Chapter 50- Fallen and Found

A Royal Welcome

Liam’s POV

The moment we stepped through the vortex into the Seelie Court, I was hit by a wave of déjà vu so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet. The familiar scent of magic assaulted my senses and brought back centuries of memories in an instant. Crystalline spires reached impossibly high, their facets catching the ethereal light and fracturing it into a thousand rainbow shards.

Home sweet home, I thought wryly. Or should that be home bittersweet home?

I felt Kate stiffen beside me, her eyes wide as she took in the otherworldly beauty of the court. Cyrus, on her other side, was scanning the crowd with a practiced eye, his posture tense but ready. It was almost amusing, watching the demon hunter try to maintain his stoic facade while clearly fighting the urge to gawk like a tourist.

“Welcome to the Seelie Court,” I said, unable to keep a hint of pride from my voice. “Try not to drool, darling. It’s considered rather uncouth.”

Kate elbowed me in the ribs, but I could see the wonder in her eyes. “It’s… it’s incredible,” she breathed.

“Yes, well, wait until you see the grand ballroom,” I quipped, leaning in close to whisper in her ear. “Nothing says ‘subtle’ quite like a floor that shifts between solid crystal and swirling mist. Makes for quite the exciting dance, I assure you. Just don’t wear anything you’re particularly fond of – the mist has a tendency to, ah, dissolve certain fabrics.”

Before Kate could retort, a hush fell over the gathered Fae. I followed their collective gaze to see my family approaching, their expressions a mix of relief, disbelief, and carefully controlled excitement. Well, this should be fun. Nothing like a family reunion with an audience of hundreds to really spice things up.

“Liam,” my mother said, her voice carefully neutral but her eyes shining with barely concealed joy. “You’ve returned. And with the Tether, I presume?”

I swept into an exaggerated bow, hoping to mask the tremor in my hands. The weight of the moment, of all those eyes upon me, threatened to crack my carefully constructed facade of nonchalance. “Mother, Father, how kind of you to grace us with your presence. And yes, your prodigal son has indeed returned, Tether in tow. I do hope I haven’t kept the executioner waiting too long. I’d hate to think I’ve inconvenienced anyone.”

My father’s eyes narrowed, but I could see the relief in them. “You actually succeeded,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

I grinned, unable to resist the dramatics of the moment. “Did you ever doubt me, Father? I’m wounded, truly. One would think that after a few centuries, you’d have a bit more faith in your firstborn’s abilities.”

Rosebud darted forward, her good eye scanning my face. “Your eye,” she gasped, reaching up to touch the newly healed skin around my left eye. “What happened?”

I caught her hand gently, forcing a smile. “Oh, you know me. Always getting into scrapes. You should see the other guy. Let’s just say he won’t be winning any beauty contests anytime soon.”

My mother’s sharp intake of breath told me she wasn’t fooled. “Liam,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “What did you do?”

I opened my mouth to deflect, but Kate stepped forward, her chin raised defiantly. The sight of her, standing tall and proud in the face of Fae high nobility, sent a thrill through me. “He did what he had to,” she said, her voice ringing clear in the sudden silence. “To complete your trials and return here.”

The court erupted into whispers at her words. I could practically see the rumors starting to spread like wildfire, each Fae eager to be the first to pass on this juicy tidbit. Oh, if they only knew the half of it. This little bombshell is nothing compared to what’s coming.

My mother’s eyes widened as she took in Kate’s aura, the subtle shimmer that marked her as both saint and budding Iele. It was a sight to behold.

“And who,” my father said, his voice deceptively calm, “might you be?”

I grinned, unable to resist the urge to really stir the pot. “Allow me to introduce Kate,” I announced, my voice pitched to carry across the courtyard. “Saintess extraordinaire, and…” I pressed a kiss to her temple, eliciting a collective gasp from the audience, “my beloved partner.”

The court erupted into a frenzy of whispers and exclamations. But I wasn’t done yet. Oh no, if we were going to cause a scandal, we might as well go all out.

“And this strapping fellow,” I added, gesturing to Cyrus with a theatrical flourish, “is Cyrus, Kate’s other partner and quite the skilled warrior, I assure you.”

The silence that followed was so profound you could have heard a pin drop in the Unseelie realm. Then, like a dam breaking, the court exploded into chaos. Fae were practically climbing over each other to get a better look, their eyes wide with shock and titillation. Now this, I thought with no small amount of satisfaction, is how you make an entrance.

Kate, bless her, played along beautifully. She leaned into my embrace, a coy smile on her lips even as her cheeks flushed with what I knew was a mix of embarrassment and secret enjoyment. Her free hand reached out to grasp Cyrus’s, creating a tableau that sent the court into an absolute frenzy.

