Twilight had descended when I finally exited the cottage, and the stars were beginning to reveal themselves. The meeting with Aithne’s father had gone better than anticipated, and I grinned at the revelation that he always hoped I’d come seeking her hand. Even with his blessing, I wasn’t sure when I’d approach her. But it created a wave of excitement that should the perfect moment arise, I could seize it.
I took a deep breath and enjoyed the cool breeze as it tickled across my skin. I cast my gaze up to her window, and sure enough, the flickering glow of candles faintly lit the room. I wanted to call out and declare my wishes as she leaned from the window. My lips began to shape the words when a moving shadow caught my eye.
I had experience with forest creatures, but this was no mere animal. The form of a person lurked in the darkness—someone whose intentions weren’t clear. Unarmed, I didn’t care for my own safety, only for those in the house. My heart whispered the identity of the intruder was someone else vying for Aithne’s affection, and I approached ready for a confrontation. I wasn’t as quiet as I should be since stealth was not a skill blacksmiths needed to master. Despite the noise, the shadow remained still—waiting.
“Reveal yourself. Now,” I demanded, clenching my fists in readiness. One loud call would alert the household and bring her father running outside to my aide. As the stranger stepped out, the faint cottage lights caught his features. I’d been right. It was the other suitor, but what I hadn’t known was that he was Fae. There was no mistaking the difference in features that separated him from humans, as well as the way his skin glowed under the moonlight.
Anger shot through me, and I didn’t speak as I charged forward. I let my fists do the talking—my arm cocked, as I threw a punch so hard it caused the Fae to stumble back. I didn’t stop. I moved with purpose, swinging again and again, each hit connecting with power and precision. Hours of toiling in the forge had given me incredible upper body strength, and I didn’t hesitate to use it.
I cussed underneath my breath. All this time a Fae had been pursuing my Aithne, and heaven knew what nonsense he was filling her head with.
When it became apparent I wouldn’t let him speak, the male began fighting back. This didn’t cause me to cower, however, and before too long we were both grunting and breathing heavy. My hands throbbed, sweat dripped from my temple, and I noted the blood flowing from the corner of his eye where a punch had busted open the skin. I grinned at the sight, proud.
“Do you yield?” He asked, looking at me warily.
“To a treacherous Fae like you? Never. Why are you here? What designs do you have for those who live within this house?” The idea of his intimacy with Aithne—that he had cast his magic over her—infuriated me, and I lurched forward to throw another punch.
He staggered sideways just in time, and his shoulder connected with my abdomen as his momentum carried him forward, winding me. He silently kept his distance, and I growled in frustration when he refused to speak. I was naturally a peacekeeper, but there was nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.
“Answer me!” I spat.
“Not until you yield. Your customs may dictate coming to blows, but I’d much rather we talk civilly if at all possible. Neither of us are heathens.”
“How do I know I can trust you?” I straightened up, and wiped the back of my hand across my mouth, not surprised to see he’d also drawn blood. “I know all about Fae trickery—how you say one thing but do another as you manipulate and scheme. What business do you have with Aithne? Answer me, and I’ll keep my distance. My word you can trust.”
The Fae paced back and forth, watching me closely, and I held up my hands to show my willingness to stand down. Part of me still wanted to pound away at him like I would a piece of heated steel, but reason finally dictated—and I needed answers.
“My name is Prince Hadrian, of Fae,” he said, bowing slightly. I snorted at the motion, positive the action had been more from habit than any sign of respect. I stared at him, waiting for him to continue. “My affairs with Aithne are my own. I don’t answer to anyone, let alone you.”
“Bollocks! You will answer to me. I don’t care what sense of entitlement you think you have, but you will stop any further interaction with her, do you understand? Is it not enough that you cause all kinds of mischief with our crops and livelihoods, but now you must whisk away our women? What . . . all for your own pleasure?”
“What do you know of me?” Hadrian’s eyes flashed in anger, the first display of real emotion I’d seen since the confrontation had commenced. “Don’t presume to know me, human. Or my heart.”
I chuckled in derision at his comment—my disbelief at his words evident. “Do you mean to stand there and tell me that you, a Fae, have a heart? That you’re capable of feeling anything other than your own selfish needs? Don’t think me a fool.” I shook my head at him, stunned at the look of sincerity on his face.
“I don’t know what stories you have been told of my people, but I can assure you that my intentions with Aithne have always been true. From the moment I first beheld her, she enchanted me and has occupied my every thought since.”
“Enchanted?” My eyes widened as my mind scrambled to comprehend the strange conversation I was having. Everyone knew that the Fae were egotistical, their very word and action designed to bring them—and them alone—pleasure. They didn’t care for others, and had no qualms in tossing aside those who no longer fulfilled their needs. Humans weren’t ever love interests. They were toys—slaves on a magical leash. “No, it is you who have enchanted Aithne. You mess with her heart and mind, and the second you tire of her, you’ll cast her aside.” A flicker of light from her window caught my eye, and it suddenly dawned on me. “You already did, didn’t you? She’s up in her room, hiding because you’ve hurt her!” My fists clenched again, and I ground my teeth together roughly. He hurt her—no doubt made her cry—and a savage part of me I never knew existed rose up, wanting to destroy him.
