Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

Iris

T he Seelie Court is gorgeous. Spiralling towers made of pristine pale wood rise above us, creating a living, constantly growing city. The trees here are much older and larger, and the farther we go towards the centre of the city, the more the terrain changes as we seem to enter a valley. Finally, the castle comes into view, a sparkling spectacle taking pride of place at the back of the rocky valley. Although the trees have fallen back, there is still greenery everywhere.

I want to gape and take in the sights around me, but the tension between Alaric and Blaise is so tight that I am worried a fight might break out at any moment. My eyes stay on the two of them instead of the amazing city, although it is the prince who is the risk at the moment. He has been hugely overprotective of me since we fucked and the mate bond snapped into place, something I get the impression is common for male fae after bonding. I haven’t had time to ask much about it thanks to our hurried exit from the inn, but they spin around in my mind.

My mate’s leg brushes against mine, and tingles erupt from the point of contact. We are lucky that our horses are happy enough to walk this closely together, as Alaric wasn’t going to let me out of arm’s reach. If he had his way, I would be riding his horse with him, but that is not the first impression I want to give when we arrive at the castle.

On my other side, Blaise rides silently on his horse. He seems frustrated, and I know he wants to say something but is keeping his mouth shut. Usually, he would ride in front or behind us, but today, he insisted on being by my side. This hasn’t helped the tension between them, and my neck is starting to hurt from swinging my gaze one way and then the other.

I cannot take this much longer.

“Blaise, maybe you should ride ahead?” The suggestion is a subtle plea for him to go. It is the only way I can think to break the tension. Besides, will he not want to warn the castle of our arrival?

“We are almost there.” He glances over, his expression apologetic. He isn’t going anywhere despite knowing his presence is making things awkward. “I don’t want to leave the two of you unprotected, especially while drama prince over there is experiencing the leash of the mate bond.”

Alaric bares his teeth, his head whipping around to lay his narrowed eyes on his friend. “Don’t look at my mate,” he hisses, his body jerking forward like he’s holding himself back. Realising what he’s doing, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. When he opens them again, he glances at me before going back to Blaise. “Please,” he says through clenched teeth. “I do not want to kill my best friend, and you have already seen more than enough.”

The reminder of what happened earlier makes my cheeks flush red. Blaise walked in not long after Alaric and I untangled ourselves from each other, and we were still naked. Naturally, I was embarrassed, but poor Blaise had it worse. I thought he might die on the spot with horror when he realised what he was seeing. While I do not know for sure, I have my suspicions about Blaise and his sexual preferences, and his reaction to seeing me without clothes on only strengthens that thought. To make matters worse, I thought Alaric might actually kill his friend. Ever since, there has been a quiet anger hanging over my mate.

With how difficult it was for Alaric to control himself, we decided to forego resting any longer and head straight to the castle.

There are still so many unknowns ahead of me, making my anxiety creep through me like a dark shadow. Honestly, I’m not sure where to start when it comes to asking for information. This city is like something from a dream, and the creatures around me are unlike anything I could have ever imagined with my slow, human mind. Now that I am the mate to the prince and heir of the Seelie Court, what does that mean for my future?

“How will us being mates affect things going forward?” I ask quietly, breaking the petulant silent that has settled over us.

Alaric straightens in his saddle, and I feel a flash of pride through our bond. There is something amazing about this. He doesn’t regret the fact that we ended up mated. Instead, he is proud to call me his mate. In this moment, though, he glares at anyone who dares to look this way. “It’s not safe to talk about this here. If the king were to hear from someone other than myself, it would be…” His face pales a little. Clearing his throat, he continues. “It would be bad. I will explain once we get to the castle.”

His comment is alarming, and I’m sure it shows on my face because he reaches out and squeezes my knee in comfort. Why did mentioning his father make him blanch like that, and why would him hearing about his son mating be a bad thing? We are trotting towards this male, and I have no idea what to expect other than he might not approve of Alaric and me.

I need something else to think about, otherwise I will get lost in my thoughts and create problems that aren’t really there.

