Shadows Of Desire

Thaden awoke as the first trace of sunlight stretched out over the trees and began to chase away the darkness. He lay upon the straw covered ground, Rowan’s head resting on his chest, his fingers playing with the ends of his raven hair. Rowan was already awake, lying beside Thaden, curled into his body. Thaden sat up and yawned, looking to his mate.

“Did you sleep at all?” Thaden asked him.

“A bit.” Rowan lied. In truth, he hadn’t slept at all. Partly because he was worried that the dryads might attack them in the night and partly because he couldn’t get the old dryad’s words out of his head. For years, centuries even, vampires had enslaved the Fae. The great war prevented them from raiding more villages and kidnapping innocent children of farmers but the ones left behind, those born into captivity, they remained slaves. Abused and in some cases, even killed.

For nineteen years Rowan had servants catering to his every need. From the moment his mother had given birth to him, until the night Folen helped him escape, having servants had been a part of his life. To him, it had seemed normal. He’d been blind to all their suffering because he’d been taught that vampires were superior to all and the other races existed simply to serve. He’d never actually agreed with that but he never did anything to change it either.

The shame and guilt weighed heavily on him for allowing such atrocities to take place under his nose all the while he feigned ignorance. Rowan had never considered himself spoiled, far from it. He wasn’t some pampered palace brat that got everything he asked for, not like Emilia. His presence was tolerated but he wasn’t showered with expensive gifts or gilded robes. His rooms weren’t even as extravagant as the guests suites. He was given enough to keep the council off his father’s back and that was all. So, he certainly wasn’t spoiled. But, now that he actually stopped to think about it, he realized with a sinking heart that, perhaps he had, in fact, been a little spoiled.

Being the son of the King had given him certain liberties and privileges that others did not have. He was never without food or shelter. He had fine clothing and had had a basic education. He could read and write and do numbers which was more than most of the common children were taught. Certainly more than any slave was allowed. The King had been cold and even somewhat cruel but Rowan still had a comfortable life. He didn’t have to do hard, back breaking work in the scorching heat. He didn’t have to cook his own meals or even clean his own rooms. Everything was always done for him and he never once thought about the servants that worked long hours.

He never considered how exhausting their lives were. How their lives were not even their own. He never considered how oppressed they must have felt. Though none of them complained, he could only imagine how they must have resented their lives...and their masters. They were treated little better than animals. They were overlooked, forgotten, and ignored. Other than Folen, Rowan couldn’t even recall the names of most of the palace servants. They came and went and Rowan walked past them not giving them a second thought. How many of them had families? He wondered. How many had children? If they did have children, were they safe at home with their parents or had they been sold off to another Lord or Lady to work in their homes?

Slaves were sold and traded like cattle. It was possible that many of the children did not even know who their parents were. Once they had been snatched away and forced to work in the household of another, it was unlikely that they would ever see their families again. It was a horrible life these people had to live and in all the years that Rowan had spent at the Palace, he had disregarded all of them. He knew that they were not paid servants. They didn’t own land or homes of their own. The Palace servants were lumped together in a kind of dorm room with rows of straw stuffed mattresses cramped together on damp floors in a poorly heated room.

He knew all this and still, he did nothing. In a way he was just as bad as his father. Worse, as the old dryad had said. His father may have been the monster that enslaved the Fae, but Rowan was just as responsible for allowing it to happen. Instead of staying and fighting for what was right, he ran away. He was never meant to rule but that didn’t make the weight of his position any less hard to bear. All of his life he had made excuses for his inability to stand up to his father. In the end, it was fear that kept his silence. Plain and simple. He was scared and so kept hidden in the shadows while those around him suffered for his insecurities.

“Well, we should probably head out.” Thaden told him as he helped Rowan to his feet. “We’ll catch something to eat once we’re back on the road.

Rowan nodded, silently though the thought of food didn’t sit well with him. He was hungry, but he felt sick to his stomach. Sick with worry. He knew his stomach wouldn’t settle until they were well away from the dryad village and closer to their destination. At least then he knew they would be safe. The forest had too many hidden dangers, too many prying eyes, and Rowan felt like all those eyes, were on him.

***

They were less than a days ride away from Ansonia. They could reach it by early evening if they didn’t stop to rest at all. Rowan was happy to ride straight through without stopping. In fact, he’d have preferred it. He was weary of traveling and ready to settle down someplace safe. As he sat atop Shadow dancer with Thaden behind him, Rowan counted the days since he’d escaped Basmorte. He’d been gone almost two weeks. It seemed longer. The days and nights he’d spent on the road had begun to run into each other. The Inn they had stayed at had been the longest he’d stayed in one place since running. The rest of the time before and after had become a blur of forests and wild, untamed land.

