A Life Beyond The Mirror

“WAKE UP!” Hali shouts, shaking me awake. I jump looking around but its only her and I in the room.

“What’s wrong?” I panic, thinking something had happened.

“We need to get ready for the ball! We only have a few hours!” she shouts excitedly pulling me to my feet and to the room across the hall. The large bedroom was much like the rest of the castle, white marbled walls with large bed and a small red sofa, where three women waited for us, perched on the edge, almost uncomfortable. They stand as we enter the room. “This is Elenor, Harima and Greta. They will be helping us get ready.” I nod at them each in turn and offer them an awkward wave.

“Thank you.” I smile. Elenor was a tall, slender woman with a crimson wave of hair flowing down past her hips in an intricate plait. Harima was a shorter woman with jet black hair and piercing violet eyes and Greta was the smallest. She was small framed, with bright white hair wrapped into a bun. The first thing I noticed were her shimmering wings. Moving slowly and gracefully as if they had a life of their own. Her pointed ears sticking out from her hair and twitching when she returned my smile. All three wore royal blue toga style dresses. The royal colours.

“Please sit.” Elenor gestures to the chairs in the middle of the room. Her voice melodic and calming. Me and Hali sat side by side, Hali doing her little happy dance as the ladies immediately surrounded us and started touching our hair. Brushing it out and placing rollers in.

“Weird. I automatically thought that it would be magic.” Hali chuckled.

“Somethings you just have to do the old-fashioned way.” She smiled. Grimacing when Harima brushed a little too hard.

“So, what will happen?” I asked. “At the ball.” I clarify.

“Well, People arrive early some people even arrive at noon. There is food, dancing and then when the sun starts to set all the guests head outside and starts the pollination. Then the party continues.”

“What’s the pollination?” She sighed as if it were obvious. Which it is, sort of is, except for the fact it’s an event not a natural occurrence.

“It would be easier for you to see it.” she said, closing her eyes and relaxing as Greta picked up her hands and began shaping her nails. “So, Rowan told me what happened.” She said jiggling her eyebrows at me opening one eye to gauge my response. My face takes on the colour of a radish. “I knew you weren’t going to step back. I knew you liked him.” She said competitively, like she had won a marathon, clapping at herself for her foresight.

“It just got kind of out of control.” I shrugged, my cheeks flaring even more. She jolted forward both eyes snapping to me. Harima jumping to follow her movement.

“Rowan said you were pinned up against the wall making out. Like, full on ‘this is leading somewhere’ making out. Neptune only knows what would have happened if he hadn’t interrupted.” She smiled, knowingly and the ladies behind giggled. My cheeks started to burn; I think my whole body has turned a darker shade of red at this point.

“It’s just so hard to stay away from him! I don’t know what to do. This is completely uncharted territory.” I cover my cheeks trying to hide the embarrassment seeping from them.

“He really likes you.” She said, settling back into her chair, closing her eyes again. “I’ve never seen him act this way, and I have known him since we were guppies.”

“How do you know?”

“Well for one, he can’t stop looking at you. Ever. Two, he arranged all of this.” Gesturing to the dresses hanging to the side and the ladies behind us. “For you.” She points at me, to drive the point home. “And three, the way you two were last night. You fell asleep and he just pulled you in tighter. Like he didn’t want to let you go.” Her voice full of emotion. A little flutter started in my chest and the ladies behind all sighed in unison, reminding me they were there. This conversation was a little too public for my liking. “He didn’t have a reason to stop the wedding before. But now he has. He’s been stuck with his ‘duty’ for too long.” The ladies gasp as if they just realised who were talking about. Oh no.

“No, no, no. It’s not like that. I didn’t mean-,” I panic trying to convince them I’m not trying to steal the prince. Hali laughs. Elenor leaning towards me over my shoulder.

“No one wants this wedding. We don’t like the Unseelie Royals. They are dark and evil. They will turn our beautiful lands sour, with their dark magic.” She scowls.

“The decision for this union was very out of the blue. No one saw it coming. We have been at odds with the Unseelie for millennia.” Harima continued, as she tugged at Hali’s hair.

“We are glad the prince has found someone he wants to be with, not being forced to be with.” Greta added. I look around and they all nod in agreement. Even Hali. I let out a little sigh.

