My breath caught in my throat as the shadows closed in around me, cutting me off from everything I knew. I looked around frantically, but all I could see was darkness. It became hard to breathe, and I clawed at my throat as if the air had been stolen from my lungs.

I fell to my knees, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread and loss out of nowhere. I didn’t remember how I got here, or what I was doing before this. All I knew was the present and the feeling that something had been stolen from me by the shadows.

As I began to lose hope and accept the dark fate surrounding me, a soft glow appeared in my vision. It was so gentle I nearly convinced myself that it was just a figment of my imagination, but then it grew brighter and closer. The golden hue dimmed the shadows surrounding me, and I held my hand out toward it instinctively.

Then, I knew what it was, though it hadn’t yet become visually clear.

Her purple eyes filled my vision, and a renewed sense of determination settled over me.

I couldn’t make out any of her features, I never could. All I could see was the golden silhouette and purple eyes that had appeared in my dreams for years. I always had the overwhelming sense to get closer to her; to feel the hope and calmness that always washed over me when she was near.

As I watched her, I forgot all about the shadows surrounding us. All I could see was her, and all I could feel was the desire to push past the unclear fog of golden light surrounding her to find out who she was, and why she was here.

I stood, letting the invisible shackles of darkness shed from my skin as I stepped toward her light. Her gaze fell on mine, and a sense of panic washed over me again. Something was wrong, I could see it clear as day in the reflection of her eyes. I tried to push closer, but every step I took pulled me further and further away.

Fear. That was the look in her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to call out to me, but no sound came. Her voice came out as a silent plea for help, her hazy arm reaching for me.

Around her, silhouettes of shadow formed into the half-shapes of men, each closing in on her. Swirls of golden light attacked each figure, but as one fell, another took its place. She couldn’t escape; she was surrounded by an invisible army of enemies.

Each time they reformed around her, they became clearer and more defined. I could even make out the shapes of swords made of shadow before long. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening, but I knew she was in trouble. I felt the overwhelming pressure to save her.

I called out to her, but my voice echoed in a quiet whisper that was barely discernable. It was almost like I’d been thrust underwater, and my words were coming out in a gurgling echo of what they should be. Was this how she felt moments ago calling out to me? What was happening?

I thrashed through the thick shadows growing around me again. Her mysterious glow was growing dimmer, as if her light were being put out by the shadowed figures that were now fully surrounding her. More than before, I could feel the fear coming off of her in waves, but no matter how hard I fought, I couldn’t get closer to her. I couldn’t save her.

The shadow figures had grown in number, and they surrounded her on all fronts. I tried to scream for her, summoning my magic around me in swirls of fiery embers, but it made no use. Her light had grown so dim, I could barely make it out.

The purple eyes that silently called to me were fading. They locked onto me, and I could almost hear a final plea before they were gone entirely. A gurgled scream left my lips again, as I fell to my knees.

I felt life leave my body as the darkness swelled once more. I’d failed her. The shadows had surrounded her, and I’d failed to save her from them. She was gone, and it was all my fault. I couldn’t make sense of why I felt so strongly abut her, about this failure, but the weight of it was crushing.

As I felt myself drifting in the nothingness around me, my body grew numb of feeling. I felt no fear, no sadness, only loss once again.

Then, with a silent bang, a flash of golden light shot through the darkness until it was all I could see. The last thing I remember is the gaze of purple eyes on mine in a sea of light.

Then, I woke up.

***

I groggily walked through the dingy castle halls with a distracted mind. All I could think about was the dream I’d had the night before. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen the mysterious, purple-eyed female there, and yet, I was no closer to figuring out who she was or why she continued to visit me when I was sleeping. She’d appeared so often, I started referring to her as goldilocks just so I’d have something to call her. Since I didn’t know her name or anything else about her, it only seemed fitting.

It had to mean something, right? That’s what they say about recurring dreams; that they mean something. I just didn’t know what, and I was growing rather desperate to find out.

The sound of my feet echoing against the stone masonry of the castle reminded me of the reality around me. I withheld a grunt as I remembered what I was doing. I was not looking forward to the small council meeting this morning. I was still reeling after what had happened the night before, and I knew it would be further discussed with the rest of the council today. Not something I wanted to do or think about right now.

King Sebastian was about get everything he ever dreamed of. The Elf King had agreed to the alliance so long as we helped rescue his daughter, Princess Natori. I was to be married to her once she was safe and sound in Trnyauriea once more.