Rowan loved the forests, he loved nature in general, but he was beginning to miss the simple, quiet, little farms he had passed when first entering Rosegate. He missed the rolling hills and open fields of wild flowers. Even the dirt road they followed was better than traveling through the heavy wooded areas, beneath a canopy of the fall colored leaves that had not yet fallen from the trees that towered above them. Any other time Rowan would have thought the changing leaves to be beautiful and he would have welcomed the shade they offered from the blinding sun. Not now though. Now they seemed more ominous, and he shivered whenever they drew too close.

Ever since leaving the dryad village Rowan had been on edge. It could have been just that he was in unfamiliar territory but he wasn’t sure. There was just this nagging feeling in the back of his mind that told him they weren’t alone. Thaden didn’t seem off put at all in fact he appeared completely at ease with their surroundings. Rowan knew that Thaden had visited Ansonia in the past so maybe that was why he didn’t seem worried but it still unnerved Rowan. Rowan was a stranger traveling through Fae country and the Fae were not very welcoming to strangers. They were tricksters. Some were mischievous but overall non-threatening however, there were others that were malevolent. There was no other way to describe them. They were just evil, little, monsters.

As the mid day sun beat down on them Thaden brought the horse to a slow halt. Rowan turned to look at him, slightly panicked.

“What are we doing?” He asked.

“Stopping for a rest.” Thaden told him. “If I remember correctly, there should be a small stream, just over that hill.”

“Shouldn’t we keep going?” Rowan was growing uneasy. They were too exposed where they were. Though they hadn’t seen another rider all day, Rowan had the distinct feeling that they were being followed.

Thaden dismounted then took the reigns in his hands and began to lead the horse up the small hill in front of them. “Shadow needs water and so do we.” Thaden told him, nodding towards the empty wine skins. “Besides, you look like your about to fall over from exhaustion.”

Rowan sighed. “It’s the sun.” He said. His tone telling Thaden that Rowan was disgusted by his own vulnerabilities. “This is my natural time for sleeping but, I can still go on.”

“No.” Thaden said quickly and with a stern look at his mate. “You need to rest.”

Rowan was about to protest but the look in Thaden’s eyes had him clamping his mouth shut quickly, and with a slight smirk. As irritating as Thaden’s overly protective nature was, Rowan still found it quite endearing. No one other than his own mother or Folen had ever been so concerned for Rowan’s well being. The fact that Thaden cared so much made Rowan fall in love with him even more.

When they reached the small stream that Thaden had mentioned, Rowan was taken aback by the beauty of the stream and the surrounding landscape. In the short time he had been away from Basmorte, Rowan’s eyes had been opened to a vast new world that he never even knew existed. A world that was far from the dreary, misty, and shadowy realm of Basmorte where the sun hardly ever seemed to shine. A world that wasn’t dwarfed by the imposing mountains that surrounded it. What he was looking at now was a hidden world of vibrant colors, sunlit flowers, and crystal blue waters.

Thaden helped Rowan down from the horse and after a moment of stretching his back and legs, Rowan walked to the edge of the stream and looked down, peering into the water. It was so clear that he could see the sandy bed beneath and the tiny, shimmering, rocks that littered the bottom. Tiny fish swam by faster than Rowan had ever seen any fish swim and he giggled at the sight of it. Dipping his fingers into the water he began to swish the liquid around, playfully. It was so cold but also so refreshing. He could imagine what it would be like to bathe in the water on a particularly hot day. If it weren’t the middle of autumn, he might very well had stripped off his clothing and jumped in.

“Are you done?” Thaden chuckled from behind him.

Rowan looked up at him and smiled. “Sorry.” He blushed. “I’ve just never seen water so clear before.”

“Are there no mountain streams in Basmorte?” He questioned.

Rowan nodded. “There are but after arriving at the Palace I was never permitted to travel into the mountains. The farthest away from the Palace I had ever been was to a small farm right outside the city. There was a small pond near the farm but it was night and the waters looked gray and murky. When the Palace guards found me wandering the woods I was never permitted outside the Palace walls without an escort again.”

“You ran away?” Thaden smirked, raising an eyebrow.

“I was...exploring.” Rowan stood up and brushed his tunic off.

“Exploring?”

Rowan grinned. “I wasn’t as well behaved as you might think. I was quite the little imp as a child.”

“Oh, I can imagine.” Thaden forced back a smile as he pictured a younger and more mischievous Rowan. “I’m sure you were a hellion.”

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that.” Rowan chuckled. “Though my nurse said I had quite the knack for vanishing at bath time when I was very young. Apparently I preferred to be covered in dirt and mud all day.”

Thaden laughed at that. Imagining Rowan covered in mud was an amusing thought. Especially since his mate always seemed so proper and dignified. He would have loved to have seen the young Prince defiantly playing in a mud puddle while his nurse ran after him, attempting to clean the child.

