Get Low
Author's Note:
***Freed is part 3 of the Marked series. if you haven't read Marked and Bound, you may be a little lost.***
Welcome back! *Wipes sweat off forehead*
Here we are, our Labyrinth babies are all grown up and having meet cutes. Too bad their parents have...history with one another. But love knows no bounds, (see what I did there), and if there's one trope I love, it's forbidden love!
I will be dropping a chapter every Friday for the next 6 weeks. As always with my works, each chapter is named after the song that inspired it. You can follow the Marked playlist on my Spotify account: EastOfGatewood.
Hope you enjoy!
~.~.~.~.~.~
Like most of their castle, the open, airy space of the UnSeelie throne room was circular. Great pillars carved from blue stone accented with veins of silver and flecks of gold held up the glass domed ceiling above. Two large white marble hearths flanked the east and west stone walls. The light from their fire danced across the circular room, illuminating every inch.
There would be no hiding, no skulking in the shadows or shying away in corners. The King built the room to expose all. Both beauty and flaws.
In the center of the room stood the dais. Atop it, Lucian constructed two thrones of equal size and grandeur, a symbol that he held equal power with his wife and Queen. The thrones were carved from black stone mined from the depths of Drolo Domas, the Mountain of Fire long extinct. The thrones were harsh to look at, with sharp edges and jagged points meant to replicate the rough, natural look of volcanic rock.
In contrast to the harsh nature of the thrones; clusters of small, delicate five-petaled flowers carved from white marble were inlaid from the head of the thrones down either side, creating a cascade of white. In the center of each flower lay a small ruby. Symbilnun, the Kingdom's royal flower.
Lucian and Sarah sat on their respective thrones. The dancing light of the great fires bounced off the white marble petals, creating a halo of light around the couple. They were truly a sight to behold.
Jarring yet delicate. Severe yet serene.
UnSeelie nobles, ambassadors from every Kingdom save for one, and close family friends filled the room, their soft murmurs of chatter echoing across the space.
Across the room from the dais, the imposing oak doors to the chamber opened. A court announcer stepping in.
"It is my greatest honor to announce the UnSeelie Prince, Magnus."
As the announcer stepped aside, Magnus entered the room.
A hush fell over the crowd as Magnus followed the crimson rug that led from the entrance to the foot of the dais, all eyes fixed on the gorgeous prince.
He wore one of his mother's designs specifically for this occasion. After becoming Queen, Sarah made a point to 'modernize the UnSeelie clothing style' as she so eloquently put it. Her son donned a midnight blue velvet suit tailored perfectly to his muscular frame. The suit was held in place not by buttons, but a quilted black leather sash. A matching velvet coat draped over his shoulders, landing just past his knees.
Upon reaching the dais, he fell to one knee, bowing his head. "Your Majesty's."
Lucian rose. Dressed in a charcoal grey suit, his jacket opened to reveal a tunic made from delicate glistening grey feathers sewn together to mimic plated armor. Another design by Sarah. His loose, wavy hair cascaded down just past his shoulders, and atop his head lay the UnSeelie King's crown. Like the thrown, Lucian's crown was sharp and jagged, crafted from black titanium.
Reaching a hand out to his Queen, Sarah rose next to him, a bright smile on her face. She was practically glowing, the emerald of her eyes popping against the red of her velvet gown. Atop her head lay a gold diadem crusted with emeralds and rubies. The same crown Lucian gifted her almost a century earlier.
As the two descended from the dais, Magnus couldn't help but take in the sight of his parents. They were resplendent, the true image of power and grace meant to lead their Kingdom.
Unlike me.
Magnus swallowed hard, shoving that thought to the back of his mind.
Upon reaching the foot of the dais, Lucian motioned towards Denek, standing to his right. Denek approached, holding a crimson silk pillow in his hands, the UnSeelie Prince's crown resting atop.
