Chapter Text

The Queen's Humanity

Prologue

Jude Duarte stares at the tv screen, images of an animated sponge glides over the reflection of her eyes. She stares at the moving pictures, mouth slightly apart, and eyes hazed. She’s not even watching. Jude just lets the sound of the cartoon phase over her, choosing to block the noise of the outside world, choosing to be locked away in her own mind; and away in her mind full of anger, regret… and shame.

She blames herself. For the downfall of… Herself. She felt like she was an empty shell of a pringles can, or a plastic bag drifting through the wind. She felt useless. Having done nothing for the past few weeks except to groan and mope. She had nothing to do except feel empty.

But how could she feel that way? Her brother is safe, Oak seems to be fine and far away from being King of Elfhame, her sister… Taryn… Is probably safe, enjoying her honeymoon, and being under the grasp of her treacherous father. Speaking of Fathers, Madoc is… Leading an army, terrorising the lands on which she grew up on. Destroying laws, making new ones. Gaining trust and losing some… It’s going to be a hard job to fix for Jude when she comes back.

If she ever comes back that is…

So how could she? How could she feel these emotions. She did her job… Didn’t she? So why does she feel shame.

Why does she feel at all.

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

POV Jude Duarte

I feel. Anger?
I feel. Shame?

No day goes by without me having to ask myself and say out loud what I feel. Every day is just a blur of emotions washing past me, phasing in and out. I can’t seem to stay on one emotion yet feel any at all. I am full of shame. Shame that I didn’t plan for this. Shame that I let go of my position, the hold and power I had over Cardan- Cardan… I wonder if he’s….

I am full of anger. Angry at myself to be a fool. Angry to be played, right into their palms. They had led me into their den. Den of hungry beasts, Faes of all kinds. I am angry at my sister, too weak to hold against our father. I am angry at my father, treacherous, unkind, stubborn. He held his promise at least. Besting me he claims; and he has. Stealing away my position and sister too. But who am I to feel these things. Am even allowed to feel anything? I have let so many people down, me included, so why do I get to feel anything at all?

“Are you going to just mope around?” Vivi asked, her cat ears twitching as she sneaked into the living room quietly, or as quiet as she tried. “It’s been weeks, and you look… Deflated.” Vivi reached around to the kitchen, her tail waving slightly as she maneuverer over the obstacles on the floor. Unwashed laundry, toys sprawled on the floor, paper of ripped artwork plastered across the wooden planks where she stood. “Hey, have you seen the pasta sauce, I’ll try and finally cook dinner tonight instead of take-out!” Vivi shouts, her long arms rummaging through the cabinets like a thief. Heather was the one who kept the home fires burning, cleaning the house and the cooking included. Without her, things just weren’t the same for Vivi. I don’t really care, it just hasn’t been cleaner around, I suppose.

“I’m moping. Like you have since Heather left.” I spoke, my throat dry and aching. I think that’s the first time I’ve spoken today. Vivi hissed at my reply, her soft short brown locks falling over eyes as she stares to me with resentment. “I’m sorry. I forgot that there’s someone in the house who is also in the same boat as me.” I joked, reaching out a hand and waving it, as if I were to shoo flies away.

“5 weeks Jude and she still hasn’t reached back?” Vivi continues. The playfulness in her voice when she first spoke to me is now gone. Replaced with a sullen tone, a worried tone. “Like I understand that the Faerie world was weird and different, but I held her hand through it. I thought she was okay.”

“If you really loved her, you should have taken better care of her.” I finally say, letting the weight from my chest go. “Fae’s do not take kindly of mortals, you know this, I know this…” I whisper, letting the memories faintly wash over my mind. “You should have prepared her better.”

“But I did?” Vivi responds, crossing her arms, in a defensive position, trying to justify her answer.

“If what you did, is what you think being prepared is, then it’s not even worthy to be called being prepared.” I reply, now sitting up and resting my elbow on the arms of the couch. “It was like ripping off a band aid, it was quick and rushed and, on her terms, painful. You glamoured her to forget!” I shout, I know I shouldn’t, but I did. Maybe it was aimed towards myself, maybe I should’ve asked to get my memories wiped too.

“It would be best for her to forget! She shouldn’t have to live down those memories!” Vivi answered, and like a true Folk of the air, she missed the point. I roll my eyes, and sighed heavily, too tired to fight back. Now that’s a first. “If I just didn’t tell her she was glamoured then she would still be by me, by my side.” I take a brisk breath in, feeling the cold air fill my lungs and the faint polluted air of the city of Portland. My lungs were so used to the whisky smell of berries and fresh grass, the change in air was the first thing I noticed when I came back. It smelled dense and felt intoxicating.

“Are you going to complain about it or are you going to do something?” I ask her, maybe even asking myself, looking back at the tv screen and seeing my reflection. She was right, I do look deflated. My cheekbones stand, my cheeks empty, I have been gorging on ice-cream and take out or a month now and I’m still losing weight.

“God, I don’t know why I ever vent to you, it’s like you never help me.” She whisked off, still trying to look under cabinets and inside fridges for the pasta sauce. “Go for a walk or something, let your mind clear up. Either that or you help me cook.” And with that I stood up immediately. Not bothering to look at the mirror, not bothering to even check if my socks were the same, I was up and out that door.

I don’t slam the door. I don’t lock it either. After Vivi just moved in with Heather a few months ago, she casted this protection spell on the whole apartment building. Maybe it was for Oak, who is destined to have the crown, but I’m sure it was for Heather, her sweet clumsy Heather.
That’s one good thing about being a Folk of the Air, the protection, the who-das, the hijinks, and the promises. Either that or the protection is for Vivi herself, doing Fae work in the Mortal world gets dangerous and suspicious if you get caught walking with your tail out unglamoured for the 5th time in a week. Now that’s one bad thing of being a Folk. The dangers it comes with it. The glamour to forget and the puzzles. God, that’s one thing I’m relieved about.

All the goddamn puzzles I must dissect like a pig in a biology class. Not that I have gone to a class before… Okay maybe I did a little exploring, I was bored.
But the puzzles of promises and vague answers were just infuriating, just as Val Moren says. Politics are like juggling. He claims that I was a better juggler than he ever was. Now look where it took me. Look where juggling power, promises and passion got me. Stuck in the mortal world, with nothing to my name, no power, no feelings, no hope.

Although, buying food from this 7-11 shop isn’t too bad. That’s another thing I am relieved about, is not having to be worried if someone had poisoned my food, not having that extra salty taste to any of the things I consume, would I dare say might‘ve just saved me. Because if I were to eat 3 buckets of ice cream, topped with salt, I don’t know if I would still be here.

Light raindrops start to fall on the glass pane of the 7-11 store, finishing my hotdog and slushie, slamming their remains onto the trash. I smell a downpour coming I should head back. Before I reach for the handle, I put the hood of my sweater on and digging my hands into the depths of my pockets, looking down at my dirty shoes and left.

“-Oomph!” oh god.

“I’m very sorry, are you alright?” I ask the man, sitting on the ground, his clothes wet from the rain, and his hair drenched. I reach a handout to him. I must’ve bumped into him while leaving… But I couldn’t even notice him coming into the store, I let my guard down... Didn’t I? When was the last time I’ve let my own guard down, I’ve always been on my toes, but I didn’t even feel the instinct to grab Nightfell.

“Yeah, I’m alright…” he grabs my hand softly, almost as if he thinks he’s holding a very fine China. I pull him up, having no need to use extra strength. The man stares at me puzzled, shocked at the ease I had with helping him.

“What happened to your finger?” he asks. I pull my hand away; I wasn’t aware of how long I was holding it. My face reddens with a soft blush. I didn’t notice it at first, but his voice sounded silvery, it clear and almost like a sing-song tone.

“Dog accident… long time ago.” I manage to lie, now without the need to calculate the consequence. I shoved my calloused and now wet hands back into my pockets feeling the frayed edges of the sleeve inch up my forearms. How old is this jacket anyway, it would seem to fit Oak better than me.

“Well, you look like you were in a rush.” He moves to the side, his slightly coiled hair falling in front of his eyes- eyes that, just for a second seemed to gleam like gold. I nod and thank him, moving quick and without any sound. Just like muscle memory. “I’ll see you around.” He whispers, chuckling quietly before entering the store. He seemed nice. Something about him seemed familiar, someone I used to command, tiptoe and twirl around at. Someone who held me through the thick of the night. I look down and continued my commute home.

I didn’t think I could get this wet. I didn’t think it would get dark this quickly. Forgetting my umbrella at home and getting splashed by three cars in a row just made me think that it can’t get any worse than this. Walking in my wet and worn-out sweater, accompanied with the well-fitting shoe that seemed to be torn at the seams. I turn into an alley way, the lamppost flickers with curiosity, it’s warm light glazes my tanned skin with a superfluous shine.
I hear faint steps behind me, soft calculated steps. I lock my hand on Nightfell. Who could it be? Maybe someone from Elfhame? Letting my body twist like a dance, a dance I practiced so many times before. A strange man with a slightly taller build than me, looks at my eyes with eagerness.

“Come now princess, I just came to play,” he spoke, his tone guttural and low.

“I’m a Queen, actually.” I say, twirling Nightfell between by fingers. Our bodies close are enough for me to kill him, though far enough so that he wouldn’t draw the distance any closer.

“Whatever you may like, Queen.” He responded, letting his hands leave his pockets and jokingly curtsied. “You won’t even remember who you are after we’re done with you.”
‘We’re’there was more. I should’ve noticed.

“Tell them the Queen would like to see them try.” I joked. Giving the man in front of me a deeper bow. Without a second to waste two men jumped from above, the water from their splash dirtied my shoes. Briefly I see them smile with glee, I pull my eyes away and extend my leg out, twisting my torso and at a clockwise motion, knocking the legs of the three onto the cement.

“I said the Queen would like to see them try!” I shout, having too much fun with the roles. A role I was forced to take on, fucking- unknowingly choosing to marry my life away. “I won’t repeat myself a third time.” I whisper to the first man.

He lunged at me at a ferocious speed, his hands reaching out to my face like some starved animal. I ducked and shimmied behind him. Not to toot my own horn, but I didn’t expect mortals to be so… uncoordinated. I was so used to the perfectly synchronised attacks from the Roach and… The Ghost. So, this style felt more freeing.

“Come here you brat.” The second man crawls from the floor, taking a grasp of my left leg, his calloused hands gripping my calf tightly. I step on his wrist, with my free foot and pressed hard. He lets go, pulling away and retreats into the darkness, hissing at the pain. The last guy leapt from behind. He managed to grasp the edges of my waist. Close contact, I guess. I grab Nightfell, lynching into his grasp. His arms circled around the rest of my torso, like a snake, and continued to pull me towards his chest. With my arms free I stab him on the side, just hitting below his ribs. I stab it hard, digging it as deep as Nightfell’s hilt can. Fear replaced his jolly emotion just a few minutes ago, his eyebrows arched high, like a cat’s perched back. He let go immediately, but I held him back, snaking my own arms in the same position he had me in. I changed my grip so that Nightfell would face to the side.

“The Queen wants blood.” I slash his lower back, making him cringe in pain, tears prick at the edges of his eyes and a loud yowl manages to escape from his throat as I slashed him again. From the edges of my vision, the first man dust himself off and looked at the damage I did to his friend. Seeing the paleness his face had become makes the edges of my mouth curl up. “Do want some too?” I ask, now holding the man in my arms in a neck-hold. I wind my arms from his torso to his mouth, stubble scratching my palm. The second man pulls some sort of weapon behind his back. It looked darks and heavy, small but it seemed to hold a lot of weight to it. “Reveal what you have, or your friend gets it.” I point Nightfell towards the first man’s throat. I feel him shiver and whimper in pain.

“I’ll shoot!” shoot? Shoot what? The man pulls out a gun, black with silver embellishment that seemed to glow. I feel my grip loosen on the first man’s mouth. I’ve heard of these weapons before. Vivi and Heather gave me a quick rundown on all the things that I might not be familiar with. Guns were the deadliest they say on their list. It can kill people at short or long distances and impales people, straight through bone, at a single press of a trigger.

“No fair. The game was just starting to get good.” I say pulling my hands off the man, shuffling my feet… I don’t usually run from things. Things run away from me. I’ll get them back for sure.

Blunt force seemed to make contact with the back of my head, making me fall towards the ground, my eyes flickered a glimpse of the batter. The second man seemed to be happy with his achievement, chucking the metal pipe to the side as he spat at my shoes. I pretend to close my eyes, pretend to be unconscious. I feel them reach for the phone in my back pocket. I let them take it. I feel their eyes snag on Nightfell. I grip the neck it tighter. I feel tired, and this pain in my head makes me want to just lie down and sleep. But I don’t. I try to stay awake, fluttering my eyes open, trying to grab onto the floor and drag my tired body towards the entrance of the alley way. The men groaned and pulled the dagger out of my hand, if I hadn’t heard the safety button unlock, I would’ve just fought them there. But I heard them pull out all their guns out, I see them all waving it around like a prize. Not today. I won’t die today. I’m sorry Nightfell.

I pushed myself off the ground, fleeting the alley way. I hear them shout things, but I don’t listen. I continue to run, occasionally looking behind me to see if they were going to follow. They didn’t.

I look up on the street post I leaned on for support. Out of breath, and with my vision blurry, I can’t seem to make the name out from such conditions. I feel my body hit something solid and I fall onto the curb, feeling my lungs breathe and inhale the polluted air once more. I rest. I breathe. I stay still and I lie there.

“Are you okay?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

POV: Jude Duarte

I see a familiar shadow of an umbrella cast over my body, and the one holding it seems familiar too. His brown locks look softer than this morning, and he seemed to change his coat and pants as well, I don’t know him at all but something about him feels so familiar, my body is relieved to finally recognise something. The thought of him may have left my mind, but his alluring voice seemed to overstay it’s welcome. He smiled, offering his hand to me. Like this morning, it seemed we bumped into each other again. I accept his hand.

“Thank you, and I’m okay.” I whisper, feeling his grasp and lifting me up to my feet with no sweat. “I- uh, I don’t really know where I am. Had a little scuffle around there, and I’d like to get back home without getting attacked again,” I explain, dusting off the mud that dirtied my pants. “You got a phone with you? Just need to call my sister, I’m so sorry for asking for this much.” I feel my face get hot. Get yourself together Jude, what’s wrong with asking for help from a mortal

Ah, is it because I’ve just never asked for help?

“Of course,” he hands me his phone, it looked unfamiliar, there seems to be no buttons on the front, and laid a blank screen. “It’s an iPhone, here I’ll help you.” He sneaked his hands from underneath my own and cupped my hand that was holding the phone, using his own thumb he glides gracefully on the screen, pressing what seems to be a phone icon. “Just press the numbers on the screen and press the green icon on the bottom when you’re done.” He whispered into my ear, with his warm breath on my neck, I feel my body shiver. He let go of my hand and stood to the side, as if he was giving me some privacy.

Using this phone seemed a bit easier than that chunky flip-phone Vivi provided. I think I saw a similar bigger iPhone on Oak’s lap the other day. I’m grateful for the help from Vivi, but maybe I should save up for an iPhone too. After pressing all the numbers, I pressed the green button at the bottom as instructed and I let it ring out. Hearing a click I expected shouts of worry, but instead came a monotone, artificial like voice. Saying that she’s “unavailable at the moment”. Liar. My sister is always available. She has nothing to do at home anyway.
I pass the phone back to the stranger, he looked at me with a soft smile, expecting good news.

