Chapter Five
"Another unlucky soul entranced by your fragile beauty, I see."
Silky black strands of hair were stirred as he spoke softly by her ear. Everlind stood so perfectly still that she could have been a statue, had it not been for the nervous fluttering of her eyelashes or the shallow rise and fall of her chest. From behind her, Ryo lightly grasped her upper arms and pulled her against him. Still, she did not relax. The prince clucked reprovingly.
"My sweet Everlind," he purred, gently nuzzling her hair, "why do you resist me? I have not made you angry, I hope." There was a tinge of condescending amusement to his last words that took away all sincerity. Everlind didn't struggle against him, but if it was possible her form tensed even further.
"My lord has done nothing to anger me," she said at last. "I merely worry for the boy."
Outright amusement from the fae prince this time. He released Everlind and circled around her, then paused in front of her and crossed his arms lazily. "In the centuries I've known you, not once have you cared for any of the rare mortals that happened to cross into Faerie. I do not believe for a second that you truly worry about this one."
Shrugging, Everlind looked coyly up at Ryo through thick lashes. "Perhaps my lord is right," she murmured. "Perhaps this boy is as inconsequential as the rest." She allowed a mysterious smile to curve her lips. "I thought my lord enjoyed playing games with his lovers, however. Does this game not please him?"
The low chuckle Ryo gave was seductive and predatory. Stepping closer to Everlind, he once again took hold of her arms and pulled her toward him, smiling in satisfaction when she lifted her face to his. "You please me greatly," he murmured huskily, lowering his head until he'd captured her lips with his own. Tension gone, Everlind molded herself against him and forgot about the inconsequential mortal boy.
* * *
Despite having had the position for several years, Sarah had no real skill at being a queen. Her acting skills had come in handy on more than one occasion as she completely bluffed her way through things -- Jareth had once amusedly told her that half of being a leader was acting -- but when it came right down to it, she felt she just didn't know what she was doing. She'd never, during her childhood, imagined that one day she'd be a queen. She'd known that one day she would get to play queens and noble ladies in theatre productions, but that was a far cry from the real thing. And so as she sat in her room, one foot tapping an anxious rhythm on the stone floor, she wondered if her acting could help her or hinder her in this situation.
Puck, despite being a generally benign creature, was also terribly tricky. He could be loyal for years, and then suddenly one day turn around and play a horrible trick on you. Sarah didn't want -- couldn't tolerate -- that happening this time. Her brother's life was on the line, and she needed true, dependable allies to help her save him. Everlind, she felt, would be her best help, but she couldn't get to the servant girl without alerting Oberon. Neither could she sneak into Faerie, for her mortal blood would alert everyone to her presence immediately. Even her small magical powers couldn't conceal the presence of iron in a realm whose very inhabitants could be killed by the substance.
"There's no help for it," she sighed, slumping back in her chair. "I'm just going to have to ask him. And if he stabs me in the back, I'll make the rest of his immortal life absolutely miserable." Calling up a crystal, she cooed Puck's name softly and waited for a reply. It came almost immediately, though the voice was soft and bewildered. Sarah smiled and continued, "Puck, it's Queen Sarah." To her chagrin, the fae's voice immediately perked up.
"Ah, good Queen Sarah, mortal ruler of the Underground and mother of wishes! I don't suppose you're looking for something that belongs to you?"
"You know very well why I'm contacting you, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't go broadcasting who you're talking to." Sarah's brow furrowed in vexation. How could she get the little man to listen to her? She decided not to enlist his aid just yet…better to catch him offguard. "Is there anybody nearby who can hear us?"
"Rest assured, dear lady, that I have left the royal court. Your secrets are safe with me." He chuckled.
"Why is it that I don't feel assured by that statement?" Sarah waited for Puck to stop his soft snickering before she continued, "As to the whereabouts of my brother, I already know where he's headed off to. As I'm sure you well know, my husband is capable of looking in on people --"
"Spying, you mean? Aye, I know well his talent for eavesdropping. You realize that your handsome devil of a husband would not have the ability to see into Faerie if our king did not wish it, do you not? However, you have discovered that your brother is off questing for the Imperial Diadem. I suppose now your plan is to plead with good King Oberon to call off this mission?"
Good king, my ass, Sarah thought sourly. Aloud, she asked, "Would it work?"
Puck snorted. "Not likely. You know as well as I that once his mind is made up, there's no changing it."
"Oh." Sarah injected a tone of casual disinterest into her voice. "Then you'll just have to go after him yourself, I suppose."
"'Twould also be a poor idea for you to -- what?" Puck spluttered for a few moments before finally regaining himself. "Have you taken leave of your senses? Were I to go after the boy, Oberon would see me dead! You are well aware of our realm's distaste for mortals!"