The crown, like Magnus he supposed, was the embodiment of both his parents crafted into one. Black titanium shaped into four jagged triangular wedges jutted out from the base of the crown, interlaced around one central wedge meant to represent Drolo Domas. At the center, smaller emeralds encircled a large ruby. Like the UnSeelie thrones, this crown was both vicious and elegant. Simple yet intimidating.
Lucian plucked the crown from the silk pillow with both hands and held it above Magnus' head.
"Magnus, son of the UnSeelie King and Queen. As crowned Prince, will you solemnly promise and swear to uphold the duties of the crown, respect and answer to the throne, and above all else uphold the laws that govern the citizens of the UnSeelie Kingdom?"
Magnus forced his voice even. "I swear to do so."
"And will you solemnly promise and swear to place your duties to the crown and Kingdom above your own self, understanding that the UnSeelie people come before all else?"
"I swear to do so."
Lucian then lowered the crown on his son's head, and the weight of it crashing down upon Magnus made his shoulders slump slightly.
"Rise, my son. Rise as our crowned Prince."
~.~.~.~.~.~
Gennava appeared within the UnSeelie castle's lower garden, Jeanne at her side. Numerous attendees surrounded them, many teleporting to the ball in a similar manner.
"You okay?" Jeanne asked, smoothing out her forest green dress.
Gennava took in her surroundings, attempting to even her breathing. The air smelled different. Not bad, but… sharper? Cleaner? Less dust, for sure. "I think so."
She smoothed out her own dress, a beautiful gown she managed to dig out of her mother's closet. It fell off Gennava's shoulders, tightening around her waist before bellowing out at her hips. Emerald, sapphire, and scarlet danced across the silk fabric in great, sweeping strokes, beautiful in its simplicity. And luckily, Jeanne had a sapphire mask to match.
Gennava checked how secure that mask was across her face. Despite the quick healing of the Elves, the bruise beneath her left eye was still healing. Luckily, the mask covered it well enough. Jeanne took her hand before leading Gennava towards the grand ballroom several flights of steps above the garden.
"Don't worry, I'll stay close the entire night."
Gennava squeezed her friend's hand, nerves swirling inside of her like a rising storm.
The only reason she dared accept Jeanne's offer and attend tonight was because her father had a Runner to keep him distracted. Gennava prayed to her favorite Gods this Runner was strong enough to last at least a few hours. The last thing she needed was the Runner to succumb to the Labyrinth too soon, leaving her father free to track down her whereabouts, only to find her missing entirely.
Jeanne squeezed Gennava's hand back. "Don't be nervous. No one knows you're here. Try to relax and have fun!"
Gennava held back a scoff, instead attempting to take her friend's advice. She jumped off the cliff willingly. Might as well enjoy the free fall before slamming into whatever consequences were to come. She squared her shoulders and followed Jeanne into the UnSeelie ballroom.
Gennava's eyes widened at the magnificent sight. Hordes of masked attendees filled the giant, oval-shaped ballroom. Dozens of crystal chandeliers hung low above the dance floor, framing the glass domed ceiling above. Their golden light filled the room with a warm glow. Large tables filled with food and drink lined the blue stone walls and a giant orchestra took up the northern end of the room, filling the space with lively music.
Upon entering, a tall gentleman in a golden mask bowed low in front of Jeanne. "May I have this dance?"
Jeanne smiled, immediately dropping Gennava's hand in favor of the handsome male as he led her into a waltz.
Gennava kept her shocked expression well hidden.
So much for sticking by my side.
Fair enough. Gennava had a more important reason to be here than dancing and flirting.
She began her search for Sarah.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Pain shot through Magnus as yet another amiable daughter of a neighboring Kingdom's noble stepped her heel right onto his foot.
"Your Grace, are you alright?"
The female apparently didn't know just how clumsy a dancer she truly was. Magnus plastered on a fake smile.
