A/N: I do not own the Iron Fey series, and that's all I'm going to say for this author's note.
Previously:
"Ash", the king turned to his left and saw a fair-haired lady standing in an archway.
"Ariella," Ash called out as he jogged over to where she stood. The two embraced passionately like they've been apart for years, not days.
Too caught up in their own little world, the two lovers didn't notice the princess stare longingly at them before being shoved forward to meet her uncertain future.
Tir Na Nog, the Unseelie Court:
The azure fire flickered and danced along its log, teasing the freezing princess. Meghan's fingers were close enough for the flames to lick them, but its heat was not enough to warm her core.
The door to her room opened without a knock and Meghan didn't bother to turn around to see who it was.
"Seelie girl," it was a woman's voice. Her smooth voice sounded like it was the product of many years of etiquette classes, "The king has summoned you, and I'm to bring you to him."
Meghan finally turned around to see who was addressing her. It was the woman she saw Ash embrace and call Ariella. She noticed something that she didn't when she first saw her. Ariella looked like she was expecting a child, and Meghan had a good feeling who the sire was.
"Certainly, Ariella" Meghan surprised herself with the amount of venom she put on Ariella's name.
"It's Lady Ariella to you, Seelie half-breed."
"And it's Princess Meghan to you, Unseelie wench."
"Oh, looks like the kitten has claws. Maybe you will last longer than a day."
Meghan grumbled underneath her breath, "Maybe if I don't die from hyperthermia first."
The War Room
"We will take them by surprise and strike them where it will hurt!" A zealous general moved around small ice figures to demonstrate his battle plan.
Ash nodded his head approving of the battle plan; it seemed fool-proof to him.
One of his aids whispered in his ear, and Ash aimed his attention to the two females standing in the entry way.
"Ah, Ariella I see you've brought our guest. You may go now, my love."
Ariella curtsied and left, but not before shooting Meghan a nasty look.
"Princess, come here I want to show you something."
Meghan took her time walking over to Ash; he might sound harmless, but that didn't mean that wasn't about to run her through with his ever-present sword.
When she got there, Ash pointed his finger to the table in front of them. On the table seemed to be a mock battle, obviously one between the Winter and Summer Courts.
"What you see in front of you is the fate of your court. With this battle plan, the Seelie Court will be totally destroyed, and Winter will reign supreme. However, this doesn't have to happen if you agree to help me."
Meghan squinted her eyes as she studied the plan, then she looked at Ash.
"Your Majesty, your threat of destroying my court would have more merit if your plan would actually work, but it won't because it has too many holes in it."
"What are you talking about, this plan is perfect!"
"Theoretically maybe, but your warriors would not be able to pull it off."
"And what makes you say that, are you an expert or something?"
Meghan was not expecting to have talked this much with Ash and so freely. She was starting to wonder how long it will be before he decides to freeze her into a living statue.
"Well, I have spent the last ten years studying strategy and old battles. That particular plan always sounds good, but no one has been able to pull it off. And I know for a fact that your court won't be the ones to do it, especially since they are still weakened from the Iron fey. It is also common knowledge that your court is on the verge of civil war."
Meghan mentally slapped herself, how could she be so stupid? Of course Ash doesn't want to hear all about his failures as king. She braced herself for the incoming ice, but it didn't come.
Ash's mien was tense and tight. "Well then, what do you suggest?"
Taken aback Meghan continued, "Well I'm certainly not going to tell you of strategy that will wipe out my people, and I'm not going to tell you any plan because you are in no condition to wage war."
"Why do you care if we survive or perish? If you're so loyal to your court, shouldn't you be doing everything in your power to destroy us?"
"I am loyal to the Seelie Court, but I also believe that the Nevernever needs balance between the two courts in order for it to prosper—"
"So, then you will help me restore my court?"
With her head down, "Yes, I will help you—"
"Good, then you will remain here as a subject of my court."
Meghan looked at him in unmasked shock.
"Don't be so alarmed princess, it is a safety precaution to make sure that Oberon cannot order you away before your role is fulfilled. Speaking of which, you can help us solve the riddle. The seer said that you will help us by doing what women are known for. Now, who knows what women are known for?"
Ash's generals started talking amongst themselves with possible ideas. Then they went down in a line saying what they thought.
"Nagging"
"Gossip"
"Being vain and self-conscientious"
"Asking for direction and then not following them"
"Staying in the kitchen and making sandwiches." Every one turned to stare at the general, who looked confused as to why everyone found what he said strange.
"Creating life"
This time everyone turned to look at Meghan.
"It would make sense that I'm supposed to do something that King Ash cannot do. As a Summer fey, I have the power to create life in nature, and as a woman I have the ability to create life by bearing…children."
There was silence and the weight of Meghan's words finally hit her. She realized what her role was and now so did Ash.
The tension and the awkwardness (at least for Meghan) were unbearable. Before she knew what she was doing, Meghan sprinted from Ash in the vague direction of her room.
