4. Aiden

4

AIDEN

The ground beneath our feet solidified, and as we stood on Earth the veil closed behind us. Cassie's hazel eyes, wide and confused and amused just moments ago, now took in the familiar surroundings with a touch of relief. She turned to me, her raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders in waves that any ocean would envy.

"Shouldn't you go back and start running your kingdom or something?" Cassie asked, her tone laced with responsibility—a trait sorely lacking among my kind. Her serious tone prodded two urges, pausing to enjoy the refreshing draft of concern, and a nigh irresistible urge to act in the opposite direction.

"Let them come find me if they need their king." I shrugged. The magic that marked my ascension was not subtle; it had echoed across all the realms with an elf in them. "For now, I find the company of a human planning the wedding of another king far too intriguing to abandon."

Her lips quirked up at the corners, even as her brows furrowed—the perfect blend of accepted flattery and skepticism.

"Eventually, though," I continued, "duty will call me back." But not yet. Not while Cassie's fiery spirit and unexplored depths remained new and fresh.

"Where are we?" she asked, looking from brick buildings to trees to street.

"Close to the source of your recent change in fortune," I said, nodding towards a nondescript building nearby. I'd followed the magical signature of Luck, now called Ms. Fortuna. I wanted to see what might happen if they met, gain more information on if the turn of her luck was fair or foul.

Cassie sighed. "Words Aiden, explain further, I have no idea what you're talking about, and I need to get back to work again."

Despite that, her gaze traveled on the street, her curiosity piqued.

"A…person I know contacted me and told me your luck was about to change. Her residence is near. I hope to find out more of what she meant. She's often cryptic."

Cassie murmured, "Takes one to know one." But interest filled her triangular face.

The game was afoot, and whether she admitted it or not, she was every bit curious as I was. Then she shook her head briskly.

"No. I need to get back to work. Thanks for the lift," Cassie said, briskly brushing off the remnants of trans-dimensional travel from her clothes—a curious mixture of stardust and earthly grit. "But I've got a wedding to plan, and a list longer than … I don't know what. Something long. Are you now going to keep your elvish entourage from interrupting?"

"Me? Run herd on the elves?" I raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that part of your other job as the liaison? Besides, shouldn't you be with me to guide them? You know better than I what is acceptable and what is not in this world at this time."

"Guide them?" Cassie chuckled, the sound rich and warm despite the edge of incredulity. "I can barely keep up with the weird stuff they do. If you want to know what's acceptable, you should ask Rey. He's practically written the book on human behavior—or so he claims."

"Rey?" I scoffed lightly, though a part of me considered the suggestion for an instant before dismissing it. The trickster king was as likely to lead me into a prank as he was to give genuine advice. "You're full of jokes today."

"Hey, I'm just trying to help," she replied, still laughing. The sound danced around us, light and happy. She dialed a number on her phone, her focus shifting to it, leaving me a moment to ponder the notion of seeking counsel from Rey.

If he pranked me, I could do it right back. A war with Rey would certainly not be dull. There didn't seem a downside to it once I started considering it.

Maybe it wouldn't be the worst idea. After all, understanding humans seemed crucial, especially if I intended to stick around Cassie without causing a magical incident. Rey, with his compulsion for mischief, might provide some insight. Or at least, we'd both be entertained.

Cassie shot me a sharp look when she ended her call. "You're smiling. What are you planning, Aiden?"

"Only more ways to see that spark in your eyes," I said with a grin. "Anger becomes you."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," she retorted, but her lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "Why aren't you planning to go home and run your kingdom?"

Her question, stated in a serious tone, hung between us. I shrugged. "My kingdom runs itself for the most part. If my people need me, they'll find me."

She shook her head, frowning. "That's a pretty cavalier attitude for a king."

"Carefree, perhaps," I mused. "But it gives me time for more... pleasant pursuits." I watched as her cheeks flushed, the annoyance dancing in her hazel eyes battling with amusement.

"Charming," she deadpanned. "If I were a damsel, I'd be sure to swoon at your feet."

"Don't want one," I replied, stepping closer. "I'm far more interested in the woman who stands before me, all layers and complications."

"Keep dreaming, Your Majesty," Cassie said, but conflict flickered her stern facade. It was clear she was enjoying our banter as much as I was, and equally clear she was conflicted about it.

"Speaking of dreams," I began, "I was hoping to accompany you?—"

"Accompany me?" Cassie looked around. "To where? The dentist office we're standing in front of? Do elves get cavities?"

