Page 15

Oleander

I awake the next morning, in my tiny bed, alone, with a grin upon my face. Well, well, well, what a difference a day makes.

I’m definitely going to have to get Lonan to do that again, that was a fucking delight. And he has a built-in lover, so whenever he gets whiny about his balls, I’ll just summon Kai. Absolute perfection.

I had spent the rest of the day, hiding and reading and processing. I had borrowed a book that had a map of the known edges of Faery the other day and I spent some time making notes in my journal. Cook had sent food and wine without me asking. Bless her. I’m gonna get her a new apron or a day off or something.

I hop up, and having washed last night, I grab one of my few dresses. I shimmy into it and put my emerald corset over the top. Yes, I’ll be finding a seamstress today to order a few more. Not a ton, nothing obscene, but I need a few things and some extras.

I slip out and quickly head to breakfast.

When I open the doors to the main hall, Lonan and Kai and Caspian are already seated. I slip into my spot next to Lonan and lean in and give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Good morning, Lonan. Did you sleep well?”

Caspian snorts. Oh, he’s a problem and I love him already.

“Yes, sweetheart, thank you for asking,” Lonan says, taking my hand and turning his dark eyes upon me. “And you?”

“I was utterly worn out.” I smile innocently as Cook brings in food.

Tazi and Lilac come in. Tazi grins; Lilac glares.

Tazi digs into her sweetcakes like a starving mouse.

Cas speaks, “The mayor is well settled. I may bring back some seeds from Centerhedge for her.”

Tazi swallows and takes a drink of juice, “The Daven sisters, the older two anyway, are in. I’ll be sending them to our Lieutenant in Centerhedge today.”

Lonan nods. “Good, on both fronts. You two can leave today then?”

Tazi and Caspian nod.

At that moment, the door swings open and that bat comes in. My eyes narrow. I don’t like them. I didn’t like them before I was held down and they licked my face, and I certainly don’t like them after.

Achlys slips into their seat and takes a drink of water.

They nod to me, “Consort.”

Rage dances under my skin and I struggle with my magic. Dammit, I cannot lack control like this.

The rest of breakfast is a blur as I fight my magic. I need to escape the keep, get far from everyone, and let it free soon so that I might pull it back under firm control. When Lu comes to clear our plates, Lonan stands, and I do as well, following him. I am concerned about when my body decided to trust him so, but at this point, it’s keeping me from acting like an idiot so I suppose it’s alright.

As everyone else files out, Lonan and I stand still. My focus is upon the table. Lonan’s firm hand is under my elbow.

“Sweetheart, are you alright?” His voice is concerned.

I nod, “Just need a rest,” I murmur.

“Come, then, Ollie, cuddle and relax with me, while your rooms are moved nearer to mine,” and his lips press against my hair. It is such a perfect parody of love that I can almost believe it.

I let him lead me as I lean into him, struggling to put my feet in front of the other as I battle my magic.

When we get to his stairs, he simply scoops me up and takes them quickly.

“You looked about to pass out, Ollie,” he says quietly.

I blink hard, trying to think. I shake my head. Lonan carries me to the couch and sets me on it, sitting next to me. His tattooed hand picks up mine and cradles it. “Oleander, mate, what is wrong?”

I stand, wobbly, “I need to get outside. Can we go outside? I’m...” I trail off, both tired and tense from holding my magic.

“Of course, little Queen,” he gently answers, scooping me up again. I want to protest it, but I’m afraid two flights of stairs will be too much for me, so I merely lean into his chest and breathe in his scent. It’s... salt and musk. Fuck, it’s amazing. I press my face to him harder.

And then we are outside. I look up, realizing it wasn’t the main doors we went out. Lonan doesn’t put me down, but strides down the path towards the forest. I breathe deeply, the tightness in my chest easing. The path gets smaller and windier, and Lonan still holds me. I shift.

“Put me down, I can walk,” I murmur.

He lowers my feet but holds my upper body to be sure I’m steady.

“Can you go a bit further? There is a nice clearing ahead.”

I nod, bending down to pull off my flat shoes. I spread my toes, enjoying the feel of the early-fallen leaves and drying moss beneath them.

We start walking and Lonan asks, “Won’t your feet get cold?”

I shake my head, “Naw. I can’t go barefoot in snow–not long anyway, but everything else is fair game.”

He makes a noise.

“Never dated an earth Fae?” I ask, grinning.

Lonan chuckles, “I don’t date .”

Now my interest is peaked. “Kai is your only partner?”

“I didn’t say that, Ollie.”