“She’s not picking up.” I sigh out digging my wet hands in my also wet hoodie. “What was I expecting it’s Saturday. She’s probably getting faded.” I grumble. I feel the hair on my face stick, rain and sweat seems to create a sticky concoction, that always seem to target my hair. I lift off the hood, letting my hair loose and stick to my shoulders.

“You know the rain doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon,” he starts, combing his large hands through his hair. “And it appears your sister doesn’t seem to be here to pick you up either,” he continues, leaning his tall build towards me.

I get a waft of his cologne, nothing too sultry or hard on the nose. It didn’t smell like burnt wood, or the headache causing alcohol smell. It smelled like fresh air. Fresher air than it has been in Maine.

He gives me a grin, pointing his closed umbrella towards the towering building to his left. “And I live just right there…” he chuckles, twirling his face towards mine. “You should crash at my place?” I should say no. I don’t know him. It’s dark and I’m at an unfamiliar place. I should say no, but there’s just something so familiar about him that makes me trust his word.

“Okay, but just for tonight. Thank you.” I respond, letting my hand drape towards his own, gesturing for a handshake. He pulls my hand towards his lips, I feel the warmth from his face emanate, traversing along the hairs of my forearm, reaching my face. He kisses my scarred knuckles and lowers it. I raise my eyebrows at the gesture. A gesture I remember so fondly.

“Can I get your name?” he asks, and my eyebrows quickly lowered. Where have I heard that before…
“You’re the one who invited me to your home. What is your name?” I chuckle, letting my arms move in a cross position.

“Andrew, my name is Andrew Freed. What is yours.” He whispers, inching close towards me with one step. I take one step back. I know where this would lead.
“What’s mine is mine, but I will tell you nonetheless.” I reply, tilting my head in a jokingly manner, flashing my teeth as my lips curl into a smile. No wonder he seemed so familiar. No wonder why he seemed so alluring. He was part Fae. It all clicks now. The familiar face, the alluring tone of his voice, the mere elegance he moved with every step.

“Jude Duarte.” Flash of lighting shines a light on his very handsome face. “Exiled Queen of Elfhame”.

Thunder cracked the black night; the rumble hits the ground like a whip; its vibrations mellow into the depths of the earth. His eyes widen with what seemed like fear immediately turned into excitement. I should really keep that part of history to myself, but if it means I could connect with someone other than my lovesick sister or my way too young brother, I’ll reveal my cards. Who knows, maybe I’d like to see what he does with the hand I’ve dealt him.
He curtsies, but he doesn’t lose eye contact, instead he stares at me through his hair causing me to lock eyes with a pair of gold pupils. I blink twice. Gold eyes? Last name Freed? Just who is he, and why does he seem so familiar?

“Don’t worry my queen, I’ll make sure your stay would be exceptional.” He whispers out, his voice low but soft. He gives me hand to reach on. I take it.
The walk was short, quiet, and awkward. I feel the air around Andrew grow timid, more aware of his actions. Maybe I shouldn’t have revealed my cards so soon. His loose elegant steps now match a prince, a more well-mannered prince, more than the one I used to know. He occasionally looks back at me, smiling. Like a Cheshire cat, with his gums exposed, and teeth tamer than the ones that was once bared at me at Elfhame. Was it glamour? Was it his magic of some sort? Why couldn’t I notice him?

I mirror his smile, nodding as if to say, I was okay, and that we should move on. He nods and walks a bit faster, his steps light and nimble. While I splash around, drenching my shoes to the rain.

We entered the building quietly; he held my hand as he and I push through the glass panes. As I entered, I couldn’t believe such grandiosity existed in the mortal world. With walls that seemed to never end, and ceilings as tall as the sky. I gasp at the mere shine it cascaded onto the floor. Light’s bright as the stars I see in Elfhame plastered along the ceilings, tall silky curtains hang low, its cream colour matches perfectly with the natural marble floor. The windows stand tall, and it leans out, as if to show the people behind the glass, the world. I feel the grip on my hand tighten. Andrew snickers at my astounded face. Wait… Since when did I grab his palm? I let go, as I chuckle back at him, my face feeling hot.

He walks us to the reception. My head is aching, my body is bruised and my face red. The lady in black smiled at him and looked me with curiosity.

“My guest, just for tonight. Jude Duarte.” He whispers delicately, letting his eyes do all the work, fluttering his long eyelashes. The lady chucked quietly, she stood up and twisted her body to the wall of keys, shielded by a thick glass. With a push she grabs one, right near the top of the wall. Cindy, her name was. I read her nametag. Cindy then handed Andrew his key, a key with numbers ‘777’ embossed on the side. My eyes fixate at it, wondering why it stood out from the rest of the other keys held up on the wall; while the rest were silver, his was gold. His eyes glimmered with pride.

“Angel numbers, this one mean peace of mind and contentment.” He twirls the key around his fingers as we continue to walk. “But for you,” He looks at me up and down, I feel his eyes linger a second too long and I turn, facing away from his eyes. He laughs and turns me around, “Changes are underway. Look out for the number 555.” He walks towards two metal doors, it’s metallic shine casts stars across the reflection of Andrew’s eyes. He presses a button to his left and the doors opened. I let him walk in first, I let him stare at me with a smile. He extends a hand. I take it.

Elevators, escalators, revolving doors, automatic doors. I have learned a total of 4 topics in a span of the time I was in that elevator. When I stepped inside, I felt the floor beneath me gone. It felt hollow and like a trap. I grip Andrew’s hand as I placed both feet in, looking at him with uncertainty. He smiled back with full confidence. He takes my hand and twirls me around, I spin into his arms, and as I spin, I see my own face, red as ripe tomato. When I just stepped in, I couldn’t notice that the elevator was covered in mirrors. Clean, shiny, truthful mirrors. I take a glance. I take another and I push off Andrew’s hold. He laughs.

“What is social media?” I ask precariously, ashamed of my own lack of information. I try to match his pace, running almost. I feel the back of my headache once more, the bleeding might’ve stopped but the consequence’s still hurt. “My sister talks about it all the time but,” I wince again, feeling the pain. “I don’t really understand it.” at this point my vision is blurry, I am three steps behind and counting.

I feel my feet slip, and I slam into a wall.

I plant my side to the wall and I slide down, feeling the exhaustion hit my legs and the fatigue impacting my entire body. It appears that once my body was able to feel safe again only then it will fail me. Human bodies are too much and nothing at the same time.

“Jude! What happened?” Andrew asked, his voice full of worry. A tone I haven’t heard since I left. “Let’s get you up, I have a medic kit in my apartment, and an icepack, and- and- oh come on Jude stay with me.” he rushes to my side as I feel my eyes close out of tiredness, the second time today. I feel his warm arms reach under me, I take his embrace and let myself go.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

I feel the warm light shine on my eyelids, to my left I feel pillows, soft as the fur on the bodies of the half-deer boy with the lyre. I blink slowly, wincing as the mere brightness of the light almost pierces my eyes. Sitting up on the large bed, I feel the pain on the back of my head almost gone. The bruises that were on my ankles and my sides also missing. I yawn, letting my well-rested body stretch.

“Hey you’re awake!” I hear Andrew shout from outside the room, he sounds busy, rattling plates and stirring pots I presume. I slowly get off the bed, shuffling into the pair of slippers that were placed next to the bed. A bit too big for my feet, but comfortable, nonetheless. “It’s breakfast, have a seat.” He whispers, lifting the scrambled eggs off the pan and onto the pale cream coloured plate in front of me. In my huge slippers, I manage to not trip while walking towards the table.

During the journey from his bedroom to the living area- or I presume also a dining area, I gave myself a chance to analyse his living quarters.

Soft lighting fills the room with a warm ambiance, he rarely has any internal lighting systems on, so I guess he instead opts for the warm external lighting choices like lamps that looks like it was made by recycled materials. He also utilizes the large window facing to the living room, letting the sun rays wash over and envelop the whole apartment. Warm coloured string lights are plastered along the walls, and in between the strings are winding vines that seems to be budding a pale pink flower. Actually, now that I take a proper look, most empty space is filled with flowers, thriving in the natural sunlight.

I pull the seat nearer to the table, I take consideration of his spotless wooden floors, making sure I don’t create scratches to such beauty. He smiles and hands me a cup of orange juice, the condensation of the chilled drink glides down my fingers. I feel his eyes linger another second too long.

“Your arms are so thin,” he takes of the mitten and leans over the counter, dragging the side of dinger down my forearm. “Did they even feed you properly over there, my Queen.” He whispers, pulling his finger away. I look at my hands, and I cringe at the bone’s peeking against my tanned skin. Have I actually gone paler?

I remember the nights were I was tortured upon days on end, feeling the salty water fill my lungs when I had no choice but to. I remember how I pretended to be under the Queen of the Sea’s glamour, the shame I felt as I acted like a weak ragdoll. The shame I felt as I forced to make my body pretend it was Cardan I was kissing, when Balekin commanded me to put our lips together.

“I was fed well enough.” I answer, pulling my eyes back onto the eggs on my plate. Andrew only smiled apathetically, walking towards the table, only now I realise he was wearing no top under that apron, only very loose-fitting sweatpants. I chuckle at him. He laughs back, seeing how he must’ve thought his apron design was amusing. He takes the pink frilly apron off with the words ‘Kiss the Cook’ embossed on the front. “I was only queen for one night and half a day.” I continue, solemness fills my throat, my tone becoming softer and dull. Andrew lifts the chair softly and sits in front of me. He lowers his head, his hair now softened into waves, falls and cover’s his gold eyes.

“What are you saying Jude? You have been Queen of Elfhame even after you were banished.” He claims, forking down the crispy bacon. I never thought of it like that.
“Did they take your crown?” he asks, looking at me dead in the eyes.

I shake my head. “Did they strip you your title?” I shake my head again.

“I haven’t been there since I was little boy. I do not know of what rules have stayed or changed during the years I was gone. Tell me who is the King that you married.” He states, dragging his butterknife along the piece of bread, smearing sweet strawberry jam across the surface.

“High King Eldred was due to be dethroned and pass his ruling to his eldest, Balekin. But he didn’t.” I bite my bottom lip, unsure if I should mention Oak. It could threaten his entire existence... I shouldn’t play my cards too early. I shouldn’t trust him so easily. “King Eldred was killed and since he didn’t name an heir, the crown was thrown into a bloody mess of pig in the middle.” I chew on the bacon, the crunch exploded with flavour inside my mouth.

“I was merely a mortal girl.” I swallow, the dryness in my throat becoming diminished, “Tortured by her classmates.” I try not to stare at him, at his eyes. Those eyes who stares at me with such intensity. “I was under my father’s ward, so I trained under him too. Yet it was never enough.” He nodded, taking another piece of bread, and spreading peanut butter on it. He hands it to me. I take it.

“You felt as if you were never going to be on their level, better yet you were ashamed how weak your human body was compared to theirs.” He responded, leaning to his left, resting his cheek on his shoulder. I nod, taking a bite of the toast. “You were training yourself to withstand them.” His voice felt sweet and smooth, like honey straight from a bee’s hive.

“Yet it was never enough.” I finished his sentence, leaning towards him to grab another piece of toast. He nodded back, as if he himself were reminiscing the memories I experienced.

“How did you become Queen.” he continues, now finishing his eggs.

“I stole their prince’s heart.” I say, shoving the rest of the bacon in my mouth before speaking again. Andrew only lets out a slight chuckle, only that it wasn’t a joke. “I stole his heart and forced him under my rule. Out of blackmail.” He looks at me with a mischievous look. I shouldn’t speak anymore. I’ve never told anyone other than Vivi and the Court. I shouldn’t speak of him. The empty space where my heart should be, while barely alive, beats still, beats in pain, determined to fight. I swallow hard, letting the memories flash.

“I became his seneschal, or governor as you may say it here.” I place my utensils down, and Andrew whisks them off my hands, placing the dirty dishes in the sink. When he turns around, I see a quick flash of his back. His scarred muscled back, with claw marks as big as his head, swiping from the top of his right shoulder towards the bottom left of his back. “I did my best to control him, and make him king, casting his brother to the Tower of Forgetting. I asked for a year and 1 day of power and he promised” I laugh, standing up and pushing my chair back in. “I made the mistake of marrying him and losing that power over him.” Andrew sighs, and ruffles his hair, confused.

“Why did you marry him?” he asks innocently, his voice full of query. I shake my head and sigh back at him.

“Because I was a fool to think that he changed. High King Cardan, I was a fool indeed to think that anyone would ever change for me. Rule for me… Love me...” I whisper the last part. Andrew doesn’t need to hear this side of me. This pathetic side of Jude who thought that Cardan would ever love her.

“Cardan Greenbriar as the High King of Elfhame? He is your King?” he asks again, as if he couldn’t believe it. I nodded; I can’t deny that he’s, my king. “You married Cardan? As in the Cardan Greenbriar?” he looks at me with his neatly trimmed eyebrows furrowed. I frown, placing my arms in a cross.

“I thought that he would make my life safe if I were queen. I sacrificed my power over him for the trust that he will keep me safe.” I lowered my head out of shame. “I don’t know how but he deceived me.” Andrew lifts my chin up with his soft hands, and stares into my eyes.

“Do want that power back?” he asks, a soft smile unfurling by the second.

“That’s the thing, Andrew…” I push of his hands and go into the living room, looking for my jacket. I don’t know when I ever took it off. “I feel nothing. I should feel remorse, anger shame. I do just a little bit but… What good would it do for me to get that power back?” Andrew gives me this look; he walks towards me and rests his hand on my shoulder. I feel my eyes linger on his lips very briefly before looking up at his face.

“Jude. From what I heard just now, is you climbing the way to the top, to what you deserve. Power. Safety. Respect.” He speaks as if he knew it all. He knew my hardships, and why I had to do what I did to get to the top.

“You did that, all on your own. So why stop now?” his voice was stern and inspiring, I feel his palm move away from my shoulder and glides across my face, I turn away. He held my chin softly and twisted it back to face him.

“Tell me, is your family truly safe? How long do you think that so called promise of his won’t be turned into a mix of words? A puzzle piece twisted around to be in his favour?” I shook my head. Again, I am a fool. He’s right, how long until Cardan comes strutting into my home, taking Oak once he’s bored of the crown. How long until Cardan kills me with his very hands, telling me that I should’ve never treated him like a puppet. I close my eyes and sigh.

“I suppose you’re right. But he hasn’t done anything yet. If he were to truly harm my family, he would’ve done so by now.” I retort, walking towards my now dried jacket and shoes.

“Jude… If you won’t fight for yourself…” I hear him whisper, he rubs the back of his head like a shy schoolboy. “Why don’t you fight for me?” he asks, leaning his head and staring at me with big eyes. I swallow and stifle a laugh.

“Why should I? Andrew Freed?” I respond, placing the jacket around my waist. “What can the exiled Queen of Elfhame do for you, ah more importantly, what can you Andrew Freed, do for me?” I take my shoes and with one foot after the other, I am one step closer to being ready to leave.

“I can take you back.”

My smile disappears, my ears now perked up and my heart slightly beating out of tune.

“Take me back? As in take me back to Elfhame?” I ask now curious. My body shifts at his direction, I lean with towards him, palms resting on my waist.

“If I can take you back, I will be able to see my family again.” He speaks softly, walking towards me. He raises the black shirt from the crevice of the couch and puts it on. The shirt seems to hug his every muscle. Accentuating his tiny waist and broad shoulders.

“Why couldn’t you have already gone back if you already had the power to do so?” I ask, clenching my jaw and furrowing my eyebrows. What kind of game is he at?

“No, no, no, my queen you have gotten it all wrong.” He laughs, lifting his shoulders up sporadically. “I can only do so much as a half-fae. Let’s make a deal.” No, no, not again.

