WingsOfDesire-AriannaSkye (22 page)

Titania nodded too. “It’s understandable, Onora. You’ve had a tough time lately. Why not get some rest. One of the other servants can finish up here.” She gave Onora a comforting smile.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Onora bowed. “Enjoy your dessert.” With a swish of her skirts, she bustled out of the chamber.

Rhiannon turned to Titania and whispered, “I feel sorry for her. She seems so unsure of herself.”

Titania nodded. “Onora has had a hard life. She’s come a long way, though.” Rhiannon mulled over those words, remembering someone else saying the exact same thing.

She turned to Cerne. He was licking sticky elderberry syrup and caramel from his finger.

“Enjoying your tart, consort?”

~*~*~

Cerne looked over at his princess with an amused grin. Oh, he was enjoying his tart, all right, imagining it was her honeyed warmth in his mouth. “It’s delicious.” He sucked his finger with a slow, deliberate motion, watching her squirm in her chair.

Rhiannon let out a tiny gulp. “I’ve never tasted such heaven before.” She dug in with her

fork and placed a morsel in her mouth.

Cerne was about to take his last bite of elderberry tart when Radan stood.

“Your Majesty, as you may be aware, Queen Korrigan’s army grows stronger.” Titania nodded. “I am.”

Radan cleared his throat. “Our informant,” he said, gazing at Cerne, “has gone missing. His last correspondence stated Korrigan was enlisting the aid of the ogre and troll nations.”

“What would you have me do?”

Windstorm stood. “We need to defend ourselves, Your Majesty. It’s only a matter of time before Korrigan marches this way.”

“I know this,” Titania replied matter-of-factly. “I’ve already come to a decision on the situation as well.”

All heads turned to Titania. She smiled as she stood on her own. It was as if her strength had returned twofold since the arrival of her daughter.

Radan raised an eyebrow quizzically. “What is Your Majesty’s decision?” She motioned Maeve to stand. “Please rise, Councilwoman Windsong.” Maeve nodded and rose, facing the two men. “I’ve been discussing the princess’s training with Queen Titania. And it appears she has excelled at every task put before her. Rhiannon is the princess the Yester-Elders prophesied about.”

“But that wasn’t predicted until generations from now,” Windstorm interjected.

“They were wrong,” Titania said.

Cerne’s stomach roiled while he watched the elders argue with the Queen. Rhiannon, his sarcastic, pleasure-inducing nymph, was the Golden Princess? He sank into his chair. He would not send his princess to battle, even if she did bring peace to all the worlds.

He found his resolve and stood. “I’ll go in her place.” A bemused expression swept across Rhiannon’s face. She looked up at Cerne. “What is going on?”

“Don’t worry,
mo cridhe
.” He took her hand in his. “I’ll handle this.” He turned his gaze to Titania. “You’ve had an exciting day, Your Majesty. Perhaps we should save the discussion for another day?”

“Do not patronize me, Cerne Silverwing.” Titania glared. “Rhiannon knows in her heart what she must do.”

“Does this have to do with Korrigan?” Rhiannon asked.

“Indeed, it does, my daughter.” Titania’s emerald eyes glimmered a soft fire.

Cerne sighed. He chose his words carefully, so as not to scare the princess. “I merely meant, with no disrespect, Your Majesty, that you’ve only just reunited with your daughter. Do you wish to send her off so quickly?”

“Send me off?” Rhiannon arched her brow. “What do you mean?” Windstorm gritted his teeth. “This battle isn’t a woman’s battle. Korrigan’s army is too strong. And with the added forces of the ogres and trolls, I daresay we’d be sending her off to her death.”

Radan, always ready to please his queen, spoke, “Queen Titania is a good judge of character.”

“I’m not disagreeing with you, but she has been indisposed for quite some time. How can we be certain she’s speaking of sound mind?” Windstorm turned back to Titania. “Your Majesty, I implore you to think this through.”

Titania stood proud, healthier and stronger than she’d been in recent years. “I’ve thought about it, and my decision is made. Princess Rhiannon shall lead the armies.” Rhiannon gasped and clutched Cerne’s arm. “What?”

“Shh,” Cerne whispered. “I’ll handle it.”

Windstorm turned to Maeve. “What sort of tripe have you fed the Queen? I’ll not let our kingdom fall because a human-raised faerie with inept skills was called to lead.”

“I haven’t swayed the Queen’s mind one bit,” Maeve gritted out. “I only report the progress of Princess Rhiannon’s studies. She makes her own decisions.”

