10

TEN

Ember

I wake in soft, luscious blankets that smell of smoke, cedar and salt. A warm cozy fire crackling close by. The sound of subtle snoring.

Pure comfort and joy.

I also feel a massive pounding in my skull like someones trying to break down the gates of the Shadow Realm.

“Ow.” I groan and reach for my throbbing head. “What. The. Stars.”

My eyes fling open as I realize this is not my bed. Who’s room is this? What in the hell happened last night?

A large fireplace is blazing to the right of the room. A tall, voluminous collection of books cover the opposite wall, in addition to the cascading windows that let in blinding sunlight.

“Gah, It’s too early for this,” I complain and throw a pillow back over my head. It’s so comfy here, I’m not really rushing to leave my captors chambers. That thought frightens me.

“Sorry, my flame. I can fix that,” A deep husky and sleepy voice tore through my consciousness. Sending electricity flying through my limbs like a shooting star. I suddenly became very aware there is someone else here.

My toes curl, and I instantly know who is in this room. With me.

Oh my stars.

I slowly lower my pillow from my face to find that the blinds had been drawn and candles were alight around the room now. A soft glow cascading over the silky black covers. I’m still dressed in my very tight bodysuit from last night, so there’s that. I pulled the covers tighter to my chest and I peeked over the end of the bed, like a babe searching for goblins under the closet.

Sprawled on a small sofa with his feet dangling off the arm rest, is the Prince Willow.

I winced, pressing a hand to my throbbing head. “Um..Hi? Where am I? Are you the one responsible for this? Someone whacked me over the head. I think it was one of your royal ass sniffing guards.”

He winces at the accusations and instantly sits up. He stands with his shirtless body, exposing ridges and lines of concrete abs. He saunters to the edge of the bed.

Wow. Bed head looks good on him.

“No, my flame. I did not kidnap you. There were some royal guild members that seemed to have caught you wandering the streets two days ago with not honorable intentions. Might I ask why my mate is prowling the streets of Estrallume that hour of night?”

With as much disdain as I could muster, “Again, I’m not your anything. If you can use that pea sized brain of yours to remember that I told you that–” I sat up in the bed. “Wait, did you say two days ago?”

I groaned from the pain in my head and struggle to stay upright. My head is spinning like the planets. I must be swaying because he starts to approach the side of the bed, keeping his focus on my eyes even though I struggle to meet his.

“Please lay back down.” He pleas. “I’m sorry I couldn’t heal you further. But, as I’m sure you know, you can’t heal head injuries better than when a faerie is awake to ensure no further damage takes place.” He nodded at the edge of the bed. A polite gesture, asking if he can approach me.

I didn’t say yes, but I also didn’t say no. I just am not talking right now with all the pounding in my skull.

He slowly sat on the edge, his weight was a substantial force to dip the mattress, making me more nauseous. I hiss through my teeth at him.

“Sorry,” he says sheepishly and curses at himself.

With shaky fingers, I clutched tighter to the silk covers and tried not to stare at him. Looking anywhere but at him, I asked, “This is your room, isn’t it? We’re in the palace?”

He nodded but remained calm and still. An anchor to hold onto while I felt as if the walls were crashing in on me.

I’m in his bed.

I’m in the palace.

I’m near that disgusting king.

His room smells like heaven.

There’s something strangely familiar about this place.

He has so many books. I love books.

Why do I feel so at home?

Shaken out of my spiraled thinking, Willow reaches a hand so softly to the right side of my head. Feather light touches caress my welt and I hiss in pain.

“I’m sorry, this will only take a moment.” He whispers, fully concentrated on the wound at the side of my head.

I risked the opportunity to look at him while he’s distracted. He stares at me with a sense of softness, and a strong feeling of protection and comfort radiates off of him like waves of calming medicine. He is also nervous, maybe that I’d run from him again. I’m not sure, but it’s endearing.

