Elwood's face turns purple as his hand grapples for the dagger at his side. Arden holds up her hand, exasperation marring her lovely face.
"There was a prophecy foretold after the Void’s arrival," Arden explains. "'When the Golden Sun returns, will the Darkness recede'."
I gesture towards the blazing orb bearing down on us. Sunlight seeps between the trees and warms my covered shoulders.
"You seem to be well protected."
"For now," the Queen agrees, "but soon the Void's rot will broaden. Obsidian towers have been spotted not far from here. Our scouts have discovered that the structures are impervious to ourmist-magic. If we don't find a way to destroy them and the Void, it will not be long before my kingdom falls to the Deadlands."
"The Void, the Deadlands,deadtrees, quite the perilous adventure you're sending me on, Queenie."
Arden's lips twitch.
"It is a task worthy of a fairy wish. Find me a way to destroy the towers and stop the Void, and whatever you desire will be yours. Good luck, Finn. You'll need it."
My eyes remain on hers as Elwood stomps over and relieves my shackles. I rub the feeling back into my discolored skin. I glance around the yard. Clearly, the Void and its Deadlands have decimated her ranks.
This is the most meager royal envoy I've ever seen.
There is Elwood, and the two guards who dragged me from my room. Beyond that, we are alone in the clearing. The Queen is only a few feet away.
I'm a bastard, but I have to do this.
Elwood would rather see me dead than the kingdom succeed. If I steal his glory by defeating the Void, I may not make it back to reap the benefits.
I need an assurance that he and the others will keep their distance while I complete the fairy bargain. There is only one way to ensure they stay far from me. I loathe what I must do, but it is the only way.
Stretching my arms over my head, the Queen's gaze slides down my front. I use my relaxed movements to amble a few steps forward. Elwood bares his teeth, but neither he nor the Queen retreats.
"I'd hate for this to be goodbye, Queenie."
Elwood bristles. Arden's mouth curls up on the side, and warmth spreads throughout my veins.
"It won't be if you succeed." Her wings flap gently, gliding her closer to me. "Destroy the darkness and the wish will be yours."
I can feel heat pouring from her body. Invisible strings tie us together in knots. The breeze from her fluttering wings traces over my face. Roses fill my lungs.
"A fair trade." My smile spreads. "One I would've done had you merely offered me a kiss."
Queen Arden leans forward as Elwood lurches towards me.
"Why you insolent?—"
"Forgive me, Queenie," I whisper, cutting off Elwood's tirade. "This isn't personal."
She blinks as I lunge forward. The dagger in my hand presses against the delicate skin of her throat. She gasps as I pull her hard against my chest.
Her wings tickle my chin. Her bare feet snag on my leather-covered ones.
"While I trust you to keep your word, Queen Arden, your errand boy, on the other hand"—I glare at Elwood—"would rather see me run through than find the answers you seek. I can'trisk him coming after me the moment I set off. I need that wish, Queenie. Bad."
"Unhand her!" Elwood yells, unsheathing his sword. "We would never disobey our Queen's orders. Let her go at once."
I hold onto Arden tighter, enjoying the feel of her body against mine. I’m going to the hells’ deepest pits as I breathe her in with relish. Every hard muscle fits snugly against her softness. Queen Arden doesn't thrash in my grip.
"Stay back, Elwood," she orders. "All of you."
I level a glare at her royal envoy.
