Rose sped across the shadowed grounds to the stables. Sir Leslie's slight suggestion made chills go down her spine. Could she really? Did she dare venture there again?
Her cream dress snagged slightly on a bush, but she kept going. Rose had made up her mind. She wanted to know what was going on here. Leslie's suggestive words made her think of the problem.
"Whatever happened to you in the forest, Rose?" Then he had said, "I wonder what its like to be there in the dark, when the creatures who live there tell truths about the things that happen here."
Rose glided silently onto the bareback of her horse and galloped quietly into the forest where she and Ella had been only hours before. The ominous silence threatened at any moment to reveal her with the sound of the crackling leaves. On one hand she wanted to listen silently and unnoticed to the conversation that she was sure she would find in the clearing. On the other hand, she was dying to see that man again, the dark handsome one, to feel his hand on her face and his lips on her own. She came to a decision just before she approached the clearing, but it was too late.
"Move again, my lady, and this knife will be upon your throat," a rough voice said as she felt a hard sharpness pressed against her back. "I'm sure Arigronam would be very happy to see a spy. It's time we had someone to hold for ransom so those insufferable pigs you are friends with will bargain for the life of our prince when he gets caught. Now get off the horse and move!"
Rose slowly dismounted and the steel followed. She was jabbed by the point and began walking, stumbling in the darkness. Soon she could see a light shining ahead in the clearing which she remembered.
"I have found a spy for you Arigronam! She should be very useful," her captor spoke pushing her into the clearing.
Rose blinked as her eyes were bombarded with the light from the fire. She felt very self-conscious as all eyes turned towards her. She held her breathe waiting to see what would take place next. Movement came from her right, and there he was, her captor from earlier that day.
"Rosamund Cynward. What a wonderful spy you have brought, Rianannon. Release her." Arigronam growled. Rose could sense the bafflement and hesitance of the man holding the knife to her. "I said release her, Rianannon, or you shall face the wrath of not only I but the prince's as well! Release her now!"
Rianannon stepped back a blended into the dusk. Rose supposed he was retreating back to his post to look for more "spies". Arigronam stepped toward her smiling.
"Let me show you my world, my lady. And when we have finished our tour, we must do quite a bit of talking. Come, Rosamund." Arigronam offered his arm to her.
Rose slowly walked forward. "I don't know you, yet I feel that I can trust you. I shall accompany you." She took his arm, and he led her off through the forest.
The darkness became darker than Rose ever imagined it could be with each moment. She felt millions of eyes gazing upon her, and she squirmed. Arigronam noticed her discomfort, and placed a comforting hand on top of hers. Rose just began to think she could take it no more when they stepped through some sort of portal into a searing light.
Her eyes took moments to adjust themselves to the light, but when they had become acclimated Rose was astounded. Arigronam had led her into a sparkling city built around the trees. Rose gasped as a butterfly that seemed to be made of cloud came flitting in front of them.
Arigronam smiled. "Welcome to my home, Rosamund. This is the Fey city of
KymberBrynn which was founded by Calis and Aideen, a god and goddess of the Fey. The family who rules now is their descendents. You know the crowned prince, I believe, but we shall not go into that yet. Here, let me show you around."
Argironam led Rose to a platform high in a tree, so she could see almost everything. Everywhere there were people flying with wings made of the finest translucent gauze that shimmered like a bubble catching the sun. Strange creatures floated, slinked, darted, and bounced all over the city. Rose even though she a dragon slipping into a large dome at the edge of what seemed to be a dome over the entire city. Trails led in all directions, each trail surrounded by exotic flourishing plants. Several mists rose at the end of some of the trails. The mists were caused by crystalline waterfalls seeming to appear from the sky. Rose turned her attention to a beautiful castle made of the finest crystals and metals known to anyone. She smiled when Arigronam put his arm around her waist and leaned down towards her.
"That castle is where I live. I want you to come there with me to meet the kind and queen. They shall be glad indeed to meet the new friend of their favorite nephew," he whispered.
Rose smiled back at him, their eyes locking for a soul searing moment before his head began descending toward hers. His face was just centimeters from hers. Finally Rose was about to receive the kiss she had wanted and had been dreaming about each day.
"It's not proper for the young Grand Duke to bring maidens up here to kiss them. T'ain't right, yer grace. King Tiernan and Queen Niamh want you to bring the lady to them. They say they have urgent matters to discuss with her, and they don't want her here too long 'cause then them evil ones on the outside that live in that gaudy, ugly castle will come looking for her at the request of …well…you know who I'm talking about, yer grace." A homely looking Fey said quickly.
"Yes, I suppose your right. Shall we leave for the castle now, Rosamud? Arigronam asked as his wings appeared from nowhere.
"Ummm...is yes the right answer?" Rose asked timidly.
Arigronam laughed, took her in his arms, and jumped from the platform. His wings caught the air, and Rose had the most unpleasant feeling of her stomach dropping out of her body. She looked down and saw a dragon looking up at her.
"Hi," it said. Rose had a feeling that is spoke straight into her mind. She fainted for the first time in her life and probably the last.