16. Everly
Everly
Chapter sixteen
There is a soft knock on my door the next morning and I walk over, expecting to see Maxon or Raiden.
“Kian? Come in.”
Kian bows, giving me his usual easy-going smile. “The prince has been called away. I’m not to let you out of my sight until he returns.”
I roll my eyes and cross my arms in defiance. “Well, Raiden was going to start training me today. Will you help me?”
Kian's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You?”
I let loose a laugh at his look of shock. “Yes, me. I’m not all that helpless. I learned to defend myself at a young age, but I lack technique. Or the ability to use a sword.”
Kian gives me a once over, taking in the black guard breeches and the white tunic Zaria had given me. I also have the dagger Raiden handed me last night when he dropped me at my room, it was tucked into the waistband of my pants. I asked Zaria if she could get a couple of outfits made for me. I spent hours last night drawing up some designs that, while still pretty, will be acceptable to fight in and will hide my daggers.
“Okay, I can run through some things with you.”
I let out a tiny squeal of excitement and then clamp my lips together in embarrassment. “Sorry.”
Kian laughs, his lavender eyes taking on a more pinkish hue. “I like your enthusiasm. You’ll need it.” He winks and turns for the door, holding it open for me.
I don’t like the sound of that.
“After you, my lady.”
The clang of steel against steel echoes through the arena as we make our way over to the far corner out of the way of the others that are training.
“Maybe we should train in the garden?” I say nervously, looking around at all the men staring our way.
Kian shrugs off his coat and starts rolling up the sleeves of his tunic. “Scared?”
My gaze whips back to him. “What? No!”
“Sounds like it,” he says, smirking.
A low growl escapes my lips as I place my hands on my hips. “I just wasn’t expecting a crowd.”
Kian’s gaze softens. “It will be fine. No one will bother us.”
He turns and walks over to a small wooden table and picks up two sticks. Facing me, he tosses one at me. I panic for a moment then instinctively reach out to grab the stick, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Wooden swords?
“It's necessary for you to master the basic movements first. To use a sword correctly, the movements must be as natural and fluid as the flow of water in a river.”
I look down at the wooden sword, studying the grain of the wood and the rough edges. It’s still surprisingly heavy.
“Okay. But I don't think I'm ever going to be as fluid as a river.”
“You will if you are determined. We will also have to work on your endurance and stamina.”
I lift my gaze, and I notice the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. The innuendo sinking in, I bite my bottom lip and shake my head, trying to hide my amusement.
“You’re a turd,” I chuckle.
“What?” Kian asks innocently.
“I’ll have you know my stamina is just fine.”
“Could always be better though.”
My face flushes, and I narrow my eyes at him. Deciding to give me a break from his flirtiness, Kian takes up a stance next to me. “I want you to follow my movements.”
I watch and copy as Kain gracefully moves through a series of fluid moves. After going through them with me several times, Kain drops his sword.
“Continue,” he orders.
I nod and focus ahead, going through each move he’s shown me. Kian watches and corrects me when needed. I can feel the sweat rolling down my forehead and back, as I go through each movement. The weight of the wooden sword makes my muscles shake with exertion.
“Okay. Enough.”
I sigh, dropping my arms. My muscles are burning, as I pant.
“You did well, but we will take a break from the sword. Want to do some hand to hand?”
I nod, unable to speak just yet.
“Okay, but first, one lap of the arena.”
“What?” I shriek.
Is he serious?
“Endurance, remember.” He smirks and takes off jogging.
I tip my head back and groan before running to catch up. I may hike a lot, but cardio really isn’t my thing. Once we complete a lap, Kian turns to face me and bursts out laughing.
“What?” I pant.
Shaking his head, he hands me a glass water bottle. “You are as red as a beet.”
“Shut up.”
Kian tips his head back and laughs. “Okay. Hand to hand combat is all about fundamentals. Balance, control, and instinct.”
With lightning speed, he demonstrates a quick jab, his fist snapping out like a viper. “This is your golden snitch. Jab, cross, hook. Practice these until they’re second nature. It’s all about precision, not power.”
I raise an eyebrow at him in question. “Golden snitch?”
“Someone got a hold of the Harry Potter books and brought them back for me. Found them to be quite addictive.” He winks as he pushes his blonde hair from his face, and I’m slightly annoyed to see he hasn’t even worked up a sweat.
“I didn’t picture you as a reader.”
“It’s always the quiet ones, right?” he says with a wink.
“Sure, whatever you say.”