He seems to be drinking me in just as much as I, him. This is the first time we truly have gotten to look at eachother, like really look at one another, since the night of the initial bond. I ran from him so fast, so anxious to get away from the reality of that cursed day.

My lips parted and I thought about the touch of his fingers on my wound. He looks so brutish, so strong and overpowering, but really his touch is lighter than a feather. His caress is even smoother than the silk covers that envelope my body.

Ember, get yourself together. He’s just a strong brute with beautiful icey eyes.

I exhale a breath of frustration and break our eye contact. I clear my throat.

My head already feels better but he seems to have gotten the emotion I was conveying and stood up. “Well, that looks better. I think with another day or two of bed rest, you’ll be good as new. Guess you’re stuck with me so we can get these acquancy rituals started.”

My jaw drops.“One, it’s funny you think we’re completing this bond. Two, What? Another day or two!?” I gawk at him. I can’t stay that long. Who does he think he is? I have to notify the others and get back to base. They’ve probably already started preparations to rescue me. I haven’t checked in since last night. But it wasn’t last night. “You can’t keep me here.”

“You’re right, but also I’m the prince, and there’s guards surrounding the castle grounds which I have notified them to not let my pretty pink flame anywhere out of sight.”

I choke out a cough-gurgle and gather my composure. “That is considered imprisonment, you know. I can heal and rest perfectly fine at my apartment. We don’t need to be near each other.”

“Why? Because you can’t think straight around me? Because I’m your mate and you can’t resist the pull between us? Or is it because you’d rather us be together at your apartment, where I can watch over you more intently and take advantage of our privacy?” He is seeping amusement and adoration for me right now. It tastes like cream and strawberries in my mouth. Shit, that feels good.

I ignore his emotional projection. “Don’t be ridiculous. That was not what I intended and you know it. Also, I’m not even a fire faerie so stop calling me stupid pet names.” I scoff and roll my eyes, staring at his expansive collection of books across the room.

He laughs and man does his laugh sound beautiful. Deep and luscious.

A thought occurred to me. There could be an advantage to staying here in the palace for a few days. I could take the time to investigate the happenings in the castle, and I could get the mate bond taken care of and prove to the prince that this will never work out.

“Hmmm. You know what, maybe we should just get these rituals out of the way. Once we’re acquainted, maybe you’ll see just how imperfect we are for each other.” I smirked at him.

“Oh, little flame. You’re sorely mistaken. You’re the only perfect thing in my life.”

My heart warmed at the confidence exuding from his body. He truly believes we’re destined to be together. The first few things he’s learned about me is that I hate him, my parents are dead, and I’ve sworn off love and mates. We’re off to a great start.

“Can I take some time to freshen up and process this shit show?” I ask him impatiently.

He crosses his arms and contemplates my request. “Yes, of course. I will go gather some breakfast and a new change of clothes for you and then you can explain what you were doing prowling the streets the other night. If you like books, please help yourself to any of the ones in my personal collection. The fire will stay glowing and vibrant even while I’m away.” He dropped his arms, turned around and left the room. He was actually quite a gentleman about that. He looked pained to leave me alone though.

Once I heard the door click, I lay back into the pillows and let out a deep breath. Listening to make sure no one was near the door, I lazily twirl my hand to summon my communications orb. It bobs and glows above the bed sheets before me.

“Hello? It’s Em. I’m okay. I repeat, I am safe and okay. Do you copy?”

“Oh my stars! Ember Amethyst don’t you ever do this to me again. My heart can’t handle this kind of stre-”

“Amara, slow down. Ember, we need to know where you are and do you require backup?” Brucie called over the comms orb.

“I’m in the palace. I got found out by guild members last night and was knocked out. I was following activity in the Virgo District. I don’t know how Prince Willow found me, but I’m currently in his care. I think I have some sort of concussion but I can’t really move too well. He healed me the best he could.”

“Are you in his bed, Em?” Paisley whispered through the orb. Of course that’s all these drama obsessed fae care about.