"Perfectly fine. Just a little tired. Would you excuse me?" Her eyes widened in embarrassment as he escorted them off the dance floor. It was rude of him not to finish the dance but Gods, he really was tired. Not just from the endless barrage of dance partners who wouldn't stop dropping hints of courtship, but the weight of his crown still seemed to suck the life from his very bones.
After giving the poor girl a slight kiss on her hand, he made a beeline for the bar, desperate for a drink. Unfortunately, his father made it to him first.
"You're limping." Lucian attempted to keep the mirth from his eyes and failed miserably.
Magnus scowled. "I've taken more hits on the dance floor tonight than in my two decades of service. Who taught these females to dance?"
Lucian chuckled. "Feel a bit like a stud on show at the market? I remember feeling that way at my own crowning ball."
Reaching the bar, Magnus raised two fingers and swiftly received a crystal glass filled with amber liquid. Taking a large sip, he turned to face his father.
"Were your dance partners as shitty as mine?"
Lucian couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips, his crimson eyes sparkling. "I honestly don't remember. Probably."
Lucian received a glass of his own and held it up to his son. "I hope you know how proud your mother and I are of you. I know today was hard, but you've handled it perfectly."
Magnus disagreed, but kept that thought to himself. "Where's mom?"
Lucian motioned to the other side of the ballroom, where Sarah stood next to the refreshments table, talking to a petite blonde in a beautiful gown he knew his wife would appreciate. But the look on Sarah's face was… intense.
Magnus hadn't bothered to follow his father's gaze, instead taking advantage of Lucian's distracted attention to quickly down the rest of his drink before clasping his father on the back. "Well, I better find another eligible female to sweep off her feet for the next dance."
Lucian grunted in agreement, his gaze still fixed on Sarah, and Magnus stepped away, quickly calling his shadows around him, masking himself from any prying eyes.
He was done with dancing. Done with the pageantry. He basked in the cooling relief his shadows gave as he stealthily made his way to the gardens below, desperate for a moment's peace.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Gennava's heart stilled. There she was. Mere feet away. Sarah Williams, Champion of the Labyrinth. She was so beautiful. Her long, thick brunette hair fell in perfect curls down her shoulders, exposing the many UnSeelie marks scared across her chest and throat. Her face was warm and welcoming, with her sharp chin and straight, slender nose adding an elegant edge to her beauty. But her eyes, those emerald eyes that seemed to sparkle in the candlelight. They were truly mesmerizing.
Sarah stood amongst a circle of UnSeelie females, happily chatting while sipping what Gennava assumed was Elven wine in stemmed crystal glasses. Her crimson gown matched the eyes of the King who, although occupied with an onset of party attendants on the other side of the ballroom, couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from his wife.
Gennava realized she was staring at Sarah, her mouth ajar, most likely a dumbfounded look on her face. She blinked her nerves away. This was the reason she was here. This was the reason she risked everything to brave the UnSeelie Kingdom. But what would she say? What did she want to express?
Sarah turned towards the refreshments table and Gennava saw her opening. Quickly, on nimble feet, she advanced, gently bumping into the side of the UnSeelie Queen.
Gennava bowed low. "Oh, my apologies, your Majesty."
Sarah smiled warmly at her. "It's alright. My fault entirely."
It wasn't, and her taking blame was a marker of her kind nature.
"Not at all. It was my fault. I didn't mean to disturb you."
As Gennava rose, she watched Sarah Williams still, her eyes grazing over her as if she somehow recognized her despite the mask. "Are you a member of my court?"
Gennava steeled her spine. "No, your Highness. I'm… visiting from another court."
"And which court is that?"
Gennava swallowed, refusing to look away from her devastating gaze yet desperate to change the subject. "This is my first time in the UnSeelie Kingdom. It's truly beautiful."
She watched the Queen's eyes soften. "Oh, well, I'm glad you think so. It's a rare few who see the beauty here. Most revile at the darkness."
