal strength and steely expressions. They were the ones to invent arena matches after all. The most brutal of all sentences. Where a prisoner is forever sentenced to fight until their death. In other words, they will fight until their opponent either kills them or they kill their opponent. They will continue to fight round after round, day after day until they lay with a sword in their guts or their heart ripped out. The king states it was an opportunity for redemption, where those who voluntarily participate in these arenas can gain wealth and fame, but in reality, it was just another way to say public execution.

I've seen countless prisoners, regular peasants, and even foreigners try and fight for their so-called freedom or fame. What a fraud it was. It was nothing more than service for the king's entertainment. Personally, I would remove the to-the-death part for all except the prisoners. After all, the battles were only for laughs and giggles. It would also be more revolutionary and beneficial if we did remove that part for the civilians at the very least. Then I could maybe stomach the needless bloodshed for money and fame. For, these warriors did play a major role in defending our great walls and protecting our citizens. Many peasants have proven themselves to be great knights in those tournaments and there were fewer crimes in the Winter Court than in any other court despite our brutish nature.

Still, they shouldn't even be thinking of such idiotic methods to earn food. They shouldn’t need to battle mindlessly for their next meal or yearn for even a grain of rice. They shouldn’t have to beg their king for food or a clean drink of water. As for the prisoners, well, they got what they asked for. If they could serve some entertainment for their crime, so be it.

That bartendress had told me as much. How some peasants from the outskirts of the Winter Court were moving to the capital to earn a living for their families when they shouldn't need to do so.

I moved to block the boy's view of Everetta. Watching as the witch glanced over at the boy. A glint of familiarity stuck her gaze as the witch's eyes glinted with relief. Had they met before? Where? When? What did they say? How did they meet? Why?

Their relation, whatever it was, I will uncover it.

Clinking the gears in my mind I tried to fit the puzzle pieces together. In the past, the snake didn't converse with anyone but-

I frowned trying to recall the name, with, with-

With my brother? I realized. Looking up I tried to recall the familiar features but found that although they were there, something still felt off, perhaps not all my memories came back to me. No, that wasn't quite right. For some reason, my memories of this boy seem foggy as if it was masked in a bog-like substance. Perhaps it was because, with a new life, he might have also changed.

"I see you made it here well,” The boy smiled softly at the snake, and I would have hated him if he hadn't given the same courtesy to me after.

The boy practically lit up blushing a tad bit while turning to Everetta before looking back at me and clearing his voice, as if he'd come to some realization. I narrowed my gaze at him blocking Everetta from his view with my slightly taller body. Not sharing the same hesitation as me, Everetta was all too quick to pop her little head out behind me. I glared back at her as she shrugged, cocking a brow back at me. I threw out an arm trying to block her again. Though she didn't seem all that interested in the boy, I should still remain vigilant. Who knows, maybe he really is the reincarnation of my little brother.

It's almost like I disliked the man but can't come to hate him, the issue is I've never hated my younger brother before. To be honest, I've only ever found his admiration and borderline, no correct that, major borderline obsession with Everetta annoying, and bothersome. But I never loathed it.

Odd.

Rolling my eyes I allowed Everetta to lower my arms from her view of the boy, my supposed brother. I knew she wouldn't give up. If I had kept preventing her from taking a peek she would only grow more curious. It was as if she couldn't yet fit the pieces together either, her face wrinkling as her mind scrambled to click things together. Trying to match a face to a memory. Then again she doesn't or shouldn't have all her memories back.

Is this scene going to cause some memories to jolt back for her?

Biting my inner right cheek I made plans to visit her chambers later today when we do get our chambers. And from the sounds of it, we will, I will make sure of it. Even if we have to make the king's execution quicker than I had intended.

"Ahm, of course, if you would follow me. I can show you to your rooms,” The boy cleared his throat, giving a smile so disarming that for a moment I could believe that he meant it.

