Page 21

Fletcher

We were finally back, I was finally back. Reaching a hand out the window I smiled, watching as the small drop of snow touched the surface of my palm. Closing my eyes I could already taste her sweet orange scent. She was so close now, just a few more days, just a few more hours. I'm coming for you Everetta, my love, my life, my soul.

"Fletcher, we should get going now." My companion, the princess of the Spirit Realm, turned toward me with a smile plastered to her porcelain skin. But don’t let her doll-like features fool you. She was the leader of the secret coup that helped overthrow her father and place her brother on the throne.

It went off without a hitch. In turn, to commemorate his rise to the throne, her brother had been asked to meet with all the realms to announce his rise to the throne. After months and months of house cleaning back in their realm, we were finally able to come back, back to my home, back to the realm of the fae. I smiled. Bowing slightly I nodded.

I was her servant, in this life, her butler, and she was my master. Even if she still refuses to acknowledge the facts. But then again, how could she when she too remembers who we used to be and who we are? Akasuki Shinobi Arizumi Nine-Tails, as her name implies, was a very cunning, stealthy but pure-hearted spirit. But just because she was pure didn’t mean she wasn't willing to do what was needed of her. She showed just how capable a girl was to her father, and the rest of her family, when she slayed a third of her own family to help her brother, who was far less of a tyrant and more open-minded than her father.

"Of course your Highness," I bowed looking up to see the white-haired goddess of the Nine-Tailed Realm, otherwise known as the Spirit Realm.

Akasuki rolled her eyes annoyed by my formal manners. "You know you don't have to call me that." She turned, throwing on a black peasant coat.

I smiled as if to placate her.

We both remembered our former lives, though that should have been impossible, as only those of the Phoenix line can ever recall their past lives. Then again, my love was always making the impossible possible. She must have cast the spell of reincarnation along with an additional spell to help us maintain our memories. However, something must have gone wrong because I wasn't in my original body, despite Akasuki being in her own past body.

How do I know this? Firstly, Everetta would have already been looking for me by now if she had her memories unless she felt guilty, which, in my opinion, she shouldn't be. Secondly, I'd visited her in her dreams once I was able to. I still don't know why I couldn't as soon as I reincarnated, but hey, I was able to now. In her conscious state, my soulmate couldn't remember me. Why else would she be looking for remembrance spells in her dreams? The question was why couldn't she remember, and could my brother remember? I posed this question to Akasuki who seemed all too hesitant to answer, saying something along the lines of not being too sure. However, I suspect that my brother might have had something to do with Evie’s memories, my nickname for the love of my life.

Something fishy was going on, all the more reason to get back to our mates as quickly as possible. But alas, there are just a few more loose ends I must clear before finally meeting my love.

"Your royal highness, you are my master, I am but a mere servant, until my title changes, I can not simply call you by your name, your grace," I replied bowing my head slightly.

Akasuki rolled her eyes, shaking her head as if amused by my words.

I wasn't by any means joking. It was after all only proper for a servant to address his master as such. Since my master was a descendant of royalty and I am a commoner now, I must address her as such.

"Well, whatever, let's just finish up with our scopes of the capital. I'm interested to see how the king had been running his city without the aid of his true son." Akasuki said, throwing in a little dig at the bastard who stole my body.

I smiled as I opened the door for my lady. The only reason we were getting the scope of the land was for one reason and one reason only, to help overthrow another monarch. After all my brother, though no longer by blood was still a brother, will be ascending the throne no matter what happens. I'll make sure of that. Everyone knows a king without the support of his people is no king.

The capital was packed as always, vendors, merchants, kids clinging to the backs of their mothers, children crying over a broken toy, thieves pickpocketing, and husbands beating their wives or the reverse. Walking through the masses I could practically smell the corruption and decay left unhinged around the streets. I have no idea what was going through my present father's head. This was truly unspeakable. Grabbing the hand of a merchant I smiled bitterly.

"I think it would be best if you let go of that poor girl's wrist don't you?" I stared daggers at the man with the unkempt beard.

