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DarkFae’sSecrets

WhychooseFantasyRomance

DarkFae Kingdom

Book3

Copyright©EveNewton,2020 2ndEdition2024

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Chapter 1

Savannah

LookingbackintoRath’Na’seyeswithahugegrin,Iblinkacoupleoftimes,andthenIstartlaughing,wigglingawayfrom himtodancearoundandflapmywings Ifeellikeasmallchildagain,anditis fun!

He chuckles, indulging my less than Queenly behavior, but then I stop dancing and frown. There is a thud on the windowlikesomeonehasthrownsomethingatit

We exchange a look,andbothsteptowards the window atthe same time,peeringout.Ican’tsee much,soIopenitand lookdownwithagaspofhorror

Thegroundoutsideofmywindowiscoveredindeadravens.Ilookup,andtheskyisfilledwiththebirdsinflightandthen droppingoutoftheskylikerocks.

“Whatthefuck?”Ishriekandturntogetdressed,automaticallystashingmywings awaysomehow,justbythinkingthatI needthemgonesoIcanpullmydressovermyhead.

“Savannah,wait,itcouldbeatrap,”Rath’Naurgesbutispullinghispantsbackonanyway

“Idon’tcare!Theyarealldying!AmIdoingthis?Isitme?”Iamterrifiedatthethought.Rath’NaandI,makinglovethe waywedid,openedupsomethingepicinsideme DidIaccidentallysendawaveofmagickouttherethatkilledmybeloved ravens?

Idon’twaitforhimtoanswerme,IjustgrabhishandandPuffportusoutside.Ichokebackthesickeningsob,lettinggoof Rath’Natoputmyhandstomymouthasthetearswellup

Undertherumblingnightsky,thelightningflashesandarainofravenspoursdownfromupabove.

“No!”Iscreamandlookaround,walkingthroughthefieldofdeadbirds,seekingoutoneinparticular,asmyheartthudsin mychest.

“Savannah,”Rath’Nasayscalmly,butIignorehimasmyeyeslandonaraventhesizeofaneagle,lyingdeadafew feet away.

“Rook!” Ishriekand race over, droppingto myknees. “No, please, come back.” Itell myselfthathe reincarnates every timeandthathewillbefine,butwhatifthistimeheisn’t?Whatifthelasttimewashislast?

“Savannah,”Rath’Nasaysagain,puttinghishandonthebackofmyneck.

Itcalmsmeenoughtolookupathim Iseeaswirlofsilverribbonsallaroundmeandgasp Istandupagainandfeelthe magickcomingoutofmyfingers.Iholdmyhandsout,andtenwispystrandsofmagickthatIhaveneverseen,letaloneused before,findsthedeadravensandtouchesthemlightly.Theyspringup,onebyone,comingbacktolife,shakingtheirheadsand thenflappingoffwithscreechesofrage.

Open-mouthed,IspintoRook,holdingmyhands outover him.Thesilver ties floatdownintohim,bringinghimbackto life HeShiftsbacktohishumanformwithaloudgroan

“Thankthegods,”Icryandfalltomyknees,takinghisfaceinmyhandsandkissinghim.

“Whathappened?”heasks

“Idon’tknow,”Iwhisper,pressingmyforeheadtohis.

Onceagain,Rath’Naplaceshishandonmyneck,andIlookupathim.“Thiswasn’tyou,Savannah.Youdidn’tdothis.” Hopingthathe’sright,Ichokebackasob

Rooklooksbetweenus,andIpressmythighsclosertogether.Theyarestillslickwithcumfromthemagnificentsexfrom onlyafew minutesago ThefactthatIwanttodoitall overagainrighthere,rightnow,issomethingthatispressingonme

ThepowerthatI’veusedtobringthesecreaturesbacktolifeis…overwhelming,andI know ithaseverythingtodowiththe

goddessinmeandnottheQueenpartofme.

“Yourpoweristoheal,Savannah,notharm,”Rath’Nasays. Igivehimahardstare,whichhefrownsat IturnawayandlookbackatRook.“Areyouokay?” “Fine,”hecroaksout “Thatwasnotliketheothertimes” “BecauseSavannahdidn’tdoit,”Rath’Nagritsout.“Thiswasamaliciousattempttohurtyou,”headdstome. “Howdoyouknow?”Iaskquietly “Becauselook…”HepointsovertothefarsideofthePalacegrounds.Underthestormysky,Iseeaflashofyellow silk andknowthatitisAmbrosia.

“YouBITCH!”Iroaratherandleapup,launchingmyselfforward,butevenasIdo,withanevillaugh,shePuffportsaway ShewillbebackintheprotectionoftheLightFaePalacebeforeIcantakemynextbreath.

“FUCK!”Iscreamatthesky “Whyisshestillallowedonthesegrounds?” “Givetheword,myQueen,andshewillbetakenoutthenexttimeshestepsfoothere.”

IturntoJerrick Ihavenoideahowlonghehasbeenstandingthere,butclearlyenoughtimetofigureoutwhatisgoingon He gives Rath’Na a cursorynod, butthenhis focus is completelyonme. His gaze is boringinto mine. He is clingingto whatevershredofcontrolhehas.

“Word,”Iwhisper,andhecracksasmileasI’dhoped Hebobshishead,comingtometogivemeadeepkissbeforehePuffportsawaytogethisGuardinorder.

Rath’NahashelpedRooktohisfeet Mylittleraveniscompletelynakedandtemptingmewithhisrock-hardbody Rakingmygazeoverhim,Ifeelterrible.HelookslikehewashitinthesideoftheheadbyaDragongod.“Goandrest,my sweetraven,”Imurmurtohim,takinghishandandkissingit.“Iwillcomeandseeyouinafewmoments.Iwanttowakethe restfirst.”

Henods,hisfacefull ofconfusion.Idon’tblamehim. I’m still tryingtowrapmyheadaroundwhatis happeninghere.I leanovertogivehimasoftkiss,andthenhePuffportsout,whichIhopedoesn’tmakehimfeelanyworse IturnbacktoRath’Na.Heisgivingmeanexpectantlook.

“Why haveyounotmentionedyournewstatus,deargirl?”heasks,leaningonhisgodstaff

“Idon’twantto.Notyet,”Imumbleandholdmyhandsouttotheremainingdeadravens.Thesilversliversworktheirway aroundtherest,andsoontheyareallflyingoff,annoyedbutalive.

“Whynot?”hepresses.

“Ihave just becomeQueen,”Isay,turningtohim.“Icannotevenbegintoprocessthis…”Idropmytonetoawhisper,“… goddess thing”

“This goddess thingis who youare,” he says. “Youare myother half, Savannah. We have muchto accomplish, and you can’tdothatbyhidingintheshadows”

Ishakemyhead.“Whatdoyoumean‘your other half’andwhatdoweneedtoaccomplish?Ineedtobehere,rulingmy Kingdom.”

“Savenirtoldmethatyouwouldcome,thatIneededtobepatientandwaitforyou Shewasn’ttheoneforme Ourhalves didn’tmatch.ButyouandI…oh,Savannah,youfeltitwhileweweremakinglove.Iknowyoudid.”

Idid

ButhowdoItellmyothermenthat?

“Whatarewesupposedtoaccomplish?”Iaskquietly

Hestepscloser,lettinghisgodstaffhovernexttousashetakesmyhands.“TheDragonsandFaewereneversupposedto liveapart.Wearestrongertogether.Wecanridtheworldoftheweak,ruleasweweresupposedtoinsteadofhidinginour Realms WearemeanttobringtheFaeandtheDragonsbacktogether”

“What?”Ishakemyheadinconfusion.Whatishesayingexactly?

“WeneedtogototheDragonRealmsandbringthembacktoourside”

“MysisteristheDragonEmpress,”Ipointout.“Areyousayingyouaregoingtoremoveherfromherrule?”

“No, ofcourse not Igave the title ofEmpress to the females ofthe race Ihave no desire to take thataway However, Delindawillhavetoalignherinterestswithmine.Ours.”

Itakethatin.Hemakesitsoundlikeshedoesn’thaveachoice.That I don’thaveachoice.Butapartfromthat,heappears tobetalkingaboutwipingouthumanssothatsupernatural creaturescanrule I’mnotsurethatissomethingthatIamall that interestedindoing.Ihavenothingagainsthumans.Idon’tknowmany,sure,buttheycan’tbeallthatbadthattheydeservetobe sweptaway

“Icansee your hesitation, and Iunderstand it. Ihave thrownthis atyouwithoutprior warning. Itwasn’tmyintentionto comeoutwithallofthishere,now.ButthefeelingsthatIhaveforyouarecloudingmyjudgmentrightnow.”Hegivesmethat slow,sexysmilethatmakesmemelt,andIstepinclosertohim,wrappingmyarmsaroundhim.

“Ihear whatyouare saying, andwe candiscuss itinthe future, whenI’ve settled into this new role, this new power of

beingQueen first,okay,Rath?”

“Rath?”heasks,lookingdownatmewithasmirk.

Ireturnitwithashrug

“Okay, Savvie,”hereplies.“Wecancertainlydiscussourbiggerplansatalatertime;however,youdo needtoinformyour other menofyour goddess nature now Youhave alreadyshownthatyouhave the magick Your Fae Queenpower does not includebringingthedeadbacktolife,mysweetgirl.Theywillknowsomethingisupsoonerratherthanlater,andwell,quite frankly,Iinsistonit”

“Why?”Iask.“Whycan’titjustbebetweenusfornow?IwanttoseehowthedynamicfallsbetweenusallwithmyQueen power first. Bringing in an all-powerful Faerie goddess who can reanimate dead creatures is something that I need to understandfirst”

“Notalldeadcreatures,”hemurmurswithafrown.“Onlythoseyouareconnectedto.Donotgoaroundthinkingthatyou canbringeverydeadthingbacktolife,Savvie”

“Yousee!Ihavesomuchtolearn.”

“Iwill teachyouwhatIknow aboutyourpower,whichisalot,butnotall Therestisuptoyou,mylove Iwill remain quietaboutyournewpowers, for now.IcannotreiterateenoughthatIwantyoutotellthemsoon.Iwantthemtoknowwhowe aretoeachother.”

IwanttotellhimthatIdon’treallyknowwhatwearetoeachother HowcanIwhenIdon’tunderstandanythingaboutthis powerandhow… why…I’mconnectedtohimashis‘otherhalf’.

Hetakesmychininhishandandkissesmelightly “NowthatIhavefoundyou,Icannotletyougo,”hemurmurs “Don’t,”Iwhisper.“Don’teverletmego.”

Ideepenthekiss,needingtobeasclosetohimasIcanpossiblyget.Ifeelthiswaywithallofmymen,butthis is different. Icanfeelitinmybones,myblood,andIneedtimetofigureitoutandfigureouthowtonotletitgetinthewayofwhatIhave withmyothermen.

AsRathrunshishandsdownmybody,bunchingmydressupinhisfistsroughly,tuggingatituntil thefabrictears,Ifear thatthisisn’tgoingtobeaneasytask.WhatIfeelforhim,hefeelsbackformewithmoreunderstandingandclarity. Mostimportantly,heonlyhasme

Wesinktothesoftgrass,andIturnmythoughtsoff.Ijustfeel,andoh,fuck,doesitfeelgood.