Perhaps he was my brother. Lord knows how disarming his smiles used to be. He could smile happily despite the contradicting thoughts in his twisted head.

"How do we know you're telling the truth, and not just leading us to the cells?" Crossing my arms in front of my chest I glared over at the boy.

Silently I gathered magic just in case we needed to take this damn prince as a hostage. As if sensing my intention the guards poked their pointed swords closer to us. A speck of blood trickled down my neck as I glared up at the guards, an eyebrow cocked. Please did he really think this puny weapon would save him if I were to truly attack? I smirked and no doubt they must have seen the blood lust in my eyes as they hesitated ever so slightly. But the boy, the boy just chuckled, if a bit wearily.

I guess a simple word from a prince didn't mean we were in the clear yet.

“Haha, you do remind me of my Father, just as headstrong and no doubt intellectual in magic as well. I can sense it. Which I guess is why I should have asked you to meet me in secret. Of course, no power could rival my father's or any of the royal family. Father." He smiled before turning to the king and placing his right hand over his heart in a small bow of respect.

"I had expected these fae to meet me as I have also heard of this war. I’d wished to discuss this with you Father, but they had arrived earlier than I had expected. I regret that I couldn't have informed you sooner, Father. I had wanted to arrange this meeting on my way back from visiting my Mother. As for the purple-haired maiden, she was the prisoner my mother had kept, as you can see her status as an ambassador must have intrigued Mother, in the hopes she might use her to conquer Dracool as well. Alas, it was nothing but her delusions." The boy continued as he turned, giving each of us a stern look before escorting us to the door.

Was he trying to threaten us? I sneered at the boy not liking his tone. Was Flynn like this in the past? Always giving off too much information? But I knew when to pick my battles so I kept my mouth shut and left with the boy.

Yes, this boy did prove a good excuse but the way he went about it was odd. Before the king could speak another word we were out the door and out of sight. Walking out on the king, perhaps he was my brother? Lords know he didn't care much for my father even back then. Reaching out I tried to gain the magic range of this boy. Blocked. I frowned, it seemed this boy was smarter than he looked. Without getting a proper range on his magic level I wouldn't be able to assess if he really was my brother. Which means he was a threat.

How irritating.

A couple minutes later we were escorted into a guest room by the prince and some guards.

"I assume you have a noise-canceling substance around here," I gestured to the red power along the edge of the room, scanning it for any additional threats or traps.

It didn't seem like a mess the maid wouldn't have cleaned up. As if to confirm my statement the boy blushed. Sensing the curiosity in her I grabbed Everettas arms just as she made a move to no doubt take the bloody red powder on the fucking ground into her hands.

"No," I glared turning my gaze towards her. Everetta pouted.

We were standing in the middle of the room, the door closed, as the guards were no doubt stationed by the other side of the door

"No," I repeated more firmly as I watched her inch closer to the red powder.

"But it's fascinating" I could practically read those words in her puppy eyes, the color of the rising Sun.

"Umm." The boy chuckled nervously.

"I don't know what's going on but you probably shouldn't touch that. It's umm, forgetting powder. It's something I made so you probably have never heard of it." The boy added quickly as if sensing all our confusion. We all returned our glances at the powder back to the so-called prince. The witch smiled. I glared. Everetta seemed fascinated. Too fascinated as she looked up at the boy and not at the powder. I could practically feel the interest brewing. Her eagerness rushed out of her like some waterfall gushing down a mountain. I wrinkled my nose.

"No." I gritted out again as she turned back to me pouting.

"I just want a smell." She rubbed her hands together, her puppy dog eyes in full blast. She turned to the boy as if he might say yes. Turning my frosty glaze on the boy, I dared him to say yes. Then we'll see what happens. The boy grimaced but shook his head. Good, he had some semblance of survival instincts. If he hadn't I would have slit his throat, possible brother or not.

