WingsOfDesire-AriannaSkye (28 page)

“Who did this?” she demanded. Whoever or whatever was a monster. She moved gentle hands along Viviane’s body, searching for more injuries.

“We haven’t a clue, Your Highness. Cerne and I were heading to the training field when we heard some commotion in the stable.” Belenus beseeched her with his eyes. “We found your hor—”

Cerne flashed Belenus a look Rhiannon could not discern. “We found Viviane in one of the stalls, as if she’d been deposited there.”

Viviane moaned and thrashed in Rhiannon’s bed, causing yet more agonizing groans.

Cerne’s eyes pleaded with Rhiannon’s. “Hurry,
mo cridhe
.” The fact that he still called her
mo cridhe
caused a small tinge of hope to linger in her heart.

She knelt before Viviane, taking hold of her hand. At the same time, Rhiannon gripped the stone on her bosom and, closing her eyes, concentrated on Viviane, visualizing her recovery. She pictured the damaged wings untwisting and fluttering while Viviane floated in the air, and imagined the bruises on her body fading, the bones in her arms and legs mending. She saw the cuts and scrapes healing and fading with time.

Viviane moaned and twisted in the bed. Rhiannon opened her eyes, not believing what she saw. Viviane’s wings no longer hung unnaturally and her face bore no witness to the nasty gashes and bruises that had only moments before covered most her body.

Viviane’s eyes flew open, gazing up in shock at Rhiannon. A likely response, Rhiannon supposed. To wake up with your lover’s betrothed standing above you would be quite a surprise.

“W-Where am I?” Viviane shrieked.

Cerne stepped forward, but Belenus held his hand out to stop him. He stepped forward to inspect the worldly—or was it otherworldly—woman. “Viviane, you’re in the princess’s chamber. You were attacked. Princess Rhiannon saved you.” Viviane’s eyes flickered and grew cold and distant. “You should’ve let me die, Your Highness.”

Cerne took cautious steps to stand beside Rhiannon. “Viviane, that’s uncalled for. No one deserves to die.” The terseness of his admonishment took Rhiannon by surprise.

Grab my hand, Rhiannon thought. Not that he could hear her thoughts anyway. He’d asked her not to open her thoughts, and she had no desire to go against his wishes. She opened and clenched her fingers, hoping to give him a silent sign. He stared down at Viviane, his gaze cold and aloof.
What a strange reaction to someone he was just tongue-wrestling with earlier.

To Rhiannon’s disappointment, Cerne left his hands at his side. Was she ever going to understand this man? Maeve and Titania seemed confident she would. If only she had the same assertiveness she’d demonstrated at the banquet earlier. Rhiannon exhaled, watching Viviane sit up in her bed.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but if I was in your place, I would’ve let me die.” She turned her head away.

“Do you have anything to say, Viviane?” Cerne asked.

Viviane shrugged. “You wouldn’t believe me, anyway, so you might as well lock me in the dungeons.”

Dungeons? A place as light and airy as White Court has dungeons?
Rhiannon looked from Cerne, to Bel, and back to Viviane. “I’m confused.” Belenus nodded. “I understand. We came across a disturbance in the stables. The horse we were going to present to you had been marked by a villain. We opened the stall to find Viviane crumpled on the ground.”

“What’s not to say she didn’t mark the horse? She’s made it clear that she doesn’t like me.”

“I didn’t do it.” Viviane raked a hand through her dark mane. “And I wasn’t myself.” Cerne nodded somberly. “Viviane is telling the truth.” He took Rhiannon’s hands in his.

“Korrigan or one of her stronger minions held control of her. I couldn’t fight her off me.” The truth in his eyes pained Rhiannon. How could she have not trusted him, after he put so much trust in her? Her lip quivered but she refused to cry. “W-Who is doing these things?”

“Viviane,” Belenus interjected, kneeling down next to the bed. “Do you remember anything?”

“Someone slammed me against a wall.” Viviane sucked in a deep breath. “They broke my wings and limbs. It hurt so much, I’m sorry but I had my eyes closed through most of the ordeal.

I do remember someone flying me and dropping me in a pile of hay. Then you came in.”

“So, whoever did this had wings?” Cerne prodded.

“Yes, I think so.” She shook her head. “With my mind tainted, I don’t know what to believe.” She slumped her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I let my jealousy come before the kingdom. For that alone I should be sent off.”

“For a little jealousy?” Rhiannon arched a brow. “Humans deal with jealousy on a regular basis. It’s a common emotion.”

