Curse of the Fae (The Creeper Saga Book 2) Read online

  As soon as I’m close they stop what they are doing. Evans lumbers over and hugs me in all his sweaty glory.

  “Yuck, get off.” I tease him. “Callum’s gonna teach me some hand to hand moves.”

  Evans releases me, and he and Anton just look at me.

  “What? I can learn magic, and fight with a sword, but I say hand to hand and I’m crazy?”

  “It’s not that, I just didn’t take you for that kind of fighter.” Evans states.

  “You just wait, Evans. Remember that when I kick your ass.” I reply, and stomp back to the tree.

  Kalli returns, she sees the sour look on my face, and instantly she knows it was her brother. I tell her what just conspired.

  “Go find Callum. We will train more magic tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you wipe the floor with Evans.”

  I smile at her and skip off to find Callum. As I pass the kitchen, I stop to grab a pastry before continuing on till I find Callum.

  Snores echo out into the hallway. I find him, napping on a couch in the meeting room. As soon as I get close, I see his eyes peek open and a smile across his lips.

  “So, dreams do come true. Although you are wearing more clothes now than in my dream.” He winks.

  “Get up, you lazy butt. You’re up to train me. Evans is being an ass so I intend to kick it.” I smile sweetly.

  I hear him chuckle as he gets up.

  “Ok, we will start with the basics.”

  I lead Callum out of the palace, to the waterfall Evans took me to for practice.

  “Ok, this is great spot. No prying eyes.”

  Callum stands in front of me, closed fisted.

  “First I’m going to show the stances and the moves. We will start with punches.”

  I follow his instructions, and mimic his movements: jab, hook, uppercut, ridge hand, chop. We do all these moves until I’m fluid in the movements, and he tells me my form will improve over time.

  Callum raises his hands, palms open. “Ok, punch me.”

  I get into stance and he starts yelling out orders.

  “Jab, cross, hook, uppercut!”

  After dozens of combinations, I’m hot and sweaty.

  “Ok, Callum, that’s enough for today. I’m exhausted and starving. How long till I can kick Evans’ ass?”

  Callum chuckles. “Well, you’ve made great progress, but we have a lot of work to do.”

  We head back to the palace. A few Fae give us funny looks as we pass, so I take Callum’s hand and walk close to him. Their jaws drop.

  I’m sure I’ll hear from Evans or my father about it later. I don’t care. Callum is just as much mine as I am his.

  Let me be the talk of the kingdom. I have three soulmates, and I’m not ashamed of it.

  Still holding hands by the time we get back to the palace, Callum drops me off at my room, only leaving me because Anton is there. He heads to shower and change for dinner in his quarters. Anton is reading one of the books I had brought, Resurrection Island, in the blue armchair by the window.

  Geez, I think they’ve read more of it than I have.

  Anton raises an eyebrow as I strip on my way to the closet. I say nothing, and just keep walking. I head straight to change, a shower will have to wait since I’m running short on time. My father is not one to be kept waiting.

  Kalli has left a dress and accessories out for me. It’s a simple, yet elegant dress. The sweetheart bodice is white, fading at the waist from light blue to dark the farther it goes down. On the vanity sits my tiara, necklace and earring set. My engagement ring is front and center.

  After putting dry undergarments on, I call on Anton for help.

  As he appears in the door frame, he has a wicked smile on his face.

  “Smile all you want, but do so while you help me with this dress.”

  Nodding, he takes the dress off the hanger. He holds it out so I can step in and begins to tighten the corset. I feel his hands brush my neck as he clasps the top closed. When he puts on the necklace I feel his lips brush the base of my neck. Tingles trail down my spine, causing me to shudder.

  I feel his cool breath as he laughs softly against my neck.

  Stepping away, Anton gives me a devilish look before he silently exits my room.

  I run a brush through my long hair and decide to leave it down, adding my tiara on top. With care, I put my earrings in, then last but not least my ring. I haven’t decided on what the ring means other than Evans and I have a strong connection and rapidly growing feelings. I do know I want to wear this ring. Life is too short to stress over the details.