Kian grins and motions for me to start. With a nod, I adopt the stance he shows me, my feet shoulder width apart, weight evenly distributed, my fists clenched, knuckles up.
“Good. Now, imagine your challenger is right in front of you. Jab.” I follow his lead, my fist shooting out with newfound purpose. It feels clumsy at first, but with each repetition, my movements grow smoother and more focused.
Kian stands off to the side with his arms crossed over his chest and watches me closely. Offering pointers and corrections as I practice the basics. “Don’t announce your punches. Keep your shoulders relaxed until the last second. And don’t forget to breathe. That is the most important thing.”
Throughout our movements, Kian emphasizes the significance of proper footwork, circling and angling to gain an advantage.
As we continue on, time seems to slip away, and I have no idea how long we have been training. Every muscle in my body aches, but I push through the pain, refusing to be some helpless human.
“Right, good. We can take a break for lunch. It looks like you could use it.”
I don’t need to be told twice. Panting heavily, I collapse onto the dirt, the warmth of the sun heats my face as I gaze up at the sky. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I realize that my body is aching in places I didn't even know existed.
“If you're up to it, we can work on defensive maneuvers tomorrow. I can show you how to block and parry, using your arms to shield yourself from an incoming strike. Your arms are your first line of defense. Protect your head, your body. Keep your guard up.”
Kian comes to stand over me, his shadow blocking the sun. “Sound good?”
I grunt in response and a grin lights up his face. “I think it’s great you're willing to learn how to fight.”
“You do?”
Kian holds out his hand to help me up. “Yes. You should always know how to protect yourself.”
I grip his hand, and he heaves me to my feet. As I’m brushing the dirt from my pants, someone runs toward us. Another guard.
“Kian, the queen wishes to see the human.”
“Everly,” Kian states.
“What?”
“Her name is Everly.”
The guard looks affronted, but refuses to acknowledge me. “Right. Well, the queen wants to see her. Now.”
“We will be there shortly,” Kian replies, waving his hand at the guard.
I wait until the guard is out of earshot before speaking. “Why does she want to see me? Other than when I first arrived, she has been avoiding me. Frankly, I don’t even understand her insistence that I attend the ball last night.”
“The queen’s motives are never clear.” Kian shrugs on his jacket and attaches his sword to his waist. “But we must not keep her waiting.”
My stomach chooses this moment to grumble and groan. “I hope this doesn’t take long. I’m starving.”
Kian winks and begins walking back toward the castle, and I hurry to catch up. Falling into step with him, I look around, noticing the guards and soldiers we pass each wear different uniforms. The guards wear the sage green like the maids, but the soldiers wear black and red. Despite the difference in color, both display the emblem of a majestic dragon. I can’t help but wonder if this emblem holds a deeper meaning or if it simply represents the royal crest.
“Why are the guards in different uniforms to you and Tristan?”
“Well, the guards are mainly stationed around the castle and take orders from the queen and Nolan. Soldiers are in the black and red because we are the army. We follow the crown prince and keep the Unseelie kingdom safe.”
“Is it beneath you to play bodyguard and babysitter?”
“Not at all.”
There is a hint of hesitation in his voice, but I decide not to press it.
We arrive at the doors to the queen’s sitting room, and I struggle to suppress the unease clawing my insides. After what happened last night at the ball, am I in trouble?
Kian's knuckles rap twice against the door before he steps back, clasping his hands behind his back. I bite down hard on my bottom lip as we wait, nerves getting the better of me. The door swings open, and a young servant girl greets us with a polite bow before stepping aside to allow us entry. As we pass through, her gaze lifts to meet mine, and a flicker of recognition passes between us. Before I can say anything, she quickly averts her eyes and leaves the room.
“You may leave us,” the queen says, dismissing Kian.
My heart jumps into my throat and fear skates down my spine, as I focus on the queen standing in front of us. The thought of being alone with her brings a feeling of immediate dread. Her animosity toward me is noticeable, and though she tries to play it off, it’s clear she sees me as nothing more than a bothersome insect to be dealt with.
“I’m sorry, your majesty, but I am not to leave Miss Baker’s side.”
The queen's black hair falls down her back as she tips her head back and laughs. “Nonsense, boy. You may leave.”
“With all due respect, your majesty, no.” Kian refuses to back down.
My breath seizes in my throat, and my eyes widen. Is he crazy?
Worried for his safety, I am on the verge of intervening when he gives me a look that makes me think twice.
The queen's expression turns predatory as she strolls toward us. “You would disobey your queen?”
