The Faerie Slayer
Chapter 31

Abby’s Pov

The hob had returned to my room hours later to dress me. After ensuring that I had my rest, he picked out a gown and a set of jewels to strap around my neck and wrist

“This shall do,” he set the dress made of velvet and silver down,” you will look astonishing.”

I picked at the beads that pattered the fabric,” what is it like being princess?”

After taking a brush to my hair, the hob took a minute to respond. His eyes met mine in the mirror of the pink vanity table where I sat on a shirt stool,” the most exclusive of wines, revelry, sex with the prince, servants and balls.”

“Won’t that get boring someday?”

“You could pick a trade as hobby. Fencing, or potion making perhaps. But you shall never grow tired of the wardrobe.”

“I think I shall,” I felt myself frown. I was never the type of girl to get overly joyous over an outfit. The things that truly made me content were still on earth and most definitely not materialistic.

“Well, maybe you can learn to travel between the dimensions. Perhaps the queen will learn to trust you enough to let you visit earth. If your valorous like your mother was, maybe a visit to the Unseelie Courts from time to time.”

I turned to peer at the creature,” you knew my mother?”

“Indeed. How could I ever forget?”

I felt my heart skip a beat.

“Tell me what you know.”

“Eloise Evergreen was just a mortal, a human girl that unearthed the truth about the folk through forbidden friendships,” I felt the brush of makeup against my skin,” she was subject to the queens eternal wrath for this intelligence. A slave in the kitchens, gardens and halls.”

“Eloise Evergreen,” I recited,” And my father?”

“Your father was son to the queen. Some would say he was her favourite child,“I felt his dainty cold fingers clip blinding diamonds on my skin,” Lochlan Evergreen fell hard for your mother. Day by day I watched as he tried to resist, she was a maid and he was a prince. But they were a force decided by nature. There was no wind strong enough to alter their fate.They were meant to be.”

“My father was the queens son?”

“He was, which would make you her granddaughter.”

I was silent for a minute.

“What happened to my parents?”

“The queen is nothing if not cruel. She had killed her very own husband and our king that very same season after discovering he had an affair outside of their marriage. After learning about your parents, she was furious. Part of me believes that the queen was deeply hurt by what your grandfather did, and did not believe that others deserved love that she was denied. Lochlan and Eloise vanished into the mortal world and were never seen again until a year later.”

“How did she find them?”

“Eloise had a best friend. A faerie girl that resides on the other side of town. The queen discovered that the girl had been using a messenger bird to communicate with Eloise, a sirin. She had her warriors follow the bird and kill both your parents.”

I gasped when the metal zipper of the dress reached the bottom of my neck. I was zoned out and deeply into the words of his story. I had lost track of reality and for a moment I felt as if I was in my mothers shoes, running through a dark and stormy night, clinging on to her baby and desperately looking to rid of it before the monsters come. I wondered how she felt in that moment to both leave her child and know that your time is up and to have met with death in the very same night. Does anybody deserve such fate, merely for falling in love? Was it secretly the root of all that is evil and wicked?

“Tell me more about my mothers friend, is she still alive?”

“She is. Although I am not sure of her whereabouts. After word got around that she had been consoling with enemies of the queen, she was shunned and so was her daughter.”

“Do you remember anything about her, like her name?”

“Time is up my dear,” Fay took a step back to admire his work,” and after learning this much about the queen herself, I would think you would not want to keep her waiting. She’s quite the temper.”

The hob grabbed my hand and began to escort me down the stairs and into the halls of the palace.

“What now?”

“Now, we go meet your grandmother.”

The grand doors opened to reveal the court. It was just as I had expected, if not more. Bigger then any room that I had ever been in, and through the jewels and pearls that decorated every inch of the place, the main attraction was a middle aged, dark red skinned women seated in the center of it all on the highest chair. On her side were pillars stationed with even more ogres.

I was led to the acquaintance of her majesty by Faw’s steady grip and the lush carpet that melted below the thud of feet. I could not look up to meet her judging gaze. I was halted by the hob who bowed down and said,” your majesty.”

