The Faerie Slayer

Abby's POV

I was jolted out of my slumber when the worlds loudest lock unbolted. Through the darkness, I could make out that I was still seated on the hard and wet ground of the prison cell. I woke up a few hours back and was almost shocked into a heart attack when I'd discovered where I was. A prison cell, no doubt finally entrapped by the people of the folk. As the last time, the first thing that came to mind was; where is Kade?

An ogre introduced himself into my chamber," stand up, please."

I silently obeyed and followed the creature out of the small space and out into the hall. Walking past the dozens of other cells, I could not help but peer into them in hopes of catching sight of Kade. He was nowhere to be found.

Up the steps and through a couple more gates and alleys, we were now inside of the entrance hall. Grand curtains jewelled stone walls and concealed windows that confirmed it was now morning time. We were inside of a castle, bigger then what my wildest dreams could have contrived. I followed the creature up the spiralling stairs and down another hallway. We halted at double doors and once opened, bore entrance to the most magnificent bedroom that I had ever set my eyes on. I peered at the ogre," what's this?"

"A royal room for the royal girl," he sneered," rest up. You shall have a grand sleep tonight."

Upon stepping into the room, I immediately turned to realize that he had vanished and I was now alone. In the centre of was another spiralling staircase leading to the second floor. Down here were bookshelves, couches pitted by a fireplace and floor to ceiling windows on all four sides. I jetted up the stairs and stood with my jaw on the floor. The second floor homed a king bed with beige silk sheets and torchiere lamps atop nightstands at either side. By the continued windows was a round wooden table. On top was a tray of food that upon laying my eyes on, my stomach began to rumble. Plates of various strange coloured cheeses, olives, breads and jams made my mouth water. I reached for the transparent bottle of a burgundy almost black liquid and brought it to my nose to smell. Wine, but quite possibly, the most foul scented one to exist.

I attempted to satisfy my hunger when I began to nibble on a piece of toast. By the window now, I released the chained bolts to unveil the outside. This was the first time I was breathing in air again in what must have been over a day. The view was of hundreds of cherry blossoms on fields of grass. In the distance was nothing else but more trees. I reached my hand out to pet a stumbling flower. It was captivating, radiant in colour and complicated in detail. My fingers swatched over the roseate petals and I thought that my sight must be deceiving me because it appeared as if the plant was moving.

"Are you stupid? It can't breath."

Eyebrows scrunched, I continued to feel the flower while peering out to distinguish the bearer of the sound.

"Who's there?" I called out. The sound appeared to have come from the outside, although the bushes and fields were short of anyone. I yanked my wrist back at the sudden painful sting that resulted in blood to gush out of my thumb. My eyes widened when I caught the flower veiling sharp teeth with petals.

"I told you."

I jerked my head to aim my vision in the direction of the voice. It sounded like a child, a girl.

"Who said that!" I demanded this time, cupping my wound to my chest.

Appearing as if out of thin air was the most magical little creature of all. No bigger then a finger, floating in the air and hoisted by miniature little auburn wings was a tiny little faerie girl. I lay out my palm and she landed gracefully.

"Hi," she peered at me with big brown eyes that made up close to half her face," I'm Ellie, Your spirit."

"My spirit?"

"You summoned me," I could not tell if she was asking me or informing me.

"I did?"

"All princesses in the faerie world have a spirit. For you, I would do all!"

"I think you're mistaken. I'm no princess."

"But you are!" She flew out of my hands and briskly fluttered around. I struggled to keep her within my sight," and you shall be crowned as soon as the court sets a date for the ball!"

"Ball? I'm not sure I understand what you're referring to-"

"The Queen of Fey, or, Ana as we are on first name basis, is thrilled that the princess has returned. Her son will be happier to discover that you're beautiful."

She was chaotic in her movements and was resulting my head to spin out in bewilderment. The girl yanked a clunk of my hair out and I screamed out in shock. I rubbed palm over the spot she had injured.

"What was that for?"

"You need to treat your hair. It's completely arid."

I was offended at the insult but more importantly, I realized this little faerie creature bore more answers then I had imagined to lack.

"What we're you saying? About me being a princess?"

"Don't tell me you're one of those princesses that loves nothing else but to speak of herself," the dainty girl rolled her eyes and stared at me with a look of annoyance.

"I'm not, up until now I didn't even know I was a princess."

"You've been gone for too long. You gave her majesty quite the adventure. She's been searching for you for months, ever since the first failed crowning this season. There has been no princess for the prince."

"Prince?"

"The queens son, Edmund. He's gorgeous , but a brat. I'm sure he cannot wait to get his hands on you."

Up the stairs came running a creature that I had yet to see. Miniature in size, no taller then three feet with pointed ears that wrapped around and were so long that they could almost touch at the back of his head. He peered at me with big sad eyes and bowed his head.

"My princess, I see you have met your spirit."

"This is Fay. He is your servant," Ellie introduced.

"What are you?" I could not understand whether my question was rude. It appeared to be comedic because Ellie chuckled.

"I'm a hob, ma'am, and as always at your service," he offered me yet another nod," have you yet eaten? You have a big night tonight."

"What's tonight?" I watched as the small creature waddled over to the tray of food. He began to apply a fluorescent paste onto a piece of bread using a wooden butter knife.

"Tonight is the night you shall finally make the queens acquaintance. Also, you may begin to be courted by the prince."

"When am I expected to marry him?"

"Whenever the court sets a new date for the crowning. It shall happen the same day you are officially bestowed the title," he reached up, onto the tips of his toes and forced the food into my mouth. I grabbed it from his grasp and proceeded to chew. The flavour was bitter sweet, it reminded me of the mandarin jam that my mother used to make. I wondered if my teeth would begin to ache soon.

"I came here with a friend, have you seen him?"

"Oh yes, the werewolf boy?"

My eyes widened in relief," do you know where he is?"

"I'm afraid he does not have the luxury of a chamber like this one and to remain prisoned until the queen decides to rid of him."

"I could find out for you," Ellie chimed in," after all, amongst all other things for you, I am also a spy."

"You should cut all ties with him," Fay appeared vexed," I hear he is part of the reason for the delay."

"He means no harm," I began," he was only trying to help. Multiple times he saved my life."

"It's decided then! I'll find out everything and report to you before the sun goes down!" The spirit, now seemingly thrilled to be tasked, soared off into the sky through the open window.

I was left alone with the hob that was prepping yet another piece of bread.

"This shall be your last piece. You do not want to appear to be bloated tonight, your gown is quite tight."

"Gown?

He set the food down and with a mischievous smile on his face, strutted towards the doors of a closet and unbolted them. Inside were dozens of floor length dresses of all types of colours and material. Some metallic, some soft in shade and made of silk or chiffon, others decorated with flowers, beads, pearls and butterflies. My breath was held hostage at my throat.

"They are so beautiful."

"They are not the best part."

From the sides of the closest he uncovered shelves of displayed jewelry. In his grasp was a necklace made xof diamonds that differed in sizes beautifully patterned to wrap around your neck.

"Welcome to the world of faeries, my princess."

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