Kian bows with respect, before rising back up to his full height. “It’s not that I’m disobeying you. But I will not disobey my king.”
My eyes just about pop out of my head, when the queen’s face turns red.
Vibrating with rage, her violet eyes take on a crazed edge. “He is not king yet,” she snarls.
Oh, shit.
Despite the her fury, Kian stands resolute, his demeanor unchanging. My respect and gratitude for him soar to new heights.
The queen takes a step forward and my breath catches as she stops in front of me. I can feel the heat of her rage as it fills the air around us, and I watch in alarm as her canines grow longer. I'm tempted to squint my eyes and double-check, but I don't want to appear rude. I'm caught off guard when she grabs my chin, and I wince as her fingers dig into my skin. I can feel her warm breath on my face as she leans in, and I fight the urge to pull away.
“What is it about you”—she ponders—“that has the prince so fiercely protective?”
Kian moves, his muscles tense and ready for action. “Remove your hand, Your Majesty.”
Would he really fight the queen for me?
I can't help but feel a sense of apprehension as her lips curl into a twisted, cruel smile. Leaning in, her lips brush against my ear as she whispers so softly that her words are almost indistinguishable.
“They cannot protect you all the time, child.”
I feel the blood drain from my face and rapidly flow back in, nausea swirling in the pit of my stomach. Her fingers release their grip on my chin, and she steps back, crossing to her armchair to take a seat.
“Sit,” she demands, not sparing me a glance.
I stand there a moment and consider what she’d do if I turn around and walk out. Kian gently nudges me, I begrudgingly make my way over to the chairs, and take a seat. I can feel Kian's protective gaze on my back as he takes up his stance behind me, making me feel so much more at ease.
“Now I want you to recall everything that happened leading up to you arriving here.”
“I already told you.”
The queen shoots me a look. “I want details. We are missing something. You arriving when you did can’t be a coincidence.”
I bit my lip as I think back. “Well, like I told you, I was out hiking with two friends. One second, they were behind me and the next second, they were gone.”
“Who are these friends of yours?”
The corners of my lips turn down. “They are none of your concern.” I will not draw Mia and Scarlett into my mess. I’m not sure if the queen has the means to send anyone after them, but I am not taking the chance.
“Well, they were the only other beings with you when you stumbled into my realm. I’m just curious.”
“They had nothing to do with this. Maybe you should check your gates?”
Queen Lavina crosses one leg over the other, toying with her pendant as she rests back in her armchair. A slight smirk plays at the corners of her lips, making that sense of dread resurface.
“I have.” She pauses. “They are sealed tightly shut. It also shows the gate was opened by someone from the other side.”
“I did not open the gate,” I grit, feeling my patience wane.
A wicked gleam enters Queen Lavina's eyes as she runs the pendant back and forth along the chain. “You care for these friends of yours?”
“You know I do,” I reply, straightening my shoulders.
“Well, since I can’t touch a hair on your precious head . . . ”
I can't help the feral growl that rumbles from my throat, causing the queen's eyes to flash with a dangerous light. The silver ring lining her violet eyes seems to pulse with power, and I can feel her waiting for me to slip up and give her a reason to lock me away. As it stands, Maxon is the only thing that remains between me and the dungeons.
“You wouldn’t dare,” I whisper, my hands curling into fists on my knees.
The queen uncrosses her legs and leans forward. “I think you misjudge me.”
I snort. “Unlikely.”
Suddenly, the doors bang open and a very pissed off Maxon storms in. The black cloak of his uniform flows behind him as his heavy boots eat up the distance between us. His piercing gaze remains fixed solely on the Queen as he halts a foot away. I can feel the power rolling off him, and not for the first time, I wonder just what he is capable of. The air around him crackles with an unmistakable energy, causing my heart to race.
“This meeting is over,” Maxon growls, glaring at the queen.
The tone of his voice is so icy that I can’t stop the shiver that runs down my spine. He is totally pissed.
Queen Lavina stands, her expression soft and innocent. It’s all an act, and it makes my skin crawl. It's like she strives to please him and keep him content. Why?
So he doesn’t question her?
“You know I’m only doing this to protect our people. I must know what she is hiding.”
“Kian, take Everly to the gardens. I will meet you there shortly.”
Kian bows and tilts his head at me, beckoning me to follow. I hesitate, glancing over at Maxon, but his entire focus is on his aunt. I swiftly rise and walk past Kian, who firmly closes the door behind us. Quietly, we make our way down the hall toward the gardens.
