We were now in a moat, traveling in what appeared to be a perfect circle inside, channeled by a short stone wall that ran nearest the castle. This time I noticed the guards everywhere, standing by lit torches of burning faery fire, mounted on both the low inner wall of the moat, and the high walls overhead, with weapons ready at hand. We pulled up to a large, stone landing platform jutting out from the castle wall. There was a small detail of guards standing there, and what appeared to be a few maids-in-waiting. The ladies quickly rushed to the edge of the dock, carrying a robe and slippers. One of the guards leaned forward to help Eirian from the boat, and I followed up behind her.
“You are dismissed,” she spoke in an authoritative voice to the women. “I have no need of your services this night.”
“Milady,” one spoke with a bow. “Your father requested that we prepare a special suite for your arrival. He would like you to send for him as soon as you’ve arrived.”
She held the regal robe and slippers up to Eirian again. “Very well,” Eirian replied with a sigh, allowing them to add to her wardrobe. “You may tell my father I am here now and will see him when he’s ready.”
A distinguished looking Fae man approached from the castle. “Milady, the king has noticed your arrival and awaits you in the prepared chamber.”
Eirian nodded.
No one said anything to me, and other than a few cursory glances, paid little attention to my presence. I stepped closer to Eirian, grasping her hand. “You look divine, my love,” I whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, and I bowed to kiss her wrist.
“Welcome to Castle Naveen, Bran of Glynshire.” Eirian smiled.
“I am most happy to be here with you, your highness.”
“Please. I dislike all the formalities. Call me Eirian.”
“With pleasure, Eirian.” I couldn’t help my sly smile at her maid’s attempt to disguise her abrupt laughter when Eirian shivered.
She punched me. “You did that on purpose.”
“Yes, I did, and that was not very well mannered.” I chuckled as I rubbed my arm, amazed at how strong she was. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
She blushed, turning away to head for the castle. I hurried next to her and slipped my hand into hers, giving it a squeeze before looking over my shoulder at the guard detail that was surrounding us. The guards stopped at the door, but the ladies-in-waiting followed.
I couldn’t help gazing around in awe at the vaulted ceilings, cavernous in their magnitude. The numerous stone pillars curved into pointed, elegant archways and were intricately carved to mimic the ivy-covered exterior walls. I wanted to lean in for a closer look and touch them—to study their workmanship in depth.
A soft pressure on my hand brought my attention back to Eirian and her meaningful glance reminded me I should be intrigued by her, not the castle. I would have to save my exploring for another time.
Slipping my arm about her waist, I leaned to whisper in her ear. “Your home is very lovely.” I kissed her lightly on the cheek.
She nodded and smiled, turning to lead us up a giant stone staircase. “It is. I’m glad you like it. I hope you’ll be pleased by the rest.” She kept her voice low enough so our words were only heard between the two of us.
I hugged her closer. “So I’m about to meet your father. I’m assuming he was the fierce looking man sitting on the throne next to you at the celebration. Is there anything I need to know about him?”
“Show no fear. He expects you to be enchanted, so he will assume your actions before him are of someone who is longing for his daughter. He’ll expect you to stay close to me. Don’t speak unless he addresses you, and if he does, only answer his question directly. Do not elaborate. Keep your attention on me—mostly noticing what I do. If you’re observing other things too much he may know that something is wrong.”
“Understood. Are we going to your room then?”
She shook her head. “No. My maid said he requested a special suite prepared. It’ll be in the highest tower with the best views of the city.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It is beautiful up there, but I warn you, you’ll probably need a rest after climbing all the stairs.” Her laugher tinkled in the air. “It’s not a trip for the faint hearted.”
“I’m up for the challenge.” I released her waist, slipping my hand back into hers.
I quickly learned she wasn’t joking. We climbed up three floors worth of steps before we reached the circular staircase that wound through the center of the tower.
“Which room will we be in?” Eirian asked her maids.
“The topmost, milady,” came the reply from the lead maid, and I figured she must be in charge.
I stared up the center, noting that the stairs circled up into darkness so high that the farthest point seemed the size of a small stone. We began climbing again in silence—around and around—passing several narrow landings that were lit with bright burning torches of faery fire. Our breathing was somewhat labored from the exertion of reaching the top. Two guards stood on either side of very large, carved, double doors.
Eirian stopped and the maids rushed in front of us, dabbing our foreheads and face with cloth to remove any sheen, and then fluffing and spreading Eirian’s dress. Once her hair was smoothed and shining, one of them produced a beautiful twisted wreath of intertwined vines and small flowers I didn’t recognize and placed it upon her head.
She looked noble as she straightened herself and nodded once. The guards opened the doors with a flourish.
I tried to keep my expression neutral, not giving away that this was the most lavish room I’d ever seen in my life. I briefly glanced over the dimly lit, plush surroundings of fabric draped bedding, and furniture. The giant wall of sculpted arches beyond those looked out to the fabulous view of the lit and glowing canyon around us. My perusal halted as my gaze rested on the king standing near one of the windows, looking out into the night.
