Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
RIVAN
B ursting into his study, I stop and stare at Madoc’s serious face. An entire battlefield is spread out in front of him. Hundreds of tiny soldiers in the official blue colors of the dark Fae and in the colors of our allies dot the map. My aerial platoon is positioned at the front line to fight against the strongest of the enemy’s forces, the Phoenix and Fire Drakes, but our numbers are considerably fewer than our enemy. Hopefully, Valerian’s dragons will quickly cut that number down. The Phoenix don’t regenerate from a kill by dragon’s fire, which means his squadrons will have to be first into battle.
Deep grooves line his face, telling me how weary he is, and the battle hasn’t even started. I can’t imagine spending all those years in The Below dreaming of crown and kingdom, only to have to fight a war to keep it.
“Are you going to stand at the door forever?” he asks irritably. He rearranges a few of the soldiers from one area to another.
Walking in, I pull a map from the shelf. “I might have a solution for the Federation and their independence. It’s risky. They may or may not take it, but I think it makes sense.”
Rolling it out on a side table, I wait for him to walk over. “Avalon. The island is awake. There are not enough descendants left to control the wild magic, but if left uncontrolled, it will run rampant and spread across the sea.”
Madoc folds his arms. “You think we can give the Federation the island? Won’t the magic turn on them?”
“Meri’s rune woke the island because it was tattooed by me, a descendant of Avalon, using my mother’s magic,” I tell him. “Every Avalon citizen wore one. It was a signal to the island of their allegiance. Only two people know how to use that magic—myself and my sister. She wants her independence.”
“Yeah, I gathered that during our last encounter,” Madoc states dryly. “What makes you think she or the rest of the Federation will go for the deal? Won’t they be afraid of the magic? Maybe not your sister, but the rest of them?”
“That’s the risky part,” I admit with a sigh. “If we make it clear this is the only option on the table, that they will not be given land in either of the Fae kingdoms to claim as their own, they might come to the same conclusion I did. It’s either true independence in the unknown or a fierce war that will last who knows how long.”
He runs his hand along his chin several times. “Long term, this could backfire on us if the Federation learns to wield the old magic, but I imagine it would take at least a millennium.”
I lean in closer. “My mother told me the island stopped sharing its magic with her people because they didn’t do enough in return to replenish the resources,” I murmur, not wanting to say too much out loud. “I think it will depend on them. Maybe the two will co-exist.”
Madoc walks over to the window to view his kingdom. “If we don’t offer them the deal, we know blood will run and the Fae will never be the same. Are you willing to be my official emissary and offer them the deal?”
His trust means everything to me, but I have to give him an honest answer. “I’m not sure they’ll want to hear it from me. Maybe you should send Cormal or one of your trusted advisors.”
He scowls. “You are one of my trusted advisors. But if you think it needs to be someone official, I have an idea for who to send with you.”
Tilting my head, I wait for him to tell me.
“Queen Meri,” he reveals in a gruff voice. “Do you think she’ll accept the crown?”
Thinking of seeing a crown on her forehead, I grimace. “I don’t know. Even in her short time as queen, she made an impact.”
“Is it Nyssa?” he asks in a soft, understanding voice.
“The memories are always there, under the surface, and sometimes the smallest of things trigger it, like the sight of a crown on Meri’s forehead.” It’s painful for me to admit, but he has a right to know.
He gives a lazy shrug. “Since I’m king and carry my power with me, she doesn’t have to wear a crown all the time. Plus, it would be a physical crown, not a magical tattoo across her forehead.” He waves a hand toward me, and a more delicate version of his black crown appears in his hand.
“I won’t know until I see it on her,” I reply.
He motions for me to follow. “No time like the present.” Walking out the door, he glances over his shoulder. “Where is she?”
I chuckle. “Last time I saw her was in my room, but she doesn’t stay in one place very long.” I pull my phone out and send her a text.
“That’s the truth,” he mutters.
My phone pings a reply. “Cormal’s room.”
When we get there, they’re both eating, and the room is saturated with the smell of sex. I groan. “You could have warned us.”
“Why?” she asks with a mischievous expression on her face.
Madoc waves a hand and freshens the air. “Because I would like to ask you an important question.”