"We don't," I said with a dismissive wave. "To answer your worry before you deflect more, elves are resourceful. If there's trouble, they'll figure out how to reach me. It's not my job to make myself readily available to them."

"Convenient, this style of rulership," Cassie noted dryly. "What's the real reason you want to tag along with me?"

I leaned in, close enough to see the flecks of gold in her eyes. "Curiosity," I confessed. "And perhaps, the chance for entertainment. You're never boring."

Her laughter rang out again, genuine and unguarded. "I suppose I could use the company. But remember, nothing disruptive. We're doing this the efficient way."

"Agreed," I said, offering her my arm. "Shall we?"

She took my arm with a shake of her head. "This should be interesting. However, the wedding planning isn't going to pause for elvish whims."

Cassie paused, her free hands on her hip, exuding that fascinating fire.

Wedding planning seemed dreadfully mundane compared to the adventures we could be having. I was willing to accept the restrictions to enjoy her company.

"Understood. I'll abide by your priorities." I nodded, keeping my tone light, despite the pang of disappointment.

The air beside us shimmered, and my sister Matilda appeared as if stepping out from behind an invisible curtain. She patted the flowing draperies she wore and grinned, bright enough to distract the driver on the street near us and nearly cause an accident.

Cassie jumped, surprise in every line of her body.

"Can elves—" she started, then trailed off, seemingly lost in thought about the implications of invisibility.

"Matilda!" I flourished a bow to my sister, though being king I shouldn't. "A fine dramatic entrance."

"Found you," Matilda responded with a smirk. "Thought you might be up to something fun."

"Matilda, you and Cassie have met," I reintroduced them, eager to see how Cassie would react to another of my kind now that she knew us better.

"Good to see you again," Cassie said cautiously.

"Likewise. So, would you care to join us, Aiden? We've found a volcano in one of the big oceans that's just begging for a little encouragement," Matilda asked.

"Absolutely not," Cassie shot back, stiffening, sending me a glare that could melt steel. "We're not encouraging volcanoes or causing any other natural disasters today, thank you very much."

"Matilda, that would be better another day," I interjected quickly, hoping to soothe the situation.

"As you wish, my king," Matilda conceded with a playful pout, turning her attention back to Cassie. "But you must admit, it does sound like fun."

"Not the word I'd use," Cassie replied, her tone suggesting that the conversation was over.

"Indeed," I agreed, giving my sister a pointed look. "I will be with Cassie for the rest of the day. I am aiding in the wedding preparations for the Goblin King's nuptials."

Cassie closed her eyes for a moment.

"The Location is Fellmere Island. We will leave for that destination tomorrow," Cassie declared, with a new firmness in her voice that commanded attention. I nodded, appreciating her attitude.

"Sounds like a plan," I said casually. Behind Cassie, clearly visible to me, Luck slipped into a low brick building across the street. In the shadows of the alley next to the building, a familiar presence revealed itself—Halo, with her stealth and predatory grace, lurked. Her attention was divided between me and Cassie.

The cat goddess's memory and tendency to revenge wasn't one to take lightly but given circumstances I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she intended to let bygones be bygones.

With a nonchalant wave in her direction, I called out "Hey, Halo." I flashed a grin at her expression before focusing back on Cassie and Matilda.

"Are we just going to stand here then?" Matilda asked, obviously itching for something more exciting than wedding plans, even though they were for a fellow king.

"If you want interim entertainment," I said, reaching into the ether and pulling out my fiddle. "I've got a better idea."

Cassie watched, wary and curious as the instrument materialized in my hands. "What are you doing?"

"Improving the ambiance," I replied, placing the fiddle under my chin. A few experimental strokes of the bow and the rich, sweet notes filled the air. People on the street began to turn heads, drawn by the sudden music.

"Here?" Cassie looked around, clearly surprised by my impromptu performance.

"Why not?" I asked. "These people need a touch of beauty in their lives, a spark of magic to lift them from the mundane."

"Only you would think busking is magic." Cassie shook her head, but there was no anger in her voice, just a blend of amusement and wistfulness.

The lady wanted a kind of magic lacking in her life, though she did have love. Which was its own magic, one that elves weren't very good at.

As my melody rippled through the air, the world transformed. Faces softened, steps slowed, and for a moment, the ordinary became extraordinary.