Everything in the city is pristine, without a speck of dirt to be seen. Even the fae here are perfect and beautiful. A stunning marble fountain in the centre of the square depicts two fae embracing, while shooting crystal clear water into the air, the stone glimmering in the light.

The castle waits for us ahead. Like the rest of the city, it is pale and accented with gold, making it glisten in the sunlight. What makes it stand out, though, is that it isn’t made of wood, rather it is carved into the rock behind it, the back of the castle seeming to sink directly into the base of the cliff itself. The white stone is perfect and appears to glimmer as though covered in glitter.

Entering through the golden gates and into the courtyard, I see that the palace is even more beautiful up close. The minute details in everything is just mind-blowing. The craftsmanship that must have gone into this is beyond what I even knew was possible.

Eyes wide, I realise just how small my human life is. I would have happily lived out my life in Brine without ever having experienced something like this. I tip my head back so I can take in the tall, pointed towers, the architecture seeming to defy gravity. Magic must have been involved in the building process, something that most fae can use.

Sentries wait for us just inside the palace gates to take our horses to the stables. Alaric is off his mount and at my side in the blink of an eye, snarling at the female who tries to assist me off my horse before helping me down himself instead. Honestly, the whole interaction passes over me, my attention on the castle. The courtyard is just as beautiful, full of troughs overflowing with roses filling the air with their floral scent.

The palace doors are open and accessed via one of the two short staircases that lead up to it. Standing in the entrance, watching us with a neutral expression, is a male dressed in a pristine white uniform, his jacket decorated with golden trim. I get the impression he has been waiting for us.

Blaise, having passed his horse over to one of the attendants, takes the stairs two at a time, speaking with the male and gesturing towards Alaric and me. Their voices are too quiet for me to hear, but I don’t miss the look of shock on the new fae’s face as he whips around to stare at me.

What happens next goes by in a blur as we are led into the castle and through the sparkling halls. Impossibly, the inside feels even larger than it looks on the outside, and all the furnishings are in bright colours of white, gold, and a spectrum of yellows and oranges. There are quiet conversations going on around me, again passing me by. I am completely hypnotised by the majesty and grandeur of this place, fully under its spell.

We come to a stop, and my mind finally returns to the present, picking up on the tight atmosphere over our little group. The fae who greeted us at the entrance of the castle looks at me with barely disguised disgust, but he is careful to keep his expression blank when Alaric is looking in his direction. Tall and thin, he holds himself with a sense of smug pride, his pointed chin, high cheekbones, and narrowed grey eyes not making for a welcoming appearance. His blond hair is brushed back and pulled into a short ponytail, and although his face shows no signs of aging, I get the impression he is far older than he looks.

We stand outside of two grand wooden doors, depictions of fae carved into the wood. I could spend hours examining it, but I can sense something important is waiting for us on the other side of the doors, and I need to be prepared. Alaric’s shoulder brushes mine, our bond tightening with anxiety as he takes my hand in his. It takes me a moment to untangle the mix of emotions the bond presents me with, but the anxiety isn’t mine. What are we waiting for, and why is it causing Alaric to feel this way?

I should have paid more attention, and now I feel completely unprepared for whatever we are about to face. Glancing over my shoulder, I find Blaise guarding our backs, his expression serious. He tries to give me his usual smirk as he spots me looking at him, but I can see it’s strained. My chest tightens with my own sense of apprehension and unease.

The fae knocks on the door and a muffled, “Enter,” is called from inside the room. Without waiting another moment, he rolls his wrist, and the doors magically open. We step inside, and all thoughts fly from my mind as my mouth drops open at what greets us. The room is circular, and the tall domed ceiling is painted in the colours of a sunset. Tall bookshelves are fitted to the walls, with hundreds of books housed within. The floor is decorated with white and gold tiles, patterned to depict geometric stars. It’s stunning. What I find surprising, though, is that the room is very sparsely furnished, with only several couches positioned in front of the huge domed window facing out over the city.

Finally, I realise that someone is watching us, and I allow my gaze to land on the fae—the king. Rows of golden buttons travel the length of his tailored double-breasted jacket. Peeking through the top of his crisp white cape are epaulettes, again garnished with gold, most likely proclaiming his rank.