I chew that over in silence. We take a turn and the path opens into a little clearing, the maples and oaks interspersed with fir trees. Even in the bare bones of winter it would still be very secluded. There’s a small fire ring and some smoothed logs as benches. I smile, breathe deeply, and pace around the clearing, touching the three mother trees.

Lonan watches me and when I turn back to him, smiling, he gives me a charming half-smile. “You look better already, sweetheart. Just been cooped up too long?”

My smile drops a bit as I respond. “Yes. Earth Fae and all.”

He arches an eyebrow and holds out his hand. I cross to him and we sit on one of the large logs.

We both turn towards each other, knees touching, and his hand wraps around mine. “Why did you just lie to me?” His voice is kind but confused.

I blink. Fuck .

“Oleander, we are spirit mates. Have you had time to think on that? I have only met three couples in my life that were so blessed. We’re going to be together for a very long time. That is, if we accept the bond.” A look crosses his face as if he had never considered that I might reject it. But he continues, “We should start off on trust and truth, do you not think?”

I raise an eyebrow, “And how would a man that doesn’t date know what a relationship needs?”

He purses his lips. “Fair.”

I sigh. He’s right though, I need to give him something. “Keeping my magic locked down is hard after awhile. Intense emotions... like fear and disgust...” I glare at him, thinking of him ordering Kai to hold me while the Ordained licked me, “Make it harder.” I let go of his hand and pick up a leaf, spinning it by the stem. “Nature helps reset things for me.”

“Oleander... what type of earth Fae are you?”

I shake my head, “That’s all rather linked with the story of my family.” I try to smile, “And you promised me wine when I tell you that.”

His hand raises slowly and takes my chin, firmly but cautiously turning my face to his. “You are telling me nothing.”

Anger rises in me, and his earlier behavior rubs me wrong. “I am telling you, again, to keep pet names for private, how about that, Lonan? Gods, we barely know each other.” I pull away from him and stand.

He laughs, “I know what your cunt tastes like; that seems a rather personal detail.”

I turn, glaring. “Yes, speaking of cunts. Two things: if you’re fucking anyone besides Kai, that needs to stop immediately. And I want that bat gone.”

Both his eyebrows rise. “Seems bold of you to order either of those, let alone both in one breath, sweetheart.”

“Am I to be your Queen or not? Your mate? If the answer is yes, then neither of those requests are unreasonable.”

He shakes his head, chuckling. “You’re a spirited little thing, Ollie,” he says, standing. “I fucking love it.” His arms wrap slowly around my body. I flinch, as I hear the message from the mother trees translated from their rootlings to the soles of my feet, but I stay silent. “My little Queen,” he continues smoothly, “I think you’ll be in a better mood if I lick your cunt again. Don’t you agree?” He smirks down at me, moving to press the back of his hand against my sex over my dress. “Oh, fuck, sweetheart, you’re hot. Arguing with me turns you on, hmm?”

I grin. “You’re rock hard, Lonan. I’m not the only one enjoying this. Do you like the idea of me commanding you?” I let my nails drag up his cock over his trousers. Damn, he’s big, unfortunate that I don’t get to enjoy it for quite awhile . His hips rock forwards. “Do you like the idea that every morning after breakfast, I’ll require you to service me? To order you to your knees?”

He groans, and kisses me, furiously, frantically.

When we part, I say, “Then get on your fucking knees.”

He drops obediently, hands going to my skirts.

“Good boy,” I purr. Suddenly, I step back, whirling and striding towards the trail. My breath catches in the most unusual way, knowing what will likely happen once I leave the clearing. Nope. Not digging into that feeling right now.

I call to Kai where he’s hiding in the woods, loud enough for them both to hear, “Did you enjoy the show, General Kai? Hopefully it cleared things up about who is running things here. Feel free to take of Lonan’s needs.”

I HEAD IN AND RIGHT for the kitchen. Now refreshed, holding back my magic is easy. If I had had a teacher, like most Fae who have strong magic, I probably wouldn’t struggle like I do. But by the time I had anyone that cared to teach me, I had already figured it out on my own. Built the pathways in my brain my own way; erasing those and learning new ones would be... traumatic. So I’ll just continue as I do. Ugh, I hate that I had to tell Lonan. And I really fucking hate that I’m turning into such a sap with him. Mates , I think irately.

I’m almost to the kitchen when Lu intercepts me, a big grin on her face. “Come see your new rooms!” Even without the wagging tail, her voice would have given away her excitement. I’m not particularly excited about my rise in station, except that it means I’m closer to Lonan, and my goal.