Chapter 2

Jerrick

In the Palace, in a darkened corridor where no one passes by much, I look out of a window that faces directly where SavannahandRath’Naarefucking Sheisbeingveryblatantaboutit MaybenowthatsheisQueen,shedoesn’tcareabout privacyanymore.

Itdoesn’treallybotherme IknewthesecondthatIsawherlookathimthatthisiswhatwouldhappen Iwasexpectingit Whenhecametousandtolduswhathisintentionswereafewhoursago,noneofusweresurprised,andnoneofusfoughthim. IfSavannahwantshim,thenweallacceptthat Thereissomethingdeepthere,I’mjustnotsurewhatitis Ithinkshedoes,but shehasn’tmentionedityet.Iwon’tpushher,norwillIusemyempathicpowertosiftthroughherfeelings.It’suptohertotell uswhenshe’sready.Idon’tdoubtthatshewill.

“Jerrick,”asoftwoman’svoicepurrs

Closing my eyes briefly, I grimace. Somehow, I knew this would come back to bite me on the ass. She wasn’t that impressedwhenIdumpedhersuddenlytobewithSavannah

“Letisha,”Imutter.“Whatdoyouwant?”

Shelaughs “Isthatanywaytotalktothewomanwhousedtoserviceyourcock?”

Turningtoher,glaringintoherpurpleeyesthatIusedtothinkweresopretty,now,Iknowherfeaturesdon’tdoitformeat all.

“I’vetoldyou,it’sover,”Igritout

“Oh,Iknow,”shesnarls.“Aftereverything,youjustdecidedonedaythatIwasn’tgoodenough.Well,I’mno Queen… ”

Sheleavesthathangingthereandlooksoutofthewindow Idon’tknowifshecanseewhatIcan,butImoveacrossitto blockherviewandfoldmyarmsovermychest.

“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”Igrowl.

“Oh,please,”shescoffs,flickingherdarkhairoverhershoulder.“Everyoneknowsyou'rebangingthenewQueen.Iguess shetookafancytoyou,andit’s your job toserviceher.”

“Fuckyou,Tish Youhavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout”

“Oh,butIdo.Yousee,us servants seethings,andwetalk.Seemsyouaren’ttheonlyone,soI do hopethatyouweren’t expectinganythingoutofit Sheisusingyou”

Iclenchmyjaw.Wasshealwaysthisvile,orisshejustbeingvindictivebecauseIhurther?

“Tish,I’msorryfor thewayIendedthings,butyouhavetoacceptthatit’s over andstoplookingfor troublewhenthere isn’tany,”IsayascalmlyasIcan.

“Acceptthatit’sover,”sherepeatswithscorn.“Weweretobe married,youutterasshole.Then,oneday,youjustdecide thatit’sover?No,I’mnotbuyingit Didsheorder it?Doesshewantyouall for herselfandtoldyoutogetridofme?”Her eyesflashdangerously.

“Our Queendoesn’tknow aboutyou,” Istate coolly Yes, itis possiblya foolishmove, as she seems to dislike Savvie immenselyrightnow,butIcan’thelpit.Sheispushingmybuttonsallwrong.

“Oh?” she sneers. “Is that right? You never once mentioned me in your little chats or when you were supposed to be protectingher,orhaveyoubeenscrewingherthisentiretimebehindmyback?”

“Stop this right now,” I bark. “You are upset, and you will say something that you will later regret. Remember that Savannahisnowyour Queen ”

“Aboutthat,”shesaysinthatwheedlingtonethatshehasusedonmetogreateffectbefore.“Youwillspeaktoherabout

makingmeoneofherladies-in-waiting.”

Igiveheradarkglareandgrowl.“AndwhywouldIdothat?”

“I’mtiredofbeingjustacleaner,thelowestofthelowaroundhere Iwantabetterstation Youwilltellhertopromoteme, or Iwill go outthere…” She points to the window, makingitclear she knows Savvie is outthere and withwhom, “ … and informher thatthe Headofher DarkGuardis a brute whoforcedme toservice himwhile he watchedher fuckingthatnew guy.”

Iletoutalowrumbleattheblackmail “Shewon’tbelieveawordofit,”Isnarl,losingmycoolstanceanddroppingmy arms,fistsclenched.“Besides,I’mprobablynottheonlymanaroundherethatknowsyoulikeitthatway.”

“Oh,Icanbe very believable,”shewhispers andthenrips her dress open,tearingthebuttons freeandexposingher tits. “Help!”shecriesoutabitlouder

Growling,Igripherarmtightly.“Stop!”

“Help!”sheshoutslouder,herfaceacruelmaskoftriumph

Irealize mymistake instantlyas her lips curve up into anevil smile. Ipull myhand offher, to her disappointment. She baitedme,andIfellforit Wedidengageinroughsexonmostoccasions,she does likeitthatway ButIfellintohertrapby layingahandonhernow.Itmakesmeshuddertothinkabouthowsheaskedmetotreather.

“IfyouevenutteronewordtotheQueenaboutanything,Iwillmakeyouwishyouhadneverbeenborn,”Ihiss. She straightens her clothes and gives me a wicked smile “Youknow whatto do ” She saunters off, givingme a little wavethatmakesmewanttoripherhandoff.

Turningbacktothewindow,Iglareoutofit SavvieandRath’Naarenolongeroutthere Islammyfistintothehardwall nexttothewindow.Idon’twantLetishaanywherenearSavannah.Myexwilluseeveryopportunitytomakeitknownwhatwe oncemeanttoeachother.EvenifIgotoSavvieandtell her ofthisunwanteddevelopment,itwill makeher curiousandshe willwonderwhyInevermentioneditbefore.Truthis,IhavelovedSavannahsinceIfirstlaideyesonherwhenshecamehere threeyearsago.ThingswereneverthesamewithLetishaandmeafterthat.Afterthatfirstkissinmyroomwhenshereturned afteratimeaway,IknewthatIcouldn’tgoonpretending MythoughtswerealwaysonSavannah Shewasmybeginningand myend.Letishameantnothingtomeafterthat.ShewasmerelyadistractioninthemiseryofmylifewithoutthewomanIloved. Iknow Ihandledour breakupbadly,andIshould’veknownthatshewouldn’ttakeitwell,butthereis nowaythatIcan have Letisha workingdirectlyfor Savannah. Apartfromthe obvious hatred thatLetisha feels for Savvie, itwill be fucking awkwardfor me.IhatethatIthinkthat.MythoughtsshouldbeallaboutSavvie’swell-being,butIcan’thelptheselfishness. ThelastthingIneedistoseeherfaceeveryday,wonderingwhatsheissayingtoSavvieaboutmeandourtimetogether. “Hey,”Savviesays,poppingupnexttomeinaswirlofsmoke.“Thereyouare.”

“Youneededme?”Iask,harsherthanImeantto Myannoyanceisn’tather Shegivesmeaconcernedlook.“Everythingokay?”shemurmurs,slippingherhandintomine. Iforceasmileonmyfaceandbringherhandtomylipstokiss “Fine Areyouokay?” “Weneedtotalk,”shesays,steppinginclosertome.“Afterwards,Iwantyouonyourown.All.Night.Long.”

Herheatedgazemakesmydickgohard.AllofmyworriesaboutLetishavanishasmyforcedsmileturnsgenuine.“I’dlike that,”Iwhisper,pullingherevencloser “Ineed it”

Shelooksupatme,thosevioleteyesfulloflove.“Ineed you,”shesays.

“Iloveyou,”Isayquietly,droppingherhandandcurlingherhairbehindherear Itracemyfingersdownherfacetounder herchin.Itiltherheadbackabitandplaceasoftkissonherlips.“EverythingthatIdoisforyou.”

Shefrowns “Jerrick ”

“Iloveyou,”Isayagain,wantinghertosayitback.

“Iloveyou,”shesays.“Areyousureyou’reokay?”Herconcernformemakesmehappy. “Perfect,”Isayandtakeherhandtoleadheraway

ThesecondbeforeshePuffportsusout,IseeLetishaskulkingintheshadows.Shesawandheardeverything.Icursemyself fornotbeingmorecareful Itwillonlyfuelherfire Shewon’trestnowuntilshehasdestroyedme,andSavannahalongwithit

Chapter 3

Savannah

Jerrickisactingabitweird.Igivehimasneakystare,wonderingwhathashiminamood.ItmustbebecauseofRath’Na, andthatiswhyI’vecalledthemenheretomyroomtohaveaconversation

This conversation. Rookisthelasttoarrive Helooksbetterthanhedidawhileago Igotohimandask,“How’reyoufeeling?” “Okay,”hesayswithareassuringnod.“Itwasaweirdfeeling.Notliketheothertimes.”

“Ihaveatheoryaboutthat,”Imurmur “We’lltalklater”

Henodsagain,andthenIleavehimtofacetherestofthemen.“Asyouwillknowbynow,Rath’NaandIhavedecidedto betogether.Iknowthatit’sasurprise,andI’dhopedtospeaktoyouaboutitbeforeItookthestep.I’msorryforthat.Ihope thatyoucanforgiveme”

“Nothingtoforgive,”Treystates.“Itoldyouaftertheceremonythatyouhadourblessing.Wegetit,Savvie.Weallknewa whileagothatthiswasgoingtohappen”

Givinghimagratefullook,IthenfocusonTheo.Hegivesmeasmile,asdoesRook.Jerrickisalittlelatetoabsolveme, butheeventuallysighs

“Youhaveabsolutelynothingtoapologizefor,”hesays.

“Thankyou,”Imurmur.“Uhm,thereissomethingthatIwouldliketoaddaboutRathandwhoheis.”

“He’smynot-grandfather,”Treysays,“Wealreadyknowthat”

“No,there’smore.”IlookatRath.Hegivesmeanencouragingnod.Wespokeaboutrevealinghistrueheritageafter we madeloveinthegrass Istillwanttokeepmyownunderwrapsfornow,butthesoonerwetellthemenwhoRathis,thebetter “Rath’NaistheDragongod,”Isay,focusingonTreyasIsaythis.Itwillmeanmoretohimthantheothers. Althoughperhapsnot.

“What?”Jerrickthunders,steppingclosertome.

“Wait?What?”TreyinterjectsbeforeJerrickcanhaveanapoplexy.

“TheDragongod HeistheonewhocreatedTiamatandtheotheroriginalDragons,”Isayquickly Jerrickspins toRath’Na,hisfistsclenched.“Youshouldn’tbehere,”hespits out.“Is thatwhyyousuckeredSavvieinto rescuingyou?Fallingforyou?Sothatyoucouldcomehereandspyonusforthem?”

“Jerrick!”Isnap.“Don’tberidiculous.Rath’Nawasimprisoned,weallknowthis.Heis not aspy!”

Ican’thelpthestabofdoubtthathitsmeinmyheart,butwhenIcatchRath’seye,Iknowit’sfalse.Hewouldn’tdothat.