“I am sick of deals, and games. I am sick of crowns and puzzles.” I lead my body towards the door out of his apartment. Each step I feel my feet dragging itself to the floor. “I just want to be someone happy again.” I close my eyes; I remember very faint memories of my childhood. The very few ones with my real parents. The even fewer ones of me being happy.

“Please, Jude. Listen to me, listen just a little more.” He pries at my hand, pulling me back. I push him away. I grab his phone and find that green icon with a phone on it. “Jude please. I will help you. I will help you get your power back; I will help you keep your family safe. I promise.” I turn back to face him, his phone still on hand.

“Only if I?” I ask him, already knowing that he needs something in return. They always do.

“Only if you help me keep my family safe.” He looks at me through his eyebrows, though being 6’4 he still manages to make himself look small compared to me. I give him a confused look, lending his phone back to him. “Now that you’ve told me you are the exiled queen- thank you for that by the way.” He puts his phone back down on the table, “I’m sure it was a risky decision to tell me, a random stranger,” he whisks his body back to face me. “Jude, you have power there. I have a name, a family but nothing like yours.”

I lean onto the wall; I don’t think I should trust him just yet. But should I trust him at all?

“My family used to be of noble heritage, they worked under High King Eldred for as long as I could remember,” I nod, letting him have the room. “A promise was made long before even before I was born, even before my very own great grandfather was born. Debt is to be paid after 100 years, so they ripped the nobility from my family’s name, and shunned them from the palace. My own father who was in charge of Alibri, governing the land and the people, lost his position from the palace’s Living Council.” He shut his eyes and clenched his jaw tight. Andrew mirrors my stance, leaning onto the wall. “With no title, no power, no home, they were evicted to the south point of Insweal.” I clicked my tongue; my ears pick up at the name.

Freed, the Family who owned the Tower of Forgetting, who eventually succumbed to its own shackles. Freed, the family that was shunned by the late King Eldred due to their immense rise in power. Freed. Freed. Freed. Freedriex.

The last name of the royal family from the elven country… I whip my head around his direction. Then I see it, his clear resemblance to Andarren Freedriex, the assumed missing prince of Afflaime, the sister country of Elfhame.

Only that Afflaime fell into the hands of Elfhame a thousand years ago. A ravenous war of power left Afflaime’s land unhabitable.
Toxic water, destroyed ecosystems, and hundreds of elves left for dead. In order to provide for his people, the king of Afflaime’s had no choice but to obey the High King Eldred, promising the High King his promise to serve under him, to obey his every order, just so that his people would live. I remember this, very faintly.

I read it in a book in one of Cardan’s rooms waiting for him to get ready. I remember the Promise. How the truce will only last 100 years, I remember I read that the King of Afflaime was ecstatic to the point that he immediately agreed. The king of Afflaime, denoted to being only a noble was now to obey every order from High King Eldred. and the High King’s first order was to kill every single elf. Including his family. Thus, causing the unjustified death, and extinction of the Elves.
Andrew took notice of my silence, he sighed and slid down the wall. His hair getting messed up in the process.

“You’re putting it all together, aren’t you.” He spoke, a slight chuckle in his voice. I sit next to him, shame filling my heart.

“If elves are extinct.” I say slowly, trying to keep my heart in tune. “Then how are you, Anderren Freedriex, the missing prince from 100 years ago, standing here right now? “I ask, facing him.

“We, along some very few family members were able to escape the King’s wrath, and as I mentioned before we were able to settle down south point of Insweal. But alas. Even after the death of King Afflaime, who was my grandfather; High King Eldred found us. We continued the 100 years peacefully. Even owning the rights to the Tower Of Forgetting, but when the 100 years was up, my clan, my family chose me, the half-fae, son of a maid, son of the Noble Freedriex to be the Elve’s saviour.” I let him speak. I let him tell me his story. His actual story, his memories.

He described to me in great detail, letting me understand his pain. He tells me how he trained to be like the other fae kids, during that short time of peace, breaking his bones, changing his personality just to feel accepted. He tells me how he misses his mother, he tells me how he feels the guilt of everything, how he holds the pressure of being the saviour and the missing prince of Afflaime. He holds my hand as he speaks about his nursemaid. How she saved him in his time of need. He tells me the life of his people, how they accept him even if the Fae wont. He tells me the love he feels for the land his family settled in. He tells me the version of how it all comes crashing down.

It takes me a while to realise but, his memories are real. The story of Afflaime and the Promise was real. Now, to me, it isn’t just a book I briefly read in Cardan’s room, it’s no longer a history lesson the Roach forced me to learn. It’s his history, his feelings. Andrew’s past and his people’s past, and the many years of being alone in the mortal world.

I no longer feel the morning sun on my shoulders, I no longer see the warm shine that flowed earlier. It is now dark time and I realise I have been sitting next to Andrew, listening to his story, for the whole day.

Elves age differently. But being a half-fae he must’ve aged similarly like a human.
I realise that he must’ve had no one to vent to, to tell his story, in the hundreds years since he came here. Oh, how lonely he must’ve felt.
He smiles as he lets go of my hand, taking a chance to swallow and clear his throat.

“Thank you. Jude. For listening a little more.” He stands up and dusts of himself before offering me a hand. I take it.

He gives me his spare phone and led me out of the building. The receptionist, Cindy, tapping furiously on her computer takes a chance to look up at Andrew. She smiled brightly; her eyes shine like night sky. Andrew slightly dipped his head towards her, revealing his own set of teeth. We pushed the revolving door slowly as I let my eyes and ears adjust to the afternoon’s atmosphere. The sun has just dipped into the horizon, so I’m assuming it’s only past 6pm. Vivi shouldn’t be mad… Would she?

“Jude, you have my number now… As well as my story, my name, and my promise.” Andrew smiles, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He gives me back my hoodie, after he asked to carry it for me to be a ‘gentleman’, I wasn’t really sure how to react, after all I never had the chance to truly experience it. “Call me anytime Jude. Anytime.” He spoke sincerely, looking at my eyes and smiling, he waved at me goodbye and disappeared back into the building.
Vivi showed up within 10 minutes and ushered me to get into the car, her blond hair waving as the aircon blasts at full speed.

“You have a lot of explaining to do Missy.” She whispers, grabbing my collar as I entered the car. “But first. Dinner.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

POV: Jude

“As your elder sister I command you- no, actually you are inclined to tell me everything.” Vivi asks, her soft hands palming the wheel, taking a sharp left turn. I stare out the open window, I feel the streetlight flash over my face as we drive past them. Elfhame was beautiful I’ll give you that- the mortal world’s stars may never shine as bright as theirs. But Maine’s skyline forms the top of their mountain looks like strings of stars stretched out onto the floor like rivers. Reaching from one end to the other. Better yet, the variation of colours in the lights made from lampposts, car headlights, open windows, shop signs and streetlights, all fade into a hazy rainbow. “Hello? Earth to Jude!” Vivi shouts, eyes still glued onto the road. I sigh and roll my head back inside the car, towards her. I licked my lips and cleared my throat.

“How much time do we have?” I ask humourlessly, waving my bony fingers through my brown hair. I look out once more, reaching beyond the frame of the car and stretching my fingers. Elfhame’s beauty cannot compare, but fuck- does it feel good to feel that wind in your hair. Feel the wind whistling past your fingers. Feel that cold air blast in your face, as you and your sister jam out to your favourite songs.

“Just give me a rundown- ah forget it! I’ll just tell you.” Vivi answered, her face gleams bright, glowing with happiness. Her smile curls up and blooms in my face as she looked towards me. She drives to a local diner, Steak and Shake, as similar diner that the Roach and I visited.

‘Black as the eyes of the High King of Elfhame.’ I shook of the emotion I felt, but I let the memory wash through my body. I miss them.

“SO! I was just getting Oak ready for bedtime, and well yeah, I did worry that you weren’t home yet. But- like, so,” Vivi stutters, her hands waving out of excitement. “So, like- Heather messaged me again…Ah! Like she texted how she wants us to be together again! And how she wants to come back and make things the way they were before!” Vivi giggles excitedly, grabbing the strawberry milkshake that was handed to her a few minutes ago. I blink. Twice.

Fallen leaves don’t grow back onto a vine. Cracked walnuts don’t fit back into their shelves, and I believe, that girlfriends who’ve been enchanted don’t just wake up and decide to let things slide with their terrifying exes. I blink once more, placing my ham and cheese sandwich back onto the plate.
“Let me see the text.” I wiped my crumbed fingers against the sides of my hoodie, making sure the excess oil forms the sandwich is gone. Vivi rolls her eyes and passes me her iPhone, the newest model I presume.

“Don’t believe me?” she taps on the text three times. Tap. Tap. Tap.
On the words saying this:

I want to forget faeri. I want to 4get u and oak aren’t human. I don’t want to feel like this anymore… if I asked u to make me forget, would you?

I breathe in slowly. Letting the air full of highly processed cheese and meats to fill my lungs. I get why Vivi would read the message the way she has. I bet any love-stricken Folk of the Air would. I’m not Heather- not even close but if I wrote that message the last thing, I’d like to see from a fae partner is to agree.

I shove the phone back to Vivi, and she smiles like a child on Christmas day, blasting her fingers on the screen, typing like a mad man. I wouldn’t want Vivi to agree, I’d want her to help Heather instead to love their differences between Fae and Human, together. If I were Heather, I would want Vivi to insist that the Faerie world exist, I’d like for her to own up to her mistake, a mistake that she will swear to never ever make again.

But I’m not Heather. And I’m not fixing up my sister’s problem.

Vivi slams her palms on the top of the table. Alarming the lovely elderly couple behind me. I look at her with a raised brow. Her chest heaves up and down, her palms still glued onto the table.

“You still haven’t told me who that guy was!” she starts, taking a French fry and placing it in between her lips. “tell me please” she continues, now with a mouth full of French fries.

“His name was Andrew. He helped me find a place to stay for the night away from the rain.” I deadpanned, taking a soft bite from my sandwich, the melted cheese hanging from the sides. “He had a big apartment. Yknow, I think he was rich.” Vivi’s eyes widen at my last remark.

“Did you… Y’know…” she asks shyly, hiding behind her hands. My eyes widen at my sister’s sudden shyness. The sandwich slowly drips down my hands as my jaw lowers. I blink. Thrice…

“I- I- No I fell asleep.” I stutter, I feel the redness of my cheek reach my ears. I catch the sandwich with my left hand and pulling it over my face. I hope Vivi doesn’t see my face. Hope she doesn’t see how embarrassed I am. God. Human bodies are so honest. “I can’t believe you would think of me like that, here. In the Steak and Shake!” I whisper loudly, the cheese sandwich still covering my face.

“Okay so you didn’t sleep with him. If no that then what convinced you to stay for a whole night and day?” Vivi asks, twirling her finger in her hair in a repetitive motion, her fingers plump and adorned with a silver promise ring that she refuses to take off, even after she and Heather broke up. “Because the Jude I know wouldn’t have stayed at some rando’s house, she would’ve attacked him by the very second he offered a hand.” She continues, her back now relaxed onto the curves of the booth’s leather seat. She’s right. I don’t just take people’s hand when offered- I would’ve swatted it away.

Why did I take his hand? Why did I trust him?

“I don’t really know myself. I just- my body just felt like he was someone familiar...” I whisper, crossing my arms and leaned towards the table. “He seemed really nice- I guess… But I know for sure he wouldn’t do anything like that at all towards me, or anyone really.” I explain, my chin rests at my forearm, the oil from sandwich now seeps into the thin paper plate, spreading its excess oil towards the edge, like a disease. “it was like his warmth was spreading to me.” I remember the warm lights from his apartment, and how the reflection cascaded down his tanned skin. “I haven’t felt this warm since…” I stop, mouth slightly ajar. The last time I felt warmth. Genuine warmth was in his arms. Cardan’s. I feel the conversation get silent, the lack of response from Vivi makes me wonder if she’s even listening. Looking back at Vivi, I saw that her eyes were glued to her phone. I roll my eyes and drop my expression completely. “You know what… Whatever, let’s finish this meal and go back to Oak.” I state. My eyebrows furrowed and face hot with anger.

…

Wait. If Vivi’s here… Then who is taking care of Oak?

“Okay chill, I got a babysitter for him.” Vivi responds, as if she were reading my mind. Hands still latched onto the sides of her phone, and eyes the same.

“Oak isn’t a normal child, who is this babysitter?” I slam my hands onto the table, fully alarming the couple behind us. Vivi rolls her eyes and lazily takes another sip of her milkshake. My calloused palms balls into a tight fist. “Vi!” I shout, my voice weary but still full of concern.

“Oh my God, Jude. Chill the fuck out. This is a Steak and Shake.” She whispers, whipping her hand out to cover her face as she tries to warn me.

“This is a Steal and Shake that is approximately 3.5 miles away from our house, where Oak is apparently being babysat by some babysitter. More specifically someone who I don’t know.” I leave the booth and I pull my sister’s wrist through the exit. My face hot and fuming.

“Chill Jude,” Vivi laughs, her hair splaying in the wind. “Oh, you know who is babysitting. You know her very well.” She states. My heart finally stops beating out of my chest, my breathing now stable. She should’ve just said Heather.

We enter the car and drive back home. Silence fills the car like thick atmosphere.
I see the car enter a very familiar neighbourhood, the difference from Andrew’s apartment building and our house are extreme. As different as prey and predator. The door slams open to a very worried child, hair wild like his adventurous self and eyes teary.

“Jude! I missed you! Where were you?” Oak asks pulling on my leg as I leave the car. I’m glad that at least one of my sibling’s cares. “Can we play? I want to play with you!” I nod, letting my hand get dragged on by the future King of Elfhame. I look back Vivi, her face gleams with glow as she entered the house. A familiar yellow glow seeps throughout the windows of the house. I guess Heather really wanted to forget all about it.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Third POV

Jude enters the playground, her boots scuffing up the dirt as she pulls the gate open, Oak rushes inside, with his hair flared and his hands clammy, sticky, eager to grab something. Oak starts his conquest on the slide, using his short legs to climb the plastic ladder. He smiles at his sister when he arrives at the top.
Jude smiles at him back, and walks closer towards the playground, her brown hair whisks around her shoulders as she playfully tranced around the slide. Oak clutches the sides of the slide tight, from below he saw a conquerable obstacle, but at the top, not so much.

“It’s just a slide Oak! Come down.” Jude whispers softly offering her stretched arms towards her scared brother. Jude walked nearer to Oak, next to the slide and offered him a hand. He takes it. “Okay Oaky, are you ready?” she calls, using his nickname, the very same one that Madoc calls him. She shivers the memory away from her mind. Oak loosens his grip from the sides of the slide and with his sister by his side he goes down.

“Woah!” he shouts, the wind blowing past his face. He stumbled out of the slide and quickly runs back towards the top of the slide, and once more Jude offers him a hand but this time, he swats it away and slides down. A victorious smile erupts on his face as he realised that he had conquered yet another part of the playground. Jude creeps up behind him and tickles his sides. His face bursts out laughter and for a slight second his fae self-shows.

“Good Job Oak, but don’t hit people’s hand away when they offer you help.” Jude explained, her hands rests on his shoulder as she bends down to talk with him at his eye-level.

“But why?” Oak asks, genuine concern in his voice. Jude looks at her brother with a similar expression, an expression that makes her realise that he’s being genuine, actually confused why it’s just morally good to be kind.

“because you are kind.” Jude explains, holding his hands and caressing his soft cheeks, “You Oak, are born from kindness, so you grow with kindness.” Oak pushes her hands away from his cheek. He looks at her with furrowed brows.

