I just want to start by saying that I'm really sorry for taking forever to get anything up. Its just that I had finals all last week, plus a bunch of final projects and essays all do, so it was hard to find time to write without it being a total abomination. We switched classes this week though, so I didn't have all that much homework, except for an algebra test tomorrow…. O'well I'm failing that anyway heh.
Well enough about me, and thank you to: ninja princess LW, xX Blood-Bond Xx, LightningBolt21, Queen of Air and Darkness, and Mackie Effing Mad for reviewing - and thanks to everyone who followed/favorited.
Copyright: I own none of the characters I stole from the Iron Fey Series. None.
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She sat with her legs crossed on a log as she read in the light reflected from the snow and ice. She eagerly looked up at the sound of someone approaching, although quickly looked back to her book when the person was of no interest to her.
"Reina," the tall, lanky, ebony-haired fey greeted. "Fancy meeting you here."
"Kaveh," she blandly stated without looking up.
He chuckled and ran his hand through his short hair. "I am not sure if you are aware of this, but there is a giant infuriated dragon behind you."
As if to state his point the dragon lashed out at him, past Reina, although was promptly stopped by the chain around her neck. Kaveh, with a yelp, jumped back in response.
"Funny, she was perfectly fine before you came." She nonchalantly replied.
Kaveh continued to warily look at the beautiful yet terrifying monster situated behind the small girl. "How are you able to sit so close to her?" he questioned.
Reina sighed, and finally looked up from her book. She narrowed her eyes slightly before responding. "I am getting her accustomed to my presence. I started out there"- she pointed to a spot a little way down, "and I eventually ended up here."
"You are a strange girl Lady Reina," he chuckled.
She gave a small smile. "At least I am not an annoying idiot."
"You are so mean to me."
She laughed, "I try my best."
They both lapsed into a comfortable silence for a short amount of time. Kaveh continued to skeptically watch the wyvern, as if he was afraid it would suddenly turn and eat his small friend. Reina however did not seem to be concerned at all about that possibility, and instead would look past Kaveh's shoulder every few seconds, getting increasingly frustrated each time. "Have you seen Rowan?" she asked breaking the silence.
"No," he responded; the question catching him slightly off guard. "What he took a break from following you around today?"
She frowned. "He was supposed to bring me food."
To this Kaveh began to hysterically laugh, an action that was incredibly rare coming from an Unseelie fey. "So you have the prince performing maid service now?" he smirked.
However, she didn't get mad at his remark. Instead she simply smirked at the girlish squeak he let out when an icicle shot about a fraction of an inch from his face.
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Chapter 4
Years later…
I hated Elysium.
Sure I loved the times that I was permitted to join the other faerys outside of the grove, but the Unseelie weren't exactly the best company. Well some of them might have been okay, but there was one type that made my skin curl and my blood boil.
Redcaps.
Redcaps look like sturdy old men with red eyes. They are merciless, sadistic and murderous fey. Their name comes from the fact that they murder travelers who stray into their homes and dye their hats with their victims' blood. Redcaps are very fast even with the heavy iron pikes they wield and the iron-shod boots they wear. They say that outrunning one is impossible. I beg to differ.
And of course with my luck, one was currently staring at me from across the room, large purple tongue licking its lips. I shuddered. On a different day I would have happily murdered this abomination. However, I was supposed to act like the perfect princess, and murdering someone on Elysium might be the one thing that would put me over the edge with Oberon. There were some things even the Summer Queen couldn't protect me from; and I wasn't a fan of being banished... or killed.
Besides, Titania said that if I made her look good and acted perfectly, she had a reward for me. And I was pretty sure she meant a new dagger, considering I might have tried to stab a dragon with my other one. But that stupid thing had it coming; it was taunting me I swear. That thing has been following me around for a long time. I thought it was a spy at first, but it had only recently begun drawing much closer than usual. It looked more curious then anything. I figured it knew I couldn't harm it, and I naturally wanted to prove it wrong. Stupid faery-steel dagger broke in half. Well anyway, tonight I was trying to be on my best behavior.
Of course the Redcap wasn't the only one staring at me. I had to stand through constant glances and murmurs from both courts. I was dressed like royalty. I was wearing a custom made silver gown that shimmered like starlight, hugged my body, and trailed on the ground like a river of silver-velvet. My hair fell down my back, and I wore a fist-sized diamond around my neck. My eyes had been traced with black to accent my silver eyes and I was currently walking in four-inch glass heels.
I was the beautiful Summer royalty that no one ever saw. It was only natural that they would be curious. However, Redcaps didn't look at anyone with curiosity; only hunger, and occasionally lust.
I was currently getting both and I hated it.
"You know Beautiful, glaring isn't really the best way to make friends." I heard someone coming up beside me state, and I resisted the urge to laugh. Finally someone with an original introduction and a sense of humor, and here I was, too irritated to make a good impression.