Meri glances down at her silky attire. “Do I need to get dressed for this discussion?” She takes another look at Madoc’s face and immediately gets dressed. “Okay, where are we going? Who are we fighting?”
“You’re a damn good queen,” Madoc grumbles, and Cormal rolls his eyes. With a sigh, Madoc holds out the crown. “I don’t want the general or anyone else to question your place here. This isn’t a temporary situation. It’s permanent. For as long as I’m king, I want you by my side as my queen. There is no ceremony, just a crown, and a hell of a lot of responsibilities. None of that sounds great, but I know you’ll be the best damn queen to our people.”
Tears fill Meri’s eyes, and she looks at me. “Won’t this bother you? And don’t lie. You’re more important. I know how to get my way without a title or crown.”
“Put it on,” I reply firmly. When she does, I carefully study her. I hate it, but it’s not triggering me. “It’s not my favorite look on you, but I can live with it.”
She takes it off and hands the crown to Madoc. “I’ll accept the title, but not the crown.”
When we all stare at her in astonishment, she stares back at us in irritation. “What? I am a damn good queen. It surprised me, too. Ever since I gave it up, I’ve missed it. But Queen of the Light Fae never fit quite right, like a square peg in a round hole. The dark Fae suits me much better. Less protocol, more honest work to be done.”
“Is that a yes?” Madoc asks hoarsely.
She laughs and throws herself into his arms. “Yes, my surly king. I’ll be your queen.” Laying her lips on his, she kisses him deeply until they’re both breathing heavily.
“Mmm, we’ll have to celebrate later,” he huskily informs her. “Rivan has an idea he wants to propose to the Federation, but we’ll need our new queen to go with him.”
Cormal curses. “Hell no. That’s not happening.”
Madoc thrusts a hand through his hair. “If the Federation accepts, it will end the war. They won’t accept the proposal from Rivan alone. Someone has to go in an official capacity.” He shrugs. “I was hoping you would stay here with me and organize the battle, but if you need to go with them, go. I’ll get Theron and Fallon to assist or Lucifer.”
Torn, Cormal looks at us both.
I’m not oblivious to the leverage we would be handing our enemy if they captured our queen. We need additional back-up. “We’ll take Lux and Aamon.”
For a second, Cormal opens his mouth, then shrugs. “Sounds good to me. It would serve them right if the little bastard lost his shit on them. Better warn them in advance. Neither he nor Aamon will take kindly to anyone mistreating her.”
I smile. “I’ll try to remember to tell them.”
He runs a hand down his face. “You both better damn well return without a scratch on you.”
My sister, along with the council of The Federation for Fae Rights and Independence, accepts our request to present a proposal to them. In the original message, I made sure to include my name so they wouldn’t be surprised by my presence, but I deliberately withheld Meri’s name and only listed an official advisor, along with two guards.
Standing at the threshold of the Gora Mountain, I watch their sly smiles appear when they see Meri with me, but they quickly disappear when they notice our two rather frightening guards.
The soldier who stood next to my sister at the last meeting steps forward. “Your message said to expect an official advisor.” His eyes narrow on me. “Surely, it’s not you?”
Asshole. “Sorry, I thought the news would have made it to you by now.” Deliberately implying their network has failed them puts them on edge. “Queen Meri and her two guards, Lux and Aamon.”
A smug grin appears, and he steps in front of Meri. “Which kingdom are you claiming as queen now?”
She raises her chin and flashes him a warning glare. “I’m not claiming anything.” He smirks. “I’m Queen of the Dark Fae Kingdom.”
His eyes light up. “Only two guards for such an important person.”
“Two is more than enough when they’re lethal,” Meri cautions him. “Would you like to see a personal demonstration?”
He peers at the two behind her and lifts a shoulder. “If you say so.” One of his large hands reaches out toward Meri, but another guard taps him on the shoulder and waves his phone. “The council is asking what is taking so long.”
Irritation flashes across his face, but he gestures toward us. “Come. Let’s hear this so-called proposal.” He pivots on his heel and heads toward the mountain.
Meri eyes him warily then glances at me.
I give her a subtle nod of agreement. He isn’t to be trusted.
