Terra and Aetius strolled along the wooded path, enjoying the Tennessee wilderness. They held hands as they watched several deer rummaging the forest floor for food.
“I understand why Genevieve loves this place. It’s gorgeous. She owns a little piece of paradise.” Terra stopped to gaze at the sky. “The sun will be completely gone soon.” She shivered. “I can see the stars. They’re beautiful.”
“None of them are as beautiful as you.” Aetius put his arm around her shoulders.
“Aetius, you have a silver tongue.” She rose up on her toes and kissed his lips. “You boost my self-confidence.”
“I only say what I think.” He hugged her. “Maybe we should go see your grandmother now. We can’t put if off forever. We’ve been walking around in the woods for hours.”
“You’re saying what you think right now?” She glanced at him.
“I am.”
“Haven’t you enjoyed our walk?” She put her hand on his chest as she looked up at him. “Are you getting tired?”
“Sure, I’ve enjoyed our walk. And no, I’m not tired. I know you’re delaying talking to Genevieve. She had to know you’d learn the truth eventually. Just ask her why. I’ll be there with you.”
“I’m sure she didn’t expect I’d learn so quickly. It was surprising Zeus announced my ancestry. If Genevieve’s never attended a council meeting, she wouldn’t know Zeus would do such a thing.”
“I noticed that Genevieve seemed a little apprehensive about the meeting. But I didn’t realize the identification of ancestry was a requirement to attend the hearing. They always announce my title and ancestry, but I never really thought about why it’s done. I thought it was merely a formality. You know, like when you attend a ball.”
“You mean like in Cinderella? When the herald announces the guests as they arrive.”
“Yes. It’s a good thing I’ve read most of the human fairy tales, it has allowed me to understand what you’re talking about. And I’ve seen the movies too. Of course, the modern interpretations aren’t like the original stories. The real fairy tales are darker, like the real Fey.”
“True. I guess with my genetic background, my appreciation of fairy tales fits me.”
“I suppose so. Now let’s take your humor and imagination and go visit Genevieve.”
“I don’t like confrontations.” Terra looked away.
“No one said there’ll be a confrontation.”
“I don’t want Genevieve to be upset.”
“Are you upset?”
“No, just confused.” She bit her nail.
“So don’t worry, and stop biting your nails—that’s a bad habit.”
“Okay, bossy.” She pulled her hand out of her mouth. “I always hated it when my foster parents became upset at something I said or did.”
“Terra, you’re not a child anymore. I’m with you, and Genevieve is your true family. And honestly, you just had bad luck with mortal foster parents.”
“I guess not all mortals would have reacted like the ones I had. Maybe?”
“That’s right. Also, Genevieve loved you when she gave you up. It was very hard for her to do what she did. She won’t want to lose you again.” He rubbed the back of Terra’s neck. “This won’t be confronting her. You’re just asking her to explain some things you have the need to understand.”
“And that’s different than confrontation?”
“Yes, mostly. You’re not wanting to argue, you want to be informed. Right?” He hugged her again.
“Yes.” She nodded.
“Then you can talk to her about the Beltane celebration. And tell her you’ve agreed to be my wife and we’ll celebrate it under the stars on that sacred night.” He smiled from ear to ear.
“I guess so.” She looked down at her hands as if she was thinking about biting her nail again, then she started to walk. Suddenly, she stopped. “What did you say?”
“I knew you sometimes only listen to parts of what I’m saying.” He grinned and shook his head.
“That’s not true. Did you ask me to marry you?” She relaxed her stance.
He stepped in front of her and got down on his knees. Aetius moved so fast it made her dizzy. “Not yet.” He smiled at her. “I love you, my darling Terra. I’ve only known you a short time, but I’ve lived an incredibly long life. I know myself. I’ve achieved all I’ve wanted to accomplish except to be with the love of my life.” He took her hand. “My lovely friend, please become my loving wife.” His dark eyes shined up at her as they became completely black, and small, smooth, black horns appeared on his head. “I reveal my true self—except my wings, which are under my clothes—as I humble myself to ask for your hand.”