“That’s all good but the King and Queen might not reconsider. Duty over Love.” I state. They all sighed almost in unison.

“Well, how about we make them change their minds?” Elenor said. “I am going to make you fit for a Prince. The belle of the ball.” She clapped her hands and the girls worked faster, all giggling with excitement. She leaned in once more. “By the way your secret is safe with us.” She said and placed her hand on my shoulder. As soon as she did, I could feel I could trust her.

“I would like to be another belle of the ball.” Hali said, warily. The girls giggled and nodded.

After an uncertain amount of time filled with giggles and shocked gasps as the three ladies filled us in on all the gossip from the palace, including an affair between the Chef and a scullery maid leading the latter to flee to the human world rather than face the wrath of his wife. She was Known for her temper and her fire magic made even me shiver. I made a mental note to stay away from the woman, the women helped us into our dresses and shoes. Then came around to face us.

“A finishing touch.” She said and she waved her hand in front of my face with a flourish. The smell of vanilla filled the air. Harima swirled her hand and a mirror appeared. Hali went towards it first.

“I feel so pretty.” She said, almost tearing up. Her hair was done into a bun with plaits and golden shells weaving around, her makeup was all golds and blues.

“You look so pretty!” I replied. She turned to me and gasped. Covering her cheeks.

“No, you do!” I headed towards the mirror. I looked twice; it didn’t even look like me. My hair fell in loose curls, with the front pulled back out of my face in two plaits, meeting and woven together at the back. A golden ribbon weaved through them. My makeup was amazing with highlights that made my cheeks glow. When I turned the light shimmered off of an almost invisible golden design on both temples. My gold eyeshadow that faded in at the centre of my face with sleek black eyeliner. My lips crimson, with a slight sparkle in them.

“Never mind femme fatale. You look positively royal.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

“No, we look royal. Thanks to you three.” I said turning and taking Elenor’s hands. “Thank you.”

“No thanks necessary. It was our pleasure. You have beautiful soul; we hope everything works in your favour.” She winked and the three women left the room.

“Can she really see my soul?” I asked Hali. She shook her head and giggled.

“Your Aura. Elenor can read peoples auras by touching them, different colours mean different things. That’s a great compliment. Take it.” she said. “Now we have a party to attend.” She said and held her elbow out for me to link. I do so and she takes me towards the main hall. As we neared, Rowan was waiting at the gilded doors. He turned and caught sight of Hali. His eyes widened and so did his smile. He ran towards us and scooped her up and spinning her round.

“You look phenomenal.” He said, she let out a little giggle. Her eyes gleaming. I felt a little ache in my heart, they were just so happy. Rowan took her arm and lead her away, but she turned to me.

“I don’t want to leave Thea by herself.” She said, pulling her arm gently away.

“No! You two go. I’m good.” I smiled shooing them away. Rowan took her arm back and offered me his free one.

“I’m enough man for two women.” He lowered his voice, He puffed out his chest, proudly. Hali and I looked at each other and laughed, but I took it, gladly.

“You are too good to be true.” She said leaning behind him to make a scream face at me.

“You don’t mind?” I asked, not wanting to intrude, but also not wanting to be left alone.

“Not at all. What wingman would I be if I let you wander around the single men?” he said with a wink. Hali pulled another face. one that said a quizzical ’interesting.’ I pulled the same face back as he escorted us into the ballroom.

The smell of wildflowers hit me as we entered. The room was filled with them, all shades and shapes and completely unrecognisable to me as well as brightly coloured trees and foliage. The brightest yellows, oranges and pinks transformed the place into a meadow. Ferns, vines, blossom trees everywhere. An Ivy draped the ceiling with golden flowers cascading down. I gasped. The smell of the room was so refreshing I couldn’t help the deep breaths I kept taking to enjoy it. It was incredible. Birds and insects hovering overhead. I turned my attention to the guests. All unique, but all with pointed ears. Wings fluttering with excitement. Hair of all colours. Everyone looked otherworldly. Which they were, I suppose.

“It’s amazing right?” Hali said.

“Is it always like this?” I asked in awe.

“Yes, but it still feels just as amazing every year.” She smiled.

I catch sight of my grandmother, with a group of women. She excused herself and headed towards us.

