2. Emilia
Chapter 2
Emilia
T his can’t be real . The supposed Night Court Queen is not standing in front of us three days before our bonding ceremony, proposing to bond with Timas instead of me. No. This has to be a dream. But the tremble in my hands and the headache forming in my head tells me I am very much not dreaming this. The breeze from the open window that caresses my skin says that this is real, and the warm palm of Timas’ hand affirms reality yet again. My vision is tunneled on the woman in front of me. This beautiful, stunning Fae woman, who would likely be a better Queen than me. Timas straightens his back further, which I didn’t know was possible with how rigid he was already sitting. The look of utter fury covers his face, and his tone does not give much else.
“I don’t know what you think you are suggesting but in case you have not been informed about the current happenings of this Court, I am to be bonded to my spirit bond in three days.“ His hand squeezes mine, likely to tell me not to worry and to remind himself I am still here. The pressure in my hand is a welcome distraction to the thoughts racing in my mind. This woman, Neeve, doesn’t flinch at the harsh tone or the subtle crackle of magic that’s floating in the air. She maintains eye contact with Timas and stands with a confidence I envy. She is poised and unshakable. Admittedly her very presence shouts Queen—someone of great importance.
“How do we know you are who you say you are?” Timas asks.
“I have nothing that can convince you entirely of my claim. I show up here with no protection to show at least in part our Courts are both in jeopardy. If a simple pairing would resolve both conflicts, does it not make more sense to make that choice? I do not care if you choose to maintain this…” She finally looks over at me, assessing me from head to toe. With a simple glance I feel stripped of any confidence I would have had. Her hard gaze makes it clear she is not impressed with me. “Relationship. It will not affect the alliance on my end. You can be with the human if you want but my people must be welcomed back after we dispose of my half-brother.”
A sharp sound of thunder rolls through the room. Timas abruptly stands from his seat, shaking with retrained power. His tattoos glow brightly, and his eyes turn black. He is barely holding on to his power, yet the Queen stands there determined and unmoving. A tremble ricochets through my body. Timas’ power is overwhelming; it still astonishes me to see him wield so much power.
“How dare you! How dare you suggest I toss aside my spirit bond, the most coveted bond within our culture for what?! You ? You walk into my palace and suggest something so unthinkable I must wonder if you simply have a death wish.”
“I do not. It would seem you are more attached to this human than you are to serving your kingdom. Perhaps I was wrong to seek your aid.”
The weight of the room is heavy on my chest. The guards are cowering along the sides of the room. Fear flits across their faces as they watch their King fight the power that they know he possesses. Milori’s face is one of strength and confidence but the barely perceptible twitch in his eye indicates he is not convinced this situation is going to end well. He constantly assesses the Queen and her companions, looking for any indication of a fight. The companions of the Queen are nearly bent in half bowing to Timas, but their Queen has no issue with Timas’ power. Neeve stares down Timas with an iron will I didn’t realize you could portray on your face. Her own strength is incredible, she stares down Timas like his power means nothing, it shows the resolve she has to save her Court. This situation could get out of hand because I know Timas, I know our love. He will fight for us, and he will protect me even at the expense of his own people, and I can’t live with that. The magic that seems to have permeated the room doesn’t make me afraid like it seems to do to the rest of the audience. Standing, I move closer to Timas. The Queen does not look in my direction but rather continues to stare down Timas. I catch Milori’s eye, and he gives a barely noticeable nod of the head. I take that as my sign to insert myself and calm the storm brewing in Timas .
Stepping in front of him, the unknown wind that accompanies his magic blows across my face.
“Timas, my love.” Timas, ever so slowly, turns his head to look down at me. The lightning that crosses his eyes makes him look like a terrifying and powerful man, but they take me in as only a spirit bond can. “It’s ok. I am here and she is only trying to save her people. Like you.” His rapid breathing slowly calms, and his beautiful blue eyes rise to the surface under the darkness of his power. He places his hands on my hips and squeezes, showing me he is with me, though his stone face says otherwise. After a moment, he seems to be able to control the power and speaks just above a whisper.
“You gave me a pet name.” I’m too shocked to say anything at first. That’s what he chooses to say after scaring the daylights out of everyone in the room? Eventually I let out an impolite snort and rest my head on his chest. Of course, that’s what he focuses on. With a smile plastered on my face I look up at the crazy man I love. I run my hands along his face. I’m mesmerized by his very being, but I feel like I need to help him, help him see she isn’t here to tear us apart. At least, I hope she isn’t.