“I hear you say that I am des- destined to have the crown of the King in Elfhame. I am destined to make difficult decisions.” Jude kneels and holds Oak’s twiddling hand. “so, I mustn’t be kind…” he sniffles, holding back his tears. “I can’t be kind.” Oak pushes away from Jude and runs towards the other kids. Before she could hold him back and tell him that it’s going to be okay, before she could hold him into a hug, before she could say sorry, he ran.

Just like the walk to Andrew’s apartment, her walk with Oak back home was the same. He was tired, timid, and terrified of his future. And Jude knew that. She knew that eventually he was going to grow up, king or not, Oak will have to learn how to be his own person. Eventually he would stop looking towards his older siblings for help, and that’s what scares Jude the most. If he doesn’t ask her for help, for advice, how can she be sure he will be safe. How can she be sure that he won’t live a life of pain and torture. How can she make sure that he won’t live the same life as hers?

Oak was closer to Madoc than any of the kids in that family. Sure, he wasn’t related to us by blood, but him being in next in line for the throne, certainly helped him be Madoc’s prized child. Oak was close to Madoc, and Madoc was close to Oak. If the foster father were to convince Oak to take the crown, there will only be a slim chance for Jude- or anyone, to stop him from doing so.

Jude holds Oak’s hand tight, his fist now big enough to fit half of her palm. Just last year he could barely fit a third of his hand onto hers. He was growing up well, growing up without the fear of being turned into someone’s puppet, or growing up without the pressures of succumbing to the expectations of royalties. After a while he hummed a song that probably got stuck in his head, probably the theme song for a cartoon that he watches too often. He looks at Jude with wonderous eyes, undefiled, starry eyes that for a second could never be as black as the eyes of the current High King of Elfhame. Jude lifted her cheeks and flashed her teeth back at him. A flickering light shakes her out of daze.

She stammers and halts, gripping Oak’s hand tighter. She glances up the flickering lamppost that had moths swarming the warm yellowish light. Jude continues walking, but her movements are more cautious. Defined and done with reason. She looks back at the lamppost once more- yet her eyes are fixated onto three number that hung on the side. ‘555’

She shakes off the feeling but smiles at the memory. She continues her walk with Oak, asking him the occasional question of ‘what song are you humming?’ or ‘what would you like for dinner?’ or ‘What’s your favourite colour.’ Jude realised that when he is a bit older, she could start asking him questions without the child like naivety she asks him now. Questions that will determine if she could ever steer him in the right direction. Is she even putting him in the right direction? Oak stumbles around the puddles and takes his time jumping in and out of them, letting the dirty water splash onto his green gumboots.

Am I doing the right thing?Jude thought, happily smiling at Oak. How am I supposed to turn him into a King? A kind king, a king with pure intentions? But how could I?

Oak is a folk of the Air, a child of the isles, and the son of kings and queens.

I am unsure if I can battle years of pure hereditary genes that will somehow find its way into Oak’s future. I am unsure if I could ever change his nature, sure I could help him change but even if I could nurture him in the best sisterly way possible, I, ultimately wouldn’t be able to change who he is destined to be. Destiny is funny thing. we will never truly know how things will work out.

Jude finds herself pondering about the future once more. She looks at the night sky with pleading eyes, her frigid fingers still holding Oak’s. ‘Changes are underway.’ Jude remembers, Andrew’s voice still echoes in her head. The future is still unwritten, hope still stands.

Jude and Oak reach their apartment but there was something strange that made Jude stop in her tracks. She looked at the apartment. The warm light from the living area is now casting a dim blue light, it was barely 8pm, so there’s no way Vivi and Heather are already asleep. Not one sound followed Jude and Oak as they entered the magical perimeter of the apartment building. Jude could feel that liveliness and the feeling of home was missing. Something was missing and something or someone has entered their apartment.

Jude held Oak close to her body. I’m sure it’s just the lasting effects of Vivi charm spell on Heather. Oak pushed out of Jude’s arms and ran towards the door. Before she could hold him back, he slithered away.

“We’re back!” Oak shouts as he rushes into the apartment, immediately unmasking his magic and revealing his horns and wild brown hair. Jude closes the door behind her, looking behind her shoulders before locking the main door. “Jude! Jude looks who’s here.” Jude shakes her head and reluctantly but cautiously made her way past the foyer.

“Why so glum?” Jude’s eyes widened and instinctively she reached for Nightfell, but the lack of a weapon in her hand made her stumble her back onto the wall.

“Locke…” she whispered scanning the area around her to see if she could use anything as a weapon.

“I’m here too.” A familiar voice piqued behind the man who tortured her. A familiar voice of the one who betrayed her.

“Taryn…” Jude just barely choked out her sister’s name. Her palms sweat as she tries to find ways on how she would quickly escape. Great, just great. All I needed was a family reunion. “What do you want.” She croaks; her back still glued onto the wall. Her eyes glance down at Locke’s hands, seeing if he was holding anything to kill her, or to be use of her. Locke clicked his tongue and sharply tilted his head towards Jude. “What do you want…” she repeats, her hair falling in front of her eyes. She gasps and looks behind Locke, behind Taryn. “What do you want and what have you done to my sister... My other sister”

“That is no way to treat your brother-in-law…” Locke speaks, his sarcastic tone makes Jude’s blood rise with heat. “But of course, how could I treat the Queen of Elfhame with such inhospitality.” Locke leaned backwards and gestured towards the living room where Oak is happily playing with his toys. “We just want to talk. Oh, High Queen of Elfhame.” He bowed, practically cursing her title.

“Please Jude, come sit. I promise Vivi and Heather are fine.” Taryn spoke, her voice still full of money and silky, just like she was since Jude last spoke to her.

“What have you done to them.” Jude spat out, her voice is like venom, dangerous and full of threat. Her eyes snakes it way from Taryn’s legs to her face. Scanning to see if she has any weaponry on her as well, Jude thought that by the help of Taryn’s body language, it can identify what kind of situation Jude is in.

“We need your help.” Taryn takes a sip of her tea and delicately placed it back down onto the coffee table. Jude looks away and grimaced in pain. She laughs, a slow, deep chuckle that echoes throughout the apartment.

“Oak, please do me a favour.” Jude whispers to her brother. He seems slightly alarmed but eager to have seen his other sister. Oak twirled his head towards Jude, he hummed questioningly. “Can you please go to your room? It’s already bedtime. Stay inside until I come and I get you, okay?” He sighed loudly and nodded, reluctantly walking towards the hallway. Once Jude hears the click of his door, she slammed her hands onto the coffee table. Taryn’s eyes widen but she doesn’t move an inch. Jude swipes her hand across the table, tea spilling across the rug, glass breaking and cascading onto the floor. Locke seemed disinterested but made his way into the living room, hand tightly wrapped around his sword. Jude sighed loudly and leans into her couch; legs spread, as if she were to assert her ground.

“Why should I help you.” Jude asks. Her face scrunched up and eyes furrowed.

“Because Cardan’s in trouble.” Taryn yelps, her voice creaking.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Jude’s POV

"You're just like them."

“Cardan’s in trouble?” I ask. My feet patters on the ground, blood rushing inwards and throughout my blood stream. I hear a click in my brain, and I hear something shatter inside my chest. It’s only been months since I’ve left Elfhame, what kind of trouble has he found himself in? “The High King of Elfhame is in trouble…” I see my sister look at me with pleading eyes. Guilty eyes. “So, what. What do you need me for?” I deadpan, returning into my relaxed position.

Taryn’s eyes widen and then drop. She looked deflated. She looked like me, but not just because we’re twins, she looks like she hasn’t had a blink of sleep, or a breather... Taryn looked like she’s been doing my job. My smirk drops, has she been doing my job?

“Please Jude, Madoc, our father-”

“Your father…” I cut her off. I can’t lie and say that I never thought of him as a father figure, but he’ll never be a father to me. At least he’s never tried to be a father. But I guess I never tried being his daughter either.

“He’s wreaking havoc. Ever since you left-”

I didn’t leave. Banished he said.

“He’s taken control of the Living Council, plaguing the meetings with his cruelness, blaming everyone and everything for anything that goes wrong. He’s insane.” She holds the pillow, shivering, sweating as if she just revealed her biggest secret. I expected this. I expected him to be the thorn of the Living Council’s side. I was the gardener that kept the thorns cut. She needs me to give Elfhame a little trim.

“So, what.” I repeat, leaning towards her, the broken glass on the floor shines and it hits Taryn’s eyes perfectly, letting me see my own reflection in her pupils. I laugh. “Why should I care?” I laugh and she looks at me like I’m crazy. She no longer sees her twin but a reflection of her father.

“Jude. Please. Listen to me.” She pleads dropping the pillow and grasping my calloused palms with her soft fingers.

“I’m listening.” I stated, staring dead into her eyes.

“Listening but not understanding.”

“Well should I listen or understand?”

“Jude!” Taryn shouts, hands letting go of my own. She takes a sharp breath, her hair slightly dishevelled. Locke leans back onto the wall and flicks the metal hilt of his sword; a loud twangy sound hits every corner of the room. I flash my teeth at him.

“He’s in cahoots with the Merfolk, I know that much.” I whisper back at her, my palms now combing through my hair. “I know that he’s taken the favour of half the council. I don’t care. Why hasn’t Cardan done anything then?” I ask. Before Taryn speaks, I continue.
“No matter of fact, you were the one who betrayed me. You took your father’s side over Cardans; why are you swapping sides now?” I feel the heat on my face reach my ears. I feel my heart bounce against the rowed sides of my ribs. “How could you!” I finish, tears peaking up my waterline.

“I did it out of love Jude!” she jumps out of her seat and planted her feet firm on the ground, looming over me. I stand up, and I stare down at her.
Once we were like two peas in a pod. Inseparable sisters that had a bond that could never break. We used to be the reflection of the other. But now we were the two sides of the same coin.

“Guess that’s another thing we have in common.” I say, my eyes still digging through her body like daggers. We were at similar heights back in Elfhame, but now I noticed that I was a foot taller than her. My eyes looked lifeless while hers still looked like it was full of life. She had plump cheeks and shiny hair. While mine caves inward and my hair dull like the clothes of peasants in Cardan’s castle. She was hopeful. I had hoped for hope.

“You don’t understand Jude. I did it for Elfhame, for Locke, for love!” She states, her mouth crumbling into a frown, her eyes shut closed.

“Love Taryn? For love?” I took a step forward, my hands on my waist. “I did everything for love. I could’ve left Elfhame years ago, but I stayed, why? Because of love!” I push the coffee table out of the way, Locke starts to lift his sword from its sheathe. I couldn’t care less. “I did it because of love, because of you, because of Oak!” I stumble in front of her, my arms flailing at the air. “I did it because you couldn’t protect yourself. You didn’t want to. You endanger yourself and others, without thinking about the consequences!” I shout at her. I know I shouldn’t. But she knows she deserves it.

“I didn’t ask for protection!” she yells back, shoulders rising, arms propped in a defensive position.

“Because sisters protect each other without needing to be asked!” I slam my foot on the floor, though the rug muffled the sound, the room seemed to shake and rumble. The echo blasting off the thin walls. “They protect. Not betray.” I sit back down and I wait for her. Taryn slowly takes a seat on the couch. “All of this Taryn. From training with Madoc till my bones cracked, from enduring the torture Cardan and his friends gave me, from risking my life day after day, even as a seneschal. All for love.”

“Then please, if you love me, help me.” She speaks, tears slowly falling down her plump cheek. I sigh and roll my head, stretching my neck and preparing for what comes next.

“Fine.” What am I getting myself into. Instantly, Taryn’s eyes light up like a shooting star. She grasped my hands and shook it vigorously.

“You need to come back to Elfhame, Madoc is preparing a war behind Cardan’s back.” She states, combing her short hair back to its pristine self. I shake my head and roll my eyes.

“Why isn’t Cardan doing anything.” I state the obvious. Cardan’s a good king, I believe that. He should do what is best for his people. If a war is coming, then he should’ve found a way to mitigate the risk of the war. Consolidate the pros and cons with the rest of the Living Council who aren’t in Madoc’s grasp.

“I’ve told Cardan but he’s not himself Jude. I tell you; he hasn’t slept a wink. He hasn’t drunk a single drop of alcohol or joined even a second of a party.” She admits, neck sweating.

Shit, that is pretty strange.

“… And this is affecting his role as king?” I ask, not totally believing her.

“He made Nicasia his mistress to prevent war on his people. He’s trying to hold this war out as long as possible. But Madoc’s actions have been getting more aggressive by the day.”

I choke on my saliva. Suddenly I see Cardan on the throne and by his side, the sea princess who tried to kill me and him… Twice. I feel my heart that beats still, break.

“Why can’t you help? You look like me, you have Locke to protect you, you had the same formal education as me? Why not.” I raise the opportunity towards her. I had that job for seven months, it didn’t do wonders for me and I wouldn’t want to place those expectations on anyone, but if it’ll help Elfhame it’s a possible solution.

“I have been acting as his Seneschal since you left. Instead of punishing me and Locke for betrayal, he made us promise loyalty towards the High King. And for me to be his Seneschal.” My smile drops. I clench my jaw and I stare back at her.

“You’re doing well for 4 months.” I see no scars on her, no bruises or even eyebags. “But so, what, you can do it, you can handle this, you have Locke by your side.” I lay my back on the cushions of the couch, letting my body relax. “You seem to be doing fine, I bet you don’t even lift a finger.” Now that I’m looking at her with a clearer mind, she seems to be looking great. She’s cut her brown hair into a pixie with length long enough that it frames her face nicely. She seems to be wearing a pale-yellow dress that cuts off just below her knees. It’s bodice is adorned with gold painted leaves and sparkly crystals that mimic the broken glass on the floor.

No bruises at all. Huh.

“That’s because he won’t let me do anything.” She sighs awkwardly, pulling the pillow in front of her chest.

“Who Cardan? That doesn’t sound like him at all.” I chuckle.

“No Locke.” She admits. I roll my eyes.

“Well of course, you’re his wife, he’s your husband. The sound of taking orders from another man that isn’t him, would make him disagree with your job.”
“Well. Other than that,…” she chuckles and takes the pillow off her chest. “I’m pregnant.” She speaks without stuttering.

I blink. And I blink once more. “What.”

“Well Jude, when a girl and boy love each other very much-”

I stand up.

“I know what happens Taryn.” Cutting her off. Getting an eyebrow raise from Locke as a response.

“Oh? You know how?” Locke asks, suddenly interested. I glare at him.

“Locke believes it’s taking a strain on my pregnancy and people- well, assassins, keep attacking me, thinking that it’s you.” She rubs her belly. I roll my eyes once again. “I’ve never been hated before, nor a good fighter… You’re right Jude, I- we need your protection. From both Madoc and the war that he’s going to lead.”

“Then take me back. Take me back to Elfhame.” I whisper.

“We…” she looks back at Locke, trying to get some kind of approval. He shakes his head firmly.

That’s a no.

“We can’t…” she finishes, her eyes again tearing up.

“Why not. Why come all the way here, propose this idea about me protecting you, only to be shut down.” I speak, rage fuels each vowel as it leaves my tongue.

“We only came here to provide you information. Right my love?” Locke stands behind the couch of where Taryn stands. She nods meekly. “Surely we can’t disobey the king of Elfhame, and we can’t possibly disregard his commandment for your banishment?” I whip my head to the side, trying to seethe my anger. I stare back at both with threat. “Ah but, if you deliver us your younger brother we may come to an agreement of some sort.” He whispers, trying to hide his devilish smile. I grin back at him, flashing my own fake smile. As if he’ll get his hands on Oak. Locke only stumbles backward and rolls his eyes, holding onto his waist and leaning back onto the wall.