“You girls are beautiful and escorted by such a handsome male.” She smiled at Rowan, tapping his cheek affectionately.

“You look amazing.” I gasp. She looked younger, happier, almost ageless. Her silver gown glittered in the sunlight.

“Thank you. The Seelie air makes me feel good.” She leaned in close. “Have you seen the prince yet?” she asked. I could feel the grin waiting to show itself on her face.

“Not today, why?”

“Well, I believe he’s found you.” She gestures behind me, beaming before returning to her friends. I stay stock still, the tension coiling through me. What do I do? Do I pretend like she didn’t tell me and act natural? Do I turn? Do I go over to him? Before my tornado of questions have finished swirling in my head, Hali and Rowan turn to meet him, taking me with them.

My mouth drops open as I take him in. He looked gorgeous. His Royal Blue suit made his eyes shine greener. His hair tidied, styled back. God he was so hot. And how I haven’t licked him yet, I don’t know, because he looked like a snack.

I can’t believe I just thought that.

I swear, I melted into a puddle where I stood when his gaze met mine; his eyes widened. Blinking and shaking his head.

“Finn!” Hali shouted. “Where have you been?”

“With the King and Queen.” His smile widened and he took my hands in his, dwarfing them. “Planning a Re-negotiation of the treaty with the Unseelie.”

“You mean, you aren’t getting married?” Hali said gleefully. My heart pounding against my rib cage.

“Maybe one day.” His eyes move to mine once more, taking my hands. “But not to the Unseelie Princess.” My heart burst, my breath hitching at his piercing gaze. He pulled me in for a hug, squeezing me around the waist. His strong arms enveloping me, making me feel safe.

“That’s great news!” Rowan said. Hali leaped on us, hugging us both while squealing.

“More than great!” she shrieked. “Now we can really celebrate. Let’s dance.” She let us go and pulls Rowan to the dance floor without time for him to argue.

“Would you honour me with a dance?” Finn said bowing slightly, offering me his hand.

“I’m not very good.” I whispered pulling him back up and glancing around to see who was looking. By my count. Everyone. He leaned in.

“I’ve seen your fighting. It’s not much different, but I will lead you.” He said holding out his arm to me. I took it and he led me to the dance floor. I caught sight of my grandmother, clasping her hands in front of her chest, with the bless their hearts look on her face. Everyone was looking and my cheeks flame. Hopefully the magic the girls made with my face hiding the worst of it.

“People are looking at you, what if I trip?” I panic. He chuckled.

“No, they’re looking at you and, I won’t let you fall.” he smiles turning to face me and taking my hand.

“You’re the Prince, they are looking at you. And probably wanting to kill me.” I laughed. “The outsider dancing with the prince.”

“No, they are looking at how gorgeous you are. The most beautiful woman in the room and their thinking ‘how did he get so lucky?’” I all but swooned at that statement and I take minute lost for words before I dip into a curtsy.

“Are you trying to say you like my outfit?” I smile up at him.

“No, I’m saying you’re beautiful. And I feel lucky to just be dancing with you.” He smiled, gripping my hand tightly, as he started to whisk me around the dance floor, joining in near Hali and Rowan. He took my hand whilst placing the other on my hip, sending a shock straight through me as he pulled me close. His breath gracing the shell of my ear as we started to move.

“Well, I feel lucky, dancing with the handsome prince.” I said in my best fairy tale voice.

“So, you think I’m handsome?” he asked raising a quizzical eyebrow, smouldering me and I have to avert my eyes before I’m taken prisoner by that one look alone. He spun me then, before pulling me back against his chest, his palm resting against the small of my back, tracing circles with his thumb.

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” I winked.

“And here was me thinking you liked me for more than my looks?” he smiled.

“Of course, but they are a definite bonus.” I smiled, so full of happiness I felt like I was going to burst. He twirled me around and dipped me low, pulling me back up close to him before my head touched the floor.

“You’re a good dancer.” I smiled, slightly breathless.

“It’s all about having the right partner.” He smiled, and my gaze lingered on his lips.

“Will you two stop it? I can’t concentrate with all the googley eyes.” Hali joked, Rowan spinning her towards us.

“I can’t help staring!” he scolded back at her.

