Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

R osa had woken hours before dawn with sickening nausea. Balthasar wasn't beside her in the bed, but she didn't have long to wait before he came back in, buckling on a breastplate.

"Get up, Rosa, and get your armor on," he commanded. "Eli, Zalan, and Vincenzo have all had visions. The queen will be here at sunrise. I'll meet you downstairs." He kissed her quickly and was gone again.

Rosa didn't take offense to his commanding tone. He was a warrior and a general. Today, she would take any order he gave. Apologies, soft words of love and endearment had been last night's business. This morning, there would be no time.

She dressed in her armor before taking the elaborate hairpin from beside the bed and let her magic touch it, marveling as it stretched and shimmered to form Gaeaf Storom . She strapped it to her back, braided her hair tightly, and made for the door. Hesitating, she went back to her bedside table and picked up her mobile phone.

I know we don't always get alone, but I love you, Mom , she texted Cecily before putting it on the bed and going to find Balthasar.

The first-floor dining room had been turned into a makeshift mess hall, and as she entered, a Gwaed Gam with dreadlocks handed her a bowl of porridge. "Eat something, princess." She didn't have time to thank him as she was intercepted by Zalan and taken to where the others had assembled around a large table.

For the last few weeks of training, Rosa had felt like she had been playing soldier, but now, as she scanned the faces of her family, she knew how wrong she had been. They were finalizing plans and strategies, and all she could do was watch and shovel the tasteless mush into her mouth.

"Are you okay, Wylt?" Saul appeared beside her and handed her coffee. "You are looking a little peaked."

"Thanks." Rosa took a long sip, and her head cleared slightly. "Have you seen Merlin?"

"Been and gone," he replied. "He was sent down the lake to check the ice was still holding. Zalan has a plan for it like he has for everything. Unless she brings some of the Ancient Ones with her, most of the Seelie would have never seen snow or ice before. We can use that to our advantage."

Rosa shook her head. "I hadn't thought of that. I doubt the queen would've prepared them for it."

"All the better for us. Most of Zalan's soldiers have trained in the remote places of Russia." Saul looked pointedly to where Adelina was speaking with his uncle. "It explains why their fun parts have completely frozen over."

"Still no luck then?" Rosa laughed despite the truly messed up situation they were finding themselves in. "You never know. A good victory might warm them up a bit."

"I doubt it," he snorted.

Balthasar looked up from the map of the estate, his eyes burning into her. For a moment, his cold demeanor dropped, and she saw how much he wanted to comfort her, run away with her, or lock her in the safe tower. She wanted to reassure him, but it wasn't what he needed. She shook her head slowly. Walls slammed up behind his eyes, and Balthasar became the soldier once more.

"He hates that you're about to see this side of him." Saul had followed their silent conversation.

"It's too bad. I won't flinch, and I won't look away." Rosa stared at him, hoping her gaze was as steely as Balthasar's. "I know exactly what he is."

Saul's smile slipped. "But does he know what you are?"

"He's about to," Rosa replied, her sword humming.

As they walked to the lake, Merlin appeared from the woods and fell into step beside her. Instead of his full armor, he wore leather pants, boots, and breastplate. His bare arms were stained with woad, making him look like the wild Celt he was. Rosa eyed the sword that hung from his back.

"That looks new," she said. He gave her a sideways grin.

"Very new in fact." She was six feet from him, and she could feel the power radiating from it.

After Rosa's vision, the animosity between Merlin and Eli had all but gone. They'd been spending long hours together, which made Rosa suspect they were either hatching something or that Eli was finally letting Merlin in on whatever he had planned with Nimue. Rosa hoped that she was okay, but a bigger part of her knew it was a fool's hope.

"Focus, Wylt. You need to be present at this moment," Merlin hissed beside her. "Think of nothing else. I've trained you well. Let your instincts guide you and stay close to the family. Don't allow yourself to get separated."

"I promise."

Balthasar's hand brushed against hers, and she took it, needing his calming strength. She didn't care if it made her look weak. If she had enough hands, she would've held the entire Seren Du family.

The trees around the lake had been cleared, and black armored soldiers surrounded it. Water had turned the faerie ring into an island and refrozen so that no matter how the Autumn Queen brought her army through, they would have to navigate the slippery footing.

"What now?" Rosa whispered her breath misting in front of her.

"We wait," Eli said, and as she watched, the Seren Du brothers' glamour fell away. She didn't think she'd ever get used to seeing them that way.

They were tall, battle-hardened warriors—kings. Even Gwaen, slighter and shorter than his brothers, made an impressive figure. He saw her looking and gave her a wink. She stuck her tongue at him, and he smiled. She still hadn't had a real chance to get to know him, but his easy mischief made her want to stir him up as she did with Saul.

Balthasar's lips brushed her cold ear. "No matter what happens next, know that you are the brightest light in my life." She looked up and kissed him, unable to articulate everything that she was feeling and wanted to tell him. Her magic brushed up against his, and he knew.