“I bet you were absolutely adorable as a child.” Thaden told him. He led Shadow dancer to the waters edge and let her drink as he walked over to Rowan, lifted his hands to his mouth and kissed his knuckles. “Not that you’re not adorable now.” He said, kissing him again and causing Rowan to blush. “But I can just imagine you running naked through a field of wild flowers with your nurse chasing you down.”

Rowan narrowed his eyes. “I never ran away naked.” He said, then paused as a slight smirk played across his pink lips. “Okay, maybe once or twice, but I was barely out of my clouts.”

Thaden pulled Rowan towards him, wrapping his arms around his mate then he lightly slapped his ass. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you run around naked right now.” He said with a grin.

Rowan rolled his eyes and chuckled. “You, Sir, are positively obscene.”

“Only when it comes to you.” Thaden whispered before nibbling at Rowan’s ear lobe. “When it comes to you, my love, I can think of so many obscene things. Like you writhing beneath me, completely naked, as your moans fill the air.”

“Umm.” Rowan smiled, his eyes half closed as he ran his hand along Thaden’s back. “That sounds wonderful, actually.” He pushed himself up on his tip toes and then pressed his lips to Thaden and kissed him, slow and passionately.

Thaden’s hands rested at the curve of Rowan’s back as he pressed their bodies closer together. Opening his mouth, his slipped his tongue inside Rowan’s mouth and deepened the kiss. Rowan moaned against him and Thaden’s hand slid down to cup his ass. He squeezed, kneading the soft flesh beneath his fingers and Rowan moaned again.

Thaden could have kissed him forever. He never wanted to let Rowan go. He could imagine laying him down in the thick green grass atop a bed of colorful wild flowers and making love to him well into the night. He would fall asleep with Rowan in his arms with nothing but the sounds of nature and the rushing stream around them. He had almost suggested doing just that when Rowan suddenly tensed and pulled away. His eyes darted around the opened area, narrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

“What is it?” Thaden asked, growing a bit concerned.

Rowan sniffed the air and a small growl escaped him as his eyes narrowed in on a tiny grove of flowering trees about fifteen feet to their right. “We’re not alone.” He said, his voice becoming low and dangerous. “I could have sworn that someone or something’s been following us. Now I’m certain of it.” He nodded in the direction of the trees. “It’s just there. Hidden behind that small bush.”

Thaden, moving his hand to rest over the hilt of his sword, stepped away from Rowan and slowly towards the bush that Rowan had pointed out.

“Be careful.” Rowan whispered.

Thaden nodded then held a hand up for Rowan to be silent. Thaden, keeping his eyes on the bush, stopped about two feet from it and then said, in his most commanding voice, “Whoever you are, I suggest that you come out now and make yourself known.”

The bush trembled as something behind it moved. Thaden waited patiently, hand still gripping the hilt of his sword, for the thing to do as he’d instructed. It only took a couple brief seconds before the spy had decided to give up, now that it had been made, and stepped out from behind the bush.

Thaden’s hand left his sword and he relaxed some as he looked down at the creature that had been stalking them. Rowan had to put a hand to his mouth to stifle the gasp that escaped him. Thaden smirked then raised an eyebrow as he peered down at their little, uninvited, guest.

“So, you’re the spy that’s been frightening my mate.” He said with a slight chuckle. “I’ll admit, I was expecting something a bit more...intimidating.”

“Thaden, is that...” Rowan could barely get the words out. He was too in shock as to what he was actually seeing. Thaden looked back to him and nodded. “I believe so.” He said.

“How?” Rowan asked.

Thaden knelt down to be on eye level with the little one so he could look her over. When he was certain that his first assessment was true he sighed and shook his head. “What is your name?” He asked the child before him.

At first she didn’t answer. Her eyes kept darting between Thaden and Rowan. She looked terrified but also curious. By the way she watched Rowan, Thaden had an idea that the child wasn’t quite sure what he was but desperately trying to figure it out.

“I don’t think she’s ever seen a vampire before.” Thaden told him.

Rowan frowned. “Then we’re even. I’ve never seen a human before.”

Thaden smiled then turned back to the girl. “You needn’t fear him, little one. He won’t harm you. Please, tell me your name.”

The child hesitated a moment then, in a tiny voice said, ”Tallulah.”

“Tallulah.” Thaden repeated the name back to her. “Well, Tallulah, It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Thaden and the man behind me is Rowan, my mate.”

Rowan nodded to the girl though still too shocked to speak.

Tallulah shifted uneasily on her bare feet as she wound a strand of long, yellow hair, around her finger, watching both the men cautiously. “H-hello.” She said softly and with a shaky voice.

Rowan watched in disbelief. He couldn’t, for the life of him, figure out how a human child could be there, in the middle of Fae territory, and so far from Millbarrow. The child barely looked eight years old, far too young to be wandering around the country side without her parents. If she even had parents. Rowan wondered about that as well. Had something happened to her parents that left her abandoned and fending for herself? If so, what were they even doing there?

