40. Everly
Everly
Chapter forty
From the wardrobe, Zaria pulls out a beautiful pink dress that catches the light. My breath catches, and my heart races as I take in the stunning elegance of the dress she holds up. The top of the dress sparkles with silver glitter, with a sweetheart neckline and delicate, thin straps. The silver flows down, turning light pink at the smallest part of my waist and gradually getting darker. It flares out like a ballgown at my waist, layers upon layers of tulle with glittering rhinestones scattered throughout. It is gorgeous.
Nymeria and Anika trot over, their ears perked up as they curiously tilt their heads, studying the dress. I grin and reach out, stroking their heads. “It’s beautiful, right?”
Both wolves bow their heads in agreement, sandwiching me between them. I can't believe they are alive, that they have survived alone for this long. They were still only pups when my parents were killed.
“Let’s put it on, then.” Zaria grins.
“This is too pretty to wear now. This is a special occasion dress.” I laugh.
“This is a special occasion. You need to go out there and show everyone who you are.”
I swallow over the emotions rising in my throat and run my fingers over the dress again.
“Okay,” I whisper.
The twinkling rhinestones scattered amidst the fabric send a rainbow of colors reflecting off the walls as the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains reach it. As Zaria takes it from the hanger, the whole feel of the dress adds a touch of enchantment to the room. It is a sight to behold.
Zaria places it on the ground, opening the top wide for me to step into it. Slowly she pulls it up my body, and I slip my arms in the straps, staring at my reflection in awe.
I find myself lost in my reflection, my fingers idly toying with the soft tulle of my skirt. My eyes tracing a path over my face, taking in my now pointed ears and green eyes. The mating mark that makes my stomach fill with butterflies. It’s impossible not to think back to how mindblowing the sex had been before I passed out. I want to get him back in bed. A blush covers my cheeks and Zaria clears her throat. Blinking, I meet her gaze in the mirror.
“Do you like it?” she asks nervously.
“I love it.”
I spin around, admiring how the skirt fans out around me, catching the sunlight on the sparkling gems.
Zaria claps her hands together, her eyes brimming with tears.
Startled, I pause and grab her hands.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s just . . . I knew you were her. I was hoping . . . ” she trails off and our attention drops to my arm where my birthmark is now fully displayed in dark raised lines.
There’s movement in Zaria's hair before Asrai peeps out, offering me a shy wave.
“Come. We must not keep her majesty waiting too long.” Zaria reaches out and runs her fingers through my hair. “I think we can leave your hair down. It looks magical.”
I peek in the mirror one more time, marveling at the beauty of the dress.
This dress makes me feel like a princess.
I turn to follow Zaria and see Asrai signing. ‘You are a princess.’
My step falters mid-step. How did she know what I was thinking?
“Wait, one more thing.” I rush over to the bed and reach under the mattress, pulling out my dagger—the one that Raiden gave me. My eyes shift downward to my dress, and a frown immediately forms on my face. Where on earth am I going to put it?
“Here.” Zaria steps forward, holding out her hand.
I give her the dagger, and as she takes it, she reveals a hidden flap in my bodice. The perfect size for a dagger.
I beam at her. “Perfect.” Turning to face Nymeria and Anika, who are following close behind, I add, “You two stay here.”
Both wolves let out exasperated sighs and sit, their unwavering gazes focused on me.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I whine. “Just stay out of trouble.”
Stepping out into the hall, I see Tristan first, then warm solid arms spin me, and I’m wrapped in Kian’s embrace.
“You scared the shit out of us, princess.”
With my arms pinned to my side, there isn’t much to do but hang here.
“I’d apologize, but . . . not my fault.”
“Let her go, you brute,” Tristan's gruff voice pipes up from behind.
I grin as Kian puts me back on my feet, his hands landing on my shoulders, as he takes in my appearance. “He said you’d changed, but I wasn’t expecting this.”
I flush, feeling my cheeks heat, and shrug my shoulders.
“The crown prince wouldn’t let anyone but Nix and Zaria in the room,” Kian continues with a frown.
Tristan grabs my hand, breaking Kian’s hold, and pulls me into a hug. I’m so surprised and shocked by the gesture I don’t immediately move. Then hesitantly, I lift my arms, giving him a gentle squeeze. My eyes dart to Kian and Zaria, both of whom are smothering their amusement behind their hands.
