The Unseelie Princess
A Puck and Original Character Story
Authors note: I wrote this after reading the first book "The Iron King", not knowing what was to happen in the future books so it's a little odd but I decided to publish it anyway! Eira is an invented character as I'm positive Mab doesn't have a daughter but I thought it might be fun to add one in The Iron Fey series belongs to the lovely Julie Kagawa (She also owns Puck too which is a bit of a shame for us fangirls :P). Thank you so much for reading! Please review!
Meaghan entered the Unseelie court, shivering in her coat as she stood a short distance behind Ash who had not spoken a word to her since arriving. The frosted branches of the densely packed trees parted silently for the Prince, leaving a large archway where they both crossed into the main court.
Mab was upon a throne not unlike the one she had seen Oberon and Titania on, except instead of the lively vibrant colours and green vines, everything was dead and cold. Beside her stood Ash's brothers, solemn and stoic as they silently regarded her and Ash approaching. On the other side of Mab was a beautiful girl whom Meaghan didn't remember seeing at Elsyium. She stood tall and regal; her thick midnight hair falling midway down her back while the front section was pulled back into various braids that resembled a sort of crown. Her silver dress fell gracefully to the floor while the bejewelled pins in her hair resembled perfectly formed icicles. At that moment, her onyx eyes fixed themselves on Meaghan, leaving her slightly frightened at the frosty impassiveness in her face. Meaghan turned away quickly, deciding to pay attention to Ash who had begun to speak.
"My Queen, I have brought you Meaghan Chase as promised" he pronounced, bowing. Meaghan, still unsure of faery protocol, stood there awkwardly, ducking her head in respect.
Mab smiled tightly, though a gleam of something feral shone in her eyes "You have done well Ash, though what took so long?"
Ash looked uncomfortable "That is a tale for another time My Lady"
She regarded him coolly for a moment before turning her attention to Meaghan "Very well. You look dead on your feet. Perhaps we should commence our conversation when you are better rested"
Meaghan, unsure of what to make of Mab's kindness and hospitality merely nodded mutely. After her lectures from both Puck and Grim, she knew better than to thank her. Mab snapped her fingers, whispering something to a creature who looked much like Tansy before she bade Meaghan a quick goodbye. Taking her cue to leave, she followed the servant, noticing that Ash still made no attempt to talk to her. She was almost to the doorway when she heard the Queen's voice resonate.
"And you are welcome"
Frowning at her cryptic words, Meaghan continued on, shivering as they approached the gardens.
The servant girl opened up the door, leading Meaghan to a large bedchamber that was surprisingly warm. Meaghan resisted the urge to race to the fireplace to defrost her semi frozen body.
"If you need any assistance, you will find me across the gardens and towards the left of the fountain" she said in clipped tones.
Meaghan thanked her, though she was inwardly wondering whether anyone in the whole of Nevernever was actually friendly. Other than Puck of course. But she hadn't heard any news of his wellbeing since his injuries. She missed him so much it almost physically hurt. He was her only friend in this place and without him; everything seemed hundred times as foreign and lonesome.
"A penny for your thoughts princess?" came an amused voice from behind. Meaghan turned around, her neck cricking painfully at the sudden movement.
"Puck!" she shrieked, throwing her arms around the grinning boy with such force that he staggered. She squeezed him tightly, realising that he was indeed quite real. Tears of joy formed in her eyes as his arms wound around her and humiliatingly enough, she started bawling into his shirt.
"I'm alive, no need to cry" he said soothingly, patting her hair comfortingly.
Meaghan glanced up, "What happened?" she hiccupped, swiping away her tears with the back of her jacket.
His face turned serious "Mab saved me"
"Did she ask for anything in return?" asked Meaghan, finding the Unseelie Queen's goodwill hard to believe.
Puck continued to look troubled as he shook his head, his red hair as messy as ever "No"
"Perhaps she was being kind" suggested Meaghan lightly
Puck snorted at the idea "When you have lived as long as I have princess, you will know that the Unseelie Queen does not do anything out of the kindness of her heart"
Meaghan was just about to agree when a firm knock sounded at the door. Giving a wary glance at Puck, Meaghan strode over to the door and opened it, Puck right behind her. A gust of frigid wind met her and she craved the warmth of the fireplace more than ever.
When the swirl of snow cleared, she noticed a tall figure emerging, their black eyes familiar and foreign at the same time. Meaghan recognised her as the girl from court before but she couldn't for the life of her figure out what she was doing here. Judging by her silvery dress and impeccable appearance, it was clear she wasn't a serving maid. Her eyes flickered towards Puck at her side before focusing back on her.
"I was not aware you had company. Perhaps I shall return at another time" she said, her voice enchantingly melodic. Meaghan wanted to say something in return but she had already turned away, leaving a trail of icy air as the branches parted for her.
"Who is she?" asked Meaghan, more to herself than anyone.
Puck grimaced, closing the door behind them "That, is the Unseelie Princess "
Meaghan looked at Puck as though he had grown an extra head (a feat that he probably was in fact capable of) "Why was she never mentioned before?"
He shrugged "No reason. She is the only daughter of Queen Mab though"
It made sense. Her features and demeanour were much like Ash and Mab though she looked possibly more terrifying. Meaghan voiced her opinions, earning a chuckle from Puck.
"Oh, she's not that bad once you get to know her"
Meaghan quirked a brow "It sounds like you know her pretty well"
Puck looked immediately uncomfortable, squirming under the seemingly light hearted remark.
"Well I use to know her, before Ash and I became mortal enemies" he answered nonchalantly. He twisted a piece of his shirt, facing away from Meghan who now burned with curiosity. She had known him for as long as she could remember, and right now she could tell there was something he wasn't telling her.
"By know her, do you mean as friends?" she asked, knowing she had hit the target when his face paled.
"A little more than friends" he said finally, in a small voice that was so unlike him.
Meaghan couldn't help the impish grin that spread across her face as she delighted in Puck's evident discomfort "You dated her?" she said incredulously, trying to link the rather frightening girl with the easy going Puck "The Unseelie Princess?"
Puck grimaced, a faraway look in his eyes "It was a long time ago"