"Yes, yes, they're disgusting creatures with fatal iron in their blood." Sarah rolled her eyes, although Puck couldn't see the expression. "Nonetheless, I do believe it was you who led Toby to your king in the first place. Would I be wrong in that assumption?" A grumbled agreement was all she needed to press on. "In that case, much of the blame for this situation falls on your shoulders. And if I'm not mistaken, while the Seelie Court would agree with King Oberon's decision to send Toby away, they would side with me when I told them of your callous behavior. Even the Fae have some compunction."
A few drawn out moments of silence ensued. Sarah was beginning to wonder if Puck had cut off all communication when he finally said, "You have my respect, good queen. Some would say that being new to these realms, you could not possibly hold your own. I believe you have just proved them wrong."
"Jareth has taught me well," Sarah replied. "Now. Are you going to help me, or do I follow through on my promise?"
"Believe me when I say I would help your brother. However, my king's orders were explicit. 'Tis forbidden for me to go after the boy."
"Oh, I never expected you to go after him anyway. All I need you to do is find a certain servant girl and make sure she gets out of the castle safely. She ought to be able to get my brother out of danger, at least. Jareth and I will do the rest."
"If it is Everlind of whom you speak, you truly have taken leave of your senses."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because she is the servant of Ryo, Oberon's own son!" Puck squeaked. "Smuggling her out of the royal palace would have dire consequences!"
"Ryo." Sarah spat the word out in disgust, remembering all too well the sly, arrogant prince. "Well, Puck, you have two choices: either go after Toby yourself, or get Everlind to do it. I may not be ruler of your realm, but I still hold some weight in this court and I will not hesitate to use every ounce of my power. Do you understand?"
"Hell hath no fury," Puck murmured, his voice distinctly amused. "Very well, Queen Sarah, I will do my best. You are a formidable adversary, but forgive me if I say that Ryo is worse. If you never hear from me again, it is because I am dead."
At his last comment, Sarah couldn't help but laugh. "Your sacrifice means much to both me and my husband," she assured, still chuckling softly. "In return for your kindness, I'll do what I can to help you."
"Why is it that I don't feel assured by that statement?" Puck retorted, echoing her earlier words. "Very well, good queen, I trust you. Farewell, until we meet again -- be it on this plane or another!"
"Good-bye, Puck." Finished with her conversation, Sarah crossed the room to gaze out the window. Hazel eyes grew distant as her thoughts turned inward. I'll get you back safely, Toby, I promise. I'll protect you. Absently, her hand went to her abdomen…then jerked back as though shocked. Sarah grimaced and leaned against the wall, squeezing her eyes shut. Not there anymore, she reminded herself. The baby's gone. Has been for a year. You have to stop doing that…
As she looked out upon the Labyrinth once again, Sarah's jaw tensed resolutely. There was a very grave chance that Toby would stray into Elvish lands, and she had to find him before then. The elves had killed her unborn child; they would not take her brother as well.
* * *
Wearied by lack of food and sleep, Toby's footsteps began to lag. At first, Fif merely taunted him, goading his pride to keep him moving. When it became apparent that Toby's energy was running out, however, the spritely fae ceased his teasing and approached his friend with a somber expression. "You're not going to make it much further," he observed, for once not sounding amused. "Your energy is failing you."
"I just need sleep," Toby stated, ignoring the gnawing pain in his stomach. He also ignored the thought of all the food Everlind had packed for him, instead trying to focus on other things. "Can we just rest here 'til morning? This is a stupid quest anyway; King Oberon can wait a little longer for me…if I come back at all…"
"Oh, you'll come back," Fif stated, his boyish voice fierce. "I'll see to it that you make it back, one way or another. But you won't make it back at all if you don't eat something. You have to eat, Toby. Even an immortal such as myself can see that. You've got that pack there, so why not take out some of the food, rest a bit, and have something to eat?"
Toby shook his head firmly. "I can't eat or drink anything while I'm here," he said, lowering himself into the soft grass. "Don't worry, Fif. I'll be fine. I just need to sleep for a little while. Could you…y'know, guard me or something?"
Fif nodded, his arms crossed and a disapproving frown on his face. The ball of light hovering above his head bobbed impatiently, its glow a muted yellow rather than its usual silver. "I will watch you, friend," he murmured as Toby laid his head down and began drifting off to sleep. "But I fear that soon you will be faced with a very difficult choice, and I cannot help you if you refuse to help yourself."
* * *
Notes: I really need to start writing longer chapters. X_X It always seems like I'm writing long chapters here in Word, but as soon as I transfer them over to a webpage, they become pitifully small! Ah well, that's something for me to work on. ;) I'm also working on editing "Say The Words" and "When Words Aren't Enough," so they -- or the first one, anyway -- should be up in a few weeks or so! :)
"Another unlucky soul entranced by your fragile beauty, I see."
