Chapter 18
“Wake up, Bella.” I opened my eyes slowly to find Bowen leaning over me. He gave a mischievous grin before he kissed my nose and leaned away. “Time for that bath. We need to head back to the others.”
I groaned but slowly sat up. I noticed the others all looked bathed and ready. I guess I slept in. Whoops.
“Wait, what happened to the crown?” Maddox asked, confused. I gasped in shock. How could I have forgotten all that she told me. I deliberately didn’t tell them until after Allwyn was taken care of, but I completely forgot by the time we got up here.
“It must be in the room with Allwyn.” I said with a frown. “I can’t believe I forgot to explain that!”
“We all forgot, you were so shaken after your odd levitation practice that we all were more worried about getting you warm. Then you fell asleep. There really wasn’t time yet.” Maddox explained, gently. He sometimes was so sweet to me, but outwardly he was a fairly strict guard.
“Once I was up in the air, my vison blurred and I was transported to this clearing. This glowing woman explained that she was the spirit of the realm. She said that I would have to find the magical stones that bring balance back to the land. Once I have the stones cleansed they are supposed to be embedded into the crown. Once that is done, I will be tied to my four future kings. I can then use the stone’s magic to restore the land again. Then we can focus on rebuilding efforts. She also mentioned she will give the animals back when the land is restored. She said I would have to trust my four kings, one from each of the courts.” I finished and looked at their face. Each expression was a mixture of shock, intrigue, and hope.
“Does that mean I’m going to be a king?” Bowen asked, with a suggestive wink.
“Maybe, if you’re lucky.” I grinned back. Something about Bowen’s sense of humor, drew me in and made me want to joke right back with him.
“Did the spirit guide you to any stones?” Gerwyn asked, his face was lit up like I gave him the best challenge of his life.
“One in each court is what I gathered, though I think I know where the Spring one is, and I’m not sure how we are going to make that work.” I wrinkled my nose at the idea of crawling down into a nasty old well.
“The well?” Maddox asked, looking equally as disgusted by the idea of crawling into the well.
“I believe so. She said it’s magic would reach out to mine, and something in that well certainly did.” I responded with a shrug.
“Get dressed and let’s check it out. That’s what this whole journey is about. I’ll stick with you, Bella.” Emrick said as he stood up from his chair. The other’s looked on in shock.
“You spoke!” Bowen pretended to faint.
“I speak.” He rumbled, clearly not amused. I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped and he gave me a quick smile, before turning back to his brothers with a stony expression.
“I’ve heard more words out of you since we joined the queen, than I have in 13 years.” Maddox laughed.
“She’s special, you guys aren’t.” Emrick stated, unapologetic. He gave me a flirty smile then walked through the door. “Bella, get a bath and get ready. One of you stay in here to protect her, the other two downstairs to check on the traitor.” He growled at the word traitor, making him sound terrifying. Though his scary voice didn’t take away from the warmth in my chest from his flirting.
I scurried to the closet Gerwyn found yesterday and looked through the contents. Most of them were impractical gowns. Whoever owned the clothes was also a decent amount taller then me, but at least the waist seemed like it would fit. I found a comfortable pair of riding pants and a flowing white tunic that hung off of the shoulders. I grabbed my finds and ran to the washroom. I couldn’t stand the thought of being in these nasty clothes any longer and stripped them off. I touched the panel and tried to get warm water, but it kept coming out ice cold.
I wrapped the towel that I found on the counter around myself and peeked out of the door. I saw Bowen sitting on the bed, looking bored.
“You got babysitting duty?” I joked and he looked up. His eyes slowly made their way over my body before he snapped them back to my face. A blush flared across his cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Bella, sometimes I forget you are a queen. That was disrespectful.” He said, looking troubled.
“Don’t be sorry, I surprisingly didn’t mind. Something about you guys just feels right. Can you help me run the stupid bathwater?” I said with a pout. He laughed, but looked relieved.
“Of course. You know, if you wanted me to join you, you just had to ask.” He joked again, walking ahead of me toward the tub.