“I’m not answering that Paisley,” I chuckled. “I will be getting out of here as soon as I can, but he’s going to come back soon and I’d like to do some snooping while I can. What if I can find some dirt on the prince or the king and their involvements in the crimes of Faerelle? This castle is so private. This could be our golden ticket.”

“Alright Em, just be safe and remember to check in with us,” Amara said with too much worry in her voice. “Discovering secrets is a risk.”

“Of course, let me know if you guys need anything.” Was the last thing I said before closing my comm orb, pulling back the covers and tip toeing to the bathroom. I’m disgusting and still in my bodysuit from last night’s mission. I certainly fit in with all the black and deep blue colors of Prince Willow’s private chambers.

I can’t believe I’m in his bedroom, for fucks sake.

Entering the bathroom, I find a soft pink robe and towel already set out for me along the edge of the tub. There’s a soft, rotating ball of neon blue fire inside the tub, waiting to be filled with my water and warmed by his blue flames.

Something fuzzy fills my tummy when I think of his magic caressing my water like his fingers touched my skin earlier.

Ugh. Em, knock it off. Just take the damn bath and do some snooping.

I filled the giant tub, honestly more of a pool, with my water magic. Amazed, I watched as my magic intertwined with his neon blue flames. They danced together, combining and glowing gorgeous shades of light blue as the fire and water merged. A soft steam began to rise and the tub reached its fulfillment. My lips parted and I left out a soft squeal.

One, that was the most beautiful display of magic combining I’ve ever seen. Two, this is the most beautiful bathing chamber I’ve been in. The dark stone floors lead into this large stone bathing pool. The walls are completely covered in windows, giving a stunning view of the city below. It’s exposed, yet somehow extremely private. The prince has plants everywhere, creating a very dark and sexy experience. More neon blue flames light candles that line the entire room.

I slowly enter the pool and begin ravaging through his elixirs and soaps on the edge. Everything smells like him. I found some small selections of my favorite scents, rose and honey. How did he know? Creating a current within the tub, I add rose and honey soaps to the water. Stepping down the stone, I nestled against the natural bench. Letting my curls sink into the water, I watched the city below begin to wake and rise with the sun.

“Wow,” I said in awe of the large windows that let in so much natural light.

After a few minutes, I realized I didn’t really have the time to sit in luxury. I needed to take advantage of being in his room, being in the palace more than anything. I quickly washed myself off and drained the tub. There was no new fire ball to appear, which means his magic really was there just for me.

I hate that I felt more warmth sparkle through my body at that thought.

Wrapping myself in the robe he left me, I quickly unmatted my pink waves with a brush he set aside for me and dried my hair with a towel. Honestly, he probably had servants do all this for him. Crossing the space, I stared at my mate rings in the mirror, wondering what I’m going to do if I’m stuck here for another few days.

I rushed into the bedroom to begin searching for any evidence. I need to discover if this family has any involvement with the murders or the DDecay. I checked under the mattress, in every drawer, along the fireplace, within the book shelves, literally everywhere. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Something I did find amusing is how many books he has. I suppose when you’re locked in the castle by your big bad daddy, you tend to need ways to escape. His library is truly beautiful. I’ve always loved reading, finding ways to pull knowledge from past adventures and wars. There’s so much to learn from the past, and far greater to accomplish with the future.

Other than that, there really wasn’t much in this room. He didn’t have any photos, no keepsakes or cute childhood toys, no weapons besides a drawer filled with daggers in his beside table. His chambers are kind of boring honestly, but also cozy and sensual.

I decided to settle down with a book on the rug by the fire and wait for his return. I’m still in my robe, so hopefully he won’t be much longer. After a while, I curl up on the sofa closest to the sparkling blue fire. My head starts to throb again, and my eyes drift closed into a deep sleep.

✶

After what felt like hours of blissful sleep, I wake to still being in my robe but no longer on the sofa. He moved me back into his bed. Although, he’s nowhere to be seen. I hate that I’m such a deep sleeper.

