The Tree's Heart

XX

Clover had no idea how long it took them to get to the royal court. They were passing through a lot of dark parts in the forest, before they finally made their way to a huge tree. The tree looked ancient, and its branches were twisting and turning. The leaves were covering a large area, in which there were faeries dancing and singing. There were guards posted all over the place, as well. Up amid the branches was Avery, sitting on a throne that was covered in ivy and other flowers. He was wearing dark robes, covered in fine golden and silver embroidery. He was wearing his ivy crown again.

Clover hated that he still had this intense effect on her as she saw him. He was beautiful. He was beautiful and he looked strong and powerful on his throne. She couldn't take her eyes off him, even though she was angry at him for taking her away from her home. He was smiling down at her when he noticed her, and Clover could once again lose herself in his dark eyes. They almost seemed to be darker now than they had been the last time she had seen him. Clover wondered whether she would manage to talk him out of whatever his plans were. She doubted it, as long as his court was around him.

The faeries that were dancing were making way for her, as she was escorted right up to his throne. The two guards were kneeling down and they pushed on her shoulders, so she would kneel, as well. They bowed their heads, but Clover just kept looking at Avery. She was angry. She was so damn angry about all of this. Why had he thought this was okay? Was he thinking she would happily jump into his arms after he literally tricked her and kidnapped her? What was he expecting out of all this? Did he think the pretty dress and the escort, and all of this fancy stuff would make up for the fact he kidnapped her?

He rose up from his throne and came down from the tree, standing in front of her. Clover just kept looking at him. She could hear the fae and the faeries around her whispering to each other, as they were watching this. Avery kept his eyes fixed on her for a long time. It was incredibly quiet right now, not even the birds were singing. It was eerie and Clover felt a shiver running down her spine. She knew that she should be bowing her head, as well, but she didn't want to give Avery that satisfaction.

Avery smiled at her, as if he could read her mind. As if he thought that her refusal to follow the rules and the etiquette was something cute, something adorable. It probably seemed like that to him since he was so much more powerful than her. But Clover wondered whether he was prepared for her stubbornness.

After a few moments, he held out his hand for her. Clover wanted to take it, she wanted to be by his side, but she didn't want to let him win this. She didn't want to bow to his will. So, she just kept looking at him, not even moving one inch. Avery's expression darkened a little and he grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up to him, before smiling with satisfaction. Clover could feel the want for him inside her.

"Full of fire, indeed." he mumbled, before letting go of her. He looked at the surrounding fae and made a hand gesture.

"You may rise." he said. His voice seemed to be everywhere at once, as if it was being projected from the ground itself. Clover got up together with the guards. They were looking at her with a mixture of fear and awe.

"Let me take you to your quarters." Avery said to her. Clover didn't move. She didn't know what to do.

"No. Avery, what is this?" she wanted to know. Avery's face darkened again, and he gave her a disapproving glance.

"You will refer to me as Lord Avery in front of my court. You're going to show me the respect I deserve." he said to her quietly. His voice was intense, and she knew that she was in dangerous territory. Still, Clover couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes at him. She looked at the arm he was offering her.

"Will you tell me what is going on if I let you take me to those quarters? Lord Avery?" she asked. Avery nodded.

"Of course."