“Shut up and fill your queen’s bathtub.” I huffed, hiding my smile. I was telling him the truth, something about being with these four men just felt right. I had never really connected with anyone before. I wasn’t sheltered, I was just picky. I wanted more then a friend with benefits, I wanted a connection as well. I thought I was finding that in Allwyn, but clearly I was wrong. Being around the brothers showed me just how weak our fake connection really was.
“Come here and give me your hand.” He commanded, holding his hand out for me to lay mine in. I did as he asked and he moved our hands to place my palm under his over the panel. He leaned closer to my ear to whisper into it, causing me to shiver at his warm breath tickling my neck. “You have to turn your palm to the right, that symbol means warm. The left is cold. Then you push a little magic in it, to get it to pour out.”
Once the tub had filled, he finally released our hands, taking a step back. He gave me an intense look that sent fire shooting through my body, before walking out and closing the door behind him.
I leaned against the rim of the tub, trying to catch my breath. Was I imagining this connection? I had always heard the Fae aren’t a shy people, but it was probably just a myth. I couldn’t deny the attraction I felt for Bowen, but I felt the same for Emrick. It was so confusing!
Pushing aside my feelings I slipped out of my towel and submerged myself in the glorious water. I took longer than I really should have, but I wasn’t quite ready to face Allwyn and his deception. I tried not to think about how hurt I was, but I couldn’t help it. He was the first man I had felt close to, aside from Jacob.
I finally decided to pull myself out of the bathtub when I figured that Bowen had waited long enough. I dried off quickly and dressed in the borrowed clothing. The top fit well, and I rolled up the pant legs until they were at a normal length.
I made my way out of the bathroom to find Bowen sleeping on the bed. Apparently I took longer than I thought. I took quiet steps until I reached the bedside. I was contemplating how to wake him up when I heard approaching footsteps.
“Fell asleep, didn’t he?” Maddox grinned. “He isn’t one for waiting. Allwyn is still contained and furious. Your crown was on your pillow downstairs. Here you go.” He said as he gently placed it on my head.
“Thank you, Maddox.” I said with a genuine smile.
“Of course, I came up to tell you that we were ready to eat and head out. Why don’t you wake Bowen and meet us downstairs.” He gave me a wink and walked out. I turned to Bowen and crawled up into the bed beside him. I reached over and tickled him slowly. He wiggled in the bed but didn’t wake up right away. Trying again, I slowly traced a finger over his face and his eyelids opened slowly.
“Good morning, sunshine.” I whispered and he turned his head to look at me. A lazy smile formed on his lips and I couldn’t help but think about kissing his soft lips. I looked back up at his eyes and noticed I had been caught staring at his mouth. I felt my cheeks flush.
“Sorry I fell asleep.” He whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. It was a sweet and unexpected gesture.
“Ready to go downstairs? Apparently Allwyn is mad.” I made a fake sad face at Allwyn’s predicament and he let out a chuckle.
“Come on.” He said, pulling me to my feet. I turned to walk away and he stopped me. “Let me dry your hair first.” I felt a concentrated flow of air coming from his hands. He hovered it just above a section of hair, using the other to keep it from flowing everywhere. Within minutes I had dry hair.
“That’s so cool!” I exclaimed, inspecting my dry hair. He smiled back and ushered me out of the door.
“Let’s hurry before Emrick gets grumpy. He doesn’t like to wait to eat.” He said, pulling me along.
I stopped walking right outside of the main hall, where Allwyn was trapped. My heart started racing and that awful achy feeling blossomed in my chest. Bowen noticed I wasn’t behind him and gave me a questioning look. Emrick walked through the doorway just then, mumbling to himself about women. I guess I did take far too long for my knights.
“What’s wrong, Bella.” He looked concerned as he looked me over.
“Nothing it’s silly. I’m a queen. I can handle this.” I mumbled. Emrick walked over, grabbed my hand, and led me into the room.
“Don’t let him get to you, you are strong and your confidence will grow. He is not worth your sadness.” He said firmly. His words were harsh, but oddly comforting. I gave a nod and walked into the room.
