hapter 1~The Beginning:
King Odonario sitting on his throne listening to the report of the
last of the court healers shakes his he negatively in complete denial
about the information they were giving him.
Cianan watched as the King received yet another negative report
concerning his son. He could tell by the way the king's expression
froze that the news was not good.
After the healers had left the king remained unmoving almost statue
like for a long time while, then he started talking. Cianan unsure if
the king realized he was still there or not listened intently.
King Odonario starts his voice filled with sadness, "They all say that
he will not improve any further. The damage inflicted upon his head
and to his mind has caused him to be forever a child and the damage
inflicted upon his body has made him incapable of fathering a child."
Cianan still unsure as to whether he should speak asks gently, "Do you
wish to try human healers?"
Odonario replies his voice sounding even sadder if possible, "I have
already; they offered even less hope than the best and worst of our
healers. They all agree that he will live. They tell me to be happy
that he is alive even with the mind of a child for if the wound had
been even a half inch in any direction his brain would have perished.
The blade was coated with some form of liquid iron and has completely
disrupted the areas it infected."
"What can I do?"
Voice hardening with every protective instinct in him he states
harshly, "You must go to Virginia and collect my niece Princess Diana;
she must come home and take her place as my heir. She needs to be
protected as you don't know from where this attack came or why."
Cianan inquires gently, "What of Princess Berwyn? She we collect her
as well?"
"Yes I suppose you must. She has as much right to the throne as Diana.
I'll make it a contest I think… yes whom ever gets with child first
shall be queen!"
Chapter 2 ~ Return to Fairy:
When my father Prince Dracia died I was still very young. My
guardianship and custody were a major issue of both of the courts for
a bitwith both my uncles and my aunt arguing for the position. My
Uncle Odonario who is also the King of the Seelie Court eventually won
my custody it took him throwing his considerable weight and temper
into the battle but he won. I really wish that my Aunt Aelfwine hadn't
given up, it would have been nice growing up with a sister; but the
death threats against her daughter my cousin Berwyn were bad enough
she let me go.
My Uncle wasn't ever what you'd call loving except with his son
Merrett so I more or less did for myself what most children look to
their parents and guardians for... (Comfort, encouragement, etc).
I'd had a lot of battles with the various court nobles (of both
Seelie and Unseelie) over my right to exist; oddly enough I usually
managed one way or another despite being weaker to come through
alright. I mean they were always going to be stronger than me and heal
faster than me but I got in enough licks that I didn't consider it a
loss.
It really wasn't until I turned 16 that things started going very
wrong a lot. First King Odonario decided to beat me for looking too
human. Can I help it that the Goddess and Consort decided that I would
have curves instead of height. (Most Sidhe women are tall and rather
straight up and down with very small pert breasts. I am 5'2" tall with
measurements that are anything but flat and straight 38x26x36... Like
I said CURVES) I and my cousin Berwyn both have the misfortune of not
only looking mostly human but of being much closer to mortal than our
Sidhe brethren.
My blood looked like thick scarlet wine as it spread across the
sparkling white marble floor when the King beat me. I had barely
healed from the kings beating when one of his Seelie Nobles decided
that by turning down his sexual advances I'd insulted him... he
demanded a duel to sort out his honor. The bastard was shocked when I
beat the crap out of him. I may not be as strong as the average Seelie
I was definitely fast and sometimes speed makes up for brute strength.
Unfortunately I didn't get away unscathed... but a broken wrist,
sprained elbow and knee as well as a concussion weren't too much to
prove I'd not insulted him. It took ingenuity and sheer will but I
won... even if he was stronger I was only laid up for a month that
time healing. It's unfortunate that the healers were afraid to do full
healings on me and Berwyn but they feared burning out our magic
pathways so I had to do a lot of healing the regular normal way.
It was around this time that Aunt Aelfwine started shopping around
for a fiancé for Berwyn. This put the idea into the King's head for
me. Prince Merrett got the idea that one of his friends would be
perfect but unfortunately they were my main abusers and I wanted
absolutely NOTHING to do with any of them. The bastards would ambush
me whenever they got the chance. I handled most of these beat downs by
beating the crap out of at least one of them… but they would always
win; after all I am only one woman and they were all full Sidhe.
It was during this time that the Sithen stared giving me warnings as
to where they were and what they were up to. I didn't realize it until
it happened but the Sithen would repeat what it had heard in the very
voices that spoke the words. (Think tape recorder without the
mechanical devices)
What she told me was Merrett telling his toadies that the King had
given him permission to force the betrothal issue by letting his
friends take me till I quit fighting. In Sidhe terms this means sex
until pregnant which then means marriage to the one that impregnated
you. I decided it was time to leave Faerie… I've been gone now for 18
years. It's been a life time but I still remember the good things and
the bad about fairy like it was yesterday.