  The encounter with Deezy shook me. I know I’m not invincible, but the fight really reaffirmed that. Loss and death entered back into my thoughts, just like when I went on that first run with my dad. No more distractions, I need to focus more on my training. I will win at all costs. I will save my family, friends, kingdom, and home. I will do it for my men, and my people. I will survive; we will survive. Shaking my head, I try to rid these thoughts. It’s then I realize I’m not alone.

  Evans steps up beside me, laying a hand on my shoulder. I clasp my hand on his and just hold it for a moment.

  “Ready for dinner?” He asks.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  We walk silently to dinner, holding hands.

  As we enter the dining hall, I notice the elders are attending tonight.

  Eyeing my father, he nods as we enter.

  As we take our seats, the dining hall stays silent for a few moments before the conversation comes back to life.

  Man, these Fae are strange.

  I don’t bother with manners, I’m starving. I skipped lunch and trained with Callum instead. While I start to eat I remember that I need to ask Evans about training tonight with swords.

  When I look up from my now empty plate, all eyes are on me. I smile, hoping nothing is in my teeth and wipe my face with a napkin.

  “Sorry, still getting use to all this Princess stuff. I also missed lunch.” I smile weakly.

  “Now is not the time to worry about that. We have decided that you are to travel tomorrow. North first, East, then South. See if they have been affected and if they will stand and fight with us.” My father decrees.

  “Kalli will help you pack and accompany you. I want you to practice your magic and train when you make camp. You have great powers. We need to tap them and teach you to control them.”

  After my father is finished talking, I excuse myself. As I exit the room, Evans is my shadow, following, but not too close. I’m not ready to leave so soon. It feels like we just walked through the portal yesterday. I have just started getting in the routine of castle life, not to mention figuring out my way around.

  Sighing, I plop down on my bed. Evans takes a seat next to me. His strong arms are just what I need right now, and I’m grateful to be wrapped in them. They help me forget the fight, having to leave my old, and now new home as well. I close my eyes for a moment and just enjoy where I am, right here and now.

  A knock at the door sounds, and that moment is gone. Kalli is here to help me pack. As much as I’d rather stay in Evans’ arms, I get up and open it.

  “Princess, I have to gather weapons and supplies. I will come back as soon as I finish.” Evans says as he leaves.

  “We will pack one or two dresses, a pair of sandals, and training clothes to wear as we travel. It is wise to show up dressed as the Princess they will expect.” Kalli tells me.

  “Kalli, you know best. Tell me what I need, and I’ll gather it to pack.”

  She starts naming ideas, and I head to the closet to pull them out. Once I am done, there’s a huge pile of clothes covering my bed. I have no idea how this all will fit in my pack, or how I’m supposed to carry it.

  Kalli can see the questions written on my face.

  “Princess, don’t you worry. I have this. Please give me your tiara and your ring. I must pack those in a safe place.”

  Handing them to her, I leave her to it. I grab
some rags along with my sword, and head to the bathroom. Cleaning it helps me clear my mind. I take my time, though it really doesn’t need to be cleaned. I shine the stones on the handle and clean the blue stone that once lit up. I find that it wasn’t as clean as I thought, looking down at my now black covered rag.

  Ick, I need to take better care of my sword.

  I return to my room, and amazingly enough Kalli has most of it packed.

  “After cleaning my sword, I’ve decided I need a shower.” I laugh.

  “Go ahead, Princess. It maybe a few days before you get another.”

  I grab some pajamas and underwear. Stripping, I turn the water on and step into the cold stream, enjoying it as it warms up. I scrub every inch of my body, soaking and washing my hair. I let the now hot water relax my muscles for a few minutes longer.

  The cold air greets me as I get out of the shower. With a shiver, I grab my towel and wrap up tightly. I head to the sink to brush my teeth. Begrudgingly, I take off the towel and get my pajamas on. I wanted to train with Evans, but I know I need sleep before we leave. I sit at the vanity in the closet to brush and braid my hair.

  Duh, Liauna you have air magic!