"I hate to break this tender moment up, children," Merlin said, "but the portal is glowing."

Rosa pulled Gaeaf Storom from its sheath and felt calm for the first time that morning. She would never understand what magic the sword had, but she knew that it was hers alone. Bleddyn moved up beside her, Widow's Fury drawn and ready for whatever came through onto his land.

One moment, the lake was empty, and the next, light shimmered over the surface, and a golden army appeared.

Rosa swallowed the porridge threatening to choke her as the Autumn Queen walked forward. She was a vision in her golden breastplate and collar, her skirts and leather leggings a royal scarlet, and her red hair elaborately braided with golden feathers. She carried a sword at her side, but Rosa couldn't imagine her using it.

Rosa's knees burned to kneel as the queen's eyes rested on her. They dropped to the sword in her hand, and her pretty red lips lifted in a snarl. Rosa felt Bleddyn move forward, and all the arrogance in the queen's face seemed to desert her.

"Aeronwen," he said by way of greeting, his face as sharp as flint.

"You dare call me that name," she hissed before her face regained some of its composure. "Bleddyn Seren Du, I have come for the murderer Rosa Wylt and for the sword that is the rightful heirloom of my kingdom."

"Ha! Come take it," Rosa snapped before she could stop herself.

"Quite bold there with all of your protectors, aren't you, Rosamund?" The queen's eyes moved to Merlin, and they lit up with delight. "Merlin, at last we meet. I've heard so much about you."

"And I you, Queen of the Autumn," he said formally with a slight bow. The polite smile on his face vanished as a knight stepped through the ground and tossed a bleeding body at the queen's feet.

"This filth gave you up to me not once but twice," she said drawing her sword. "Would you like me to kill her for you? I believe she's outlived her use to me."

"Nimue has many faults," Merlin replied as the bleeding woman lifted her face to see him. "Loving me is perhaps her worst."

"Love is a destructive force, dear Merlin. Just ask your father." The queen looked back to Bleddyn. "End this without bloodshed, Seren Du. Come with me. Rule by my side. I've been patient enough with your defiance, and I grow weary of it."

"You don't look weary. Tell me, Aeronwen, how is it that you stay so youthful when your people lose their magic to the seasons?" Bleddyn wasn't shouting, but his voice carried over the ice.

"I'm eating the hearts right out of your people," the queen laughed. "None of these soldiers care. You fool! I've ruled the Unseelie for thousands of years while you've debased yourself with humans and these abominations. I have Unseelie amongst my knights, ready to die for me. Ready to raise willing arms against the king who abandoned them."

"You killed their king," Bleddyn replied, his voice rising louder. "I was a slave in your court, but now I am a king, as are my brothers. Unseelie, fight at my side today, and I'll grant you amnesty in this world. You won't have to return to the Aos Si to be ruled by this tyrant. The curse is breaking. Wake up now and feel the power returning to your veins. I know you are frightened, but togeth…"

Bleddyn's voice faltered as the golden soldiers parted and another prisoner was led forward, neck and hands clamped tightly in iron stocks.

Even from where Rosa was standing, she could see the scars on the woman's arms and chest. Rosa could feel Bleddyn shaking beside her as the queen walked over to the prisoner and ripped off the black hood covering her head. Silvery white hair tumbled around a bloody face, and silver eyes radiated defiance.

"Recognize this traitor?" the queen asked. "I must say, Bleddyn, I'm as surprised as you to see her. I was so sure I had killed her three thousand years ago."

"You should've tried harder, you fucking whore." The silver haired woman spat a glob of blood that hit the queen's perfect white cheek.

Bleddyn made to move, but Trahaearn gripped his arm tight.

"Oh, I like her," Rosa whispered approvingly and then flinched as the golden knight struck the woman hard across the face.

"You Seren Du men are pathetic when it comes to choosing a mate," the queen snarled. "Now, give me what I want, or I shall kill them both."

"Touch another hair on her head, and I swear by the Creator you will die this day," Bleddyn whispered, power lashing out of him.

"Hit a nerve, did I?" the queen laughed. "Now you know how it felt when that slut you call your daughter took Ryn Eurion from me!"

"He begged like a little bitch too," Rosa retorted, keeping her tone bored. "It was almost like he wanted to die just to escape you."

"This is your last chance, Bleddyn. Give me that girl and the sword, and I'll leave peacefully." The Queen looked down at her bloody prisoners. "I'll even give you these two if you want them, though they've spread their legs for all of the courts." Balthasar took a step forward, teeth bared and snarling. "And you, you glorious fuck, I'll take your hide while I am at it," the queen said as she moved silently, looking him over like a lion does a gazelle.

"Enough." Merlin's voice cut through the Queen's taunting. "I've had enough of all this parading about acting like ridiculous children." He stepped out of the ranks, his face looking frustrated and annoyed. "I've lived a long life, and I'm done listening to bloated speeches, threats, and negotiations. How about a deal, oh Aeronwen of the Autumn?"

