Prisoner of Darkness (Whims of Fae Book 2)(11)

“You want me to allow Summer fae to kidnap humans?”

Cade’s mind drifted to Scarlett. She’d come into Faerie willingly, but not without coaxing. Cade preyed on her, a predator luring its prey to its death.

Kassandra moved from her chaise to Cade’s and placed a hand on his. The gesture felt odd. Cade couldn’t remember the last time his mother had embraced him in any way.

Her hand remained on his. “It’s a necessary evil. I know you’ll do what you must to keep your people safe.”

“I’ll take it under consideration.”

Kassandra nodded. “May I make one more suggestion?”

Cade held back a groan. But his mother had been queen of the Summer Court for longer than he’d been alive. It would be wise to hear her out. “Please do.”

“You should visit the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, introducing yourself as Summer King,” Kassandra said. “It is tradition.”

This time Cade let himself groan. He’d only met the Seelie Queen once, when he was only five years old. He didn’t remember much about her.

But the Unseelie King—Cade had had more than enough of Kaelem in his lifetime. Better to get that visit over with first.

What choice did he have?



Scarlett’s mouth dropped open when she entered the room she’d be staying in. A large window covered the far wall, peering out at the city.

The palace stood atop a cliff. Below, city lights sparkled like stars in the sky.

Her room was sleek, with exposed beams and a slate fireplace. It reminded her of a New York penthouse she’d only ever seen on TV.

“Ah, the penthouse belongs to me,” Kaelem said.

Get out of my head, Scarlett thought.

“Not until you learn how to keep me out.”

Scarlett turned back to him, a grimace on her face.

They’d spent the rest of the day after lunch on a tour of the Unseelie palace and then watched a movie in the theater room, which surprised Scarlett more than anything she’d seen in the world of the fae so far. The Unseelie Court might sit in the mortal realm, but it had magic buzzing through it and was certainly not the human world Scarlett knew. Nevertheless, it had a theater.

Kaelem picked the newest super hero movie, which he informed her were his favorite type of mortal shows followed closely by soap operas. A brownie served them dinner as they watched the ginormous screen, and, at times, Scarlett seriously wondered if someone had slipped her some shrooms and this was all in her head. She made sure to thank the brownie again. This one was different than the one she’d thanked before, with higher cheekbones and wider-set eyes, and had given Scarlett a small nod before leaving the room.

Kaelem stood a foot away from her now. Scarlett gazed into his steel eyes. Her stare travelled downward, past his chest to his stomach, then further.

Scarlett shook her head. “Ugh.”

Kaelem was a ganacanagh, a sexual fae who brought out lust in those around him. He’d told her as much when he’d stolen her from The Hunt. Scarlett had hoped she’d quit thinking such dirty thoughts about him the more she was around him, but that wasn’t happening.

“It usually only gets worse,” Kaelem said. “Unless you learn to control it.”

He stretched his hand around her, placing it on her lower back. “Or maybe if we just fucked, you’d get it out of your system.”

His body was so close to hers. If she leaned forward even an inch, their chests would touch. It would feel so good…

“No.” Scarlett stepped back, pulling herself from his hold.

“You’re learning already.” He turned and headed to the door. Before he left, he said, “You’ll find we have a lot more fun here at the Unseelie Court than what you experienced with the Summer boys.”

“Good night,” Scarlett said, desperate to be alone before she changed her mind about his offer. Whatever his ganacanagh gifts did, she couldn’t ignore his effect on her.

After he was gone, Scarlett fell back onto the bed. The perfectly straight silver comforter crinkled under her body. The bed was heaven.

She wanted out of her clothes and into something more comfortable. She’d forgotten to pack anything. Maybe there were clothes in the closet.

She’d expected a couple of nightgowns, but was shocked to find an entire wardrobe inside the gigantic walk-in closet. Bright colors filled one side, dark colors the other. In the back was a row of nightgowns. Scarlett grabbed one, light pink and short. It would do.

Tomorrow, her training would begin. She wondered if time moved differently here like it did in Faerie? Yet again, Scarlett had just up and left. Ashleigh was back at her college apartment, but she’d still expect Scarlett to text her now and again. Was there cell service in the Unseelie Court?

A million questions raced through her mind, but she’d have to wait to ask Kaelem for answers and didn’t dare summon him again that night. Spending time with him felt like a rope dangling over a fire. The longer it burned, the sooner it would snap, and she could imagine what might happen if it did.

She’d learn how to control her powers and go home soon, before she did anything stupid or got herself into any more trouble.

But for now, she’d sleep.



Raith had spent the night in a willow tree and now his back hurt. It was the most uncomfortable night of sleep he’d ever had. His feet hurt from walking and time seemed to drag as he passed tree after tree.