The Break of Dawn
Paul chuckled as he watched Seth and some of the others in the pack roughhouse in the new pool in the backyard with various fae of the court, all of them enjoying the warmth and sunshine. (There were always a good amount of fae just milling around the house when they weren't off doing whatever it was fae did - granted they all had strict orders to never harm any humans in the area.) Even though it was nearly summer in Forks, ever since the Court of Dawn was formed, the weather around the house was always warm and sunny, no matter what it was doing elsewhere. Roisin and Sean had explained that it was now considered fae land, meaning they could more fully control the weather, though apparently Roisin had been able to affect it to a slight extent just after moving to Forks. Now that she was queen of her own court, her power in that regard had grown exponentially. And well, Paul's, apparently. They were still figuring out everything he could do, but as he was not just fae, but royal fae, he was more powerful than most in the court. Equal to only Roisin and Sean. Truthfully, he was still wrapping his head around that.
It still shocked him a bit when either he or Roisin got upset or extremely emotional and it occasionally started up a storm or heatwave. Or they set something on fire by accident.
Of course, this also meant they had to take more precautions to make sure that unsuspecting humans didn't find their way there or notice anything off. Which had been an interesting experience for Paul, being new to all of this and how to use fae magic. The McLaren property was rather vast, allowing them privacy and room for all the fae that had joined in the months since the showdown with Rian. But that also meant it took a lot of power for them to keep it hidden and safe.
It was hard to believe how much had changed in such a short time. The court was strong, though not massive. Roisin wasn't sure they could handle a huge amount of fae joining all at once, but they were already working on buying up more land in order to expand their borders if necessary. And well, apparently fae magic helped with that as well. Paul still didn't understand a lot of it, but he was learning fast. And he was a bit in awe of how they could hide everything from the people in Forks and La Push, though everyone connected to the packs were fully aware of their presence. As well as a few select others.
Roisin wanted to build good relations with the nearby mortals. As such, she had told Tara, Megan and Trey the truth. The three were rather shocked at first, but then seemed to accept it wholeheartedly and were often visitors. To be honest, Paul was surprised she had even let Charlie Swan in on the big secret, who took the news much like he had taken Jacob when he told him about the wolves - though this time it didn't involve anyone stripping down. He then asked if there was a need-to-know aspect, which had confused Roisin. She nearly told him about the vampires, though thankfully Paul had stopped her in time, reminding her later that their rules were still rather strict when it came to humans knowing.
But despite things still constantly changing, they had begun settling into their new roles. Paul found he liked being fae. Or well - whatever he was. He had their speed and immortality. Their ability to mask himself and go unseen. Had his own brand of fae magic. But he was still very much a wolf, able to shift whenever, even if there were no vampires around. And still keeping all the attributes he had before. At least he had Roisin to help. And Sean, who he now saw as a close friend.
Roisin had named Paul co-regent with her while Sean was their head advisor, though held a bit more say and power than most advisors usually did. Cara was the head of the guard, quickly putting together fae to protect their borders and train them. She was well suited for the role, Paul thought. Mae hadn't settled here, but came by often, as did Roisin's brother as emissary for the Summer Court, who Paul was slowly starting to come around to, though he could do without the Summer prince's constant need to play tricks.
The packs had entered a formal alliance with the court - being part of it, yet maintaining their autonomy - as had the Cullens. As such, the court offered their protection and vice versa. It was all rather easy and quick to set up as far as alliances went.
"So… King Paul… kinda has a ring to it," Jared said as he sat in the chair next to him. Paul rolled his eyes.
"Yea, no," he said. "No one calls me king. Or Ro queen. We don't like titles."
"Thank god you don't make us bow to you," Jared said with a snort. Paul just huffed and shifted in his chair, slightly uncomfortable. He still wasn't used to being any sort of ruler. Though Roisin seemed to take to it naturally. "But really… you seem to have settled into it."
"It's been trial by fire. Literally, in some cases," Paul said with a small chuckle. "But yea… I think we're doing okay."
"Where is Ro?" Jared asked, looking around the yard.
"Checking with Sean on some things. We've got Autumn and Spring coming soon for alliance talks," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "Lots of preparations with that."
"Any reason you're not there?" Jared asked.
"Because I'm efficient. Already finished up my part," Paul replied with a shrug. "We're taking them to meet with the tribe elders while they're here, so got that arranged. And Cara's already briefed me on the guards. So we're good there. They're mostly talking logistics at the moment, which Roisin and I already discussed last night."