Usually everyone who approached me was proper, stuck-up and boring. They were guys who would always approach me by asking if I was in fact the Summer Princess. As if I in fact wasn't the princess they wouldn't even bother gracing me with their presence. If I got that question one more time I was going to start replying that I was a dragon. Idiots would probably believe it too.
"All Redcaps will die." I gritted as I continued glaring at the stupid redcap. My anger was currently nearing its peak and I could no longer bring myself to care about manners. Elysium doesn't simply occur everyday; and here I was on what was supposed to be one of my favorite days, being trailed by ugly little creatures. By now a couple more slightly less intimidating redcaps had gathered around him, and they kept switching from mumbling things to each other and leering at me.
He chuckled. "Well it seems that the Spring Princess has some bite. Holding a grudge?"
I whirled around at the name, Redcaps momentarily forgotten as I once again heard the strange title. I was about to ask him if he knew Grimalkin, but the words slipped from my tongue as I looked at the smirking boy in front of me.
He wore a dark green jacket over a white button-up shirt along with tan pants, and boots. He looked underdressed for the occasion, and yet, I couldn't picture him wearing anything more. He looked like the kind of guy who would wear mortal cloths to Elysium just to see what kind of reactions he would receive.
He had a lanky build; tall and thin. His hair was a spiky mess of vibrant red that looked soft to the touch. It was messy in a cute kind of way, and I suddenly had the urge to run my hands through it; maybe brush aside the few strands that almost reached his eyes. Of course, I quickly banished that thought; and tucked it neatly away in the recesses of my mind to assess later. His eyes were the color of emeralds and were regarding me with a look of wonder and mischief. He looked painfully familiar, but I couldn't think of the reason why. He wore a cocky and self-assured grin and raised an eyebrow.
I blushed and looked away when I realized that I had obviously been staring. I told myself to focus, repetitively, while calling myself quite a few colorful names I might add. Princesses were not supposed to be… awestruck… and I really wanted that dagger….
Fortunately, I was finally able to drag myself away from dreamland. Undistracted, I suddenly remembered what I was going to say. The Spring Princess, Grim had called me the very same name. I was tired of being clueless on my own supposed title.
"Why… where did you hear that name?" I questioned narrowing my eyes at him; aiming to be intimidating. Sadly, I don't think it worked very well.
"Around," he shrugged. "You know you inspire quite a lot of gossip, Princess.""
I once again narrowed my eyes at him. "But where?"
"I might tell you on one condition."
"Which would be?"
"Dance with me."
I froze. Despite my obvious popularity, few fey had ever had the nerve to ask for a dance. Besides, it was late and tonight seemed to be an exceptionally bad night. I looked around at all of the other faerys bumping and grinding each other and arched an eyebrow. "Not on your life, pretty boy."
"Pretty? You hurt me Princess," he said, acting like he was truly offended. He gave a lopsided grin. "I was expecting at least a beautiful."
I smiled; what a strange boy he was. The last guy I went around with would have had a fit if I even attempted to call him pretty; would've taken a massive hit to his masculinity.
"I do apologize oh so gorgeous one," I said rolling my eyes. He smiled and I paused for a second, thinking. I knew this fey from somewhere; however I just couldn't seem to figure out where; and it was bothering me.
"You're some sort of beautiful yourself, Princess," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. I beamed at the compliment nonetheless. I may have been used to being called beautiful, but somehow it was different coming from him. "Name's Puck," he extended his hand, "also known as Oberon's favorite lackey, and the best prankster in all of Faery." I took his outstretched hand; which was wonderfully warm, and shook it; trying my best to ignore the foreign tingly feeling of course. No wonder he had looked so familiar, he was only the most well known and powerful Summer faery next to Oberon and Titania. I really needed to get out more.
"The famous Robin Goodfellow?" I questioned grinning and shaking my head. "The Puck? Well, now I feel like a complete imbecile, I've heard so much about you" I smiled sheepishly. Titania had never tried to restrain her hate for her husband's jester. Robin Goodfellow had a way of pushing the boundaries to see how far he could go before he faced consequences. However, Oberon did indeed have a certain fondness for the boy. It was probably because they've both been around for a very long time; even longer then me. His and Oberon's relationship was almost like the relationship Titania and I had, except I don't think Titania had the same level of respect for me. "I think Titania might kind of hate you, any reason why?"
He grinned. "Awe she loves me. She's still just a little angry because I made her fall in love with a certain donkey headed man."
I laughed; a high pitched sound that was almost foreign to my ears. I covered my mouth with both hands. I hadn't actually laughed in such a long time that the girly and feminine giggle coming from my lips was foreign and a little shocking. He raised an eyebrow, looking at me like I was crazy. I took away my hands and smiled sheepishly.