“You’re gorgeous.” She kissed him.
“There’s no better time to have our union celebrated than at the Beltane festival. Will you do me the honor and celebrate our love with our friends and community?”
“My first instinct is to run from commitment, to avoid the ultimate hurt of rejection which typically follows.”
“I understand. But I’m different. You’ve never known anyone like me.”
“That’s for sure.” She lightly touched one of his horns.
“Like you accept me, I accept you and won’t reject you for what you are or what you do.”
“I know.” A tear rolled down her cheek, followed by an avalanche of tears. “It’s a hard thing to undo the trials of childhood.”
“Yes. You have a hard time trusting others, so you remain detached.”
“That’s been the way I’ve lived, mostly.”
“I can be patient. I hope that one day you’ll be able to trust me fully.” He put her hand on the side of his face and briefly closed his eyes.
“You have a sweet heart,” she whispered.
He looked at her with serious contemplation. “To be honest, at times, I can be far from sweet.”
“I realize that too.” She gently touched his hair.
“When most immortals mate, and it’s a mating of our choice, we intend it to be forever. This is especially true for Fey. I don’t enter this commitment lightly. I’m promising you the balance of my very long life to be your mate.”
“I don’t really know what to say. What you’ve said has been so eloquent.” She looked at him through her tears. “I love you too.” She kissed his forehead. “I know we’ve known each other only a short time. And I don’t have the long life and experiences you have, to be as wise as you. But I know I can trust you. Also, you make me feel extraordinary. I’ll gladly be your wife.”
“Excellent. You’ve make me very happy. I don’t have a ring for you.”
“That’s okay.” Terra smiled.
“I didn’t think I could compete with the emerald Goddess Gaia gave you. So...” He reached into his pocket. “I have these rather simple but beautiful silver bracelets. They’re circles too, like a ring indicating the infinity of our love. I have one for you and one for me.” He showed them to her. The silver bracelets sparkled in the dimming light.
Terra took one from his hand and held it close to examine it. “They’re perfect. What does it say?” She pointed to the foreign script on the bracelet.
“They’re inscribed in Fey. They both say the same, but my name is inside your bracelet and your name is inside mine.”
“I like that. Is this one mine?”
“Yes.” He took it from her and put it on her wrist. “It’s to be worn on the left arm, the one close to the heart.” He winked at her.
“What does the rest of the script say?”
“The outside inscription says your heart is my heart, and our hearts beat as one, for the rest of our days.”
“You’re such a romantic. I love it.” She leaned into him and hugged him tight, then placed a kiss on his lips. “I love you.”
“My love, let’s go talk to your grandmother and tell her our good news.”
* * * *
The kitchen was lit by a lantern in the center of the dining table. Its yellow light cast a soft glow over the room. Genevieve preferred candles and lanterns to using the electric lights. On the table was an assortment of cookies and sweet buns. Aetius was busy sampling every kind.
“Are these what you’re serving at the Beltane festival?” He held one of the cookies up.
“Well, not those particular ones.” Terra bumped his leg with hers.
“You know what I mean.” He downed the cookie he had in his hand, then he picked up a cinnamon bun. “I really love these buns.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Terra. “And yours too.”
“Aetius, not in front of my grandmother.”
“Terra, he’s fine.” Genevieve waved her hand. “I understand young lovers. Even though Aetius isn’t so young.” She chuckled. “Nevertheless, he seems good for you.”
“He is.” Terra pushed her tea cup closer to the center of the table.
“It’s good you got the writ for Emaline.” Genevieve poured the hot brewed tea into each of their porcelain cups. “This is my new blend of basil and thyme tea.” She sat the tea pot down on the hot pad.
“The brew smells wonderful.” Terra inhaled the steam. “It’s a soothing aroma.” She took a sip from her cup. “Tastes good too.”
“I think I need some sugar in mine.” Aetius sat his cup back down.
“You like everything sweet,” Terra teased him.
“I do.” He winked at her. “I like you sweet too.”