I've been making my way here in the human world by writing… I became a
fantasy author with leanings towards the erotic and paranormal. I
seldom do public appearances and when I do my glamour is strong.
I saw the big announcement in the papers last week. Princess Berwyn
has been found and taken back to Faery for some special occasion of
the King's that has yet to be announced. I feel for her in some ways;
after all she'd only been gone from home for 3 years so it was all
still very fresh in her mind. The worst was that the papers also
reminded the world that the other Faery Princess Diana ne`les Draca
was still lost and missing and that the King wanted her back home as
well. The picture they posted was a good one too. I knew in my heart
it wouldn't be long before the King sent some guards to collect me.
It's not like I've actually been hiding in actual fact since I
published my first work I'd been in the spotlight a few times and even
corresponded with a few friends from a couple of the other courts; so
I know they are aware of my location.
Chapter 3~Confrontation:
I had just stepped out the front gate to my home when I spotted him
initial panic set in…Oh Lord and Lady… It's the King's own Knight.
He's here, he found me. All the choices I'd hoped to make for myself
are simple illusions now. Then after the initial blast of fear I
realized I'd been expecting something like this for a week now and
there is no way in anyone's reality that the King's Chosen would hurt me.
Cianan, the King's own Knight, most feared of all his warriors stalked
slowly towards the small woman keeping his pace slow and even, his
expression blank. He didn't want to scare her but feared that was a
lost cause as the sight of him scared most.
"Princess Diana?"
Quickly deciding to do this right and not cowardly I work at putting
on my court face as I reply, "Yes? I take it that I am to return with
you to the King?"
"The King and Princess Berwyn both wish for you to return. I am your
protection and escort."
Looking around at the crowd that was gathering; and who could blame
them with at 7ft tall gorgeous man standing on this relatively quiet
street. I walk over and put my hand in the crook of his arm while
stating as I lead him back to the house I'd just left, "Cianan you
know the reasons I left. I won't return to more abuse or assassination
attempts. I just won't."
"The King gives you his protection Princess. I carry his mark and am
to give it unto you as soon as feasible. With his mark on your body
anyone who attacks you risks being at his mercy. Since the attack on
the prince I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone friend or foe; well
save those who reduced the prince to little more than a 900 year old
child."
I lead him into my house he looks started when he passes through the
wards, "What happened to Merrett? Merrett was never punished for all
the things he did or tried to do to me so forgive me if I am a little
hard on him He planned for me to be taken by force Doyle by all of his
friends; So that I'd be forced to marry someone of his choosing. I
left because of that and there is no way on this Earth that I will
return to the same situation."
He shakes his head and a frown creases his face, "I know nothing of
this. I know he approached the king with ideas of putting his friends
forth as prospects for your fiancé but he had other ideas for you. You
left before the King could implement these ideas. I though perhaps
you'd heard what he had planned and found it distasteful. I had no
knowledge of Prince Merrett's plan. How did you find out about it?"
"You know I have magic, not the Sidhe elements of power but magic right?"
When he nods she continues, "Well around the time the High King took
offense to my looks I started being able to converse with both of the
Sithen. Our Sithen has many interesting abilities one of which is to
mimic the actual voices of those it hears talking. She played back the
entire conversation he had with those he planned to attack me."
Looking a little shocked Cianan asks, "You're saying you can talk to
the Sithen and it talks with you?"
"Yeah, but doesn't everyone?"
"The Sithen only responds to the King's wishes and to my knowledge it
talks to no one. Do you know how the Kings and Queens use to be chosen?"
"Pulling the sword from the stone, or sitting upon the stone throne
and hearing its declaration."
"It's true those were used but even they weren't 100% conclusive, the
final decision was the Sithen. If the Sithen did not recognize you
then you were not a true King or queen. When we arrived from Europe
our King was not recognized and he was willing to step aside if the
Sithen did find someone but it didn't. The High Queen on the other
hand also wasn't recognized but when the Sithen recognized someone
else she banished him from the Unseelie court. And you are recognized
by both Sithen."
Taking another tactic since he could see the denial in her very
posture he starts, "Did you hear the reasons that the King wishes you
and Princess Berwyn back to court?"