  I loosen my brown locks from its braid and call upon my air powers to dry them. Oh, that was fast and so much better. Re-braiding it, I take a moment and look in the mirror. I don’t look like the rest of the Fae. I hope that the other kingdoms will accept me as easily as my own has.

  I go back into my room to see that Kalli is done packing. That girl is a miracle worker. As she is exiting, Evans is entering. He has showered and is in just a pair of sleeping shorts. He reaches the bed first, and pulls back the covers. I hop in the middle of the bed and he follows. He once again wraps me in his arms, and I breathe in his calming scent. I could just lay here forever, and I fall asleep to that thought.

  I wake up early, feeling refreshed for the first time in a while. Thinking about our journey and what we are about to undertake, I’m filled with dread and nervous energy. I’m not sure how it happened, but I slept on top of Evans with Callum and Anton on each side. Their presence always has a calming effect on me, and I’m grateful for the night of rest. As I make my way off of Evans and the bed, I see Kalli is there, dressed and ready for the journey. Wordlessly she heads to my closet, and I follow.

  She grabs a black tunic with black leggings and hands them to me. Then she gathers the packs from yesterday, handing me the lighter of the two. I grab my sword and secure it around my waist. Kalli hands me a pair of black boots I never noticed in my closet before.

  I sit at the vanity and she undoes the braid, brushes my hair and re-braids it. I throw my pack over my shoulder, and I am ready to go.

  As we walk back into my room, my men are dressed, packed and ready to go.

  WTF? How did they get ready so fast?

  We head to the throne room. As we enter, my father is whispering with a guard. I can see a worried look on his face. I step up closer than the others do.

  “Daughter, Alix has gone missing.”

  “Alix isn’t missing, she left. I heard her talking to someone the other morning.” I reply. “I figured you knew so I didn’t say anything.”

  “Well, that is news to me. We will figure it out later. I sent word to the Northern Fae, and they are expecting you in two days time.” Roman replies as he descends from the throne, walking towards me. “Be safe in your travels, and return to me unscathed daughter.”

  He hugs me goodbye.

  “I will, Father.” I bow.

  I return to my guys and Kalli, and as one we turn and exit the palace. We are on our way.

  Chapter 10

  Evans takes the lead, as we head north. The trees start to thin out. The grass is still lush here, but there are some dead spots. I keep my guard up, you never know when a creeper will pop up.

  Kalli walks by my side and says to me, “Princess, I’d like you to practice your teleporting and element powers. I will have one of the guys run ahead as a point for you to teleport to. When you are ready, I will send Anton first.”

  I nod, and she hollers to Anton. He runs a few miles ahead. I concentrate, take a breath, and visualize myself next to Anton. I open my eyes, and I’m standing right next to him.

  Yes, I did it!

  I don’t fool myself into thinking I have my powers under control. A few days of practice just aren’t enough. I will take this victory, yes, but I still need to practice. I nod, and Callum runs even further ahead. I do the same steps as before and focus on Callum. When I open my eyes, I’m a few feet from him. Kalli smiles, and next comes Evans.

  He ran a longer distance than the other two. I smile, breathe, and I’m standing in the middle of the stream.

  Yuck, I hate wet feet. Nothing grosser than wet socks.

  I look back, and my guys and Kalli are running towards me, all smiles. I missed my mark, but I’m getting better. I walk back towards them, drying my feet in the process with my air magic.

  “Great job on the teleporting, and good work drying your boots.” Kalli says. “We are going to walk for a bit more, then we will take a break.”

  “I’m good, unless you guys need a break.” I reply.

  All their jaws drop. I chuckle and keep walking.

  While I practice my magic some more, I can feel the powers within me better. With more control over them, I don’t feel as tired as when I first started using them.

  The trek is going to be long, but at least it’s not as awkward as the drive to the portal. It wasn’t a bad trip, and I was grateful for the time with Evans and my father.

  After a few hours, I hear a voice. Stopping dead in my tracks to listen, I try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from.

