Chapter 18
Chapter
Eighteen
MAX
Duking under Fee’s arm, I roll onto my knees. Lifting my dagger to clash against hers, I brace against her attack.
The hit vibrates up my arms, muscles tightening against the pressure. Swiftly, she kicks out and I flip backwards, a move I just learned. Or rather, needed to learn to avoid her hits.
She’s relentless today, pushing me past simple hand to hand drills. She attacks, stabs, and swings with such precision, that if I wasn’t quick, I’d be skewered on her glinting blade.
I thought escaping last night would save me. But instead, I fucked the heir in the woods and came back like an obedient pet, because something said I would be safest here. He said I would safe with him.
He chose me. So in turn, I chose him.
Gods, I hope I didn’t make a mistake. Escape was freedom—away from Zelos, this world, this war. Staying is praying that Kaden will protect me, that this is for a reason. That I won’t destroy the world.
I twirl, jabbing the dagger into her side that she effectively avoids, knocking the blade away like an annoying insect. Without warning, she rushes my side and I tumble, her forearm to my throat, body pinned.
“You’re quick but clumsy,” she comments, hardly panting. I’m heaving, desperate for air.
“I already know that.”
“Use it to your advantage.” She slaps a hand to my belly, and I wince. “If you feel yourself falling, tripping, use it. Let it power you. Change your tactic. It’ll help you in battle.”
Right, whatever that means.
She stands, agile and gorgeous while I lay mussed, arms wide, body soaked. Coming here was a reprieve at first, distracting me from the confusing feelings stirred up by her brother, but now, I’m exhausted, bleeding and hungry.
As if sensing my thoughts, she tosses me a white apple, the color a stark reminder that the crops grown here are different than the rest of Neevea. Without sun, the people, vegetation, animals have all learned to adapt.
It hits me in the chest, as I struggle to sit. “Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” She grabs herself one from the pack by the mat. “We’re only taking a small break.”
Gods, what I wouldn’t give to train with Tay. At least he didn’t drive me this hard.
Sourly, I bite into the fruit, a tangy, crisp taste similar to the female’s perfume, melancholy striking as I think of my friend. And how, even though I knew I frightened him, I miss his comforting presence. I miss his friendship.
But Kaden was right. He feared me. Everyone did. It’s probably why he hasn’t sought me out.
“Next lesson you’ll be given a real sword. Not just your dagger to defend against one,” she remarks, tossing her vest into the pile of clothing on the floor. Like the rest of the palace, this training room is all black, with glinting silver weaponry hanging on the walls, and very little else.
“I’m not good with a sword.”
“I gathered.” She sits beside me, fangs cutting into the food. “A sword is helpful in battles. It would do you well to learn more than just daggers.”
“You act as if I’m preparing for war.”
“You are.” She nods, gesturing to a far back wall. Within the shadows, there is a black wooden etching, the lines so fine it’s hard to see the detail. “Our palace is older than most, with the walls marked with various battles from long ago. These are reminders of a past we do not remember.”
There are Fae, ravenous and dripping in gore. But they’re facing another army, with Humans at the front in glinting armor and a massive leader in the back, obscured by smoothed patches. Someone tried to erase the picture, buffing the wood clean, hiding whatever it showed.
“And because of that, we must prepare. For wars we don’t see. For wars that are beginning. For everything.”
Reid comes in, dressed in similar fashion to us, only no shirt. The tattoos around his throat draw my attention, clear to see now.
It’s the crest of the Dark Fae, a flickering flame, intricate and gorgeous that’s surrounded by scrollwork. It crawls over his left pectoral muscle, climbing up his shoulder and down his arm.
When he notices me staring, he winks. “Easy, Max. You’re a taken woman.”
My cheeks burn even as I glare. “Why are you here? Are you going to pummel me into the ground too?”
“Actually,” he drawls, tossing his sword to the side. “Fee wanted me to see how fast you really are. I’m quicker than her. Old age and all that.”
His sister kicks out at him, catching his toe. Laughing, he winces and I smile at their sibling antics.
“I don’t see why I have to train,” I mutter, tossing the apple core to the side. “If your brother hadn’t drugged me, my magic would be enough.”
Reid pulls me up, legs protesting, feet aching. Everything hurts from last night and all day battling against Fee. The scratches on my back from the rocks ooze with blood against my leathers and everything is rubbed raw.
Though I know I’m sore, I’ve healed quicker than usual. Could that be work of the bond?
“Maybe he’s drugging you so you learn to rely on weapons instead of magic?”
“Or maybe he’s being a prick,” I counter.
Reid laughs, directing me to the far corner. “Probably that too. You’ll learn Kaden can be a prick even when he’s doing the right thing.”
Fantastic. That explains so much about his behavior. He does what he thinks is best, appearances, understanding, compassion be damned.
It also explains why he’s been so aggressive. His control is shot and he’s trying to do what he thinks is right. Without asking for my input. Without asking for my opinion.
If he hadn’t showed that I control him, this would be suffocating.
“And what’s his reasoning for teaching me to wield a weapon? I still want to murder him in his sleep.”
“Considering you can’t,” Fee drawls, crossing her arms, judging my stance. “Or that you now have an understanding with my brother.” My cheeks heat at her implication and coy smile. “It won’t do any harm to teach you.”
“You’re going to be queen, Max.” Reid slaps one leg, making me stand further apart.
My weight balances, distributed better. “Unlike in Human realms, where women are kept weak, or in the Covens when women lead from behind, the Dark Fae Queen leads at the head. Our people will only follow you if you can fight with them.”
Swallowing, I glance to my hands. How could I be a queen when I can’t fight? Who would follow me?