He was just as majestic as he appeared the first time I laid eyes on him. His form was lithe and agile, and he probably would’ve appeared much younger if it weren’t for his long hair and lengthy pointed beard. He stared at us, his eyes narrowing as he studied me.
I turned away from him and smiled at Eirian, taking a step closer and brushed the side of her cheek with the back of my free hand. She smiled at me briefly before returning her attention to her father.
“So, this is the lad you fancy.” His voice was deep, but his words had a musical lilt to them.
“It is,” Eirian replied, and I noticed her hand was trembling in mine.
“And has he proven worthy to your task?”
I found this to be an odd question.
“He has.”
“How many times have you lain with him?”
“Twice.”
He grunted and turned back toward the window.
My body tensed, and I clenched Eirian’s hand tighter. I wasn’t sure what custom dictated, but I couldn’t see how this was any of his concern. My anger must have been noticeable, because Eirian turned to me with an anxious look.
“Bran, please go lay on the bed and rest.”
It was a command. I struggled with the desire to reply, but I bit back my words and nodded, going over to the large wooden platform that was laden with an overstuffed mattress and excessive amounts of pillows and fabric. I reclined, tucking my hands behind my head in a gesture of relaxed ease, as I continued to watch the exchange.
“Have you bitten him?” the king asked, still staring outside.
“Yes.”
“And you fed him your blood?”
“I did, mixed in the contents of the drink as I was instructed to do.”
Something was off here. Things that had seemed amazing were being spoken of in callous flat tones. I’d expected some sort of celebration, or welcoming of the princess after her marriage. Yet, other than this elaborate room, not much else appeared to be going on.
The king looked at me befo
re turning to Eirian again. “You’ve chosen well. I can tell he’s a strong young man. The child he will give you should be strong as well.”
Eirian nodded, keeping her eyes cast down. “I concur.”
He walked over and lifted her chin until she looked at him. “Listen to me. I know you fancy yourself in love with him, and I can understand why he was your choice. He’s a fine specimen, but you must remember what you are doing is a great service to your people. He’s not for you though.”
It was all I could do to remain still and unaffected. Something was terribly wrong. I struggled to appear calm.
Eirian’s eyes glistened with tears. “I know, Father. You needn’t speak of it any further.”
I wasn’t sure what was going on, but suddenly things seemed to be very unstable.
“It’s hard when we have to sacrifice our hearts for the betterment of our society,” the king said as he continued toward the open door. “I provided the best suite I have so you could enjoy your time with him to the fullest. Live your dream as completely as possible. His strength will make him a formidable Blood Wraith later.”
Eirian stood still, like a statue, and I could see her tears hit the stone floor in front of her, leaving small, wet drops on the surface.
“Carry on, daughter,” the king said, leaving the room. The guards closed the doors swiftly behind him, and the resonating sound made me feel as though I’d just been sealed into a tomb.
I held my tongue for several moments, clenching my teeth as I stared at the forlorn figure in front of me. I willed her to turn and look at me, but she would not. I slid from the bed and strode to her.
“Tell me what is going on, right now!” I ground out.
Chapter Eight
She lifted her red-rimmed eyes, and I could see they were filled with sorrow.
“I . . . I . . . ,” she stuttered.
“Speak to me now, Eirian.” I watched her shudder over the use of her name. “I demand you tell me what is going on. You told me Fae cannot lie, yet I seem to find myself buried in the depths of deception.” My jaw twitched as I clenched my teeth.
She shook her head. “I have not lied to you,” she whispered. “I just haven’t shared the whole truth yet.”
My heart fell with sinking dread. “Then tell me why the king speaks of me as if I am nothing but a stud to service you, instead of your husband? And what are these Blood Wraiths you speak of? Why will I be numbered with them?” I resisted the urge to grab her and shake the answers from her.
Eirian suddenly looked very tired—all her sparkle had been drawn from her. “I never expected him to speak to me of such matters. I wanted to reveal things to you myself, in my own way.” She crossed the room to sit on the bed.
“Reveal what? We are bonded, yes?”
She sighed heavily. “Yes, we are, but only for these seven days. When they are over, I’ll send you back to live with your people.”
“What?” the word exploded out of my mouth in a ball of frustration.
“Shhh. Please, Bran, the guards will hear you.”
Once again, her voice caused an erotic tremble to course through me, and I gritted my teeth against it. “Don’t speak my name. I don’t want any more traps. I want the truth.” I held my breath, staring at her while I waited to see if she would come clean.
She sat there, silent for a few moments. “My people are at war against an enemy we can’t defeat on our own. In all our existence, the Fae have always had dalliances with humans. Sadly, what you said before was true, the Fae enjoyed manipulating them with their words. Humans were like playthings to my people . . . a sport of fun so-to-speak.”
I went to the window, grasping one of the stone pillars so hard that my fingers turned white. “So, is that what I am to you? A plaything?”
“No!” she blurted out, wisely remaining where she was. “I’ve always loved you, Br . . . I’ve always loved you. That’s the truth. My people are in trouble though, and it’s my duty to help them.”