“You came here, dropped this problem onto my doorstep, making me all worried, just for you to not let me back in and help you?” I stare daggers onto her very eyes. She raises her shoulders defensively. “What kind of game are you playing Taryn?” I feel my legs liquify and wobble each time I ask her a question. I feel this because every time I ask, I feel like I will be let down, again and again.

“Ah but we did give you an opportunity to come back-” Locke starts, his voice childlike and immature as ever. As if he never grew up.

“You will never take my brother away.” I quickly respond, my eyes flicker at his direction within a snap.

“He will be King one way or another.” He continues, hands still glued onto his hips.

“He will be King when he is ready; and he is not ready.” I flash my teeth at him, getting back into my defensive position. Immediately I see his pointy ear twitch and his mouth curl into a bloody smile.

“Well, you have no choice. Madoc’s going to come here in about three moon cycles?” Locke chuckles out. Three months. Fuck. “He will take him from you. Right under your little, mortal nose.” He points at me and it takes all my willpower to not jump over Taryn and kill him. He sees my shock and laughs. It echoes like mine. His chest heaves with such pride and aloofness. My sister looks down in shame, holding her stomach softly. My eyes wobble and my vision shakes, my focus; unstable and undermining.

“Three months and he will take him by force, or three months for me to prepare for him to come.” I speak out. My hands stumble for my temples, rubbing them softly.

“Or three months to come up with a plan to take back Elfhame. Queen.” Taryn points out. Bowing slightly, curtsying with her pale-yellow dress. She can be an alright Seneschal if she tried. Locke widens his eyes at her comment and sighed disappointingly.

“That is if you’re able to find a way to get in first.” He chuckles slightly, letting go of his waist and holding his hand out for Taryn. She hesitates but she takes his hand softly.

“That’s all we can do now darling. Time to go.” He mumbles, smiling at his wife with glee. She sighs and bows back at me. Before she leaves through the door, I grab her wrist.

“What kind of sister would put their own siblings at risk.” I ask, my breath shaky. A final chance for her to explain what she did. Why the betrayal. Why did she choose that choice. She pulls away from my grasp and looks at me with a deep stare.

“A sister who chooses to protect her own. Even at the risk of others. Blood or not.” She responds bluntly.

“You’re… You’re just like them.” I whisper. Tears break past my waterline and I shut the door in her face.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Jude's POV

"He's a folk of the air, a child of the isles and the son of Kings and Queens!"

The door slams hard and the noise shakes throughout the house. It vibrates beneath my feet, and it emanates through my body.
My back slides against the wood grain of the door as I feel my emotions come over me.

She’s pregnant Jude. You’d have to understand.

But at the risk of Oak and me?

Its incomparable. It’s her baby.

I do understand. But she betrayed me and Cardan once. How can I trust her?

Who else could she trust?

Madoc? Locke? Oriana?

She obviously betrayed Madoc to come here, so that crosses him out.

Well, she obviously has other people, why me.

You said it yourself. Sisters protect each other without needing to be asked.

Fuck.

I stand back up, my legs still soft like jelly, making me feel like I could drop any second. My vision blurred, but I could still walk straight. Oak should’ve been asleep by now. That interaction with Taryn was loud- explosive even, but Vivi did place a charm spell on his room to make it soundproof, when he came here to live with them. Oh, shit Vivi and Heather! My eyes traverse over the broken glass and misplaced pillows, I quickly enter back to the living room and make my way throughout the house.

“Vivi! Heather!” I shout, my voice coarse and dry. “Where are you!” I open their bedroom door and to my relief was Vivi and Heather laying on the bed. I rush towards Vivi’s and shake her. “Vivi! Wake up!” I grasp her shoulders tightly, my nails slightly digging into her skin. My heart begins to pound out of my chest. I feel my eyes water up again. Please. Please. “Please.” I beg.

In a matter of seconds Vivi’s eyes flung wide open, releasing a deep and exasperated gasp. She was sweating profusely, her palms sticky and short hair stuck onto her face. She looks at me with bared fangs and her human eyes flashed her feline ones instead. Slowly her ears shifted into a sharper and hairier shape. I hear a low hiss as she stares at me. Fuck. She lunged out of the bed and tackled me to the ground.

“You shouldn’t have done that!” she raised her claws and charged down, aiming for my face. Something’s wrong. I quickly turn to my side, missing her claws by an inch. It lands on the wooden floor and she drags it out immediately. It makes a loud grainy noise that sends shivers down my spine. “You think you can just come back and hurt us again!” she shouts in my ear. My eyes widen at her statement. Something is definitely wrong. She raises her hands again and I fear for my life. She has me locked, her thighs straggling my stomach. I raise my forearms in a cross formation to take her damage. She scratches me hard. Deep. I stare at her eyes as she attacks me. I no longer see the eyes of my sister. I see eyes of someone who can kill me.

A loud, fearful and heart curdling scream erupts behind her. Heather.

She jumps out the bed and pulls Vivi away from me, blood splattering across my face and shirt as she retracts her claws from my skin.

“Vivi! What are you doing!” Heather shouts, desperately trying pull her partner away from me.

“She tried to kill us, Heather! You and me!” Vivi explains, wiping her hands on her shirt. My blood on her shirt. I pull myself into a corner. My heart still beating, but out of tune. I can’t seem to form words. I can’t seem to say anything. My arms sting but I cant feel anything. I'm numb.

Anything Jude, say anything.

“That was Taryn!” Heather pulls Vivi to face her. “Take a good look Vivi! That’s not Taryn!” she states. Immediately Vivi shifts back to her human form, her ears back to normal, and her hands declawed. But covered with my blood.

Vivi drops to her knees and faces me, her eyes are no longer of those like a wild cat. She stares at my wounds apologetically. I can’t seem to bring words out my mouth. It’s happening all too fast.

She pulls her hands to my wounds and a yellow glow begins to surround the clawed gnash. She can’t seem to speak either. The wound heals up quickly and it won’t leave a scar, but I’m sure the memory won’t fade any time soon. She healed the cuts but the blood is still stained onto her shirt, underneath her fingernails, and splattered across her face.

She mistook me for Taryn, I assume who tried to subdue Heather and Vivi, but I guess the experience and the memory went differently for Vivi.

“I’m sorry.” She chokes. She hugs me tight.

And for the first time in months. For the first time since I left Elfhame. Since I left Cardan.
I cry.
My sister holds me tighter, her very own tears stream past her cheeks and it reaches my hoodie.

“I’m so sorry Jude. I’m so sorry.” She repeats, rocking us back and forth.

The warm light from her lamp hides my red face and the blood that still hasn’t dried up.

“We need to talk...” I speak. I can’t seem to face her. I can’t seem to look into her eyes, in fear that I will meet those catlike pupils instead. “Taryn’s gone; I’ve sent Oak to his room. He’s safe.” I let her rock us gently on the scratched floor.

“Did she hurt you anywhere? Did Locke do anything to you? Do you have your elderberries on you?” my elder sister bombarded me with questions, her eyes getting wider by the second. “Oh, Jude I should’ve been more careful. I forgot to readjust the charm spell for Taryn, that’s probably how she got in… I was so dumb!” Vivi shouts. She lets go of me and wipes my blood away from my face. When she smiled, I see spots of my blood staining her teeth.

“Taryn’s pregnant, she became Cardan’s Seneschal since I left. Madoc is siding with the merfolk and he has taken control of half of the Living Council. They came here to talk to me about Oak.” I quickly explain the situation that was dropped at my feet an hour ago.

“They are not going to take him away from us.” She responds immediately. Her eyes returning to her cat like pupils.

“To hell. They won’t touch a single strand of his hair.” I stand up and wipe my hands on my hoodie. The blood slowly creeps away from my skin. “Those assholes gave me the problem, asked me for help, only to leave and not give me any ways back to Elfhame to help! They even gave me a time limit!” I shout, anger seething through my words.

“Well, why does Madoc want Oak to come back?” she starts. I can’t seem to meet her eyes still. “He’s nowhere near ready to take on the crown.” She finishes, crossing her arms.

“That’s exactly what Madoc wants. A young, defenceless, and naïve puppet to control.” My head starts to ache with immense pain. I guess Vivi slammed me on the floor too hard. “Sure, Cardan may be young, but he’s not useless. He can defend himself and he knows how to speak in meetings.” I make my way onto their bed and I sit down comfortably. “Oak has barely learned how to glamour, and how to use basic charm spells. How easy would it be for Madoc to just take over?” I feel the pain in my head sting.

“Well, how about we train him more? I could train him magic wise and you can train him, I don’t know like physically? You can also give him some basic lessons on how to be a good king?” Vivi suggested, combing her hair with her fingers. Heather, who looks more traumatised than me nodded alongside her girlfriend, holding Vivi’s arm as she looks at me with pitiful eyes.

“Do you hear yourself right now? An 8-year-old training for self-defence, an 8-year-old preparing to be a king? Do you know what a king does? Kings kill. Whether they kill a person, a fae, an animal. Whether they kill a relationship, kill a partner, kill a bond. They will always choose violence.” I speak, my throat aching and dry. Vivi’s eyes widen but her eyebrows are kept furrowed.

“But not all kings will choose violence as the first choice of action.” She responds.

“But Madoc will.” I answer. “Once he has a hold of Oak, he has a hold of the crown, as well as the future of all of Elfhame.” Vivi clicks her tongue in annoyance, she, and Heather sit on either side of me. I feel a warm hand caress my shoulder; Heather seems to be apologetic, confused but genuinely concerned.

“We’ll have no choice.” Vivi places her soft hands-on top of mine. “We need to train him. He needs to learn.”

“No.” I firmly push off her hand. I struggle but I finally let my eyes reach hers. “He needs to have a normal childhood.”

“He’s a folk of the Air, a child of the isles, and the son of kings and queens!” She shouts. “There is nothing normal about him!” she pushes herself off the bed and walks towards the door. “The decision is final. You will train Oak. You will keep him safe and you must do this.” Vivi walks out of the room, hands clutched. I stare at the clawed floors, the noise that it made when it was carved creeps its way up back into my memory. I remember the way her claws gripped my arms and how her eyes stared through my soul. Heather gently rubs my back soothingly, telling me that ‘it’s going to be okay,’ or that ‘I’m sure you’ll be a great teacher’. She leaves and follows Vivi right after.

The monotonous hum of the air conditioner seethes my rage and the frustration I’ve held inside for too long. Too fucking long.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

POV: Jude

"I never got the chance to know any other place long enough to call it home. Other than Elfhame."

I push off the bed quietly, my calloused palms digging onto the soft blankets. Oak’s bedroom was the furthest one away from Vivi’s and Heather’s. He should be asleep by now; quietly, opening the door and softly closing it shut.

“Hi Oak.” I whisper, kneeling beside his bed. I hear a muffle of words and a soft yawn.

“Hi Jude.” He whispers back, holding my fingers with his hand. His smile is deep and pure. “Did Taryn and Uncle Locke leave already?” he asks. I look at him with an unfaltering smile.

“Yes, unfortunately they had to go back.” He frowns in disappointment. “Thanks for being such a good boy.” I whisper back at him. “I think- I think that…” I stutter. I can’t seem to even begin to tell him. ‘We have to tell you how to be king now... You have to be a strong boy and fight…’ Just how can I begin to start that conversation with him? How could I?

“What?” he softly whispers. I see his eyelids slowly fall and rise up even slower. “Do you have to leave Jude?” he asks, suddenly his grasp on my fingers tighten. I shake my head.

“No- no I won’t leave you…” I whisper back at him. I bring my free hand and begin to caress his hair. “Just go back to bed… We’ll talk tomorrow…” he nods gleefully, looking back up with sleepy eyes.

Once he slowly falls back into his slumber, I hear a soft knock behind me.

“You can’t keep him safe forever. You’ll have to train him sooner or later.” Vivi whispers, leaning against the door frame. “He has to learn. He needs to be ready.” I stand up slowly and walked past Vivi, grazing her shoulder.

“No. We need to learn how to be better. We are the ones who need to be ready.” I threaten, taking my time, slowly raking my way through each aspect of her face, only to glare at her eyes. She furrows her eyebrows and clicks her tongue.

“Whatever… We must do it for him. So, we have no choice.” She swallows hard. Vivi closes the door and enter the living room.

But what about my choice?

I feel my head ache with pain and my healed scars burn.

What about you? Why do you get a choice?

What did I expect from Vivi? Why did I think that she would ever understand where I was coming from?

Because she is one of them. And so is Taryn…

Then who will understand? Who can help me? Who can help me understand the folk of the Air?

“Andrew…” I whisper to myself. Feeling restless I leave the hallway. My steps are quick and quiet. My breathing is short and low. While Vivi and Heather find something to eat in the kitchen I find myself putting my shoes on, snatching a $20 note from her jacket, and her pocket knife.

I leave. The door wasn’t slammed. It wasn’t locked either.

The cold air of Maine fills my lungs like it did so similarly yesterday. I’ve gotten so used to the smell of processed meats and intoxicating gas. It made me wish that I could breathe Elfhame’s air for even just a second.
It made me realise that I missed Elfhame… That Elfhame was home.

It hurts to even think that the place where I broke my bones, where I got tortured and manipulated, and get thrown around like a ragdoll- that’s the place where I think home is. I never got the chance to know any other place long enough to call it home. Other than Elfhame. I had no life over there. No true friends to call my own. But I had a home. I would’ve done anything to leave it, but now I would do everything to go back.
The wind picks up my hair and it whistles quietly. I reach for the phone in my pocket, recalling the steps that Andrew told me.
After a few rings it picks up. I breathe out a sharp gasp I’ve been holding.

“Hello?” Andrew speaks through the device. His silky tone was hard to ignore. “Hello…?” he repeats dragging the word. I tug on the frayed edges of my hoodie.

Anything Jude, say anything.

“Hello Andrew… Its Jude.” I whisper, trying to not breathe too loud, or speak to softly. I bite my bottom lip anticipating his response.

“Hello Jude.” He chuckles out. I feel the edges of my own mouth curl. “To what do I owe this gracious call from your majesty?” he jokes. I gulp hard, and I look behind my shoulder. The warm light from the living room dims low.

“Can you… Uh…” I stutter. I roll my eyes and hit my forehead like an idiot.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, I notice that there’s a sudden shift in his tone. “Jude what happened?” I hear something shifting in the background through the phone. “Are you hurt?” he asks urgently. I look down on my arms, healed. “Do you want me to pick you up? What is your address?” I hear the faint sound of jingling keys in in between his questions.

“I live in….” my voice trails off, trembling at some parts and stuttering at the rest.

-----

I stood next to the pole that had my address line on it. I mean, it’s efficient and Vivi or Heather won’t see me sneaking out. In a matter of seconds, a black car pulls in front of me, the door creaks open. Andrew peaks his head out of the side, his dark curls fall in front of his face. A smile forms on his thick lips as he reaches my eyes.

“Jude. Missed me so soon?” he walks out of the car and holds his hand out. I take it. “What happened Jude?” he whispers softly, looking into my eyes with his golden pupils. I can’t seem to let any words out. He guides me to the passenger seat by my waist. I tremble at his touch.

Andrew looks at me through his brows, he frowns, followed by a slight worried expression. I sit comfortably on the seat, reaching for the seatbelt.

“What’s wrong Jude? Is everything all right?” he asks, leaning over the door frame of the car.