Before I could formulate a reply he continues, "He has discovered that
he is infertile and since the attack Merrett is also unable to father
children. Plus with the damage to his brain the King knows that
Merrett is a poor choice to rule even if he could make babies. Faery
fails if the head isn't fruitful, he believes that this is the reason
that all of Faery is lessening. So since his own son is no longer a
viable candidate for heir he has decided that the first of you who
becomes with child becomes ruler. He is lifting the geas/binding on
his warriors for Berwyn and you alone. He wishes the two of you to
choose a variety of men and attempt to become Queen. He's states no
less and four and no more than 8. As you were his first choice for
heir he is giving your first choice of men."
Shaking my head in denial, "Cianan you know they will never accept me
as Queen. I have none of the Sidhe true powers. I have lots of magic
yes and have had it for a long time but without the powers they can
easily disqualify me. I believe the King has sent you on a fool's errand."
"Princess you are the ONLY one who has true conversation with the
Sithen; that ability is a gift and it alone in older times would have
made you Queen without contest. Not to forget that Princess Berwyn
only recently came into her own Sidhe powers. Yours could be the same.
Hers was brought on by a night with a Sidhe that she cared about. Well
he wasn't actually Sidhe but the potion she was exposed to allowed him
to be one for the night. If I saw things clearly she has another power
yet to come. Princess I believe you to be easily as powerful as Berwyn
if not more so, you just need the right circumstances in which to find
yourself. Please come back with me. Let the King give his boons,
choose your men, and let the circumstances find you."
Sighing heavily and shaking my head, "Cianan you could talk a drowning
man into buying water! Alright I'll go back with you but know this;
you are my first choice and if I don't get you I'll walk."
Cianan smiles at her, "Please pack what you'd like to take with you as
I don't know when you will be able to return."
Frowning slightly she answers, "I really hate that I have to leave my
home indefinitely. I do have many many protections on it and my wards
are strong. I see no reason why we must stay the entire time in Faery."
"I'll do all I can to make your trip back to Faery as pleasant and
comfortable as possible but I know of no way NOT to make the trip."
"It's ok Cianan I can do my work anywhere. I just dislike the
disruption to my routine. I've been content living my life here in the
hills of Virginia, writing my books and doing the few book signings I
agree to."
Cianan smiles that little boy smile that fools so many others into
believing him innocent and without motive, "Perhaps we'll be able to
help you add a new dimension or two to your works."
Chapter 4 ~ Berwyn's Desires
Berwyn makes sure her skirts are carefully arranged before entering
her Uncle's throne room. She knew she looked perfect and that was the
first step in getting exactly what she wants… like always.
The King gives Berwyn a gentle smile as he encourages her to approach
the throne, "Good afternoon my dear Berwyn what can I do for you today?"
Thinking quickly of her plan and how to start its implementation she
simpers to the King, "Oh Uncle I am so sorry about Merrett. If there
is anything I can do to help you please just let me know."
Wondering how stupid this girl really is and how dim-witted she thinks
him to be, "Thank you Berwyn but he is as good as he can be and his
guards now consist of those that I know I can trust. Did you have
anything else on your mind my dear?" while thinking to himself, `that
is if you have enough mind inside that simpering greedy body to carry
coherent thought for more than a few moments'.
Hoping to get exactly what she wants like her mother's always promised
she inquires prettily, "Well Uncle, I was hoping to get started on
this heir business. Can I start choosing my knights?"
Set on the course he's laid out already King Odonario states
emphatically, "You may make lists and ask questions of the men but you
do not get first choice, and no choices will be made until Diana is
present."
Disappointed and ready to throw a royal tantrum but knowing better
than to do it in front of the king she replies dejectedly, "OK Uncle I
am sure you know what's best."
After being quickly dismissed Berwyn heads directly to her quarters to
set about deciding exactly which of the Kings Knights would best suit
her and would be able to get her pregnant.
She grabs a piece of parchment and a pen and starts making a list of
the knights and what she knows about them:
• Cianan (captain) is one of the oldest of the knights, strong and
fierce, smart and protective… he'd be hard if not impossible to control.
• Llewellyn (lieutenant) is second to Cianan and is a very strong
leader. He's fierce and protective of those he thinks of his and is
very strong and sharp. Also very hard if not impossible to control
• Royce is one of the nicer ones and is said to have be one of the
last children of the Nuada's noble line. He'd be a good choice for
bloodline alone.
• Ogden is a good knight but a follower. He's a green man which means
he's born from fertility gods. He's a first choice after Royce.
• Adair is quick and friendly and also a green man he'll likely be
fertile and easier to get on my side than those warrior lords and
beast men.
