Dorian is busy keeping Luce from flying off the rails, so the least the two of us can do is keep the focus on us instead. We may not have anything to defend ourselves with, but that doesn’t mean we need to rely on their mercy, because Dorian was right.
We have her, and that’s really all we’ve ever needed. No matter Lucien’s revelations, a kingdom trying to kill us here, or a human trying to kill us back home. We don’t need to find a new safe haven because we already have one.
If we can’t adapt to the situation, we’ll force the situation to adapt to us.
“She has a point.” I shrug and gesture towards the crowd of dark fae blatantly eavesdropping. “I mean, I like a voyeur as much as the next guy, but this is a little over the top even for me. Real stalker, serial killer vibes here.”
Achlys’ lip twitches in amusement before turning to look over her shoulder and commanding everyone to go back about their business and allow her some privacy with the newcomers. When they don’t immediately obey, she raises an eyebrow, but that’s as far as the threat needs to go. Reluctantly, they start to disperse, but three men and a woman hang back, refusing to go too far from their queen. Despite the lack of obvious weapons, they have the stiff postures of guards. If anything, their confidence in not needing to openly carry anything is more alarming.
“It’s not safe to stay out in the open,” she announces. “And you look like you could do with something to eat and somewhere to rest. Come; see the city, ask your questions. It’s not like any of us could stop you if you truly wished to leave.” She chuckles, walking towards the city anyway, knowing we’ll follow for the sake of answers.
As opposed to Elorie being the picture perfect queen from a fairytale, Achlys is dressed far more practically and comfortably. She gives off the air of a person who lives among her subjects instead of lording over them, appearing far more casual and less threatening.
Dorian grabs Lucien’s shirt and tugs him into motion as it becomes clear that he has no intention of stepping foot in the place. “Take a breath, get some answers. We’ve learned by now not to assume shit, so hold off on the spiraling until we know exactly what we’re working with here, alright?” He smacks the back of his shoulder in casual reassurance, feigning confidence that none of us are likely to feel ever again.
Reluctantly, he settles down and follows Dorian’s lead, but chooses to break off in favor of walking close to Cambria instead. She’s become the center of our world so quickly, the eye of our storm. While things rage around us, reducing our lives to chaotic debris, she’s there waiting to pick up the pieces.
“Sorry,” Luce murmurs, looking wrecked in a way I’ve never seen before.
She leans over to kiss his cheek. “Don’t you dare apologize for being upset. It’s completely warranted.”
Achlys just watches her curiously, patiently waiting for everyone to catch up and shooing her guards away when they get too close.
“So what do you want with her?” Because despite Luce salivating for answers, I can’t ignore the way she reacted upon seeing Cambria, her comment of getting her back. “She some dark fae baby the evil queen abducted and you’re thrilled she’s home at last?” I don’t bother attempting to keep the venom from my tone, the situation as ridiculous as the girl herself. But I wouldn’t be surprised at this point.
Achlys gives us a sad smile. “Afraid not, human.”
“Atlas,” Cambria interjects defensively, and then gestures beside her. “And Dorian.” She lifts the back of one hand to show her. “They belong here as much as I do.”
The queen blinks a few times. “You have human consorts as well?”
Cambria doesn’t even hesitate. “I have mates. My status means nothing and neither does theirs. Not like I’ll ever sit on my mother’s throne, so the antiquated term doesn’t apply. None of us are above the other in station or power. Well, except maybe Luce.” She winks in his direction, but he doesn’t buy into the teasing air she’s going for.
Achlys’ lips purse, but she doesn’t comment further. As we take our first steps into the city I hold my breath, not sure what I’m expecting except maybe an ambush. It doesn’t come though, just hundreds of fae pretending to be busy so they can gawk.
“That’s enough of that now,” Achlys scolds, snapping her fingers once. Sparks fly from the contact and there’s a brief moment that begs me to give her my full attention before the back of my hand starts burning. “Make yourselves useful. Someone needs to start clearing out a house and a few should start on dinner.” The stinging recaptures my attention and I rub at it, noting that the others are as well. All except Cambria that is, whose eyes are narrowed at the queen.
“No wonder everyone seems to get along so well around here,” she comments, leaving it open to interpretation.
Achlys has the good sense to look a bit remorseful. “Times are stressful enough without petty squabbles. And I assumed you’d want a bit of privacy while we carried on our conversation.”
Leaning in towards her, I whisper, “What are we talking about?”
Cambria clucks her tongue, unimpressed and doesn’t bother with subtlety. “Compulsion.”
I shoot another look at the back of my hand, frowning. Between the crawling sensation across my skin the last time we came to stake out this place and now, it’s far too many coincidences to write off. A quick glance at Dorian shows the wheels turning in his head as well, but it clicks for me a brief second later and I pull Cambria to a stop.
“It doesn’t work on you, does it? Compulsion, or mind fucks; whatever you want to call that ability.”
Her eyes widen as she catches on. “And now that you guys are absorbing fae magic through the bond, you’re growing immune too.”
Dorian’s eyes light up as he adds, “Because we’re not just absorbing fae magic, we’re absorbingyoursspecifically.”
Lucien shakes his head. “Then how could Illiah mind wipe you?”
Achlys cuts in, looking absolutely enthralled. “You guys truly have no clue who she is, do you? No, she cannot be compelled or her memories tampered with.”
We’re walking down one of the streets bordering the river, following the light it gives off like a haunted, yellow brick road. Fae flit about, but stay a respectful distance now, even the guards shadowing the queen.