My mother’s reaction was subtle but unmistakable. Her eyebrow arched ever so slightly, and the corner of her mouth twitched in what I recognized as suppressed amusement. Her eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I saw a glimmer of approval there that sent a surge of pride through me. Well, well. It seems the old girl still has a taste for scandal after all these years.

“A saintess,” she said, her voice carefully controlled but tinged with intrigue. “How… unexpected. And turning Iele, if I’m not mistaken?”

The court seemed to come alive at her words, Fae pressing closer, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and – in some cases – naked hunger. I tightened my grip on Kate, suddenly regretting my dramatic reveal. Perhaps I’ve overplayed my hand. These vultures look ready to tear her apart for a taste of that saintly power.

“Careful now,” I said, my voice light but with an edge of warning. “I’d hate for anyone to lose a hand in their eagerness to greet our guests.”

As if on cue, a particularly enthusiastic young Fae lunged forward, hand outstretched towards Kate. In a blur of motion, Cyrus intercepted the Fae, his body a solid wall between the stranger and Kate. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his concealed weapon. “That’s close enough,” he said, his voice steady but with an edge of steel. His eyes scanned the crowd, alert for any other potential threats.

Kate stepped forward, her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. She placed a gentle hand on the overzealous Fae’s arm, and a visible shudder ran through the crowd as they felt the pulse of her power.

“Easy there,” she said, her voice soft but laced with unmistakable strength. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I prefer my personal space. Let’s all take a breath, shall we?”

I couldn’t help but beam with pride. My little saintess, all grown up and putting Fae in their place. How delightful.

As the court buzzed with excitement, Rosebud stepped forward, her good eye fixed on Kate with unabashed curiosity. “You’re really a saintess?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Kate’s expression softened immediately. She knelt down to Rosebud’s level, her smile warm and genuine. “I am,” she said softly. “And you must be Liam’s little sister. You’re even cuter than he told me!”

Rosebud beamed, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest at the sight of them together. Kate reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind Rosebud’s ear, her fingers barely brushing the edge of the scar. The gesture was so natural, so caring, that I found myself blinking back an unexpected surge of emotion.

As I watched Kate interact with my sister, I couldn’t help but think that perhaps, just perhaps, bringing her to the Seelie Court wasn’t such a terrible idea after all. Though I had a feeling the real challenges were yet to come. After all, when has anything in my life ever been simple?

My father cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “Perhaps,” he said, his voice carrying easily over the murmurs, “we should continue this discussion in more… private quarters.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. “Splendid idea, Father. I do so love a good family reunion. Shall we adjourn to the parlor for tea and interrogation? I hear the thumbscrews are particularly lovely this time of year.”

My mother shot me a warning look before turning to Kate and Cyrus with a diplomatic smile. “We would be honored if you would join us,” she said. “As Liam’s… partner and our honored guests.”

As we followed my family through the glittering throng, I couldn’t help but notice the calculating looks from some of the court members. Their eyes gleamed with barely concealed avarice, no doubt already plotting how to use Kate’s presence to their advantage. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, it seems. These vultures make our demon hunters look positively cuddly by comparison.

Kate must have sensed my discomfort because she caught my eye, her gaze questioning. I gave an almost imperceptible shake of my head, and understanding flashed across her face. We silently agreed to keep her willingness to help under wraps for now. The political implications of a saint offering aid to the Fae were too vast, too unpredictable to reveal without careful consideration.

Just as we reached the entrance to the private chambers, a commotion erupted behind us. Guards in the royal livery pushed through the crowd, their faces grim. Oh, wonderful. Just when I thought this homecoming couldn’t get any more delightful.

“Liam of House Eldrin,” the lead guard announced, his voice ringing out over the sudden hush. “By order of the King, you are to be returned to the dungeons until your formal hearing.”

I felt Kate stiffen beside me, her hand tightening on mine. Cyrus stepped forward, his posture instantly defensive. “On what grounds?” he demanded.

My father held up a hand, silencing Cyrus’s protests. “It’s standard procedure,” he explained, his voice tight. “Liam’s is still officially banished.”

I plastered on my most charming smile, even as I felt my heart sink. “Now, now, there’s no need for dramatics,” I said lightly, gently disentangling myself from Kate. “I’m sure it’s just a formality. Probably want to make sure I haven’t picked up any unsavory habits during my little… sabbatical. Though I must say, the hospitality here leaves something to be desired. No welcome home cake? I’m wounded, truly.”

As the guards moved to flank me, I caught sight of an unfamiliar figure striding through the main entrance. Tall, imposing, clad in the dark colors of the Unseelie Court – what in the name of all that’s unholy was an Unseelie doing here?

Before I could voice my shock, the guards were already leading me away. I twisted to look back at Kate and Cyrus, my chest tightening at the sight of Kate’s worried face.