His skin is the same golden colour as his son’s, but where Alaric’s hair is the colour of fire, the king’s is a lighter orange, almost blond. Atop his head is a simple golden crown, not needing the extravagance of a large, bejewelled crown when his presence is enough. Above all, the thing that gives away his rank is the sense of power that surrounds him. He has a magnetic presence that makes me want to fall to my knees and bow at his feet. Alaric is powerful, I could sense that from the moment I met him, but his father’s power seems to be magnified. It makes me feel nauseous, my head spinning from the effort it’s taking to withstand the pull of the king’s intense magnetism.

Thankfully, Alaric is by my side and helps settle me, reassurance pouring down the bond. Taking a deep inhale, I allow my senses to extend, absorbing the feel of my feet on the hard floor, the warmth of Alaric beside me, the scent of old books, and the bright smell of summer.

The fae who led us here walks over to the king and whispers something to him, covering his mouth so we can’t make out what he’s passing over. The king watches his son as he listens, and his only sign of surprise is his eyes glancing at me, yet he quickly returns his intense gaze to Alaric. Something he heard displeased him, and he is trying very hard to hide that fact. Why? What does he get out of hiding his emotions, especially from his son?

The messenger fae steps back and clears his throat, clutching his hands behind his back. “His Majesty, King Rex of the Seelie.”

This is a very formal greeting considering he is welcoming his son after an extended trip, and I have to assume it’s for my benefit.

Alaric dips his head in greeting, and with a quick glance over my shoulder, I see Blaise bowing low. Taking their lead, I drop into a curtsy, keeping my gaze down. Fae customs could be completely different, so I need to tread carefully so I do not inadvertently offend someone.

“Father,” Alaric greets, stepping forward and tugging on my hand to keep me at his side. When we are a meter or so away from the king, we stop, and Alaric’s hand rests on the small of my back. “May I present to you the female from the Unseelie curse and my mate, Iris Bloom.”

The king notices Alaric’s casual touch and where his hand now rests, his keen eyes narrowed, only for his gaze to snap back to his son. “Mate?” The word is said sharply, like a curse word, and the king’s body seems to bristle.

Although I can feel Alaric’s unease, he doesn’t let any of that show in his expression. He faces his father’s disapproval with confidence. “Yes, our bond is sealed.”

The king’s expression morphs into one of rage, his hands balled into fists at his sides. Static seems to fill the room, the air turning cold as clouds slide across the previously clear blue sky. “How could you be so careless?” King Rex shouts, showing his sharp teeth in a clear threat. “You are supposed to marry strategically, and now you have ruined that by not being able to keep it in your pants.”

Confounded, I watch with dumbstruck humiliation. There were many scenarios that played out in my mind in which I met Alaric’s father, but this was never one of them. He can barely stand to look at me and is making it very clear that I am not suitable for his son.

Snarling, Alaric takes a threatening step forward. “She is my mate .” The emphasis on his last word clearly shows that it has more significance to them than I can comprehend. “It was out of our control.”

Alaric’s father doesn’t seem disturbed by this show of dominance. In fact, he seems grimly amused by the display. “You knew that if you fucked your potential mate that it would seal the bond forever.”

Alaric knew we would be bonded when we fucked. Shocked, I let that sink in. He told me there was no going back when we fucked, but I thought he meant emotionally, not that we would be bound together for all time. Being his mate feels right, like I am made for this, so I am not upset about being connected to him. However, he knew about the mate bond. He should have told me, so I could understand and willingly make that decision.

I turn to look up at Alaric. He can feel my emotions, the tight twist of his lips giving him away, but he keeps his attention on his father. “I didn’t know she was my mate! I felt the connection, but I didn’t think humans and fae could form the bond.”

Wait. Is he saying that he didn’t think a mating bond could happen between us because we are from different races? Does that change anything? The hurt and disappointment I feel eases a little as I continue to watch him. If this is the case, then he wouldn’t have told me about something that he thought was impossible. Given our connection, I still think he should have mentioned the possibility, but I can understand why he didn’t. At least, if that is what truly happened anyway. Now is not the time for this, but I am not going to let this issue go, needing to hear it from him directly.

