Confessions of an Addict

Gennava laid in her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling above. Had it only been a few hours since she left the UnSeelie Kingdom? Her entire world altered, as if the Underground had tilted. Her thoughts were a windstorm.

She met Sarah Williams… the Sarah Williams. The Champion that turned her father's Kingdom upside down. The Champion that escaped.

Ludo's Champion.

Sir Didymus' Champion.

Her Champion.

And she looked like she knew. Looked at Gennava like she could read her thoughts. It was a mistake. A huge fucking mistake going there. Gods, what if her father found out? Gennava closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.

No. That wasn't possible. Even if Sarah devised who she was, she had zero communication with her father. That, she knew for certain.

A mistake. Yes. Not only because of Sarah, but because…

Her son… Magnus.

Closing her eyes, Gennava pictured his gorgeous emerald eyes. That sharp jawline, those kissable lips.

Taking in a breath, she could still smell his citrus and clove scent. Still feel the luscious heat from his body when he took her wrist in his firm hand and pulled her to him. Still feel the wave of liquid that pooled deep in her core when he cupped her face. She couldn't help but wonder what his touch would feel like on other parts of her body…

The door flew open, pulling Gennava from her traitorous thoughts. Her father stood there, staring at her.

Shit.

"Still in bed at this hour?"

Was she flushed? She felt flushed.

"I'm not feeling very well. I think I have a slight fever."

Her father strolled over to the bed, placing the back of his hand on her forehead. "You do feel warm. I'll send Marchon to you."

Gennava smiled sweetly. "Thank you."

Jareth stilled for a moment before asking, "Is there anything else I can fetch you?"

She hated how her heart skipped a beat at his offer. She could count on one hand the number of times her father showed concern for her, and reveled in each one.

"I'm okay. Thank you."

Jareth nodded. "I'll let you sleep."

Before she could say another word, he turned and swiftly left her bedchamber. Gennava stared at the closed door, unsure how to feel. Then she felt a tinge of magic in the air as a piece of parchment appeared on her bedside table.

Blinking, she grabbed the note and unfolded it. Two words stared back at her.

Found you.

Gennava stared and stared at the note. Found you.

"What the fuck?" The words fell from her mouth before she had time to register what she was saying. But for real… what the fuck?

This couldn't possibly from… no. Not possible.

A moment later, a second note appeared on her bedside table.

What should my prize be for being clever enough to find you?

Her breathing quickened. Her heartbeat a staccato rhythm.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

A knock came on her door, and Gennava shoved the notes under her pillow before lying back. "Enter." She called out in her most 'sickly' voice.

A moment later, Marchon, the Royal Healer, entered her bed chambers. Gennava did the best she could to hasten his visit, giving curt 'yes' and 'no' answers to his line of inquiry before he manifested a few bottles of elixirs that would help quell her symptoms. The moment he left, she reached for the notes of parchment under her pillow and stared at them.

Could these possibly be from the UnSeelie Prince? How did he learn who she was? Did Sarah tell him about their altercation? Gods, there were so many ways this could go wrong. But his notes were… flirty? So like the way he was in the courtyard last night.

She should throw the notes into the fire. Should forget all about the UnSeelie Prince. Should turn her attention and fixation to Damon. Should…

She jumped from her bed and went to her desk, picking up a pen before scribbling on the parchment just beneath his words.

You think quite highly of yourself. Is that a common UnSeelie trait?

The note vanished, reappearing a moment later with his reply.

Oh, come on. Give me a little credit.

Gennava bit her bottom lip.

Just a little.

So, my prize?

Gennava tapped the pen against her lips for a few moments in thought.

I thought it was obvious. My writing back should be prize enough.

A long moment passed before his reply came, and Gennava realized she was holding her breath.

I want to see you again.

She stilled. Was he serious?

That's impossible.

I believe nothing is impossible when it comes to you.

Gennava's heart raced.

You know who my father is.

A long moment passed before his answer came.

I don't care. I can't stop thinking about you.

Gennava tried to ignore the butterflies that danced in her stomach. Tried to ignore the ache growing deep in her core. He's UnSeelie. He's the enemy…

If my father learns I was there last night, things will go very badly for me.