“I need to talk to you…” I say. My face is turned towards him, though my eyes doesn’t quite meet his, I barely manage to look up. “I need your help.” I finish off, my voice faltering at the end of the sentence. He takes another look at me. I redden at the way his eyes go from glazed to focused. I don’t like how he’s focused on me. I think. My heart nearly bursts from its seams, just from the way he stares deep into my eyes with his own golden pupils. He simply nods and walks around the front of the car to the driver’s seat. Inside he starts the ignition, the ground rumbles with a low tone. In seconds the inside of the car is enveloped with a familiar scent. The car’s air conditioner hums a cool, low blow.

“You look stressed. And hurt.” He whispers, slowly driving off. I watch him reverse out of the street cautiously. The way he nonchalantly handles the steering wheel of the car does my head wonders. Never have I been so impressed by something so mundane. He smiles at me while we leave my street. “I see it in your eyes.” he continues. Suddenly I snap out of my gaze, I quickly turn to look at the road instead. “You were healed with magic, but you weren’t healed at all.” I gulp. He continues to drive in silence. Handling the wheel and the gear stick with ease.

“Who was it?” he asks. The tone in the car suddenly goes quiet and serious. “Who hurt you.” He repeats, gripping the wheel tighter.

“It doesn’t matter who hurt me. I just… Well… Something did happen and… I just…” I trip over my words; I stumble and throw them around trying to fix them into literate sentences. I feel the car moving while I ramble off.

“Hey. Hey!” Andrew’s voice breaks me back into reality. I shut my mouth immediately, almost biting the edge of my tongue. Embarrassed, I look at him with shy eyes. My head is low and so is my glance. “I think this place would help.” He turns off the car ignition and open his door. Within seconds cold but fresh air surrounds the inside of the car. Like how a flood envelops a town. The fresh air finds itself being consumed by my lungs. I step off the car, the cold air and the smell of sand washes itself onto my face.

The beach’s waves are at a standstill, slightly pulling and hiding itself back into the ocean. It’s waves were small, small enough that a young fae could control it at a palm’s move. The smell of sand and salty sea reminds me of my last moments in Elfhame. But the clear night sky, away from all the city lights and street lights makes the stars shine ever so brightly. I stare like a child. My head is full of wonders and missed memories. Andrew smiles ever so softly. He waves his hand into the sky. He looks at me like I was a friend he has known since forever.

“When I first came to the mortal world. I sensed a strong magic in this part of Maine. I felt like I was destined to come and stay here. I was pulled into this town. But when I arrived, even though all signs pointed here, I was still lost.” With a slight huff he sits on the sand. I follow. “But here. This beach. It gave me a sense of assurance. It felt like this beach was telling me that… Everything is going to be okay.” He looks at me with a wide smile. His dimples were deep, and his lips wide with expression.

“It reminded you of…”

“Of home. Elfhame.” He smiles. I chuckle, looking back at him with a smile. I have no dimples, but my smile was as genuine as his. “It reminds me of how my family used to take care of the Tower Of Forgetting. I spent countless nights from behind that tower. Looking towards the east.” He fixes his hoodie, pulling it off. “On the beach, fixated on the stars. Hoping that one day, I’ll be able to read them, use them as coordinates to help me make my journey back to Afflaime.” I nod, the cold air washes over my face then down to my body. I shiver when the wind grazes my legs. “I miss it. I miss both places but I’ve never known any other place long enough to call home other than Elfhame.” He shuffles around and places his warm hoodie over my body.

“Thank you.” I whisper, adjusting the hoodie on my legs. It's like he took the words right out of my mouth. It’s like he’s been listening to everything I say, even if I haven’t said anything. I look up to smile at him, and he meets my own eyes. As if he has already been looking at me this entire time. Our eyes meet, his gaze locked and unwavering. My face reddens for each second he stares a little too long. I shouldn’t… What am I doing? I break off the stare, he clears his throat.

“What happened Jude?” he asks.

I peel my eyes open and I look at the stars for comfort. I’m really going to do this aren’t I?

“My younger adopted brother, Oak. He was just a normal child, living his wonderful childhood in our home back at Elfhame. But then I found out that he had royal blood, and that he was next in line for the throne.” My voice shakes. But I keep my head held high. “My- my father wanted to utilize this connection. He craved the power and desired the downfall for High King Eldred.” I pause, only to look at the stars and hear the soft waves crash against the sand. “He was going to forcibly make Oak the King, but since Oak wasn’t old enough to rule… Madoc would rule instead, and force Oak to do whatever his father wanted, when he is of age.” I finish. Andrew nodded softly; his eyes glazed but concerned. “My father… is a bad guy. He’s coming back to take Oak back to Elfhame to finalise his plan.”

“And that plan is to?”

“He’s going to wage war against Elfhame, if he gets his hands on Oak, with the help of the Merfolk and with half of the Living Council, he’ll be able to rule all of Elfhame.” I stay in a sullen tone. Andrew shifts his body to face me. “Because Oak is the key to over throw the current king.” I sigh out, a slight fog comes out of my mouth. I adjust the hoodie over my legs. “To overthrow Cardan.”

“The Living Council is relentless and enduring; how can they have fallen so easily to Madoc?” Andrew sighs, staring at the stars. “When my father was in the council, he was berated countless of times, he held his ground and fought for that seat… Only for High King Eldred to rip it from under him.”

“I guess things have changed. They went soft.” i reply.

“Either that or your father is one hell of a man.” He chuckles. I nod.

‘Again.’ Madoc instructed, lifting his wooden sword, and aiming it at my own. I pick up my scratched up wooden sword, splinters planted across my palms. My sister looks by, sitting behind Vivi. ‘Again!’ Madoc shouts. I pick up my sword and charge at him, I was barely 12 and Madoc was already teaching me battle techniques. Barely 12 and I already knew how to kill a man in 10 different ways.
‘You’re doing it wrong. Again.’ Madoc effortlessly twisted my sword away from my hand. It clattered loudly on the concrete floor. ‘Don’t be stupid, I’ve told you how to do this countless of times.’ Before he could pick up my sword he staunched towards me and instead pointed at the fallen sword. ‘Pick it up.’ I did. ‘Again. But don’t rush it.’ I stagger around him, circling around my father as if he were prey. I look at him, and again at his footing. What position would he take, what attack is he going to start with. I circle around him once more, just simply observing, anticipating him.
Madoc attacks first, swerving and aiming for my side, my weak spot. I dodge him, he accidentally drops his sword, allowing me to have enough time to twist my body and be behind his arm, strategically I placed my wooden sword against his neck while his own sword is on the floor. Checkmate.
Madoc smiles brightly and raised his arms up.
‘Good girl.’ He whispered, ruffling my hair. I feel my mouth curl up into a slight smile. ‘Observing. Anticipating. Patience. All great skills, and I’m glad that I was able to teach it to you.’ I bow, picking up his sword and passing it to him. He holds it. ‘Sometimes it’s better to see what your opponent is going to do next. When entering a one-on-one fight, wait, observe, anticipate, and think what they might do. Don’t just stand there, circling forever, think.’ he sits down on the edge of the steps near our backyard. ‘Good job there Jude. You know, if we just attack blindly, like what you did before hand, we won’t be able to know how to attack them back.’ He takes a gulp of water from his water bottle. ‘Y’know what if that was their plan?’ I nod, listening eagerly. ‘What if they wanted us to attack first?’
“Jude.” I nod. Still looking at the stars. I never knew Madoc could call my name so softly. “Jude!” I hear my name get called, somehow a little bit louder.

“Jude!”

I snap out of my haze, shaking my head. I feel a warm hand rest against my shoulder and I panic. I quickly shuffle to face my opponent. A familiar gold pair of eyes meet mine.

“Are you alright Jude? You weren’t responding to me at all…” Andrew whispers slowly. His face full of concern.

“Sorry just reminiscing.” I whisper back, letting out a long sigh after. I shuffle my feet around the soft sand. The wind whispers between the strands of my hair. I take another look at the stars.

“My father is the bad guy… He is the villain of the story… He needs to be stopped.”

“So let me help you.” Andrew asks, pleading with his eyes. He shifts quietly towards me, his gold eyes brighter than the stars. “Let me help you.”

“But that’s under the promise that I help you back.” I whisper turning away from his gaze. “How do you know I will be able to help you?” I ask. Andrew looks at me with disappointment. He sighs and looks away.

“Have I told you why it was me that was sent to the Mortal Realm?” he starts, still looking away.
“…No…” I whisper, the wind’s whistles barely let my voice make noise. “No, you haven’t.” I murmur under my breath.
“They could’ve chosen anyone, anyone at all. Someone stronger, better, smarter.” He looks at me with sullen eyes, he smiles tiredly. “I was a child born from infidelity. My mother was a lowly fae maid, who worked under my father, Cyrus Freedriex. He had multiple sons, daughters, children...”
“My father had many suitable- legitimate children who could’ve been the saviour, who had the power to take back the Elve’s name into power… But they chose me.” He continues. “I think I know why they chose me, and why I know you can help me.” I look at him with a discouraged expression. My jaws clench as I anticipate his dichotomy between me and his past.

“Because of our determination to keep others safe” he points out. I look away, my mind in disarray. “Because of the continuous motivation that we call our family, we have the necessity to try, to change, to make choices.” He finishes. Andrew stands up and looks towards me. He flashes his white teeth and offers me a hand. “It was my choice to ask you for help. So, Jude… what’s your choice.” He asks. I look at him with a settled face. I take his hand.

“I’ll- I’ll think about it.”

“Leaning to yes?” he asks. I chuckle, he lifts me off the ground and we both dust ourselves of sand.

“Yes.”

"Yes..."

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

Jude's POV

“You are enough. And the fear of not being enough, is called being human.”

The wind continues to sing, slowly lulling the world deeper into the night, Andrew and I found ourselves walking along the sand, with nothing but the light from the lamppost to guide us. I feel a sense of familiarity, a feeling of assurance.

I feel…

A crackle and a snap from behind us, send me into a slight panic. Guess things aren’t meant to last.

My hand reaches for my weapon, but once again, I feel my pocket empty. My heart sinks into my stomach and I look at the perpetrator.

“Well, if it isn’t our Queen.” The gruffly voice said. My mouth lets out a low sigh. The figure hovers behind the light of the lamppost, his shoulders wide and his face blurred, a shadow in place of it instead. Locke?

“Do you know this man?” Andrew asks, he lowers his shoulders and stares at the figure with threat.

“No.” I whisper in a low, sullen tone.. Andrew takes an offensive stance; in seconds I see him bring out a knife. I stop him. “But I’d like to know who he is… Who they are…”

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember us?” the dark figure shouts. His gravelly voice was far too low to be Locke’s. “You did a number on us girl. It would be a shame if we can’t repay you.” The tall man makes his way down to the beach and his errand boys also found themselves on the sand, the light from the lamppost shines to reveal their faces.

“You guys.” I snarl at them; though not my sister, I bare my teeth at them. “You have something I own.” I step forward, letting my hands fall to my hips.

“Heh- your little boyfriend has something of ours too.” The man shouts back. It’s the same guy who took Nightfell. I look back at my shoulder to see Andrew rolling his eyes. “Tell him to give it back and we’ll trade it for your, flimsy little knife.” He pulls Nightfell out, the shine from its blade glimmers, reflecting the moon and the light from the lamppost.

“It wasn’t yours to begin with.” Andrew responds, getting into a defensive stance. He clutches the pendant that dangles on his neck so carelessly. “It wasn’t supposed to fall on your hands anyway.” He continues. I see his golden pupils glimmer, he raises his hand towards them, a soft glow surrounds his hand and it snakes its way to the men.

“Stop.” I say, clutching his hand. I stare deep into his eyes, I feel the animosity in his glare soften. “They’re mine.” I whisper. I’ve had a pretty long day. What better way to release stress than to practice my form? Like good ol’ days. Andrew only smirked and raised his hands up nonchalantly, suddenly the glow from his hand fades and it makes it way back to Andrew.

“Do your worst! You couldn’t handle us last time, what makes you think you can handle us now!” the perpetrators shout, getting ready to attack. The sound of sand shuffling lingers and surrounds us. I lick my lips and pull out my pocketknife lodged between the small pockets of my jeans. I flick it open and I smile.

“Because this time, I’m merely going to have some fun.” I whisper. I feel the cold air lay it’s thick weight onto my shoulders, the waves of the sea are pushing on, the wind of Maine simply grazes itself on my back, encouraging me to push on, attack. One step forward and I pivot. I shorten the distance between the man in front of me, ungracefully he jabs to my right, and misses. I laugh. “You are so lacklustre with your actions. So undignified.” I state, easily dodging the next man over, due to the unstable ground he twists in his step and falls onto the first man, their knives nearly slicing each other open.

“Romance isn’t allowed on the battlefield gentlemen.” Andrew shouts at a distance, it appears that he has found himself a comfortable log to sit on, far away from the danger, but close enough to help at any time needed. Not that I needed it anyway. The third men shuffle from behind me, his feet tumbles and unearths the sand from beneath, attempting to blind me. I leap and turn to face him, after holding my knife in a backwards position, I strike him straight on his face. The man simply stumbles around a few times before finding himself joining the ever-growing pile of men near the edge of the beach.

“That’s just a pretty little knife you have there, bet it won’t even touch me!” the last man shouts, laughing at my sister’s pocket knife. I pull my arms towards my face. He and I circle around each other like some crazed animals. I slow myself down, and I feel his movements vibrate on the sand. I stare at his open position. Think Jude, what will he do next? He fixes Nightfell’s position into a backhanded position and tumbles below me, the sand gets kicked into my face and it splatters onto my eyes. Within seconds I feel a sharp pain around my inner thigh.

“You dare brand me with my own weapon?” I wipe the running blood off my thigh and turn to face him. Maniacally he picks up Nightfell and licks the blood that had run down it’s blade. He smiles as he shows me his redden tongue. Andrew had slowly made his way behind me, but I push out a hand before he tries his magic. “he’s going to pay for that.”

I tightly grab my pocket knife and strode towards the ringleader; murderous and dangerous thoughts blur my mind. He rolls back into position, going forward with a right hook, his knife in an outward position, I immediately pull my knife up, slicing his forearm deep. Blood splatters on the ground. The last man shouts in pain as he kneels onto the sand, clutching his wound tight.

“By the way, this counts as self-defence.” I kick him in the face, my knee making direct contact with his jaw. His body follows his head as he falls backwards. I kick some sand onto his wound. “This might help you.” I whisper. As his eyes roll to the back of his head, I hurriedly grab Nightfall from his hand and race back to Andrew who was already clapping in awe. “No time to celebrate! Let’s get out of here!” I shout at Andrew as I race past him. With a flustered face, his eyes widened and ran after me.

“Turn right!” Andrew shouts as he flings his car keys out of his pocket. My body acts on instinct, like it was being commanded. I come to a screeching halt as the car’s headlights flash on. The sound of footsteps and shouts gets closer with each second. “Get in!” The car’s engine roared as Andrew drove off to the street, leaving our perpetrators stuck on the bay of the beach. I look at their angry and beat up faces with a flashing smile. Their muted shouts leave me laughing.
“You did a number on them Jude!” he compliments, eyes still glued to the road. My face heats up with a reddened tint. “Saved our asses.” He continued. My eyes drag on his movements. His hands, and how they hold the wheel. His eyes, and how the golden fleck in his pupils reflects how the sun rises. A clearing of a throat snaps me back into my reality.

Way to go Jude, what a total weirdo you are… I quickly look away from Andrew’s direction and focus my gaze on the window.

“So,” I start, cutting through the thick silence. “Those guys back there, what were they talking about?” I ask. Taking a quick peek at Andrew’s face. His face made a slight grim expression, his jaw tightened before speaking.