The king rubs his chin, his expression contemplative. He lifts his gaze, looking at me with a frown. A low growl from Alaric has the king looking away from me and back to his son, his frown deepening.

“Does anyone else know about this?”

Alaric shakes his head. “No, just the three of us.”

The king’s advisor steps closer and whispers something in his ear. King Rex sighs and scrubs a hand over his face, appearing weary. “Good, that makes things easier.” Puffing out a tense breath, he crosses his arms over his chest. “We need to dissolve your bond. This will ruin everything.”

Alaric moves before I even register what the king is saying, barrelling towards his father with clear intent. He’s going to attack him. The two fae clash with a meaty thud and tumble to the floor in a pile of limbs.

A gasp rips from my throat, and I instinctively move forward, the bond screaming that my mate needs me. I know that I would only be a hindrance, and a small voice is shouting that in my mind, but I can’t hear it over the insistent bond. He needs me. A pair of arms wraps around me and halts my movement, and it takes me a second to realise it’s Blaise.

“Don’t,” he hisses in my ear. “You don’t want to get caught between those two, especially with the mate bond ruling Alaric right now.”

Despite his words, I can feel how tense he is and know he wants to jump in and help his friend.

The two fae grapple on the floor, hissing like wild animals. Alaric looks completely feral, his usual composure gone. The air seems to thicken and feels ionised, the hair on my arm standing on end. This is my only warning as a bright flash outside the window splits the light in the room, seeming to steal it for a moment and plunging us into darkness. It returns a moment later, but I am completely shaken by the whole thing. Where did the lightning come from? The resulting boom seems to shake the whole castle, the floor rumbling beneath my feet. Blaise curses and guides me backward, his expression one of trepidation.

Out of nowhere, guards appear, racing forward with their fae speed and glistening armour, their swords raised as they move to protect their king. They pause when they see the attacker is the prince, but this doesn’t last long.

They are going to use those weapons on Alaric. You don’t get away with attacking the king without paying for it.

Heart in my throat, I fling myself forward, fighting against Blaise’s hold. He curses and tries to talk to me, but I have blinders on, needing to get to my mate. I have no chance of escaping Blaise, but that doesn’t stop me from trying, my hands scratching at his as I thrash and buck. Alaric needs me. He is about to get hurt, and the mate bond is taut between us. There is no disobeying it, my entire world is this male.

“No,” I shout, my voice ripping from my throat with an authority I have never used before. I could have sworn the guards paused for a moment, shuddering as though something settled on them, but they don’t stop, surrounding the two males as they try to work out how to separate them without hurting the king.

“Stand down,” the king hisses, wiping away a trail of blood from the corner of his mouth, his upper lip swollen. “This needs to happen.”

There is more going on here than just fighting over me, that is clear from the look of disdain the king wears. The two males continue to grapple, trying to get the upper hand, although as I watch them, they seem to be pretty evenly matched. The king manages to break free of Alaric’s hold, and the two of them step back in defensive crouches, waiting for the other to make a move.

“I do not care who you are to me. You will not lay a hand on her unless you wish to lose that hand,” Alaric warns, his words both a promise and a threat as he circles the space the guards created around them.

The king stares at his son like he doesn’t recognise him. The tightness in his snarl and rage in his eyes show exactly how angry he is about this whole debacle. Is it the fact that Alaric mated with me that makes him so mad, or because his son chose to defy him?

“Please, Your Majesty. You cannot separate us, we were meant to be together,” I plead, fear and uncertainty causing me to feel nauseous, my hands trembling. If I play to his benevolent side, then surely he will listen to us and realise how detrimental separating us would be. This is his son, he has to want to put the needs of his child at the forefront of his decisions, right?

The room seems to darken again, and that strange feeling I now associate with impending lightning fills the air. The king stands to his full height, the blinding flash of lightning cracking across the sky behind him. I wasn’t sure before, but now I am sure of it—the king is somehow controlling the lightning. Every time his anger rises, lightning cleaves the clouds.