The fiddle sang, a wild tune that echoed between the dust, engine fumes and blocky buildings and danced along the lives on the bustling sidewalks. My fingers moved with practiced ease, drawing out a melody that spoke of ancient forests and starlit nights.

Matilda didn't resist the call of my music. With a swirl of her skirts, she moved into an open spot on the pavement. Her feet flowed on the concrete, perfectly in sync with the music. She swayed and spun, her movements as fluid as the notes themselves, attracting a circle of onlookers.

Cassie's eyes flicked from me to Matilda to the crowd, and her lips curved gently upward. Moments past as she swayed as well, caught in the simple spell of music.

Then her gaze snapped back to me, wide with alarm.

"Stop!" Cassie snapped. "Aiden, stop playing!"

Confusion furrowed my brow as I drew my bow across the strings softening the music so I could speak. The melody hung in the air, quivering like a leaf about to fall.

"What's wrong?" I asked, looking around.

The crowd pressed in, hands reaching forward holding crumpled bills, tossing them into my fiddle's case on the ground.

"Enough!" Cassie's command was sharp, her petite frame pushing against the tide of bodies. "Stop, Aiden!"

I lowered the fiddle, the wood warm under my fingers. "Why are they brandishing money?"

"Because that's what you do when someone busks!" Cassie exclaimed, her tone blending frustration and laughter.

Matilda bowed to the people pressing forward, then retreated to my side.

"Busks?" I echoed. The word was unfamiliar.

"Street performing," she explained, stepping back by me, stopping her attempts to stem the flow of coins and notes into my case. "It draws a crowd... and this is too much attention. Roma won't be happy, especially if it causes a traffic problem."

"Ah," I said, finally grasping the situation.

"No more," I said. "We play and dance no more today. Please move on with your lives." I wove a subtle command into the words, and people began to move away rather than pressing forward.

When they'd cleared, I reached down to help Cassie gather the scattered bills. "We need a larger area, then?"

"Maybe," she confirmed. Her dark hair swung as she scooped up a handful of bills, waving them at me like some sort of bizarre fan. "Seriously, Aiden, what on earth are we going to do with this?"

"Isn't it customary to keep such tokens of appreciation?" I asked, genuinely puzzled by the human custom. Money served in many ways, apparently.

"Tokens of appreciation?" She let out a laugh that was half irritation, half genuine mirth. "No, we don't need money. We're not street performers."

"Why now perform on the streets?" asked Matilda, tilting her head in puzzlement.

"Because you don't need the money!" Cassie's hands went to her hips, and she shook her head. "Look, just donate it. There's a charity box at the coffee shop around the corner. Give it to them."

Matilda brows rose and an interested look crossed her face.

"Very well," I agreed, though the idea seemed odd. Why keep charity in a box? If we put money in, would garments fall out for another person? Was the box full of the essence of charity or the act of charity?

"Next time you feel the urge to play," Cassie said, a quiet wistful tone in her voice, "maybe just play for me? Not out here."

"Ah, for your ears alone," I mused, already the notes and chords of a new melody twining through my thoughts, a song inspired only by Cassie. I nodded, tucking the fiddle under my arm, ready to follow her lead. The spark in her eyes promised more adventures to come, and I found myself looking forward to each and every one.

I pocketed the fiddle just as a human male extended a slip of paper toward my sister, digits scrawled on it in hasty ink. Matilda, curious but trying to be polite to keep Cassie happy, and by extension me, glanced at me with a shrug that seemed to say, "What now?"

She accepted the coded note, and he appeared triumphant as he melted back into the thinning crowd.

A flash of red caught my notice—a car pulling up to the curb with a familiar fiery-haired driver.

"Rey's Cathy," Matilda murmured, recognition lighting her features. "The trickster's mate. Is she fair game to play?"

"Not until we know her strength," I answered.

Cathy jumped out, a whirlwind of energy and purpose and darted into the alley. She latched onto the arm of a grumpy-looking Halo, and with a determined tug, Cathy began to march them both toward a nearby low brick building, its discreet sign above reading 'MDS'.

"Hey, Cassie!" Cathy called over her shoulder, her voice ringing with that trademark sarcasm. "Good you're here! You didn't answer my text, so elf coincidence is a great thing. Come on. Shay thinks a visit will be good for you."

Cassie puffed a sigh between pursed lips but couldn't hide the twitch of amusement at their corners. "Fine, but this is strictly observational."

