A Life Beyond The Mirror

I take one last look in the mirror before I leave for my date with Finn. I smooth out the wrinkles in my white floral summer dress and checking my make-up, tracing the lines of my lips to wipe away any smudges from my red lipstick.

“You need to tell him. He needs to be prepared.” My grandmother says, from her perch on the end of my unmade bed, Toby curled up on her lap.

“I know, I just don’t want to ruin this day. I’ll tell him straight after our date, I promise.” I assure her. I feel guilty for not telling him but there is a chance that dad’s prophecy was wrong. What if I told him and ruined our date for it all not to be true? I just want one normal day with Finn, no kidnappings, no near drownings just me and him.

“Please be careful.” Her eyes holding my gaze as her worry floods into me.

“I will, I promise.” I place my hand on hers and with that the mirror pulses. “I’ll see you later.” I give her a quick hug and Toby a scratch on the head, before slipping through the mirror.

“Wow, you look…like a dream.” Finn says, pulling me in and kissing me on the cheek. He is wearing a white shirt with blue jeans his ebony hair, carefully combed back, his green eyes piercing mine before they travel the length of my body. He holds out his hand to me revealing a bright orange flower I have never seen before.

“Thank you, you clean up well yourself.” I wink at him, leaning in to smell the flower and inhaling the intoxicating scent. As I go to take it, he pulls it back quickly, before gently placing it behind my ear. His hands lingering, before sweeping down my neck.

“Mmmm, why does it smell so good?”

“Everything here is meant to entice you in.” he says seductively against my ear.

“So, is that what is going on here? It’s not you I’m attracted to, it’s this place.” I quirk my eyebrow.

“Possibly.” He laughs to himself. He runs his fingers against my bare arms, goose bumps rising in his wake. “But I hope I’m the only one to have this kind of effect on you, regardless of where we are.” He places delicate kisses on my neck as I try to stifle a moan. He pulls away reluctantly. “We should really get going otherwise we may never leave.”

“We could stay a little longer.” I jump up sitting on the desk, he comes to stand in between my knees.

“You, my siren, are going to be the death of me.” He says, before firmly planting his lips against mine, pulling me tightly to his chest, I press my hands to his chest, exploring the dips and ridges of his abs through his shirt. I sigh internally. He swipes his tongue across my lower lip before dipping it into my mouth. His hands exploring my body. A warmth starting to pool in my core.

“We should really go; I have the whole day planned out.” He groans against my lips before pulling away, both of us trying to catch our breath.

“Okay,” I say reluctantly before following him down the stairs and out to the courtyard. The flowers and trees in full bloom and in so many colours, I wasn’t sure I had a name for them all. He leads me a little further out of the castle walls to the river where a water carriage waits, drawn by horses made of pure water.

“They are called Ceffyl Dwr, or water horse in English. Don’t get too close, they are menacing creatures.” I take a step forward placing my hand near one of the horses and get a sense on him.

“I can feel his mischief.” I smile, Finn raises a quizzical eyebrow.

“Really? These guys are known for being pests. Even murderous in some regions.” He replies and my mouth gapes in shock as he leads me to the water carriage. The plush cushions look out of place in the watery environment. “Don’t worry they are fine on the fae plane. When did you learn to do that?”

“Yesterday with Gran. She had me practice all night reading her mind. She wouldn’t answer me, only think it and wait for me to figure it out. She likes to make sure I learn quickly.” I smile and he smiles at me right back. He motions and the carriage begins to glide through the water. The sound of the water running by settling my lingering nerves for the date as I watch the new world float by.

“Can you read mine?” He smirks, leaning in and wiggling his eyebrows.

“I don’t really like to read people minds. It feels invasive and makes me feel gross. It’s easier for me to read peoples intentions instead.”

“So, what are my intentions then?” he whispers against the collar of my neck.

“Indecent ones. Definitely not first date appropriate.” We both laugh.

“Go on. Read my mind. Tell me what I’m thinking.” His forehead wrinkles in concentration.

I place my hand on his, he flips his and laces our fingers together, sending a warm sensation shooting up my limbs. I close my eyes and tune in. Beautiful

“All I heard was beautiful. I can’t really pick up full sentences yet.”

“Well, I guess I could fill in the blanks. I was saying how beautiful you looked. Even more beautiful than the first time I met you.”

“I was wearing my school uniform.” I laugh. “And you’re only saying that because I look more fae now.”

“No, I don’t think that’s it. I think you would have caught my eye whatever you were. Even if you were an ogre. It’s your light. You seem brighter now.” He kisses me gently on the cheek.