“I understand completely why you think that,” Rath says to Jerrick. “But I can assure you, that is not the case at all. SavannahandIbelongtogether.Iwouldneverhurther,ortheFaeinanyway.ItismywishtoreunitetheDragonsandtheFae. Wearetheoriginalcreatures Weshouldbeunited,notapart Tiamatwasafooltoestrangetheraces Shedidn’tseethebigger picture.”

“Whichiswhat?”Jerrickgrowls “LuretheFaeintoareunion,andthenyouoppressusunderyourrule?” “Jerrick!Youarebeingunreasonable.” Heturnstome.“AmI?”

“Yes,”Istate “I want theDragonsandtheFaereunited Toliveinharmonywithmysister’sEmpireiswhatweallshould bestrivingfor,notthisseparation.Therewillbenooppression,weareequals.”

Jerricktakesmyhandsandsqueezesthem “Doyoutrusthim?”heasksearnestly “Yes.”That’sallIneedtosay.

Henodsgrimly.“ThenIwilltoo.”

Isqueezehishandsbacktightly,knowingthatI’veleftoutthepartabouttheWorlddominationonRath’sagenda.ButIdon’t haveplansforthat,andIwilldomybesttotalkhimoutofit ThereisnoneedtotakeoverWorldswhenwehaveourown, whenwehavethe power betweenustocreateanewWorld,onewheretheDragonsandFaeliveinpeacetogether.

“Thankyou,”Isayandthenlookattheothermen

TheyalllookassurprisedasJerrickbutacceptthatRathdoesn’tmeananyharm.

AsIcontinuetolookathim,Treysuddenlybecomesangry,butheclampshislipsshut I’mguessingthatheandRathare goingtohavewords,reallysoon.Igetthat.TreyisaDragon,firstandforemost.Hewillbepissedoffaboutthisnews.

“Allofthisaside,andthankyouforkeepingusinformed,”Jerricksays,“Idoneedwhatyoupromisedme,Savannah.”His eyesareheated,andIgiggle

“Definitely,” Isay. “Rook, I’ll come and find youlater, and we’ll talk. Theo…” Igo to himand hold him. He has been silent,takingeverythingin “We’lltalklateraswell,okay?”

Henodsandbrieflytightenshisholdonme. IpullawayandturntoTrey

“IthinkyouandRathneedtogoandhaveatalkofyourown,”Imurmurtohim. “Wesuredo,”hegrowls,butthenshootsmeasmallsmile.“We’llcatchuplater.”

Heleansforwardtokissmequickly,andthenhegrabsRathbythearmandPuffportshimaway RookandTheofollow I feel badfor dismissingthem,butIcanfeel aswirl ofemotions comingfromJerrick,andIneedtofindoutwhatisgoingon withhim Heisworriedandpissedoff,butaboutwhat?Onlyhistellingmewillsolvethatmystery “Iknowthatwasrude,I’msorry,”hestarts.

“It’sokay,”Isaylightly.“What’sonyourmind?”

“You,”hesighs,“Alwaysyou.”

Ibitemylip.Hesoundssomelancholy.“AreyouupsetaboutRath?”Idaretoask.

Hiseyesfindmine “No,it’snotthat Well,notallthat Itrulyacceptthatheisnowpartofourcircle,butit’snotabouthim, moreabouthowyouareconductingyourselfaroundhim.”

Stiffeningmyback,Irearbackattheverbalslap “Whatdoyoumean?” “Isaw yououtside earlier, and Iwasn’tthe onlyone,” he says carefully. “The servants are talking, Savvie. Theyknow aboutme,himandtheothers.”

“Oh,”Isay,relieved.“Thatisaneasyfix.IamQueennow,andItoldyoubackonEarththatIwilltelleveryoneaboutus now.Iwilltellthemaboutallofyou…but…”

“Butwhat?”hepresses

“YoudoknowthatIhavetomarryTrey?Imean,first.ItwillappeasetheKingdom,andthatissomethingthatIneedtodo.” “Iknow,” hesays,comingtome “This isn’taboutthat Itis aboutthe rumor mill Idon’twantyour nametobe dragged throughthemud.However,youmeantotelltheKingdomaboutallofus,doitquickly,”heurges.

Inod.“Iwill.Isthatallthatisbotheringyou?”

Hiseyessearchmine “Yes,”hesaysquietly Iusemyempathicpowertotrytogaugeifheistellingmethetruth.Ifindthatthepowerhasbeenampedupnow,andIcan feel everything fromhim Hisloveforme,hisworryoverthissituation,theresignationoverRath Istopstraightaway Ithas made me go lightheaded. I’m glad that I can turn this on and off now at will. Must be that bump in power, Queenly or otherwise

“Iseverythingokaywithyou?”heasks,tenderlytakingmychininhishand. “Alittleoverwhelmed,”Iadmit.“But,yes,allokayoverhere.”

He nods I’m not sure if he believes me, but I just don’t want to come clean about the goddess thing It will change everything.

Heleadsmetothebed Iclimbon,andhegetsonwithme “Ijustwanttoholdyouforawhile,”hemurmurs “BeforeI makelovetoyoulikethefirsttime.”

Igiggle “Well,notexactly likethefirsttime Itwillbeamazingthistime”

Hechuckles,anditseemstolightenhisburden.“Ihappentothinkthatitwasamazingthefirsttimetoo.Arevelation.” Ihidemysmileinhischestaswesettleineachother’sarms.

Sighinghappily,Isettle,butthenthecloudofthesecretsI’mholdingontostartstohoverovermyhead Ineedadistraction, soIrunmyhanddownhischest,downhisabs,untilIreachhiscockandslipmyhandinsidehispants.

“Thatdidn’tlastlong,”helaughs “Can’tkeepmyhandsoffyou,”Imurmur.

“Same,”hesaysandturnsusover,pressingmeintothebedwithhishugebody.

“Iloveyou,Savannah,QueenoftheDarkFae.”

Ismileupathimandhekissesme.

Pushingmyworries aside, includingthe one aboutAmbrosia, who had some nerve, comingonto my land and killingmy ravens.Itwasabigmistake.Shewillpay,andIwillenjoyeverysecondofmywrath.

Chapter 4 Trey

“Y

ouhavegotsomefuckingnerve,”IspitoutatRath’Na,lettinghimgoandsteppingback.I’vebroughthimtoJerrick’s roomforthisconversation “Dragongod!Imean whatthefuck?” “Justasitstates.GodoftheDragons.”

Lettingoutagrowl,Igivehimascathingglare “DidSavannahknowaboutthisbeforeyoufuckedher?” “Shedid.Sheknowseverythingaboutme,”hesayswithawickedsmile. “You’reafuckingasshole,youknowthat” “Iwon’tdenythatIcanbeabitofanasshole,butthensocanyou.Ithinkthat’ssomethingthatSavannahenjoys.” “Youwould,”Imutter,buthe’s notall wrong.Iwas adicktoher atthebeginning,andyetherewe are.“Justsoweare clear,you were therewhenIaskedhertomarryme,andshesaidyes YouareawarethatI’mherdestinedFaemate,theone thatshe has tobewith.”

“I’mawareofthedivide Although,ifIwereyou,Iwouldn’tgoaroundsayingthatshe has tobewithyou,whenshehasall oftheseothermenthatshe wants.Makesitsoundlikeachore.” Igritmyteethashetriestoholdinhislaugh “Beingwithmeprobably is a chore,” Ipointout “Iknow thatI’mnotthe easiestman.ButIloveher.Canyousaythesame?”

“Ican.Sheismydestiny,”hesayswithoutanyhesitation.

“Meaning?”Iaskwithnarrowedeyes

Hesighs.“Well,youwillhavetoaskherthat.Sufficeittosay,Ihavewaitedanexceptionallylongtimeforher.Ilovedher beforeIevenknewher”

“Ugh,”Imutter.

Hechuckles.“Yes,I’mawareofhowgushythatsounds,butit’sthetruth.”Hegoesseriousandregardsmecarefully.“I’m notouttohurtheroranyofyou.”

“Iknowthat,”Isigh.“ButaheadsuptotheonlyotherDragoninthisplacewould’vebeennice,youknow.Solidarityand allthat”

“Yes,not-grandson.Igetthat.IfeelthatIcantrustyou,andIshouldhavetoldyouwhoIreallywas.Forgiven?” Iglareathim Heismockingme

Actually,nowthatI’mgivinghimtheevileye,Idon’tthinkheis.Heseemstobequitegenuine.Heis,inaword,odd. “Sure,” Isigh. “We all need to be onthe same page here. Youmayhave gottenSavvie onyour owntonight, butbe very awarethatitisararity.”

“Sheiswithonlyoneofhermenrightnow,”hepointsouttomyannoyance.

The fact that she dismissed the rest of us in favor of Jerrick is needling at me Does this mean that she will take us individuallymorenow,ordoesitmeanthatsheisfavoringhim?Ishakemyhead.I just toldRath’Nathatweneedtobeonthe samepagewithregardtoher Ican’tletmysuddeninsecuritiesreartheirhead Itwillendindisaster

“Can’t answer for that,” I say shortly. “But she does enjoy having us all together.” I lower my voice. “She likes it downrightdirty.Youupforthat,oldman?”

IseethatI’veputthoughtsintohisheadthathehadnoideaabout,soIgivehimasmugsmileanddriveithomejustalittle bitmore.“Shecallsme‘Daddy’whenwefuck.Sheismybabygirl.Theothershavetheirroleswithher.Don’tgetintheway ofit Findyourown Gotit?”

“Sheismygoddess.Iwillnevertreatherasanythingbut,”hesays,puzzled.

I’malsoa bitconfusednow.His goddess? Is thata termfor the womanofa god? Or is he justcallingher thatbecause, well,she is afuckinggoddess?Notlikehe’sagod,sure,butman,sheisspectacularineveryway.

Confused,Ishakemyhead “Haveyouever fuckedawoman’s pussywithanother manupher ass?”Iaskwithavicious smirk.

Herollshiseyesalittletoohard “I’msixthousandyearsold,youfool OfcourseIhave Whatisyourpoint?” “Thatshelovesit.Cravesit.Wantsasmanydicksinheratthesametimeasisphysicallypossible.Wehaveonlytouched onwhatwecando,andwithyouthere ”IbitemylipasI’mkindofgettingmyselfallhotandbothered “ Ijustwantyouto knowthatthereisnoplaceforinhibitions,jealousyorpossessiveness.Areyouclearonthat?” “Quite,”hesays,hiseyeshard.

“Hmm”Igetthefeelingthatwhenitdoeshappen,heisn’tgoingtobesocalmaboutit

“Ifsheasksmetojoinyou,thenIwilldoasI’mrequired.ButknowthatIcanout-fuckallofyouputtogetherandthatwhen SavvieandIaretogetherthatway,itsurpassesanythingyouwillhavewitnessedinyourshortlife” Isnortathim.I’mfifteenhundredyearsold.Okay,I’llgrantitis shortforhim.

“Goodforyou,”Isaywithawickedsmile “Gramps ”

“Pah,”hechokesout.“Callmethatagain,andIwillbeatyoublackandblue.”

“Where’syoursenseoffun?”Ilaugh.