"Of course," Cathy replied, though her tone suggested otherwise.

"Looks like we're taking a detour," I said to Matilda, motioning toward the procession.

"Observational," Matilda echoed, her tone interested, her attention piqued. "Let us observe as well."

We fell into step behind Cassie, our little group an odd mix of reluctance and curiosity, heading into whatever chaos Cathy had in store for us next.

Stepping into the 'MDS' building was disappointing. It appeared to me a very average office, not some place the Trickster King's mate would drag his unwilling second. I'd expected an arena or a contest, perhaps a giant or two.

Not even a person at the desk marked ‘receptionist'.

Halo's glare could sour milk. So, there must be something interesting here.

"Really? This is what we're doing now?" she said, sarcasm an almost palpable presence around her. "I have so many gaps in my endlessly exciting schedule for dates you feel a need to fill them?"

Cassie folded her arms across her chest, her stance unhappy. "This is the place Roma used?" she asked. "I'm not looking for another relationship."

"Shay suggested you come here," Cathy replied with a shrug. "You know Shay when she makes a statement. So, suck it up, buttercup."

I tilted my head slightly, catching Cassie's attention. "What's wrong?" I asked. "What is this place?"

"A dating service for magical beings. It brings you love," she snorted, the word escaping like a curse, but with the hint of tears behind it. "Not something I want."

"Why?" asked Matilda, her voice soft and gentle. We could both tell Cassie wanted to speak of what troubled her, but pain blocked the words. A glance at Cathy discovered an expression of sadness, while Halo had reverted to an indifferent expression.

In this context, the cat-goddess was wroth and looking for a reason to claw a target to shreds, either with her hands or her tongue.

But she said nothing, the air loaded with Matilda's gentle suggestion to Cassie to speak.

"My ex-husband, Franklin, he..." Cassie hesitated, chewing on her full lower lip before continuing. "He used love elixirs to keep me from divorcing him when I found out he'd been unfaithful with lots of different women. Made me forgive him and want him to stay. Then, when he had an opportunity, he tried to arrange a threesome with me and my sister, Roma. I don't want a man in my life if that's what I attract."

"Roma? The Goblin king's mate? Does this man still live?" I asked.

Difficult to redress her hurt if the man were dead.

"Yes. That worm used her, too." She spat out 'worm' like it was venom. "He stole her magic. Took it to make his own better. He hurt her."

I regarded her. The man still lived, which gave me an opportunity to deal with this…vermin. "Your anger is most justified," I said quietly.

Humans rarely surprised me with their capacity for cruelty, but this...this was a new depth.

"Did Franklin force you to sleep with him?" I asked, keeping my tone gentle and reassuring. My hands had curled into fists, the knuckles bone-white.

Matilda was frowning as well.

Cathy's eyes were sad. Halo, her gaze on my hands, smiled, white teeth gleaming.

Cassie paused, averting her eyes and shaking her head. "No, after the first potion, we didn't... He had lots of girlfriends to keep him occupied, which is partially why I wanted the divorce."

The old pain in her voice made me wish to harm this Franklin the worm to collect her pain back threefold.

"He pressed your sister to be his mistress as well?" The act of a fool, true.

"Yes." She shuddered visibly at the thought. "Sometimes I wonder... If there hadn't been other women available, would he have used me as a convenience?" The question hung heavily in the air between us.

Cathy's expression had darkened. Halo remained expressionless.

Anger boiled in me, hot and potent. The idea of someone hurting Cassie, damaging her in such a way ignited pure rage. How dare this man harm the woman I wanted?

"I'd be more than happy to deal with this worm for you," I said, the words out before I considered if they'd frighten her. "Really, no trouble at all. Would you like his head fresh or dried?"

I clamped down on further words, expecting horror or perhaps fear at my offer. Instead, Cassie's laughter caught me off-guard, bright and unexpectedly buoyant.

"No," she chuckled, shaking her head as if casting away darkness. "Diamonds are better."

The bright grin she gave is all outshone any precious stone I could imagine as she firmly changed the course of the conversation. "And Franklin is in the past, too, so I'd like to move on."

Her words struck a chord within me. Here was a woman who had faced betrayal and manipulation yet chose to laugh and enjoy the now. It was a moment of clarity, seeing how close she could be in thought to an elf.

"As you will," I replied. "Let's focus on the future, shall we?"

"An excellent idea," said Luck, also known as Ms. Fortuna, from the hallway leading further into the building.