The child seemed so small and frail. Her hair was unwashed and badly in need of a combing and her face and hands were covered in dirt. The dress she wore was entirely too small and hugged her tiny frame uncomfortably close. It was even torn in places as well as being dingy and stained. Her bare feet were also caked in dirt and mud and her fingernails had dirt beneath them as if she’d been digging in the earth.

Rowan took a step towards her but the girl gasped and took two steps back, causing Rowan to freeze where he was, not wanting to frighten the girl further.

“Tell me.” Thaden spoke, keeping his voice soft and kind. “Where are your parents?”

The girl just stared at him.

“Do you have parents?” He asked, though he was fairly certain that he already knew the answer to that. When the girl shook her head he sighed again and ran a hand through his hair.

“It’s as I’ve feared.” He said, turning to look at Rowan. “I believe she’s a changeling babe.”

“A what?” Rowan narrowed his eyes, confused.

“A changeling babe.” Thaden explained. “Sometimes, a Fae will snatch up a human child and leave a Fae child in it’s place. The human child will then be brought back here, to our world, and the Fae child will grow up as a human. It’s a dreadful practice and one that needs to end. It’s not allowed in Rosegate but Ansonia has no laws against it.”

“Why?” Rowan stared at him, the disgust clear on his face. He couldn’t imagine doing such a thing to a child. “Why would anyone do that? To rob a child of their parents? It’s barbaric. And what of their own child? Can they so easily just give up their child?”

Thaden shrugged as he stood back up. “They do it for many reasons. None of them justified. But it’s been happening for thousands of years.”

“So, this child, this human child, was brought here while her parents are raising a Fae child in her place?”

Thaden nodded. “And her parents know no better. They would have been switched in infancy.”

“Then, who cared for this child?” Rowan asked, growing more confused by the minute.

“Probably the ones who originally took her, though, I wouldn’t say they cared for her, per say. They fed her and kept her relatively safe. When they felt that she was old enough to fend for herself, they probably abandoned her.”

Rowan shook his head in disgust. “Why take her in the first place if they didn’t want her?”

“It was never about her.” Thaden told him, a tinge of sadness in his voice. “Their goal was to get a child of theirs in the human world, for whatever reason. The child could have been ill or in danger, and they felt it would fare better out of our realm. They might plan for it one day to mate with a human so the changelings future children would look more human. Then there are some Fae that thrive on misery and pain they cause to others.”

Thaden looked to the child and sighed, giving her a wan smile. “Fate doesn’t always look kindly on the human who was taken though because in many cases the ones who took it don’t know what to do with it. More often than not they end up abandoned, or dead.”

Rowan looked to the small girl and immediately tears sprang to his eyes. “Could...could we take her back? To Millbarrow I mean. Leave her on a farm or something where a kind couple could find her?”

Thaden shook his head. “We have no idea how long she’s been here. Once a human is exposed to our world, they can’t ever go back. Here, a mere eight years have passed for her but, in the Human world, it could have been a hundred.”

“So, if we returned her, she could die?”

Thaden nodded. “Time would catch up to her. Her body could wither and she’d die. Or, she could gain the body of a grown woman but retain the mind of a child. There is no way to tell for sure. I just know the outcome usually isn’t good.”

Rowan sighed. His omega instincts telling him to care for and nurture the child. He was unwilling to just leave her there, defenseless. If he’d learned anything on this journey it was that everything happened for a reason. If he had crossed paths with this child, it was because he was meant to, and he wasn’t about to ignore that. “We have to take her with us.” Rowan said. To his surprise Thaden just smiled and nodded. He didn’t even seemed shocked that Rowan would suggest such a thing.

“I was thinking the same thing.” Thaden told him. “She’s much too young to be on her own. We’ll take her into Ansonia and then decide what to do with her from there.”

Rowan smiled. “Thank you.” He said, then wrapped his arms around Thaden and kissed him. “You, my love, are a true Prince.”

Thaden chuckled. “As long as I’m your Prince, that’s all that matters.”

***

They stayed for a short rest before moving on. Of course, Rowan had to clean Tallulah up a bit before they left. He washed her off the best he could in the stream. The water was cool but the child didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she seemed grateful to be cleaned. Rowan even did his best to wash her hair though without any soap it wasn’t that easy. He had to remind himself that not many commoners even had the luxury of using soap or scented oils and lotions. Well, that was something he planned to indulge in once they reached the Palace in Ansonia.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much that Rowan could do about the girl’s dress. He obviously didn’t carry children’s clothing around with him and he had no time nor needle and thread to sew her anything proper to wear. That was another thing he planned to remedy once they made it to Ansonia.