“Aren’t you the least bit worried for our kingdom’s welfare?” Windstorm shot back.

Cerne’s head reeled. The icy tones and heated glares mixed, causing a maelstrom of anger and frustration that would erupt like a volcano if someone didn’t come to their senses. If they sent Rhiannon off to battle, she could be killed. He would not be responsible for sending two people to their deaths. “The time draws near for the ritual, Your Majesty. We can’t take any risks,” he said.

Titania nodded. “I appreciate your concerns, Lord Silverwing, but it’s the same reason our country is in turmoil. We couldn’t take risks. I’ll not let that happen again.” Cerne nodded. There was no use arguing. The Queen’s mind had been set. He turned an

apologetic gaze to Rhiannon. “I tried,” he mouthed.

Rhiannon nodded and straightened her stance. She took a deep breath, her gaze full of resolve. “I would love to lead our armies, Mother. I’ve never been so honored in my life.” Cerne’s mouth flopped open. He reached down to clutch Rhiannon’s hands in his. “Are you mad?”

He gazed at the onlookers who stared with mixed emotions. Radan smirked like a sly fox.

Windstorm stood stony and quiet, save for the small tic in his cheek. Maeve gave Rhiannon an assuring nod. Everyone else stared, just as shocked. Belenus, Jonas, and Rowan looked as confused as ever. Aileana, on the other hand seemed to find this all entertaining.

Rhiannon shook her head. “No, I’m completely sane.” She patted his hand. “Now let me speak.”

Cerne offered a simple nod, speechless at Rhiannon’s calm acceptance. He took his seat, giving her the floor.

“I’ve made many friends here in Fey, more than I’ve ever had on Earth. I finally belong somewhere. Knowing that evil approaches, I won’t stand by while my friends and the kingdom are threatened.” She paused. “Princes, and princesses too, I’m sure, have fought for their countries. Even today.”

“Ridiculous!” Windstorm huffed.

“No, it’s not. Prince William and Harry of England serve their country.” She stood with her arms crossed, determination etched in her face like granite. “I plan on doing the same thing for Fey.”

“But you’re a woman,” Windstorm sputtered.

Rhiannon’s eyes sparked. “So a woman can rule a kingdom but can’t defend it?” Rhiannon took a deep breath. “If that’s the case, send me back to Earth.”

“Men are stronger with the sword, women with the battle of minds.”

“Stronger than this?” Rhiannon asked, raising her arm.

Cerne grabbed her arm. “No,
mo cridhe
. You don’t need to do this.”

“But I want to. My mind is made up.” She flung her arm back and sent a ball of light just past Windstorm’s head. With an enormous boom, it hit the side of the wall, sending the palace rattling.

Windstorm’s eyes flared. “What in the Gods!”

“Oops.” Rhiannon shook the smoke from her fingers. “Sorry about that.” The sheepish look proved she hadn’t meant such a strong spell.

Titania’s mouth swept into a wide grin. “My point has been made.”

“I’ll have you know, even though I believe you’re making a mistake, I stand by my kingdom.” Windstorm turned a wary eye toward Rhiannon and bowed, giving his allegiance. “I am at your command, Your Highness.”

Rhiannon nodded. “I appreciate your taking this chance, General Windstorm. Your concerns will also be acknowledged.”

Cerne shook his head. It was as if someone had lit a fire underneath her feet. She surprised him at every turn. The woman who challenged his calling was becoming everything he hoped she could be—and then some. For the first time in his life, Cerne was scared, and he didn’t like it. “Your Highness, are you sure you’re ready for such a responsibility?

Rhiannon turned a stony glare his way. “I’ve always been ready.”

Wherever this newfound assertiveness came from, it was pretty damn cool. She’d been living her life to other people’s expectations since she’d been a kid. It was about time she did something for herself. And she wanted to fight the Dark Faeries and save this beautiful kingdom.

No one or nothing could stop her. Korrigan needed to be defeated. She, Rhiannon, had the knowledge, the power, and the necklace to do it.

“My daughter wears the Mother Amulet,” Titania said, as if reading her mind. “Doesn’t that speak for itself?”

“What exactly does this necklace do?” Rhiannon asked.

Titania smiled. “You’ll know when the time is right, what you can do with the necklace.”
Wonderful, here goes that cryptic shit again.
As long as her ears didn’t grow points, Rhiannon knew she’d be fine. “Umm...cool, I think.”

“Actually, my dear, it warms up when it’s used.” Titania reached down and ran her finger across the amulet. At her soft touch, the pendant glowed, warming Rhiannon’s chest. “See?”