His response was immediate.

Are you afraid of him?

Yes... But she couldn't expose herself like that, despite the truth in those words. She was committing treason for merely writing to Magnus.

Don't act ignorant concerning the relations between our Kingdoms. You know the stakes.

His answer took longer to come this time.

Of course, I do. But I don't care, Gennava. I want to see you.

Gods, he knew her name. She didn't tell him that night. He somehow figured out who she was, the Goblin Princess, so of course he learned her name, but still… there was something about him writing it. A confirmation. She wanted to hear him whisper her name in her ear. Wanted to feel his body press close to her as he said her name sweetly against her lips before he kissed her.

Before she registered her movements, she wrote,

In the Outer Lands, next to the doors to the Labyrinth.

His reply was immediate.

When?

Thirteen hundred, tonight.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Magnus teleported to the Outer Lands, cast in his shadows. He held his breath, surveying the grounds, listening for any signs of footsteps or heavy breathing. In his shadows, he knew he was concealed from most, but not from Gennava. At least not last night.

He raked his brain about how that was possible. He fought alongside many Elves during his time in service, and even their keen sense of sight couldn't penetrate his shadows. Perhaps something in her father's line kept her immune from his darkness?

After surveying the area and finding it empty of life, he relaxed his shadows and took a moment to admire the imposing doors of the famed Labyrinth.

His mother stood here once. Another lifetime ago, when she was human and fragile and willing to risk her life for her baby brother. He always wanted to see these doors, see what lay beyond them.

"You came."

Magnus turned to his side, finding Gennava standing there, her Elven blood making her footfall completely silent. She wore a simple white tunic tucked into worn, brown leather pants and dusty knee high leather boots. He noted the dagger tucked into her right boot, another sheathed at her side in her belt. She braided her blonde, wavy hair down her back, exposing her delicate, pierced ears.

He took in her natural beauty for the first time. Last night, although a vision, he could tell from her stance how uncomfortable she felt, painted and trussed up for the ball. Tonight, however, he could clearly tell she was in her element.

She was breathtaking.

Scanning her face, he mesmerized all the features hidden by her mask. Her delicate nose, her rosy cheeks, and stopped when he beheld the yellowish green of a bruise that sat below her left eye.

Someone hurt her.

He immediately went to her, wrapping one hand around her waist while his other gently clasped her chin, lifting her face to his. "Who hurt you?"

Her eyes went wide. "No one. It was an accident. Fencing lesson."

He looked deep into her eyes, assessing the truth in her words. He didn't know her, but saw the lie. She was protecting someone.

No. That won't do. You're mine.

"No one is allowed to touch you like that again. If they do, you tell me. Understand?"

She swallowed, and he tracked the bob in her throat, moving his fingers there, lightly grazing his fingers over her heated skin.

She stilled for a moment before slapping his hand away and stepping back, an adorably frustrated look crossing her face. "Is this some sort of UnSeelie trait? Find an attractive girl and claim her as yours? Mark her as your property?"

Lucian quirked a brow. "Would you like me to mark you?"

Her features hardened. "I am not your mother. I don't need saving."

His face hardened. "What do you need, then? Why did you agree to meet me?"

He watched her gaze roam his face. "Maybe I wanted to see if you were brave enough to come?"

"Doubt my bravery, do you? How may I prove my worthiness?"

She tilted her head slightly before motioning behind her. "Care for a tour?"

~.~.~.~.~.~

His heart swelled in a way he didn't think possible. Was this night real? Was the Goblin Princess really giving the UnSeelie Prince a tour of the Labyrinth? The same one his mother championed over a century earlier?

Magnus refrained from pinching himself as Gennava led him deeper into the maze.

"Do you know the Labyrinth so well because your father is Keeper?"

Her laugh was laced with tension. "Gods, no. I'm technically not allowed in here without him present. To say my father is overprotective would be an understatement. No, I mapped it out myself, over many years."

Magnus smiled. "I believe my nickname for you fits quite well."