“Not common with faeries. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Korrigan came over you. She’s very powerful. She feeds on people’s weaknesses. She saw the tiny part of you who wanted Cerne and kept chipping away until she had you molded to her liking.” Belenus balled his hands into tight fists and gazed up at Cerne and Rhiannon. “We have to stop her, before she infects others.”

This woman was more powerful than Rhiannon thought. “I didn’t realize she was so strong,” she whispered to Cerne.

“I tried to warn you,
mo cridhe
. This won’t be like the wars your people are fond of fighting.” Cerne clasped her hand in his in a protective grasp.

Rhiannon nodded, lifting her chin. “I made a promise to my mother, to our people. I don’t plan on backing down. Not now—not ever.”

Cerne blinked. Had he heard her correctly?
Not ever? How long was ever?
Once Korrigan was defeated and another Dark Faerie Queen took the throne? Dark Faeries were vengeful beasts. The new queen would certainly avenge her sister’s death. And vengeful Dark Faeries were even more frightening than Korrigan and her army of minions.

“How noble of you, Your Highness.”

Rhiannon stiffened, recognizing his barb. Her jaw tightened. “Thank you, Lord Silverwing.”

Viviane looked up at the two of them giving them a questioning gaze. “I think I’ll retire to the courtesans’ chamber and then I shall pack my belongings.”

“Huh?” Rhiannon replied. “You’re leaving?”

Viviane shrugged. “I feel I need to. I’ve made a mess of things for you and Cerne.” Rhiannon shook her head and took his hand in hers. “We’ll be fine, Madam Viviane, but if you leave there are...ahh...many others who will be most upset.” She gave Viviane a comforting smile.

What a conundrum she was, urging Viviane to stay, while she herself planned to take flight once Korrigan was defeated. He masked his frustration by planting a kiss on Rhiannon’s cheek.

“Rhiannon and I are just fine.”

Viviane folded both her hands in her lap. “It’s not only that. I need a change. Playing the palace paramour has left me empty inside. I’ve let my Bron down. He’d be most displeased if he were still here. And to let the woman who had him killed influence me like she did?” She shook her head, tears trickling down her cheeks. She looked up at Rhiannon and Cerne with beseeching eyes. “I hope you understand.”

Cerne rubbed his jaw. “I understand, but before you can leave we need to get a detailed description from you. Any little bit of information to catch this villain will help.” Viviane nodded. “Thank you Lord Silverwing, Your Highness. Am I free to return to my chambers?”

Rhiannon nodded. “I’ll walk with you, if you like.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose. You and Cerne have a lot to plan for.”

“It’s no inconvenience at all.” Rhiannon took Viviane’s hand. It was clear Rhiannon was trying to avoid him at all costs.

Was she mad? What if Korrigan was still inside, lurking until the moment was right? Cerne pulled Rhiannon to the side. “You need to exercise caution. She could still be infected with Korrigan’s power.”

Rhiannon shrugged. “My mother says Viviane is harmless, and I have this to protect me.” She gripped the Mother Amulet and thrust the ruby and malachite encrusted pendant out toward him.

Cerne sighed, there was no use arguing. Her decision was made. “If Korrigan’s power is this strong inside the castle, she’ll be even stronger up close and personal. There’s only so much

power the amulet can protect you against.”

“I’m willing to take that chance, Cerne.” She turned to Viviane. “Shall we go?” She reached down and offered Viviane her arm.

Viviane nodded, and let Rhiannon help her up. She bowed to Cerne. “Thank you, Your Lordship.” With that, both she and Rhiannon snapped their fingers and evaporated into the mists.

“That was awkward to say the least.” Belenus chuckled.

Cerne shrugged. “I worry Korrigan may be too powerful to defeat.”

“We have no choice though, Cerne.” Belenus crossed his arms. “I wish we could just wave a wand and send the bitch packing, but nothing in life is ever that easy.” Cerne couldn’t disagree there. “Yes, but why does Rhiannon have to put herself right in the middle? I fear this is what Korrigan wants.”

“You, yourself, have seen Rhiannon’s power. If this was Korrigan’s intention, she’ll be in for a sore surprise.” Belenus grinned. “Now, it’s improper to be meandering about the princess’s chamber whilst the princess isn’t present. Let’s search for Maeve, shall we?” Cerne nodded. They needed to report the incident to the elders anyway. Maeve would be a better choice to disturb at this hour than Radan, for sure. “We certainly can’t be breaking protocol this late in the night, can we?”

“Very well, then,” Belenus snapped his finger and they were engulfed in warm violet light.