“You two are adorable.” Genevieve put two cookies on her plate.
“It looks like you’re almost ready for the Beltane festival. The place looks great.” Terra pushed the sugar bowl toward Aetius.
“It does look festive. You and I had done most of it before you left to go to Mount Olympus.”
“I guess. I just can really admire it now.” Terra gazed around the room. Everything had been straightened and dusted. Genevieve had sat out decorations representing spring and summer.
“I’m glad I’m having this soiree. I like that word.” Genevieve rested both her elbows on the table as she held her tea cup. “It’s going to be so large and grand, I’m calling it a soiree.”
“Nice.” Aetius nodded. “The word is very close to a Fey word meaning a grand party. Do you know the word I’m talking about?” Aetius put three teaspoons of sugar into his cup.
Genevieve glanced at him. “No, I don’t think so.” She shook her head and glossed over his question. “I’m glad I’ve gotten so much done. All that’s really left is to prepare the food. I have others in my community helping me with the food. Perhaps you can help me too.” She looked up at Terra. “We’ll have fun working together.”
“Yes, I’d like to help.”
“Great, then we’re set. I have the lights up, the tables arranged, the deck painted, the Maypole up and decorated, the area cleared for the bonfire, and the menus planned.”
“That’s a lot.”
“Yes, the results are wonderful.”
“They are,” Terra agreed.
“I’ve invited everyone I could think of and those Aetius asked me to invite.”
“The plants and flowers you planted in the backyard look beautiful too. This is an excellent setting for the spring to summer festival.”
“It really is.” Genevieve nodded.
“Yeah, you’ve planted a lot in your backyard.” Aetius offered Genevieve another cookie.
“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.” She looked directly at Aetius, and then she quickly looked away.
“We only have a few days. So, it’s good a lot has been done.” Terra reached for the tea pot. “Genevieve, can we have a wedding at the Beltane festival?” Terra poured more tea in her cup.
“Who’s getting married?” Genevieve sipped her tea.
“We are.” Aetius laid his hand on top of Terra’s. “In ancient Fey custom, we’d like to have a Joining Circle at the festival? And I’ll be happy to take care of the bonfires.”
“That does seem like a good job for our Master Elemental.” Terra smiled at him.
Genevieve stood up and smiled. “Your joining is wonderful news. We can plan for a perfect Joining Circle for my lovely granddaughter and her mate. I’m more excited than ever.” She picked up several napkins on the sink and brought them back to the table. She sat down again.
“I’m glad you’re happy for us.” Terra accepted a napkin from Genevieve. “I’m excited too. I’m very much in love, and I want it to be a beautiful and memorable ceremony.”
“We’ll make it a splendid affair. We’re having a high priestess from Mystic here to lead the Beltane celebration. I’ll talk to her about officiating your joining.”
“That sounds good.” Terra nodded. “By the way, I learned a lot while I was at Zeus’s Council.”
“Like what?” Genevieve rested back in her chair. “Tell me all about the council meeting. It sounds so exciting to hob-nob with the gods on Mount Olympus.”
“I met my great-grandfather, God Cernunnos. Also, I learned my great-grandmother is the Princess of Dread and Death, and Goddess Amuliana is my great-grandmother too.” Terra paused to watch Genevieve’s expression. Terra took another sip of her tea. “Truly, it was an amazing revelation. To tell you the truth, I was shocked. I never anticipated I had such a varied and colorful family background.”
“I can imagine.” Genevieve swallowed hard. Her face grew considerably paler.
“In fact, that’s why I got the writ of execution. It seems I outrank Emaline in many ways. It also helped that one of my parents is Goddess Gaia. They called her my mother. I guess, in truth, I have two mothers.”
“It certainly fits in our modern world.” Genevieve sat her tea cup down on the table. She looked as if she’d aged several years.
“Yes, that’s true. But you can imagine my surprise by the revelation of my lineage. I thought I was all wiccan. Then I found out about Goddess Gaia and now everything else. I’m hardly wiccan at all. Am I?”