Gennava turned to him. "What nickname should I give you?"

Magnus moved closer to her, their hands grazing slightly as they walked. "Let me think. Handsome seems quite fitting. Or charming?"

Gennava quirked a brow. "That's quite the ego you have there. Maybe I should call you cocksure?"

Magnus gave her a wicked smile. "Oh, you have no idea."

Gennava blushed before turning away, motioning him forward, but Magnus placed his hand on her forearm, stilling her. "I have to ask you something. It's been bothering me since last night."

Gennava blinked up at him. "What?"

He took a step away before calling to his shadows, letting them fully envelope him. "Do you see me?"

Gennava gave him a wry look. "Of course. You're standing right in front of me."

Magnus grabbed her hand, and Gennava gasped. Chills ran down her skin as if a cool breeze encased her. Suddenly the Labyrinth seemed muted. The colors less vibrant.
"What are you doing?"

He pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "What do you see? What do you feel?"

Gennava looked around her. "Everything is a little darker, as if a cloud suddenly covered the light from the moon"

She looked up at him. "What is this?"

"Shadow magic. A rarity in my kind. I'm able to cast shadows around me, essentially making me invisible to the naked eye. I had them around me last night in my courtyard, but you saw right through them, as you did tonight. I'm wondering how that's possible."

Gennava shook her head. "I don't know. I've never heard of that skill."

She moved her gaze back around them. "So, we're essentially invisible right now?"

Magnus nodded, smiling.

Gennava smirked. "Well, thank the Gods it doesn't work on me. Otherwise, I'd fear you peeping in my bedroom chambers."

His smile turned seductive, and he watched Gennava's gaze move there for a moment before looking away, biting her lower lip. Stepping out of his embrace, she beckoned him to follow her further into the Labyrinth. After an hour of walking, the two made their way into a densely wooded section.

"Keep your voice down. The creatures here are a bit menacing, but at this hour will be asleep across the way."

She led him to a large oak atop a small hill in the center of the forest. Leaning up against it, Gennava turned to face him. "This is one of my favorite areas of the Labyrinth. Coming here feels like being in another Kingdom, another world. My father modeled it after some of the great forests in the Above."

Magnus stopped a few feet in front of her, placing his hands in his pockets. "Why are you not allowed in here without his presence?"

Gennava looked away. "My father's possessive. He likes control. As I've grown, his… protectiveness has grown along with me. The Labyrinth is dangerous, and he fears I'll be injured or worse. The creatures here answer only to him. Not even his daughter is safe."

"Are all the creatures here dangerous? My mother told me she made friends with some of them."

Gennava smiled. "Not all are dangerous. Some, yes. Some are neutral. Some are quite benevolent."

Magnus took a step towards her. "Did you learn of my mother's friends? Is that why you wanted to meet her?"

Gennava swallowed, looking up at him. "One of many reasons."

Magnus moved to cup her cheek, running this thumb across her bruise. "Will you not tell me who hurt you?"

"I told you, it was a fencing injury."

Magnus studied her. "Those eyes. Every time I look at you, I get lost in them. I get lost in the truth in them. That's how I know you're lying."

Gennava wrapped her delicate hand around his wrist. "I told you. I don't need saving."

She leaned forward and pressed her full lips to his.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Her lips felt feather soft against his own. He let out a soft groan, leaning his body into hers, pressing her back against the harsh bark of the tree. She met his eager hunger, melting into the feel of his hands, one on her waist, the other moving from her cheek to the back of her neck, changing the angle of her head so he could deepen the kiss.

A sweet moan escaped her lips, and he stroked his tongue against her bottom lip. She opened her mouth, inviting him in. His tongue explored her mouth, dancing with her own as his hips began to move on instinct, grinding into her. Gods, she tasted amazing. He would happily succumb to the pleasure her mouth so perfectly and artistically coaxed from him, wondering what it would feel like around his cock.

Her petite body molded to his, her intoxicating scent enveloping him, nutmeg and hyacinth now mingled with a rich, earthy scent. He pressed his impressive girth into her lower stomach, felt her writhe in response.

He wanted all of her. Here. Now.