Hegivesmeahalf-smileandshakeshishead “Longgone Isupposeitistimetoregainsomeofmyhumor” Hesoundssosad;Ialmostfeelsorryforhim.Hewaslockedawayforsolong,a god imprisonedandoppressed.Itmust’ve beenHell

“Look,Iwannabefriends.Canwedothat?”

Hegivesmeasearchinglook.“Solidarity,andallthat?”

“Sure,butmorethanthat.Irespectyou,whoyouare,whatyou’vebeenthrough,your age.Ienjoyour conversations…I thinkyoudotoo?”

“Ido,”heagrees “Friendsthen IthasbeenalongtimesinceIhadanothermaletotalkto” “Whoknows,maybewecanlearnfromeachother?Modern-daylifeisquitedifferentfromwhatitwascenturiesago.” HesighsandlooksaroundJerrick’sroom “Somethings Somenotsomuch” “Well,okay,I’llgrantyouthathere isquitearchaiccomparedtoEarth.” “Earth.Ihaven’twalkedEarthinanawfullylongtime.”

“IlivedthereforquiteawhileinsteadofintheDragonRealms.It’samazing.Savviealsolivedtheremostofherlife.I’m sureshewouldlovetotakeyouandshowyouhowitisnow.”

“I’dlikethat,”hesays,hiseyesshining “Ihavetheneedtoseehowhumanshaveevolvedoverthecenturies”

“Itwillshockyou!”Ilaugh.“Butyouwon’tbedisappointed.”

“Dotheyknowaboutus?”heaskshesitantly

“No.”Ishakemyhead.“Imean,theyhavemythsandlegends,andallthatandnewmodern-daystoriesaboutVampiresand Shifters,buttheruleis…”Imimezippingmymouthshut.

“Thatshouldchange,”hemurmurs

“Iagree,toflyinDragonformovertheHimalayasortheGreatBarrierReef…oh,thatwouldbeatreat.”

“Idon’tknowwhatthoseare,butperhapsourinterestsaremorealignedthanIfirstthought,”hesaysmysteriously “Let’s talkfurther.Later,though,rightnow,IneedtobewithSavvie.”

Inod as Ihappento feel the same Toughthatshe wanted this time withJerrick It’s time for all ofus to take our newly crownedQueenandgiveheraCoronationnighttoremember.

Chapter 5

Savannah

“Weareabouttogetinterrupted,”Jerrickinformsmesecondsbeforethedoorburstsopen,andtherestofmymenfilein.

“Sorry,butthisisn’tgonnafly Notrightnow ShejustmadeQueen Weare all havingapieceofthat,”Treysays IgiggleasJerrickgivesmealong-sufferingsighfromwhereheisontopofme,burieddeepinsidemypussy.

“Atleastletmefinish,forfuck’ssake,”hegrumblesand,withoutwaitingforananswer,bangsawayuntilhecomes I’ve alreadyhadmyturn,thrice,soIdon’tcomplainwhenhegruntsandthenclimbsoffme,hishugecockstillrock-hard.

IfindRath’seye Heiswatchingthiswithinterest Nodesire Notyet Notliketheotherthreemen Theoalreadyhashis fangs downand is stalkingme, as Rook, lookinga whole lotbetter thanhe did earlier, has leaptonthe bed withglee. Trey nudgesRath,butheshakeshishead.Hiseyesonme.“DoyoumindifIobserve?”

“Notatall,”Isay “ButIwillfinditdifficulttohaveyouwatchandnottouch”

“SowillI,”hemurmursdarkly.

Itmakesmeshiverandpuckersmynipples “Doyoulikethat?”Iask,gettingtomykneesasRookwrapshisarmsaround mefrombehind.“Doyouwanttowatchmeanddelayyourowngratification?”

GaspingasRookshovesmeforwardontomyhandsandkneesandthenramshisdickstraightintome,Ikeepmyeyeson Rath’s.Theydarkenconsiderably,andIdon’tmeanwithdesire.Itis withsomethingakintopossessiveness.Heis findingit hardtowatchthis.

Rookdigshisfingersintomyhips andpoundsawayasTheobrings hiscocktomymouth Itakehiminasheblocks the viewIhaveofmygod.

“Asmanydicksasphysicallypossible,”Ihear Treymutter andslideontothebed “Daddywantshisdickinyour pussy, littlegirl.”

Inodeagerly,knowingthatRookisn’tdonewithmeyet.Treyliesdown,andIclimbontopofhim,guidinghiscockinto me.IleanforwardtotakeTheobackinmymouthandsuckhimhardashegentlyfucksmymouth.I’mnotsurprisedwhenRook pushes his cockagainstmypussy, forcinghis wayinto the alreadyfilled-up hole. Igroanand clencharound the two dicks, cominghardandfast

“ThatleavesJerrickforyourass,”Treywhispers.“Areyoureadytotakehimin,baby?Daddywantstoseeyoutakehis monstercockintoyourass”

NoddingasmuchasIcanwithTheo’scockinmymouth,Ifeelapangofnerves.Ofallofthem,Jerrickisthebiggest,andI knowthisisgoingtobearavagingthatIwillfeelforaweek.

“No,”Jerricksaysquietly.

Allofthemenpauseinthepounding.

“No?”Treyasks,lookingovermyshoulderathim “Doit,”Rathsaysjustasquietly,comingcloser.“Iwanttoseehowmanycocksshecantake.”

“Ooh,”Imoanashiswordshavespikedmylustbyaboutamillionpercent “Oh,theoldmanisgettingaffected,”Treysnorts.

RathgivesTreyafilthylook.“I’llshowyouold,”hemurmursandsitsonthebed,hiseyesrivetednowtowheremypussy is Trey and Rook start moving again, getting into complete synch with one another as Theo lets me take over a little bit, suckingonhisengorgedcocklikeamadwoman.

“Savvie?”Jerrickasks

“YES!”Icry,pullingawayfromTheobrieflybeforeIplungemymouthbackonhim.

Ilovethatheasked.Really,Ido,butIwanttoshoutathimtogetonwithit.

“IwanttouseTheo’scumaslube,”hegrowlssoftlyinmyear.“Makehimcome,Princess.”

“Uhn,”IgroanatthesametimethatTheoletsoutaloudgrunt

Hecomesintomymouth,butIdon’tswallow.Instead,IturntoJerrickandspititoutontohisoutstretchedfingers.

“SweetJesus,”ImoanasIfeelhisfingersatmyrearhole

“Youareadirtylittlegoddess,aren’tyou,”Rathmutters,standingupand,withasnapofhisfingers,isasnakedastherest ofus

Idon’tanswerthatasitisclearlyrhetorical.

Withabitofshufflingaround,IfeelJerrick’shugetipatmypuckeredhole. Rathgrabsmyhairinhisfistandguideshiscockintomymouth,hiseyesonJerrick’sentry

“Oh,yes,”hewhispersasJerrickpusheshiswayintome.

IcryoutaroundRath’scock

Jerrickissplittingmeopen,andithurts,butit’sthegoodtypeofpain.Iwantmoreofit.Somuchmoreofit.Ireachoutfor Theo,takinghiminmyhandandbringinghissemibacktolife

“Unholyshit,”Treycriesandwithonelastpoundcomesinmypussy.“Fuck,yes,babygirl.Daddylikesseeingyoubeso utterlyfilthy.”

Moaning, Isuddenlygetlostinthe euphoria ofa multiple orgasmthatrips its waythroughme atlightningspeed Ifeel Theo’sfangssliceintomywristashefeedsfromme,andIdon’twantittoend.

“Yes,”Ipant,asRathpullsoutofmymouthandcomesonmyfacewithquickhotbursts Rookfollowsstraightafter,andJerrickisn’tfarbehind,spurtinghiscomeinmyass. “Fuck,fuck,fuck,”Igasp.“More!More!”

I’mflippedoversothatI’mflatonmyback,andthemenareonmeinasurgeofprimallust.Theyravageeverypartofme withtheirfingers,tonguesanddicksuntilI’msowornout,Ijustcan’tcomeanymore.

Hourslater,IwhimperasRaththrustsonelasttimeintomyassasTheocomesinsidemypussy,andI’mdone Icollapseon thebedinaheapofbodiestobekissedsweetly,wipeddown,andtuckedupintobedfeelinglikeaQueen. No,feelinglikea goddess Itisthebestnightofmylife.

Chapter 6 Rath

Sittinginthe bigarmchair inthe growingdawn, IwatchSavvie sleep. She is peaceful. Itdoesn’tsurprise me. She was completelywornoutafterthefiveofususedheruntilshewasspent

I do not feel great about that. I got completelylost inthe hedonismof the moment, and I did not treat her like the goddessthatsheis Instead,Itreatedherlikeawhore Itwilltakemealongtimetomakethatuptoher

Shestirsandyawns,stretchingherarmsandlettingoutasmallgiggle.Shesitsupandspotsme,blinkinghersleepyeyes. “Howlonghaveyoubeenwatchingmesleep?”sheaskswithnarrowedeyes “Awhile.Doyoumind?”

“No,Ilikeit.”Sheshovesbackthecoversandcrawlsoverthebedtotheedge.Sheisnakedandglorious.Itrynottolook atherswingingbreasts,butIcan’thelpit

“Ineedtoapologize,”Istart.

“Oh?”sheasks,sittingback “Whatfor?”

“Forbeinganabsolutepiglastnight.”

Sheletsoutaloudlaughandclapsherhands “Don’tapologizeforthat Ireallyenjoyedit Imean, really ” Igiveherahalfsmile.“Iknow.ButthatisnothowIwanttotreatyou.IthinkitbestthatIdonotengageinsexualbehavior withyouandyourothermenforawhile.”

Shefrownsfiercely,climbingoffthebed “Idon’tacceptthat”Shecrawlsontomylapandsettlesherselfcomfortablywith herhandsclaspedbehindmyneck.“Iwantyouwithme,always.”

“Iwillalwaysbehere Butwhenmengetawomantodoanythingtheywish,thingsgetoutofhand” “NoneofyoudidanythingthatIdidn’twant.Youmightthinkthattheyweredictatingtome,butyouarenew.Thisismy show.Theyknowthat.TheytreatmethewayIwant,whenIwant.AssoonasI’mdone,theystop.”

Shewigglesslightly,enticingmetoreachupandrunmythumbsoverherpeakednipples.Sheloosensherholdandleans backslightly,offeringherdelightstometosuck.Itakeoneinmymouthandflickitwithmytongue.Sheletsoutthatsoftmoan ofpuredesirethatfiresupmycocklikenothingelseeverhas “More,”shewhispers.

Ipullback “No,”Isayinanormaltone “Youneedtimetorecover Youwereutterlysavagedlastnight” ShepoutsatmeinasexywaythatmakesmewishIcouldreconsider,butIcan’t. “Ihealquickly,”shepointsout.

“Youdo,butmyanswerisstillno.Iwishforyoutomaketimeforme,alone,lateron.” Sheshakesherhead.“Nothowitworks.”

“YouhadtimewithJerrickaloneyesterday” “Thatwasdifferent.Itwas my decision.”

“Oh,Isee,”Isay,givingherasmile

She leans forwardtokiss me.“Youwill continue tojoininwithgroupsex,” she murmurs againstmylips.“Ifwe finda momenttobealone,don’tletitslipby.”