Silky black strands of hair were stirred as he spoke softly by her ear. Everlind stood so perfectly still that she could have been a statue, had it not been for the nervous fluttering of her eyelashes or the shallow rise and fall of her chest. From behind her, Ryo lightly grasped her upper arms and pulled her against him. Still, she did not relax. The prince clucked reprovingly.
"My sweet Everlind," he purred, gently nuzzling her hair, "why do you resist me? I have not made you angry, I hope." There was a tinge of condescending amusement to his last words that took away all sincerity. Everlind didn't struggle against him, but if it was possible her form tensed even further.
"My lord has done nothing to anger me," she said at last. "I merely worry for the boy."
Outright amusement from the fae prince this time. He released Everlind and circled around her, then paused in front of her and crossed his arms lazily. "In the centuries I've known you, not once have you cared for any of the rare mortals that happened to cross into Faerie. I do not believe for a second that you truly worry about this one."
Shrugging, Everlind looked coyly up at Ryo through thick lashes. "Perhaps my lord is right," she murmured. "Perhaps this boy is as inconsequential as the rest." She allowed a mysterious smile to curve her lips. "I thought my lord enjoyed playing games with his lovers, however. Does this game not please him?"
The low chuckle Ryo gave was seductive and predatory. Stepping closer to Everlind, he once again took hold of her arms and pulled her toward him, smiling in satisfaction when she lifted her face to his. "You please me greatly," he murmured huskily, lowering his head until he'd captured her lips with his own. Tension gone, Everlind molded herself against him and forgot about the inconsequential mortal boy.
Despite having had the position for several years, Sarah had no real skill at being a queen. Her acting skills had come in handy on more than one occasion as she completely bluffed her way through things -- Jareth had once amusedly told her that half of being a leader was acting -- but when it came right down to it, she felt she just didn't know what she was doing. She'd never, during her childhood, imagined that one day she'd be a queen. She'd known that one day she would get to play queens and noble ladies in theatre productions, but that was a far cry from the real thing. And so as she sat in her room, one foot tapping an anxious rhythm on the stone floor, she wondered if her acting could help her or hinder her in this situation.
Puck, despite being a generally benign creature, was also terribly tricky. He could be loyal for years, and then suddenly one day turn around and play a horrible trick on you. Sarah didn't want -- couldn't tolerate -- that happening this time. Her brother's life was on the line, and she needed true, dependable allies to help her save him. Everlind, she felt, would be her best help, but she couldn't get to the servant girl without alerting Oberon. Neither could she sneak into Faerie, for her mortal blood would alert everyone to her presence immediately. Even her small magical powers couldn't conceal the presence of iron in a realm whose very inhabitants could be killed by the substance.
"There's no help for it," she sighed, slumping back in her chair. "I'm just going to have to ask him. And if he stabs me in the back, I'll make the rest of his immortal life absolutely miserable." Calling up a crystal, she cooed Puck's name softly and waited for a reply. It came almost immediately, though the voice was soft and bewildered. Sarah smiled and continued, "Puck, it's Queen Sarah." To her chagrin, the fae's voice immediately perked up.
"Ah, good Queen Sarah, mortal ruler of the Underground and mother of wishes! I don't suppose you're looking for something that belongs to you?"
"You know very well why I'm contacting you, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't go broadcasting who you're talking to." Sarah's brow furrowed in vexation. How could she get the little man to listen to her? She decided not to enlist his aid just yet…better to catch him offguard. "Is there anybody nearby who can hear us?"
"Rest assured, dear lady, that I have left the royal court. Your secrets are safe with me." He chuckled.
"Why is it that I don't feel assured by that statement?" Sarah waited for Puck to stop his soft snickering before she continued, "As to the whereabouts of my brother, I already know where he's headed off to. As I'm sure you well know, my husband is capable of looking in on people --"
"Spying, you mean? Aye, I know well his talent for eavesdropping. You realize that your handsome devil of a husband would not have the ability to see into Faerie if our king did not wish it, do you not? However, you have discovered that your brother is off questing for the Imperial Diadem. I suppose now your plan is to plead with good King Oberon to call off this mission?"
Good king, my ass, Sarah thought sourly. Aloud, she asked, "Would it work?"
Puck snorted. "Not likely. You know as well as I that once his mind is made up, there's no changing it."
"Oh." Sarah injected a tone of casual disinterest into her voice. "Then you'll just have to go after him yourself, I suppose."
"'Twould also be a poor idea for you to -- what?" Puck spluttered for a few moments before finally regaining himself. "Have you taken leave of your senses? Were I to go after the boy, Oberon would see me dead! You are well aware of our realm's distaste for mortals!"