His rotting teeth sneered back at me. "I'd mind your own business little boy." The man sneered his oil-soaked skin leering down on the girl.

As if that was that the man turned, dragging the poor girl away, yanking his meaty arms from my grip.

Suddenly the man halted. His grip loosened on the girl.

"No-No. I-I did as you asked. I sold them- the girls. No-No I-I didn't." The man stuttered walking backwards, his body trembling in fear.

I turned cocking a brow. Akatsuki shrugged her eyes glowing bright red. It was a good sign that she was using her magic, "He was asking for it."

Rolling my eyes albeit indulgently. We both had no tolerance for these kinds of urchins. The ones who feasted on the bodies of young girls as they cried in pain from the intrusion.

"Hey, we weren't even supposed to be here. If you weren't such a Wolf we would be at the castle by now." She teased, cocking an elegantly groomed brow.

She was right, but who could withstand watching someone being forced against their will? Who could watch someone turn into a slave?

Great and there goes my good mood.

I plastered a placid smile on my face.

"You probably shouldn't kill the man though, we do need him alive for what we want to get," I ignored her words, earning an eye roll from the Princess of Tails.

"Yes, yes, I know. You understand we could’ve already been reunited with them if we didn't have to get this." Akasuki smiled knowingly.

Blushing a little I understood what she meant but I needed this. Trying to change the subject I turned to the frightened little girl. She couldn't have been more than what, twelve? I frowned at the small little bruises popping up from the place the man had grabbed her. The small sticks the girl called her wrists looked so feeble I could crack them with one snap. I sighed at the purple blotches around her arms and legs. Any part of her skin not covered in dirt was sprinkled with bruises and cuts.

"Where are you from?" I asked, walking slowly towards the frightened girl. I felt like a predator as I walked closer to the fragile girl. It was like I was trying not to send my dinner fleeing. No doubt still traumatized by the man we'd just taken care of, the girl trembled in her tattered shoes. I watched as Akasuki placed a calculated jab at the man's thick neck, he was practically like a pig with how big he was. Not soon after her calculated move the bloated nuisance dropped like a cow ready for the slaughter.

Turning back I noted how the girl looked up at me with such adoration I nearly felt sick to my stomach. I looked away hoping to just send her away so we could get back to our task, "T-Thank you so much I-I wasn't sure if-if I would- if I would ever get to see my family again." The girl sniffed snot was nearly dripping down her face, her eyes reddening with no doubt true fear. Smiling my regular mask I tried not to show my disgust at her rags and hopeful eyes.

In a way, I suppose I could relate. I don't know what I would do if I never saw my dear Everetta again, but I wouldn't let that happen, not again. Perhaps it was because of this pity I felt for this little woman that I patted her shoulder, hoping to give my condolences to her sorrow. However, I didn’t invite her to hug me. Her slender, bruised arms wrapped around my body, seeking more comfort than I was willing to offer. Not sure what to do, I patted her back. Trying not to stiffen against her sudden touch. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Akasuki shaking from laughter. I frowned, narrowing my eyes on her, pleading with gaze to my master, although truthfully I shouldn't be, to come and save me. After all, servants didn't ask the master for help; they helped the master. Akasuki shook her head, making me have to endure this torture a little longer. I swear if she gets snot on my shirt I will end her. Or burn the shirt, most likely both. I frowned as I felt the wet stain from the girl's tears seep through the fabric of my clothing to my skin.

Okay, no.

Just as my fingers started to pry the girl apart she pulled away on her own, thank the lords. I mean she was dirty, a tainted commoner. Even if I was a servant now I won't be for long.

"I-I'm so sorry, it's just been so long since anyone's ever helped me." She carried on, a bit of an exaggeration if you ask me. She sniffled, again. I rolled my eyes inwardly annoyed with this little disturbance of my time. I could have been at the auction by now if this ragged stick of a thing moved out of my way. Still, I beamed down at her regretting ever helping this thing.

"Yes, of course. I completely understand." I sympathized, smiling warmly down at her, hoping she would just leave. For lords sake, I was not some teddy bear she could hug. By the shadows, I could see the splotch of snot on my white silk. Well fuck. I guess I’ll be taking an extra hour-long bath today.