We still couldn’t hear Allwyn, but my magic held strong. I looked across the room to find a table set up with the food we brought with us.
“I miss Jacob, let’s eat.” I suggested, taking my seat. Maddox and Gerwyn were already seated, and the others quickly joined us. “I know it is a bit unorthodox, but would you guys mind telling me about Faerie, and the courts, and what kind of magic you have?”
“Who are we to argue, if the Spirit of Faerie chose you herself?” Gerwyn said firmly.
“Let’s start with magic. I have an affinity for illusions. I can also do the basic combat and general spells we were taught in training before the war.” Maddox started.
“I have an affinity for nature magic. I can control the wind, soil and can control animals.” Bowen added, around a bite of his muffin.
“I can use mind manipulation, forcing others to do my will. It takes immense concentration though. I also have an affinity for ice magic, as most Winter Fae do. I also can communicate with and see the dead.” Gerwyn explained, looking proud of his skills. I returned his smile and turned to Emrick.
“I am an elemental battlemage. I can use the elements to aid me in battle. I also have a knack for healing magic.” Emrick added. My eyes widened as I watched him shove his fourth muffin in his mouth. I guess if you are that big, you need more fuel.
“Faerie was beautiful and prosperous, but it was harsh. The Royal Fae treated their people like no more then servants. They also forbid intermingling between courts. The only ones allowed to travel between were the merchants. Greed and power destroyed our land, and our people were the ones who had to pay.” Maddox spit out. The royals sounded like real assholes.
“I promise, if we succeed, that Faerie will never be the same as it was.” I vowed. My voice was determined and I gave them each a determined stare.
“I pledge myself to your service, Queen Bella.” Gerwyn stated. “I know we already did, but this changes nothing, we stand beside you.” The others all nodded in agreement.
“What shall we do with Allwyn?” I asked, peering over at our prisoner. I sat aside a cup of water and a muffin, I walked into the outer barrier and sat his food on the ground. Once I was safely out of the way I strengthened our outer barrier and dissolved the inner barrier. I also dissolved his magical bindings so he could move. He stood and stretched, before eating and drinking. I turned back to my guards.
“I say we bring him with us. Maybe one of us can use our magic to bind his. Though I think only Bella would be strong enough for that. Then we proceed as planned. When we return we have an open trial. It will be a good show of power for Bella, and deal with him at the same time.” Bowen suggested. I was a bit shocked.
“Brains and funny, impressive.” I joked. He laughed at my response and gave me a wink.
“Bowen is our best strategist. Never start a prank war with him.” Gerwyn cautioned. I was intrigued. Maybe Jacob and I would have to start a little friendly fun when we got back.
“Let’s do this then, I like the plan.” I said, standing up. Allwyn had finished so I used my magic to create handcuffs that would bind his magic. I pushed more magic out until I felt like the cuffs were secure. Once I dissolved the barrier around him I wavered on my feet. Thankfully Gerwyn was behind me and reached out to steady me.
“You will pay for this you false queen!” Allwyn yelled.
“How could you Allwyn? How could you pretend to care for me, make friends with us all, and then turn on us?” I asked, forcing a blank expression to hide my hurt.
“I didn’t turn, I was never on your side. I used you to get back at those stupid humans.” He spat. I looked at the man who I once found gorgeous and strong. Now I just found him repulsive. I shook my head and took the lead. Gerwyn slipped his hand into mine and walked beside me, offering silent comfort.
“Well you seem to have moved on just fine.” Allwyn gave a cocky chuckle. “Have fun with her, she’s a tease and a prude. Jacob told me she has never slept with a man. He let it slip out when he thought I was courting you.” He laughed hysterically at me, though it sounded hollow.
I felt my cheeks flush as he exposed my personal business. Gerwyn squeezed my hand and I kept my head held high. I heard a thump and turned to see Allwyn on the ground clutching his manhood.
“Don’t speak about my queen that way.” Emrick bellowed before yanking him back to his feet and forcing him to walk. The rest of the walk to the well was quiet, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved that Emrick defended me.