Nightshade: Chapter Nine
It's the finale! Hope you've enjoyed it.
When the other faery royals saw my people standing in Demetra’s realm, the first expression on their faces was one of utter relief. They seemed surprised to see me instead of my mother, but then realised quickly what must have happened. The Day King wore light blue robes embroidered with silver, the Autumn King rich shades of earth and berry, and the Summer Queen a vibrant green gown with an iridescent sheen.
The last to arrive was Queen Aurora of the Dawn Court. As soon as she saw me, she rushed up and threw her arms around my shoulders, her rose-gold hair tickling my face.
“You’re back!” she cried. “I’m so glad you’re safe…and I’m so sorry for your loss.”
She didn’t appear to be much older than I was.
“Now that we are all present,” Demetra said regally, “can anyone tell me if this marriage loophole is true?”
“It must be,” the Winter Queen mused. “How else would Amara and Rowan be standing with us now?”
Behind her stood a young faery clad in shades of grey and blue, and with hair as white as snow. He grinned encouragingly at us and winked.
“Is the loophole the reason you took my son?” Demetra’s glare was as sharp as a knife. Her fingers twitched at her side, as if she was resisting the urge to wrap them around my throat.
“I didn’t know the loophole existed,” I replied, “until after Rowan was in the Night Realm. He was being pursued by sorcerers and he found a weak spot in the shield; I only brought him through to protect him. He was never a means to an end, and I apologise for any pain my actions have caused you and your family, Queen Demetra.”
Rowan stepped forward. “I married Amara of my own free will. She gave me the choice, and I would do it again.”
“The night faeries are with us once more,” the Autmn King remarked, “and you could have worse daughters-in-law than the Night Queen, Demetra.”
There was a moment of silence. Then Demetra nodded slowly. “Very well. But Rowan must spend every spring and summer in the Spring Realm – for his own health.”
I nodded. If he stayed away from his natural realm for too long, he would fade away.
“What about those sorcerers?” asked Aurora. “We should tell the humans about them. The royal family and the enchanters need to protect their people.” Her smile brightened until her face was as radiant as a sunrise. “But I’m so happy the night faeries are back!”
“As are we all.” The Summer Queen inclined her head towards me.
The Night Realm was safe, as were my people. Demetra had accepted our marriage – even if she might never be truly happy about it. But there was one more matter to deal with.
“I know it’s spring,” I said slowly as I took Rowan’s hand, “but Rowan hasn’t been introduced to my people properly. As Prince Consort of the Night Realm, he needs to see his new home. I ask for three days to show him the realm.”
“And I give them willingly,” Queen Demetra replied, holding her head high. Her eyes seemed to soften a little. “And I wish you both every happiness in your marriage.”
Rowan bowed his head. “Thank you, Mother.” He turned around and took my other hand, bringing them both close to his chest. “Will you show me the realm at night?”
“Yes.” He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. “That’s when it truly comes to life.”
And that’s it! Thank you so much for reading Nightshade; I really hope you’ve enjoyed it. It’s been an interesting journey, and I can’t wait for the next part.
It’ll be coming out as a short ebook on November 29th. If you want to be on the ARC team please let me know!