“She’s not here to come between us. She is here to save her people. There is no need to be throwing your power around.” I raise an eyebrow at him to help him see the situation is not so dire, though I wonder about it myself.
“Ok, my flower.” He kisses my head and looks over at Neeve, tucking me into his side. Timas slowly looks up to stare down Neeve. I don’t really like feeling like I’m just an accessory, but sometimes, when the person you love needs your support, you do it because you love them.
“I am not willing to entertain the thought of a political marriage.” Timas practically spits the words. “Unless you have something else to suggest, we have nothing further to discuss.” The heightened emotion has caused my body to shake slightly. Timas must be able to feel it because he quickly glances down at me and excuses us.
“My second will escort you to some accommodations. Perhaps you need time to consider your proposal again. My bonding is not, and will never be, on the table for discussion.”
Timas’ large, warm hands tug me along to the side door of the throne room. My brain feels foggy after interacting with Neeve. A large part of me wants to fight her for my man, but a few problems arise with that thought. One, I am a human, and we don’t typically win against a Fae person, let alone a royal one. Two, what good would that do? Sure, it would make me feel better, but is it really about me? I look up at Timas. His features are etched with strength and authority that anyone can see. He fought to bring my father home for me. He never asked for anything in return, but I know I can help him. I don’t think I can stand by and watch him bond with someone else, but maybe I can leave and give him the opportunity to save his people. I don’t think I could live with myself if I knew we could stop all of this by simply allowing a political bonding. My heart rips in two at the thought. I’m not sure I would recover, but it could save so many lives so maybe we should consider it. Finally making it out into the large hall, Timas speaks.
“Don’t you dare even think about it.” Slightly taken off guard, I slow my walk and look into his dark blue eyes.
“W-what?” He can’t read my mind… right?
“I can feel the turmoil inside you, though that shouldn’t be possible without being bonded.” His contemplative thoughts make me forget myself for a moment. “We are not entertaining her suggestion, Emilia.” His furrowed brows make him look so cute, though he could blow up the place if he wanted.
“I… well…” I huff out a breath. “I just don’t want you sacrificing your people for me.” And maybe that’s not entirely the issue—I still don’t know if I deserve this man or if I should be Queen of the Day Court. But he doesn’t need to know that right now.
He cradles my face with both his hands and looks deep into my eyes.
“If I have to spend every day of the rest of my life showing you that you are exactly what I want, I will. I will fly to the tallest spire and shout it everyday. I will say it to every passing guard. I will show you that you are meant to be Queen because you are meant to be with me… and I’m King.” A smile starts to grow on my face, and I can’t help but lean into his palms.
“Ok.” I all but whisper. The door behind us makes a slight banging sound, indicating it has just been opened and then closed, allowing someone to join this moment. Timas and I turn to see Raza’l walking out of the throne room .
“Your Majesty.” The sweet and kind man I love slips his mask back on to look at the council member who is coming towards us.
“Yes?” Timas’ voice is clipped, making me wonder how this conversation is going to go.
“I was wondering if we should call a council meeting.” Raza’l stops a fair distance away from us with his hands folded in front.
“Why would we need to do that?“ The obvious annoyance is not hidden from his voice but Raza’l continues.
“We have been given an opportunity to stop the murders, it would behoove us to discuss what the Queen has proposed.” The magic that had finally settled starts to roll again. Timas is already on edge with this entire situation, and Raza’l is not helping.
“Did you lose your hearing in the throne room? I have already stated that I will not consider a political bonding. I am going to bond with Emilia, and nothing you can say will change that.“ Raza’l gives a nervous cough but straightens his back and prepares himself for whatever is to come next out of his mouth.
“On the contrary, Your Majesty. The council is able to enact the Royal Compliance Act, and if I have to, I will call for a vote on the matter.”
A nearby window implodes, causing a scream to rip through my throat. Ducking my head into Timas’ shoulder, I cling to his arms, trying to calm down. I lift my head after a moment and look around. Raza’l is cowering, bent over near the ground, while the guards have their hands on their weapons, preparing for an attack. The problem is that the implosion came from Timas. His magic lashed out at the windows, no doubt, to prevent from hitting Raza’l. Timas is shaking, yet again, trying to control his power. Through clenched teeth, he speaks to the cowering Raza’l.