"I just, well I was once told that well- umm-" The girl started fiddling with the hem of her ragged dress. I narrowed my eyes, my frown growing deeper. She wasn't- was she? No, she simply wouldn't be so foolish as to-

"Umm- I-" The girl continued as I stared in horror, all while trying to keep my utter disgust from crossing my face. It was taking everything in me to remain smiling even as my stomach was turning inside out. I was so over these games.

"I'm so sorry, but we really must get going-" Akasuki looped her arms in mine. Thank lords she’s finally deemed it merciful to help me.

The girl's sobs seemed to stop as she frowned, blinking, looking at our intertwined arms. No doubt figuring out the little plan Akasuki hoped to sell. I smiled nodding firmly but gently. I still have an image to keep up.

The girl seemed to have uttered a silent "Oh.” as she realized her little blunder. "I-I am sorry, I-I didn't know," she stuttered again. I rolled my eyes inwardly once more. She was so annoying, and I was completely over this.

Smiling outwardly, I pretended otherwise. "Of course, you wouldn’t have. Now, if you don't mind, we do need to go unless you need assistance returning home?" I asked as charming as I could be, wishing she'd just tell us to go. As much as I was annoyed by this girl, she did seem innocent enough.

Weak but innocent, stupid but innocent.

"Oh, I-I-I can find my own way, you've already helped me so much. I-I am so sorry," her face flamed with fire as she spoke. Still, judging by her statement, she seemed to be a Wolf descendant, as if her blue hair didn't say enough. The darker the hair, the more distantly related but still a Wolf. So, I took out a stash of gold coins and tossed them to her. Hopefully, this might help her and her family not wither away too quickly. Having had enough of this I turned. Akasuki's arms still looped around mine, her body shaking with laughter as she covered her petite light pink heart-shaped mouth.

"I hope you enjoyed that," I muttered bitterly with a smile still frozen on my face, my words like frost coating the windows.

"Oh yes, most definitely. It’s always so fun going out with you." Akasuki playful swatted my arm with her free hand, rolling into another fit of laughter.

"I'm so glad I could amuse you so much,"

I couldn’t help but laugh along with the annoyances that leeched onto me just because of the little kindness these women see.

It used to be fun, though, before Everetta came along, to help them, to watch them be charmed by my looks and status. Then I'd use them, whether it be for pleasure or something else. I’d make them fall for me so hard that they can't think straight. I always tested my aphrodisiacs on them as well. Once their hearts were mine, I'd drop them, crush them, and watch their desperate little faces completely break. Ahh, it was so fun. Plus, I was able to gather good information by using them. I guess old habits die hard.

I'll be honest when I first saw Everetta crying, I had the same intention, to just have fun with her, but lords, she saw through everything. Aside from my family, she was the only other fae to see through my smile.

"I swear, just because someone comes along to help doesn't mean they're looking for a future marriage partner," I bitterly tossed out, recalling all the encounters I've had in both the fae and spirit realms.

"True, but not all fae have the pleasures of growing up in a castle as us." She was referring to all the women in my life. My sister, my love, and my master, for now.

"Either way they shouldn’t just jump the bones of every ‘knight’ they see. Perhaps that is why so many men would deem them an easy lay," I shrugged, earning a frown from my master.

"Fletcher! How dare you, just because some women are easy doesn't mean they should be taken advantage of. I would expect a man such as yourself to be more open-minded. I mean, shouldn’t men feel the need to protect the weak instead of feasting on them like that pig, especially you Wolves? I thought they were the strongest in the realm, both the men and women." Akasuki glared, reprimanding me, wrath visible in her red eyes.

"Besides, why did you even offer to escort her home?" She added, cocking a brow at me.

Shrugging I smiled softly, “I had to keep up appearances."

I couldn't just tell her it was instinctual, again old habits die hard. Those types of girls fall so easily for the knight in shining armor. Hmm, now that I think about it two-thirds of the women I used to save fell harder whenever I played that role. I nearly truly smiled at the memories, how those women would weep, confusion and heartbreak written all over their faces as I slashed their delicate skin, watching the red blossom along the curves of their bodies.