And why, suddenly, do I want to prove that I can lead them? Why do I want to show these siblings—their people—that I can lead? It was the same in the Coven, proving myself to them. Wanting to show them that I’m not evil, that I’m someone worthy of their praise.
Only now, it’s for a greater cause. For a kingdom, not my selfish pride.
“Hands up,” he commands, showing me where to place them. “Using a weapon is fine in battle, but you won’t always have one. Fee taught you hand-to-hand.” Taught? More like broke me. “We’re going to spar to see what you’ve learned.”
“It’s been only a few days!”
“So, it should be fresh.” He winks.
Crouching low, I glare. “You know, I didn’t before, but now I see the family resemblance.”
Both siblings chuckle, Reid nodding at my correct posture. He sizes me up, walking from one side to the other, checking my feet and the way my elbows bend.
He comes for my head first, and I duck, twisting, my hand slapping his fist away. Nodding, he smirks, stepping back. A slight test at my readiness.
“You’re fast. Sometimes, swiftness is the difference between life and death.”
My body shudders, remembering the lord in Griffin’s palace. If I had been only a few seconds slower, duller, he would have used me as he saw fit.
I was lucky he was too drunk, too tired, to actually hurt me. But I was sloppy. I’m only alive today because of my magic.
That’s not an option here.
I glance to Reid, then Fee. “What dangers do I need to be aware of?”
They share an intense look, Reid on the attack again. His elbow cuts into my side, as I fall, kicking my leg out at his shin. I catch the edge of bone and he yelps, laughing away the pain like he always does.
“There are always dangers,” Fee responds, glaring at her brother. He’s taking it easy on me and she’s displeased. “Proper training will keep you alive.”
“Why didn’t Kaden teach me?”
“Because,” she drawls, rolling her eyes, “only a woman can teach another woman how to survive here.”
I hear what she isn’t saying, and my blood heats in irritation.
There are dangers at court, but as a female, there are more. Males will use us, take us, there will be others who wish to steal us away. It’s not as simple as a Human wanting to bed a female—here, I am prey, with Dark Fae controlled by terrible instincts. They might be tempted to do worse.
“It’s not just that.” I drop down, avoiding Reid’s incoming punches, rolling over my head to avoid him. Once I turn back, he lands a hit, my body flying forward onto the mat. I struggle, breath stuck in my throat. “There’s something else.”
Clearing her throat, Fee shifts, looking to the ceiling. “Ask your question, blood summoner. Not all of us have all day to be coy.”
I ignore her catty tone. “You’re teaching me to defend myself against Zelos.
” I brush the black strands from my eyes, chest heaving as I glance up at the princess.
The room spins, but I blink away the dots.
“I just can’t figure out why. Aren’t I here because he wants to use me?
Aren’t you his children?” Shouldn’t they be helping him, as opposed to me?
Kaden claims to have tied our souls to protect me, to keep me safe while I’m here. But I am still in Zelos’ territory. I’m still to be his weapon. No matter how much I want to trust Kaden, believe he’s doing this for me, I’m still in danger at this court.
The siblings exchange a quick glance, but it’s enough. True terror hangs between them, a raging fury that steals my breath.
Fee pales unexpectedly, her hand trembling as she grabs the sword on her hip, looking for security. Without that small tick, she looks calm, composed.
“You were brought here to be a weapon,” Fee begins, clearing her throat. “But that is not all that you are. Kaden has made it clear to the lords what he expects of you.”
“Marriage.” It still clamps a burning hand of rage around my gut.
“Queendom,” she corrects. “You’ve gone from being Zelos’ weapon, to someone who can take his throne. Dark Fae can only ascend the throne when they are married. Zelos doesn’t take well to threats to his power. Or for anyone not to follow his plans.”
Reid winks. “And we, his children, do not follow his plans. Like, ever.”
“And if I don’t?” Slowly, I stand, body aching. “What if I don’t follow his plan? Become his weapon? What if I do marry Kaden and become queen?” What if Kaden does protect me, keeps me from his father? Then what?
Reid bites the inside of his cheek, fingers twitching as if a coin runs over the knuckles. “That’s why we’re training you, Max. We’ve always supported Kaden. We’re doing this, so, when that day comes, you’ll survive.”
Fee looks away, thoughts gone, eyes unfocused. Whatever she sees isn’t here with us, but a bad memory on repeat in her mind. Of something horrible that pales her cheeks and hitches her breath.
It’s ugly, whatever it is.
Carefully, I step close, catching her eye. “What did it take for you to survive?”
The Dark Fae princess smiles, but it’s broken. “Everything. And I won’t see it happen to you.”
The air locks in my chest, blood pounding in my ears as my shoulders fall. The visceral pain on her face breaks my heart. Fee is the strongest woman I’ve met and yet, whatever happened to her, at the hands of her father, decimated her.
All of this, this training, is her way of protecting me.
It’s different than what Nessa and Nafre did. They taught me to control my blood magic through fear, through simple exercises to tire my body and mind. If I was spent, then the magic couldn’t hurt anyone. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case.
They used to let the villagers taunt me, let me feel less than everyone else. That was their form of protection.
Fee, a female, a princess, a warrior, is seeing another vulnerable woman in her home, who will be hurt without this specific knowledge and is preparing me. She’s giving me the tools to survive, even if it could hurt her—hurt her brother—later on.
This is one woman seeing another and needing to make sure the abuse is not repeated.
The least I can do is listen, to understand. Grabbing her hand, I squeeze in solidarity. A small act that shows her I appreciate the effort, her care, and the cost she risks by doing it.
Turning back to Reid, I gesture to the mat. “Again.”