Page 85 of The Maleficent Faerie
I will not be deterred from my purpose.
With the two knights occupied fighting the Endlings, I stride casually past them and continue up the hallway, using my shadows to gently move aside any guards or servants who attempt to intercept me. Some I leave bound in chains of darkness, which will dissipate once I do the thing I intend.
Up the steps I climb, to the tower bedroom where Aura sleeps.
And there, before the door, stand my final two obstacles: Andras and Dawn.
Dawn—I’d forgotten all about her. Shit.
“Don’t try to stop me.” I lift my hand, shadows writhing from my fingers like smoky serpents.
“We won’t. We only want to talk.” Dawn glances at Andras. “He told me what happened with the Edge. He guessed where you would go, and what you plan to do.”
“It is madness, my Lord.” Andras’s blue skin is paler than usual. “We need you now, more than ever. You cannot send yourself into a hundred-year sleep.”
“It may not be that long. I’ve left instructions for breaking the curse.” I swivel my hand palm up, gathering my shadows amid my curled fingers. “But my successor must consent to my waking, and you will need the cooperation of the Three Faeries, the Regents of the Caennith Fae.”
Dawn’s eyes widen. “They would never agree to such a thing.”
“Exactly. Only when both kingdoms are united in common purpose can the curse-breaking come to pass. The deaths that occurred today when the barrier failed—those are mine to own. This is my atonement to Eonnula for my arrogance. I do not deserve to be awakened.”
“But who will lead us?” Andras’s voice cracks. “Fitzell?”
“I’ve selected someone who deserves a chance to rule. The one person who may be able to unite both kingdoms at last. You must honor my choice in this matter.”
“Of course, my Lord,” Andras murmurs.
When I wave them aside, Dawn and Andras both step back, allowing me to pass by them and enter the tower room.
“Sire!” calls Andras, and I glance back.
“You’ve been a king worth serving.” He bows to me, his lips trembling.
If I reply, I will break. So I close the door quietly between us, and I turn toward the bed where my Princess sleeps.
There is no question in my mind that Aura would consent to this kiss. She knew the path to breaking the curse. She wants to be awakened.
Will she be surprised, I wonder, that it was I who released her?
Maybe it’s cruel to wake her, to make her face this shrinking world. But she would want a chance to step into her power, to rule as she was meant to. She would want all the time I can give her.
I am under no delusions about my future. I doubt I will ever wake again. The Three Faeries will not agree to restore me, not since the spectacular failure of my spell—and the realm will be swallowed before my enchanted sleep expires.
Still, I can do one good thing before the end.
I lean over Aura, enchanted by the shape of her face, lured by her soft red mouth.
“I am the monster who cursed you, little viper,” I whisper. “And I am the supplicant who adores you. If my imperfect, wretched, diseased love can save you, take it. Take it all.”
And I press my lips to hers.
31
I’m so comfortable. I don’t want to move, ever.
A fragrance teases at my nostrils—blackthorn and leather, rain on fresh grass. A long sigh at my ear, like someone deeply weary who is finally sinking into rest.
I frown, searching the dark of my mind for memories, for understanding.