“I’ll admit at first she was under an enchantment. She is human, and it’s a natural response when meeting one of my kind, but I assure you she is no longer under such a spell. She hasn’t been since the first time you kissed her.”
His last comment sent me reeling. “You know about that?”
“I came across you both by the river. I heard the words you exchanged, the tender moment between the two of you. It was not my intention to watch, but it was then I realized there was another who sought after her heart.”
“Yet here you are even though you know you can never give her what she needs. Yes, you may be able to show her things beyond my ability, but you come from a different world, one she can never be a part of. Knowing that, still you pursue her. Do you have no honor?”
Hadrian opened his mouth to speak, but I raised my hand, cutting him off.
“I may not be silver-tongued like you or be able to fill her life with magic. I may be a mere mortal—simple without extravagance and the title of prince—but within my body beats a heart completely dedicated to loving her. There is nothing I won’t do to keep her safe and happy. I would move heaven and earth to see her smile, and if it means I must fight against you and your sorcery, so be it. I will not give her up easily.” I didn’t move, and I refused to break eye contact. I was resolute, and willing to back up my convictions.
Hadrian didn’t say a word. Instead, he chose to study me. I couldn’t tell what thoughts passed through his mind, but when he finally spoke, his response surprised me. There was no fight in him—his tone serious.
“I have already said goodbye, but not for the reasons you believe. I am pained more than I can convey knowing she lies in her room—tears staining her pillow as her heart breaks. It was never my intention for matters to come this far. I wasn’t prepared for the feelings she stirs within me. The instant I heard her laugh and saw her smile, I was lost. It was never a mere dalliance for me. Had I a choice, I would keep her forever. I know this isn’t something you want to hear, but hear it you will. I let her go.?
??
“Then why are you here? Why did I catch you lurking in the shadows? This isn’t the actions of someone who has walked away and left her behind,” I asked, but I knew I didn’t need to. I was already beginning to guess his answer.
“Because I love her.”
“Fae don’t love. They’re incapable,” I replied in a matter fact tone.
“Don’t assume to know me—or my people, William. There is much you don’t understand. Right or wrong, I feel what I feel. I cannot deny that love drew me back here tonight, despite how I fought. I needed to see her one more time.”
I heard the words, studied his features, and was astounded by the truthfulness I found there. Raking my hand through my hair, I let out a loud sigh. “Then we are in quite a predicament. We are both in love, both able to offer her different things, both waiting on her decision.”
“You know there isn’t truly a choice. What kind of life can I give her? Moments—just a brief moment—compared to the happily-ever-after you can. When the fantasy and excitement fade, what will she have to hold on to? Nothing. This is why I told her goodbye and ended it before it was too late.” There was sorrow in his voice, pain emanated from him.
“You really do love her.”
He answered with a nod. “More than I thought possible—enough to let her go.”
A feeling arose within me, one I never thought I would ever share with a Fae—respect. “Then I have something I wish to ask of you. Not for me, but for her.” I closed my eyes, not believing the idea I was about to propose.
“Like you, I would do anything for her. Speak, and it shall be so.”
“Give her one last night of wonder. Come to the Midsummer Night’s festival tomorrow night, and bring her childhood fantasy to life.”
“Do you know what you’re asking? With me already removed, her heart is now yours to claim. She will move on, and you both can begin to create your future together. Why would you risk my return?” It was his turn to look incredulous.
“Yes, you’re right, but in the years to come she may begin to regret the missed opportunity. Is she truly mine if she still holds onto childhood dreams? She will wonder what may have been had she chosen you. When Aithne comes to me and delivers her heart into my keeping, I want to know it’s given completely. If this will settle the matter, then the risk is worth it. I won’t have it any other way.” I stood my ground, never more sure than at that moment.
“And should she still choose me?”
“Then I will help her recover when you leave and be the friend she needs. But, with the enchantment gone, hope tells me that sincerity of heart will trump any kind of magic and let her know for herself. It’s what I ask.”
I stuck my hand out. Not sure if there was a similar custom in Fae, I suspended it in the air awaiting his shake on it. I was adamant some kind of agreement should be struck. Understanding my intent, Hadrian strode forward, and we shook.
“For one night only.”
“One night, and we abide by whatever she chooses,” I responded.
“So be it.” With one last look at Aithne’s darkened window—the candle now snuffed—Hadrian offered one last bow before returning to the safety of the trees. One minute he was there, the next gone.
I hoped I hadn’t just made a deal with the Devil himself.