Even before Thaden had hoisted Tallulah up onto the horse, Rowan had so many plans of how he was going to spoil the child once they made it to the Fae Kingdom. He imagined the warm greeting they would receive and then the feast that would follow. At night, they would sleep in an actual bed with silk sheets and a down comforter. In the morning, Thaden could scout out a cottage for them to set up house keeping. Maybe they would even find one big enough that they could keep Tallulah with them.

Rowan wasn’t sure how Thaden would feel about that but Rowan was going to bring it up to him. If no one else wanted the child, Rowan saw no reason why they couldn’t keep her and raise her as their own. It would certainly be better than letting her fend for herself in the wild. By the time Rowan had climbed up on the horse behind the child, he’d already made up his mind to keep her. It was as if his instincts to mother the child had taken over and he wasn’t about to let go of her now. He just hoped that Thaden wouldn’t object.

Tallulah was nervous getting up on Shadow dancer at first but once Rowan was seated securely behind her, she seemed to ease up a bit more. Thaden squeezed in behind them, scooting closer to Rowan than he had before. Rowan couldn’t say that he minded but it was a tight squeeze. Luckily Shadow was a large horse, able to easily take the extra weight. Not that Tallulah weighed that much at all. She was tiny. Tiny, and quiet. The girl hardly spoke at all. She was hyper vigilant though, her eyes darting around as they rode down the dirt road. Any little sound made her tense and more than once she pressed herself in, against Rowan, as if trying to hide against him.

“What’s wrong?” Rowan asked her, growing a bit concerned. Tallulah peered up at him, her expression worrisome. She was scared. When he pressed further, she put her finger to her lips to quiet him. “They’re watching.” She said in a barely audible whisper.

Rowan looked to Thaden, questioningly. Thaden shrugged.

“Who’s watching?” Thaden asked her.

She hesitated a moment, as if saying would draw out the very thing she feared but after a moment she finally whispered, “The wee men with red hats.”

Thaden groaned hearing what the girl said and Rowan could tell by the way Thaden’s muscles suddenly tensed that he didn’t like what he’d heard. “Blood caps.” Thaden told him when he saw the confusion on Rowan’s face.

“What are blood caps?” Rowan asked.

“They’re a type of goblin known for attacking travelers heading into Ansonia. They’re small but wicked fast and can be very dangerous if you’re caught. They’ve been known to kill in large numbers. You can spot them by the red caps they wear. They’re said to be dipped in the blood of their victims.”

Rowan looked down at Tallulah, snuggled against him. No wonder the child was so scared. He wondered how she had managed to survive so long with creatures like blood caps running around.

“How do we avoid them?” Rowan asked.

“Ride fast.” Thaden said with a sigh. “And hope they don’t follow.”

Rowan cringed. He didn’t like the sound of that. He’d never heard of blood caps before but they didn’t sound like anything he’d care to meet. Especially not during the day when he was at his weakest and there were no shadows to conceal him. He felt exposed and helpless. Not a feeling he cared for at all but there was nothing he could do. Nightfall wouldn’t be for several more hours and they’d likely reach Ansonia by then. If nothing happened to them before they made it that far that was.

Fortunately, the goblins didn’t seem overly interested in the three travelers. Other then being pelted by small stones at one point, they were otherwise left alone. After the first assault, Shadow dancer reared up and then slammed her hooves down hard on the road with an angry snort. The stones dropped and there was a slight rustling in the trees and bushes and then everything went quiet once more. Rowan snickered. “I think she scared them away.”

Thaden nodded. “Blood caps don’t like horses, especially black ones. There are black demon horses that tend to eat them but they rarely come out during the day.”

“Demon horses?” Rowan knew he should be frightened by such a thing but instead he found himself intrigued. He pictured a sleek, black, horse with red eyes running through the night under a full moon. Instead of frightening, he found the image in his head to be quite beautiful. “Do you think we might see one on our journey?”

Thaden snorted. “Let us hope not.”

Rowan sulked down into the saddle and Thaden chuckled. “Don’t romanticize them, my love. Their fearsome creatures and quite deadly, no matter how beautiful they may seem.”

“It’s just...” Rowan sighed.

“What?”

“You’ve seen so much of the world. I’ve seen nothing. I’m only now beginning to see all the things I’ve missed out on. You must think me so naive and ignorant of the world.”

“No.” Thaden shook his head. “I just think you’ve lived a very sheltered life. By no fault of your own, of course. But it no longer has to be that way and you have an entire lifetime ahead of you to experience all the things that your father has kept from you.”

Rowan smiled and lay his head back against Thaden’s chest. “You always know the right things to say.” He murmured.

“You’re my mate.” Thaden reminded him. “It’s my purpose in life to keep you happy.”