“I know what you mean.” Rowan seconded and they both laughed and high five. “Come on you pair, let’s get a drink.” He said leading Hali over to a fountain. Finn gripped me around my waist as he spun us the whole way there, coming to a stop, just before the table, catching our breaths.

“If dancing always feels like that, I should do it more often!” gasping and slightly dizzy. He pulls away slightly hands on my hips to check I’m steady.

“You alright?” he laughed.

“Peachy.” I smiled as I took in the tables laden with food. Some of them I didn’t recognise, making my mouth water at the delectable smells. My eyes raked over what looked like all different fruits, some in. pastries and pies, others adorning the sides of cakes, but nothing was the right colour. Worrying to much about what they all were I decided to stay safe, plucking an apple from the bowl. Before I could bring the apple to my mouth Finn smacks it away, knocking it across the room.

“What did you do that for?” I asked, shocked.

“You can’t eat the fruit. You won’t be able to leave. You will never be able to return home.”

“Are we in Snow White?”

“They aren’t poisonous, just too strong for humans and I don’t know what it would do to a half human. Not worth the risk.” He smiled. “Anything else is fine.” He handed me a glass shimmery pink liquid. I sipped delicately.

“I was wondering when you were going to get here.” Hali said, waving as Eva and Rose walked towards us. “Do you want a drink?” she asked pouring another.

“No, thanks.” Eva replied, shaking her head. “If I start on the faerie wine now, I’ll be puking before the pollination.” She laughed. Her dress was a deep olive-green with punky tulle skirt, with uneven layers. Rose wore a dark grey dress, with a high neck, ruffled around the collar.

“You both look great.” I smiled.

“Thanks.” Rose replied. “Though we didn’t have a royal team to help us.” She said, envy leaking into her demeanour.

“You can tell.” Hali replied. Taking my arm, pulling me away. “I don’t know what’s up with those girls. They were bitchy before but since you got here, they have gotten so much worse.” Her brow wrinkled. “Come on, let’s go powder our nose.” She said twitching it like a rabbit and giggling. We headed back to the guest bathroom.

“I can’t believe this place. It’s so…”

“Magical.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “The magic between you two had everyone staring.” She grinned.

“Stop!” I laughed swatting her arm. “Were they really?” I asked shyly, looking at the guests around us. We turned into the bathroom.

“The magic was flying off you two! What did he say?” she smiled.

“He sa-.” Something hit me in the back of the head hard and darkness followed.

I strain open my eyes, trying to strain to see through the blurred vision and my head is pounding, matching the tempo of my pulse, which definitely didn’t help things. A cold hard surface beneath me. I push myself up. Three stone walls and a wooden door.

Oh Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

My breath catches in my throat with panic. My dream. My dream actually was a vision and now I’m in a cell. A god damn cell in the Unseelie Court. Her Court. I touch the back of my head where the pain throbs, wetness meeting me and blood left smears across my fingertips as I take a look. I pull myself up and peer out of the tall, barred window. Barren, dark. Is it night already? The rotten smells filling my nostrils and I avert to only breathing through my mouth, as I try to contain my roiling stomach. I run to the door, causing my head to spin, I grip the door as I sway. “Is anyone there?” Silence. Shit shit shit. What am I going to do?

“Uurgh!” Pulling on the door handle willing it open, my head spinning with the exertion as I fall back on my butt. Why can’t I have a useful power like telekinesis? Or transport magic like Finn? I shiver as the coldness begins to seep into my bones as I start rubbing my arms for warmth. The freezing floor bare of anything to ward off the chill. A door creaks down the hall.

“Hello?” I shout. Footsteps sound towards me. Nearer and nearer before an ostrich egg sized eye fills the door bars. A cyclops?! I jump back in fright. Do all mythical creatures exist now?

“Oh, sleeping beauty has awoken.” He sing songs. His voice dull and lazy as he drawls.

“Where am I?” I ask, trying to keep my voice firm, but it cracks with fear anyway.

“These are your lovely chambers. We hope your stay in the Unseelie castle is an unpleasant one. However long it may be.” He grinned showing his missing teeth, his bad breath filling my cell. I curse myself for forgetting to only breath through my mouth.

“Why am I here?”

“Shut up! I’m not here to answer your stupid questions.” He scowled before walking further down the corridor.

“Was this the Princess’ doing?” I shouted.