SheclimbsoffmylapasIletoutasoftgroan “Youareabossylittlegoddess,”Imurmur “Youloveit,andyouknowit,”sheretorts,andthen,blowingmeakiss,shedisappearsintoherbathroom.Iwantnothing morethantofollowherandtakeherunderthetorrentofwaterthatcomesoutofthewall,butIwon’t “Isuredo,”Imutterandsitback,debatingonwhethertobeherewhenshecomesbackornot.

Afew secondslater,shepopsher headbackout.“Meetmeintheroomwhereyoufoundmemeditatingtheother day,in aboutanhour,”shesays.“It’stimeyoutaughtmeabitaboutmynewpower.”

Inodbutdon’tsayanythingassheducksbackintothebathroom Standingup,knowingthatIwasdismissed,theconcept delightsme.Idoloveapowerfulwoman.Itdoesn’tstopmefromassertingmyownstrength,butknowingthatsheismyequal, orwillbeoneday,heatsupmyblood IbumpintoTheoonmywayout.

“Feedingtime?”Iinquire

Hegivesmeahardstare.“What’sittoyou?”

“Imeantnooffense,”Isay,puttingmyhandovermyheart.“Justmakingconversation.” “Oh,”hesays “Well,no IwashopingtocatchSavviebeforeshestartedherday”

“Sheisunderthebathroomwaterfall.”

Hiseyesnarrowbehindthosespectacleshewearsforshow IknowVampireshaveperfecteyesight “Didyoustaywithherlastnight?”heaskssuspiciously. “No,Ivisitedwithherearlythismorning”

Henodsslowly.“Isee.Iwantedtodiscusstheincidentlastnightwithher.ThewholePalaceistalkingaboutit.” “Theravens?Indeed.Infact,weshouldallgettogether,”IaddwhenIseeJerrickapproach,lookinggrimmerthanusual. “AreyoutalkingabouthavingameetingwiththeQueen?”heasks “Yes,”Istate.

Henods “I’minagreement”

“Good.”ItakeJerrickbytheelbowandleadhimandtheVampireawayfromSavannah’sroom.Iglareattheservantgirl whoishoveringoutsidetheQueen’sroom.

Shedropshereyesandscurriesaway.Ifrownandfollow herprogressdownthehallway.Ihaven’tbeenhereverylong, butIhavenotseenthatwomanonSavannah’sservice.

“Whoisthat?”Iask,turningbacktoJerrick Hisfaceisdark,verydarkanditpiquesmyinterest.“Noone,”hegrowlsandstalksoff,leavingmeandTheotocatchup. “Noone,myass,”Imutter “Findoutwhothatis,”IordertheyoungVampire “Findoutyourself,”hebitesback,metaphorically.“I’mnotyourfuckingservant.”

Hidingmysmilebehindafierceglare,Idecidehehasballs.Iappreciatethat.“DoitfortheQueen,”Istateandstalkoffto catchupwithJerrick.

“Fine,”IhearTheogrumblebehindmeashejoinsus,makingmesmileopenly. “IamtomeetSavvieinthemeditationroominalittleunderanhour,weshouldgothere” Jerrickjustnods,amanoffewwords.Irespectthat.Allofthesemenhavetheirownadmirabletraits. WecarryoninsilenceforafewminuteswhenJerricksuddenlysays,“I’llfindRookandTrey Yougoon” Inodandleavehimtogoonhisway…inthewrongdirectiontowhereIsuspectbothmenwill be,whichistheDining Hall.

“Whatareyouupto?”ImutterandthenturnbacktoTheo “HaveyoueverfedfromaDragonbefore?” Hislookofuttershockmakesmechuckle.

“Youoffering?”heasks,lickinghislips “Whynot?” Isaymagnanimously. “I’mrather intrigued aboutthe reactionthatSavvie gave lastnightwhenyoubither. I wanttoknowwhatshefeelsinthosemoments”

Hiseyesgoabitdarker.“Youwillfeelaroused,”hestatesandmarchesoffthroughthedoortothemeditationroom. “Isthatayes?”Ipress,followinghim,suddenlyquiteeagertoexperiencethis.

“You’reaDragonand agod YoumightbeofferingmesomethingthatIwillwantagain” ImoveinclosertohimandtakehisglassesoffsothatIcanlookintothoseremarkablegreeneyes.Heblinksonce. “Showme,”Imurmur

Hedropshisfangs,andIcan’thelptheshotofdesirethatbubblesup.ItwashisbitingintoSavvielastnightthatmademy climaxtearthroughmelikeaDragoninfullflight

Iholdupmywristforhim,andheletsoutalittlemoan.

“Doit,”Iurge.“IwanttoseeifIgetthesamereactionasyourforestfrienddid.” “Uhn,”Theogroansandtakesmywrist

Hegripsmyfingerstightly,bendingmyhandbackslightlytoexposemywristveinsevenmore.Hebendsdown,hisfangs scratchingmyskinlightlybeforehebitesdownharshly

Iclosemyeyesandridethemixofpleasureandpainwithasoft,“Aah.”Itiseverybitaseroticasitappearedlastnightto mygoddess.Iwonderifhenoticedadifferenceinthetasteofherbloodaftershereceivedhergoddesspowers.Hemusthave. Thepowerwouldbesomuchmore.Perhapsintheepicureanmoment,hemistookitforabsolutearousalandhernewQueenly powers.

Thisisthemainreasonforthisbite.Iwanttoseehow my bloodaffectshim.Thefactthatheisapleasuretolookatand engageinbanterwithjustmakesitevenmoredelightful.

Hepullsbacktomydisappointment,butthenhesays,“Well?Didyou?” Givinghimaslow,sultrysmile,Itakehishandtopressagainstthehugebulgeinmypants.“Whatdoyouthink?” Hegulpsandblinksagainbutdoesn’tremovehishand ItisonlywhenIreplacehisglassesandpushthemuphisnosegentlythathetakeshishandaway.

“Howdoyoufeel?”Iaskhimquietly “Likeagod,”hebreathesandleansforwardtopresshislipstomine.

Chapter 7

Savannah

After myshower, Igetdressed quickly. Istill feel raw fromlastnight, butitmakes me smile. Whata night. Coronated QueenoftheDarkFae,andIactivatemygoddesspoweraswell

Ican’tstopsmilingasIheadoutofmyroomanddowntomynewoffice.Ipushopenthedoor,feelingstrangeasthis usedtobeGramps’soffice Istickmyheadaroundthedoor,butit’sempty Istepinsideandlookatthedeskwithhorror Itwas abouttenneatpilesoffolderslinedup,eachwithastickynoteattachedtoit.

Igulpandreadthefirstone “ReportsfromtheHeadoftheDarkFaeGuard” Ibitemylip.Jerrick.Iinadvertentlyclenchmybutt,rememberinghimtakingmetherelastnight.Iwantitagain.Iwantit now,inthisoffice.

Spinningaroundwithmycheeksred,thedooropens,andaslightwomanpokesherheadaround “YourMajesty,”shesays quietly.

“Hello,”Isaybrightlytocoverupmyeroticthoughts

“I’mPetle.I’mheretohelpyouwithallofthis.”Shegesturestothedesk.

“Oh,thankthegods,”Ibreatheout,handonmychest “IthoughtGrampshadleftitallforme”

Shelets outaprettylaugh.“Ohno!Iwill deal withalmosteverything.This oneis for your eyes only,though,”shesays, tappingtheoneIsawandlookingaway.

WhatJerricksaid resounds inmyhead aboutthe stafftalkingaboutus Iclear mythroat I’mgoingto have to make an announcementverysoon.

“YoualsohavetheRavenskeeperheretoseeyou,”sheadds,stillnotlookingatme Well,gee.Dotheyknowaboutall ofus?Isupposeso.Inhindsight,discretionhashardlybeenatthetopofmylist. “Lethimin,please,”Icroakoutwithaforcedsmile.

“Sure,”shesays,tryingtohidehersmile.

Okay,well,atleastsheisn’tbeingaprudeaboutit.

SheducksoutandletsRookin Heclosesthedoor,andIgotohim,steppingintohispersonalspace Hestepsbackandbowslowbeforestraighteningupagain.“Proprietyfirst,YourMajesty,”hemurmursandthengathersme tohimtokissmebriefly Helooksamilliontimesbetterthismorning “Howdoyoufeel?”Iask.“I’msorrywedidn’tgettotalklastnight.” “Wehadotherthingstodo.”Hegivesmethatcheekygrin.“Itwasweirdthough.Differentfromtheothertimes.” “Yes,Ithinkit’sbecauseitwasn’tme, my magick,thatuhm,killedyou,”Isayquietly.“ItwasAmbrosia,soitaffectedyou differently.”

“Huh,”hesays “Thatmakessense,Isuppose” Iletoutashallowbreathofreliefthatheboughtmyhalf-truth.Ithinkheonlycomesbacktolifeifhisdeathistiedto me. As itwas Ambrosia whokilledhim,I’mfairlysure he wouldhave stayeddeadifIhadn’tbroughthimbacktolife withmy silverribbons.Idon’tknowforsure,obviously,andit’ssomethingthatIneverwanttofindoutfordefinite.

“Whatabouttheravens?”heaskscarefully.“Theycamebacktolifetoo.”

“Ididthat,”Isaylightly “Weareallconnected” Henodsslowly.Ihavenoideaifheisbuyingthis,butIreallydon’twanttotellhimthewholetruthrightnow.He,andall theothermen,will haveamillionquestionsthatIjustdon’thavetheanswersto It’spoorreasoning,butitdoesn’tmakeme changemymind.

“Areyoubusy?WewouldliketodiscusswhattodoaboutAmbrosia.Everyoneiswaitinginthemeditationroom,”hesays suddenly.

“Oh,”Isay,takenabackslightly Ilookatthepileoffoldersonmydeskandthenbackintohisbrightblueeyes “Sure,”I sayandtakehishand.

Heleadsmeovertothedoorbutthenletsmegowithasorrowfullook “UntilthingsareofficialwithyouandTrey,Ithink itbesttokeepalowprofile,”hemutters.

Inod,feelingbad,andfollow himoutofmyofficeanddownthehugehallwaytotheroomwheretherestofmymenare gatheredandnotinthebestofmoods,itappears.

RathandTheoarestaringateachotherwhileTreyandJerrickscowlatthem.

“Everythingokayinhere?”Iaskcautiously

“Oh,justfine,”Treyspitsout.“Ifyouliketwoofyourmengettingitonbehindyourback!”

MybloodrunsslightlycolduntilIfullytakeinwhathesaid “Wait?What? Together?” “WewalkedinonRathandTheokissing,”Treysnarls.

“Not kissing,”Rathisquicktopointout,holdinghishandouttomeina‘hang-on’gesture “Surelookedlikeitfromwherewewerestanding,”Treygritsout.

“Icanexplain,”RathsayscalmlyasIjuststandthere,lookingbetweenthetwoofthem,feelingsomethingthatIhavenever feltbeforeandhadn’teventhoughtof

Theideaofwatchingthetwoofthemkissinghasmademegodampbetweenmylegs.