“Is she always that intense?” I murmur, not wanting to speak too loud in case someone is listening.
“Yes.”
I have so many questions about the queen, about how she ended up in power. What happened to Maxon’s parents? Why he is only now assuming the throne. But I keep my mouth shut. Thoughts of the young maid from earlier filter through my mind.
“Who was the servant girl who let us into the room earlier?” I ask Kian.
Turning to look down at me, he frowns. “Eve?”
“Green, brown eyes, darkish skin and black hair?”
“Yes. That is Eve. She is a shifter.”
The name doesn’t seem familiar, but her eyes—I know those eyes. But that doesn’t make sense. I’ve never been here before.
It’s official. I am finally losing my mind.
“Most of the maids here are shifters,” Kian continues, nodding to a guard stationed at the door as we pass through.
“Why?”
“Their social standing has been deemed inferior, and they are categorized as part of the lower class.”
Anger ignites in my stomach, and I draw to a halt. “That’s ridiculous!!” I exclaim, my hands flying to my hips as I glare at him.
Kian holds his palms up. “I didn’t say I agreed. And before you ask, neither does the prince. He plans on changing that as soon as he takes the throne. It wasn’t always this way.”
“What do you mean?”
“A long time ago, it wasn’t just us high fae ruling Faerie. The druids ruled over the forest, the fae over the cities. During this time, there was equality. It didn’t matter who or what you were. The druids were fair and kind. They, how would you put it . . . ” He pauses for a moment. “They kept the high fae tempered. Kept order among the groups. Those Outcasts who attacked you didn’t exist until the druids were hunted to near extinction. They banded together in protest of the death of their king and queen. Over the years, some have become thieves and felons. Now, any who follow the druids remain hidden among us, too scared to reveal themselves.”
My mind whirls as I go over this new information. “Why would you hunt them?”
Kian looks down at me, the pink hue of his lavender eyes seems to deepen with an emotion I can’t name. “A prophecy. It’s always about prophecy,” he mutters.
“What is the prophecy?”
Kian stops next to a rosebush, the white flowers in perfect bloom. I can’t help but reach out, letting my fingers trace the soft velvet petals as I wait. I know it’s silly, but it feels as if the flowers are reaching for my touch.
“It was said that a druid would be born who possessed power greater than any before her.” Kian’s voice drops to a whisper drawing my attention.
“It was from the whispers of ancient trees and the murmurs of the sacred groves.
A druid born under a crescent moon’s gentle glow, shall wield power unmeasured in realms both high and low.
With magic deep within, she’ll rise, her destiny unknown,
To shake the faerie realm, where mystic secrets are sown.
Her heart a beacon of the woods, her spirit strong and free,
She’ll dance with stars and call the winds.
Beneath the moon’s enchanting light, she’ll rise to claim her throne,
Uniting realms of faerie, her power fully grown.
With wisdom, love, and courage, she’ll mend what once was torn,
For in her hands, the faerie world shall be reborn.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end and goosebumps spread across my skin, the feeling making me uncomfortable. Kian steps closer, the intensity in his gaze causing my breath to quicken. He has this knowing look in his eyes, as if he holds a secret I am not privy to.
Kian reaches his hand out, his fingers grazing my arm exactly where my birthmark is hidden under the tunic. I draw in a sharp breath, my brows lowering, and I take a step back.
“When you’re ready, princess.” His words catch me off guard, and my body locks up, just like it did during my encounter with Nero last night.
“There you are!” Maxon’s voice rings through the garden.
Kian steps back, and my attention drops to the ground as I try to compose myself.
“Everything okay?” Kian asks.
Maxon's voice is barely audible as he mumbles something to Kian and steps up to me. His finger lifts my chin, and I'm struck by the seriousness of his gaze. It’s as though he can see right through me.
“Are you okay, Stóirín?”
I feel a pull toward him, and I want nothing more than to take that last step and wrap my arms around him. But I don’t.
“I’m fine,” I whisper.
I lean into Maxon's touch as his finger trails across my jawline. I feel a surge of warmth in my chest and my stomach flutters as he pulls me closer with his other hand on my waist.
“I’m worried if I let you out of my sight, you’ll disappear on me,” Maxon murmurs. His warm breath skates across my cheek as his head drops closer. My eyes drift shut, and I take a shallow breath, my body tingling with anticipation. Maxon’s lips barely brush mine when a throat clears loudly, making me jump, my eyes flying open.
How did I forget we weren’t alone?