“They were talking about my pendant. This thing.” he took a hand-off the wheel to tug on the chain of the necklace to show me. The golden pendant shines as if it were brand new. The intricate details remind me of the royal décor that glazed the castle halls. His biceps seemed to flex as he continued to show me the mysterious item. “It’s a family heirloom. Well, more like the house key back to the homeland.” He sighs as he places the necklaces back into the confines of his shirt.

“The key?” I ask momentarily. I look at him with half disbelief and half amusement. “If you have the key… Andrew why are you still here- why are we still here! We could go to Elfhame right now!”

“And what? Overrule the king? Face a thousand soldiers? Jude. I have no power.” He speaks solemnly. “But you do.” He continues still looking straight at the road.
“We may have a problem with that.” I say awkwardly. “It seems that in 3 months my younger brother- the true heir to the throne will be forcibly taken away from my arms.” I sigh. “Which means my father will take over Oak’s role and institute himself as the new King of Elfhame.”

“Which means that most of the power over the entire country of Elfhame will be his.” Andrew responded, finishing my paragraph. “Without Oak, physically and mentally you would have no power.” He states. “Fucuuck.” He sighed out, his breath almost forming a fog. “how will we evade this?” he asks intently pulling towards a slow stop at a traffic stop.

“Train him how to be a king within 3 months or create a plan to stop Madoc in 3 months.” I deadpan. Hoping my solutions would be satisfactory, I stare at Andrew, begging he has a third and maybe even a better plan.

“Train? Your younger brother who is barely… what 6? 7 years old?” he looks at the road, disgust washes over his usually bright expression. “How cruel.”

“I started to train that age.” I whisper, my body remembers the memory. Andrew saw my sudden change in mood and slowly takes one hand off the wheel to caress my shoulder. I smile.

“Even more the reason to not go with it. Who would want such an experience? It happened to you, why would you ever let it happen to one of your siblings?” he takes his hand off my shoulder and back on the wheel, continuing to drive.

“But my sister- my older one- Vivi, she thinks those are my two options.” I look back at the window. The sun beginning to dawn on my pale face. “But I have this sickly feeling that she thinks I’m not up to the role. To both roles in those options.” I grimace at the memory of her face. “But there’s this despicable horrible dread that I feel in the pits of my stomach, in the back of my mind, that she’s right. I’m not ready nor good enough.” Andrew comes to a haltering stop. I nearly jump up within the confines of my seat.

“Your feelings, Jude, they’re valid.” He parks in front of my house. “This fear you have of not being enough, is evidence that you do feel. And you feel the need to do something about this- this scenario. You feel for your family. And you feel the need to better yourself to save them.” He looks into my eyes. I see the reflection of the sun in them. “You are enough. And the fear of not being enough, is called being human.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Jude's POV

“Because it’s also a symbol of my endurance, will and love for my people back at Elfhame."

The interior of the car is cold, the windows fog from my warm breath. I look at Andrew with unsure eyes. What am I doing? My eyes linger a little too long at his face. My stare drags from his face to his neck, down to his arms. But the focus suddenly kept still on his pendant. I speak, my throat dry.

“That necklace… Is it from your mother?” I ask, trying to keep up the conversation. “It’s gorgeous, it matches your face.” my face grimaces as I finish my awkward statement.

“Thanks. It uh. It was actually from my Father.” He takes off his hands from the wheel and crosses them across his firm chest. “It’s funny. When I first came to the Mortal realm I would sell this pendant for money and it would eventually find itself into my hands at end of the day.” He chuckles softly.

“If you were willing to fight for it just then. If this ‘key’ was your way back home- if this pendant was so important, then why did you put it in so much danger?” I ask, taking a peek at him. Andrew cocks his head to my direction and smiles.

“Because I hated it.” his smile falls into a sullen expression. “God I hated him so much, that I would sell it early in the morning so that I just wouldn’t be reminded of him for the day. But somehow. Sometimes. Without any cause or action. It just seems to follow me around.” He vents, sighing and stretching his head back. “He gave it to me to say that it was a gift, some grand gift to say thank you.”

“A gift? That doesn’t sound too bad.” I suggest. I stare at him again, my eyes travel even faster, further.

God Jude, what are you doing?

“I hated him Jude because not only was he an absent father, but also a cruel one. Forcing my mother to leave the only sanctuary for elves. I was 18 when I last saw her.” Andrew’s tone had a certain bitterness to it. Something I can relate to. “He never even acknowledged me as his son. And he banished the only person who did.” I pull my arm out of the pockets from my sweater and I rub his shoulder. “But whatever I did, tried to do. Break it, burn it, crush it, throw it away, sell. It always came back to my hands.” He sighed; he raises one of his arms to slightly fiddle with the pendant. He snaps out of his gaze out of the main windshield and turns his attention to me. “But that was years ago. I still hate him. But I can’t get myself trapped in the past.” He smiles and continues to look intently at me.

“So, you keep it close to you now because?”

“Because it’s also a symbol of my endurance, will and love for my people back at Elfhame. A love so strong- might I say that magic turned itself into a key back home.”

“Home…” I whisper, my throat getting dry and coarse. “I miss it.” I say quietly, letting the sound of the car hum over my voice.

“I do too.” He says bitterly. Theres this slight tone of regret in his voice. I look back at him. I stare. Shamelessly.

The sound of the car’s engine getting quieter by the second, I see him look at me, and his golden eyes zips from my face to my lips. Lips…

Suddenly the insides of the car doesn’t seem cold anymore.

Knock knock.

The sound of Vivi knocking down the window of Andrew’s car pulls us back into reality. Right…

Andrew smiles sardonically, his head cocking to the side as he unlocks the door. Vivi smiles right back at him, flashing her sharp canine teeth. Andrew sighs and rolls down my window. Huh.

“What’cha doing with my lil sister?” she asks mockingly, her teeth gleaming in the rising sun. From the look of her dishevelled but wet hair, and stained t-shirt, she had just gotten out of the shower. From the open windows of her flat, the tantalizing smell of sweet fresh pancakes enters inside the interior of the car. “Well?” Vivi fits her head through the window and looks at Andrew with ferocious eyes. “Aren’t you gonna answer me?”

“Vivi, leave him alone, Andrew was very kind and drove me home.” I answer her, hoping it’ll get less awkward.

“Well, you’re home now, why don’t you get out of there and eat pancakes? Hmm hun?” she calls lovingly. “Or what? Do you want your little boyfriend to come in and have some too?” she asks sarcastically, both hands on her hips. Before I could try and back chat her, Andrew speaks from beside me.

“Actually yes, I’d love pancakes.” He smiled warmly, but his lifeless eyes say otherwise. “A perfect time to discuss our plan too.. Right Jude?” I look at him, shock engulfing my face.

“Yes.” We’d have to discuss about our plan to my sister sooner or later.

We get out of the car, and our bodies warm up from the morning rays of the sun. Vivi makes a click sound with her mouth- addressing her annoyance for the sudden arrival of an unwanted guest. The magical shield around the apartment unfolds, letting Andrew pass. He cocks his head to the right and stares at the form of the shield as it slowly fades away.

“Hi Jude, welcome back!” Heather greets me warmly, her voice lulling and soft, warm and sweet like the pancakes she places on the table. She peeks up from her thick rimmed glasses and focuses her gaze on Andrew. “And hello to you?”  she pauses in her tracks, her warm tanned face showing a brief expression of confusion. Andrew smiles back at Heather, he raises a gently hand towards the young woman, mimicking her smile.

“Good morning. My name is Andrew- I’m Jude’s friend.” He speaks in a gentle voice, warmer than usual- sweeter. “I take it you’re Vivi’s partner?” he asks. A smile forms around his mouth, but it doesn’t quite fit with his empty eyes.

“Yes, my name is Heather! I’m Vivi’s girlfriend.” She stopped in her tracks again. “I’m so glad I can call you that again Vivi.” She jokingly laughs. Andrew cocks his head with a confused smile. Seeing this made Heather be pulled into explaining. Weird. “Oh, Vivi and I had this weird argument about her being fae, and me not knowing, and me being lied to. But we got it all fixed up now. Had a BIG talk about it…” Vivi stares at her girlfriend in shock. “Oh. I was not supposed to say that.”

Andrew only laughs and places his hands behind his back. I tug on the ends of Vivi’s shirt. I look at her with a certain expression.
“We- we decided to keep her memories. I realised that I can’t erase this part of me, glamour, magic, camouflage or not.” She explains softly, looking at her girlfriend with a warm smile. Andrew chuckles an awkward laugh and begins to speak.

“Don’t worry. I’m actually- well. I don’t know if Jude has already told you this but-”

“she probably hasn’t because she never says anything.” Vivi states rolling her eyes.

“I’m half fae too. Full mystical creature, just not full fae.” Andrew states, folding his arms in front of him, shrugging slightly. Heather makes this adorable ‘oh’ face, but replaces it thereafter with another confused look. “Half fae and half elve.” Andrew tries to explain- with the least amount of words. Heather’s face remains unchanged.

“But aren’t Elves and Fae the same?” she asks. Vivi leans on the table, sneaking in a cheeky bite of pancake- interested in the conversation as well. I smile and sit on the warm chair, also sneaking in a bite.

“You’re a subcategory of Faes aren’t you?” Vivi asks nonchalantly, her mouth almost spilling the pancake. “What’s the difference pretty boy?”

“We elves.” he says with sudden animosity. “though have and is not limited to magic, we tend to favour our more tactical skills- unlike Faes who have superfluous magic.” And tends to use them in most situations. “Not that I’m not impressed. I’m jealous even.” He smiles, but his eyes stay dark and dry.

“Well then… are you a good fae? Or a bad Fae?” Heather asks naively, smiling back. Before Andrew answers she shakes her head, “actually never mind! I’m just glad Jude has a proper friend.” I gulp and turn my head around, trying to hide my red face. Andrew chuckles softly, but I feel his deep voice echo through the dining room. With a slow pace, he makes his way towards the table, a genuine smile plastered onto his face- with a slight thud he sits next to me. Vivi and Heather continue to make pancakes together, leaving me with Andrew alone at the table.

“Proper friend?” he asks, taking a bite from my plate. “Me? Your first?” he jokes. His hair swing to the side as he looks at me with an amused expression.

“I told you… They didn’t really treat me right over there.” I manage to stifle my awkward laugh.

“I’m honoured Jude.” He scoops another piece of pancake and it perfectly falls into his mouth.

“Yeah, you should be.” I reply, taking my plate of pancakes and pulling it away from his arms reach. “You’re going to have to help me explain our plan to them right?” Andrew almost chokes on his pancake.

“Of course…” he whispers. Vivi and Heather begin to walk over to the dining table, plates topped with fresh pancakes.

Vivi and Heather sits on the table, facing opposite to us. Vivi takes a swig at her mug full of coffee, she slams it down the table as she finishes it.

“So- what’s the plan pretty boy?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Cardan’s POV

Of course I miss her.

This castle is too warm

This castle is too loud

This castle is too quiet

This castle is too empty.

The door handle to my chamber rattles, it jiggles and shakes, then finally it springs open. Nicasia.

She enters the room with a smile. The tips of her long hair gleam a dangerously bright pink- happy. She crawls on my bed and lays beside me. She stares at me with big wide eyes- so big you can see the stars in them. Nicasia’s tender fingers glide across my bare chest. I try to not cringe at her touch. Slowly she untangles the strings from the rest of my tunic. I let her. With a warm smile she lays her head flush against my chest, her webbed ears glued near my heart. I try to mimic her smile, I even lay a hand near her waist. She continues to keep her face rested against my chest. I drag my hand from her waist to her hair- petting it.

“It’s beating so fast!” she hummed softly. “I wonder what that could possibly mean…” she croaks ’shyly’.

“Possibly only one thing.” I flirt. Flirt. She sits up, her dress- tangled with corals and gems, it glimmers in the warm light of my chamber. She tilts her head and flutters her long lashes at me. If I force my smile, would she be able to tell?

“And what could that one thing be?” she asks cheerfully. I turn my head away from her to gulp, subtly I reach for her hand and pull her close. I bring my fingers to her webbed ear, admiring them. Slowly I entangle my hand with her left hand. I keep my eyes glued to hers. But my focus wavers as I suddenly come into contact with her ring finger. Nicasia’s eyes widen and I feel it- her heart pattering from the confines of her ribs. She suddenly looks excited and leans back to my chest. Fuck. I sigh and pat her hair- wishing it were dyed a nice chestnut colour.

“It means I miss you.” I whisper into the air- it wasn’t a lie. I miss you. I miss you.

 I miss you.

Jude.

Jude. I miss you. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss your eyes. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude.  Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss your smile. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss the way you look at me with those eyes. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss the way you laugh. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss the way you have loathe me. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss being in your bed. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss having you in my bed. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude.  Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss the way you hold the blade. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss the way you writhe in anger. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. I miss you. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude. Jude.

Knock knock

Nicasia is quick to let out a deep and disappointing sigh. She continues to stuff her face between my chest.

Knock knock

“How urgent must that news you may have for you to interrupt the King’s and I’s special time?” she shouts- annoyance setting the tone. “Well? State your name and reason?”

The door slightly cracks open- the sunlight seeping through. A quiet and timid voice passes inside, a similar voice to the one I think of so much. I think of nightly.  

“I have been told by Queen Orlagh that her daughter must meet her in the ancestral home immediately- to discuss some- marital business…” Taryn spoke with slight hesitance in her voice, unconfidently she peers at Nicasia- merely hoping that the spoiled princess of the Undersea heard her. Nicasia’s heart started to thump heavily against my skin. She pretended a groan while stretching off me. Giddily she kissed me goodbye and ran out the door- pushing past Taryn of course. Once Taryn closed the door to my chamber and have it locked I give out a deep- needed sigh.

“You’re getting better at mimicking her voice by the way.” I start, leaning back up. I look over my shoulder and I pull out the bottle of wine I’ve been hiding. I eye the bottle for a second too long before stashing it back behind my bedframe. “Your pitch is a little too high.”

“You noticed that? I knew I was doing something wrong.” She whispers to herself, fiddling with her fingers. Taryn walks over to my desk, she swats some of the dust down to the floor, before she places my paper of daily duties she pauses.

“What is it?” I ask. I properly sit up, stretching my arms and back. She timidly looks at me and back to her own arms. “What is that?”

She clears her throat loudly- a little too loud.

“This is my official documentation addressing my recent expedition to the mortal world.” she says quietly. My legs feel like jelly but I pull the blanket off them and I plant them on the floor, hazily and slowly I move to her, eyeing the precious information.

I take the papers from her clutch, my hands shake and tremble at the mere thought of any new information about her. Her.

“Did you ask her?” I turn my gaze back at Taryn. My voice spat out- and it seeped into the floorboards like poison. She nods. My eyes widen. I quickly rip the contents of the document and I let them splatter on the table. “What did she say?” I practically beg for an answer back.

“She said she would help us- she said she would come.” My body almost shuts down at the thought of her coming back home. “But is it true? Your majesty?” she asks. My eyes circle around the table- looking for any clues of how she is- what she’s still doing over there.

“About what?” I reply, too busy to look back at Taryn.

“That Madoc is going to start a war?” my hands drop the letters and I push them amongst her mouth.

“Do not say a single word- a mention or a single weep” I let go of her. She holds back tears. I sigh at my sudden action. ”I’m sorry, Taryn- But if anyone hears anything about a War? It will only seal the decision of Madoc leading one.” I whisper quietly. She nods meekly, tucking a strand of her short hair behind her ear. What round ears they have. “Madoc is getting stronger- each day he gains another ally while I deal with more losses at my side.” I rummage through the papers- nothing. I look up at Taryn with furrowed brows- “Nothing?” she looks away timidly, almost guilty.