“Don’t scare us like that again,” Tristan says gruffly before letting me go.
“Yes, the prince almost went into a rage when you blacked out,” Kian grouses.
Surprised, I step back and look at each of them. “He did?”
“Yep, would have destroyed what was left of the Evergreens palace if Zaria hadn’t reassured him you were okay.”
“We weren’t allowed anywhere near you. Tristan tried once and almost lost his head.” Kian laughs.
My eyes widen and dart to Tristan.
“What?” I croak.
Tristan grabs his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable. “It was my mistake.”
Zaria snorts. “If Raiden hadn’t intervened, you’d be headless.”
“How are you joking about this?” I shriek, completely horrified.
‘Stóirín, what’s wrong?’
Maxon’s voice in my head startles me, and I snap my mouth shut.
‘How are you in my head?’
‘The bond lets us speak to each other. I can feel your distress. What’s happening?’
‘You almost killed your friend because he got too close to me?’
I feel his exasperation through our shared link. ‘He did not heed my warning.’
‘That doesn’t mean you behead him!’ I berate.
Maxon hums down the link, and I roll my eyes.
“Are you even listening to me?” Kian’s voice breaks me from the spell.
“Of course she is. She just rolled her eyes at you.” Tristan’s tone conveys how bored he is with the conversation.
“We really should be going,” Zaria points out.
Kian holds out his arm to me and I beam, looping my arm in his.
“Be careful. You are literally playing with fire,” Trisan mumbles and begins leading the way.
Zaria falls into step next to me as we head toward Queen Lavina’s part of the castle.
“How are you feeling?” Kian asks, drawing my attention.
“I feel great, actually. I’m not as shocked about the changes as one would be because I remember my time from before.”
“You do?” Zaria asks.
Tristan casts me a questioning look over his shoulder.
“My eyes are just like my mothers.” I grin softly.
Making our way around the corner, we come to the open doors to the main sitting area. Just inside, Madeline and Maxon stand close together, their voices hushed as they engage in conversation. My grip involuntarily tightens on Kian’s arm, and I do my best to keep my face neutral as a surge of jealousy burns in the pit of my stomach. Connecting with the bond, I immediately sense Maxon's heightened alertness as well as his overall state of calm.
Somehow, knowing he’s calm helps me relax, but it doesn't stop the sharp words building on my tongue. My fingers twitch with anticipation as I reach for the dagger hidden within my bodice. Kian pats my hand, snapping me out of my haze.
"You have nothing to worry about," he reassures me with a smile. “She is a snake, and he knows it, plus you are his true mate.”
I look up into his lavender eyes and feel a sense of kinship. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, princess.” He grins, giving me a wink.
As soon as we enter the room, a distinct tension fills the air, causing my skin to prickle. In an instant, Kian is forcefully torn away from my side and sent crashing into the closest wall. The room echoes with the sound of the impact, and several gasps. Maxon’s movements are a blur of agility, his hand gripping Kian’s shirt tightly, their bodies pressed together before Maxon forcefully slams him against the wall and holds him there.
In a moment of panic, I let out a yelp and rush forward. I bump into Madeline in my haste, causing her to stumble off balance.
“Maxon! Stop this. What are you doing?” I snap angrily, grabbing his arm.
“He should know better than to flirt with you,” Maxon growls.
“Maxon, he is my friend, and someone you trust to protect me.”
Maxon’s eyes flare brightly. “Maybe that’s something I need to reconsider.”
“No, it’s not!”
“Told him he was playing with fire,” Tristan mumbles under his breath, but I hear it clear as day.
I glare over my shoulder at him, and using strength I didn’t realize I possessed, I pry Maxon away from Kian. The moment our eyes connect, a bolt of lightning shoots through my veins, and he is on me in a second, his mouth fusing with mine. The touch of his lips makes everything else fade into oblivion.
I barely hear the door click shut as Maxon swiftly lifts me, slamming my back against the wall. My legs instinctively wrap around his waist, drawing us closer. His lips, heated and passionate, trace a trail down my neck. Without hesitation, he pulls down the top of my dress, snapping the delicate straps, revealing my breasts. Reaching up, his warm hands cup my breasts, his hips pin me in place before he takes my nipple into his mouth and sucks hard, pleasure pulling at my core like a string. Then, switching to the other, he does it again. I move my hips against his, craving that intense and pleasurable friction, but this damn dress is hindering my movements.
