Brea never wanted to see the southern Vatlands marshes again. She never wanted to feel the squish of mud under her boots, see a snake or hear the croak of a frog for the rest of her life, no matter how long that might be.
With solid ground beneath her once more, she gazed at the long winding road that would lead to the palace where her aunt reigned. A troop of guards awaited her, having already informed her Regan reinforced the border so none could cross without permission, not just those with Fargelsian blood anymore.
“This is where I have to leave you.” Finn stood in the mud up to his knees.
“I wish you could cross the border with me.” Regan would never let him cross.
“I’d give anything to get inside that dungeon to see Alona again.”
“I have a feeling I’ll be right there with her in a few hours.”
“Give her a message for me?” Finn asked.
“Of course.”
“Tell her I’ve never stopped thinking of her.”
“I’ll do everything I can for her.” Brea gave him a last farewell before they headed in opposite directions. Finn would travel along the Gelsi border until he found Faolan’s army, and he would do his part to bring down the barrier that kept him out.
Brea traveled this road once before with Neeve. It felt like another lifetime—something that happened to another version of herself.
It took her and the guards all night to reach the outskirts of the forest city that surrounded the palace. Her companions refused to speak to her, but they didn’t let her out of their sight. Regan knew she would come. She’d had her people waiting.
Months ago, Brea was on horseback making this journey. This time, she relied on her own two feet to follow the guards’ horses. They didn’t offer her a ride. She’d been terrified escaping Fargelsi, but there’d also been hope of something good at the end of the road.
Now, only darkness and imprisonment awaited her.
Her time in Eldur had changed her. She was stronger. More confident, and so very angry with her aunt. She wished she could walk into the palace and toss her aunt in the dungeon she was so fond of. Brea might possess the power to defeat her … someday, but Myles didn’t have time to wait around for someday to arrive. He needed her now.
Brea followed the guards down the high road to the main bridge that would lead them directly to the palace. They made it as far as the front gate before the palace guards stopped them.
“What do you bring us?” one of them asked the men on horseback.
He started to speak, but Brea cut him off. “I’m here to see the queen.”
“What do you think this is? Eldur? The guard snorted. “Go back where you came from, peasant.”
“She’s requested my presence.” Brea stood firmly.
“Has she, now?” The man barked out a laugh and spit at Brea’s feet. He looked to the guards, and they nodded, confirming Brea’s words.
“She won’t like it if you turn her niece away. I’ve had a long trip from Eldur, and I’d like to retire to my rooms.”
“Brea?”
His voice shouldn’t still affect her. Not after all this time and the gravity of his betrayal.
“Griffin.” Brea was proud of her calm tone, not betraying her feelings.
“I will escort the queen’s niece to her rooms.” Griff shouldered past the guards, taking her hand in his like it was old times.
Brea tugged her hand away, and without another word, followed him into the palace.
“I would see her now to get this over with,” Brea said, hesitating at the foot of the stairs. “I won’t be spending the night in my old rooms. I’m here to trade myself for Myles. I’m sure you’re aware of your queen’s offer. It was likely your idea to bring him here. You’d know I’d do anything for him, and you used it against me.”
“Brea.” He looked haggard and so very tired. “Nothing is as it seems here.”
“You’re the one who taught me that.” Brea took the steps up to the queen’s quarters, not waiting for Griff to show her the way.
“You should wait to see her in the morning. Give her a chance to call for you when she’s ready.”
“I’m over it. I’m so over Regan and the intimidation she exudes, her endless parties and her syrupy sweet facade. We do this my way. She made me an offer, and I’m here to accept it on my terms.”
Griff rushed up the stairs behind her.
She found her aunt on the terrace, just like any other day. She was lingering over her breakfast, reading reports of the goings on in Gelsi. Somewhere in that stack of papers there was likely a form briefing the queen of the Eldur troops working tirelessly to bring down her border spell. Another one detailing the movements of the young Iskalt king, and probably another one telling her Brea had arrived.
Brea slammed the missive she’d received from Regan on the table in front of the queen.
“Brea, darling.” Regan beamed her beautiful, perfect white smile at her. “You’ve been a naughty girl.” She eyed the mud-stained clothes she still wore from her trek across the Vatlands.
“Cut the crap, Regan.” Brea collapsed on the delicate vine chair opposite her aunt. She used to be afraid she’d break her aunt’s chairs, but she understood magic better now. “You made me an offer. I’m here to accept it on a few conditions.”
“Oh, come now. Let’s catch up before we discuss unpleasant things.”
“I don’t have it in me.” Brea wiped a tired hand over her eyes. “Just drop the pretense, and let’s get down to brass tacks.”