“How does being with me help them?” I asked, my mind was a muddied mess as I tried to understand what she was saying.
She clenched and unclenched her hands in a nervous gesture. “Those creatures you dreamt of—the ones attacking the Fae they are called Blood Wraiths. They were made during those centuries of human dalliances. The biting and exchanging of blood is very sensual for us, but it alters humans.”
“What do you mean?” I was sure I didn’t want to hear her answer, but I needed to know.
“It makes their blood run cold, something about us changes them. They begin to crave our blood, any blood really, but especially faery blood. It’s something you already noticed when I gave you the drink which contained my blood. It was sweeter than anything you’d ever imagined, correct?”
“Go on,” I said without acknowledging her comment.
“Midsummer’s eve is the only time humans can penetrate our realm. They cannot stay any longer.”
“That’s not true. I’m human, and I’ve been here well-past Midsummer’s eve,” I contradicted.
She shook her head. “Time moves differently here in Faery than it does for you. We have seven days to your one. It is still Midsummer’s eve in your realm—only a small amount of time has passed since you’ve been here. Your people still celebrate, and no one even knows you’re gone.”
My teeth clenched harder as I tried to maintain control. “Why did you bring me here?”
“I need the child you will give me. We’ve discovered the mixed race children hold the powers of the Fae and the strength of the Blood Wraiths. They are stronger than we are.”
“And why do you need such strong children?”
“The Blood Wraiths have found ways to penetrate Faery during Midsummer, and they are attacking us and killing off my people. We need the children to fight them.”
I was so confused. “So you’re creating more Blood Wraiths by mating with them so you can have their children to destroy them? How does this even make sense?”
“I told you. Time passes differently in Faery. In three of your years we can raise a soldier of twenty-one summers.”
“Three years? How many of these Blood Wraiths are there?”
“Many. It appears there is another side effect of the changing. The humans become immortal after the exchange.”
I laughed wryly. “So each child you have creates another enemy for you. I can’t see how this is very wise reasoning.”
She remained silent.
Horror lanced through me. “You kill them, don’t you? No one brought into this place walks out alive, do they?” I whispered.
She stood, coming quickly toward me. I stepped back in repulsion as she laid her hands on my shoulders. “Yes, they do kill them, but don’t worry. I won’t let them do that to you. I’ll help you escape and teach you how to survive. No one will even be aware you escaped. I wasn’t lying when I said I love you. I love you with everything inside of me. I wanted to be with you so badly—wanted to be the one you held in your arms—wanted to have you love me, too. This was the only way we could be together.”
She spoke rapidly—her words spilled out as she attempted to express her feelings—but I couldn’t absorb them. “How do you think I could possibly love you after this? You just told me that you lured me here under deception, you’ve taken away my humanity, you’ve turned me into a bloodthirsty creature, and you want to steal my child. That doesn’t put you very high on the list of people I admire right now, Eirian.”
Her skin flushed as I spoke her name, and I pushed her away in frustration, walking across the spacious suite as her words began to sink in. I grew angrier with every step, and when I turned I found she’d followed me, tears streaming from her eyes. “Stay away from me,” I blurted out. “You can forget having the child too, because I will not be lying with you ever again.”
A sob left her throat and she reached for me, fisting her hands into the front of my shirt. “Have you ever loved or wanted something so much you would do
anything—risk everything to have it?” she cried, desperately.
I was breathing heavily when I nodded. “Yes, I have. And her name is Ceridwen,” I spat.
Eirian paled at my blow and wrenched away from me as if I’d struck her.
I took a step back, wanting to distance myself from her. I felt sick, disgusted by what she’d done. “You tricked me! I’ve lost everything because of you. I was willing to give up my life to make an honest try with you.”
Eirian sank to the floor in a puddle—weeping into her hands, but I didn’t care how pathetic she looked. All I could feel was my own anger.
“You want to know what I’ve been doing today? Figuring out how I was going to move on, planning to embrace my future with you, and how I would provide for you and our children.”
She sobbed harder, yet I still carried on.
“Why? Because that’s who I am, Eirian! I was raised to be an honorable person. You have no honor that I can see. Not only have you destroyed my life, but you’ve destroyed your own!” I accused.
“But I haven’t destroyed your life!” she cried. “I’ve done everything I can to ensure your safety. You will return to your love, your life, and family. I just wanted you for a moment that was all my own.”
I marched over, knelt, and grabbed her by the shoulders shaking her. “Returned how? As a blood-drinking fiend that stalks the night? I know what the creatures are that you speak of—only we call them Vampires where I come from. I never believed them to be real either. You’re sending me back to my loved ones so I can slaughter them! Is that what you wanted?”
“No! Never! I told you I would teach you how to survive. There are ways to keep those you love safe. I love you—I would never want you to hurt those you love.”
“Really? Then please explain to me how I’m supposed to go back to Ceridwen, and tell her I’ve been with another woman—that I’m a creature who will hunt her in the night, and not hurt her. She’ll not want anything to do with me!”