But Akasuki wasn't wrong. It was the duty of the men to protect the women especially if they were weak, and even if they were strong some men would still rape them. At least I never did that. Sure, I played with their feelings a little but as if I'd ever touch such vile women, not when I could have my Evie.

All the more reason for this court to change. It was falling too heavily into the hands of the black market. The royals were nothing but figureheads sitting atop a throne they had no claim on. Hardly any fae seemed to turn toward authority these days. Everyone handled situations with under-the-table money or blackmail. Rumors were left unchecked, and hatred towards their very king and royal family. Hatred for all except one, my dearest little sister.

I smiled as I caught the little rumors of the princess aiding yet another village, orphanage, or simply providing food for the impoverished. Simply put if it wasn't for her the royal family would have been over the throne by now. The issue was with all this popularity towards the princess, how would Eli gain the support he needed for the crown? I'll have to talk to her soon, a war is coming and she can't stay, it would be far too dangerous. She was too sweet for her own good in a realm filled with lies and double-edged swords. Not that she couldn't play the game as well as any other fae but I would much rather not have her do that.

But what was she trying to do? Is she making a grab for the throne? If so, how would Eli react? He's not one to simply bend over and give in and my sister, albeit kind, was not one to back down from a challenge. As for me, I would be tasked with keeping the two sides from killing one another.

Why not go for the throne myself, you ask? Well, I wasn't interested even during my last life. I knew where my position was; it was in my labs with my chemicals and books and Everetta. She was and is all I need.

A throne would just hinder my desires. If I had the crown it would only lead to more work and people to please. I could only take so many pleasantries before I inevitably gave in and murdered the lot of them.

No discoveries or findings, no potions or poisons to dabble with. How dreary of a life that would have been. Whereas in my lab, I would always be entertained . The discoveries I could invent, find, and develop were far more fascinating than sitting still and letting my butt freeze. Then there was her, my Everetta, being a King of Wolves was impossible if I wanted to rule by her side. I would rather have a companion who kept me on my toes, to share my findings with, to have someone who appreciates books and alchemy just as much as I do than a nodding marionette.

An image of her curly blond locks and bright golden eyes splashed through my mind, her joyful baring of teeth as bodies lay at her feet. Mmm, how I’ve missed her so. I loved her energy, her enthusiasm, her sense of justice.

Her .

I just need to finish this, then I can finally see her again.

I can still remember the day we first met in our past life. My father was holding a ball for the Marquis in celebration of his victory in another one of my father's endless wars. When suddenly, shadows started to attack. They had been mercenaries hired from the losing side of that war to assassinate my sister.

I remember the screams of people as they cowered beneath tables and the roars of the wolves as they howled for blood. Above all, I remember her golden hair blowing in a nonexistent wind, held up by the sheer force of her magic.

Unlike other women, she didn't cower. Not only that, she fought with such hunger that I fell for her at first sight. Or should I say I wanted her at first sight. At the time I thought my fascination would wither away. Just a lingering admiration from witnessing her valiant actions. Which was why I tried to play with her a little during that announcement ball in the Phoenix Court.

The way she slit that shadow's throat like butter, her eyes piercing through the night like twin golden moons. Her elegant movements were like dance steps in a ballroom. Through the hurdles of swords and spikes thrown from one side of the room to another, she stood brilliantly above everything. That and her sharp mind, the way she cast and created spells as if it was nothing fascinated me. It tugged at the scientist in me. I guess, you could say my initial draw towards her was because I wanted to find out what made this hero tick, what could make such a spirited fae break .

Yes, I understand I must be crazy to love a blood-hungry witch, to want to break someone so strong they could kill me with just a thought, but well, perhaps it was the Wolf in me, but to see such an alpha female; I nearly fainted from the pleasure at tasting her blood. It soon changed, she’d been the first to pass through that initial fascination. In a way, I suppose she turned my thirst for her blood and despair into love.