"Oh, no. I think the darkness is what makes it so unique. I read how treacherous your lands are. I wonder how true that is. How dangerous it would be to ride across them."
The queen cocked her head at Gennava, a sly grin across her mouth. "You have a wild soul in you."
Gennava dipped her head. "I don't know about that."
"No, I see it in your eyes. They look so familiar. Are you sure we haven't met before?"
Gennava swallowed. This was the moment. This was the time to ask her all the burning questions deep down in her soul. Ask her about the time spent with her father. Was he really that cruel to her? But she realized there was no way to do so. No way to drop her father's name in a way that wouldn't elicit chaos on the other end. So she said the only thing she could think of.
"I'm sure we haven't met before tonight, your Highness. Although we have friends in common."
Sarah lifted an elegant brow. "Oh? And what friends are those?"
Gennava willed her nerves steady, lowering her voice ever so slightly. "Friends you haven't seen in quite some time. Friends who love you dearly and speak of you fondly."
She watched Sarah's face scrunch in confusion.
Gennava dared to press further. "Friends who would want you to know they are alive and cared for."
The UnSeelie Queen's faced blanched. "Who are you?"
Gennava kept her jaw from quivering. "I cannot tell you."
The Queen took a step towards her, her own voice lowering. "What friends do you speak of?"
Gennava forced herself to not cower, whispering, "Friends from your past. Friends that helped unite you with your King."
Sarah grasped Gennava's arm tight enough to elicit a hiss of pain. "Did he send you? Is he trying to bait me into believing my friends are alive? What game is he playing this time?"
Gennava tried to even the staccato rhythm of her heart. "I do not know of whom you speak."
Lie. One the UnSeelie Queen saw right through.
Sarah's grip tightened around her arm, her nails digging in. "Who. Are. You."
Gennava's mouth opened and closed like a fish above water. Before she could come up with a halfway decent lie, an UnSeelie Noble approached the Queen. "Your Majesty, may I introduce my daughter…"
Sarah turned, her grip loosening. Gennava stepped back, hastening away, towards the open balcony doors, not daring to look back towards the queen.
Stupid girl.
What was she thinking? Sir Didymus' words rolled through her.
"You are the daughter of her most hated enemy."
Sarah Williams would surely kill her if she knew her true identity.
Stupid girl.
She needed to get to the gardens, now. She needed to go home before she set off any more alarms. Jeanne knew how to fend for herself. And fuck her for leaving Gennava all alone with no experience in situations like this.
Gennava forced her breathing even, forced her vision clear as she fluidly made her way towards the lower garden, where she would quickly teleport back to the Goblin Kingdom.
This was a mistake. I never should have come.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Magnus needed a moment. Just a few minutes in the fresh, cool air of the evening. He hated tonight. Despite his best efforts to put on a proud face and accept his new life, the weight of the crown pushed down on him with such force he struggled to breathe.
He tried to distract himself with the music, with dancing. But every pretty face he took into his arms no longer looked at him as just some handsome male. No, now they looked at him with an eager gleam in their eyes. A way into power and position. Scheming hid beneath their sweet smiles and demure glances. It was an effort not to roll his eyes in their presence. Not to scoff in their face when they subtly suggest a 'lunch' or 'tea' at the UnSeelie Prince's earliest convenience. 'Just the two of them.'
Gods spare me.
He walked into the lower garden lined with hedge rows. The privacy allowed him to relax for the first time this evening, taking the crown from his head along with his mask and placing them on a granite bench next to one of the many fountains that lined this path.
Cast in his shadows, Magnus closed his eyes and took a seat, focusing on his breathing as his commander and mother advised. Resting his forearms on his knees, he listened to the soft burbling of the water, letting his mind clear. Then his shadows alerted him to a presence nearing.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize anyone was out here."
Magnus turned around and—time seemed to stop. His head emptied out.
Thought and reason left him.
The most beautiful creature he ever beheld stood mere feet away.