A delicate and dainty pink gown is draped on the edge of the bed and I climb over the covers with excitement to try it on. Gosh, I love clothes so much. Especially the chance to wear a gown of this quality.

I quickly change into my new gown and decide to do more investigating. The silky fabric shines in the sunlight and hugs my figure softly, draping down my hips like water. It’s at this moment that I realize there’s faint flames sparkling from the fabric, like layers of fire have been pressed into the silk.

He’s really trying to take this whole ‘my flame’ thing to the next level. He can’t expect me to stay cooped up in his room the whole time, can he? That really is imprisonment, if so. What a giant fucking red flag.

I catch my reflection as I cross the room to leave, and stare in awe at the way this dress fits. It looks like it was crafted for me, perfectly fitting each curve of my body. Shining with golden flakes of starlight, and small flames cascading down the skirts.

Letting out a short breath, I turn towards the door and swing it wide.

Excited to leave the confines of this overwhelming space, I run head first into an absolute unit of a man. He grunts from my accidental attack against his back and slowly turns to look at me amusingly. “Well, hello there.”

“Um, Hi,” I say with a blush creeping up my cheeks from embarrassment. “I was just going for a stroll. The prince said I was his guest and I’ve grown tired of being confined in this stuffy, stale room.”

He turned his whole body to face me now and crossed his arms, looking down at me over his nose. “He was right, you are a little dragon.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I cross my arms and stare right back at him.

He smiled delightfully, “You’re quite little, and possess the attitude of the ancient dragons.”

“And who might you be? His personal dog?”

“Actually, yes. I’m his personal guard, sworn to protect him since we were kids.” The absolute unit said this with too much pride in his voice.

I stared at him with pursed lips, and he smirked and stared right back.

Fine. The fight is on.

Suddenly, I feel a spark of electricity tingle my finger tips. I flex my hands at my sides. Then, I hear his footsteps approaching down the hall.

I’m becoming more and more aware of his presence.

“My flame, why are you out of bed? You should be resting.” Prince Willow casually asked me while nodding to his guard. “Thanks for keeping her safe, Artie.”

He returned with a platter of pancakes, bacon, fruit and glasses of sparkling wine. All of which are my favorite things to eat. Especially bacon, by the stars I love bacon. I think I let out a soft moan and drooled a little bit on myself. I didn’t realize how hungry I was till now. The last time I ate something must have been days ago.

“Is that for me?” It took everything in me not to reach out and shove that whole platter in my mouth.

My stomach growled, and the prince looked down at it.

“Yes. But, you’ll need to stop blocking the door and let me in if you wish to eat any of it.”

All too quickly, I hurried back to sit on the edge of his bed and waited for him to deliver the tray. “Okay, I’m ready.”

He chuckled and placed the platter on the silky blue covers and I lost all control. I began digging through the food like an animal. Taking bites and cramming it all into my mouth.

“Yes, a little dragon indeed.” Artie says under his breath.

I looked up to find both men cross armed in front of the doorway, staring at me with so much amusement.

I wiped my syrup covered mouth with the back of my hand. “Yep, just your precious little mate, waiting to be pranced around court like a medallion. I’m definitely cut out for this life.” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes at the brutes crowding the space.

“You will be, and are, the most beautiful princess to-be. Even if you eat like an animal starved for days.”

“I have been starved for days, you moron!”

He winces at that.

“Did you want me to wake you from a recovering slumber just to eat some bacon and bread?”

“Yes. Yes, I did. If you knew me at all, you’d know I have a severe love for food.” Once I said that, I instantly regretted giving him that information.

Shit.

He could totally use this against me. With him knowing I love food, he could use it to soften my feelings for him.

Slowly, a knowing smirk took over his features. It lit a fire inside of me, causing my toes to curl and me to choke out a gasp. “Well, there’s phase one of our acquancy period. Let’s continue after you’ve gotten your fill, my flame.”

I decided not to respond and just ignore them both. I will eat in peace and enjoy every minute of this. Bacon is just too good.