Prisoner of Darkness (Whims of Fae Book 2)(24)

“You’re in no condition to go anywhere yet.” Sage linked her arm with his and helped him sit back down. “You’re lucky to even be awake already.”

“Why am I healing so slowly?” As a fae, he should have already healed, especially with his royal Summer blood.

“You were bit by a shifter. Their bites are venomous.”

If Raith saw that dirty wolf again, he’d be sure to break its neck. It was lucky Raith was caught off guard. Next time, Raith wouldn’t be such easy prey. “How long until it’s better?”

“I’m not sure,” Sage said. “I used some herbal remedies and magic, but without the anti-venom, it will take some time. You’re already healing faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“You’re an Autumn Court fae?” Raith asked.

A flash of concern flickered across her face. “Yes.”

“I’m a Summer fae.” He hoped she wouldn’t kick him out because of it. As far as he knew, the Summer and Autumn Courts were cordial enough. “Well, I was. I’m a bit of a nomad now.”

Sage tilted her head. “Summer, huh?”

“Is that bad?”

“No, not at all. I’ve never met a Summer fae.”

“Lucky you.”

Kaelem had told Raith to go to the Autumn Court for answers. Raith hadn’t made it to the castle yet, but he was with an Autumn fae. He should learn what he could while he healed.

“Are we close to the Autumn Court?” Raith asked.

“Somewhat.”

“That’s where I’m heading.”

“Why?” she asked in a loud voice.

She’d saved his life already, and he couldn’t think of any reason to hide anything, so he said, “To find out more about my mother.”

“And you think the Autumn Court will have information?”

Raith nodded. “It’s the only lead I have.”

“What happened to her?”

“She died. That’s all I know.”

Something tugged at Raith from his core. He grabbed at his stomach.

“Are you okay?” Sage scooted toward him.

It wasn’t pain that spread through him, but something else.

A connection.

Raith closed his eyes and reached inside himself to find the bond with Scarlett. She’d entered Faerie. He could feel it.

What was she doing there? Had Cade found her?

“I have to go.” Raith stood, ignoring the pain of his wounds.

“You’re too weak to get far.”

“I…” He wasn’t sure what to say to make her understand. “I have no choice. Someone needs me.”

“Whoever it is will have to make do without you.”

Scarlett was in Faerie, but she was far away. The connection was weak, but it was enough for Raith to evanesce to her if he tried. But what if he didn’t have enough magic to make it to her? He’d be lost in the middle of the forest again, with no magic to protect himself.

“Thank you for saving me.” Raith bowed to Sage. “But I have to go.”





Chapter Ten





Cade’s plans to visit the Seelie Court would have to wait. Attending the Winter Solstice was a more pressing matter. He needed to meet the Winter Queen at some point anyway, and what better time than when she hosted an event. It would seem rude not to attend, and that wouldn’t be a good start to their relationship as Faerie rulers.

It wasn’t because Scarlett would be there, Cade convinced himself. Sure, he was surprised to find her alive and with Kaelem of all people. But she didn’t concern him anymore.

Cade, Poppy, and Jaser had arrived back at the Summer Court. Jaser had excused himself to prepare for their visit to the Winter Court, but Poppy joined Cade as he searched for Kassandra.

“Your emotion is an open book,” Poppy said. “You still care for the human.”

“No,” Cade snapped. “I was just shocked to see her.”

Poppy laughed. “Please. I’m sure even Jaser could feel the relief bursting from you when you saw her, and he doesn’t have the benefit of the bond like I do.”

“I thought I’d killed her.” Cade stopped in the hallway and turned to Poppy. “I’m glad I didn’t. It was my fault she was in the battle.”

“Raith chose her as his second, not you.”

“To mess with me. I brought her to Faerie. I wanted to feed from her emotion, sure, but I’d never thought she might die.”

Or that he might be the one to kill her.

He wasn’t sure if he should be opening up to Poppy like this, but she was right, the bond between them made secrets nearly impossible. And he had no one else to confide in.

“It’s okay to care for someone,” Poppy said, her eyes softened. “It doesn’t make you weak.”

“Not everyone thinks like that.”

Poppy wouldn’t understand. She thrived on her own fierceness, in tough mode all the time. She knew who she was in life, and excelled at it. Cade, on the other hand, reeked of uncertainty. He’d thought he was prepared to be king, but ever since his mother mentioned the possibility of war, doubt consumed him.

His father should have prepared him better. Cade knew the Summer Court had an army, but he knew nothing about leading it. He’d barely even left the castle, and when he did, it was to refill his magic supply in the mortal realm, not explore the Summer Court outside the castle walls.