“I think, councilor, it is time for you to go home. If you insist on a meeting, you will get one… tomorrow. As of right now I do not want to see you or anyone else from the council. Do I make myself clear?” I stare at Raza’l, who is slowly standing, but he doesn’t give him much time for a reply. “Guards, I think Councilor Raza’l needs to find the exit from the royal wing. Help him find it.”
Timas doesn’t wait one more second. He turns on his heel, grabs my hand and walks us straight to his suite. The guards standing outside his suite door pull the heavy wooden doors open. Timas leads me to the lounge chair beside the fireplace. He gathers me up in his arms and sits down, then grabs a soft white blanket hanging on the chair and wraps it around my shoulders. I didn’t realize until now that I am shaking. The headache that was slowly forming earlier has become a raging problem. I have been holding my proverbial breath since Queen Neeve first walked into the throne room.
“Are you ok, my flower?” Timas rubs his hands up and down my arms trying to warm and soothe me.
“I don’t know. That was a lot to take in. Are you ok?” I adjust myself in his lap to look at his face. He pushes out an exhausted breath before he tells me his thoughts .
“Well, if it wasn’t for you, I might have done something rash.”
“Understatement.” I mutter under my breath, but he, of course, hears me and tickles my side, making me twist on his lap.
“I’m angry. Not only with the proposal from that person—“
“Neeve, her name is Neeve.” I unhelpfully inform him.
“Neeve.” He grits out. “But I am more upset with Raza’l. He is prepared to use a mandate that hasn’t been used in a millennium to force me to bond with that woman.” A feeling of dread sits in my stomach as I listen to his words, and though I don’t want to know the answer to the question rolling around in my mind, I know I need to.
“What is the Royal Compliance Act?” He rubs his forehead with his right hand, sighing while he does it.
“It’s a mandate implemented thousands of years ago to help keep the Day Court Kings from becoming tyrannical and doing whatever they want. The last time it was used was because King Dolan decided he was going to enslave the lower class. The council votes on whether the decision is for the best of the Day Court, and if the majority goes against what the King wants, then the King has two choices. He can comply and maintain his rule or abdicate. If Raza’l forces a vote to be taken on whether or not to politically bond with the Queen, I will be forced into a position I never thought I would be in. But I would abdicate before I ever bond with someone else.” He leans down and places a gentle kiss on my head. My stomach is tied in knots over the situation we are in. The council could force Timas to be with Queen Neeve, and the voice in the back of my head wonders if that would be a better choice.
The doors to Timas’ suite open, and Milori walks in, cutting our conversation short because it’s weird to be sitting in Timas’ lap while others are around. I try to climb off Timas’ lap, but his arms tighten around me, holding me in place.
“I have had a very stressful day. I would hate to do something drastic to Milori if you moved away from me. It’s in his best interest and continued existence that you stay.” Timas whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My nod is choppy, but I manage to do it and lean back into his embrace.
“Well, the scary Queen is all set up in the western suites. I have extra guards stationed but, with how she withstood your power, I’m not so sure they will be enough.” His sentence starts out confident but grows uncertain as he continues.
“It’s fine. I doubt she will do anything. She wants to save her people. With that knowledge she will do whatever she can to form an alliance.” Timas rests his head back on the headrest and closes his eyes. “It’s not even lunch time and I am done with this day.”
Milori slumps down into the chair across from us and sighs loudly.
“Me too… So what are we going to do? Go for a walk in the garden? Maybe swim in the lake? It might be a bit cold, but it might do us some good.” I start to chuckle at Milori’s presumption that he is included in Timas’ self-imposed seclusion .
Timas lifts his head and glares down Milori. “You are making sure our guests stay out of trouble while Emilia and I relax for the rest of the day.” Milori stares at Timas, mouth open in shock. Slapping his hands down on his legs, he stands up.
“Fine. I’ll go do my job! Seeing as I am the only productive member of this little group we have.” He turns on his heel and heads out the door. The slam of the doors signals we are alone, and Timas goes back to nuzzling my neck.
“Now let’s try and forget about all that, just for a little while. Ok, my flower? Just you and me.”
We spend the rest of the day talking, reading, and just being because the storm that is coming is going to uproot us. I’m sure of it.