A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. (It's been almost 4 months since the last update.) I was going to put a chapter about Devlin between chapter 8 and this one, but it turned out really awkward and while it was relevant to the plot, it was not crucial to the plot.

~ When All Is Said And Done ~

- Chapter 9: Standing In The Sun, I'm About To Melt -

By the time they reached the Summer Court's loft, Bananach had weakened to the point that she could no longer walk on her own and had to be carried.

When Niall asked the Summer Court guards to relay a message that he would like to request an immediate audience with Summer Regents, they looked him over suspiciously but seemed not to recognize Bananach for what she was. The Dark King attributed this lack of recognition to her weakened state and altered physical appearance. The guards announced them to the Summer King and Queen as "The Dark King and an unknown Dark faery".

"What's this about, Niall?" Keenan asked in a surly tone, once the Dark fey had been admitted to the loft.

The Summer King frowned when he saw Bananach in Niall's arms, but his eyes slid away as if he couldn't keep his focus on her for very long. Niall noticed, and began to wonder if the other faeries were unable to recognize Bananach on sight because there was actually something preventing them from recognizing her. But, if so, then why had he known who she was the night he found her?

"She wanted to speak to the Summer Queen," Niall said, indicating the faery he held.

"Does 'she' have a name?" Keenan asked, glaring suspiciously at Lady War.

"Of course," Niall answered.

When he failed to elaborate, Keenan raised an eyebrow expectantly. Niall shrugged.

Let him interpret THAT however he wants…

He had answered the Summer King's question, after all. Keenan should have known better than to phrase it in such an unspecific manner if he wanted a straight answer. Logically, Keenan was most likely to assume that the gesture meant that Niall did not actually know her name.

Aislinn stepped between Keenan and Niall, and - addressing Bananach directly - asked gently, "What did you want to tell me?"

Bananach slid from Niall's arms so that she was standing face-to-face with the Summer Queen. Aislinn gasped as Lady War clutched her hands.

Keenan moved as if to defend his queen, but Niall blocked him.

"She's not hurt, just surprised," Niall informed him quietly. "Don't give me an excuse to fight you."

Seeing that the ladies were now engaged in an intense whispered conversation, Keenan nodded and backed away.

When Bananach's fingers closed around hers, the Summer Queen saw the other faery for what she was.

"I took Seth to see my sister in Faerie," Lady War confessed without preamble, her voice a barely-audible whisper.

To keep Keenan from overhearing, Aislinn realized. "Seth is in Faerie?" she asked, just as quietly.

"Yes. Sorcha granted his wish and remade him as a faery, but I don't know the full terms of that arrangement."

Aislinn hesitated slightly before asking, "Does Keenan know where Seth is?"

"All of the monarchs know, because he asked each of them to turn him before going to the High Queen," Bananach answered, confirming the Summer Queen's suspicions. Keenan had known where Seth was the whole time, but he had kept it a secret in order to turn Aislinn's feelings against her lover.

Aislinn was overwhelmed with a kaleidoscope of disparate emotions. She was happy to know that Seth was safe and anxious for his return, but she was furious at Keenan for keeping Seth's whereabouts a secret in order manipulate her. She was also confused… why was War attempting to undo the seeds of chaos that she'd sown? Wouldn't that go against her nature?

"Why are you telling me this?" Aislinn asked.

Bananach grew increasingly agitated as she attempted to reply.

"If I'd known… If I'd known… I wouldn't have… but I couldn't see… If I'd known… I…" Tears streamed down her face and her unfinished sentence was punctuated by a hoarse sob.

"That's enough!" Niall snapped. He was suddenly beside them, reaching between the two females to gently disentangle their hands before sweeping Bananach up into his arms.

Aislinn caught the Dark King's gaze and, sounding genuinely concerned, asked, "What's wrong with her?"

"I don't know," he answered flatly. "That's what I've been trying to find out."

- to be continued -

A/N: Reviews are love.