She was petite; he estimated a good foot shorter than him. But her presence seemed to take up the entire courtyard… the entire Kingdom. Her body hugged every curve and dip of her dress, showing off her impressive bust and small waist, before flowing out at those luscious hips.
Two pearl combs held back her long, wavy platinum blonde hair. Her face, that gorgeous face that would haunt his dreams… partially hidden by a gods-damned mask, but still... he focused on her full, pillowy lips, her adorably cleft chin.
Her ears were slightly arched. Elven blood must run in her veins. Intriguingly, numerous silver and gold chains dangled from those delicate ears.
But the most striking feature was her eyes, visible through the amethyst mask she donned. One was a bright blue, as light as the sky at high noon in the middle of summer. The other, as green as the grass of spring.
She gave an apologetic nod before turning to leave, and Magnus realized he was still cast in his shadows.
How the Hell does she see me?
"Wait!" Magnus called out, a little too desperate. "You see me?"
He watched her still, turning back to face him, confusion written across her face. "Of course I see you."
He rose, taking a step towards her before releasing his shadows from around him. "And now? Do I look the same to you?"
She waited a moment before replying, "Now you're taller."
Magnus' mouth opened slightly.
Was that a joke?
For some reason, he felt lighter. Felt the instinct to reach for her but fought against it. She didn't know him. He was a stranger. But he needed to entice her to stay, needed to come up with something to say.
But in his complete and utter daze, he could only come up with the most contrite question.
"Have we met?"
She quirked her head slightly, running her gaze up and down his body, her beautiful face assessing. "No, I don't believe so. This is my first time in the UnSeelie Kingdom."
Magnus was intrigued… more than intrigued. "What brings you here?"
Stupid question. So stupid.
She was obviously invited to the ball, which meant she must be the daughter of a neighboring Lord or diplomat.
She seemed to stiffen at his question. "I was… curious about the UnSeelie Kingdom. Over the years, I have heard many stories about the creatures that live here. I wondered if I might see some."
Magnus lifted a brow. "Really?"
"Especially one particular creature called an alcelot? I was hoping to see one of those."
Magnus placed his hands in his pockets. "You wanted to see an alcelot?"
She looked at him like he'd grown a third eye. "Is that so hard to believe?"
"Well, yes. You come to a masked ball expecting to see wild beasts. Do you think my Kingdom uses them to pass out appetizers?"
The gorgeous Fae looked at him dumbstruck for a moment before tilting her head back and laughing loudly. It took everything in him not to fall to his knees at the sound.
"Fair point. I do want to see one. That and many other creatures I read about in this Kingdom. And I would like to see this land in the daylight—or… I suppose as close to daylight as your Kingdom has."
Magnus took another small step towards her. "Why are you so interested in seeing an alcelot?"
"Because of the Goblin and UnSeelie Kings battle in the Outer Lands. That's how the UnSeelie King won the battle, isn't it?"
She looked off into the distance, awe on her face. "It must be a fearsome and loyal creature indeed, to come when its master calls, and carry away someone as powerful as the Goblin King."
Magnus stood there, awestruck. Of all the reasons he expected, that was the last one.
She looked back at him and noted his expression. "What's that look for?"
Magus shook his head as if coming out of a daze. "Nothing. It's just… you seem a bit of a wild one, that's all."
She shifted on her feet. "Is that a good thing?"
Magnus smiled. "Oh, yes. Rarely am I surprised."
She met his smile. "Are you UnSeelie?"
Most couldn't tell outright, given he carried a lighter complexion and his mother's eye color.
"I am."
"What are you doing out here, all alone?"
Magnus' smile morphed into more of a smirk. "Worried for my safety?"
She scoffed. "No, I just… what's your name?"
Magnus gave her a seductive smile. "Tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine."
Her delicate throat bobbed. "Maybe it's best if we remain strangers."
Magnus quirked a brow.
Not happening.