“Who else?” he shouted, annoyed. “Now stop pissing me off. She’ll be here soon, and I don’t want to damage you before she gets the chance.” He growled. “She would not be please with me.”

Shit. Of course, it was her. I need to get out here. Think. I bang my head back against the cold wall willing an idea to come to me, before my brain throbs reminding me that probably wasn’t the best decision.

Wait. That’s it! my head. I can’t call Finn. It’s his Ball, he can’t just leave to save my ass, he’s the crown prince for God’s sake. I’ll call Hali on my telepathy phone. Right, head in the game. Think of Hali. I calm my breathing, reaching out.

Hali, are you there? Shit she can’t answer. I’m in the Unseelie prison. Send help. Hali please.

I repeat it over and over again until my headache gets so bad, I can’t concentrate. I close my eyes pressing the heel of my palms against them, trying to ease the pressure. A door squeaks at the end.

“Hello?” I shout. “Hello?!” I shout a little louder.

Footsteps head towards my door. Nearer and nearer. A key turns in the door. “I told you to shut up!” the cyclopes shouts hitting me so hard I hit the back wall with a crack and darkness claims me again.

“Thea.” A faraway voice shouts.

“Thea!” louder this time with a jolting shake against me. A clatter. My eyes feel heavy as I wrench them open, before the bright light hits me and I close my eyes against the burn.

The memory of the cyclops fills my mind and I move to shelter myself quickly holding my hands up over my head, curling in a ball to protect myself. Fuck. The movement causing pain to shoot through my back, and I cry out.

“Thea. Look at me. Are you okay?” a pair of warm hands gently press against my shoulder, and I tense, before the realisation hits me.

“Finn?” I croak, slitting my eyes open to check, his worried expression filling my field of vision. He pulls his jacket off and wraps it around me, flooding me with warmth and relief. “Oh, thank god.” He pulls me into a hug, and I hiss in pain. He releases me instantly, distressed as he looks me over.

“Are you okay? Where does it hurt?” Finn asks again.

“Is Hali okay?” I ask him, urgently.

“We need to get out of here.” He replies, I move to stand, groaning. He moves to lift me, but I shrug him off.

“If the cyclops comes back, he’ll kill us. We need to be able to fight back and you can’t do that whilst holding me.” His eyes say he wants to fight me, but he nods. He keeps one hand firmly around my waist, supporting me, probably almost carrying me anyway with how wobbly my feet feel, before stooping to collect his sword from the ground and guides me down the corridor, doors lining both sides. “Did you come alone?” I ask, my voice wavering.

“Hali’s fine and no, Rowan is up ahead. He was watching the door.”

As we reach the end, I see Rowan peering around a door, watching for guards, a sword in his free hand.

“Let’s get out of here.” I say, trying to catch my footing at least once but my head throbs, threatening to empty my stomach. I close my eyes, taking a breath. Finn stops, looking me over again.

“Tell me where it hurts.” He demands, his jaw ticking with frustration, anger. Rage.

“Theodora?” a weary voice sounds from inside the next cell, distracting me from Finn, as I pull myself up to look inside.

“Dad? Dad! I can’t believe you’re here!” tears filling my eyes as I try to reach my arm through. He is shackled to the wall by his hands and feet, skinny, his face is drawn, and his hair and skin caked with dirt. He looks like he hasn’t been fed properly in a while and he looks so much older. Much older than he should. Grey hairs streaking the sides of his head. Tears spill down my cheeks as a sob wracks my body. He’s been here the whole time?

“I knew we would see each other again but you must go. Someone will be here soon.” Panic in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to get pulled into this, but your fate is more than I can control.” His eyes dart to Finn.

“Finn, please, go find the keys.” I ask, my voice shaking on a wracked breath.

“No! You must go. She comes for you. You are the only one who can stop her.” footsteps sound in the distance. Finn turns my face towards him.

“We will come back for him. I promise you but for now, we need to go now.”

“I love you, Thea.” My dad’s voice soft but scratchy like it hasn’t been used in a while. My vision blurs, as the tears stream down my face and my head pounds, I hold my hands against my forehead, trying to ease it.

“Finn, please I can’t leave him.” Almost a whisper, trying to hold in the sobs.

“Take her now!” my father shouts. Rowan grabs Finn’s arm and with a buzz we are back at the castle, in Finn’s sitting room.

