Prisoner of Darkness (Whims of Fae Book 2)(40)

Cade lunged at Kaelem from around the corner of the barrier, sword out. He slashed at Kaelem.

Kaelem ducked and pulled the daggers out from behind his back. When Cade’s sword sliced through the air again, Kaelem rolled away and continued to his feet. With his daggers held in front of his body, Kaelem stepped to the side as he circled Cade.

“This really was such a fun idea,” Kaelem said. “I’ve been meaning to dust off my fighting skills. It’s been a while.”

“I thought it was time the Unseelie King was humiliated.”

“I’m sure few would complain if you beat me. Everyone loves an underdog.”

Cade jumped at Kaelem with his sword aimed at his heart.

Kaelem blocked the attack with crossed daggers. He pushed the sword back at Cade.

Kaelem jumped as Cade spun and sliced at his feet, but he wasn’t prepared for the second part of Cade’s move.

Cade’s sword slashed at Kaelem’s arm.

Kaelem leaned back, missing the brunt of the blow, but the sword’s tip broke skin.

A cut two inches long appeared on Kaelem’s bicep. “Well done.”

The magic of the weapons kept anyone from dying from his wounds, but it also kept a fae’s magic from healing himself in the arena or as quickly as usual after.

Kaelem bled as if he were mortal.

Cade struck again. Kaelem fought him blow for blow, inhaling the wrath Cade emanated. It was delicious. The more Kaelem absorbed, the more his magic grew inside him.

“Scarlett is a great kisser, wouldn’t you say?” Kaelem purred.

“I don’t know how you’re manipulating her, but I know you are.” Cade cut off Kaelem’s strike to his face. “Scarlett could never care for someone like you.”

The Summer King was right. Scarlett was only there because of blackmail. But Kaelem wasn’t certain she would have said no if he’d just been honest. Regardless, he was king of the Unseelie Court, and whether a girl could have feelings for him or not was of little importance.

“And what did you do to her? I felt how drained you kept her when she was in your court.”

Fury burst from Cade.

It was exactly what Kaelem needed to break through his mental shield. As Cade swung for Kaelem’s stomach, Kaelem read his next move. Cade thrust his sword at Kaelem’s face, but he was too late.

Kaelem’s sword punctured through Cade’s chest.

Cade dropped to the ground.

Kaelem hovered over him, his other dagger raised above Cade’s eye.

“Surrender, Summer Prince.”

Cade did, wrath in his eyes.

Kaelem raised his hands in victory as the crowd roared.



Scarlett had wanted Kaelem to kick Cade’s ass, but seeing Cade crumpled on the ground sent a wave of guilt through her.

She wiped her mouth. She’d kissed Kaelem just to make Cade jealous. Seriously, when did she become so petty?

The frenzy in the air had Scarlett’s mind high in the clouds. It filled her in a way she still wasn’t used to. It was as if she was empty without passion until she absorbed the emotion floating around her, and she’d do almost anything to keep fulfilled.

“We have time for one more round,” the announcer said as a group of winter fae pulled Cade from the arena.

“I challenge Scarlett,” Poppy said behind Scarlett.





Chapter Nineteen





No, surely Scarlett was hearing things. Why would Poppy want to fight her? It wasn’t fair at all.

Then again, that was probably exactly why she had challenged Scarlett.

“Scarlett is a date, not an official guest,” Kaelem said to the Winter Queen, who sat on a throne on the balcony above him.

“There is no rule against it,” she replied with a gleam in her eyes. “The girl must fight.”

Scarlett returned Poppy’s glare with a scowl of her own. Poppy might have years of fighting experience and Scarlett only had what she’d done to prepare for the battle, but Scarlett wouldn’t cower away like a baby.

If she was going to lose, she’d lose swinging.

Scarlett, dressed in a tight black leather fighting outfit with long sleeves and a V neckline, entered the arena. She’d selected a staff as her weapon, with a spearhead on each end. Since she had no idea how to use a sword, it was her best chance.

After Scarlett, the announcer introduced Poppy. The crowd cheered. Apparently, they already knew who would win. Scarlett looked around into the sea of eyes peering down, eager to see her humiliated. The idea of the games fascinated her much less now that she’d turned from spectator to participant.

What nickname would someone in the crowd give her?

Reluctantly, Scarlett shook Poppy’s hand. Poppy’s expression screamed conceited. She had no worry and, Scarlett hated to admit, rightfully so.

Scarlett stood no chance, but she would do what she could to not make a total fool of herself. Kaelem had said the weapons couldn’t kill, so on the bright side, she wouldn’t die.

Scarlett raised her staff in front of her until the announcer counted down to one. Then she bolted.

While she refused to be a coward, she also wasn’t an idiot. Keeping Poppy on her toes would be Scarlett’s best chance, and if she were going to lose, she wanted to last more than thirty seconds.

“Run, run, human.”