"Umm, that's not a very good idea either. You see, anyone who gets near it or this room now will forget, or space out, they wouldn't be able to recall anything they hear or see if they get near this room. As long as we're inside the lining of the powder we should be fine. But digesting it in any form can umm, well, cause permanent amnesia. In other words, it'll make you forget who you even are." The boy smiled wearily but his attention was focused all too much on Everetta. I don't like it.

Turning my gaze over to Everetta I cocked a brow as if I knew this the whole time.

"Oh fuck off Eli. You didn't know either." Everetta crossed her arms under her chest, still sticking out that lower lip of hers.

The boy, as if to pacify her. Ready to please Everetta quickly added, "But I can give you some to study, you should be fine if you use gloves. I have a special pair I can give you."

Well, that was odd. I glared at him as Everetta beamed up at him.

"Don't even think about it," I warned, finding all of this a bit too uncomfortable.

It's weird, as if not right.

Everetta still pouted.

"But.” She stared. I just glared at her.

"No." I reiterated.

Everetta pouted some more, huffing a sigh of rebellion.

Before Everetta could get another word out the witch just had to open her mouth.

"Let's get back to the topic at hand. How did you know we were here and why did you lead us in this room?"

At least someone has their head on straight. Finally, something the witch said was right.

I turned my attention back to the boy as he cleared his throat, not used to the attention on him. Strange he was doing fine until now.

"I- umm, well. You see, I had a few dreams about you three, and well, I believe that it is my duty to help you in your quest." He nodded his head as if checking to make sure that sounded right.

I frowned.

What in the world did that mean? Did he know what we were up to? If so, was he willing to hand over the throne to me? No, I have to make sure. Only a fool would spout his plans before confirmation if he's been truly caught.

As if thinking the same thing Everetta asked, "And what would that be? How would you help us?"

Good Everetta was getting back to our main goal. Getting back my crown and not some red powder.

"Well, umm, I know that- well, ok, yes I have no idea about what you three wish to do, but I am here to help or at least I want to." He blushed looking oddly suspicious with the googly eyes he was making towards Everatta.

I shivered at the slimy feeling I felt. Stepping in front of her I narrowed my gaze at the guy who reddened blinking away. Odd, was Flynn always this shy ?

"Sorry, I didn't mean to, umm, I- what I meant to say is I- well she told me that I could help you." He gestured his head towards the witch.

Let me just say only an idiot wouldn't find this suspicious. A witch and an unfamiliar boy, a plan with the witch, ya not suspicious at all.

"I've seen it, he can help." She explained, looking straight at me, her gaze unwavering.

I smirked, I was no idiot. I'd rather be stranded in the Shadow Lands than agree to let this brat help us, never mind go along with that witch's plans. But before I could voice my refusal Everetta escaped from my arm barrier.

"I think that's a great idea. A man from the inside would be a great help, don't you think Eli?" She smiled up at me all innocent and sweet while her eyes said, you better fucking agree or I'll kill you in your sleep. I nearly scoffed at that pathetic attempt at a threat. As if she ever would dare kill me, only a coward would kill someone that way.

Rolling my eyes I was ready to refuse again when she continued, “Besides, a man from the inside can inform us about the king, and give us access to important details or at least have a way to access them, right? Say, the secret library, hmmm, hmm." Everett raised her eyebrows suggestively to the boy, as he smiled nervously but nodded, pleasing the girl he seemed to want to woo.

Ugh, great .

I sneered my nose at the boy. How can a winter fae be so eager to please someone, maybe this was a trick after all. I frowned at the boy before turning back to Everetta.

"See, we can use him." She said this last part more to please me than anything else but, the small glint in her eyes told me all her words were bullshit and what she wanted wasn't an alliance but to find out what the bloody hell was that red powder of forgetfulness….

And the library could help.

I rolled my eyes, sighing. Taking it as a yes Everetta beamed, "I guess that means you're in, welcome to the team." Everetta beamed up at the boy as I scowled, already regretting my words.