“No!” I scream, falling to the floor.

“Go get Althea.” Between the headache and travelling, I can’t tell which ways is up, the room spinning like I’m on the waltzers as my stomach roils again. I try to get up but stumble, trying to find something to regain my balance. “It’s okay. I got you.” Finn swiftly picks me up, walks into his bedroom and places me on the bed. He immediately starts looking me over for injuries.

“We have to go back.” I cry.

“We will. I will get some guards together and we will get him back Thea, I promise you.” He leans and kisses me on the head. “Do you remember what happened?” his hands skating over me, assessing.

“No. I just woke up in that cell. How long was I gone?” I shiver. The adrenaline wearing off.

“A few hours, I should have been there. I’m sorry.” He sat down next to me and wrapped his arms around me trying to warm me up, rubbing them, raising goose bumps in their wake.

“How would we have known? Did Hali tell you where I was?” I asked.

“No, she was unconscious when we found her. Althea healed her but she was groggy. She gave her something to sleep.” He pulled me closer, resting his head on top of mine. “After a while and you both didn’t come back, we got worried. My head was pounding, and I knew something was wrong. We went to find you and found Hali on the bathroom floor, but you were gone.” He pulls back to look at me. “I thought you were dead.”

“So, did I for a minute there.” I let out a little laugh. Trying to stop the tears. “That cyclops really didn’t like me. If he came back again, he might have finished me this time.” his jaw clenched. “How did you find me?”

“I don’t really know. I looked everywhere. When I couldn’t find you, I panicked. Then I heard your voice in my head asking for Hali to help you and my magic just took me to you.” He rubbed the back of his neck a little surprise in his voice.

“Does it usually work like that?”

“No. Usually I would have had to have been to the place before. I just knew I had to get you back.” He rested his hand against my cheek, his thumb stroking my cheek, affectionately and I couldn’t help but lean into the feeling, my heart melting. “This was the dream you had last night, wasn’t it?” I nodded gently. His fingers grazing the cut on the back of my head. I wince and he pulls away immediately.

“Shit.” Looking down at his bloody fingertips. His brow furrows in worry. “Can I see?”

Before I could reply, my grandmother hurries into the room.

“You had us all worried! We spent the whole party looking for you!” she said sitting down on the other side of the bed.

“Her head.” Finn says. I shoot him a look. He shoots me one right back.

“I’m fine.”

“Uh huh.” She said separating the matted hair where my blood has dried in it. “You will be. Where that healing potion I gave you?” she said sitting back and putting her hands on her hips.

“In the bag in the other room.” Without instruction Finn goes to collect it.

“What happened?” she asked, placing her hand against my forehead, as a fuzzy feeling takes over.

“The Unseelie Princess kidnapped me. I dreamt about its last night. She has Dad. He was shackled and skinny. I didn’t want to leave him.” My bottom lip started to tremble, threatening more tears.

“He’s alive?” she let out a gasp. “Things have escalated. We now know what you have seen will come to pass. She’s probably using your father for his magic or taken him so he wouldn’t be able to warn The Fates of her plans.” Finn returns with my bag.

“It’s in the small zip pocket.” I say as he hands it to my grandmother, and she fishes for it. He returns to my side, wrapping a steady arm around my shoulders.

“Drink this and it will heal your head. You will need to rest for it to work fully.” I take the green vial and drink it quick, holding the bridge of my nose. Surprisingly tastes sweet. The pain in my head subsided, leaving only drowsiness. “I need to see your back, Thea.” I nod, leaning forward and Gran unzips my dress to my waist. “Okay. This might take a little longer than your head.” she says.

“What’s wrong with her back?” Finn ask, concerned as he moves to take a look. He takes a sharp intake of breath. “Thea! Why didn’t you say anything?” his voice hard.

“I...” I couldn’t really answer that.

“It looks like you might have a broken rib or two. Take another potion in the morning and I will get you a salve for the bruising, when we get home.”

“She can stay here. She will be safe.” He said his voice still hard and his lips thinning, my grandmother gives him a ’she was literally just kidnapped from here’ look. “I’m not going to let anything happen to her.” firmness in his voice.