“Uhm,”Icroak

“Savvie,”Rathsays,comingtome.“Itwasn’twhatitlookedlike.”

“Idrankhisblood,anditwas…”Theorasps. Ilookdeepintohiseyesashealsocomescloser.Heishighlyaroused.

“Whydidyoudrinkhisblood?”Iwhisper.Thishasjustgonefromerotictosomethingelse,somethingabitdarker. “Iofferedittohim,”Rathsays “Yourreactiontohisbitelastnightwasinteresting,Iwantedtoexperienceit,feelwhatyou felt.”

“Oh,” I practically pant, my emotions flipping back over into the erotic camp “And? Did you like it?” I ask darkly, steppingintohispersonalspaceandlookingupathim.

“Idid,”healmostgrowls.“SeemsyoungTheodidaswell.”

“Areyouupset?”Theoasks,comingdownfromhishighslightlytoaskmethis. Shakingmyhead,Isearchhiseyesagain.“No.Notatall.Theopposite,infact.” “Oh,really?”Treydrawls “Youaren’tbotheredbythis?”HealsocomescloserasJerrickglowersatusallhuddledinthe middleoftheroom.

Ishakemyhead

“You’returnedon?”heasks,hisvoicegoingabitlower. Inodandlickmylips,myeyesneverleavingTheo’s.

“Eventhoughtheydidthiswithoutyou?”Treypushesitwithareallydarktonethatmakesmeshiver Idon’tthinkheistryingtocausetroublenow;justgetthingsclear,asI’mnotsayinganything.

“I’dratheritwassomethingwe’ddiscussedfirst,butweallknowthatwecangetsweptupinthemoment Iamguiltyof this,evenmore so,”Ipointout.“Ifthis hadhappenedwithsomeone else,another womanor a manthatwasn’tapartofour group,thenIwouldfeel differently Butas itstands,ifyou,anyofyou,wishtoengageinarelationshipwitheachother that excludesme,thenI’mokaywiththat.”

“Youare?”Treyaskswithafrown. Withadeepeningfrown,Istareathim “AreyousayingthatIshouldn’tbe?”

Hegivesmeacuriouslook.“Itisentirelyuptoyou,babygirl,”hemurmurs.“Butfortherecord,youdon’tneedtoworry aboutthatfromme”

“Notworried,”Isaylightly.

“YouknowwhatImean,”hegrowlsquietly IsmileathimandturnbacktoRath.HeisgivingmethesamecuriouslookwhichturnsheatedwhenIlickmylips.“Want toshowmewhatImissed?”

“Maybelater,”hesays,hispuzzledlookturningtoasexysmirk “Rightnow,wehavethiswarwithAmbrosiatoaddress” I’mdisappointed,butIrealizethatImayhavethrownasmall catamongstthepigeons.IlookatRook,butheistoobusy lookingeverywhere else to notice Ihide mysmile as Ihold myhand outfor Jerrickto joinus as he is still standingonthe outskirts.

Heacceptsitandsays,“Weneedaveryclearplanbecausethiswomanseemstohavecompletelylosthermind,”hesays. “Didsheeverhaveit?”Imurmur,makinghimsnicker.

“Ihavethestartofsomething,butitneedswork,”hesays,gettingdowntobusiness.

Soon, we are deep inconversation, and all thoughts about mymengettingtogether are pushed aside, but hopefullynot forgotten.

Chapter 8 Theo

Castinga glance atSavvie, she is infull-blownprotective mode, and itmakes me hide mysmile behind myhand. Even though she is basically telling everyone that I’m not strong enough to take on Ambrosia and win, it still lights up something inside me when she protects me. I guess it dates back to my childhood, which was a nightmare of epic proportions Abused,abandonedandhomelessuntilmyVampiresirefoundme,turnedmeandgavemeabetterlife Yes,she protected me fromother, older Vampires, but it’s not the same thingas havingsomeone care about youso much. Savvie is yellingatabunchofmentwicehersizetoprotectme Ithoughtitwasthesame IthoughtIwasinlovewithmysireuntilIsaw Savannah,andthenthatwasit.Iwasblownawaybythefragile-lookinggothicprincessthatturnedupandstolemyheart.From thatdayon, Iwas hers whether she knew itor not. Mysire was nothappyto have the attentionoffher, buther feelings no longerconcernedme Iwithdrewandfeltthehitbeingawayfromherforawhile Coldturkeyworked,though Idon’tthinkI needtobenearheranymore.

“Savvie,”Isayquietly “Themages areworkingtokeep Dark Fae outofthe LightFae lands Thatrules outJerrickand yourentirearmy,plusRook.Rath’Na,TreyandIarethebestweaponstodrawherout.”

“Afterlasttime,theywillbewaitingfortheDragonstoshowup!”shecries “Thatleaves you!Noway,notachance”

“I’vebeensoclosetoherinthatPalacebefore.Icandoitagain,”Iinsist.

“Andiftheyaren’texpectingyou,thenwhat?Whatareyougoingtodowhenyoufindher?Shemaybeasillylittlecunt,but sheisnoslouchinthemagickdepartment,andlestweforget,sheis pregnant Wecan’thurther”

Acrowdofgrimfacesstarebackather.

“Thenwhatareweevendoing?”Treyasks

Sheturnsahorrifiedgazetohim,butheshakeshishead.“Ididn’tmeanitlikethat.Imean,whatarewesupposedtodo withherifweevengettoher?”

“Bringherhereandimprisonher,”Savviestates.“Fortreason.”

“TheplacewheresheisaPrincess,andherfatherusedtobeKingformillennia,”Jerrickpointsoutquietly.“It’snotthe bestplan”

“Take her to Earth,” I mutter, not expectinganyone to hear me, let alone thinkit was a good idea. Too bad the support comesfromRath,whogivesmeabrightsmile

“Why,theyoungstudhasjusthadacrackingidea,”hesays. Savvieletsoutasighandglaresatme.“Earth?”

“Whynot?It’sneutral.”

“Precisely!”Rathbooms.Imean,Iappreciatethesupport,butafterImadeacompletefoolofmyselfkissinghim,Ifeellike crawlingunderarock

Idon’tknow ifhewascomingontomewithhisofferofabiteandmakingmefeelhishard-onfromitorifitwasatest or anynumberofotherthingsanancientDragongodmightdotoplaywithme Whothefuckknows?

“Idon’twantTheogoingto the LightFae Palace alone. Simple,” Savvie states, foldingher arms and givingme a fierce glare.

“Okay,saythey’veaccountedfor Dragonmagickandcanblockus,itwon’tbefor verylongwithagodonour side,and secondly,nowhearmeout,isthereanywaytobumpupthekid’spower?”Treyasks,givingmeapenetratinglookthatIwant toshyawayfrom

“Kid?”Icroakout,takingoffense,butIdon’thavealegtostandon.WiththeexceptionofSavvie,Iamtheyoungestofthis

groupbyamile.Ihavebeenaroundforaboutfiftyyears.TreyandJerrickarebothfifteenhundred,Rookistwohundred,and Rathis,well,Ican’tevenofthinksixthousandyearswithoutshuddering.That’s,like,OldTestamentold.

“Yes,”Rathstatestoeveryone’ssurprise,minemostespecially “Whatdoyoumean?”SavvieinquiresbeforeIcananswer.

“Savvie,”Isay,takingherhandandturningherfocusonme “Iknowyouareworried,andIlovethatyouare Youhaveno ideahowhappyitmakesmetoknowthatyoucaresomuchaboutmethatyouwanttokeepmesafe.However,I know Icando this IfIdiditbefore,itwill beeasier thistime Iknow whereI’mgoing I’mfaster andstronger thanIlook Please,letme helpyou.”

Herfacefalls,tearsspringingtohereyes.Itakeherfaceinmyhandsandkisshersweetlipsgently. ItakeagulpandrisksayingwhatIneedto “IfIdrinkRath’sbloodagain,Iwillbeevenquicker,evenstronger Therush is…”

Hereyesgowideandfillwithdesirebehindhertears

“Incredible.Sure,Iwillcrashonmyasswhenthehighwearsoff,butIcanbeinandbackoutwithAmbrosiabeforethat happens”

“Actually, thatwasn’twhatIwas thinking,” Rathinterjects. “Butglad to know thatmyblood affects youthatway.” He givesSavvieahardglarethatshefrownsatbeforeablankmaskfallsoverherface,andshelicksherlips.

IletgoofSavvie “Whatwereyouthinkingthen?”Iask,turningtohim “Icangiveyousomeofmypower.”

“Likeatransfer?”Treyaskswithafrown

“Somethinglike that. Iwill lend itto Theo, but…” His eyes bore into mine withall the ferocityofa Dragongod, and I flinch.“…Iwillwantitback.”

“Ofcourse,”Iscofftohidemyshameatbeingsoafraidofhiminthatmoment,Inearlywetmyself.Unfortunately,italso mademydickspringintoaction,andIshufflearoundtohideit.

“Thatdoesn’tsoundsafe,”Savviemutters “IfitgetsthatbitchoutofpowerandtheLightFaebackinturmoilwithoutaRuler,thenIsayweriskit,”Rookpipesup, havingbeenquietthusfar Savvieturns her hardglare ontohim.Iwon’tsaythatI’mgladthathe flinchedfromit,butyeah.Thankfuck,I’mnotthe onlyone.

“Itwilltakeguidanceandalotofself-control,”RathcontinuesasifSavviehadneverspoken,whichonlyfiresupherguns evenmore.“Come,wewillpractice.”Heholdsouthishandtome.

IlookatSavvie,feelingtheneedtogetherapprovalbeforeItakeit Herjawisclenchedasshestaresathisoutstretchedhand.“Ifhedies,thisisonyou,”shespitsoutathim. “Heisn’tgoingtodie,”Rathsays,fullofconfidence Iwishitwasinme,butI’mmoreinclinedtothinkitisinhispower transferthingy.

She glares athimand thengives hima triumphantsmile. “Iftheyare lookingfor Dragon’s, thenhe won’tbe able to get throughwithyourmagick!”

Hegivesherabeam.“Oh,don’tworryaboutthat,mygoddess.ThemagickIwillgivehimwilllatchontotheVampirein himandmakehimstronger It’slikeachameleon;changestothecreature” “Chameleon?”shemutters,herfacegoingwaryasshelooksdown.“I’veheardthatwordbefore…”

HereyespingbackuptoRath’s “Isitrare?” “Very.Onlyme.ThatI’mawareof.” Shegritsherteeth.“Andmysister,”shesays,liftingherchinup,almostdaringhimtocomment. Hiseyesnarrow “TheDragonEmpress?”heasks “Interesting Youknowthisforsure?”

“Iheardmymother discussingDelindawithUncleD.once.ShementionedthatDelindawas achameleon.Ididn’tknow whatitmeant”

Iseeherbottomlipquiverslightlybeforeshebitestheinside.

