See Me (See Me #1)(71)
McKale and I linked fingers and followed.
APPROACHING THE SUMMER KING with our request was terrifying, and I wasn’t even the one expected to do the talking. If he refused to help, or if his anger was roused, it could be disastrous.
The King’s eyes swirled with power as we drew near. Waves of heat branched out from him, and the once-deadened grass beneath his chair, trampled by years of dancing and foot-traffic, was now vibrant and green with life. He was a force of nature confined to a body.
Dad stopped several feet away with our group flanking him. He dipped his head in a gesture of respect and the Summer King raised his brows with interest. Brogan joined our group.
“King of Summer,” Dad began. “Please forgive us for being so bold, but we were discussing how distraught we are that Princess Khalistah will not be joining us.”
The King’s head tilted to the side with further interest, and Dad continued.
“McKale, especially, was hoping to see her one last time.”
One of the Fae females sniggered and shared an amused glance with the other Fae girl, and it burned my blood.
“Is that so?” The King turned his attention to McKale, whose stance shifted.
“Aye, King, sir.” McKale cleared his throat. “I wanted to properly thank the Princess for her years of service to the clan as Shoe Mistress. And… she left behind a trinket I wished to return.”
McKale pulled the shining chain with the golden talisman from his pocket and several of the Fae gasped. The Summer King’s eyes flashed through several dark colors and the grass beneath our feet began to whither. As his mood settled, his eyes remained a vivid gold to match the trinket, and the grass sprang to full life again.
“I find it hard to believe the Princess would be so careless with her favorite charm,” the King murmured.
I watched McKale swallow at the same time the nerves in my body frayed.
“Aye, King, sir. ‘Twas quite the chaotic moment.”
The Summer King surveyed McKale for a moment before saying, “The Princess is occupied at the Summer Gala. My people will return the trinket and carry forth your message to her.”
The bronzed Fae male stepped forward to McKale and placed his hand out. McKale’s fingers clamped around the chain and he looked from the male to the King. No, no, no! This has to work! I gave McKale a nervous glance, and I could see the gears turning in his mind just before he spoke.
“Er… Summer King… might Robyn and I enter Faerie and return the item ourselves?”
Every set of Fae eyes widened and snapped to him. A stillness fell, as if the air molecules had stopped moving around us. The King’s face was a mix of shock and humor.
“I understand humans are not meant to enter the sacred Faerie realm,” McKale forged on. “And we would be ever so respectful, sir.” He looked up at the sun. “We have several hours before the binding will take place. We would seek the Princess and return immediately. ‘Tis very important to me.”
The King gazed at McKale like he was dealing with a precious, albeit naïve, toddler whom he couldn’t quite understand. When the King let out a chuckle, neighboring flowers brightened and butterflies burst forth from their cocoons. Dancing Leprechaun and their women paused in awe to watch the newborn flutters all around them.
“Lucky for you, McKale of the Leprechaun, I am feeling exceptionally giving this day. Consider this a binding gift. You may enter my realm so long as you return at once at the conclusion of speaking with my daughter. I will even have one of my guards guide you. One bit of warning, however…” His freaky shimmery eyes moved back and forth between McKale and I. “When humans enter, they seldom wish to leave. Are your minds strong enough to resist? It is quite a risk given your importance to this clan.”
I held back a derisive sound. We were not in danger of the realm’s lure, but I’d never have the nerve to say that to its proud ruler.
McKale let out a rush of breath and nodded his understanding. “Aye, King, sir. We can only imagine how difficult it will be to leave yer magnificent realm once we’ve set eyes on it. ‘Tis why Robyn agreed to accompany me.”
The King waved a hand at the male with a sheen of bronze hair and skin, who then stepped toward McKale and I. “Take them. Do not linger.”
My stomach dropped and Mom gave a tiny whimper. This was really happening.
“Follow me,” the bronzed Fae said.
I know my family wanted to embrace me and say things, but caution prevented them. With a final squeeze of my hand from Cassidy, and shared glances of fear with my parents, we were off.
Stepping into the slice of sky to enter Faerie was like deliberately walking into my own worst nightmare. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done. McKale went first behind our guide, keeping his fingers linked with mine. The force between realms felt as if we were pushing against a strong wind, though there was no movement of air.
When we were finally through I found myself breathing hard with a pounding heart. It was dark, but I could make out the portal guard in his glinting armored uniform, who’d stepped aside to let the three of us in.
“Summer King’s orders,” our guide said to the guard. “They’re to see the Princess.” The two Fae shared disbelieved shakes of their heads.
I felt McKale’s grip tighten around my hand and it gave me strength. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. We were in, and so far I didn’t feel any different.