“If you are okay with this Thea?” she asks and I give her a quick nod. She bows her head to him. “I will bring you a salve. I will be back in the morning to check on her.” She taps me lightly on the thigh before moving to the door. She stops, her hand ghosting the handle as she turns back. “I’m worried there is worse to come. I will bring some things for you to help. You will need to practice more with your weapons. I will get a spare healing tonic now and leave it in your bag.”

“Okay. After what just happened, I know I need the practice.”

“Right, get some sleep.” She smiles “Goodnight, Thea.” Bowing her head to Finn once more as she leaves.

“But, what about my dad?” I ask, wearily.

“I will get him back.” He pulls me in and kisses me on the forehead. “Now get some rest, it’s been a long day.” He pulled the covers back and help me get under the covers. I was right before. His bed is like sleeping in a cloud. If that cloud was made of pure ecstasy. He sat back down and pulled me in once more. I let out a little moan of satisfaction as I sink further into him. “When you feel better, we will do some more training, tomorrow afternoon maybe. Not until Althea signs you off though.” Cuddling in closer.

“You missed the ball!” I jerk upright. He raised my chin with his finger aligning my eyes to look into his deep green eyes.

“So? I think there was more important things to be worrying about.” He deadpanned.

“What happens at the pollination? Hali told me to wait and see but I missed it.”

“How about I show you what happened last year?” he his voice soft as he took my hand, and we closed our eyes.

A bell rings. “It is time for the annual Pollination.” The king announces. The shock of realising this is Finn’s Father hits me as take in the resemblance. He is a tall man, dark hair like Finn, a strong brow, and a large moustache. “A time where we celebrate life, love and hope for the future. And as for the future, The Queen and I would like to announce the joining of two realms through marriage. Our Son, Phineas has agreed to wed Brighid the Princess of the Unseelie, to end our feud and join our kingdoms!” The crowd gasps, whispering amongst themselves. “Please, join us outside as we start the Celebration.” Everyone heads towards the door leading outside. The bright sun blinding us as we shield our eyes to cross the threshold.

“May the Pollination begin!” A trumpet sounds. Members of the crowd raise their arms in the air and a golden orb grows in the sky, growing and growing, expanding across the sky. When the golden orb has blocked out the sun and any remaining blue in the sky, the queen draws her bow. The arrow sails through the sky bursting the orb on impact. Golden dust falls coating everything below. The flowers, the trees, the people. They all began to glow brighter and brighter. Bursting with life, the trees have fruit, the flowers are in full bloom and the people look healthier and younger.

“Wow.” I open my eyes and meet Finn’s gaze. I lean in and press my lips against his. He pulls away gently.

“Now, get some sleep.” He says leaning back against the ornate headboard and pulling me into his shoulder. I nuzzle in and sleep takes me.

As I open my eyes, I reach and find an empty space next to me and the room left feeling empty and cold. I fight the urge to think of the empty feeling the cell gave me. I breath until my heartbeat returns to normal but I know I won’t be able to return to sleep. I try not to worry about him, but I can’t help it and I can’t bear to be alone right now. I climb out of bed, change out of this bulky ball gown and into my pjs and sneak across the hall with my mind made on checking on Hali. I crack open the door to the guest room and thank God that it doesn’t creak. These glorious fae and their well-oiled doors. Her chest rises and falls on even breaths letting me know she is sleeping and okay; I back up slowly.

“Thea is that you?” a groggy voice asks, and I wince.

“Hali, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

“Come give me a hug.” She beckons. “I’m just so glad you’re okay.”

“I’m sorry you got hurt.” I said.

“Please. It wasn’t your fault!” I climb on the bed next to her. “Do you know where Rowan went?” she says looking around. “It’s the middle of the night.”

“No, Finn was gone too.” Worry tugging at chest. “Should we go look for them?”

“No, we are safer here. Together.” She pulls the duvet back for me to climb in.

“What happened?” she asked. “I know I got hit in the head, I was awake for that long, but I haven’t really managed much more than a few minutes.”

“Brighid happened.”

“It was the Unseelie Princess? Because the wedding is off?” anger in her eyes.

“I presume so.” I worried my bottom lip.

“What happened to you? Everyone was frantic.”

“She kidnapped me. Put me in the dungeon in the Unseelie realm.” I take a deep breath to get out the next words without crying. “She has my dad.”