But then Magnus thought of tomorrow. Thought of all the other times he reveled in a female and woke the next morning feeling nothing. Because the sex meant nothing. It was a release, an escape. Gennava didn't deserve to be another notch on his bedpost. Deserved to be courted. Worshiped.

Because she was more than sex. More than an escape. She was his future, his salvation. He felt it in his bones.

She is mine.

Magnus released her, stepping back from their embrace, panting as his heated gaze looked down on her incredibly gorgeous, flushed skin.

Confusion fluttered across her eyes. "Why did you stop?"

He let out a shuddering breath, his hands braced against the trunk of the tree, just above her head. His knuckles white.

"Because if I don't stop now, Gennava. I won't until I've had you fully. And I refuse to do that tonight. I refuse to go any further until you love me."

Gennava sucked in a breath. "Do you require that of every female you bed?"

"No. Only you."

He watched her eyes widen. "Why?"

His gaze bored into hers. "I've never felt this way about anyone before, Gennava. You're special. You're…"

He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against her own. "You're more. So much more."

A branch cracked in the distance, grabbing his attention.

Magnus lowered his voice. "What was that?"

Gennava only smiled. "A friend. Someone I'd like you to meet." She took his hand and led him forward. A few dozen feet into the forest and Magnus' eyes went wide at the enormous red-haired beast that emerged from the darkness.

"Magnus, I'd like you to meet my friend, and your mothers. This is Ludo."

Magnus stood there, his mouth partially open. Gennava let out a sweet laugh at his expression. "Are you okay?"

Magnus simply blinked, his gaze unmoving.

Ludo shuffled from one foot to the next, looking from Magnus to her, a confused expression on his face.

Gennava released Magnus' hand and went to Ludo, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "Ludo, this is Sarah's son."

The beast's ears perked up. "Son?"

Gennava nodded. "Yes. He's my friend. I'm showing him your home."

Ludo nodded, then turned to Magnus. "Sarah, friend."

Magnus felt his throat tighten. Taking a step forward, he extended his hand to the beast. "Thank you for all you did for her. I wouldn't exist if it weren't for your bravery."

Ludo bowed his head slightly, accepting Magnus' hand. "Sarah happy?"

Magnus smiled, squeezing his large paw before releasing it. "Yes. She's very happy."

The beast nodded. "Then Ludo happy." With that, he turned his attention back to Gennava. "Need to go. Runner coming."

Gennava stiffened. "Have they entered the Labyrinth yet?"

Ludo shook his head. "Soon."

Gennava gave his hairy arm a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you. Do you have enough time to get back to the hedge maze?"

Ludo bowed his head and turned to leave, and Magnus couldn't contain the words that poured out of him.

"She thinks you're dead. You and Sir Didymus. If she knew you lived, she would have come for you. She would have helped you escape, too."

Ludo turned back to face him, lifting a finger to his lips. "Better this way." He then turned and walked back into the darkness of the forest.

Magnus watched him go, his mind a windstorm of emotions. Gennava placed her hand back in his, squeezing tight enough to cause his focus to return to her. "We need to go."

He followed, barely registering his steps. "My parents assumed Ludo and Sir Didymus were executed the same as Hoggle."

Gennava kept her gaze forward. "My father intended on killing them but thought better of it. Hoggle was not a creature of the Labyrinth. He was a member of the Goblin Kingdom and a caretaker of the Labyrinth. That is something wholly different. To execute not one but two creatures of the Labyrinth would surely upset the balance of things.

"So instead, my father punished the two by placing them in parts of the Labyrinth made to torture them. He relegated Sir Didymus to the Bog of Eternal Stench, forever to be marred by the smell, unable to leave it. He relegated Ludo to the hedge maze to be perpetually hunted by the creatures who live there."

Magnus tried to slow their pace, attempting to process all this, but Gennava kept her grasp firm, coaxing him forwards. "Quickly."

"But if Ludo is relegated to the hedge maze, how was he able to come to you in the forest?"