“Oh, Terra, you must be very confused.” Genevieve’s eyes watered, and she started to cry. Terra wasn’t sure what to do. “I’m sorry you had to learn about everything this way.” Genevieve rested her head in her hand. “I wanted to shield you from this for as long as I could.”
“Shield me from what?”
“Everything. The politics of being me and now you. From my grandfather, King Cearul. Now he’ll be coming for us. We’re part of his royal court, and our lives are to be dictated as such. When you’re a royal you don’t have much freedom. You won’t be just left alone.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Fey are extremely formal in their government. Isn’t that right, Aetius?”
“I’d say the Unseelie Court is more formal and oppressive to its members than the Seelie Court.”
“The reason I haven’t told you or anyone who I am is to hide from my father and the court.” She pushed her hair back off her face. She glanced out the kitchen window and watched the wind blow the trees for several moments. “I wanted to live a private life. I didn’t want to be part of the royal family of the Unseelie Fey. Now things are about to change.” She looked sad. “Also, the Unseelies don’t like to mix with others, especially humans or beings they consider lesser.” More tears dampened her face.
“What makes you think things will change quickly, or at all? Maybe he’ll leave you alone. It’s been a while since you were around him. Right?” Terra leaned closer to Genevieve.
“You don’t know my mother’s family, and you don’t know my grandfather. It’s a matter of control. News travels fast to them, and they act quickly. Involvement with the Fey royals isn’t the way I wanted to live my life. They’re ostentatious, controlling, they hate humans, and act superior to other immortals.” She shook her head. “It’ll be easier for you since you’ll be marrying a Fey Prince. Aetius will be able to shield you from any arranged marriage. He’ll satisfy grandfather, and you’ll be allowed to be under Aetius’s control.”
“That’s good to know.” Aetius finished his cup of tea.
“His control?” Terra frowned.
“Yes, my dear, that’s how my grandfather will view it.”
“Oh.” Terra rested against the table.
“My mother absconded from her responsibilities, so it leaves more for me and now you. We’ll be expected to attend special governmental and social events. The royal family is always socializing and politicking.” She frowned. “And I was never very good at any of it. Especially with all the gossip about my mother. There’s a lot of backstabbing and bullying at the court, particularly among the women. It takes the concept of a mean girl to a new level.”
“High school should have prepared me for these social interactions.” Terra smiled at her light humor.
“Perhaps.” Genevieve shrugged. “Dark Fey are worse than mean humans, even teenage humans.”
“You really don’t like being in the limelight? Or their snobby ways?”
“Not at all.” Genevieve shook her head. “Look where I live—in the middle of nowhere. I’d rather have a small group around me. My simple home to enjoy. The Beltane festival was going outside of my comfort zone. But I was embracing it now.” She partially smiled then glanced out the window.
“What about Aife?”
“Your mother won’t make a good princess. She would never conform to the rules, and there are a lot of them. They won’t accept her rebelliousness.” Genevieve hung her head. “As far as Goddess Amuliana being your great-grandmother, I suppose that’s true. Heyerdel was my lover, and he’s one of Amuliana’s many sons.” She looked down and away. “I wanted a child, and I mistakenly chose Heyerdel to be the father.”
“I see.”
“I hope you do, Terra. I never wanted to hurt you, and it seems I’ve continued to make bad decisions. I want you to know that I do love my father Cernunnos, and I’m glad you’ve met him. I try to live more like him, attuned with nature, less concerned with socializing.”
“I can understand that. I do too. I guess it comes naturally. I thought Fey were attuned with nature too.”
“Some are.” She nodded. “In fact, most are, but the Unseelie royal family is especially. Of course, other Fey also have good relationships with nature, just like one would think. But my mother never paid much attention to me or nature. The life of gods and royals is often filled with sadness and dysfunction. Our family is a prime example.” Tears rolled down her cheek.
“Maybe things will be different now. Genevieve, don’t cry, it can’t be so bad.” Terra got up and hugged Genevieve.