“Well,well,”Rathsays “NowIdefinitelyneedtomeetthissisterofyours” “Overmydeadbody,”Savviegrowlsunderherbreath. Rathgivesherapuzzledlook,buthedismissesitandturnsbacktome.“Come,youngVampire.Ihavemuchtoteachyou.” Igiveheraquickkiss,butshedoesn’treturnit Sheispissedoffasall Hell andwill makeusall payforoverrulingher later, I’msure. Ifollow Rathoutofthe room, withTrey, hopingthatthis doesn’tbackfire onour asses and thatIdisappoint Savvie Ordie. Yeah,thattoo.

Chapter 9

Savannah

Furiousdoesn’tevencoverit.Ifappealingtothemasthewomanwholovesthemor theirQueenapparently,doesn’twork, thenwhatthefuckamIsupposedtodotoconvincethemthisisabadidea?AskthemtoreconsiderwhileI’mcomingall over their dicks? I pause in my action of stalking back to my office, having left Jerrick and Rook under a massive thundercloud

Shakingmyheadatthatpreposterousthought,Ikeeponwalking.ThatismanipulativeandnothowIwantourdecisionsto bemade ButnordoIwanttoberailroaded,outvotedornottakenseriously Thisisgoingtobecomeaproblemunlesswecan findawaytomakethisfair.ButI’mfuckedifIknowhow.Ifpushcomestoshoveonthis,Imayhavetothrowdownandpull rank,properly.Thatincludesaprettypairofsilverwingsandabadasswandbroughttotheparty.

IsnortasIrealizethatRathwillgetamajorbonerfromthat Truthis, ifwomengotboners, I’d have one too. The goddess power is highlyarousingwhenmingled withRath’s. Itis definitelysomethingIwishtoexplorefurther

Thinking of Rath’s power, I go cold suddenly. If I’d wanted to keep Trey away fromDelinda before, that was nothing comparedtohowIfeelaboutRath ThereisnowaythatRath’Nawilleverseteyesonmygorgeous,kickass,DragonEmpress sisterifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.Iwouldbeafuckingfool.Hewasmarriedtothelastone,forthegods’sake.

IletoutasnarlofunfetteredrageandjealousywhichfrightensPetle,whoishoveringnearmyofficedoor.

Pullingitback,Igiveheratightsmileandslipthroughthedoor,closingitquietlybehindme Istareatthefoldersonmy deskandthensitwithasighandpickupthetoponefromJerrick.Ismileas Iseeitis afull outlineofwhathis armydoes, whatisexpectedofthem,whathecantellthemtodoandwhatImusttellthemtodoiftheneedarises Hehasaddedthelayout ofeverysecuritymeasurearoundtheKingdom,updatedwitha‘codepeacock’alertwhichmakes mesnicker uncontrollably. Whendidhehavetimetogetallofthisdonesincelastnight?

I’mstillsmilingwhenthereisasoftknockatthedoor,andTreypokeshisheadin.

“Youbusy?”heasks.

“Yes,butcomein PleasetellmetheygaveupontheirquesttogiveTheoapowerbump?”Ibeg “Sorry,no,butIwassurplustorequirements.So,Icametogiveyousomethinginstead.”

“Oh?”Iaskarchly,sittingbackinmychairandgivinghimasaucyleer

“Notthat,yousex-crazedwoman,”helaughs.“Although…”Helooksaround.“I’msurewecouldgetuptosomenaughty stuffinhere.”

“Pass!Thiswasmygrandfather’soffice!”Ishriek,laughingeventhoughthethoughtmakesmegogreen.

“It’snicetoseeyousmile,littleFaerie,”hesayssoftly.“Thingsgotabitheatedbefore.”

“Youdon’tsay,”Idrawl “I’mnothappyaboutbeingoutvoted” “Iknow,” he says witha sigh. “It’s not a great arrangement. Democracymaynot be the best optionsometimes, but I’m fuckedifIknowwhattosuggest”

“Same,”Iadmitwithasigh.“Anyway,whatdidyoucometogiveme?”

Hesurprisesmebycomingaroundtomysideofthedeskanddroppingtohisknees.Heholdsoutasmallblackbox,and myheartthumps

“Myproposalwasnotdoneright,”hestarts.“I’dwantedtosweepyouoffyourfeetandgiveyouathousandreasonswhyI loveyouandwanttobeyourhusband Seeingasthatdidn’thappen,butyoustillsaid‘yes’,Icanatleastgiveyouthis” Heopensthebox,andIgasp.“Ohmy,”Imurmur,asItakeinahugepurplestonesurroundedbysmallsparklingdiamonds.

“Itmatchesyoureyes,”hesayswithasmallsmile. “Oh,Trey,it’sperfect!”Icryandlethimslipitonmyfinger.

“Iknow thatthis is somethingovertand is notFae or Dragontradition, for thatmatter, butIwantyouto have it Iwant somethingthatsaysyouaremineandthatIamyours.Ialsoknowthatthiswillpushtheothermen’snosesoutofjoint,but…” Heshrugs “Youwillbemywife,andIwantthattobeacknowledged” “Iwantthattoo,”Isay,“butatsomepoint,Iwillalsobetheirwifetoo,”Iaddlightly.

“Iknow,”hesaysjustaslightly “Humormefornow,though,okay?” Inod and leanforward to kiss himsoftly. Idon’tknow how the other menwill feel aboutthis symbol, buthopefully, it won’tbeaconcern.Theyallknowthescore.TreyandIhavetobemarriedandproduceanheir.It’sthewayitis. Thereisasoftknockatthedoor,soIcall,“Comein”

TreyrisestohisfeetandstandsbymysideasIscootmychairforward.

“Ma’am,”Petlesays “Isnowagoodtimetogooversomeofthesereports?” “Sure,”Isaywithasmileandbeckonherin.“AndcallmeSavvie,please.”

Shegivesmealookofutterhorror “No,”shecries “YourMajesty I ” “Please,”IsaywithwhatIhopeisanencouragingsmile.

Hereyesarefulloffear,likeit’satraporsomething.“Okay,”shecroaksout,butIknowthatit’snotgoingtohappen. ThethreeofusstandinsilenceforaminuteandthensheglaresatTrey “Ifyoudon’tmind?”shesays,indicatingthedoor Hesnorts andgives her a quickbow.“Ofcourse,” he says andthenkisses thetopofmyhead.“We’ll catchuplater,my love”

InodquicklyandwatchasheleavesmeandPetle.

“Heisagoodchoice,”shestates,allbusiness-like,liketherewasanyotheroptiontobeginwith. “Hesureis,”Iagreewithagoofybeam,lookingatmynewring.

Petlecatchessightofitandletsoutasmall gasp.“Oh,that’sbeautiful.”Shebeamsatme,andIcan feel her approval of Treygoupbyseveralnotches

“So,doyouwanttostartwiththeniceornasty?”sheasks,sittingdowninthechairoppositeme. Ilookatheraskance “Nasty?”

Shenods.“Sorry,butyounowhavetodealwiththeprisoners,thoseontrial,thedisputes...”

“Got it,” Isayweaklyand thenclear mythroat, suckingit up. “Start withthe worst,” Iadd, “thenmydaycanonlyget better.”

“Goodphilosophy,”shemurmursandthenopensthetopfiletogointodetail aboutwhoisupforthedeathsentencenext week

IgulpandtrytoremindmyselfthatIknew theDarkFae,well, all theFaearearaceofslightlyarchaic,somewhatbarbaric beings,andthisiswhatIsignedupfor Thegood,thebadandtheugly Thesearemypeople,andthisismyrule Perhapsin time,Icouldtrytobringinmorelenientsentences,buttodayisn’tthatday.Tryingtoaccomplishsuchgreatactswilltaketime. ButitisdefinitelysomethingthatIneedtodo.FormyownsanityandtomaketheFaebetterandmoretolerant.Wewillneedit onceAmbrosiaisgone,andItaketheLightFaerulebythehorns

Iblinkasthatthoughtcameoutofnowhere.Sure,notcompletelynowhere,butitwasn’tonmymindthismorningwhenwe weretalkingabouttakingherprisoner

Irealizethatit’s thegoddess talking.TheFaearehers torule together,notapart.She– I –wantus unitedandlivingin harmonybeforeweevenattempttomakeupwiththeDragons Ihavetostartthinkingaboutthispowerasminenow Itflows throughme,itmakesmeRath’sotherhalf.ButbeforeIcanthinkaboutbeingagoddess,IhavetogetthisQueenthingright.

Chapter 10

Raize

LeftinthemeditationroomafterSavannahstormedoff,pissedoffbeyondbelief,Iknowtheepicthunderstormoutsidethat came onrather suddenly, is most definitelyour Queen's doing It makes me smile slightly, but thenthe cloud ofworry dropsovermeagain.

Ihaven’tbeenabletoShiftsinceIwasstruckdownlastnight Notforlackoftrying Itrynowbutasexpected,itdoesn’t work.Idon’tknowwhythisishappeningorifIwilleverbeabletoShiftagain.Thelossofthatabilitywillaffectme,butit will devastate me ifIcan’thelp Savannahas her familiar anymore Ineed to fixthis before she finds out Idon’twanther thinkingI’mweakorbroken,butatthesametime,ifsheneedsmenowandIcan’thelpher...thenwhat?

Amblingoutoftheroom,wanderinginnoparticulardirection,IseeJerrick,who’dlefttheroomshortlyafterSavvie,drag aprettywomanintoadarkcorner

Helookspissed.

Ipauseandhidebehindabigblackgranitecolumn Ifeel terriblespyingonhim,butIneedthedistractionfrommyown worryforjustamoment.

Theyarewhisperingtoeachother inafierceway Her eyesareflashingdangerously Shehasatemper,thatone Jerrick grabsherbythearmandturnsthemsothathehasblockedherintothecorner.Ican’tseehernowthathisgiantbulkisinthe way.

I’mmadlycurious,butIneedtoleavethemtoit Whateverisgoingonthereisnothingtodowithme “Stayawayfromher and me,”IhearJerrickgrowlasIturntoleave. Hesitating,Ilookbackatthem AretheytalkingaboutSavvie?Ifso,thenthis is mybusiness “Jerrick?”Icallout.“Everythingokay?”

Heturnsquickly,alookofguiltonhisfacethatsurprisesme.Asheturns,Iseethewomanpullherhandoutofhispants andgivemealittlewiggleofherfingers,asultrysmileonherface.

Speechless,Igapeathim.

IneverthoughtthatJerrickwouldbe that guy

“Rook,”hesnarlsasifheispissedoffwithme.“Thisisn’t...fuck!”Hegivesthewomanafiercelookthatdoesnothingto deterher,andstalksovertome,grippingmyelbowandpracticallydraggingmedownthecorridor “Lastwarning,Letisha,”hehissesoverhisshoulderatthewoman. “Whatisgoingon?”Iask.

“It’snotwhatitlookslike,”hesayscurtly.“Letishaisanex.SheisjealousofSavvieandwantstocausetrouble.Forget whatyousaw.”

It’sanorder andIdon’ttakekindlytoit I’mnotoneofhissoldiers,andI’mcertainlynotforgettingseeinghimwithhis dickinanotherwoman'shand.

“HaveyoutoldSavvieabouther?”Iask,pullingmyarmoutofhisgrip Furiouspurpleeyesboreintomine.“No,andyouwon’teither.Savviedoesn’tneedtobebotheredbythis.Shehasenough onherplate,andLetishaismyresponsibility.Iwillgetridofher,don’tworry.” Hestalksoff,leavingmetostareafterhim Get rid of her Interestingchoiceofwordsaroundhere.