***

Tallulah, who Rowan had affectionately began referring to as Tally, had fallen asleep against Rowan’s chest about an hour into their journey. He couldn’t blame her really. The rhythmic movements of the horse’s steady foot steps on the road was enough to put Rowan to sleep as well but he knew he had to stay awake and vigilant. The child in his arms depended on him to keep her safe.

Rowan kept a protective arm around her small frame, tightening his grip on her when she would start to sway to either side. They stopped only twice to rest, stretch, and refill their skins. By the time the sun had begun to dip down past the tree line, Thaden had steered the horse off the main road and onto a smaller trail leading into the forest. Tally began to stir as the sky darkened and she was met with the sounds of crickets chirping, an owl hooting in the distance, and the all the sounds of night coming alive around her.

Rowan smiled as he took in all the sounds and saw the shadows once more converge around him as though coming to greet him like a long lost friend. He was in his element now and as the forest awoke around him, so did his senses. He sniffed the air, taking in the subtle differences around him. A rodent scurried by on his right and above him a black bird fluttered past. Floral aromas rose up around him and many of them he didn’t recognize. It was as if they were entering another world entirely and to Rowan, it was beautiful.

As they entered the forest path, the trees began to line the path as though specifically guiding them on their way. The leaves overhead shielded them from the darkening sky but Rowan could still make out tiny specks of amber light peaking between the many leaves overhead. It was maybe twenty minutes before the trees began to thin and Rowan saw that they were entering a clearing of sorts. That’s all he could think to call it though it wasn’t completely clear, strange trees that resembled toad stools, though much larger, sprang up around them along with radiant, glowing flowers, of white and celestial blue that littered the forest floor. Light orbs danced around in a thick mist that covered the entire area and up ahead Rowan could hear the sound of running water.

Before long, the dirt path had diverged onto a stone road framed by the odd flowers he had seen in the clearing. The road led up a small hill to a stone bridge that allowed them to pass over the flowing stream that Rowan had heard earlier. Shadow dancer trotted along happily but Thaden was suddenly hyper aware of their surroundings. It was around this time that Tally also began to wake. Her eyes went wide as she seemed to recognize where they were and Thaden brought the horse to an almost slow crawl. He seemed nervous, almost hesitant as he looked around the area. Rowan could guess as to his unease.

They had entered what looked like a small village of oddly structured homes made of various materials that ranged from wood and straw to moss covered stone dwellings that seemed to be carved right into the side of a small mountain. The stone road continued to wind around the center of the village and then branch off with one side leading to the carved structures and the other side leading to what looked like a row of houses built into large trees. Beneath the massive trees were small houses, far to small for a regular sized man or woman to enter. Even Tally would have had a hard time entering one.

Some were constructed of the same toad stool like trees they had passed earlier though much smaller, standing at around two to three feet tall. Others looked oddly like four feet tall pine cones with tiny porches built right onto the fronts of them. It was all very strange but Rowan found it also kind of adorable. The only thing that really gave him pause, and could be the source of Thaden’s unease, was the fact that despite the village seeming well kept and with an obvious lived in look, it appeared to be deserted.

Rowan looked at Thaden with confusion. “Where are the inhabitants?” He asked.

Thaden took a moment to scan the area before softly answering, “They’re here. Just hidden.”

Rowan turned back towards the village. The entire area was shrouded in the thick mist that covered the forest floor. The sky was dark now and the only lights that could be seen were from the orbs floating around. Rowan had an eerie feeling looking at those orbs. Something about them just seemed off.

“What is this place?” Rowan asked. “Another village on the way to Ansonia?”

“This is Ansonia.” Thaden told him.

“This?” Rowan’s eyes widened in surprise. “I thought Ansonia was an entire Kingdom, not a tiny village.”

Thaden chuckled as he drew the horse to a stop in the center of the village. He quickly hopped down and then tied the horse off in front of a medium sized building that seemed to be at the heart of the village. “Ansonia is a Kingdom. It’s a Fae Kingdom though. They have no need for extravagance, preferring to live simpler and more secluded lives.”

As Thaden helped Tally and then Rowan down from the horse, Rowan took the time to once more glance around at their surroundings. Ansonia was a far cry from what he had originally thought it would be. Gone were his illusions of sleeping in a large bed, bathing in a proper tub of heated and scented water, or partaking of a large feast. It was all so underwhelming and he was admittedly a bit disappointed.

“Come.” Thaden said, extending his hand with a smile. “We walk to the Palace from here.”

Rowan took his hand, allowing Thaden to lead him through the quiet streets. Tally kept close to Rowan’s side, clutching at his cloak as she glanced nervously around them. Rowan looked down at her with concern. “What’s wrong, love?” He asked the child.

Tally looked up at him, her eyes full of fear, then pressed her face into the hem of his tunic. “Do you know this place?” Rowan asked her.