It appears I am wrong about appealing to the king’s softer side. He looks furious, and if anything, my words only made things worse. Making his body physically larger than mine, he attempts to make me feel small and put me in my place. It’s working.

I attempt to take a step back, but Blaise’s hold keeps me in place. “Do not show fear,” he murmurs in my ear so quietly I almost don’t catch it. I understand what he’s saying though. Backing away only makes me look weak, which won’t help anything.

“You dare to tell the Seelie king what he can and cannot do?” He laughs, the sound ugly and rough as he sneers at me. “You are a human, and the only reason I haven’t had you killed already is because you are part of the Unseelie curse.” His contempt and scorn are like physical blows, yet I try not to react, imagining a shield around me that they bounce off of.

Alaric appears in front of me, blocking me from his father’s biting remarks. It becomes easier for me to breathe now that he’s here, and I grab the back of his shirt. Releasing a shaky breath, I drop my forehead against his back, absorbing his strength to get me through this. Blaise releases me but stays close. I’m unable to put into words how grateful I am for his support in this. Alaric trembles beneath my touch, but it is not from fear like mine is. Our bond is fully open right now, and his emotions are practically being shouted at me, meaning I know how furious he is and how difficult he is finding it to hold back his mate instincts.

“She’s right, Father, and I won’t let you talk to her like this.” His voice shifts between the hissing remarks of a threatened mate and the smooth tone of authority as he stands his ground against his father. “I am the heir to the throne, and she is my mate. Attempting to dissolve the bond will be seen as an aggressive act, and we shall retaliate.”

Witnessing how strong my mate is, I want to stand at his side and show the king that while I may be afraid of him, I will not let him chase me off. Alaric is mine just as much as I am his. I don’t know what this means for our future, but we shall find out together. With a deep breath, I release his shirt and step out from the protection of his body, sliding my hand into his as I face the king.

Alaric’s pride shines through the bond, yet outwardly he keeps his expression firm. “Accept her for who she is and what she is to me,” he continues, leaving no room for argument. “If you cannot do that, then I shall renounce my crown, and you will be without an heir.”

Stunned, I gape up at him. He would do that for me? I would never ask him to do that, and perhaps that is one of the reasons he is happy to do it. My whole life has changed with his presence, forced to leave my home behind and start a new life. Perhaps that is exactly what this would be. There is the slightest trace of regret in our connection. He doesn’t want to give this up, but he will to make sure we are safe and happy.

“Prince,” the king growls, closing his eyes as he attempts to compose himself. When they open once more, he ignores me and looks straight at his son. “Look at the problems she is already causing.” The king’s tone has shifted, trying to sound reasonable in his comments. “As king, I have to make difficult decisions—”

“She can summon butterflies.” The admission sounds strained, coming from Blaise like he didn’t want to say anything but had no choice. He looks at Alaric apologetically as he steps forward.

The king suddenly looks at me, his expression calculating, and I can practically see the cogs turning in his mind. “Now that does change things.”

“We don’t know anything for sure yet,” Alaric counters quickly, trying but failing to hide his discomfort on the new subject.

Even if it was true that I was able to somehow summon butterflies, then why does it matter? There is a significance to this that I don’t understand, and even the guards are regarding me differently. Whatever this means, it has changed my importance to the king, and he now seems to deem me worthy of his attention.

“That can be changed,” the king muses, his grey eyes glowing with possibilities, and something tells me that I am not going to like any of them. “I need to think this over. In the meantime, put her somewhere she isn’t going to escape.”

I don’t like the sound of that, and from Alaric’s bristling beside me, I know I’m not the only one.

“Father, she is no prisoner,” my mate grinds out, his hold on my hand firm. “She is a guest here, I promised to keep her safe.”

“That was not your promise to give.” His father smiles, but it is without kindness. “Remember what is at stake here if the Unseelie get their hands on her.” Turning his attention to Blaise, he sneers at the fae then looks back at his son. “Your friend can take her if you do not trust my guards, but I will not take chances until I know anything for sure. My word is final.”