“I knew I couldn’t wait to have you,” Maxon growls, his eyes blazing in desire. “Should have fucked you in the shower.”
My heart squeezes in my chest as he drops me to my feet and spins me, my palms landing on the wall as he gathers up my dress. His fingers find me soaking wet, and he lets out a low rumbling sound, biting down on my shoulder.
A moan slips from my lips as I shudder, pushing against his hand. Maxon doesn’t waste a second, and pushes two fingers inside me, his warm breath skating over my neck as he bites down.
“You look so fucking sexy.”
I moan, pressing backward into his hand as waves of pleasure wash over me. Every nerve ending in my body is sparking. Maxon builds me up, his lips kissing down my spine, and up my neck as his fingers move in and out.
“Maxon . . . ” I breathe, my stomach tightens as warmth floods me.
“I got you.”
Maxon removes his fingers, positioning himself at my entrance. Gripping my hips, he pulls me into him, and with a forceful thrust, he enters me. The intensity leaves no room for tenderness or sweetness. It’s a raw declaration of possession.
I arch my back as he buries himself deep within me. He withdraws and slams into me again, over and over. His grunts and groans, making me lightheaded. With each forceful thrust, my fingers press hard into the wall, my toes curling in my flats, and the coil in my stomach growing even tighter. The sensations are driving me closer to the brink.
Maxon leans in close, his breath brushing over the sensitive skin of my neck. “Don’t you fucking come yet. We are coming together, Stóirín.”
“Oh, God . . . ” I moan.
Maxon’s hand wraps around my throat, and he pulls me flush against him, my back plastered to his front as he pounds into me at a dizzying pace, the tulle from my skirt bunching around us.
“I am no god.” His voice is gravely and harsh.
My head turns to his, my hands gripping the arm holding my throat. His other hand holds my hip in a deathly grip. My mouth hovers next to his, our eyes hooded.
“A Chroí . . . ” My heart.
Maxon’s mouth slams down over mine. Our tongues dance together, our breaths growing heavy and rapid. The air around us crackles with electric energy, charged with the heat of desire. His hand moves from my hip and presses into my lower belly. A warmth floods my core, and I whimper into his mouth.
“That’s it . . . ” Maxson whispers harshly against my mouth. “Good girl.”
Thank god Maxon is holding me up, because my legs start to shake and his grip around my throat tightens just slightly, sending a rush of endorphins through me, making me dizzy.
“Fuck!” Maxon roars, feeling me squeeze around his cock.
Thrusting even harder, his hand slips lower, rubbing over my clit. I cry out, my head slamming into his shoulder as waves of ecstasy wash over me.
“Maxon. I’m . . . I’m . . . ”
“I know. I’m right here with you.”
Even though this dress is hindering our movement, it isn’t stopping us.
Not one bit.
Maxon's teeth bite down on my ear. “Come,” he commands.
I would have laughed if my body didn’t respond instantly. That coil snaps and light whips from our bodies, dancing and entwining around us. Fire erupts along Maxon’s skin, and I jolt, but it doesn’t burn me. We ride out the waves, and I can feel Maxon slowing his movements, prolonging the pleasure and relishing the sensation of my walls gripping him.
Breathing heavily, Maxon falls forward and pins me against the wall once more. My chest and face are tightly pressed against the cool surface, my heart racing. The fire dissipates, and I sigh, but am not able to draw in a breath.
‘You’re squishing me.’
Maxon chuckles, his dark hair falling over my shoulders as he kisses my shoulder gently before stepping away. He fastens his pants up before turning me and cupping my face, his eyes searching mine.
"That’s never happened before.”
“What? Jumping me in front of a room of people? Cause we have to face them now when they know exactly what just happened. Oh no . . . ” I groan, covering my face with my hands. “We were not quiet.”
“Shh . . . ” Maxon tugs my hands away and leans forward, feathering light kisses all over my face. “I mean the fire.”
“Oh . . . ” I breathe as his lips trail over my collarbone.
“Fuck, you smell amazing,” he growls against my skin, sending goosebumps scattering.
“Maxon.”
“Right. Sorry.” Maxon takes a step back, a smirk on his devilishly handsome face.
I try to hide my grin as I pull my dress back up, adjusting my boobs. The tulle fabric is crinkled, but with a little effort, I manage to smooth it out. Not much I can do for the broken straps though.
