The human's smile is sheepish as it meets her glare. He is taller than her fairy guards, more muscular too. The Fairy Queen had felt those rippling muscles against her, and they had elicited an unfamiliar ache.
The same one stirred by his confident grins.
"I'm sorry for the wholeblade-to-the-throat-thing, Queenie. Couldn't risk them coming after me."
The Queen merely raises a brow.
He is bold, this human. Few were bold enough to pull such a brazen act. In the short time they had known each other, the more Finn fascinated her. Indeed, hewasto his very core intriguing.
And horrendously reckless. Honorable, too. She would give him that.
Dagger at her neck, notwithstanding.
In such a position, he could've demanded more. Taken it if he wanted to, given the weakened state of her magic, but he hadn't. Finn was willing to hold up his end of their bargain and help her find answers.
In theory, she could’ve fended him off. Despite her limited power, Elwood and her other scouts could’ve overpowered Finn had she wanted it.
At that moment, she had a choice to make.
She had wanted to go after the Void for decades. Finn had given her the opportunity to do so without Fren’s warnings and Elwood’s refusal to allow her into the danger. In a way, she was grateful to Finn for forcing them both into the Deadlands regardless of the danger.
This had to end.
The Fairy Queen was ready to face the enemy she had endured since before she was Queen. With her knowledge of the threat and Finn's bravery, there was a better chance of them finding answers if they worked together.
It was something she should've initially offered.
Not that she was going to offer that realization as they resume their heavy silence. The memory of the blade’s kiss on her throat causes anger to spark.
Flapping her wings, she glides forward through the air a few paces ahead of Finn. They quiver but support her weight.
Soft grass settles between her toes as she trudges forward into Meadowmist. Dew clings to the air. A gentle breeze teasesher naked skin. Sun puddles decorate the ground, revealing sprawling hills and bountiful beds of flowers.
Theguildtreesoverhead glow from within.
Blue and purple light seep from their trunks and cover the ground in vibrant splashes of color. Their delicate leaves rustle in the mild wind.Mistbirdsfly between the trees, while hares hop into concealed underground dens.
Soft bodies glide along her calves, eliciting a smile.
To think that something wants all this beauty to turn to rot sickens her. She will fight with her dying breath to end the Void and its Deadlands. Not one more blade of grass in Meadowmist will succumb to its evil.
The quiet stretches as they make their way through the overgrowth. It is uncomfortable, and truth be told, she didn't know Finn was capable of staying quiet for this long.
The Fairy Queen feels him at her back, his body heat slipping under her dress.
It teases memories of his touch. Despite the blade at her throat, the way he held her had been gentle—pleasant.
Finn was unlike any male she had ever seen, alluring and beautiful. Breakable and human. His touches were promises she couldn't accept. Not while her realm suffered.
Not when her intended's life had been claimed by the Void.
The firm press of Finn's shoulder rouses her from the dark memories. The Fairy Queen hadn't heard him approach. She remains fixed forward on the path as his shoulder bumps her again. With a sigh, she glances up.
The remorse in his gaze makes her chest tighten.
"I really am sorry, Queenie. I don't want you to hate me."
"Would it matter if I did?" Her wings pull back. "There is no need for us to be acquaintances. For all intents and purposes, you are my servant. One that leaves much to be desired when it comes to respect."