The room was silent and I realized that everyone was now looking at me. Fay cleared his throat and met my puzzled gaze,” bow,” the hob whispered.

I did just that, hesitant in my movement as I had never previously bowed to anyone and mumbled the words,” your majesty.”

“My granddaughter,” her voice was older then she looked,” you have finally returned home.”

I struggled to lift my gaze from the floors and catch her sight. She bore eyes that made it difficult not to squint as if they were lit by an emerald fire.

“I don’t think I had much of a choice,” I returned. I felt Faw’s low elbow at the side of my thigh.

“Hob, you may leave us.”

“Yes your majesty,” with one final bow, the faerie bid us farewell. I felt uneasy without him, almost as if I were to be sick. In more ways then I had thought, he had comforted me.

“Now,” the queen gestured for the ogres who began to set up a love seat across from her highness,” have a seat.”

I obeyed.

“Tell me, how are you liking it here in the land of the folk?”

“It’s beautiful, I’ve learned a lot about my past and...my parents.”

“From what I am aware of, you had no idea of who you are.”

“That’s true.”

The women frowned,” you mean to tell me that you hadn’t had the slightest idea of who you are or what your parents were? Am I to believe that for your entire life you lived it as a mortal?”

The word seemed to have stung her tongue almost as if were not worthy enough to even been uttered by her.

I nodded,” that is true.”

“And Caleb? Was he of any use? Did he at least shed some light?”

I stayed silent. I still hadn’t figured out my feelings about Caleb.

“It’s magnificent being a half child isn’t it? To bear both the strengths of the two races. Tell me child, can you lie?”

Again I nodded.

“And can you eat sugar?”

Once again, I nodded.

“And you shall age and die like a mortal too.”

I did not bestow the queen a response.

“Do you know how I discovered about your existence?”

“No.”

“I hosted a ball for my son Edmund to marry whom I thought was the next heiress. Do you know what happens when the crown is placed on a head not yet worthy of it?”

“No.”

“The jewel strikes a current strong enough to melt your brain into mush. It was in that moment that I had realized there had to be another daughter to one of my sons. Poor Penelope belonged to my dead son Edward, she hardly survived the shock of the failed crowning. Edmund is still alive but surely cannot be married to his own bred, not that he has any. That left my one wandering and mysterious son, Lochlan led a secret life with a human girl. It did not shock me to learn that he had also kept you from me.”

“Why did you kill my parents? Why not just let them be?”

“Your father was eldest of three sons, meant to rule as king of the folk one day. The queen of Fey will never be a mortal. I did them a favour by killing them.”

“I’m half human and you’re keeping me alive-”

“The only thing rarer then me sparing your life is the royal blood that runs through your veins, unlike your mothers. You shall bid it thank you every night because it is the only reason you are still. You and Edmund shall marry, and you will take on as princess. You will not bear children, and when your time is finally up which is soon, Edmund will marry the next heir.”

“Why don’t you just kill me now and spare us both? Why wait-”

“Tradition my dear. The crown is yours rightfully so despite my personal conflict with it. Believe it, had it not been for my honour, you would be long gone and in place of you would be someone much more worthy.”

You killed your own husband and king. Do you expect me to be content with your choice to let me live merely because you have honour?

I did not say this. I had no words. I have struggled to grasp hold of this new reality that floated discreetly within the dimensions of my home. I wanted nothing more but to go back. How lucky was I back when I was naive and unknowingly so?

The gates to the court ensued a sound that intervened. In walked in a handsome young man that bore the same features as the queen. Had it not been for his oddly tinted skin colour and sharp ears, I would have assumed him human. His green eyes never let mine. I gasped a breath of air when he was next to me, close enough that his cold fingers pressed against my bare wrist.

“You must be Aubrette,” he accepted my silence as reply,” it’s good to finally meet you, my niece.”

With gentle grasp, he lifted my wrist to his face and turned it palm up. He placed a careful kiss on the centre of my skin, gazes locked in a pondering wonder.

“You are just as beautiful as you are absent. I am looking forward to that change.”