Of course, my brother believed I first saw Everetta during his dear friend Lucarious' engagement proclamations. In part it was true. That was where I had first talked to her, and decided that I really had fallen for her, not merely as another subject for my experiments but as a fae. I suppose that was the day my games ended when she saw through my smiles.

"Hello. Hello? Fae Realm to Fletcher? Hello?" Akasuki 's voice rang as I blinked away the blissful memories. I will have more memories with Everetta in this life, no matter what . I'll slaughter anyone who gets in my way, brother or not. I turned smiling down at the master I now served. Akasuki rolled her eyes, obviously figuring out what I had been thinking about.

"You know, sometimes I genuinely wonder how Everetta doesn't see it," Akatsuki frowned, genuine concern shown in her eyes, as I smiled. She was referring to my madness, but what fae didn't have some form of madness in them?

"Whatever do you mean?" I asked, a chill creeping into the alley. We both knew the sudden cold wasn't from the wind. She better not tell her, master or not. I won't hesitate to end her life if she intends to stop me from getting to Everetta.

My brother tried once.

At the time I gave in because Eli was looking after her mental health, to be exact her heart-break from Lucarious. I must admit that time was not my finest moment. I along with Eli or perhaps it was Eli's worries that had spread to me. Thus, I had gone along with his plans as well as hers. I was scared that I too would make her cry, would make her heartbreak like the fae before me. After seeing her cry enough for men and women who couldn't see her brilliance I had to defy my elder brother's orders, and although we didn't have a great long life together during our first life we were still happy, I made her happy for the little while we had together. Which is how I know she loves me too, even if she didn't say it. Call it a gut feeling. I would do anything to get her to smile, truly smile, and not the bull crap she does for Eli and other fae. If she ever does fall out of love with me, I’ll make her see reason again. After all, we were bonded, as Eli came to see. We belonged together . Which is why I won't make the same mistakes this time. I won't let Eli's words twist my decisions.

Dear brother of mine, you sure have a way with words. I do wonder why that is.

Eli never was as intellectually skilled as he was in his swordplay. So how in the lords was he able to convince fae to bend to his will? He never used violence as far as I know. I was his enforcer, so then how? His gift is ice, but his ability- What was his ability? I'll figure it out, he is my brother. If the nice civil way doesn't work I’ll just have to use other means.

"Ugh, you're seriously such a creep," Akasuki wrinkled her nose, a small frown creasing her lips. I smiled, getting lost in my train of thought again. Well, how could I stop myself, I missed her so much. As for my brother, some things were not adding up.

"I hope that gene doesn't run in every member of your family," Akasuki muttered, referring to her bond with Eli. Though he wasn't as persistent as I was, he was still as loyal as all Wolves were. The man did kill nearly all of Akasuki's suitors in my previous life to make a point. All but Lucarious, then again were Akasuki and Lucarious really lovers in the first place? I get the feeling Akasuki would rather cut off Lucarious’ balls than let him touch her in that way.

They did get together during a time when Akasuki and my brother were fighting. She claimed that Eli didn't care enough, that he didn't respect her. Although I could see her point it wasn't so much that my brother didn't respect her but more as if he was always too worried for her he ended up coming out that way. He would send nearly an entire army with her on her visits back to the spirit realm or would insist on coming along with her. He once hired Wolf mercenaries to trail her through her supposed alone time in the capital. Then again it wasn't as if she mourned those suitors. For all of Akasuki's angelic appearance, she was no angel. If you ask me, I think she might have instigated that fight and pursued those suitors just to prove to my brother that she was a very desirable woman, as if he didn't already know that. She wanted to make him act out, to make him jealous.

Their relationship was so weird.

Plus, all her suitors were rebels to the crown. They had betrayed my royal family in one way or another.

Hmm, now that I think about it, it might have been to make my brother even more jealous than simply just dating a random fae off the streets. Getting together with one of his enemies would really tick my dear elder brother off.

"Anyway, we're here. Welcome to the underground market." Akasuki gestured to the stairs leading to the basement of some slum building.

We both gazed at the little auction they had in the black market.

Now it was time to get that gift for my dear Everetta. My little apology for being so late coming back to her.