Aetius stood up and walked to the window. “Speaking of the Fey royals, it seems the house is surrounded by the Unseelie Fey elite guards. Your grandfather is here too, Genevieve.”
“You see my great-great-grandfather out there?” Terra moved to stand next to him. “That was fast.”
“I’m not surprised.” Genevieve moaned. She put her head in her hands.
“It’s best we go outside and meet them,” Aetius said.
He took Terra’s hand and flashed them both onto the deck. Genevieve appeared next to Aetius on the deck.
The house was surrounded by an army of male Fey. They were an impressive group, all dressed in black leather. They had large, black, lacy wings, and they were armed with long bows. Terra was surprised to see all the Unseelie Fey resembled Aetius in appearance and dress. They were tall, muscular, dark, and fiercely handsome.
One of the largest Fey warriors approached them. The impressive man stopped in directly in front of Genevieve. “Aseelietania, it’s been a long time.” He turned his head to look at Aetius. “Prince Aetius. Good to see you.”
“Likewise, King Cearul.” He bowed his head.
“Granddaughter, do you have anything to say to your grandfather?”
“Hello, Grandfather. Welcome to my home. You know Prince Aetius, and this is my grandchild, Terra.”
King Cearul moved to stand in front of Terra. “You’re Terra?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“I’m your great-great-grandfather. You’re a princess of the Unseelie Court. I wish to reunite my family. Where’s your mother?” He glanced around. “I believe her name is Aife?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never met her.” Terra gripped Aetius’s hand.
“That’s unusual. She must be like my daughter, an unfit mother.” A frown crossed his handsome face.
“She has had some issues,” Genevieve offered.
“Very well, we’ll discuss her later.” Cearul glanced down at Terra and Aetius’s joined hands. “Is Prince Aetius something to you?” he asked Terra.
“I’m to be her husband,” Aetius responded. “She’s under my control and protection as prince of the Seelie Fey.”
“I see.” Cearul folded his arms. “I leave it to you to see she does her duty in all things.”
“Yes, King Cearul.” Aetius bowed his head slightly.
Cearul returned his attention to Genevieve. Aetius glanced at Terra and winked at her.
“Control?” Terra whispered. She itched to comment more, but she decided to relax and wait.
“Grandfather, I won’t try to flee. In fact, it’s good to see you. You can send your warriors home.” Genevieve closely watched the warriors standing on her property. There must had been at least fifty of them.
Cearul looked over his shoulder at his elite guard.
“We’re preparing for the Beltane festival and for Aetius and Terra’s Joining Circle. Come inside and visit with us.” Genevieve touched her grandfather’s arm.
“Am I and your other Fey relatives invited to the Beltane celebration and the Joining Circle?”
“Certainly, King Cearul.” Aetius smiled at the king. “We would love for all to attend. The more guests, the bigger the circle.”
“Very well, I shall come inside your home and refresh myself. Then I’ll listen to the excuses my grandchild has for running and hiding from her family.” Cearul motioned to his men, and they all vanished. “I’ve sent them home, for now. But as you know, they can return in an instant.”
“Yes, Grandfather, I know. There’s no reason for them to return.”
“Very well.”
“Come this way.” Genevieve led them through the door on the deck into the kitchen.
When Terra entered the house, her mouth opened in surprise. Everything had changed. Genevieve glanced at Terra, conveying a quick message to be silent.
Gone was the quaint cottage Terra had grown familiar with. It had been transformed into a modern, grand house. Expensive décor replaced the old, eclectic collection. Luxurious woods, marbles, and elaborate tiles designed the kitchen countertops, backsplash, and the dining table and chairs. The floors were mat dark cherry with decorative contrasting inlays. Terra could see her reflection in the polished floors.
The collection of mismatched dishes and the varied knickknacks were gone. There were still plants and flowers, but less of them, and they were arranged in a more organized fashion. The walls were now painted a uniformed cream color with a taupe accent. The more artistic colorful pallet of the home’s walls had disappeared. Much of the character Terra had admired was gone, replaced by an unemotional elegance.