“Our bond is still new.”
I raise an eyebrow, hoping he’ll explain.
“It’s why I acted as I did,” he continues.
“Well, you can’t just go cave man on everyone who comes near me, Maxon. I still need friends.”
Maxon nods and steps up to me, his hands running through my hair, smoothing it out before letting his hand trail over our mate mark.
“You’re so beautiful, even more so with my mark on you.”
Just as I’m about to reply, the heavy doors to the sitting room burst open with a resounding bang. Queen Lavina enters, her presence immediately commanding attention. Her piercing eyes scan the room, locking onto the two of us, and with a flicker of annoyance. She clicks her tongue.
“You two done?”
Mortification sweeps over me swiftly, and I duck my head. Maxon quickly places a kiss on my forehead before turning and addressing his aunt.
“Yes. Thank you for asking.”
Queen Lavina snorts with amusement, the sound echoing through the room as she pours herself a drink and takes a long sip.
“It’s your coronation tomorrow. Are you ready?”
I startle. “Wait . . . you were supposed to be crowned king two days ago.”
‘I moved it back.’
“Yes, I’m ready.”
Queen Lavina’s eyes swing to me, pinning me to the spot. “Are you ready for what it means to be queen?”
Huh . . . Queen? I just found out I’m a lost druid princess.
Maxon’s hand grips mine, our fingers entwining. “She will be fine. There is no rush.”
Queen Lavina raises a perfect eyebrow at us and flickers her wrist.
“A druid princess, 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.”
I blink as if in a trance as she recites the prophecy Kian had told me about.
“What has the prophecy got to do with any of this? We don’t know that it’s talking about Everly.” Maxon crosses his arms.
“Don’t we?” Queen Lavina volleys back, throwing back the rest of her drink and placing the glass down.
“Is there any way to determine if I’m the one in the prophecy?”
Both turn their piercing stares on me, their eyes filled with anticipation and concern. The queen’s attention lingers on my arm, where my birthmark stands out vividly, commanding attention. A heavy sigh escapes her lips, echoing through the room as she paces back and forth. The sound of her footsteps reverberates, creating an air of unease. Tension hangs around her. Her agitated movements, so unlike her usual composed demeanor, speak volumes about her inner turmoil.
“The night before your castle was raided, there was an incident. Do you remember?”
I furrow my brow and tilt my head in confusion as I look at her. “An incident?”
“Yes, in the village closest to the Evergreen’s.”
I blink. “What was the name of this village?”
Queen Lavina stops pacing and stares at me, the violet in her eyes glowing otherworldly. “Pinehelm.”
Images flash in my mind’s eye. A younger version of me running happily through the streets, my mother following behind me. Then the sudden sound of shouting, as a group of men surrounded us. They were trying to grab me, I remember being terrified. As the chaos ensued, my younger self found solace in the embrace of nature. I called for it in desperation with tears in my eyes as my mother fought the men. Sensing my distress, the forest burst forth with life, as if responding to my silent plea for help. Trees stretched their branches protectively, forming a shield around me. Plants and vines snaked their way through the village, entangling the hands of the men who sought to harm me. Animals, sensing danger, unleashed their primal instincts, defending me with their teeth and claws, as if I were their own flesh and blood. Water rushed through the streets, cleansing away the darkness and carrying away the fear that had gripped me. The once tranquil village became a battleground between nature and those who intended to cause me harm, as the elements unleashed their fury upon them. The sound of shouting and the sight of people fleeing in terror filled the air, a stark contrast to the joyful laughter that graced the streets moments ago.
“No.” I shake my head, backing up. “I couldn’t have.”
Queen Lavina’s expression becomes tender, her whole demeanor changing before my eyes. “It wasn’t your fault. You were only a child. But the other high fae were scared of what you would become. If you weren’t to be married off to the courts to control, then you were to be put to death.”
I gasp, my hands covering my mouth as tears burn my eyes. “My parents are dead because of me,” I whisper.
Maxon’s arms wrap protectively around me from behind. “You are not to blame here,” he murmurs.
“Kinda feels like I am,” I choke out over the lump in my throat.
All of a sudden, the door bangs open, causing us all to jump. Nolan burst into the room, his face flushed and his gaze urgent as he quickly makes his way over to us.
“Nolan, what is the meaning of this?” Queen Lavina demands, her expression pinched.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, there has been a breech.”