Tally nodded. “The little people brought me here.” She whispered against him. “They put me in a cage.” She shivered as tears filled her eyes. Rowan looked up at Thaden questioningly but Thaden only shrugged.

“Keep her close.” Thaden told him. “We have no idea what they’re reaction to her will be.”

“If they’ve hurt her...” Rowan began but Thaden put his hand up to silence him. “Remember, little fox, we’re not alone. You may not see anyone, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening.”

Rowan nodded in understanding. He’d keep his thoughts to himself for now. There was no telling how the Fae would react to any of them arriving unannounced in their Kingdom.

***

The Fae Palace was a large stone structure that resembled a head that was jutting out from the side of the mountain. Two large crescent shaped windows resembled eyes that looked out over the entire village. The door was a large, gaping, mouth that seemed frozen in a timeless scream. A stone staircase that was moss covered and nearly hidden beneath wild grass and flowers led up the mountain to the gaping mouth of the palace.

Rowan expected there to be guards stationed at the entrance but there were none. Only more of the glowing orbs. As they approached the entry way, a bluish light flickered from within and Rowan suddenly understood. The Palace was guarded by magic. Thaden stopped just before the entrance and looked towards the floating orbs who now seemed to collect right in front of the three weary travelers.

“We’ve come to seek an audience with King Vorigan.” Thaden said, speaking to the orbs. “I am Prince Thaden of Rosegate and my companion is Price Rowan of Basmorte.”

The orbs swirled around for a moment then, to Rowan’s surprise, parted like a bright, shimmering, curtain and allowed the three to enter. Thaden bowed to the orbs, thanked them and then took the lead, walking slowly and cautiously inside. Rowan stepped in behind him, Tally still clinging to his cloak.

The inside of the ‘mouth’ opened to a short corridor that led into a spacious room, presumably within the center of the mountain. The Palace, Rowan could tell, was more like a keep than a castle. The one room he could see was nearly empty of furniture save for a stone throne that was sat near the back of the room on a raised, stone, dais. There was a door to the left that Rowan could see led to a stairwell that winded downward. Into what he could not tell because it was black as pitch past the first several steps. Other than that one door, there seemed to be no other rooms leading off from the main one.

The room was oddly scare of people as well. Unlike Basmorte or even Rosegate where many people would have filled the main hall, this room only held four people. Rowan couldn’t even see any guards or servants standing around. Thaden took Rowan’s hand and led him to the front where they both bowed before the four people seated on the dais. Beside the throne was another, smaller, chair where a beautiful young woman sat staring at the three visitors. Her face was blank and unreadable. To her right were two stools and on each of them sat a pair of youths, one male and one female. They were so similar in looks that they could have been twins.

Like the woman, whom Rowan assumed was their mother, the youths had light, pink, hair and large blue eyes. They were fair complected with rosy cheeks and red lips. Each were small in frame and not very tall. Even their parents were small and slight, resembling older children rather than adults. On the throne, a man sat, leaning to one side with his arm propped on the arm rest of the throne. He had light blond, almost white hair and a short, neatly trimmed, white beard. A crown made of vines sat upon his head and he was dressed in green and brown clothing with a long, fur lined, cloak hanging over one shoulder.

The woman as well as the two youths were also dressed in soft, earthy tones that matched the rustic village outside. Their attire was simple but elegant and the gowns the females wore were befitting of noble women of court. The man on the throne waved his hand for Thaden and his companions to rise and as Thaden stood, he locked eyes with the man.

“King Vorigan.” Thaden greeted the King. “I am Prince Thaden of Rosegate.“He turned and motioned for Rowan to take a step forward. “And this is my mate, Prince Rowan of Basmorte. We’ve come to seek sanctuary from our home lands and ask permission to cross through Ansonia and into Pickaway village.”

King Vorigan raised an eyebrow as he listened to Thaden speak. A small smirked played across his thin lips and he straightened up in his throne as though suddenly taking an interest in what the elven Prince had just said. “Pickaway village you say.” He let the words fall lazily from his mouth as he stroked his beard in contemplation. “What business have you there?” He asked.

“Nothing of an official nature.” Thaden explained. “My mate and I merely wish to build a home together. A life where our union will be accepted and we can live in peace, safely.”

King Vorigan chuckled mockingly. “I assume then that your father doesn’t approve of your mate being a vampire?”

Thaden frowned. “My father disproves of many things.” He said, dryly.

“I see.” Vorigan’s eyes drifted over Tally. Rowan didn’t miss the frown on the older man’s face. “What of that thing?” He asked, pointing to the child. “Are you keeping it as a slave?”

“Certainly not!” Rowan scowled as he pulled Tally closer to him, protectively. Thaden squeezed his hand in warning but Rowan wouldn’t be silenced. “She’s merely a child. We found her abandoned and frightened. She’s in need of loving parents, not cruel masters.”

