6. Lira

6

LIRA

T he strong jolt of surprise that pulsed through Tavish and me had my heart racing. Knowing that Tavish wasn't far off from my own injured state, thanks to the continued use of his wings, had me hurrying forward to prepare to face the adversary together… as we should do.

I ducked under his wing, ready to claw someone's eyes out, when my attention landed on Finola.

My breath caught, and I realized that I hadn't seen her since the day I'd been captured and taken back to Seelie.

Her normally light-tan complexion was a few shades paler, and there were dark circles under her deep-set eyes. She wore a prison outfit—a light-gray tunic and holey leather pants—which hung off her, and her fine, straight black hair was unkempt and greasy.

The strong guard who had protected me and taken care of me countless times while I'd been a prisoner appeared almost unrecognizable.

The icky feeling of disgust slugged through our bond, but that didn't stop my feet from propelling me forward. I hurried to Finola and wrapped my arms around her. Moving my back muscles caused my wings to throb, but I didn't blazing care. "Thank Fate you're okay. I didn't see you when Eldrin put us all in the cell."

Finola stiffened slightly before returning my embrace. "He placed us in the back near the doors to the arena."

The stench of feces and urine hit my nose, confirming that she'd been kept in the worst part of the prison. But that wasn't what had me relaxing my hold on her. It was how frail she felt… like she'd been starved. Like my parents had done to Tavish.

"Finola, I should've known you'd been taken hostage." Tavish patted her arm and continued, "I'll do whatever is necessary to ensure you get justice."

Unease prickled the base of my neck at seeing him touch another woman. I ignored the sensation because he was concerned about the guard, as he should be. I couldn't let the craze of the fated-mate bond turn me into someone I wasn't. I had no doubt that Tavish had no interest in anyone but me. And if he did, I'd happily cut his dick off.

He dropped his hand awkwardly, and his discomfort seeped through the bond, making my irrational possessiveness ease a bit.

A tingle along my spine made me realize we were being watched, and I turned to see Mother, Father, Mom, and Dad standing in front of the now-closed double doors. Father's forehead was lined with confusion while Mother tilted her head, examining the three of us.

"I merely want Eldrin to receive the punishment he deserves for everything he's done to the Unseelie." Finola bowed, taking time to acknowledge both of us.

"The future is set for him. Don't fret." Tavish's disgust returned in full force.

I had no doubt seeing Finola in this state would haunt Tavish, especially knowing that Eldrin had been planning to betray him all along. I could only imagine how I'd feel believing that someone had saved my life and protected me when they'd been plotting to dethrone me the entire time.

Father cleared his throat, and all three of us turned in his direction. Once he had the audience he wanted, he rubbed his hands together. "I understand that we're all emotional, but the disagreement outside solidified that everyone in Unseelie needs rest, including the three of you."

I placed my hands on my hips, ready to argue with Father. He'd just taken the Unseelies' weapons away, and Eiric had been captured. We didn't have time to rest. We needed to find a way to get my sister back before the dragons injured her. "Father—" I started, wanting to remind him that he wasn't king here.

He lifted a hand. "Lira, just let me finish. Please?" His words softened in the end. "I know I was hard on you back in Seelie and didn't listen to your wants or needs. It took you freeing two people I'd claimed as prisoners and leaving with them to realize that I wasn't completely right. We did decide to send you to Earth, though it was out of love. However, I expected my little girl to return. And you're not a little girl anymore. All I'd like to do is offer a suggestion." His cobalt eyes lightened as sincerity shone through them. "I'd like to try again, and if we can see a way to free you from being betrothed to that ashbreath, then I'd like to help."

The thick walls around my heart that I'd constructed while in Seelie began to shake. Father reminded me of the man I remembered through childlike eyes; a parent who'd cared for his daughter and wanted the best for her.

Tavish wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. He nodded. "I'd like to listen to what you have to say."

Tears burned my eyes. Tavish was trying to bridge the gap between them as well.

Father's brows lifted, but then he pressed his lips together. "Your cousin clearly desires to feel significant and in control. Even though we ignored you during your imprisonment with us, you didn't react as expected." He winced a little but continued, "However, I suspect that your cousin would react predictably."

Thumb rubbing my side, Tavish took a deep breath and said, "So you're suggesting that we ignore him. Make him believe we aren't interested in hearing what he wants to say."

Displeasure oozed through the bond at that suggestion, but Tavish didn't react. Instead, he seemed to mull over the words.

Even though I agreed with Father's plan, I was more desperate than ever to save my sister. "There's too much at stake."

"You mean Eiric?" Mother asked.

"Of course." The walls seemed to close in on me. "I don't know what they'll do to her once they realize that she's not me ." As much as I loved Eiric and what she was willing to do to keep me safe, I feared I might hit her for putting herself in danger like that if we managed to get her back safely. "She's just as important as me."