"You really are good at this," Jared said, his eyes wide. Paul chuckled as he shook his head.
"If you told me a few months ago that this would be my life, I would have never believed you," he said. "But it's been good…"
"You still thinking about trying school?" Jared then asked.
"Looking at some options. Thought it might be good to take some courses in politics," Paul replied. "Though I don't want to be too far from the court and Ro. So for now, thinking I'll stick with online courses. And well, Ro and Sean both grew up as royal fae, so they offer much better education than a university could in that sense." He looked over, seeing Jared grinning at him. "What's that for?"
"Just… it's good to see you doing so well," Jared replied. Paul rolled his eyes again.
But then he felt his happiness spike. He looked over, watching as Roisin walked up to him, then made herself at home on his lap.
"How'd the meeting go?" he asked after pecking her on the lips.
"Good. We're ready," she said. "They should be here tomorrow. We'll do a party to welcome them tomorrow night, though thankfully they aren't bringing a huge entourage. I mean, we have lots of room, but we don't live in a castle like the other courts."
"Might need to add on," Paul said, his gaze turning towards the large, manor-like house and then out to the clearing behind it. "We could add a guest house for special guests or something…" Roisin's laughter brought his attention back to her. "What?"
"And you were worried you wouldn't be good at this," she replied, smirking at him.
"Really don't see how adding a guest house makes me a good ruler," he said, his brow furrowed, though he couldn't help but smile in return. Roisin shrugged.
"Trust me… you're doing just fine," she said.
"So… since we're invited to this party, anything we need to know?" Jared asked, leaning towards them.
"Well, compared to Winter and Shadow, and even Summer, they are way more mellow. Autumn is very rational and calm, though Spring… they're always so happy," Roisin said. "And really, they just want to be left alone in peace. They've had alliances with Summer for a really long time now. As Summer was stronger, it was a good move in case Winter or Shadow launched any attacks on them."
"Any word on that?" Jared asked, becoming a bit more serious. Paul looked at Roisin, finding a slightly worried look on her face, though it quickly disappeared.
"Winter is keeping to itself for the most part, though Darraugh said Summer finalized a peace accord," Roisin said. "Rian hasn't reached out to us yet, though I don't expect to hear from him for a bit."
"Still licking his wounds, eh?" Jared asked, smiling slightly.
"Hopefully. It's either that or he's plotting," Roisin said.
"That would be a big mistake. I saw how you handled him," Jared said. Roisin smiled slightly.
"I don't think he'll attempt messing with us anytime soon, but it's something to keep in mind. He is rather patient. And not someone to write off completely," Roisin said. "As for Shadow, Cathal has expressed an interest in discussing things. But we're approaching it carefully."
"While I'd rather not make any agreements with him, it's probably better than nothing," Paul said with a sigh.
"See? You are good at this," Roisin said, now grinning at him. Paul chuckled.
"Yea, let's wait and see how things go tomorrow before you start saying that again. I might commit some massive fae faux pas," he replied lightly.
"You won't," Roisin said before kissing him.
"Get a room!" Seth shouted from the pool. Paul turned to glare at him, but Roisin just laughed.
"Get an imprint!" she retorted playfully.
"Touche," Jared said with a chuckle as Paul just smiled at Roisin.
Yes, this was all working out, he thought. Not how he expected, but it was.
OOOO
Roisin stood in front of her mirror, taking in the dress from all sides as she frowned slightly. Maybe she should have worn something else. She still had time to change, now that she thought about it. Paul walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her head.
"You look beautiful. Stop fussing," he said.
"But… we need to make a good impression," she said, her brow furrowed. "We are a new court, after all."
"Look. Introductions went well. Tonight is about relaxing and having a bit of fun before we launch into negotiations," he replied. Roisin turned in his arms, now smiling up at him.
"And here you were worried that you wouldn't take to this life all that well," she said, flipping the conversation. Paul rolled his eyes as he chuckled.
"I've had some good teachers," he said before pecking her on the lips. "Come on. We should get out there before someone thinks we're up to no good in here."
He winked at her as he let go and started towards the door.