"Name's Laufeia"
"Would have never guessed that one Princess." It was true, it had to be completely obvious who I was; at least to him. It was strange he was talking to me though, I'm sure Oberon talked about me as if I was a spy trying to take over the Nevernever. I wouldn't be surprised if Lord Pointy Ears actually thought I was. I lightly swatted his arm.
"It's common courtesy to state your name when you first meet someone. It's not my fault that you don't have any manners." I crossed my arms and huffed, but the act was ruined by my unwavering smile.
He snickered and put his hands up in mock surrender.
"No need to bite my head off, Fia," He put his hand out for me to take and smirked. "Now, how about that dance?"
I didn't know if it was because of the fact that he came up with a nickname for me; I never had a nickname before. Or if it was because I was having the most fun I had in a long while, and I didn't want to see it end. But, what I do know is that when he asked to dance for the second time, I couldn't find it in me to say no.
Of course as my luck would have it, as soon as we headed to the dance floor, the horde of faerys began to part for us mumbling to each other. Suddenly the music turned slow and all fey scrambled off of the dance floor.
I looked to see who was directing the music and had the strongest need to groan. Standing there, seeming ecstatic about what she had just accomplished stood Fenette the satyr whom was giving me a thumbs up and the biggest smile. I swear, even though she was a decent friend and my favorite servant; I was pretty sure her brain could fit in a nutshell.
I heard Puck laugh. Of course, being the perfect princess that I was I simply held my head high and smiled as brightly as I could, after sending Fenette a quick glare, as I gracefully let Robin Goodfellow lead me out to the center of the dance floor.
The other song immediately came to a stop, and suddenly there was silence. Puck bowed and I quickly followed his lead not wanting to seem disrespectful or anything; even if I wasn't quite sure who I was supposed to be bowing too. We turned to face each other and I put my hands on his shoulders and his rested on my waist. I shook my head and smiled sheepishly up at him. He smirked, obviously loving the attention.
"Relax; they'll be too busy looking at me to even notice you."
"You don't suppose they think that I'm Unseelie?" I was quickly reminded of the tradition where a prince and princess of opposite courts would put aside their differences and dance with each other. It wouldn't be the first time that I was mistaken for an Unseelie faery.
"You might be a princess, and I'm honored that you would even suggest the idea that I might be seen as royalty," he snickered, "but I assure you that no one would mistake me for a prince. Besides, the all-mighty Summer Princess is quite famous around both courts."
And then the music started and we were flying. Well, metaphorically of course.
My feet moved without hesitation, gracefully gliding around with practiced and natural steps. My mind was lost between music and beautiful deep green eyes; causing everything to suddenly no longer matter or even exist. I felt like I was drowning, but maybe I was actually falling, I didn't really care. I couldn't find it in myself to care about anything really. I felt like I was drunk on faery wine, but I wasn't and that's the strange part. For the first time I actually felt alive. The green of his eyes warmed me from the inside out, my hands were exquisitely warm and throughout it all I felt like something was thawing, changing.
Of course before I could either, one: hyperventilate, or two: glare at him and accuse him of witchcraft… or at least of casting a charm spell, the music abruptly ended. Well actually, it didn't abruptly end, I just hadn't been paying any attention to it whatsoever, and I just happened to not be moving anymore.
I finally concentrated on Puck, and was surprised that for the first time since I met him, he wasn't smirking. Instead, he wore an expression that held both surprise and just enough awe to raise my self-esteem a little. Not really knowing what else to do, I decided on squeezing his hand I still held, batting my eyelashes, and giving him my best shy smile. Even now, I'm not exactly sure what I was aiming for considering we were still in the middle of the dance floor at Elysium, but at that moment I just really wanted him to kiss me.
I watched his lips that were slightly parted, and every time breath would escape it was scented slightly of apples. I held onto his hand that was extraordinarily warm, and breathed in his scent that was both Arcadia's and entirely his own. I watched as his lips slowly started coming closer, and I tilted my head and closed my eyes, patiently waiting with probably a little too much excitement on my part.
His lips never touched mine though, and instead I felt his breath on my ear as he huskily whispered, "see that girl over there?" he then proceeded to turn my head in the direction of a girl who was curiously and obviously staring in our direction. "She totally wants me," he finished as he pulled his head away to my bewilderment.
He then raised his eyebrows in a suggestive fashion before lifting our conjoined hands and lightly kissing the back of mine. He breathed, "See you later, Beautiful," against my hand, before dropping it completely, and robbing me of its warmth. He gave me one last lighthearted smile before running off and leaving me completely confounded at the turn of events.
I wasn't exactly sure what to think at that point. On one side, I was completely infuriated and felt like hitting the nearest living thing in the back of the head with a chair. However, on the other side I realized that I was near swooning simply because he had kissed the back of my hand.
It was then that I came to the complete realization that I was not only screwed, but also completely and utterly hopeless.
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Well, that's it.
Heh, I can't really think of anything to say considering it's like 2 am, I still have to study for a test tomorrow, and I have to get up at 6am… yay me. :\