  Callum tiptoes forward, and I see him remove his shoes and socks, then his shirt. He starts to unbutton his pants when he looks at me. I raise an eyebrow at him. While he lowers his pants, he winks at me, and I see chocolate fur appear. I am in awe as I see him shift into his wolf form for the first time. He gains a few feet in length and a big bushy tail. He darts off, and as the sun hits his coat it highlights the golden streaks that run through it.

  On high alert, I have my sword in hand. I follow the path Callum just ran off on. Evans is behind me as Anton jogs ahead. Kalli stays with the packs so they won’t weigh us down in a fight.

  We approach with caution, and I can hear Callum growling. We find him with a lanky Fae pinned to a tree, with dirt covering his face, as well as a grimace. I notice that he is reaching towards a dagger in his boot.

  “If you want to live, that wouldn’t be a wise choice.” I speak up, raising my sword.

  He moves his hand back from the dagger, eyeing me. “What do you care about this mutt for?”

  I can see defiance in his eyes.

  “As he is mine, I care a great deal. Callum, let him up. Here are your clothes.”

  The Fae he was pinning to the tree, stands and dusts off his filthy clothes. He’s in mud caked jeans, a torn tee, and is in desperate need of a bath and a hot meal. I take a step forward to get a better look at him.

  “What happened to you?” Evans asks.

  “Why should I tell you?” He spits back.

  “For one, I didn’t let Callum kill you. Two, we have food we can spare, and you look hungry.” I reply.

  “Fine,” He sighs, “My family and I live on a farm close to the Northern Fae. We were attacked by creepy Fae with black lines running through their faces. My family aren’t bred to be fighters. I watched them kill my parents and siblings. Then I ran, and never stopped.”

  My heart aches for him, I can’t imagine what he lived through and has continued to. Callum reappears, fully dressed.

  “You are welcome to come make camp and eat with us. From there you can decide to come with us and train, or go your own way. The choice is yours, but we will feed you either way.” I tell him, and return to where we left Kalli.

  Callum jogs up to me, grabbing my hand to hold it. The sparks flow from his han
d through me.

  “Why are we bringing him?” He asks, looking back at the teen Fae walking between Anton and Evans.

  “Callum, of the three you, your story is the most like his. He didn’t have to kill his family, but he watched them die. He deserves a chance. I could’ve been him. In a world full of chaos, we can give him a little bit of normal. Cheer up, buttercup! You have some moves to teach me so I can kick Evans’ ass.” I say.

  That puts a smile on his worried face.

  Kalli is still standing in the same spot we left her with all the gear. As I load up my pack, I see her raise an eyebrow at me. I shake my head at her letting her know I’ll tell her later.

  We continue walking in silence for an hour or so, when we come to a gently rolling river. The sun is starting to set, the sky is filling with orange and purple hues.

  “I think this is a good place to camp.” I say, turning to look at our stray. “And you are to go clean up. I will send Evans and Anton to accompany you for your protection. If you send your clothes back with one of them, I will wash and dry them for you.” I hand him some soap from my pack.

  “As you wish, my Princess.” Evans leads the teen down the river.

  After a few minutes, Anton returns with the soiled clothes. Callum is busy setting up the tents, and Kalli is gathering firewood. I rummage through my pack for more soap, then I nod to Anton and step up to the river’s edge to start my task of washing his jeans, socks and shirt. He is alone on the underwear.

  I draw the line at washing a strange kid’s underwear.

  I set my mind on my task, but keep my ears open. I don’t know what there is lurking in the woods. I let the river soak the clothes before I start to scrub the pants first. They will be the hardest to clean.

  After I step back into our little camp, I magically air dry the clothes. Anton, Kalli, and Callum are sitting around the fire. I hand Anton the clothes, and he takes them to the teen. Just as I go to take a seat next to Callum, he reminds me it’s time to train.

  Shit, I just want to rest.

  We step away from the fire. He’s teaching me forms for front, side, and snap kicks today. I get the front kick down as my two guys and the teen return. He’s a cute kid, but you wouldn’t have known it from his soiled look earlier.