Isighand make a decision Ihurriedlycatchup withhimand, this time, grab his elbow “Fixitand fixitnow IfIsee troublebrewingforSavviewiththatwoman,thenIwillgotoherandtellherwhatIsawearlier.Gotit?”

Heletsoutalowgrowl.Itmakesmewinceslightly.I’veneverspokentoanyonelikethatbefore,andIchoosetheHeadof theDarkFaeGuardtotryitout.Imustbefuckingnuts,withadeathwishontop.

“Threateningme,Rook?You’vegrownapair,”hescoffs

“I’mlooking out for our Queen and the woman that we both love, so take your fucking attitude and check it,” I snarl, suddenlylosingmytemperovertheworrythatI’mholdingonto “Takeithoweveryouwant,butyoufixthatmess today orIgo to Savvie withwhatIsaw. Ifyouwantto take the riskofexplainingto her whyanother womanhad her hand onyour cock, goodluckwiththat”

Istormoff,asmallsmileformingonmylips.Thatfeltfuckinggood.Inspiteofthesituation,whichisnolaughingmatter,I feel prettydamngood.I’ve always beenthe one tobackdownandavoid confrontation. Mymother is a complete bitchwho neverletsmeforgethowdisappointedsheiswithme Itwasworsewhenshelivedhere Isuppose,inaway,I’mgladthatshe abandonedme.LeftmetoalifeofservitudetotheKing.IfeelI’mbetteroffthanhadshestayedhereandcrushedwhatlittle willIhadleftunderherboot Myfatherdoesn'tevenfactorintoit Heissodisinterestedinmethathecanbarelyevenlookat me.

Although,Ipondernow,Icoulddowithhisadvice Hasthiseverhappenedtohimbefore,notbeingabletoShift?Theonly other Shifters Iknow are TreyandAefre.Well,Isuppose alsoRath’Na now.Aefre has leftthe Kingdom,andthe thoughtof discussingthiswithRathleavesmeshudderingwithshame.

Withasigh,IfigurethatleavesTrey Hemaybeatoughnut,butIdon’tfeelthathewouldhumiliateme. Ihopeanyway

Headingoutside,Ikeepmyeyeoutforhim.

IfindhimsittingonthewallthatdividesthePalacegroundsfromtheoutsideland. “Hey,”hesays,asIapproach.

“Hey,”Ireply.“I’llcutrighttothechase.HaveyouevernotbeenabletoShiftbefore?” I’ve takenhimbysurprise, buthe rallies quickly “No, why? Yougottrouble?” He leaps offthe wall and comes closer, givingmeascrutinizingstare.

Iholdhisgazeforamomentbutthendropit “Yeah,eversincetheothernightwiththeravens IthinkAmbrosia’smagick didsomethingtome.”

Heshakeshishead.“No,it’snotyou.WhatevermagickSavvieisnowdabblingin,iswhathasdisruptedyourbalance.” Ifrownathiminconfusion.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“I’vebeenobservinghermagicksinceIgothere.Ithasaverydistinctpurpleglow.Silverisnothercolor.Isawwhatshe didtoyouandtheotherravens Shebroughtyoubacktolife That’sBlackmagickifIeversawit,yet,it’snotBlackmagick I don’tknowwhatitis,butyoucanbetyourlifeandminethatRathhassomethingtodowithit.”

“Uhm,”Istammer Hehasthrownmeforaloop “Areyousayingshe’sdoingsomethingdangerous?Thatshebroughtme backtolifebecauseIwasn’tgoingtoresurrectonmyown?”

Ifeelsick.Didshedothistomebybeingreckless?

“Ican’tanswerforyourresurrectionability,”hesayssteadily “ButIcantellyouwithoutadoubtthatourQueenishidinga newsetofpowersthatshedoesn’twantustoknowabout.Howshegotthem,whyshewantstokeepitasecretandwhatthey are,areallquestionsweneedtobandtogethertoaskher”

“Confrontation?”Icroakout.Idon’twanttodothat.

“Lessaggressive,”hesays “Weloveher,andwearen’touttoaccuseher,butsheneedstotelluswhatisgoingon Ifsheis headeddownadangerouspath,especiallywithAmbrosiaouttogether,thenweallneedtobeonthesamepagesothatwecan helpher.”

“Agreed,”Imurmur “So,youthinkI’mdoomedtolivewithoutShiftingagain?”

Hegivesmeascathinglookforthinkingaboutmyselfatatimelikethis,butthenhesighs.“Idunno,kid.Maybeoncewe knowwhatisreallygoingon,wecanfixwhatevershedidtoyou”

Inod slowly,a feelingofutter dread washingover me. Ihear the screechofthe ravens upabove and lookup. Theyare flockingoverthePalace,swoopinganddiving,cawingsoloudlytheyareagitatingeachother

Treylooksupaswellwithadarknessfallingoverhiseyes.“Idon’tknow muchaboutDarkFaeomens,butthatcan’tbe good.”

Iremainsilent

Heisnotwrong.

Chapter 11

Savannah

WalkingawayfrommymeetingwithPetle,IhaveawholenewrespectforwhatmyGrandfatherdidforthisKingdom.It wasaneyeopener The‘worst’didn’treallygetanybetter Infact,ifpossible,itgotevenmorehorrifying Turnsout thatIhavetobeattheexecutionstoissuethefinalorder.

Ishudderasmyskinfeelslikecrawlingaway

Butit’s somethingthatI’mgoingtohave todoeventhoughthe criminal inquestionmade threats againstme thatIdidn’t evenknowabout

TheonlynicethingonPetle’slistwasanappointmentthathasbeenmadeformewithTabitha,thebestseamstressinthe Kingdom,for myweddingdress.Idon’tknow whomadetheappointment,itwasn’tme,butsomeoneismakingitveryclear whattheyexpectofmeandwhen

AsIturnthecorner,IseeGrampswaitingforme,leaningcasuallyupagainstthewall. Mybreathhitches

Iclenchmyfistsandtakeashallowbreath,forcingasmileonmyface.

Hecanseestraightthroughme,though Hestraightensupandcomesovertogivemeabighug Iallowmyselfthecomfort ofhismassive,reassuringselfforamomentandthenpullaway.

“Howdidyourfirstdaygo?”heasks.

“Great!”Isaybrightly “Thatbad,huh?”hesaysincommiseration.

Isigh “No,really,itwasgreat I’mexcitedandeagertodivein”

“Youareastronggirl,Savvie.Youaremorethancapableofhandlingthis.Takeitfromanoldman,leavewhateverupsets youattheoffice.Don’ttakeithomewithyou.Itwilltakeitstoll.”

“Iknow,”Iwhisper.“ButaQueenneverrests.”

He snorts. “Spoken like a true Queen,” he says, beaming with pride. “I love you, girl. You have already made me so proud”

“Thankyou,”Imurmur.“Uhm,howisGrams?”

Hisfacecloudsover

Itupsetsme.Shehascompletelycutmeoffsincethiswholeheirthinggotreal.

“Sheisdevastatedaboutheronlydaughtergoingrogue,aswellasherdisappointmentinmeforbypassingAmbrosiainthe firstplace.ButherbehaviorfurtherenforcesthatImadetherightdecision,asmuchasithurtsmetoadmitit.Herangerisn’tat you,girl.Sheisjust…workingthroughit.”

Inod,bitingtheinsideofmylip “ShouldIgoandtalktoher?”

“No,”hesays.“Sheisathree-and-a-halfthousand-year-oldFaerie.It’sherresponsibilitytoshakethisoffandcometoyou. Shewill Iknowherbetterthansheknowsherself”

IwanttoarguethatIwanttosortourissuesoutnow,butItakehiswordforitandnodslowly.

“Ifyoudon’tmind,Ineedtorestawhile,”Imutter. Hegivesmyshouldersasqueeze “Go,”hesayskindly “KnowthatIamhereifyouneedme” Igivehimawansmile,butitbucksmeupinthebiggestwaypossible.OvermydeadbodywillIadmitfailureandgoto him Nope,noway I amQueennow ThisKingdomandeveryoneinitare my responsibility Iwillpullmybiggirlpantieson anddeal.

Stalkingoffdownthehallwaythatleadstomyroom,IpauseasIseeamaidhoveringoutsidemydoor.Idon’trecognize herasbeingstafffromdownthisendofthePalace.

“CanIhelpyou?”Iaskher

Sheturnsherprettyeyestomeandblinks.“YourMajesty,”shemurmurswithacurtsy.“I’mherecleaning.”

“Where is Felicity?” I ask, curiously It is veryrare that the staff gets switched out, especiallyinthis wing, where the seniorroyaltyresides.

“Noidea IgowhereI’mtold,”sheanswersmequiterudely Pursingmylips,tryingnottoletlooseonheraboutmannersandrespect,instead,Igiveherahaughtylookandsaystiffly, “Goaboutyourbusiness.”

Shescurriesoff Iwatchhergo,findingthiswholethingabitodd IwillhavetomakesurethatIfindoutwhythisFaehas beenassignedhere,andwithoutmyknowledge,afterIjustsitandtrynottothinkaboutbeingaQueenforaminuteorten.

Pushingopenmybedroomdoor, Iclose itquietlyand walkover to the window seatto sitdown, staringoutside Ipeer closerassomethingseemsamissandthenopenthewindowsothatIcanseebetter.

“Oh!”IexclaimasIseetheravensgoingwildoutside Theyarecoveringthesky,flyingallaroundthePalaceandcawing loudly. Istand up and leanoutofthe window. SeeingRookand Treyunderneathme, Iwave to them. Treywaves back, but Rookistoobusytryingtocontrolthebirds.It’slikethey’vegonecrazy.

“What’sgoingon?”Ishoutdown

“Youtellus!”Treycallsback,agrimlookonhisface.

Gulping,Istaredownathimsilentlyasthebirdsflockaroundmyhead,squawkingandmakingafuss

“Ack!”Iscreechassuddenlythebirdsrushatme,flyingdirectlyformyheadandtheopenwindowofmybedroom.“Gah!” Iscreamas I’mpushed back, and a streamofhundreds ofravens pour into mybedroom, knockingme flatonmyass. They scratchmewiththeirclawsandpeckatmewiththeirbeaks.

Idon’twanttohurtthem,butIhavetodefendmyselffromthisunexpectedattack,soholdupmyhandsandscrunchmyeyes shutasIpushoutaforcefield Theravensfallbackbutpersistintheireffortstogettome Thenoiseisdeafening,andIcryout againassomeofmymencrashthroughthedoorwayattheexactsamemomentthatasilverribbonofmagickrushesoutofmy handsandwrapsitselfaroundeverysingleoneofthebirds,calmingtheminstantly “Whatthefuck?”Jerrickgrowls.

“Savvie!You’vegotsomeexplainingtodo!”Treysaysbrusquely.

“Erm…”IstammerandthenmeetRath’sglowinggreeneyesashestaresatmewithalookthatspeaksvolumes. I’msobusted.

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