“I feel like I know myself more, the dreams always were a mystery to me, but now I know where they come from it kind of explains all the little holes in my life.”

The carriage slows to a stop near the edge of a lagoon, pushed up to the side of a vast cliff, a vibrant blue waterfall spilling over the side, crashing as it hit the water below. Large colourful flowers cling to the sides of the cliff. Blues, pinks, purple and oranges. The same flower he gave me at the castle.

“It’s gorgeous!” I exclaim covering my mouth as I gasp.

“I thought you’d like it. You may not be a water nymph, but I saw the way you were in the ocean.” He takes my hand and leads me over to the edge of the turquoise water. I slip off my shoes, dipping a toe, I pull back quickly expecting it to be cold but surprisingly find it is quite refreshing.

He pulls a bag from behind his back and hands it to me. “I thought we could go swimming. It’s safe here.” He smiles and I open it to a midnight blue bikini and a towel.

“Where did you get this?” I smile. He rubs the back of his neck. The movement I know he does when he feels nervous or embarrassed.

“I had a little help. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I asked Hali to get it for you. I hope you don’t mind. There is a little cabin just down that path, you can go there to change if you’d like.”

“This is great, thank you! I’ll be right back.” I kiss him firmly against his cheek before scurrying in the direction of the path. I stop short of the cabin and gaze in wonderment. Small he said. This could fit at least four families comfortably. So close the cliff it was almost as if it had grown out of it, the cabin was colossal. Timber framed with a balcony on the second floor making a porched area below. Vines clung to every side of it, draping lazily over the edges. I chuckle internally at Finns idea of ‘little’ before heading inside and making quick work of changing into my bathing suit. I must admit, Hali did a great job. The colour makes my skin glow and fits like a glove! I’m just happy she picked something plain, seen as Hali picked it, I’m a little shocked it’s not sparkly. I head out, towel draped over my arm to wear Finn is treading water, looking at the flower adorned cliff face. I stroll in, the water getting deeper faster than I thought it would; he turns when he hears the water displace in my wake.

“Is it wrong if I say I prefer you better in this than the dress?” he smirks. I stop, placing a hand on my hip.

“It wouldn’t be wrong, no. But it might not be very princely of you.” I say, curtsying into the water, before swimming up to him.

“Princely, huh?” he says, meeting me halfway, wrapping his muscular arms around my waist.

“Like gentlemanly, but on a whole other level.” I say, with a mocking tone to my voice. I try to keep a straight face, but the wide smile that splits his cheeks, makes my insides turn to goo and is completely infectious. We both stand there, grinning at each other like fools, before he leans in kissing me firmly then pulling away and resting his head in the crook of my neck.

“I don’t know how I have lived without you for so long. Where have you been all my life?” he murmurs against my skin, tingling the nerve endings, sending waves of euphoria, through me. That familiar heat racing to my core.

“Would it be too cheesy if I said I was in your dreams?” I laugh to myself.

“Maybe, but it does make you the literal girl of my dreams.” He says, lifting his head up, cupping the back of my neck in his hands, caressing the nape with his callous fingers.

“That was too cheesy.” I grimace with a laugh.

“Probably.” He laughed as well.

“Does that make us weird? We knew each other before we met, we have this amazing connection and I feel more comfortable with you than anyone I have ever met.” I say searching his eyes for an answer and he kisses me softly again.

“No, it makes us incredibly lucky that we found each other.” He pulls me tighter against him and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist. His eyes darken, his pupils winking out the colour of his green eyes, as he strikes, kissing me again, harder than before, slipping his tongue between my lips as his hands find the curve of my butt, hoisting me up his body further, clutching me close. I get lost in the feeling of him as I run my fingers over his muscular shoulders and up into his damp hair, running my nails along his scalp, which elicits a soft moan from him. His hands move desperately up my torso and cup my breasts in his hands. He slips his fingers beneath the material as moving his mouth to the column of my neck leaving a scorched trail in his wake. The water starts to dance around us, spinning and swirling, brushing against my heated skin. His words slipping through my brain without any effort from me. Perfect, fate, gorgeous, soft, amazing. Not really coherent sentences, but they come to me with ease, as the tether that connects us grows thicker and stronger with every encounter.

“Your highness.” Comes a nervous voice from the edge of the lagoon. Finn curses under his breath, burying his face into my neck.

“What?” he shouts annoyance lacing his tone. I look over to the guard who has taken a few steps back.

“The King and Queen have requested your presence immediately.” He says much quieter than before.

“You have got to be kidding me.” He mutters under his breath, before shouting back. “Can this wait? I told them today was important and to only be contacted in case of an emergency.”