“Oh, I missed your charming human phrases, dear. It’s been so quiet here without you. Would you like some tea?” She rang for her maid.
Brea turned, hoping to see Neeve again, but frowned when one of the triplets dropped into a curtsy before the queen.
“Where is Neeve?” Brea frowned.
“She’s been … detained. Punishment for helping you escape, I’m afraid.” Regan had the triplet pour her a cup of hot herbal tea, but Brea didn’t trust anything her aunt had a hand in making. “She’s faring much better than that friend of hers from the village.”
Brea’s eyes widened. “Moira?”
“Yes, that was her name. A nasty business, executions.”
Her blood froze in her veins. Moira was dead. Guilt and sadness warred inside her. And Neeve was suffering her grief in the dungeons.
“Drink up, dear, and tell me all about your time in Eldur. Wasn’t it just dreadful under that hot and unforgiving sun?” Regan leaned forward as if preparing for a grand story.
Brea’s gaze narrowed. “Fine, I’ll make you a counter offer if you’re just going to simper at me all morning.” She sucked in a breath. She had to get Neeve out of there. After Moira, she owed it to her. “I’m here. Release Myles and Alona … Neeve too. Let them go, and I will stay." She threw a look to Griff. "Release them and I will..." Pausing, she knew she'd regret the next words. "Marry Griff. Willingly. He can be the king, and I'll be your ornamental queen. If I ever have children, they will be your blood heirs.” The prospect of such a life sickened her. She couldn’t imagine a world where she would ever let Griffin touch her, much less father her children. Her mind instantly went to thoughts of Lochlan and of all the things they would never have together, and it took every bit of strength she possessed to keep the tears at bay.
“But if I do all of that, you have to take the barrier down and free your people.
“Well, now, I see someone’s been doing their homework since she ran away. But that’s not going to happen. You will have to amend your terms, dear.”
“Let’s get to the part where you free my friends.” She had to remind herself that was why she was here.
“Alona is your friend now?” Regan cocked her head at Brea. “A girl you’ve never even met.”
“We have mutual friends we both care a great deal about.” Brea leaned back in her seat, weary down to her bones.
“I’m afraid I can’t release Alona. She is too important. Myles, even your little traitor friend, Neeve are nothing to me. Though clearly, they mean a great deal to you. You’ve come such a long way for them. Why not take the night to relax and enjoy your old rooms, and we can discuss this tomorrow when you’re in a better mood.”
“We’ll discuss it now.”
“Blast, you really are my brother’s child. Just as stubborn and needlessly noble.”
“That might be the best thing I’ve ever heard about my fae father.” Though Brea knew precious little about the man Faolan agreed to have a weapon-child with. “Release Myles and Neeve today. Myles will go back to the human realm unharmed, and Neeve will be sent to the palace at Eldur.”
“Fine.” Regan waved a delicate hand. “Go to your rooms and get cleaned up. Your clothes are still in your wardrobe. We will have a party to celebrate your return tomorrow evening.”
“No.” Brea slammed her fist down on the table causing Regan to flinch. “I will not be your plaything or your paper doll to dress up when you’re bored. And I sure as hell won’t spend my life suffering through your parties. I am here to trade places with Myles. Period.”
“You expect me to throw you in the dungeon like a useless human when you are to be queen one day?” Regan threw her head back and laughed. “No, darling, you are my prisoner, but I don’t need iron bars and cells to keep you under control. You’ve proven just how malleable you can be. Myles will be freed from the dungeons, but he won’t return to the human realm. He will take up residence at Griffin’s cottage where Leith will serve as his warden. We’ll even send Neeve there to keep house. They’ll be safe and happy while you take up your role as my doting niece who has come home at last.”
“I will agree to your terms, but I have terms of my own.” Brea leaned forward. “I get to see Myles and Neeve before you send them to the cottage, today. And I get to visit them once a month.”
“Absolutely not. I will not have my niece cavorting with prisoners. If you wish for them to be free, you will not speak to them. You will not see them. Those are the terms, dear. It is the best you will do.”
“I will attend your parties, wear your ridiculous dresses and play whatever simpering idiot role you want of me. But every other day of my captivity, I don’t see you, I don’t talk to you, I don’t even hear your voice. I will stay in my rooms, only visiting the gardens or the stables so I have something to do. I will wear whatever I want, and I will prepare my own food.”
“You will eat a steady diet of Gelsi berries to subdue your magic.”
“No.” Brea refused to give her that much power. “I will honor our deal if you keep up your side of the bargain. If Myles is your leverage over me, then my magic is my leverage over you. This is about trust, Regan. You should give it a try. I’ll give you everything you want, but you will not subdue my magic.”
~~~