She absolutely isn't, Tavish connected, his hands tightening on my waist. If you were with the dragon prince, I wouldn't be standing here now. Eldrin could've had the Unseelie as long as I didn't lose you.

My chest warmed from his affection, and I replied, I would feel the same way if the situation were reversed, but Tavish, Eiric means the world to me. If something happens to her because— Pressure built tight in my chest from a sob that wanted to release.

"King Erdan is right." Dad closed his eyes momentarily. "We all need rest, or the dragons will beat us. They won't hurt Eiric. Not yet. They know she's the only leverage they have against the fae, and the dragons are aware that you lived with us on Earth. They'll know Eiric means something to you."

Jaw dropping, Mom gasped. "Brenin, you can't be serious. That's one of our babies. We need to retrieve her." She grasped the hilt of Tavish's sword—which was still sheathed at her side—while holding hers in her right hand. "Time is of the essence."

"If I thought she was in trouble, I wouldn't say this. You know me better than that, Hestia." Dad's head jerked back, and he clenched his teeth. "If we try anything now, the dragons will demand Lira, and Eldrin needs to believe that we aren't desperate for his answers. We must be wise, or we could lose both girls."

Mom's chest heaved, but she eventually nodded.

The two of them never had a disagreement, but this was their daughter's life on the line. Still, I'd never expected to see them on opposing sides.

But Father and Dad were right. All of us were tired, stressed, and heartbroken from the significant losses and injuries we'd endured over the past several hours. We needed rest as much as we needed answers.

What do you want to do, sprite? Tavish asked. Your opinion matters more than anyone else's. If you want to go after Eiric, we will. No questions asked.

That's what I want to do, but we need the Unseelie more settled, and Father is right. I say we get some rest and let me rejuvenate so I can heal Finnian and Lorne while you get answers from Eldrin. At the thought of rest, exhaustion hit me, and the deep ache in my wings got worse. I sagged into Tavish's side, almost unable to stand.

He scanned my face. I do agree. Eldrin always told me that I lost to him in chess because I'm not patient. He'll expect me to barge in and demand answers. I believe it's best if we wait a day or two so I don't make the move he anticipates. His attention went back to my father. "Lira and I agree. We'll rest and strategize. Worst-case scenario, if we can locate a map of the new island, then a small team could attempt to infiltrate and retrieve Eiric. Or we could send some guards to keep watch and alert us if anything drastic changes."

"Very well. Brenin, send four Seelie now to keep watch and report back in the morning. We may be able to discover where they're keeping Eiric since she arrived so recently," Father said and patted Dad's shoulder comfortingly.

"In the meantime, I'd appreciate my sword back." Tavish's eyes landed on Mom.

"We were just attacked, and Eiric is gone." Mom lifted her chin. "I think I should hold on to it for a little longer, especially since you already have a sword."

"With your people not obeying your commands, it might be best if we keep it until we're sure your cousin stays detained and can't get access to the royal weapon." Father nodded, his mouth pressing into a line.

I could feel the rage snaking from Tavish, but I understood pushing Father too hard now would only cause more resentment. Let me handle this. I can get it back for you. It'll be better coming from me.

Tavish scoffed inwardly. This proves how much I love you.

The double doors opened as the guards carried in the confiscated weapons. When Struan entered, Tavish said, "Struan, get someone to show King Erdan and Queen Sylphia to a bedchamber. Lira's wings are bleeding, and she needs to rest immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll make sure someone attends to their needs." Struan flew out the door.

"Anything you need, let one of the guards know, and they'll take care of it." Tavish bent down and lifted me into his arms.

"Just take care of our daugh—" Mom's words cut off. "Our princess."

Tavish took off toward our bedchamber. He didn't fly, but his pace was brisk. I leaned my head against his chest, hearing the rhythm of his heart and noting that it was in sync with mine. Somehow, that felt right…. Like it made sense.

Soon, he stalked into his bedroom. The moon shone, and the stars twinkled brightly through the glass-top ceiling over the huge king bed. He carried me to it and placed me down gently.

Dirty, I connected, but even then, my eyes were closing.

We'll have our sheets changed tomorrow, sprite. Just get some rest. He kissed my forehead and slid in beside me.

Before I realized what was happening, I fell fast asleep.

Light and warmth blanketed me, and I woke up to the sun shining through the glass ceiling. For a moment, I feared I was back in Seelie. I sat upright, taking note of the dark room around me.

I was still in Unseelie.

Tavish wasn't in the room with me, but Nightbane lay at my feet. The beast was still out cold after being locked in prison and tortured.

My chest clenched. Had something happened and Tavish hadn't woken me? But then I heard the sound of water.

He must be taking a bath.