"Before he was executed, my father took Hoggle's keys. They open all locks hidden inside the Labyrinth. He kept them stowed away in his study. Took me years to find them. When I did, I gave them to Ludo. It allows him to hide in other areas of the Labyrinth until a Runner comes. That way he can make his way back into the hedge maze before anyone is the wiser. Overtime, he's become somewhat of a caretaker himself, looking over the Labyrinth and keeping me informed of all occurrences."

"Doesn't your father check in?"

"My father doesn't bother with the Labyrinth unless there's an active Runner."

"What about Sir Didymus? Can he not get a set of keys too so he can leave the bog?"

"I can't risk making copies. The goblins would find out and report back to my father. I'm lucky he never noticed the keys missing all these decades. Instead, I keep Sir Didymus supplied with an elixir that nullifies the smell."

Magnus pulled Gennava back into a quick embrace. "You're amazing, do you know that?." Her eyes brightened before she pushed him away, heading towards a stone wall and tapping on a particular stone three times. A doorway appeared before them, and Gennava led him through, into a tunnel.

She turned to him then, her expression serious. "Magnus, I made a mistake when I came to your Kingdom. I should have respected Ludo and Sir Didymus' wishes. They knew Sarah would come for them if she knew their fate, knew it was better if she thought them dead. The last thing they want is to incite a war, and I agree. I'll take care of them. In the meantime, please don't tell Sarah about tonight. About us. It… it won't end well."

He watched her eyes fill with fear and took her face in his hands. "I promise."

She nodded. "This is where we part. Go left about 200 yards and you'll find a door on your right. It will lead you to the Outer Lands, where you can teleport home. Use your shadow magic to keep hidden. I go right, back to the castle."

Magnus didn't let go of her. "When can I see you again?"

She leaned up and kissed him sweetly, before whispering against his lips, "Write to me."

~.~.~.~.~.~

Tell me about your parents.

Gennava sat at her desk, waiting patiently for his response. A week had passed since she took Magnus into the Labyrinth. True to his word, he wrote to her, and their note passing had been a comforting constant.

A moment later, his response appeared.

What would you like to know?

Are they really as madly in love as rumor suggests?

They are. It's annoying, really. I've walked in on them on more than one occasion.

Gennava couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up in her throat.

I'm so sorry! I don't know what I would do if I ever walked in on my father.

His response this time was a bit slower.

The truth is, I've never seen two people more devoted to each other. It set the bar rather high, I'm afraid.

Gennava's heart stilled at that.

How did Lucian know Sarah was the one when he marked her?

Minutes passed before his response appeared.

I asked him that once. He told me it was her eyes. The look in them when she was running the Labyrinth. It was a look of pure determination. I don't need to tell the daughter of the Goblin King and Keeper that a Champion is rare. When she won, my father knew she was made for him.

Gennava considered that.

I guess he was right.

Appears so. Did Jareth love your mother?

Gennava hesitated before answering.

I don't know. I think so. He rarely talks about her, but when he does, I can see the devastation in his eyes.

Gennava swallowed, her pen hovering over the parchment.

He blames me for her death.

His response was instantaneous.

Why do you think that?

He has a habit of bringing her death up in a way that leaves me quite certain. I think that's why he's never told me he loves me.

Minutes passed, and no response. Gennava worried she delved too far into her emotions. Maybe all Magnus wanted was flirtatious banter. Nothing serious. Well, she just shit all over that.

Another minute passed before the parchment appeared in front of her.

I can't imagine a father never telling his child he loves them. It disgusts me, truly. What happened to your mother was tragic. I can't imagine never knowing my own. But it wasn't your fault, Gennava. You are wholly innocent. I hope you know that.

A drop of water landed on the parchment as she read his words. No, not water. A tear. She was crying.

Oh, my wild one. Don't cry.

She attempted a steady hand as she wrote,

I didn't realize how desperate I was to hear those words from someone.

A moment passed before his response came.

Can you meet me?

She hesitated.

I can't right now. I have an engagement.

Is he as handsome and charismatic as me?

She suppressed a laugh, but before she could respond, a knock came on her door.

Shit.

Glancing at the clock on her dresser, she knew it was Damon. They were supposed to meet at the stables twenty minutes ago.

