Fair Ones

Chapter 4

They walked from the lake to a stream with a bridge over it. Amy looked over the edge of the bridge. Sin pulled her away from it. He said,

“You shouldn’t get too close to the water.”

“Why not?”

“Hopefully you won’t have to find out.”

They crossed the bridge. Eventually they got on a path that led out of the orchard and into a large clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a grand castle. It was surrounded by faeries. They parted as Sin and Amy went inside the castle.

The castle interior had marble walls and floors. It was full plants and flowers of all kinds. Eventually they came to a room with two thrones. The thrones looked to be made of oak, and had vines around the arms and legs. Upon the throne were two figures. One was Phaedra, the queen, looking regal and serene. The other, who was Bronwen, the king, Sin pointed out. He wore a crown that looked to be tree limbs, that bended and looked like antlers. He had hair the color of honey and sharp green eyes the same color as the stone on his forehead. His face was a mask of indifference, but she could feel the power that emanated from him and his queen. It was awe-inspiring. It overwhelmed her.

 She trembled with it, and with fear. Bronwen met her eyes, and she was filled with warmth and calm. He apparently was using some kind of faery glamour to calm her. He then said,

 “Speak, mortal. How did you come to our kingdom?”

With Bronwen’s glamour urging her speak without hesitation, she said,

” I was walking home, and I saw this bird…a crow I think it was, and I followed it, and eventually I came to the orchard. I walked around and then Sin found me…that’s it. I didn’t mean to trespass, I just…I had to follow that crow…I’m really sorry.” 

Phaedra and Bronwen appeared to be pondering her story, choosing to believe her or not. They looked her over, and she held her breath as she awaited their judgment. Bronwen said,

” Unknowing or no, you have trespassed. However, since you are of no threat, and since Prince Sin has apparently taken interest in you…” He glanced at Sin, then at the gem on her forehead,” your only punishment will be to stay here in Faery.”

Amy gaped.”So I can’t go home? How long do I have to stay?  Please, I---“her words were cut off from just a glare from Bronwen. She nodded.

Bronwen said,

“We are done. Go now.” Sin then took her hand and led her away out of the room.

They went up a spiral staircase that revealed an enormous bedroom. Sin led Amy to the large bed.

“You can rest here. I have things I must assist the King with. I will be back before morning. If you need anything, just ask one of the attendants or guards downstairs.” He leaned down close to Amy. “I am sorry to leave you alone.” And he did sound very sorry. He went outside her door for a moment, and said something to a faery. He came back with a round and red fruit of some sort.

He said,” Eat this. It will help you sleep.” She started to protest, say she didn’t want to sleep, that she wanted to go home, but that warm feeling came over her again, and she agreed. She realized she hadn’t eaten in hours and that she was hungry, and she ate every bit. She immediately felt sleepy. She stayed awake just long enough to hear Sin bid her good night, before she fell asleep.