“Ok,” I happily agree, letting her tug me along. “Oh, that reminds me, Lu, who is the seamstress for the town?”

“Oh, there are several who do it on the side, no one official.”

“Any recommendations?” I ask.

“Rosetta is wonderful. Or maybe Nell’s partner.”

I ponder whether that would win me any points with Lilac. Somehow, I think that would not impress her. Nell is a bit of a bear, but I had gotten the feeling it was all bluster. I’ll talk to her.

When we get upstairs, Lu leads me to Lonan’s doors. “That’s Kai’s room,” she points to the door on the left of Lonan’s, “And that’s yours!” She points to the door just to the right of Lonan’s double doors.

Great , I think. But I smile and say, “Well, let’s go in!”

The windows are large and look over the town. I cross to them, ignoring the large, plush bed dressed in rich topaz blankets and pillows. I gaze at the town and point, “There’s the Disappointing Fiddle,” I blurt.

Lu smiles, “And there is where the band will be for the Mabon Fest.”

I nod, “I still need to figure out an outfit. Should we go together?” I ask my friend.

“Oh ummmm....” she replies, her tail drooping.

“Oh!” I gasp, “Oh, it’s fine if you already have a partner. Or group, or whatever. It’s fine!” I smile, trying to reassure her. “Truly.”

“Stones, Ollie, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have asked him if I had known...”

“It’s really ok,” I say, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She nods, silent.

“Look!” she says, trying to change the subject, “The bathroom is huge!”

I turn, eyes landing on the large writing desk nestled under a window and turning to the bathroom. It is indeed huge; a large bathtub takes up most of the space, with a shelf next to it piled high with lotions and salts, a shower with a stone half wall tucked into the corner, a toilet and a large sink and mirror opposite the wide window.

Lu’s tail wags. “So thoughtful!”

I chuckle. “Hey, I need to head over to Nell’s and get her partner to agree to sew me some things.”

She smiles and nods. “It’s the green house at the end of Hedge Row. I better get back to the kitchens.”

“Thanks, Lu,” and I hug her firmly. Her arms hesitate a moment, then she clings tightly to me.

I KNOCK ON THE DOOR gently. It pulls open and a blue skinned Fae, her hair in two long braids over her chest answers the door with a smile.

I smile back, my eyes taking in her loose overalls and blouse that is low enough to show the gills slits above her breasts. They flare as if smelling me.

“Hi, um, are you the seamstress? Nell’s partner?”

Her eyes take me in kindly. “Yes, child, you must be the spy-consort. Come in, come in.” She steps back and I walk into the neat home. It’s simple and adorable.

“My name is Dana. What can I do for you?” She asks, her voice the way I’d imagine a kind aunt’s would sound.

I smile, “I’m Ollie. I need a few things.”

“Well, then, up on the podium, let me measure you while you tell me about what you need.” She smiles.

I step up, and start to strip. Dana grabs her notepad and measuring tape. As she starts measuring, I say, “So... I need something fancier but would pack well. I need another corset that I could wear with many different dresses. I need a couple skirts and shirts, and a set of breeches.”

She chuckles, “Alright. That’s a varied order, but I can make it happen.”

We chat a bit and when she’s done measuring, she pulls out some fabric samples.

“Mostly saturated colors?” She asks, holding a goldenrod scrap near my face.

“Yes, I usually stick to jewel tones.”

She nods, “It works well with your skin and hair. The occasional pastel, but not often, with that striking hair of yours.”

I step down from the platform. “I don’t have coins on hand but I’m sure I have an expense account with the keep.”

A smirk crosses Dana’s face. “I’m quite sure.”

My eyes take in the dim room as Dana turns and starts to light candles.

“Shit. I bet I missed dinner,” I mutter.

“The Fiddle has a house special,” Dana suggests, smiling.

I grin back at her. “That sounds delightful,” I respond.

I STOP BY A FEW SHOPS on my way to the Fiddle. And after a friendly dinner chatting with Alfie at the Fiddle, wherein several Fae tried to hit on me—which I soundly ignored, of course—I manage my way back to the keep.

When I slide into my rooms, the sun is just disappearing behind the trees that I can see out my big windows. I smile, putting my packages on the desk where my journal, pens and books now sit. A bookshelf made to look like it was part of a living tree is attached to the wall. I love it. I wonder if Lonan had it added for me. I pick up my stack of books and arrange them on it. I pet my rosebush and move her to a better location.