For a moment, Roisin stood and watched him, still in awe at seeing him in his new form. As the - for lack of a better word - King of the Court of Dawn, it was as though he held the sun inside him, much like she always had. And though he didn't have wings like she did, there was still an otherworldliness about him. He had her fire as well. Figuratively and literally, though at times he still lost a bit of control of it. Granted, even Roisin was still learning to control hers.
She then shook her head and followed him as he opened the door and they stepped out into the large living room. There were already a fair amount of fae there, though more would arrive. And the packs would be here soon. She had even invited the Cullens, wanting to show Autumn and Spring their full court. She thought about inviting Tara, Megan and Trey, but decided against it. Even though the two courts were unlikely to mess with mortals, it was probably for the best to not have any here just in case.
"Our hosts have arrived."
Paul and Roisin stopped, turning to face the Autumn queen Nuala and her head advisor Liam. Both had glasses of fae wine in hand. Nuala had dark skin, her warm eyes the color of amber as her wild dark hair was a tangle of vines and berries. The same such vines glided around her arms and torsos as wings the color of fall leaves fluttered behind her.
"Again, we're happy to host you," Roisin said warmly as Nuala smiled smoothly. Roisin had always liked the Autumn queen, finding her friendly, though measured. Very practical, which Roisin liked even though as a born Summer fae, she was still slightly impulsive.
"As I said, since we received word of a new court, we were most eager to meet with you," she replied. "I have yet to hear of our kin joining with others."
Her eyes drifted over to Paul, who was still a bit of an enigma among the fae.
"Well, you'll get to meet the others tonight," Paul said, his arm sliding around Roisin's waist, speaking like a practiced royal, though it still made Roisin's stomach flutter a bit. "Should be here soon."
"I am most eager to meet these wolves. We have never heard of their kind, though we have heard of werewolves," Liam said, his skin the smooth texture and color of a birch tree while his hair was a brilliant gold.
"Well, they most definitely grow on you," Roisin said, glancing up at Paul with a smile.
They continued on making small talk with Nuala and Liam for a bit longer as more fae and then the packs and Cullens finally arrived. Roisin had finally gotten away into the kitchen for a bit of a breather and to refill her glass, leaving Paul with the Spring king and queen - Lilac and Conor.
"You sure it's a good idea to leave him alone."
Roisin jumped slightly and then turned, seeing Sean leaning against the island, casually sipping his wine as he smirked at her. Roisin rolled her eyes and walked over to him.
"Dude, he's fine. You even said he was doing really good this morning when the others arrived," she said, punching him lightly in the arm. Sean chuckled.
"True. He really was meant for this," he said. "Perhaps Fate knows what she's doing." Roisin just rolled her eyes and leaned against the island next to him. "And this beats being on the run by a longshot."
"What, finally giving up your wandering ways?" Roisin asked, an eyebrow raised at him. Sean just shrugged.
"It's not so bad. Even if I'm forced to your constant displays of affection," he remarked. Roisin just stared at him. "Okay, it's better than that. I'm happy. Content. At least I'm finally in a court that cares."
Roisin cracked a smile and then kissed his cheek.
"I should have listened to you more," she said.
"And finally, you admit that I was right," Sean said with a dramatic sigh, though his eyes were twinkling.
"Yea, don't let it get to your head too much," she said, starting towards the archway. Sean just snorted in response.
"HOLY SHIT! FINALLY!"
Roisin froze a moment. But then, in a second, she and Sean were in the living room, surveying every guest. Her eyes then fell on Embry, who was grinning like an idiot, and a very confused fae just in front of him. It took a moment, but Roisin recognized her as one of Spring's entourage - her blue wings that looked as though they were the petals of a flower spread behind her in surprise and her light brown hair up in curls. Everything about her screamed delicate, from her rosy cheeks to her pursed, pink lips and her fair skin. She was the assistant to the queen. What was her name again? Ah, yes. Iris.
"What's going on?" Sean asked, nervously looking over at the Spring monarchs, who were watching on in concern, though Paul seemed to be talking to them in hushed tones.
It took less than a second for Roisin to realize what was happening as Embry nervously tried talking to the fae. Roisin grinned and started cackling.
"That was Embry imprinting," Roisin said, glancing at Sean.
"What? Seriously?" Sean asked, looking utterly confused for a moment before looking back at the pair. Iris was now smiling shyly as she stepped closer to Embry, who looked like he had just won a million bucks.
Well, Roisin supposed to him, he probably just had.