“No, your Highness, It cannot. They said it is a great matter of urgency and sent for you immediately. They would like to speak to you.” He says dipping his head in apology. “Alone.” He adds. Finn growls into my neck.

“Okay, tell them I am on my way. I just need to return Thea to her home.” I realise my legs are still entwined around his waist, so I hastily untangle myself as colour invades my cheeks at being caught in this position. He takes my hand and leads me to shore.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. The King requested you return immediately, and I return Miss Theadora to the human realm.”

“Absolutely not. I will take her back. She is my responsibility to look after.” He says pulling me closer. I grip his chin and turn his to me, so his gaze meets mine.

“I’ll be fine. It must be an emergency if they sent for you, so you need to get back, please. I’ll be fine.” I kiss him lightly on the cheek, before turning and exiting the lagoon and collecting my things. He rushes forward and grips my wrist.

“Please, Theadora. Just let me make sure your safe.” His eyes pleading.

“I’ll be fine. It’s an emergency Finn, you need to go.” I take a step away and towards the guard. “Hold out your hand.” He hesitantly raises it and I take it firmly, which makes the guard stiffen before accepting. I close my eyes for a minute before dropping his clammy hand and turning back to Finn. “He is loyal to you and your family. You can trust him. If there is anything wrong, I will call out.” I say, tapping the side of my head.

H sighs before stepping up to me and placing his forehead on mine. “Still, let me know when you are home safe. I need to know, otherwise I can’t think straight. I’m sorry our date got cut short.”

“I will, anyway we have plenty of time for a rain check. Now, go. They need you.” I say, kissing him on the cheek and taking a reluctant step back. He flashes a stern look to the guard before he blinks out of existence.

“So how do I get home from here. Are we going to take the carriage back to the castle?” I ask, pulling my dress over my head.

“We will not be returning to the castle, Miss.” He says, his head turned the other direction.

“Then how will I get home? I need to use the mirror.”

“There are gateways in nature. There is one near the cabin down the path. That is way the cabin was placed there. A crevice in the cliff wall takes you back to the human plane.” He informs me.

“Can it take me anywhere?” I ask.

“No. They are more like doorways. Only one destination.” He starts down the path and I follow him.

“Has something bad happened at the castle?” I ask, concern lacing my voice.

“I’m not sure, Miss. I was just sent for the prince. I wasn’t informed of why.” I nod in understanding, gnawing at the side of my cheek. “I’m sure it is nothing to worry about, Miss.” He assures me.

“Thank you, I’m sorry, what is your name?” I ask, a little shyly.

“Bran, miss.” He says a little shocked. “You’re the only one who has asked my name.” I look at him shocked, he gestures to the wide crack in the cliff face. “This should take you out in a place called Bosherston. Is that okay Miss?” he asks sincerely.

“That’s fine, depending on where in Bosherston.” I say laughing. “Thank you for your help, Bran. It was nice to meet you.” He smiles sincerely, tipping his head and his cobalt eyes shine.

“It was a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Theadora. I hope to see you again soon.” He says as I step through the portal. With a zap, whizz and a pop I find myself near Bosherston lily ponds. I walk along the path until I get to the tea rooms and then turn towards Stackpole. The benefits of visiting my grandmother in the summers was the walks we went on, most of them not a stone’s throw away from our doorstep and within walking distance. The lily ponds being one of my Grans favourites means I know the way home like the back of my hand. Now I’m thinking it wasn’t just the scenery she was coming here for. She was coming her for the doorway. Within 20 minutes, I am walking through my front door, much dryer than I was when I first put my dress back on, but my hair in a clumpy mess. My Gran looks up from her chair.

“How did you get home?” she asks me confused. She looks down at her watch. “You’ve only been gone 2 hours; I wasn’t expecting you back this early. Is everything alright?” she asks getting up to check on me.

“I’m fine. Finn had to go back to the castle for an emergency. I used the doorway at Bosherston to get back and just walked home.” She gives me a stern look.

“You shouldn’t be out walking by yourself; you should have called. You know the dangers that are lurking at the minute!” she brings her glasses down her nose to scold me good and proper.

“I was fine Gran.” I assure her. “There have been no problems all day.”

The letter box sounds, and Toby rises from his slumber on the sun-baked tiles in the kitchen to race to the front door, barking at the intrusion.

“The postman has already been today.” Gran says, puzzled, racing past me to beat Toby to the delivery. She returns with a solemn look on her face.

“What is it Gran?” I say peering at the blue and gold envelope in her hand.

“An invitation.” She hands the card to me. “To the royal wedding.”