I pull my dress off, leaving me in just my black underwear and bra, as I head to the bathroom. I stop and head back to the desk, digging out a large amethyst crystal from my purchases today. I’ll put it in the bathtub, I could use the cleansing energy. I’m looking forward to trying some of the oils and salts I saw in the bathroom earlier. I need to thank Lonan for being so thoughtful and thorough in having my rooms prepared.

I push open the bathroom door as I consider how perhaps having him as a mate might not be so bad. I turn to fill the tub and something drops over my neck. A body is at my back and the thing is pulled tight before I can even draw a breath.

Oh fuck, I’m being choked , I realize, rather stupidly, as my hands rise to scrabble at my neck. I twist and turn, fighting. I suddenly realize I’m still holding the large crystal. I throw my arm back over my shoulder wildly. I feel it connect, once, twice, and a muffled grunt of pain. The cord around my neck loosens and I scream. I stomp on the person’s foot as hard as I can and scream again. I spin, and just as I open the doors in my brain for my magic to flow, the bathroom door crashes open.

It’s Kai. He’s shirtless and looks absolutely feral. His magic flows like a delicate knife; I feel the river of heat from him and I tear my eyes from him to my attacker.

“No,” they manage to get out but it cuts off sharply as the magic hits them and they screech.

Suddenly, Kai’s arms are around me. He pushes my face to his chest, gently but firmly. “Don’t look, princess,” he murmurs as his magic parts and flows around me to get to Achlys.

Kai smells of smoke and cedar and there is absolutely no way I can tear my face from his chest. His arms hold me tenderly and I try to slow my racing heart. When the scream cuts off, Kai’s magic dissipates and he scoops me up and strides for the bedroom.

“Wait!” I cry, twisting. “I need to see them dead.”

He stops and turns, making an approving sound in his throat.

There on the floor, is the scorched and twisted body of Ordained Achlys, their gleaming necklace that marks them as a soothsayer held limply in one hand. My hand raises to my neck.

“That’s enough, Oleander,” Kai rumbles. I shiver. That’s the first time he’s said my name. He turns and paces to my bed, sitting me on it. He drops to his knees, his hands running over my neck.

I raise my hands to grab his, “I’m fine.”

He makes a displeased noise. I suddenly realize we’re both in our underwear.

“Um...” I say, now awkward, “I really am alright, General.”

Kai frowns and scoops me back up again.

“Argh, stop, I can walk, I’m fine!” I protest as he spins and heads out of my rooms only to turn and kick open Lonan’s door. “Why do you both insist on carrying me for fucks’ sake?” I angrily yell.

He takes the steps two at a time as Lonan appears at the top, wrapped in a tiny towel and hair dripping.

“What’s going on?” He demands.

Kai snorts, “Didn't even hear your defenseless lover being attacked? You’re getting too comfortable, you lazy bastard.”

Ouch. He’s not wrong, but damn.

Instead of the couches, he carries me to the right of the stairs, to the door surrounded by book cases.

“Oh, no,” I protest again, squirming. I cannot be put in Lonan’s bed, in my underwear, by Kai.

But Kai ignores me, pushing the door open with his shoulder, Lonan trailing him. He skirts around us at a jog and yanks back the covers. His room is lit by several candelabras and I can see a bathroom to the side, a huge tub taking up most of it.

Kai deposits me on the bed and quickly tosses the sheets up over me, as he looks away. I feel a small pang of hurt that he is in such a hurry to hide my body. What the fuck was that about? And more importantly, why do I care?

Lonan climbs, still obviously damp, onto the bed to me, “Sweetheart...” his hand touches my neck.

I feel rage from him and he turns to Kai, “What the fuck happened?”

I huff, “You could ask me.”

They both ignore me.

“Achlys tried to garotte her. She bashed them in the face, from the looks of it, when I got there. I killed them. Probably too quickly but I... was too angry for control.”

I frown. His control felt absolutely precise to me.

Lonan grunts, “Naw, better dead, I don’t give a fuck about their motivations. We’ll search their rooms.”

He turns back to me, “Are you alright, Ollie?”

I cross my arms under my chest, oddly annoyed at both of them. “Yes.”

Kai looks pissed and crosses his arms too. “Tomorrow, princess, you’ll start training with me.”

“What? No, I–” I start.

“It wasn’t a suggestion. You will . I need you to be able to handle a blade if you’re going to be Lonan’s consort and... wife.” He finishes the sentence softly, rage simmering in his words.

For once, I decide not to push my luck. I just nod as I purse my lips.

Kai spins and heads out. Lonan follows and I can hear them have a few hushed words before Kai retreats down the stairs.