Fair Ones

Chapter 14

Everyone later gathered in the king’s throne room. Amy said to the king quietly, trying to get something cleared up,

“So, if I’m your daughter, then Sin…”

“Is not your brother.”

“Huh?”

Sin told Amy,” I am not the blood prince. I was orphaned as a child, and the king and queen took me in as their own.”

Locke declared,” I am your brother.”  

The king cleared his throat."I wish to speak with my daughter alone.” Everyone exited, and Amy was left alone with the Seelie king.

He stood in front of Amy.“Amy. I am your father. You are the Summer Princess. With that said…I cannot let you leave Faery and return to your world.”

Amy gaped.”What?”

“You must remain here, under the Court’s watch, at all times. I will not lose you again.”

Amy was furious."What right do you have to say that? You didn’t try to get me back that whole time I was in my world—“

“Amaranth kept you hidden from us.”

“Still! You didn’t want me in the first place! You abandoned me! Now you say you don’t want to lose me? I’ve been lost to you and this world my whole life! You don’t care about me at all! Even with Phaedra! You don’t even look upset! Don't you feel anything at all? Did you even love her---!?”

She was cut off by Bronwen’s hand hitting her face. The same cheek that Amaranth’s sword cut. She felt the cut bleed again. She fell to the floor, not because of her pain, but because of the rush of emotions she felt coming from…Bronwen. In that split second, she felt his wall come down. She felt his anger. His sorrow. His despair at losing his beloved queen. Tears came to her eyes. In another second his wall was back up. His face was a mask of indifference.

He said,"I regret that. I let my feelings get away from me.”

Amy rubbed her cheek and stood up.

The king continued,“But I did her.” He said quietly. “I always will. And we did want you.”

“Liar!” Amy wailed.

“Fey cannot tell an untruth.”

“The only way I’ll believe you, or ever accept myself as Summer Princess, is if you let me return to the mortal world as I please. If not…then...I’ll never speak to you again. I’ll disown myself, as Princess and your daughter, and I will find a way to get to the mortal world…and you’ll never see me again. I promise you that. I dont care if you lock me up in some dungeon, I'll figure out a way. I'll never accept you, or my heritage.”

King Bronwen was silent for awhile. Then he sighed deeply and said,“Very well. But only if Sin, and Fain, and a few Summer Knights accompany you.”

Amy didn’t expect him to agree, and without thinking she ran up and put her arms around him in an embrace. His face showed shock for a second, and then recovered. She sobbed into his chest. He stroked her head gently, with the same hand he struck her with.

The next day, King Bronwen was out on his balcony, addressing a massive group of fey in the courtyard below, which was silent, awaiting the king’s announcement. Amy stood at his right side and Sin at the left and Locke next to him. Bronwen stepped forward to the edge of the balcony railing, and said,

“Queen Phaedra is dead. She died at the hand of the Unseelie king, Amaranth, who I in turn slain.”

There was an instant uproar. Fey screamed and wailed, and there were cries for war.

“Silence.”  Bronwen said softly. Everyone stilled."There will be no war. Summer and Winter will remain at peace. There will be a new Winter King, of course. Now, I have something else to announce.” He nodded at Amy, and she stepped forward beside him.

Bronwen said calmly,"This is my daughter, Amy. She was hidden from me by Amaranth for years, but the Seelie has reclaimed her. Acknowledge her as Princess.”

At first there were confused shouts, but it turned into cheers. Amy felt the emotions of the fey below. There was anguish, anger, sorrow, joy, and hope, all at once. She felt overwhelmed by it all, but was calmed by a hand on her arm.Sin smiled at her, and then she quickly kissed him. This was met with more shouts and cheers, and a stern look from Bronwen. The four of them then, King Bronwen, Prince Sin, Prince Locke, and Princess Amy then went downstairs to the courtyard, to join with their fey in the mourning their queen and welcoming of their princess.