My mother stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “We will take responsibility for your… partners, Liam. They will be our honored guests until your release.”

“Don’t fret, my love,” I called out to Kate, forcing a note of cheerfulness into my voice. “I’m sure I’ll be back in time for dinner. Do try not to have too much fun without me!”

As we descended into the bowels of the castle, my mind raced. Kate and Cyrus, left alone to navigate the treacherous waters of Fae politics. The unexpected presence of an Unseelie. And of course, the small matter of my impending trial.

The dungeon greeted me like an old, unwelcome acquaintance. Its crystalline walls, still as eerily beautiful as they were disconcerting, pulsed with that same soft light that had haunted my dreams for the past three nights. The air tingled with ancient magic, its presence as oppressive as ever, a silent sentinel ensuring that even the most powerful Fae remained firmly leashed within these confines.

As I was led deeper into this ethereal prison, I couldn’t help but marvel at the irony. Most dungeons aimed to break spirits through darkness and squalor. The Seelie Court, ever the overachievers, had crafted a place of otherworldly beauty that somehow managed to be just as soul-crushing. Leave it to the Fae to turn captivity into an art form.

As the guards led me past the cells, I caught sight of two familiar faces: Alfric, the former captain of the guard, and the Unseelie spy I’d encountered during my last stay.

“Well, well,” the spy drawled as I was unceremoniously shoved into the cell across from his. “Look who’s back. Couldn’t stay away from our charming accommodations, could you, princeling?”

I dusted myself off with exaggerated care, straightening my clothes as if I were preparing for a royal audience rather than an extended stay in a magical cell. “What can I say? I missed the ambiance. Nothing quite like the hum of magical suppression fields in the morning. It really gets the blood flowing, don’t you think? Or is that just the life force being slowly drained from our bodies? I always get those two confused.”

Alfric leaned forward, his face etched with curiosity. “You’re back already? Did you actually complete the trials?”

I couldn’t help but smirk, unable to resist the urge to show off a bit. After all, if you can’t brag about your accomplishments to your fellow prisoners, what’s the point? “Oh, it’s done alright. And I brought back some interesting… company.”

The spy’s eyebrows shot up, his interest clearly piqued. “Company? Do tell, princeling. We don’t get much gossip down here, unless you count the fascinating conversations between the mold and the magical dampening crystals.”

Alfric leaned forward, his face a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “I thought you’d been caught trying to run. You mean you actually completed the trials?”

I grinned, unable to resist the dramatics of the moment. This was my captive audience, after all – might as well give them a show. “Not only did I complete them, my dear cellmates, but I returned with the Tether and…” I paused for effect, savoring their anticipation, “a saintess.”

Both Alfric and the spy stared at me in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. “A saintess?” Alfric sputtered, his voice barely above a whisper. “Here? In the Seelie Court?”

Before I could respond, we heard the guards whispering among themselves, their voices carrying in the crystal chamber. The acoustics in this place were truly remarkable – perfect for eavesdropping, if nothing else.

“Did you hear? The human Liam bound to the Iele realm is a saintess.”

“A saintess? That’s why the Iele were so insistent on his release?”

“A saintess turning Iele… that’s unprecedented.”

I felt a twinge of guilt at their words, remembering the accidental binding that had set this whole chain of events in motion. But I pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the matter at hand.

“Well, well,” the spy drawled, his eyes gleaming with interest. “A saintess bound to the Iele realm. That’s quite the diplomatic nightmare you’ve created, princeling. But why would she even come here? Last I checked, saints weren’t exactly lining up to vacation in Fae territory.”

I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. This reveal was going to be delicious. “Oh, did I forget to mention?” I said, my voice dripping with false innocence. “She’s here because she’s my partner.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I could almost hear the gears turning in their heads as they processed this information. Then, like a dam breaking, both Alfric and the spy erupted into a cacophony of questions and exclamations.

“Your partner?!”

“A saintess? And you?”

“How in the name of all that’s magical did you manage that?”

I leaned back against the crystal wall, a smug smile playing on my lips. The cool surface pulsed against my back, a constant reminder of my captivity, but even that couldn’t dampen my satisfaction at their reactions. “What can I say? I have exquisite taste. And apparently, so does she. It seems even saintesses aren’t immune to my charms.”

The spy’s eyes narrowed, a calculating look crossing his features. “A saintess turning Iele, and she’s your partner? My, my, princeling. You do have a talent for complicating matters. I’m almost impressed.”

Alfric’s expression turned thoughtful, his brow furrowing. “But what does this mean for your trial, Liam? Surely having a saintess as your partner changes things?”