“That bitch! He was in the dungeon with you?” her eyebrows hitting her hairline with the shock.

“Yeah, I saw him just before Finn pulled us out.” My eyes start to burn with the impending water works.

“Oh honey. Come here.” She pulls me in for a hug. “We will get him back.” She rubs my back before pulling away to look in my eyes. “Finn saved you, again?” she asks

“And Rowan.”

“How did they know where to look?”

“Finn said he transported to me.” her jaw drops.

“You can’t just transport like that! Oh, my Neptune. He found you based on the thought of you alone. That’s unheard of.” Her eyes bulging from her head.

“Well, he can.” I say shrugging.

“Do you know what this means?” physically vibrating.

“No, what?” the door bursts open, Rowan and Finn burst in wearing their armour and looking exhausted.

“Holy Fates! When you weren’t in my room, I thought she came back for you.” Finn said, both of them, running to us.

“What happened?” I ask, confused.

“We went back to get your father.” He said, he pulled me into a tight hug the moment I was within arm’s reach. He had blood smeared on his armour. I pulled back as I place my hands on his cheeks so I could look him over.

“He wasn’t there, but there were a few cyclops there waiting for us.” Rowan answered.

“But you could have been killed. Both of you!” I looked over his body to check for injuries. His dented armour making my heart pounce. When I touch his ribs, he winced.

“That’s what happens when you get punched by one.” Rowan says. Hali hugging him around his waist and looking up at him longingly.

“Thank you both, for doing this for me. But don’t put yourself in danger for me. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.” I kissed his cheek. “We will look together.”

He opened his mouth to argue but I cut him off before he could spout any protective bull. “Come on. It’s my turn to look after you.” Resting my forehead against his and getting lost in his eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask Rowan.

“No injuries to report. I had more sense, unlike pent up aggression over there. He barely let me get a hit in.” He gestured to Finn. I turned a hard glare back to Finn and he just shrugged nonchalantly. I stood up and wrapped his arm around my shoulders and took him back to his room.

“Goodnight guys, thanks again.” I said closing the door behind us.

I sat him down on the sofa and started taking off his armour, it was easy enough with straps like a belt on the sides and under his arms, pulling it over his shoulders. He placed his hands on his ribs. His face pained. I place my hand on top of his. “Let me help you.” He nodded and released. I pulled off his t-shirt to check the damage. There weren’t any cuts just a hell of a bruise. Probably broken ribs. I ran my fingers over his abs. My fingers tingling with every stroke.

My grandmother had left a vial of healing potion on the table. I uncorked the lid and handed it to him. “Drink this.”

“No, I’m fine. That’s for you.” He shook his head.

“Drink up.” I said tipping the vial into his mouth. “I’m fine.” I stroked his face. “You had me worried.” The bruise fading already.

“I told you I would get him back.” He said quietly.

“We will get him back. Together.” I pulled his legs up on the sofa and I knelt beside him.

“I need to make sure your safe.” He said stroking my face. The feeling of comfort and longing overwhelming. I closed my eyes.

“I need to make sure you’re safe.” I repeated back. He smiled.

“Come here.” He pulled me on top of him, so I lay there as he hugged me to his chest. “I don’t know what it is about you Thea. The dreams let me see glimpses of you and I could feel this connection. But now having you here… I just can’t let anything happen to you. When you were gone…” I rest my chin on his muscular chest and look up into his eyes.

“I’m okay. I’m safe. You’re safe.” I sweep my fingers up his muscular jaw. “Now come on. We need to get some sleep.” He wraps his arm around me tighter before sweeping me up into his arms in one swift motion. I let out a little gasp. “Hey! Your meant to be resting.” I giggled, flicking some dirt out of his hair. He walks us into his bedroom door.

“You can sleep in here.” He says, placing me back in bed. “I’ll take the sofa.” kissing me on the forehead. His warmth and tenderness making me feel like I was precious. I grab his hand before he can move away as a volt of fear shoots through me. The fear of being alone and being back in the dark damp dungeon.

“Stay with me?” I ask and he smiles. I lift the blankets and scoot over giving him enough room to move in beside me and he climbs in, wrapping his warm arms around me, Protecting me in his embrace. A tingling sensation covers my body and in no time at all I drift away.