He watched her rub her hands together, nervously, as if he'd caught her in some trap. He dared to take a few steps forward, and the light of a nearby torch illuminated his full features.
Her eyes widened, a soft gasp leaving her lips. "You have Sarah's eyes."
He stilled, dropping his smile.
"You mean the Queen's eyes." He couldn't help but emphasize the Queen part. Despite how entrancing she was, she should refer to his mother properly.
"You're her son, Magnus. This party is for you."
He nodded solemnly, unable to help his eyes from roving over every delicate feature of her entrancing face.
She cleared her throat, taking a step back. "I… heard about you mother's time in the Labyrinth. Years ago."
That sobered his thoughts. "First you hear of my father and the Goblin Kings battle in the Outer Lands, then you mention my mother's time in the Goblin Kingdom. How is it you know such tales?"
He watched her spine stiffen, her features turning to stone. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come here. It was reckless of me. I understand that now. I was just so curious. I wanted… never mind."
She seemed to mutter those words to herself more than to him as she made to turn, and suddenly the realization that she would disappear from his life overwhelmed him. He needed to know her name.
"Wait."
She watched her take a breath, her eyes boring into him, through him. "You're the UnSeelie Prince. We shouldn't even be speaking."
Magnus furrowed his brows. "Why? I'm sure a wild one like you isn't so intimidated by a spoiled prince like me."
She graced him with the faintest of smiles, and he could tell she battled with whether to leave his presence.
"Oh, I can only imagine how spoilt you must be. Is that why you're out here brooding all alone?"
"Oh, you have no idea."
This perfect, ethereal creature smiled, and Gods… was that a blush crossing her creamy skin? "I can only imagine how taxing a party like this in your honor must be. Poor baby prince, females throwing themselves at you left and right."
Magnus couldn't help himself. "Like you?"
She blinked. "What makes you think I'd have any interest in a spoilt Prince?"
"From that blush on your perfect cheeks."
"Perhaps my blush is in response to your gouache manners."
Magnus gave her a smoldering look, daring another step forward. "Trust me, wild one. I know a blush of desire when I see it."
She moved so quickly he barely had time to react before her hand contacted his cheek. He blinked at her, shocked. Her slap packed a wallop, more than he would expect from such a petite frame. Strength hid beneath those delicate features.
He grabbed her wrist, unable to keep himself from touching her, running his thumb across her smooth skin. "You are a wild one, aren't you?"
Her blush deepened in a way that made his cock twitch. He couldn't help but pull her towards him, leaning in so he could breathe in her scent. She smelled sweet. Decadent. Nutmeg and hyacinth. It took everything in him not to bury his nose in the crook of her neck and drink in that perfect scent.
"Who are you? Tell me your name."
She attempted to steal her hand back, but Magnus held on tight. "It's best you don't know."
Magnus dared to cup her delicate cheek with his other hand, tilting her head up to meet his intense stare. "I won't be letting go of you until you give me a name."
He watched a shiver run through her. "My friend calls me G. Perhaps that's enough."
But then her eyes seemed to sober. And something akin to shame crossed her features, as if giving him that little piece of her weighed heavy on her heart. As if it was some sort of betrayal. He released her from his grasp.
She stepped away from him, her eyes turned pleading. "Please don't mention to anyone you met me."
She turned and walked away. A few steps later, she turned back, adding, "In fact, forget we ever met."
She hurried into the darkness of the gardens beyond.
Magnus watched her leave for only a moment before he began following her. He watched her turn a corner, disappearing behind a hedgerow. When he made to catch up with her, she was gone.
He stood there in the courtyard's darkness, and although his feet stood flat on the ground, he felt his world tilt.
The last words she spoke to him… Forget we ever met.
Deep within him, a rumble of pure, raw UnSeelie instinct took over.
There was no forgetting this female.
