Page 86 of Swords and Curses

"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."

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