Thaden sighed and shook his head but rather than being offended, the old King seemed more amused. “See this, Nova, my dear? A vampire with a heart.” He laughed.

A small smile crept across the Queen’s lips as she watched Rowan carefully. “Indeed, my love.” The Queen rose from her chair and stepped slowly, gracefully, down the steps of the dais and stood before Rowan, looking him over with a scrutinizing gaze as though she were inspecting merchandise at an auction. Her inspection made Rowan slightly nervous but to his credit, he did not flinch away as he allowed the Fae Queen to study him.

Finally, the Queen smiled the first genuine smile Rowan had seen from these people and she placed a hand over his heart. Her touch was warm and comforting and Rowan suddenly felt all of the tension and worry he’d felt earlier slip away. “His soul speaks to me.” The Queen said. Her voice was soft and fluttery but with a depth that resonated with Rowan in the innermost parts of his soul. “There is more to this child than what we see on the surface. His soul is old, transcendental, and with a divine beauty I’ve not seen in ages. He is truly blessed by the Goddess.”

Vorigan narrowed his eyes as he leaned forward and looked at Rowan for himself. His expression was contemplative and for once, serious, as he considered the Queen’s words. “What say you then, Wife? Should we grant them safe passage into Pickaway village?”

The Queen turned to look at her husband, the expression on her face earnest. “Grant them whatever it is they wish.” She said, lifting the hem of her skirts as she ascended the steps once more and returned to her seat. “They are on a path set forth by the Goddess. It is not our place to distract them from this path.”

“And the child?” The King pointed to Tally.

“Whatever they wish.” The Queen said sternly, raising an eyebrow as she looked at the King.

The King nodded. “Very well.” He then looked to Thaden. “I’ll grant you safe passage through Ansonia and into Pickaway village. Once there you have my permission to stay should you find adequate lodgings but expect no special treatment. You are no longer a Prince in these lands and will be expected to make your own way the same as every other resident in the village.”

“I understand.” Thaden bowed. “Thank you, your majesty. We greatly appreciate this opportunity.”

“Yes, I am sure that you do.” The King looked Thaden over thoughtfully then after a minute or so he looked to Rowan. “I will warn you however, that Ansonia is a peaceful Kingdom. I intend to keep it that way, and to keep my people safe. If for one moment I suspect that my people are in danger, I will have your heads. I don’t care who you are or where you’re from. I do not tolerate lawlessness here.”

Rowan was about to speak up against the King’s accusations but Thaden stepped in front of him and bowed once more, much to Rowan’s annoyance. “Rest assured that you and your people have nothing to fear from myself or my mate. We too only wish to live in peace.”

“Good.” The King smiled as he sat back in his throne, seemingly more relaxed now. “You will leave in the morning. Any supplies needed can be purchased before departing. We have many shops here in the city that will suit your needs. You will find food and lodgings at the Bellflower Inn. I believe you’ve stayed there before.”

Thaden nodded. “Yes, it’s a lovely place. I left my horse in front before we walked here.”

“Excellent. You are dismissed.” The King waved his hand, indicating that he was done with the conversation and with his unexpected guests. Thaden turned, motioning for Rowan and Tally to turn and follow him. As they made their way out of the Palace, Rowan turned to Thaden and frowned. “Why did you not allow me to speak up?” He demanded. “The man acted as though we’re some lowly criminals and you just allowed it.”

“King Vorigan is not one you want to make an enemy of and he has legitimate concerns for his people’s safety. He and my father have been bitter rivals for years. It makes sense that he would suspect us of being sent here by my father and that we were up to no good. He’s a good and fair King though, which is the only reason he’s giving us a chance in the first place.”

Rowan smirked. “It seems the Queen is the real reason he is giving us this chance.”

Thaden smiled. “Yes, she’s part of it. The King never does anything without consulting the Queen first. She has the gift of sight and is seldom wrong.”

“So, you think the things she said about me were true?”

Thaden nodded. “Yes, I do.”

Rowan thought about what the Queen had said. He was blessed by the Goddess? He didn’t know exactly what that meant or why he of all people would be blessed. He decided not to put much thought into it for the moment. He was tiered and weary from traveling so far. All he really wanted to do was enjoy a hot meal and rest. Normally, for him, it would be too early for sleep but his muscles ached and cried out for a bed. He didn’t think he’d have any trouble falling asleep, no matter what his internal clock was telling him.

It was a good thing in a way. He’d have to change his sleeping habits now that he was living with Thaden. Elves weren’t active at night as vampires were so, Rowan had to adapt. It was the only way their life together would work and Rowan was willing to do whatever it took to make it work. Thaden was his mate now, his husband, and Rowan wasn’t going to give that up for anything. He and Thaden could have a life in Ansonia. They could have a family. In the morning, his new life would begin and he was ready to embrace it with all his heart and soul.