I’d spent so long thinking about it that I had almost started to feel numb at the thought. I’d barely gotten any sleep the night before, my mind grasping onto the horror of a forced marriage. By the time I did finally fall asleep in the early hours of the morning, I’d resigned myself to a life of misery married to someone I didn’t love. My mind was drained.

Then, I’d had a dream about goldilocks and now I just felt worse. The dream only left me more exhausted and confused than I’d felt before.

My feelings about my new reality aside, I couldn’t shake the impending danger that had blanketed my mind in the dream; I couldn’t explain it, but it felt as real as the nightmare I was already living. It rattled me almost as much as my engagement had.

More than ever I mourned the fact I couldn’t just mount Shadowfire and leave Draoinearea behind me, but even that idea was growing too distant as my responsibilities to the Fae court became more pressing. Why had I ever agreed to serve them? Oh right, I didn’t have a choice.

In just a quarter moon my whole life had me turned upside down, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was drowning. I desperately wanted to clutch any last semblance of control I could, but the prospects were too grim.

Soft whispers behind me stole my attention. Refocusing on my surroundings, I could now hear the guards behind me chatting as we made our way to the council room.

“Do you think the wedding will be held here in Draoinearea?” One of them whispered, almost too softly for me to hear. I imagine that had been on purpose, though they weren’t being as quiet as they’d thought.

“I’d bet my moons wages that King Sebastian would never let it happen in Aosipora. He’s been pining for this alliance way to long” the other guard responded, holding back a hushed chuckle.

I could feel my blood rising as I heard them gossiping about me. I was right here for Cyathea’s sake! Did they have no dignity? How did they even know already? They hadn’t been on duty the night before, which could only mean one thing. The guards in this castle were bigger gossips than the handmaidens!

A chilling thought washed over me. Did the whole castle know about my bleak future before freaking breakfast?

“I bet Ser Kyrion will lose his temper before the wedding’s over. He never did like being told what to do, and you’ve seen him when he’s angry. Let’s hope the princess can handle him” the first guard quipped, a jaunty laugh leaving his lips.

I spun around with my teeth gritted, staring them both down.

“Don’t you two have something better to do? I don’t need an escort” I hissed, feeling my wings flutter with frustration..

Despite the anxious look they shared, they held their heads high as they addressed me. I was mad, but I could respect them holding their own.

“Ser, we always accompany you to the small council meetings” one of the guards spoke.

“Not today you’re not. You can go gossip elsewhere” I mumbled. My mood was bad enough as it was, I didn’t need these two fools making it worse.

Identical looks of fear washed over their faces before they scurried off. No doubt they were embarrassed at being caught. As they should be. Hadn’t anyone taught them not to gossip about someone literally behind their backs?

Oh, I didn’t blame them really. Now that I was engaged, I had a feeling I’d be the center of court gossip for moons to come. I just didn’t have the capacity to deal with it today. I’d need to apologize later, but for now, all I could think of was how I’d get through this council meeting.

The doors to the council chambers were open when I arrived, and I was not surprised to find I was the last to enter the sun-lit room.

In the center of the small space was a large oak table surrounded by nine chairs; one being at the head of the table. Each one was adorned with a dark purple velvet cushion, and in front of each place at the table was a black wooden ball that sit in a grove of the wood. Only one chair was empty; I made my way there.

On the north wall were two large floor to ceiling windows that let in an abundance of light. With the harsh desert-like climate of Draoineara, the light was blinding at this hour. How lucky I was that my chair faced that light; maybe it would put me in a better mood, despite already causing me to squint.

The King was sitting in the chair at the head of the table, while the other small court members were already seated in their respective chairs around him.

My father, who sat to the right of the King, looked at me with guilt when he saw me enter the room. Though I hadn’t spoken to him since the feast, I knew he felt bad for working with Sebastian behind my back to arrange this marriage.

I didn’t have it in my heart to forgive him just yet. I wasn’t going to make a show of it in front of the entire room though, so I ignored him.

Instead, I sat quietly in the empty chair on the left of the King; the chair designated for the Commander of the Kings Guard. I made point not to meet my father’s eyes as he stared insistently from directly across the table from me.

The Master (or in this case, Mistress) of Coin, Lady Lesandra Covington, sat next to me. She made a soft clicking noise with her tongue as she placed her hand on my arm, snagging my attention.