~.~.~.~.~.~
Lucian sat at the head of the breakfast table the following morning, his wife to his left and his son to his right. Both seemed completely lost in thought, pushing the food around on their plates rather than nourishing their bodies. He would have enjoyed how similar the two appeared in this moment if it weren't for the concern he held for their moods.
Glancing between the two, Lucian took a bite of blood sausage, deciding to approach his unusually quiet and reserved son first. "So, how was the rest of your evening? Anyone special catch your eye?"
Magnus blinked a few times, as if being pulled from his thoughts before glancing at his father. "Females? Uh, no. No one special caught my eye." Magnus' gaze fell back over his food, half glazed over.
He was in no mood to discuss the real reason he was so distracted this morning. He had been wholly unable to sleep last night. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her beautiful mis-matched eyes staring back at him behind a delicate sapphire mask. He smelled her intoxicating scent. Felt the unbearable softness of her silky skin…
Lucian furrowed his brows, moving his attention from his son to his wife.
"Sarah, are you alright?"
Sarah blinked, much the same as Magnus had, looking up at her husband. "Sorry. I can't stop thinking about the oddest encounter I had last night with one of our guests."
Lucian leaned back in his chair. "Who, my darling?"
Sarah shrugged her shoulders slightly. "She wouldn't tell me her name. I'd never seen her before, but she seemed so… familiar."
Magnus' ears perked up. "What did she look like?"
Sarah rested her chin on the back of her hand. "Petite. She wore a beautiful dress. It looked Elven made to me. And she had long, wavy hair. Light blonde. Her ears were slightly pointed. That and the design she wore makes me guess she's from the Elven Kingdom. But her ears were pierced, which I know the Elves frown upon."
Lucian kept his eyes fixed on Sarah. "Yes, I remember seeing you talk to her. You looked unnerved."
Sarah leaned forward, clasping her hands together on the table. "She said we had friends in common."
Sarah met Lucian's gaze, and her eyes seemed to water. "It was almost as if she were inferring those friends were from the Goblin Kingdom."
The air seemed to leave the room. Lucian and Magnus went still, their eyes boring into Sarah.
"Tell me exactly what happened." Lucian said, his voice guttural.
Sarah's expression filled with worry. "She said our mutual friends helped unite me with you. I asked if… if he sent her. As some sort of taunt or challenge or cruel joke. She denied it, and I think she was telling the truth. I could see the sincerity in her eyes."
Sarah stilled then. "That was the other thing. Her eyes. One was a vibrant green, and the other a pale blue. They were the Goblin King's eyes."
Silence fell over the table. A moment later, Lucian gently asked, "Sarah, are you saying what I think you are?"
It was well known that the Goblin King married an Elf and sired an heir, a daughter, only a few years after Magnus was born. But they knew little about the female other than her name.
Gennava.
Sarah closed her eyes, shaking her head gently. "I don't know Lucian. I just… what she said to me. Her age… her eyes. They were his eyes. But when I say it out loud, it makes no sense to me. Why would she come? No one outside of the Goblin Kingdom has seen her. Jareth keeps her hidden away. How could she have come?"
Lucian rubbed his jaw. "Maybe he's using his daughter as a political ploy to incite something between our Kingdoms?"
Sarah shook her head. "I doubt it. He's too possessive. I can't imagine he would use his daughter in such a way. Place her in enemy territory. It's too dangerous, especially given how little the Underground knows of her. For all we know, he keeps her in a cage."
Magnus swallowed down the nausea rising in his throat.
Holy Gods.
The female from last night. The beauty that haunted his dreams. The vixen with one green eye and one blue.
Gennava.
G.
The Goblin King's daughter.
Sarah glanced at Magnus. "Son, are you alright?"
Magnus forced a neutral expression on his face. "Perfectly. May I be excused? I have some correspondence to write."
Author Note:
Song:
Get Low by Glume
You can find the Marked playlist on my Spotify account: EastOfGatewood
Hope to see you next Friday!
XOXO