Tonight, same place and time?

She rose and made her way to the door before his response came. She knew what his answer would be.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Gennava waited anxiously outside the doors to the Labyrinth. The last time she met Magnus, he kissed her in a way that left her breathless and molten. Kissed her in a way that promised time and attention and affection and something more…

She spent the following days fantasizing about that kiss—those lips. What else they could do to her…

Then she was surrounded by his scent. "Evening."

His voice was silky smooth, a lovers' caress.

She turned towards him, holding in her breath at the sight of this devastatingly gorgeous male.

"Hi."

Such a stupid, insignificant response, but she couldn't think of anything witty to say. The mere sight of him caused all reason to leave her head. He smiled, as if he sensed as much, sensed her arousal.

"As much as I enjoyed your Labyrinth, I thought we might do something different tonight."

Gennava took a tentative step backwards. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

It was one thing to meet the son of her father's enemy; it was another for him to whisk her away, out of her Kingdom.

Magnus cocked a brow, and her insides went molten at the sight. "Don't trust me?"

She attempted to keep her voice steady and failed miserably. "No. I don't."

Magnus laughed, his voice deep and luxurious. "I promise you'll like this."

He extended his hand, and Gennava steeled her courage, wrapping her hand in his. As soon as she did, his shadows engulfed them, and the world fell below her feet as Magnus teleported them both. She opened her eyes to find them further into the Outer Lands, the Goblin Kingdom a dim speck on the horizon.

"See? I didn't take you far."

Gennava met his heated gaze. "Good. For a moment there I was worried you were about to steal me away to the UnSeelie Kingdom."

Magnus gave her a wicked smile that made her knees go weak. "I wouldn't steal you away as much as rescue you."

She gave him a flat stare. "Semantics. So, are you going to tell me why we're here?"

Magnus kissed her hand before releasing it, taking a few steps back before lifting his gaze to the dark sky above. He whistled then, low and deep, something Gennava barely registered. She took a step towards him, brows furrowed before she heard a distinct screech from above, causing her eyes to shoot up.

"Oh Gods, is that…?"

The breath caught in her lungs as an enormous creature descended from the heavens, landing in front of them. It was huge, the size of two horses, but with smooth, scaly skin. The long, thick neck led to the angular head of a beast with depthless black eyes and needle-sharp teeth. Its long tail whipped behind it. Its leathery wings tucked into its sides as it lowered its head to Magnus.

Magnus lifted his hand and began stroking the side of its head. And it… purred? Can something that looks so terrifying purr?

Gennava wasn't sure she was breathing, her eyes as wide as saucers.

Magnus turned to her, smiling broadly. "Gennava, meet Caragin. The great grandson of the alcelot that whisked away the Goblin King over a century ago."

Gennava blinked. "Is he… safe?"

Magnus motioned her forward. "He won't hurt you, I promise."

She took a tentative step forward, and the beast turned in her direction, eyeing her with an inky black stare. She took another step and slowly raised a shaky hand towards its snout. She thought the thing would be cold to the touch, but he was warm and his leathery skin soft, and at her light caress, the creature closed its eyes and purred.

Purred!

Like a docile cat.

Gennava couldn't help her broad smile as she placed her other hand on the beast and ran soothing strokes down its neck. "Incredible."

Magnus came up to her side, placing his hand on the small of her back, whispering in her ear, "You said you always wanted to see one."

Gennava turned her gaze to him. "Thank you."

He kissed her cheek. "Whatever you want, Gennava, I'll give to you."

A shiver went down her spine. Gennava knew he was telling the truth. Knew the words he spoke to her against the great oak tree in the Labyrinth were true, too.

He wanted her to love him.

Despite all the impossible obstacles before them, he wanted her heart.

And she knew, despite her father, she would give it to him.

Author's Note:

Did I steal the magical note passing from ACOTAR? You bet your sweet SJMaas I did.
Song:
Confessions of an Addict by Trevor Something
You can find the Marked playlist on my Spotify account: EastOfGatewood
Hope to see you next Friday!
XOXO