Belenus and Cerne stepped from the smoke into Maeve's posh apartments. Swags of gold and green silks draped lazily along the walls and windows. Potted ferns sat in each corner of the alabaster and marble room. Cerne had only been in Maeve's chambers a handful of times, but hadn't really paid much attention to the scenery during his visits. She and Bel had a good way of making sure of that, but not as well as Rhiannon, that was certain.

Maeve lounged on her chaise, her long flaxen hair adorned with a simple braid. Her silver sword glinted in the candlelight as it rested against her perch.

“Bel, dear,” Maeve called over her shoulder. “Back so soon?” She sat up, picked up her sword and turned to face them. Her eyebrows raised in bewilderment. “Cerne, what a surprise.

Where is your princess?” She picked the scabbard off the floor and sheathed her sword. “She should be with you, replenishing energy.”

Cerne rolled his eyes. “Trust me, we both are replenished.” Maeve sighed. “Where is she?”

“With Viviane.” Belenus scooped Maeve in his arms. He lowered his lips to Maeve's cheek in a gentle kiss.

Maeve arched an eyebrow and bemusement spread across her face. “Why is she with Viviane?” She turned to Cerne and shook her head.

“Do I need to explain myself again?” Cerne threw his hands up in defeat.

Maeve shook her head. “No, I know how you feel about Rhiannon. I know you wouldn't taint your relationship by dallying with Viviane. Titania's strength is returning. She sensed it as well.”

“We found Viviane in Rhiannon's horse's stall, bloody and broken,” Cerne said. “Whoever or whatever it was inside her must have decided they didn't have a use for her anymore.”
Well that was obvious. Korrigan had us right where she wanted us and played us like lyres.

Regardless, Rhiannon planned to return to Earth, even before she came across Viviane forcing herself on him.

“We brought her to Rhiannon's chamber, and she healed her.” Belenus motioned Maeve back to the chaise to sit down. He and Cerne relayed the rest of the story, leaving out no details.

“So, Madam Viviane wants to leave the palace?” Maeve scratched her head. “To be honest, it does sound like the best idea, especially if Korrigan still has control over her.”

“But is it safe to leave Rhiannon alone with her?” Cerne asked.

“First of all, the courtesans' chambers are hardly private. Men and women bustle about at all hours of the night,” Maeve replied. “And second of all, the princess is strong and wears the Mother Amulet.”

“I still worry for her safety,” Cerne said, through set teeth.

“It’s understandable. It’s only natural for someone to worry for someone they love.”

“I’m not in love,” Cerne growled. However, the more he thought about it, the more he started to realize how much he cared for her. Yes, he was attracted to Rhiannon, but he wasn’t in love—or maybe he was? Why did these things have to be so complicated?

~*~*~

“Are you sure this is what you really want?” Rhiannon asked, helping Viviane with the last of her garments.

Viviane nodded. “There is nothing here for me anymore.” She plumped down on her plush velvet-trimmed bed and traced a finger along the tassel of a pillow. “It suited me for a time, but now I’m empty inside.” She pointed to a small painting sitting on the table next to her bed. “He would hate what I’ve become.”

Rhiannon turned to gaze at the portrait. A young faerie man with gentle eyes and caring smile stood behind Viviane with his hand on her shoulder. “What happened?” Viviane sucked in a breath. “Bron was tending the fields when Korrigan’s men came upon him. They cut off his wings and placed him on a pike as a warning to all the White Faeries in my shire.”

“Cut off his wings? Why would someone do such a horrible thing?”

“It’s the only way to kill a faerie when one hasn’t much power.” Viviane shuddered. “They would’ve done the same to me, had they not been called back to the Dark Castle. Some days I wish they had.”

Rhiannon leaned to Viviane and took her in her arms, a flood of guilt filling her. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you. I didn’t realize.”

Viviane shrugged. “Not many people—not even Cerne—know. I don’t want anyone’s pity.”

“But it’s not pity, it’s sympathy.” Rhiannon understood exactly what Viviane was talking about. She went through the same thing when her human parents died. “Sometimes being able to confide in a friend is better than keeping it buried inside.”

“Are you calling me a friend?”

“Sure, why not? You haven’t done anything to me that terribly bad.” She paused, noticing Viviane’s stricken expression. “Have you?”

Her lip wavered. “Nothing that bore any fruit, Your Highness.” She gave Rhiannon a pleading gaze. “You need to understand, I thought I was going mad.” Viviane proceeded to explain that the voices had started right after Rhiannon returned. “I thought the only way to get rid of these voices was to drive you out of Fey.”