• Ahern is one of those beast men. I`ve hear rumors that he can
actually become a horse and has had relations with some of those
horses in the stable. Definitely not on my list.
• Birkey has always been nice to me when I visited this court. I
consider him the closest thing to a friend that can be had by court
nobles. The fact that he's a green man doesn't hurt he's also on my list.
Writing a note to herself so that she can follow her own way of
thinking she adds: Beri (what she calls herself when she writes in her
journal)--… I think sticking strictly to green men may be our best bet.
So the list would be: Ogden, Adair, Birkey, Elder, and Lennox – Royce
isn't technically a green man but his breeding works for him; and Gair
as well. He's very quiet for a knight but very reliable and steady.
Yes those will be the ones I do my best to acquire. I do like this
idea of having a stable of men just think about it. If one starts to
bore you just tell him to go away and send another back in his place.
Tired of her plotting for now she sets her papers aside calls her
ladies maid and settles for the night.
Chapter 5:
After a long drawn out discussion with Cianan I pack while he makes
our travel arrangements. I am glad he's doing it since I hate that
kind of thing. I decide on a large travel trunk and fill it with
everything I think that I may want or need back in Faery including my
laptop which I had thankfully already shielded from magic a stack of
my favorite DVDs and my iPod.
I arrange for my mail to be held and empty out the fridge so that when
I do come home I don't have a living breathing mold monster living in
it. I call all the utilities paying them up and let my agent know that
I am on my way for an extended stay in Faery. I leave a cell number
for her where she can leave me voice mail that way I am not completely
out of touch.
I am amazed that there is something that Cianan is afraid of; not that
simple fear stops him from doing anything necessary. He's sitting here
beside me clutching the seat arms so tightly that I am surprised they
haven't bent under the pressure.
I decided to try to ease his fears or at least distract him a bit. I
reach over and pry the hand closest to me loose then pull his hand
over across into my lap as I lean into his shoulder.
He jumped a bit when I took his hand and stiffens when I start
cuddling it.
He states somewhat unsure and a bit stiffly, "I am sorry Princess I am
not at my best in the air unless I am flying under my own power. All
this metal it makes me uncomfortable."
She smiles in understanding, "It's ok Cianan, I don't like flying
either. I hope you don't mind me holding on to your though. I find
people more comforting than the seat or even a pillow: believe me I've
tried them all."
Happy for the distraction he asks, "You speak as if you fly often?"
"More often than I like; I have to make a few appearances a year to
promote my books. Most of the time I have enough notice that I can
drive wherever I need to go, but sometimes I have to fly; especially
if the appearance is on the west coast. It's just not feasible most of
the time to drive for a week to make a one day appearance then have to
drive for another week just to get back home."
Thinking thoughtfully and a little sad she adds, "It might be
different if I had company on the drives though someone to share the
sights with."
Not wanting to see her sad or upset he asks tensely due to turbulence,
"What do you do to relax on these flights?
"Well I've been known to work at my books on the laptop. If working
isn't distracting enough I'll try playing a game or watching a movie.
Sometimes I read and I always have my IPod to play music on. Sometimes
none of those things work though."
She looks up at him from under her eyelashes and hesitantly states,
"this being with you is actually more reassuring than all the other
things combined.
Confused at how his insecurity could make her feel better he asks, "How?"
She states simply, "Because I am not alone. You didn't push me away,
you haven't laughed at me and even though you have your own fears you
are still protective and comforting me."
He realizes after talking with her and listening to what she had to
say that she was right and this trip was bearable and almost pleasant
because of the conversation and the company. It didn't hurt that she
cuddled into the entire trip either.
Diana asks as the plane circles the airport, "So what's the plan once
we arrive?"
He frowns as he answers, "Unless the King has changed his plans, we
should be met by two guards and a car. He has arranged attire for you
to change into to be ready at the Sithen where we will also pick up
another pair of guards."
"Why on Earth will I need so many guards? Have there already been
threats made against me? Cianan this is why I left… I am so tired of
constant fighting."
Cianan shakes his head in denial as he attempt to reassure her, "No
Princess, there have been no overt threats, this is just a precaution.
When Princess Berwyn was brought home the threats didn't start
immediately but subtle attempts were made. If even one of them had
succeeded then threats would have been unnecessary as she would have
likely perished or been left in as bad a position as Prince Merrett."
As they head through the airport she asks, "Are Berwyn and I back for
the same reason? IS the king really going to make getting the throne a
contest between the two of us?"
Cianan blanks to court face as he answers, "To my knowledge that is
his plan but I do not know the mind of the King and his plans while
not as painful or as crazed as the High Queens they are still known to
change often and on a whim. All I can offer is that he has radical
mood swings try not to anger him and accept anything that he has to
offer you."