I stretched my wings, finding they felt marginally better. They still ached, but it didn't feel as if they might split in two, and I could feel a faint eddy of my magic returning. The improvement was better than nothing, and joining him in the round, clear tub sounded like the perfect plan.

Getting up slowly so as not to bother Nightbane, I tossed off the navy sheets and tiptoed to the door across from the bed. I turned the knob, wondering if it was locked, but it opened up easily.

As I shut the door behind me, my attention homed in on my mate. I took in the curves of his body in the clear tub with the frosted bottom that was elevated on a wooden floor.

If Eldrin hadn't been behind bars, I'd have been wary of the shadows on the wall directly in front of me, which looked as if a dark forest lay behind them. But I wasn't now, and especially not with Tavish near.

"I won't lie." Tavish beamed, his eyes turning the light gray they did only around me. "I was hoping you might join me, but only if you're not hurting." He sprawled in the tub, and through the clear glass, I could see every inch of him. Need heated my body.

"I'm still not fully healed, but I'm thinking your body might make me feel all better." I grinned and slowly removed my shirt, careful not to jar my wings and back, and then removed my pants.

His dick hardened, and a knot of need twisted deep inside me.

"Unless you aren't up for the challenge," I whispered, moving slowly to him. My eyes adjusted to the soft candlelight in the dark room, and I embraced the essence of Tavish's power running throughout the castle. I noticed that he'd laid out two towels and clothes for each of us.

I stepped into the tub and submerged myself in the warm aqua-blue water, soothing my muscles and easing the lingering tension in my limbs.

Tavish's eyes never left me, and his wings wrapped protectively around me. I lay against his chest as our bodies buzzed from our fated-mate connection, and he traced gentle patterns on my arm.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, but if you're hurting, we need to ensure we don't reopen the wounds." He placed a kiss on my forehead. The warmth and tenderness of our embrace made the horribleness of the world vanish from my mind.

The water settled into my limbs, easing the discomfort in my wings and back, but heat flooded my body.

I raised my head and kissed him, swiping my tongue across his mouth, begging for entrance. His hardness pressed into my stomach, informing me that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.

Sprite, he growled. I'm trying to take care of you here.

I believe I made clear exactly what I want. I wrapped my hand around his cock and stroked it, and he shuddered.

His mouth opened, allowing me access. Our tongues intertwined as a hand caressed my breast.

I moved my hand slowly, teasing my fingers along the length of him, feeling him harden even more beneath my touch.

He groaned softly, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me farther up so he could capture my nipple in his mouth and forcing me to release him.

I'm too close to finishing, he linked as his teeth gently scraped my skin, leaving a trail of fire. One hand steadied me while the other went between my legs, rubbing ever so slightly.

Heat burned so bright that I feared I might implode as he slipped two fingers inside me.

My heart pounded as his fingers and mouth worked, bringing me closer to the edge. His musk-and-amber scent covered me, and I lost myself in him completely. Friction began to build deep within me.

Just as I was on the brink of pleasure, I gripped his hand and removed his fingers from within me.

What are you— he started, but when I slid down onto him, his breath caught.

My thighs wrapped around his waist, the cold air hitting the top half of my body. He sat more upright, completely filling me. My hands gripped his shoulders, digging in as he began to move within me.

If I hurt you, I need to know. He gently placed his hands on my hips, anchoring me to him.

I'll be fine. I need this connection with you. I leaned forward, kissing down his neck and scraping my teeth against his skin as my head spun with the need for release… to feel our souls merge… especially after how close we'd come to losing one another.

My breath hitched as I struggled to keep pace with him. The world around us melted away, allowing us a moment of peace.

His hands cupped my face, and then one tangled in my hair, pulling me closer to him. He tugged slightly, and I moaned louder.

Blast, sprite. He tilted his head back. You're going to kill me.

The friction peaked, and I orgasmed as his body shuddered underneath mine. Our connection opened, our pleasure blending together as the ecstasy increased.

We rode our pleasure for minutes—or hours—I wasn't sure. All I knew was, at this moment, I felt complete.

He kissed my lips gently and connected, I love you so blasting much.

I smirked and leaned back, cupping his face. I love you too.

A scratch came on the door, followed by a whimper.

Nightbane.

We must have woken him up.

I stiffened. I hated that I hadn't given the cù-sìth much attention since I'd gotten back here.

"Let's get cleaned up so you can spend time with the beast." Tavish winked, knowing exactly what I was thinking.

Of course he did; he could feel my emotions and knew me better than anybody. "With you too, right?" I wanted the two of them to get past their rough history.

"Sure." He kissed me again. "Just for you."

The two of us quickly bathed, dried, and dressed.

I'd just slipped on the silver gown he'd brought for me as he dressed in a black tunic and pants when there was a loud pounding on the door.

"King Tavish," Struan yelled so loudly we could hear him from inside the bathroom. "We need you and Lira now. It's about the woman who attacked Lira."