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“Ser Kyrion, I hear congratulations are in order” a furtive smile spread across her face. “Princess Natori is one lucky bride to find herself betrothed to the Crown Prince of Draoinearea. She must be excited to be the Queen consort” Lesandra’s voice was soft as silk, something I’d only ever noticed when she was trying to butter me, or anyone else for that matter, up. She may have been playing nice now, but I knew she was hiding her jealousy.

Lesandra Covington had spent years trying to earn my favor, no doubt in a ploy to gain access to the crown, but I’d never paid her much attention. She was beautiful with her long brown hair and slender features, but not really my type. She was to conniving and vicious; too willing to do whatever it took to get her way. She reminded me too much of Sebastian in that way—something he had also noticed.

Only a few years my senior, she’d taken office when her father, the previous Master of Coin, had passed of an illness. I had no doubt she’d flirted her way into King Sebastian’s good graces; a scheme to convince him to let her resume her father’s seat on the small council. She was the only female in the room, and with King Sebastian’s disdain for females of power, it was obvious to everyone what had happened. Whatever she’d done had worked well. The glances the King stole of her made my disgust of them both deepen.

“Thank you, Lady Covington” I said, giving a slight nod of my head. “It’s a shame you didn’t get to meet her properly the other night” I added, knowing damn well that Lesandra was not happy that she hadn’t been invited to dine on the Kings’ dais the night of the feast. “If you had, you’d have discovered that the princess is far too busy preparing to be Queen of the Elves than Queen consort of the Fae”.

She scoffed and pulled her hand back, turning her attention away from me. I couldn’t help but smile at the small victory, but I quickly hid it as the King stood, pulling our attention toward him. My father stood with him, as did the rest of the small council. As customary, we all did a small bow to the King, before taking our seats again. The King remained standing.

“This meeting is called to order” The King’s voice pierced my ears, and I did my best to hide my grimace. “We have many matters to discuss, today” he continued, slowly walking around the table with his hands behind his back.

“Congratulations, your Highness, on securing the alliance with the Elves” the Chief Minister, Conrad Kole, spoke loudly. It was no secret that he had been the King’s biggest supporter in securing the alliance; after all, he was in charge of the diplomatic affairs of the Kingdom. The two of them have been secretly plotting for years.

“Don’t congratulate me yet, Conrad. There are prerequisites, if you will, that we must meet before the alliance is set in stone. And that is exactly what I’d like to talk about today” Sebastian responded. Once he made a full circuit around the room, he resumed his place at the head of the table, staring down on us all as he remained standing. He always liked to show off his power.

“Why should we do anything they say? We’re far more powerful than they, we can force their hands” Lady Covington voiced, holding her chin up high. She always knew how to appeal to Sebastian’s cocky opinion of himself.

“We will do what it takes to meet the demands the Elves have given us. There is more at stake than this little alliance, and I will not take any chances by pissing them off” his voice was sinister, and Lesandra cowered slightly in her seat at his response.

“Say that to the Elven Servant you’ve locked in our dungeons. I’m sure they won’t be pissed at all about that” I muttered, rolling my eyes. Unfortunately, every one of the council had heard the comment and they all turned to me with curious eyes. The King’s, however, were glowing with anger.

“Ser Kyrion, do you have something to add?” his voice was lined with warning, and I knew better than to speak up again now.

“No, your Highness” I said slowly, matching his fiery gaze. With a snort, Sebastian turned away from me.

“What Elven servant?” Lesandra whispered in my ear, but I ignored her. For once, it felt good to have information she didn’t.

“The Elves have not only agreed to the marriage-alliance. No, they’ve also offered something much grander” he took a dramatic pause, before continuing “something I’ve wanted for so long, I’d bend over and kiss King Fernand’s ass to have it” Sebastian continued crudely as if our little interruption hadn’t even taken place.

Lady Lesandra scrunched her nose at the visual the King had painted, but otherwise, the council stayed silent, eagerly waiting for the King to continue.

Content that he had the council’s full attention, Sebastian continued. “He has offered to hand over Irrhueitha Edgewood” he said, a malicious smile growing across his face.

I did my very best to hide my disgust. I couldn’t believe the Elf King had offered Irrhueitha up like she was nothing; like she wasn’t a person. Fernand was supposed to be kind, thoughtful. And yet, he’d done the very thing he’d always pretended to look down upon. He’d be no better than Sebastian if he followed through with this—not something I wanted in a future father-in-law.