A playful voice from behind them interjects, "Welcome home Dee! I can
also tell you that as of my leaving to meet you, the king was in a
good mood and his plans were unchanged."
We spin around Cianan pushing me behind him and see a tall well
muscled man with flowing long chestnut colored hair and deep soulful
brown eyes that exactly matched the horse that I know he can turn into.
"Ahern you are looking wonderful."
With a sinful smile that does reach his eyes and promises much, "You
too Dee. I see the life of a write suits you."
Smiling at him eyes laughing, "Well I'd have to agree and its fun too."
A deep gravelly voice interjects, "can we take this to the auto. It's
not safe her in the open."
Glancing at the knight who was with Ahern I see one of my other
favorites. He isn't known for humor but is a true knight brave, smart
and valorous.
"Of course Llewellyn we should take this to a more secure location
although I should go on record here and tell you that you are also
looking wonderful. I haven't seen that light in your eyes since long
before I left."
"The Sithen has not been a happy place for any since you left. I am
much pleased that you are back even if it is only because it's the
King's wish and not your own.
Blushing from the compliment, "I am back because it's time to return.
I haven't been in hiding or trying to keep my position from being
known. I just didn't advertise it. I've often, especially of late,
thought of home the Sithen and all the people that I'd left behind."
Chapter 6 - The Car Ride:
After settling into the car against Cianan she looks across the seat
to the men sitting there and asks, "So what's been happening since
Cianan left to get me?"
Ahern looks at Cianan before answering and seeing his nod starts,
"Princess Berwyn has started her plotting. Yesterday she met with the
King and he was pleased to see her until she started her intrigue. She
wished permission to start claiming Knights early."
Llewellyn interjects, "She simpered, giggled, and primped like he was
one on the auction block! It was disgusting. She tried to play on his
grief by acting like she cared about Prince Merrett when all knows
that she's personally tried to assassinate him no less than 5 times in
the 3 years before she left."
Ahern continues, "The King was very abrupt with her after this point
telling her that none would be chosen till you arrived and that she
was not the first to choose."
The car is suddenly rocked by an explosion and comes to a sudden halt.
authors notes--
Who's who:
Characters:
Diana Hunter: stands 5 foot 2 inches tall and weighs in at 123 pounds.
Her measurements are 38x26x36. She has tri-colored eyes – outer ring
is a tawny gold, middle ring is a light brown and inner most ring is a
dark brown. Her hair is black with ruby highlight when the sun hits
it. She is quite powerful magically but has yet to develop any of the
major Sidhe powers.
King Odonario: High King of the Seelie Court older man looks about
50-55 silvering black hair very distinguished stands about 6'9 tall
and right at 200 pounds still rather muscular as he works out on a
regular basis. He has twin powers of Darkness and Light.
Queen Aelfwine: Queen of the Unseelie Court—very tall around 6'1"
tall. She weighs about 170 pounds is well muscled but more of a
swimmers muscles than a body builders. She has long strawberry blond
hair that has silver highlight down to her ankles. She has twin powers
of Air (wind) and Lightning
Berwyn Montague (dweller of the pointed hill): stands 5'4" tall weighs
about 128 pounds. Rather curvaceous with measurements of 36x24x36.
Tri-colored eyes outer- tan middle- medium brown, inner hazel (more
brown than green). Her hair is a light white blond that glitters with
highlights of silver. She has magic and has come into one of the major
Sidhe powers (controlling/using lightning). She's very spoiled having
been indulged by her mother Queen Aelfwine her entire life. She also
feels that she is the only option for Heir and any other options are
wrong is very haughty.
Cianan: (picture Ronan from SG Atlantis with straight long
hair)--Sidhe lord, looks about 28-30 years old- 295 pounds of pure
muscle stands at 7 foot 3 inches tall he has a very muscular build,
broad shoulders down to a slim swordsman's waist; strong muscular
legs. His hair is thick and flame red long to his knees its various
shades of red make it look like he has a head of living flame: Usually
worn in a club. He is good with magic, can shape shift into a full
dragon and his Sidhe power is control of flames. He has a dark toned
skin dusky like from the Mediterranean.
Prince Merrett: 6'2" 245lbs. he has his father's black hair and tri
colored blue eyes going from lightest(outermost ring) to darkest
indigo(inner most ring). He was smart and brilliant swordsman and just
a bit spoiled. His Major Sidhe power is over water. (He has never been
strong in this power so has little control once he gets things started.)