Genevieve led them into the living room. Instead of the hodgepodge of comfortably worn furniture and the mountains of books and magazines that had been stacked on the end tables, the room was stylish as if staged for a photograph. The finest leather sofas were arranged perfectly in the now much larger room. Even the fireplace had changed. It was bigger and perfectly clean.
“Welcome to my humble home. Please have a seat, Grandfather.” Genevieve gestured toward the largest sofa. “Would you like something to drink?”
“I’ll have some rose tea.” He sat down on the dark, leather sofa.
“Clarise,” Genevieve called to her parrot. But instead of a bird, a small woman with bluish hair entered the room. “Clarise, this is my grandfather, King Cearul.”
Clarise curtsied. “Good to meet you, King Cearul.” She made a funny face, reminding Terra of the bird she used to be.
“Please bring us rose tea,” Genevieve instructed.
“Right away, Princess Aseelietania.”
“Granddaughter, I see you live fittingly, and there are few humans around these parts. I may allow you to stay here if you resume your court duties. I was afraid you were living like a simple human and among the humans. I was also concerned that you might be too much like your beast of a father—one with nature and all that garbage.” He frowned. “As far as Terra...” He looked at Aetius. “I hope you plan to keep her in an appropriate lifestyle, like the princess she is.”
“I do.” Aetius nodded. “I have everything she needs. I have an abundance of homes, on this realm and other realms, including the various Fey realms. She can live in any of them at any time. If she’s not satisfied with the homes I have, I’ll give her what she desires. And we’ll be happy to attend some of the royal social engagements, when my schedule allows.”
“Excellent.” King Cearul glanced around the room. “Your grandmother is wanting to visit with you, Aseelietania, and she’ll like very much to meet Terra and Aife. She doesn’t like to leave the Fey realms, so you’ll have to come see her. Of course, this can happen after the Joining Circle.”
“All right.” Genevieve nodded.
Clarise came out with the tea service and placed the silver tray on the coffee table.
“Thank you, Clarise,” Genevieve said. “I’ll serve them.”
“Very good, Princess.” Clarise bowed her head and left the room.
“I would like you to locate Aife and bring her along too. If she’s having issues, perhaps I can get her straightened around, unless she’s too much like my daughter.” He shook his head.
“She’s in trouble with Zeus’s Council,” Aetius told the king. “If I locate her, she’ll serve time in my prison to pay her debt.”
“That’s right, you’re the gods’ Enforcer. A Master Elemental is excellent for that purpose. There’s no one who can escape you.” He accepted a cup of tea from Genevieve.
“Yes, I’m the Enforcer, and no one can hide from me for long. The elements will inform me of the locations of those I’m searching for.” Aetius sat down in the leather recliner. He waved his hand to decline when Genevieve silently offered him a cup of tea. Terra also declined her offer.
“That’s a handy talent.” Cearul looked him over. “You’re a powerful Fey, and certainly worthy of my family.”
“I appreciate that.” Aetius nodded. “I’m sorry to have to give you such bad news about Aife. But she’s been involved with a dangerous warlock.”
King Cearul shrugged. “I’m disappointed to hear she’s in trouble, but it seems some of my children continue to disappoint. Hopefully, Terra will prove to be different.” He eyed her with curiosity. “At least one can hope. I mean, Aseelietania isn’t too bad, but she abandoned her family and her responsibilities. I do forgive her, she was only gone two hundred and fifty years.” He looked over at Genevieve. “Now your vacation is over, and it’s time to do your duty for our family. Do you understand, Aseelietania?”
“Yes, Grandfather.” Genevieve, who continued to look pale, twisted her hands together.
The evening passed quickly despite the moments of tension when King Cearul spoke of duty to the family. They continued with small talk until the hour grew late. Terra watched Genevieve increasingly relax. She realized her grandmother was growing resigned to the inevitable changes coming in her life.
Plans were made for several of the royal family members to attend the Beltane festival and the Joining Circle. Without warning, King Cearul stood up and announced he was leaving for now. He vanished in a puff of purple smoke.