He smiled charmingly, and Rosa could have killed him. What the hell was he thinking?

"And what could you possibly have that I want?" she asked, looking him over.

"Why… me ." Merlin's smile widened. "Come now. You've wanted me since you knew of my existence. Why play these games? Let the women go, and you and I and your delightful army can go someplace private to talk out the details."

"Merlin! Stay where you are. I forbid this!" Bleddyn shouted, and Rosa shook at the power in the command.

Merlin ignored it and helped Nimue to her feet. She looked up at him with swollen eyes. His face was unreadable as he gently shoved her towards Rosa. She grabbed her before she fell and held her upright.

"How dare you touch my prisoner!" the queen scolded.

"Don't let it bother you too much," Merlin said, running his hands over the iron stocks, and they fell from the silver haired woman. "I'll probably touch a lot more belonging to you before the day is out."

The prisoner climbed to unsteady feet and shuffled forward, ignoring the hand that Bleddyn held out for her and was swallowed by the Gwaed Gam ranks.

The queen glared at Merlin as he took her hand and kissed it. "Everyone tells me of the greatness and nobility of your court. Would you take me there to see it for myself?"

" Merlin , don't do this," Rosa begged.

"Sorry, Rhosyn. I've never been to the Aos Si, and I tire already of Gwaed Lyn," Merlin said and looked back at the queen. "Do we have a deal?"

The queen sneered at Rosa. "My, look how you hurt her. I can almost taste her despair at your loss. Feel that pain, Rosa Wylt. Let it consume you, and know how I felt when you struck my beloved down."

"Merlin, you don't know what you agree to," Bleddyn said, tears in his eyes. "You will never return to me."

"Tears of the Seren Du. I didn't think it was possible," the queen laughed.

"Aeronwen, please do not take my son."

"He's obedient and comes willingly. As you should have done," the queen snarled. "This will pacify me for a time, but never rest easy for I will come for my revenge."

"Merlin, stop! It isn't worth it!" Rosa shouted as Balthasar held her.

"Some things are," Merlin said, and the queen's golden power pooled around them. She began to fade, but Merlin stayed as the power of the portal was unable to touch him.

"What trickery is this?" the queen demanded, holding her hand out to Merlin. He took it, and she tried again, but he remained rooted to the spot.

"No," he cursed and looked at the Heavens. "Let me do this! Let me go."

"You try to trick me with your lies," the queen hissed. "The Wylts have less honor than the Seren Du, and now I shall take what you love most."

She clapped her hands and Balthasar and Nimue appeared at her side. Rosa cried out and ran to Balthasar as the golden light swirled.

By the time Bleddyn and Merlin reached them, there was only a patch of bare ice and soldiers with spears.

Rosa looked at the empty spot as if she couldn't believe her eyes. Then with trembling hands, she reached for the necklace around her neck that dampened her powers.

"Rosa, don't…" was all Merlin could say as she snapped the chain and unleashed her fury.

All was light, blood, and screaming around her. Rosa barely felt the weight of her sword in her arm as she flew at the golden soldiers, mowing them down with long bolts of magic that whipped out around her. Those that managed to avoid them met the edge of her blade as it carved its way through their armor.

She could feel the members of her family through their magic, like pinpricks of light in the corner of her eye. She didn't turn to see how they fared. The only thought that raced through her was that her enemy had Balthasar. She would kill every last Seelie, drain every last one to cross to the Aos Si. Then she would set the dead autumn world on fire.

Merlin appeared beside her. "Rosa, you need to get back!"

"You need to get out of my way," she snarled.

"You stubborn fucking child, get back so we can end this." He pulled her behind him as his eyes glowed gold, and the ice underneath their feet shuddered. " Move ."

Rosa turned back to the Gwaed Gam army and fought her way back to the lines. Within the ranks of the golden army, small pockets of warriors had begun to attack each other.

The Unseelie. They must've listened to Bleddyn after all. She could feel the spark of their magic as it exploded against the Seelie.

"We have to get them out before Merlin brings this whole lake down," Rosa called out to Bleddyn. He nodded, and his magic called out to them.

The Gwaed Gam closed in around the Unseelie, and they vanished amongst the black soldiers that swarmed over the queen's men. Rosa almost felt sorry for them. Their leader had left them to die in a strange world. Bleddyn took her by the hand, and they retreated onto solid land.

Merlin stood, angry and bloody, on the ice looking at the Seelie soldiers racing to meet his blade. A roar unlike anything she'd ever heard before broke free as he exploded in white light. The ice reached out and wrapped frozen hands around the screaming soldiers. They threw whatever magic they had at them, but nothing worked as they were dragged into the lake.

Rosa collapsed on the bank, trembling from the magic drain and the loss of Balthasar. Her body screamed at the deep cuts that scored her flesh, her armor cut from Seelie blows that she hadn't felt. She felt a cry build inside of her, and as it broke free, Merlin was there lifting her out of the freezing mud.

"I've got you, Rhosyn. I've got you."