“Irrhueitha Edgewood? The Lost Princess?” The High Acolyte muttered, shocked. Tobias, only referred to by his given name in this room, had served the late King Alaric Edgewood IV and was the only person on the council that Sebastian hadn’t replaced when he killed King Alaric and took the Fae throne. As such, he had known the little princess before she’d disappeared.

King Sebastian gave him a look of warning, causing Tobias to quickly shut his mouth. I knew something had happened between the two behind closed doors when Sebastian took the throne; it was the only reason Tobias hadn’t been murdered with the rest of Alaric’s loyal small council. I had a feeling Tobias was remembering that silent agreement now as he cowered in his seat before the King.

Sebastian addressed the rest of the council now. “King Fernand has found the Lost Princess and will hand her over to me. We can finally end the Old Fae, once and for all” he clasped his hands together with triumph as he said this.

My father stirred uncomfortably in his seat. “And what are their demands of us in return of this?” he asked, looking up at the King sheepishly.

“Why, they only have one request. Simple, really. They’d like us to rescue their daughter and return her safely to their courts. Natori in exchange for Irrhueitha and the alliance” Sebastian replied enthusiastically.

“It can’t be that simple. We don’t even know where Natori is!” Horrace Conners, the Chief Commander, spoke up.

“Yeah! We’ve been searching land and sea, there’s been no sign of her” agreed the High Admiral, Winston Fotheringham.

I watched them all debate in knowing silence. It was taking everything in me to keep my opinions to myself, but I persevered, not wanting to cause another scene.

“Shouldn’t you be happy, Ser Kyrion? You’re missing bride won’t be missing much longer” Lady Covington whispered in my ear coyly, letting a sharp laugh escape her lips as she pulled away.

I ignored her again, but not before shooting her an angry scowl. She must have been catching on that I wasn’t too thrilled with this arrangement.

“I have it on good authority that King Aurther Braun has taken her. We just need to travel to Righhan Tyebeith, negotiate her release, and just like that, everything we’ve always wanted will fall right into our laps” Sebastian said as he plopped in his chair again, letting one leg swing over the other. He watched his council react with a sly smile.

I bit my tongue. I knew King Fernand had been the one to locate his daughter, and yet, King Sebastian threw it around like he’d been the one to find her. Like he was the hero. I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. What a pompous piece of shit, I thought.

I’d learned a long time ago to keep my mouth shut, though. Today, I wasn’t willing to deal with the consequences of standing against the King by calling him out, so I chose to keep quiet as I continued to watch them all.

“The human King? How do you know he took her? What did he want with her?” Ser Winston questioned, confusion marring his voice.

“How should I know? All I know is that he has her, and we need to get her back” Sebastian replied with boredom, dismissing Ser Winston’s concerns with a flick of his wrist.

“I’ll prepare a battalion right away. I’ll coordinate with Ser Winston to arrange for a boat; we’ll have them on the water toward Righhan Tyebeith by sunrise tomorrow” Ser Horrace spoke with confidence, meeting the Kings gaze.

“That won’t be necessary, Horrace” Sebastian replied.

“I beg your pardon, your Highness? Surely, you’re not thinking of going yourself, are you?” Ser Horrace countered.

I could tell right away that King Sebastian was not happy with Horrace’s comment. Surprisingly, however, he did not yell or snap back like he usually would. Instead, a grin grew on his face as he turned to me.

“No. I’m going to send Kyrion” we stared at one another as he said the words. The rest of the council fell quiet.

I’d gotten the hunch this would happen when we spoke in the throne room last night. I should be in Beacastieal by now, but I’d been commanded to stay at court. Why else would he keep me here if he hadn’t been planning to send me after the Princess? Though I’d expected it, it hadn’t dampened my anger about the situation. I was still pissed and trying my best to hide it.

“Ser Kyrion?” It was my father’s voice now, and for the first time since entering the room, I turned my full attention to him. His voice had betrayed a quiver of nervousness when he spoke. He was worried.

“I’ll have Conrad send a note before hand to negotiate her release, of course. But with their engagement, I think it’s rather fitting that Kyrion be the one to swoop in and rescue her. Don’t you think?” he turned his attention back to the council.

I had to admit, as much as I hated his scheming and the politics, it was a smart move. I’d be a hero to the Elves, and they’d have no choice but to accept the marriage and the alliance. It was everything the King wanted.

I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d somehow orchestrated the whole thing. It was all lining up just too perfectly. I quickly dismissed the thought, though. Surely that was too evil, even for him. Or at least, too clever.