I looked up at the queen who seemed to find this interaction entertaining. As if engaged in a film or perhaps a television drama, her eyes had gone beady and raced between the two of us.

“This is Edmund,” she introduced,” my youngest and last alive.”

I wondered what happened to the son that was not my father. I wondered if she too had him killed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Edmund,” I was pleasant, hoping to keep them unsuspecting of my doubts.

“Edmund shall court you for the next few weeks until the date is set for the ball of the crowning. You shall make your marriage official then.”

“Have you toured the royal garden yet?” The boys voice was bitter sweet.

“I have not.”

“May I?” Edmund set out his elbow as if for me to grab it. With transparent hesitation, I did,” I’d like to show it to you.”

With obvious content from the queen, I let the boy escort me out of the court and through the hall facing opposite to the entrance. I felt the breeze of the outside before I’d seen it and released the breath that I’d been hosteling.

“I must warn you, that at first it may appear bizarre but I assure you that it is most fascinating.”

Of course the garden was beautiful, rows of rainbow eucalyptus and baobab trees were panelled by perfect soil. Where there weren’t trees were flowers half the size of them. The sunlight that beamed to shine brighter today had disappeared but I could still see the medley of the colours of the blossoming lotus and water lily’s that were almost too bright to bear. Tiny little creatures were seated on their knees, clipping feathers, watering the plants and making them more aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Upon closer observation, I gasped when I realized that they were gnomes. We strutted past dozens of pointed hats and white long beards, still attached at the arm. Edmund pointed towards a crimson carnation.

“At this time of day, the carnations are waking up.”

They began to stir and I could not stile a gasp. The flowers stretched their petals open as if to yawn. Little droplets of water were fed to them by a gnome holding a pot that was twice his height. The flowers spread wide open and peered closer towards the creature. The drank and gulped and when satisfied, they retreated.

“Everything here is alive,” I muttered to Edmund who was not gazing at the miracle but at me,” I can feel the soil breathing under me. The flowers, they move and eat and they bite if angered. It’s amazing.”

His lips lifted into a smile. His eyes were telling me a story that I could not comprehend.

“Your perspective is...refreshing.”

“I don’t mean to be. I’m simply stunned.”

“You have hardly seen anything.”

The boy turned my shoulders and faced me towards a blossom tree. I watched bearing awe as the pink petals drifted upwards. Glistening leaves scented the air with something sweet. The tree began to glow like lanterns. The nights dark was amongst us and all that lit the path were the flowers. I felt the breeze of the stir tease my face. Tiny golden birds fluttered out of the tree as it’s branches began to levitate. Dozens of bunches of cherry blossoms bloomed, taking my breath away.

On the other side, the lotuses began to stir awake. Their yawns mirrored the other plants and I could have sworn I felt their breath on my skin. Slowly, the entire garden was abandoning slumber.

“When the sun goes down, the garden awakes,” his voice as pleasant at my ear,“All plants are alive my princess, even on your earth. But here, they are safe from slaughter.”

I turned to place some space between but but instead I did the opposite. We were face to face in the midst of this enchanted garden.

“This is beautiful,” I spoke just to put an end to the deafening silence between us,” thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. This is all yours by birth right. My brothers last gift to me, and it’s truly a pleasure.”

I resisted the urge to wince when he’d concluded that I was his niece. It revolted me out in a way, but I guess I should not expect any less of a race like this one.

You also belong to this race, the haunting reminder echoed in my brain.

“What was he like? My father,” I found myself asking. I wondered if I reminded Edmund of him or perhaps I was more like my mother.

“Lochlan was kind. The eldest of three brothers, a daydreamer, although he was never content with our ways. I feared he’d always urged for a way out.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’d always joked that he was a faux of a folk. I knew since the day that he was born that it was his lenience and compassion that would be the death of him.”

“Is that what you call falling in love with my mother? Compassionate and lenient?”

“Your mother was a mortal slave and my brother a faerie prince. What would you call it if not compassionate and lenient?”

“How about decency or love?”

“You may look like your mother, but you are naive like your father.”

“And you are wicked like your mother.”