Before I could respond, a thought struck me. The Unseelie I’d seen earlier… that was odd, wasn’t it? “By the way,” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual, “what’s an Unseelie doing at court? I could have sworn I saw one striding in as I was being led away. Tall, dark, and ominous – you know, the usual Unseelie fashion statement.”

Alfric’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, replacing his smug expression. “An Unseelie? Here? That’s… unexpected.”

One of the guards, apparently unable to resist joining the conversation (really, the gossip in this place was worse than a sewing circle), chimed in. “It’s not just any Unseelie. It’s their Ambassador. Arrived just this morning, supposedly to negotiate for the release of…” He trailed off, glancing nervously at the spy.

“For my release?” The spy finished, his tone a mix of amusement and calculation. “Well, isn’t that interesting. It seems we’re all in for some excitement, princeling. And here I thought your return would be the most entertaining thing to happen this century.”

Alfric’s face fell, a mix of resignation and bitterness crossing his features. “So the Unseelie Spy gets to leave while I rot down here for trying to save my child. Typical Seelie justice at its finest.”

His words caught my attention, piquing my curiosity. “Your child? Alfric, what are you talking about? Last I checked, your biggest crime was an unhealthy obsession with polishing your armor – and I don’t mean the one you wear over your clothes.”

Alfric’s jaw clenched, his eyes darting to the spy before settling back on me. The pain in his gaze was unmistakable, a father’s anguish laid bare. “During the Woodstock incident, when the demons attacked… my child was infected with demon venom.” His voice remained steady, but I could see the effort it took him to maintain his composure.

“Our healers couldn’t do anything,” Alfric continued, his hands balling into fists. “So I made a choice. I reached out to the Unseelie.”

The realization hit me like a physical blow, the weight of it nearly knocking the breath from my lungs. “You made a deal with them,” I breathed, glancing at the spy. Another life altered because of my recklessness, another family torn apart by my actions. The guilt threatened to overwhelm me, but I pushed it down. There would be time for self-recrimination later.

Alfric nodded, defiance clear in his posture. “They promised a cure in exchange for information. I did what I had to do for my child. Wouldn’t you have done the same?”

The weight of his words, the consequences of my actions, pressed down on me. It was another reminder of the far-reaching effects of that disastrous night, the lives I’d changed with my carelessness. Well done, Liam. Your little magical mishap just keeps on giving, doesn’t it?

The spy, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during this exchange, suddenly spoke up. “Speaking of deals, princeling, what about our little arrangement? The information about the gates? I do hope you haven’t forgotten our charming conversation from your last visit.”

I turned to him, remembering our last encounter. “Ah, yes. Well, I’m not foolish enough to share that kind of information with an Unseelie. You understand, I’m sure. Professional courtesy and all that.”

The spy’s eyes glittered with amusement, a predatory smile spreading across his face. “Of course. I can’t say I’m surprised. Though I must admit, I am impressed you actually managed to retrieve the Tether. The information I gave you was accurate, after all. I expected you to end up as some eldritch horror’s chew toy.”

“It was,” I conceded, unable to keep a hint of grudging respect from my voice. “…tough. I’m sure you were hoping I’d fail spectacularly. Nothing like a good Fae prince fumbling through deadly trials to liven up your day, eh?”

He shrugged, the gesture almost elegant despite our dingy surroundings. “It would have been entertaining, I’ll admit. But this outcome is… intriguing in its own way. I daresay the coming days will be far more interesting than watching you bumble your way to an untimely demise.”

I leaned back against the crystal wall, feeling the cool, smooth surface against my skin. The ethereal hum of magic suppression fields filled the air, a constant, irritating reminder of my current predicament. My mind whirled with the new information, each revelation adding another layer to this already convoluted situation.

An Unseelie Ambassador strutting about the Seelie Court like he owned the place, a saintess turning Iele (and my partner, no less) causing an uproar among the stuffiest of Fae, Alfric’s heart-wrenching tale of parental sacrifice, and of course, my own impending trial. It was like someone had taken a handful of plot twists, thrown them into a blender, and served up the resulting chaos with a garnish of ‘good luck, you’ll need it.’

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all, earning confused looks from Alfric and the spy. Oh, if they only knew the half of it. The pieces were all in play, the board set for a game of celestial chess that would make even the most seasoned Fae politician’s head spin. And here I was, the disgraced prince, right in the thick of it. How delightfully, infuriatingly typical.

My thoughts drifted to Kate, and I felt a twinge of worry beneath my usual bravado. My beautiful, brave, utterly maddening Kate, left to navigate the viper’s nest of the Seelie Court without me.

“Well, gentlemen,” I said, breaking the silence with a smirk, “it seems we’re in for quite the show. Shall we place bets on how spectacularly this will all blow up in our faces?”

Alfric shot me a withering look, but I caught the barest hint of amusement in the spy’s eyes. At least someone appreciates my gallows humor.