Page 55 of Consort

“You did that to her hands?” the leader asks, jerking his head at Lyta.

I nod. “I helped Shamere because he deserves to live. I play along with my role as a noble in hopes of completing my mission–taking the corrupt nobles out one by one and their queen after them.”

“Shamere,” the leader says, wanting his input.

“I owe my life to this fae,” he says, holding his head high.

None of the kelpies speak, nor do they attack me as they would another fae wandering near their waters. Kelpies are deadly hunters, luring high and lesser fae into their depths to toy with and then consume. Despite the power the queen has given me, I would be no match for their song. It was a risk to come here, especially while wearing my uniform, but it seems I’ve been spared.

A kelpie calls out from the waters, taking everyone’s attention. “Trass, the illusionist,” he says. “He is like you. He threw up an illusion to shield a foal who’d strayed into the forest. The two nobles he was with never saw the little one. His life was spared. The fae had no reason to do that other than mercy. Speaking to him may do you well.”

“That’s very helpful. Thank you,” I tell the kelpie.

Trass is the soldier in charge of illusioning the queen’s bedroom door. He kept my consort status to himself before anyone else knew. I’d already suspected that he was good, but this confirms it.

The kelpies help their injured friend into the lake, promising to keep Lyta alive until he’s able to finish her off himself. Hopefully, they have some kind of healing capabilities or plants growing in the depths to help him.

The leader remains on the deep green sand of the shore, butthe rest of the kelpies stomp off into the forest or slink back down into the dark waters.

“We knew someone like you would come,” he says, watching them. “I knew this couldn’t be how Faerie was meant to be.”

“I can’t promise I’ll succeed,” I say, “The queen is powerful. Alone, I may not stand a chance. Maybe after I’ve thinned out her nobility, I can convince others to help.”

“Indeed,” he says, turning away.

After taking a few steps into the water, he looks back at me. “You’re free to use our lands for whatever you require. I’ll command the kelpies to leave you be. No one will hinder you or cause you harm.”

“Thank you,” I reply as he shifts and disappears into the dark water.

I’ve not interacted with kelpies directly before. I’m realizing just how broken the realm is. None of the species really see or talk to each other because of fear or hate. We could be so strong together. And so happy.

Having to rescue a kelpie from a fae noble was sickening, but I’m grateful for the chance to speak with the Majestic. He didn’t offer a stampede of kelpie warriors like I’d hoped, but it’s still a great asset. I can walk along the shores of the kelpie lakes without worry. The parts of the forest that fae avoid out of fear are open to me as shortcuts and hiding spots from other nobles. It will prove very helpful. Perhaps, when the time comes, the kelpies will be willing to help in a more aggressive way.

“Thank you for guiding me,” I tell the dryads as I begin the walk back to the castle.

The branches above me sway gently, rustling their leaves in unison. I’ve always trusted the dryads. They’re elusive but known for their integrity and compassion. Tonight, they’ve proven to be my allies, marking my first real victory since arriving at the castle.

The dryads seldom leave their tree hosts. They communicate with each other through an intricate root system beneath the ground. The entire forest is connected by it. If only I could tap into it. I might gain valuable insights that would allow me to confront the queen sooner and better informed.

But then what? I’m pretty sure I just lost any chance I had with Rue. I was weak. I should have stopped her sooner and explained. Instead, I built her up and then crushed her. I’ve hurt her in so many ways. What will my life be even if I succeed in killing the queen?

The reason Rue is hiding comes to mind, and I quickly find my direction. Once the queen and nobles are out of the way, I’ll rid the realm of dishonorable Alphas, too. I don’t know the details of what Rue’s Prime did to her, but I’ll be starting with him. Then, she can have the life she wants with whomever she wants. She’ll no longer need to hide from the queen, the fae, or even her own kind.

Part of me wants to begin that mission first, but I’ll need the shifters’ help if I want the queen gone. After that battle, I’ll sift through the Alphas left standing and snuff out the unworthy. For now, I just need to find a way to get them on my side.

Chapter 22

Rue

I’m an idiot for returning the wine. I could really use the escape right now. Ignoring Durin’s rejection isn’t working. It’s manifested itself in my actions for weeks. I’ve been eating more than we can spare and lying around when I’d normally be finding things to do. I even bleed into the jars more often, hoping to drain the hurt away.

Currently, I’m sitting on the floor of the hut, draining the pain with my tears. If I bleed more, I’ll feel sick. So, tears it is. I’m eating some of the stupid berries, ignoring the juice as it drips down my chin in sticky trails.

Durin has left a couple of packages of supplies, but I left them there. It hurts too much to think about him. Why couldn’t he have just ignored my cries? He should have left me to my heat, no matter what I said. Or at least left before I could wake up. Before I could fall for his beautiful face and eat up any lies his soothing voice fed me.

Now, I’m stuck hating him and pining over him at the same time. All while he’s off having fun with the other nobles. Eating, drinking, fucking whoever is up for it at the time...

The thought is supposed to anger me, to numb the hurt, but a surge of jealousy twists my stomach into knots. An unexpected sob makes me choke on all the excess I’ve shoveled into mymouth. I’d be ashamed of my state if there were anyone around worth impressing.

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