“Ser Kyrion being the face of the rescue party is a great plan, your Highness” Ser Horrace started, briefly looking at me before returning his attention back to the King. “But this mission is too important for just one Fae to accomplish. We should still send a battalion with him” he continued.

The King sat in silence for a moment, thinking. I raised my eyebrows at the Commander’s comment that I wouldn’t be enough. He may have been in charge of the King’s armies, but I was in charge of the security of the King himself. We both knew which position held more esteem; which required more strength, and cunning. It was something Horrace would never be able to do.

Finally, the King spoke. “No, it will take too long for an entire battalion to go by boat. Kyrion will take his dragon. You’ve seen how intimidating that beast is—Kyrion will be more than enough”.

I smirked at Horrace, before leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed. I may not have wanted to go on this mission, but I wouldn’t sit here and be disrespected, either.

“Are you okay with this, Kyrion?” My father’s voice broke the silent staring match between myself, the King and Horrace. I turned my attention to him.

I replied, “If these are the Kings wishes, then I will abide them”. It was a non-answer really. My father knew I wasn’t okay with this, but I couldn’t say that in front of the King and the other council members.

The King clapped his hands in two loud thumps, standing again. “Great! It’s settled. You’ll leave in three sunrises time. Conrad, we’ll send a bird at once to King Aurther” he spoke, but I tuned out the rest of the conversation.

I had no idea how I was supposed to rescue Natori from the human King. I just hoped that whatever negotiations Sebastian made with Aurther would be enough for me to walk in and walk out. Easy. Nothing more than a day’s worth of work.

Unfortunately, I had a feeling deep down that that would not be the case.

***

I let out a sigh of relief as I leaned against Shadowfire, feeling her scaley skin against the back of my neck. We’d gone on a long ride that I hadn’t realize I’d needed as badly as I did, and now we rested on one of the large sandy peaks overlooking City of Asolia. It wasn’t home, but it was a close replacement for now.

I felt better than I had in days; since before the feast even. Nothing cured the soul like a dragon-ride. But even souring through the skies like there was nothing but me and Shadowfire couldn’t completely brighten the dark mood that had settled over me ever since last night.

With my head leaned against her leathery skin, I let my eyes crawl up to the darkening sky. In just a few days, I’d be flying to Righhan Tyebeith, rescuing my betrothed. I don’t know how things had gotten here.

I focused on the memory of dancing with Natori. She’d been just as angry as I felt now. How would she react when I showed up on my dragon, saving her from who-knew-what torture, just to tell her that her worst fears were true?

We were to be married.

I could still barely wrap my mind around the thought, myself. I didn’t want to marry her. I didn’t want to have the alliance the King desperately wanted weighing on my shoulders for the rest of my life. It wasn’t who I was. It wasn’t who I wanted to be.

My mind reached for any and every possible way I could get out of this, but I continued to come up empty handed. There would be no disobeying King Sebastian. If this is what he wanted, this is what he’d get. He was a lot of things, but I had to admit I was impressed with his determination. Cruel as he may be, he never let anything get in the way of what we wanted.

Why couldn’t I be like that?

I thought briefly of running away. If I just got on Shadowfire’s back right now, I could be gone without a trace, and no one would ever find me—not unless I wanted them to. It could be my last hope. But did I want to live a life of exile, just to get out of a marriage?

I shook my head with frustration. I couldn’t do that. I had responsibilities, family to look after. I couldn’t disappoint them. I may not have been happy with my father, but I still wanted him to be proud of me and the choices I made. I always had.

Natori’s face faded from my mind and was quickly replaced by one more pleasant. One that always managed to reappear, no matter how hard I tried. Though the details were much murkier, I would never forget the purple eyes I’d grown accustomed to seeing.

What did it mean that I could never see her face? That she had been visiting my dreams much more often lately? I’d always wondered if her appearance had something to do with some prophecy, some distant future that I was destined for. As much as I wanted to believe that, I could never find any proof that she was real, or that I’d ever see more of her than the light-refracted glow of her silhouette in my head.

It was time to put those hopes and dreams aside. I had a very real fiancé now to worry about. A fiancé who had been kidnapped by one of the human kings for unknown reasons. Should I hope she was okay? Should I be worried? Why couldn’t I muster these feelings for her?

Shadowfire let out a long snort, a small billow of smoke rising from her nose and she nuzzled her head against my shoulder.

“I know, girl. Things are about to get interesting” I whispered, my hand resting on her snoot. At least I would always have her, and that’s all I really needed.