"Yes, yes, they're disgusting creatures with fatal iron in their blood." Sarah rolled her eyes, although Puck couldn't see the expression. "Nonetheless, I do believe it was you who led Toby to your king in the first place. Would I be wrong in that assumption?" A grumbled agreement was all she needed to press on. "In that case, much of the blame for this situation falls on your shoulders. And if I'm not mistaken, while the Seelie Court would agree with King Oberon's decision to send Toby away, they would side with me when I told them of your callous behavior. Even the Fae have some compunction."
A few drawn out moments of silence ensued. Sarah was beginning to wonder if Puck had cut off all communication when he finally said, "You have my respect, good queen. Some would say that being new to these realms, you could not possibly hold your own. I believe you have just proved them wrong."
"Jareth has taught me well," Sarah replied. "Now. Are you going to help me, or do I follow through on my promise?"
"Believe me when I say I would help your brother. However, my king's orders were explicit. 'Tis forbidden for me to go after the boy."
"Oh, I never expected you to go after him anyway. All I need you to do is find a certain servant girl and make sure she gets out of the castle safely. She ought to be able to get my brother out of danger, at least. Jareth and I will do the rest."
"If it is Everlind of whom you speak, you truly have taken leave of your senses."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because she is the servant of Ryo, Oberon's own son!" Puck squeaked. "Smuggling her out of the royal palace would have dire consequences!"
"Ryo." Sarah spat the word out in disgust, remembering all too well the sly, arrogant prince. "Well, Puck, you have two choices: either go after Toby yourself, or get Everlind to do it. I may not be ruler of your realm, but I still hold some weight in this court and I will not hesitate to use every ounce of my power. Do you understand?"
"Hell hath no fury," Puck murmured, his voice distinctly amused. "Very well, Queen Sarah, I will do my best. You are a formidable adversary, but forgive me if I say that Ryo is worse. If you never hear from me again, it is because I am dead."
At his last comment, Sarah couldn't help but laugh. "Your sacrifice means much to both me and my husband," she assured, still chuckling softly. "In return for your kindness, I'll do what I can to help you."
"Why is it that I don't feel assured by that statement?" Puck retorted, echoing her earlier words. "Very well, good queen, I trust you. Farewell, until we meet again -- be it on this plane or another!"
"Good-bye, Puck." Finished with her conversation, Sarah crossed the room to gaze out the window. Hazel eyes grew distant as her thoughts turned inward. I'll get you back safely, Toby, I promise. I'll protect you. Absently, her hand went to her abdomen…then jerked back as though shocked. Sarah grimaced and leaned against the wall, squeezing her eyes shut. Not there anymore, she reminded herself. The baby's gone. Has been for a year. You have to stop doing that…
As she looked out upon the Labyrinth once again, Sarah's jaw tensed resolutely. There was a very grave chance that Toby would stray into Elvish lands, and she had to find him before then. The elves had killed her unborn child; they would not take her brother as well.
Wearied by lack of food and sleep, Toby's footsteps began to lag. At first, Fif merely taunted him, goading his pride to keep him moving. When it became apparent that Toby's energy was running out, however, the spritely fae ceased his teasing and approached his friend with a somber expression. "You're not going to make it much further," he observed, for once not sounding amused. "Your energy is failing you."
"I just need sleep," Toby stated, ignoring the gnawing pain in his stomach. He also ignored the thought of all the food Everlind had packed for him, instead trying to focus on other things. "Can we just rest here 'til morning? This is a stupid quest anyway; King Oberon can wait a little longer for me…if I come back at all…"
"Oh, you'll come back," Fif stated, his boyish voice fierce. "I'll see to it that you make it back, one way or another. But you won't make it back at all if you don't eat something. You have to eat, Toby. Even an immortal such as myself can see that. You've got that pack there, so why not take out some of the food, rest a bit, and have something to eat?"
Toby shook his head firmly. "I can't eat or drink anything while I'm here," he said, lowering himself into the soft grass. "Don't worry, Fif. I'll be fine. I just need to sleep for a little while. Could you…y'know, guard me or something?"
Fif nodded, his arms crossed and a disapproving frown on his face. The ball of light hovering above his head bobbed impatiently, its glow a muted yellow rather than its usual silver. "I will watch you, friend," he murmured as Toby laid his head down and began drifting off to sleep. "But I fear that soon you will be faced with a very difficult choice, and I cannot help you if you refuse to help yourself."
Notes: I really need to start writing longer chapters. X_X It always seems like I'm writing long chapters here in Word, but as soon as I transfer them over to a webpage, they become pitifully small! Ah well, that's something for me to work on. ;) I'm also working on editing "Say The Words" and "When Words Aren't Enough," so they -- or the first one, anyway -- should be up in a few weeks or so! :)