I snatched my arm from his grip and attempted to strut back into the castle but he’s grasp was quick. His palm was at my waist and lips on my ear.

“That’s queen to you,” were the only words that he said. I shrugged him off and made my way back inside.

In my bed now, Fay sat on the edge and rubbed my hair.

“I’m sorry it did not go well with your future husband. I only hope that things get better.”

“What’s the point? I will never be happy here. Especially not , knowing that they are all just waiting for me to finish out my human life span to give the crown to someone more worthy. Everyday will be a battle between trusting a cup of tea from the queen that may or may not be poisonous.”

“The queen cannot harm you, you should not fear. She is many things but she will never hinder tradition.”

“She killed her husband.”

“That is folklore tradition when stepping out on a marriage.”

I could not help a chuckle. At least I agreed with one of their morals.

“Still, I can’t see myself ever belonging here. I don’t want to.”

“Could it be your love for the wolf boy that’s blinded you? Is it why you refuse a home here?”

I peered into the knowing eyes of the hob,” this will never me my home, not when I’m constantly viewed as something that is weak and bears less of value then any faerie. My mother was enslaved and killed for being a mortal. I think you’re people have refused me long before I did.”

“You have the crowns protection, why can’t you see that? You are more then you think.”

“I’m not sure I want to be. It’s far too late. Kade or not, I long for my home on earth.”

“I do hope you change your mind. The faerie world could be quite a lovely place. This could be your early heaven if you allow it.”

The creature hopped off onto the ground and stretched on toes to peck my forehead,” get some rest. I hear of rumours that the queen has quite the agenda for the upcoming weeks.”

The friend abandoned me to slumber but that I did not do. My thoughts kept me restless and wide awake. I could not truly be at all fulfilled. I had to find a way to get out of here, but it wouldn’t matter for as long as I live, the crown will be there, patiently awaiting my crowning. For as long as I was, the queen would be at my tail, chasing me and causing a danger to everyone around me. My undeniable destiny was far past knocking, it was here and it held me in a chokehold. For hours I worried about my parents and Ben. I thought about the school work I had missed, the crappy bands I took for granted and the polluted streets of my city. I missed the smell of grease that accompanied noon on weekdays when everyone had stepped out of their offices to grab lunch at the food trucks. Ben and I would skip class and wander for hours because there was always something new to discover when you lived in New York City.

I caught sight of a buzzing little shadow that levitated around me. I sat up and smiled when I realized that it was Ellie.

“You’re back.”

“With lots to tell!”

“Did you find him? Is he alright?”

The faeries eyes brightened with excitement. She floated a foot away from my face.

“He’s still here, but he’s not in prison. He’s staying at Isabelle Ulwin’s home just a few miles out. I think she helped him escape!”

“Who’s Isabelle Ulwin?”

“She was your mother’s best friend from the past.”

I recalled Fay telling me all about her.

“Why would he be staying at her home?”

“I don’t know. I heard them talking about you, briefly but I had to get out of there before her dreadful bird saw me.”

“Do you know what she wants with him? Or why he’s there?”

“Beats me, I could return another another day, when the bird is gone?”

“No, you have to return now.”

“I can’t-”

I hurried off of my feet to a nearby desk. I scribbled on a piece of paper and signed it with my initials.

If you wish to see me, follow my spirit.

-A

“You have to deliver this to him. He needs to know that I’m okay.”

“Are you insane? You want me to sneak him inside of the castle?”

“No, not through the castle. Just outside of my window. I have to talk to him.”

“The castle’s perimeter is guarded-”

“Not if you travel through the forest. He won’t be seen.”

“I can deliver a letter but I can’t guide the wolf boy here. If the queen were to find out, we’d both be slaughtered.”

“She has no way of finding out if neither of us utter a word!”

“Still, it is a death wish.”

“Please,” for the first time since I’d been held hostage to this hell, I felt my eyes tear up,” I have to see him. Even if it’s for one more time.”

I felt desperate. Riddled with emotion that I could not comprehend nor calm, the little faerie began to sense that.

“Alright. I will guide him safely to you,” she said with a sigh.

***

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