“Amazing!” Rhiannon reached down and touched the green stone. “What kind of stone is this? I thought it was an emerald at first, but now...”

“It’s called malachite on Earth. The red stones are
ruban
—”

“Rubies,” Rhiannon interrupted. “It’s my birthstone...well, the birthstone I thought I was.

My human parents believed I was born in July.”

“You were conceived during the feast of Samhain, so they wouldn’t be far off.” Rhiannon shuddered, not wanting to imagine anyone, especially her newly found parents, conceiving her.

Titania continued. “Speaking of the humans who raised you, they did a wonderful job. How can I repay them?”

Recalling the car accident, Rhiannon’s voice shook. “They passed away in an accident two years ago.” She had always respected James and Paula Kinsley. They took her in as their own and gave her a good life. She’d been heartbroken when they’d died. Thank goodness Lara was there to help her through it. Who knew where she’d be without Lara.

Titania gathered Rhiannon in her arms and hugged her close. The warmth surrounding them calmed and protected her. “I’m sorry to bring up painful memories, my dear. I can tell they loved and cared for you. They have crossed to a wonderful place.”

“Thank you, Your...Mother.” Rhiannon blushed. “I still need to get used to this new mom and dad thing.”

“It’s quite all right, my dear.” She turned to Cerne and smiled. “Do you not see the strength she has, Lord Silverwing?”

Cerne nodded, his eyes avoiding Rhiannon’s. So, he was reluctant? He’d never acted so dead-set about her safety before. Why all of a sudden? His words came back to her.
The time
draws near for the ritual, Your Majesty. We can’t take any risks.
If what that bitch Viviane said was true, he only wanted her for his wings. Not that she should believe the “Palace Prostitute” anyway. Maeve had assured her the woman was talking out of her bunghole. And when had Maeve steered her wrong? But—

As if sensing her unease, Cerne finally turned to face her. His jade eyes flickered with fear.

“I cannot stop you from making your decisions, Your Highness.” He took her hand in a tight grip. “But I can swear my allegiance to your cause. I intend to fight alongside you.” Rhiannon understood his concerns. After all, hadn’t he just lost his brother? Even though he refused to admit Sionnach was gone, she still sensed his sorrow. “I know you don’t wish me to go up against Korrigan, Cerne, but I need to. I’ve seen destruction like this on Earth. I’d hate for this beautiful land to be destroyed by evil.”

Cerne pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her. “Shh, it’s all right,
leannan.
I understand.” Did he really? Or was he just agreeing to placate her? Such a complex man he was. Once she thought she had him figured out, he’d go do something totally off the wall—like this.

“I’m glad you do.” She glanced around the room at the elder council. She only wished the others felt the same.

Maeve gave Cerne a quizzical glare. “I’ll fight too, as will Bel.” She turned to her consort.

“Won’t you,
leannan
?”

“I would fight, even if Maeve wasn’t my life-mate.” Aileana nodded. “I’d fight too, but I’m afraid these wings aren’t as limber as they used to be. My mind is as alert as ever, though.”

Rhiannon smiled at the aged faerie. “Minds are just as important as arms, Lady Aileana.”

“Which is why you’ll make a great leader, Your Highness.” Aileana bowed.

“I’m still a little put off by this, but I see Titania’s mind is made up. I also cannot deny Princess Rhiannon’s power.” Windstorm opened his mouth to speak further but the bright flash of a messenger orb cut him off. He poked his finger into the globe. “I must take this. One of my lieutenants has some important information.” He chuckled. “Anything could be important though. The last message was about another lieutenant wearing his colors backwards.” Titania nodded. “Take your time, General. We’re not keeping you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Windstorm bowed. With a snap of his finger, he vanished.

“Why did you allow him to ridicule and insult you, Mother?” Rhiannon asked, with a hint of frustration. “I so wanted to reach over and strangle him.” Titania smiled. “I would rather people voice their opinions than sulk and plot behind my back. That way, I know who to trust and who not to trust.” Rhiannon nodded. “So can we trust General Windstorm?”

“Is the sky grey in the south?”

Rhiannon raised an eyebrow. She was afraid to admit she hadn’t paid much attention to the sky at all lately. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Are we going to keep answering with questions?” Titania threw back her head and chuckled.

Rhiannon laughed. It was as if she was on that crazy
Who’s Line is it Anyway
show. She was tempted to continue with the “set” as Drew Carey or the original British host had called each game, but refrained. They had a kingdom to defend. “Nope.”