"I guess this will make talks with Spring easier," Sean said, smiling. "Think we can get someone to imprint on Autumn?" Roisin snorted.
"Doesn't happen like that. And well, the rest of the ones who haven't imprinted yet are only 16," Roisin replied, glancing at him. Sean just shrugged.
"Well, it was a good idea," he said as the party picked up again, everyone seemingly moving past Embry's outburst.
He was now dancing with Iris, the fae giggling shyly, though Roisin had her guess that would only last so long. Spring fae were typically only shy for the first five minutes before opening up and becoming bubbling founts of giggles and happiness. Embry definitely had a fitting imprint in that regard.
"Well, I suppose that makes up for me and Jared," Paul said, suddenly behind Roisin, his arms around her waist. She glanced up at him, her eyebrows raised. "Embry and Kim were dating when Jared imprinted on her. And well, you and Embry had your thing before I imprinted on you."
Roisin chuckled and looked back at the couple, who were now staring deep into each other's eyes.
"Not sure I would call it a thing," she said.
"Oh, trust me. The way he talked about it, it was a thing. I wanted to punch him a few times after we imprinted because of it," Paul admitted. Roisin looked up at him in dismay. "But I didn't."
"Good," she said, turning away. The two watched a few moments.
"Oh, god. He's going to be a sappy mess, isn't he?" Paul groaned.
"Shut up. Can't you be happy for him?" Roisin said, smacking his hand playfully. "Though, this is a bit of a curious mess. She's Lilac's personal assistant."
"You think she'll want to take Embry with her back to Spring Court?" Paul asked. Roisin shrugged.
"Or she might want to stay here. I mean, there's plenty of room for the both of them if they want to get a nice little cottage in our court," she said.
"They've imprinted all but five minutes ago and you're already offering them a house?" Paul asked. "Sheesh, let them get to know each other a bit first."
Roisin chuckled as she started to walk towards the verandah, where more fae were dancing, dragging Paul with her. He didn't protest and soon she was staring into his eyes as they moved slowly with a soft song that had come on.
"This is vastly different from the night we first met," Paul said, though his eyes flashed slightly and Roisin couldn't help but shiver at the memory.
Yea, they definitely had a pretty intense imprint - in more ways than one.
"Probably a good thing. We can't go running off to our bedroom in the middle of the welcome party for Spring and Summer," she said. Paul raised his eyebrows. "It's only polite to wait a couple hours until everyone is drunk on fae wine and the orgy has started."
Paul's eyes widened a moment before they narrowed and a smile appeared.
"Haha, very funny, Ro," he said dryly as he bent down and kissed her lightly. But instead of pulling away, he moved until his lips were next to her ear. "Do not tempt me right now. You know what happens when I can't keep control."
Another shiver ran down her spine, but Roisin managed to keep herself in control as she chuckled. Thankfully, Paul straightened up and grinned down at her, obviously knowing exactly what he was doing to her.
"Later," she said, giving him a slightly mischievous smile and a wink.
Paul chuckled in response and then started swooping her around the dance floor causing Roisin to laugh loudly. He twirled her a few times and then pulled her close to him again.
"You're happy," Roisin said, gazing up at him.
"You think I wouldn't be?" Paul asked, quirking an eyebrow at her. Roisin shrugged.
"Just because we imprinted didn't necessarily mean that you would always be happy," she replied rationally. "And well, we do at times have some epics fights."
Paul thought a few moments before smiling down at her, lowering his face until his lips ghosted just over hers.
"Yea, but I wouldn't want it any other way," he said just before he kissed her. "We're kind of a match, when you think about it." Roisin grinned.
"That we are…"
OOOO
Sorry, not sorry. I felt it was only fair that I gave Embry an imprint. And really, a Spring fae makes sense.
I could have done a years-in-the-future epilogue, but for some reason that didn't feel right. This did. And as you can see, things are going well. I really just wanted to show a glimpse of how Ro and Paul are ruling together. But yea, at the end of another story. I really enjoyed writing this one. I kind of like taking universe we already know and then adding something different and seeing where it goes.
I don't have another story in the series planned at the moment. But doesn't mean it won't happen. I specifically made this so that it was a series of standalone stories so that I could come back to it when inspiration hit. But if you have ideas of other supernatural creatures that you'd like to see shoved into the Twilight universe, I'm open to suggestions!
As always, thank you for reading, following and commenting!