“A breach?” I echo, as Maxon steps forward.
“Where?” he demands.
“The north village of Escalle is seeing an influx of deadlings. Someone said they were being commanded by a dark army.”
Queen Lavina takes hurried steps toward Nolan, the skirts of her long purple gown swishing around her ankles, drawing my attention. The fabric looks so soft, so pretty. Wait, why am I thinking about her skirt? Nolan has said something about deadlings in the village.
I look up and blink. Something isn’t right. Everything around me dissolves into darkness, swirling and engulfing my senses.
I battle through the dense, thick mist, the darkness permeating my mind as much as the battlefield. Shadows dance, mocking my every move. Sweat drips down my brow, as I grip the sword in my hand. My heart pounds in a rhythmic drumbeat of fear and determination.
A surge of power courses through my veins, ignited in my chest, and fire lights up my sword. My eyes glow in its reflection, and as I look around, the mist lifts. I take a step forward, pausing as two shapes come barreling toward me. I brace myself, but relief has me sagging where I stand as Nymeria and Anika wrap around me, their beautiful snow white fur covered in blood, both black and red.
Firm hands are on my shoulders, shaking me, and I blink. The room around me comes into focus, but it’s Maxon's furious expression that has my full attention.
“What was that?” I ask.
“You tell us, dear,” Queen Lavina answers.
Maxon’s thumb grazes my cheek, drawing my attention. “What did you see?”
“The room faded, and I was somewhere else. The air was thick with an unsettling black mist that obscured my vision. I was dirty and bloody, as if I had been in battle,” I explain.
Maxon places a tender kiss on my head before turning to Nolan and his aunt. “Black mist, black army . . . Does that mean he’s awake?”
Nolan curses, running a hand over his short blonde hair, making it stand up in a disheveled mess.
“Wait, who’s awake?” I ask, dread curling in my stomach.
“Do you think he sensed her awakening?” Queen Lavina demands.
“Possibly. If she is the one the prophecy spoke of, then it could mean he’d sense her power and wants her for himself.”
What the hell? What were they talking about?
“We can’t let him have her. If he does, it will spell catastrophe. The realm will fall,” Nolan states.
My insides burn with anger, a fiery and weighty sensation, causing me to tightly clench my fists. Maxon turns his body toward me, his eyes full of curiosity, obviously sensing my emotions.
‘WHO?’ I demand down the bond.
“Sorry, Stóirín. We think that your arrival may have been felt by the Shadoweaver.”
“Well, shit, that sounds ominous.” I twist the tulle of my skirt in my fingers. Isn’t that what Tristan said when he saw the dealings?
“If she is the one in the prophecy and this is a sign the Shadoweaver has awoken, then we need to move quickly,” Nolan urges.
“First things first. Raiden and I, along with some of my men, are going to go to the north village of Escalle to see what damage has been done, to see if we can find any clues of what we’re dealing with. We need to be sure, and I won't believe anything unless I see it for myself.”
Alarm shoots through me, and I step forward at the same time as Nolan questions, “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“What about your coronation?!” Queen Lavina shrieks.
“I’m going with you,” I add.
Maxon shakes his head. “This is important. Coronation can wait until I return.” Then, turning to me, he sighs heavily, and I know what’s coming. “You need to stay here where it’s safe.”
“Maxon, you cannot keep putting this off. The people are waiting,” the queen scolds.
Maxon raises his hands in a placating manner. “I know they are waiting, but this is more important.”
Queen Lavina narrows her eyes and the two seem to have a silent conversation. Finally, Queen Lavina relents and shakes her head.
“Fine.” She sighs, exasperated. “Go do what you must, but the moment you return, we need to give the people what they want, Maxon.”
Maxon bows deeply, a twinkle in his eye as he straightens up. “Didn’t think you’d be so eager to be rid of the crown, Aunt Livy.”
Queen Lavina’s smile lights up the room, a rare sight that leaves me in awe. I think this is the first time I've seen her smile, and it brightens up her entire face. The corners of her lips curl upward, revealing a warmth I didn’t expect. As I observe her, a sense of reassurance washes over me, as if I’ve misjudged her all along. It’s clear now that she genuinely cares for her people and has a deep affection for Maxon.
“It was never my crown,” she answers softly.
Smiling, I look around the room. Nolan is gone.