Thankfully, the walk isn’t far. Once we’re through the tunnel, the main chamber is right in front of us. With its dirt floor and stone seating, it’s pretty primitive, but it will do the trick.
As soon as they see Meri and me, the noise of the crowd gets louder. Some murmuring amongst themselves, while others openly jeer at the two of us.
Directly across from the entrance is a long stone table with twelve individuals sitting at it, scanning us from head to toe. The Federation for Fae Rights and Independence council. Most of the members are Fire Fae, but they’ve added a few races.
“Queen Meri of the Dark Fae Kingdom,” the soldier announces with a sneer. “Rivan. Guards.”
Meri smiles at the council. “Thank you for taking the time to hear our proposal. The last war between the Fae and Fire Fae lasted two hundred years. It is our hope this solution will prevent the deaths of thousands of Fae on both sides and give you the freedom to create your own government and laws. Our most trusted advisor, Rivan, will present it.”
The entire room goes silent, but I see a triumphant gleam in most of the council’s eyes, including Aeris, my sister. Only one refuses to see this as a victory. Lady Brina has joined the Federation in their fight, and they’ve given her a seat at the table. She must have brought a considerable amount of wealth and influence with her. Her light blue eyes only reflect her hatred of Meri.
“As you may have heard, any of you who wish to stay a part of the Dark Fae Kingdom, under King Madoc and Queen Meri’s rule, can come forward and claim a parcel of land for yourself, along with the voting rights it entails. That offer will only remain open until the battle begins,” I remind them, hoping some will stay and take advantage of it.
“For those of you who wish to be independent and free of the Dark Fae Kingdom, we offer you one solution. It’s an unusual offer, but it gives you complete freedom. It also provides viable land, ripe for agriculture and commerce, and as Queen Meri mentioned, the right to create your own government and laws.” I pause to let the benefits sink in because the next part is going to send them into an uproar.
“We believe Avalon is the answer,” I state in a firm voice. “The island is close to both Fae kingdoms, but entirely separate. This solution allows you complete autonomy from any government other than your own.”
An older Fire Fae, General Lai, who served under my father, stands. “Avalon will not work. Only descendants are allowed to settle on the island. Surely you jest.”
“As you’re aware, my father recently held me hostage there,” I state in a harsh tone. “Queen Meri came to save me and woke the island up. It welcomed her. She isn’t a descendant, but she bears the mark of one.”
Meri holds up her hand and turns in a circle for the crowd to see it.
“Both Aeris and I are descendants of Avalon, through our mother’s line, and with our blood and magic, we can tattoo each one of you with a mark. The island will accept you,” I assure them.
The general glances at Aeris. “Is this true?”
She turns a stunned face toward me. “We’re descendants and can use our blood and magic to tattoo runes on everyone, but I don’t know the island will accept us.”
“I don’t expect you to take my word for it. Have Aeris tattoo you with a rune. Travel to the island and test it out for yourselves,” I encourage them.
The entire chamber erupts. Jeering and whistling, they present a thumbs down and my heart sinks.
Meri holds up her hand. “Before you decide, you should know we have asked our allies to join this war, and they have agreed. Besides the Dark Fae Kingdom and its soldiers, you will face Lucifer and his Underworld army. Fallon and his elite Elven warriors. King Valerian and his squadrons of dragons. The Rowan and her coven of witches. King Torin and his dark Elven army. And, of course, the creatures of the Wilds, commanded by King Madoc.”
The silence is deafening.
She continues. “Do you realize that without a king on the throne of the Dark Fae Kingdom, the Wilds, including the creatures within it, will be free to escape its boundaries and run amok across the lands, terrorizing and eating anyone and anything in its path?”
Lady Brina stands with a malicious gleam in her eye. “That is a lie. Nothing happened when the Queen of the Light Fae lost her crown.” Her voice echoes across the chamber.
The muscles in Meri’s jaw tighten for a second. “I sacrificed my crown for family, and I would do it again and again. But I had that luxury. The light Fae ruler doesn’t hold the power of The Wild Hunt inside. The crown doesn’t demand allegiance to both the kingdom and Odin. The Dark Fae Kingdom does. Konnyr made a pact long ago, and to void it would be catastrophic, not only to the Fae but the universe.”
General Lai motions for Lady Brina to sit, and she glares at him but finds her seat.
He smiles at Meri. “Queen Meri, we are Fae. It is our desire to live with the Fae, not find a new home in Avalon.”
She stares at him. “If you wish to reside with the Fae, our other offer is still on the table. Feel free to take it and stay in this land. But if you want your freedom and the right to govern yourself, then you cannot do so here. Do you really think any ruler will allow you to take up residence in their land, enjoy the resources and protection they provide, and remain independent?” She lets the question sit there for a few minutes.
“We could withdraw from the battle and carve out a piece of the Light Fae Kingdom for ourselves,” Lady Brina says snidely.
Meri smiles at her in return. “You could try. We promised Hyne and the rest of the Water Fae, our full resources, as well as our allies, if you should decide to take that route. All you’ll do is move the battle lines and add more soldiers to our side.”
She snarls at Meri but is silenced by the council leader before she can say more.
“Nobody is asking you to give up your heritage,” I remind them. “The people of Avalon were still Fae.” I nod at Aeris. “This is a way for the Federation to have the freedom and rights you want right now without the astronomical cost of war. Think of how many families were devastated the last time. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and more. All gone.”
Aeris jeers at my statement. “Easy for you to say. You weren’t there. Instead, you gave up. Accepted the yoke of a queen and now I see nothing has changed.”
Meri opens her mouth, but I hold up a hand. “This isn’t about me, but if you want to know, as a free man, I willingly pledged my allegiance to King Madoc and the Dark Fae Kingdom. I believe in him and the vision he has for the Fae, and I want to be a part of it.”
Taking a second to breathe, I get my temper under control. “Last time, you faced two inexperienced rulers who thought like traditional Fae and their equally inexperienced aristocratic Fae soldiers. I should know. I was there. This time, you face a king who will do anything to keep his kingdom intact, including the annihilation of your entire force. Have you trained your soldiers to fight against a lightning-fast vampire or the magical powers of a witch or sorceress? Do they know how to dodge a dragon’s fire? Can they stand one on one against Garrett or one of his elite? Or a demon? And this is just the surface. Who knows what lurks within the ranks of Lucifer’s soldiers?”
“We don’t expect an answer today,” I tell them. “You have one week. Go to the island. See for yourself. Give us your answer on the battlefield in one week’s time. We’ll send you the coordinates.”
Meri dips her head in the direction of the council and turns toward me.
Suddenly, the general shouts, and I turn to see a dagger hurtling directly at Meri. Before I can block it, a shadow reaches out and snatches it from the air, then hands it to me. Seconds later, serrated shadows erupt from the ground and brutally shred Lady Brina to pieces in less than a second. She doesn’t even have a chance to scream. What follows is scary. Each shadow grabs a remnant and disappears into the dirt, leaving no trace behind. Lux laughs behind me.
The soldier from earlier pulls his sword and rushes toward Meri. Aamon steps in front of her and grabs him around the neck. He lifts him up and snaps off his head with one hand. Shadows slither up from the ground and pull the two parts of his body underground. The crowd waits for the soldier to regenerate, but when he doesn’t, they start shouting.
Lux claps his hands in glee. “That was a good one, Aamon. I’ll have to try that next time.” He scans the chamber as if he’s searching for his next victim. “Meri is our friend.”
His words silence the entire chamber. Nobody wants his interest falling on them.
I chuckle, and Lai looks at me in astonishment. “There are a lot more like them, and worse, in the Wilds. Trust me. Think about our words. Ask yourself if you’re prepared for this war. Avalon is your best offer. I’d take it if I were you.”
Handing the dagger to Meri, I watch her run a finger down its blade and whisper, “I’ve missed you.”
“Is that one of the Killian Blades?” I ask, my voice purposely loud.
Based on what Cormal told me, Camon had the blade in his hand when Madoc took his life that fateful day in the court. Brina must have picked it up.
“It is, and it’s also my friend, but I’m glad Lux stepped in and took care of Brina,” she says confidently, conjuring a sheath for her belt and sliding it inside. “Let’s go home.”