“With Locke standing by I couldn’t ask her about the letters.” My letters.

“Did she mention it at all?” I ask Taryn, followed by a deep sigh. I look away, my face grimacing. “Did she mention me? Ask for me?”  I turn back to face Taryn- sudden hope in my expression. “Did she miss me at all?”

She bites her lip and looks down at her feet. She sways her head- and it hangs low.

No.

I feel my expression darken and my jaw tightens. Suddenly my breathing is erratic and my vision can’t seem to keep stable. My whole body feels like it’s being chained to the floor, locked and the key is nowhere to be found.

“It’s been weeks- why hasn’t she responded to any of my letters…” I toss the documents back onto the desk, along with the others. “Are they even getting through to her?” I ask Taryn. Her eyes widen at my sudden question. “Well?”

“I- I wouldn’t know anything of it, I was just the messenger- and plus Locke was there so I couldn’t really-”

I shake my head firmly, raising my hand out so that she could stop speaking.

“of course you wouldn’t know.” I reply grimly. “Just ask one of the maids to prepare me a bath- please gather Locke and Nicasia- once she comes back- and tell them to meet me in the court.” I breathed. “Madoc summoned us and the living council for a meeting- If it goes well, there will be no war.”

“And what if it doesn’t go well?” Taryn asks out of curiosity. I flash her a quick smile, my canine teeth shines from the reflection of the light.

“War will be imminent- and we’ll be needing Jude back to help us. Sooner more than later. Preferably.” I chuckle. I stand back up and I lead her to the doors of my chamber.

“She’s more than a seneschal to you. More than a partner even.” She points out. She smiles at me and neatens her appearance. “And you miss her.” I roll my eyes and lean on my door.

“She’s my- she’s the Queen- she’s supposed to be my side, to help me rule all of Elfhame.” I state, crossing my arms. Taryn only smiles and bows, possibly already knowing what my reply would be. She starts to  walk away, her silhouette fading as she goes deeper down the hall.

Of course I miss her.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Third POV

“We fail. But screw your courage to the sticking place- and we’ll not fail.”

Jude comes back from her quick shower, being up for almost  24 hours- dousing herself with ice-cold water should jolt her awake. With her hair still wet it practically drips down from her neck to the floor. The back of her cropped white shirt is stained wet, and her jeans were crumpled- straight from the dryer. She quickly rushes down to the dining table and hazily chews on the rest of her pancakes and almost inhaling the rest of her juice. Andrew stares from afar, his eyes soft and expression mellow. He leans on the palm of his hand and smiles warmly. Jude’s sister clears her throat and she looks at Andrew with widened eyes.

“Ah yes- the plan.” His jaw tightens and looks at Jude. She nods- giving Andrew the encouragement. “I understand what it’s like to have everything taken away from you.” he starts off- receiving a cold look from Vivi. “I have been told by Jude that this family is no stranger to loss- trauma and torture.” Andrew licks his lips and leans on the table, his elbows flush contact with the face of table’s surface. “I want to help.” Vivi’s eyes squints slightly. “I lost contact with my elven roots because of the fae- I don’t want to lose my entire family to them too.” He leans back on the chair, his hands resting on top of his thighs. “I am my family’s saviour- and it is the honorable duty for me to serve and protect them.” He looks away, his face had a dark expression- almost bitter. “I was chosen to be their saviour and, to help them bring back their justified glory and honour… But by being their saviour- it also meant that I have a debt to pay.” He sighs.

The tea kettle whistles loudly- the noise cutting through the thick atmosphere.

“I- struck a deal. With High King Eldred.” he admits, looking down in shame. Jude and Vivi winces in pain with him, cursing under their breaths.

A deal is the pretty, flowered and sugar coated version of a curse.

“I made a deal that if I come back from the mortal world with power stronger than the current king of Elfhame- all of the debt- and promises will be forgotten. All of my family- and elves alike, will be free from their cursed chains and be unbounded from The Promise…” he looks at Jude. His stare lingers and it evokes such emotion from his hopeful expression. “That’s why I need you, Jude.” He lifts a hand and caresses the back part of Jude’s hand gently. “And with your help- and with my help, we can over throw Madoc together- whilst ensuring the safety of all your family members.” He smiles.

“Seems pretty solid. But you and what army?” Vivi asks, stuffing another pancake in her mouth. Heather kindly wipes of the crumbs off her girlfriends face, awkwardly they smile at each other. ‘How charming.’ Jude thought.

“Well, Jude and I will have to negotiate with the other council members as well as the king and his court… Networking- communicating with each other and with other creatures akin. Trying to gain their trust.” He spoke confidently. His intense stare at Vivi stood still- unwavering, his mouth twitches ever so often.

“And how will you- Andrew Freedriex, a half- fae and elf, will be able to gain the trust of the Faes? Moreover the trust of the living council?”

“That’s where Jude will come in- she, in her wonderful glory, even while exiled she has a title chained to her name” he gestures towards the teen. Her eyes widen at his sudden compliment. “if we win the hearts of the people, and gain their trust, sooner or later the Living Council will notice and, Jude being Queen, she has the access for us to be part of the council.” He finishes- a soft smile forming as he looks at Jude for approval.

“And how will you win their hearts?” Vivi asks, unsatisfied with Andrew’s answer. He bites his lip and looks at Jude with pleading eyes.

“No. no. no.” Jude repeats for the fifth time. Jude and Andrew’s conversation post plan talk with Vivi and Heather, has not been going anywhere- maybe even backwards. “Are you kidding me Andrew?” she asks him,  her tone full of pure and genuine confusion. “We- I-This won’t…” Jude starts to stutter, her voice almost croaking. She paces around her bedroom. “It won’t work.” She begins, stopping dead in her tracks. “They’ll see right past us, we won’t even get off the ferry!” I shout.

“But we’d have to try.” Andrew sighs softly.

“And if we fail?”

“We fail. But screw your courage to the sticking place- and we’ll not fail.”

“But what if we- was that Shakespeare?” she asks

“Yup, Macbeth.” Andrew replies- a deep smile on his face. Jude sighs and sits on her chair near the bed. For the first time in months- she’s unconfident. Not only insecure about her skillset- but in the belief in herself.

“I can’t be your mistress.” She admits, looking away from him. Andrew chuckles and uses his finger to turn her chin to face him.

“That’s because you won’t be my mistress.” He flashes a quick and devilish smirk, he looks deep into her eyes “I’ll be yours.” Jude’s eyes widen and she smiles- almost confused. “Did you know that Elfhame royalty can have multiple mistresses and paramours?” Andrew asks Jude, face dangerously close to hers. She shakes her head. ‘I have only heard brief stories, Cardan barely talks about his family- nor anything about mistresses and such.’ Jude thought.

“And yes- even though they are not married, nor has been officially acknowledged, they are still treated with the utmost respect.” He continued, ruffling his hair. He lays down on the bed and rests his eyes for a while. “I’ll be able to join you with expeditions- Council meetings. I could even eat at the table with your husband.” ‘My husband huh.’ Jude briefly remembers her marital roles. ‘Husband’ she repeats in her head. “I could roam the castle halls with you- protect you-protect Oak”.

“But wouldn’t you be far away from your family? What if you can’t protect them?” Jude asks, leaning back on her chair. Her brown hair falling to the side as she glances back up to Andrew. “What if this all goes south and I bring the war to them?” she starts to overthink the situation- calculating the pros and cons. She bites her bottom lip and her jaw strains as she clenches them for the third time. “I don’t want to be responsible for their deaths- I- can’t…” she bites her lip again, but this time Andrew stops her and pulls her hand away.

“You are the Queen of Elfhame- and once we come back to Elfhame- you will be responsible for more than just one type of creature. You understand that right?” Andrew states. Eyes locked on Jude. She looks down and nodded slowly.

“I was only a queen for basically half a day- I didn’t know what I was getting roped into…” Jude admits. She lifts off her chair and walks over to her desk, sighing. She picks up Nightfell and admires the craft of the knife- the engravements and marks- each scratch on the hilt reminds her of each mission she was needed on. “I had him.” she starts off, hand firmly gripped against Nightfell’s handle. Andrew ears perk up and he focuses his gaze back to Jude. “I had him wrapped around my finger, sure he wasn’t chained to me, but- metaphorically. He was mine.” The corner of Andrew’s mouth lift up to curl. He crosses his arms and cocks his head to the side. Jude then stuffs Nightfell into the hidden pocket of her pants and leaned on her desk. “And I lost it all- my friends- my family- my home.” She can feel the bitterness of her tone. “Just because I became queen.” She lowers her head down in shame.

“No- Jude- pick your head up,” Andrew starts. He stands up from her bed and walks over to Jude. “You have not lost anything- moreover you gained something”. He leans next to her, his eyes scanning her hands- then her face. before he reaches her eyes he looks away.

“I gained a stupid title-“

“You inherited something more than just a title” Andrew’s eyes lock onto Jude’s “You have gained tremendous power- and rights to do so much more than what a seneschal could’ve done.” Andrew tilts his head towards and tries to look suave, chuckling at Jude’s unamused face, he turns to face her window; the reflection of it cascades a fascinating crown like shape on Jude’s head. “You deserve this title- not because Cardan made you a queen. But because you’re going to go back to Elfhame and take back what is yours- what is rightfully yours.”

“Ours.”  Jude replied, giving Andrew a quick smile. “I guess I’ll have to play another game of King’s and Queens.” She grabs her sister’s pocket knife and slams it- point first on her desk. “Who would ever thought I’d pretend to be someone’s lover? Who’d ever thought I had to pretend to be in love… Again.” Jude stifles her laugh and looks at Andrew with an awkward smile, he returns it with a flash of white teeth.

“We’d still need to talk about-” Andrew starts-

“Jude! Oak’s awake! Come by the dining room!” Vivi’s voice cut’s through first- having their conversation interrupted Jude only rolls her eyes and sighs.

“I’ll be right back.” She says before leaving her room. Andrew opened his mouth to interject but he is met with the door closing. He sighs and sits back down onto the chair in front of Jude’s desk.

 Suddenly alone he found his eyes looking for something to pass the time.

A simple photo of Jude and Oak caught his interest- the edges are frayed and scratched. Both faces seem younger, Jude’s face in the photo showed no emotion and yet her expression seemed less dark and void- her hair is styled to form horns from either side of her head. It seemed like a formal occasion- she wore a silk blue dress, with strands of gold and blue that spill from the top of her bodice, and descend to the bottom. Andrew smiles as he sees her holding the hand of her younger brother.

Another photo is pinned next to the first- this time it’s two girls. ‘Jude and perhaps Jude’s twin sister?’ Andrew thought. The two girls stand next to each other, even though their faces matched their personality seemed to differ- Jude seemed stiff and awkward, her expression still monotonous and empty, while her sister poses for the camera with exceptional expertise. It must’ve been the same occasion as Jude still adorns the beautiful blue silk dress from the first photo. Andrew’s eyes admire the photo a few seconds longer, he scans the it one last time before his eyes widen something in the background.

The male’s pale skin, dark hair and blinding beauty are all key clues for Andrew to match the face with the name he remembers oh so barely.

“Cardan Greenbriar.” Andrew speaks his name so bitterly, its as if poison spat out of his mouth. He follows the gaze of the fae and it looks like he was looking at Jude from a distance. “Hmm.” Andrew leans back into the chair and examines the photo from a further distance, as he leans back, his gaze gets caught on a photo of Jude and Vivi- it’s a more recent one- Jude’s face seems more mature and full. He gets distracted by her warm and deep smile. For once the camera was able to capture her beauty- and god was she beautiful. Andrew stands up and unpins the photo from her corkboard, he traces his finger around the edges. Suddenly his memories are flooded with Jude and the rare times she had smiled. Andrew’s gaze softened and his chest had a mellow- somewhat warm feeling inside. He stares at Jude’s eyes in the photo, her round amber coloured eyes and matching chestnut hair.

He can’t deny it- he loves catching her mid stare, with her eyes slightly unfocused on him. He loves the way her eyes seem to tremble as they try to reach his eyes. The way she quickly turns away from his gaze.

He can’t deny it- how can he? When he does the same thing to her.

“Will we even need to pretend? Jude?” he asks himself, pinning the photo back onto her corkboard before smiling at it one last time. He stands up and dusts himself off, there was no signs of Jude coming back to the room- from the shouts of a child outside, it would appear that the banished queen was busy with a different task at hand.  

Chapter Text

Chapter 13

Jude’s POV

“And you have sun-kissed skin- honey amber eyes, and an elegant face,” he responded, eyes still in a deep stare. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

I leave my room and I promptly pass the dining room to scout the whereabouts of the three- from the clear signs of the messy kids' utensils and half-eaten pancakes, Oak had already eaten. He’s going to have a sugar rush soon. I roll my eyes. There could only be 1 other place where they could be after a big sugary breakfast. I opened the doors to the backyard where I was met with a flying ball. Instinctively I grabbed the object and gripped it with such a tight force my knuckles turned white- I almost flung it back to the direction it came from.

“Oak, what did we say about throwing things near the windows?” I start to lecture him, putting my hands on my waist. He only rolls his eyes and continues to play with another colourful ball in front of him, running around the backyard so fast, that it seems like his little feet can’t keep up with him. I shake my head and walk towards Vivi and Heather who are sitting under the patio shade- both enjoying a refreshing drink. “I told you he gets too energetic from pancakes in the morning.” I start to lecture Vivi too. Vivi rolls her eyes and brings her glass up to her face.

“You gotta reel that in.” Vivi starts, her voice being aloof, as always. She takes a sip from her glass before slamming it on the table. “You’re too uptight and paranoid.” She continues, leaning back into the chair, letting her elbows hand over the backside.

“I am uptight and paranoid because in three months, I- we could lose our brother, and the place where we call home.” I state, placing the ball on the table. Vivi snatches it immediately, her eyes flashing her feline pupils for a split second.

“A place you got banished from.” She responds- with focus mostly placed on the ball in front of her. She claws at it like a cat, slightly taps the ball and it rolls from side to side. She seems contempt. Oh god. Is she purring?

“Are you going to help me with this?” I snatch the ball and I hand it over to Heather. She holds it with a malicious smile. “We agreed to split the tasks remember?” Vivi growls and playfully snatches the ball back into her hands.

“Okay, okay. Take a breather- breathe- breathe Jude.” She closes her eyes and makes gestures with her hands. “We’ll do the talking to Oak, okay?” she takes another sip from her glass. I flash her a quick sarcastic smile.

I walk over to Oak, it seems that his attention was caught by the construction trucks we bought for him last year. He makes cute attempts to mimic the noises of each vehicle.

“Hey Oak! Can you come and talk with us for a little bit?” I crouch down to his level, smiling as I offer him a hand. “Hmm what do you say Oak?” Oak only groans and makes a clear whining noise, he ignores my hand and continues to play.

“No- I’m busy.” He states, making a full 180 turn away from me. I slide a few inches closer to him.

“Please Oak? It’s important hmm?” I offer my hand again, placing it near him.

“I said no!” Oak shouts, pushing my hand away and running past me- he bumps into my shoulder causing me to be off balance. He runs inside back the house and I land on my butt, possibly bruising my tailbone. I look off into the distance and see Vivi shrug. My eyes automatically roll at her, cocking my head towards the direction of the door, indicating some sort of help with Oak. Vivi only rolls her eyes back at me and stood up, with Heather following, they go back into the house, closing the door behind them.

I remain on my butt, admiring the garden and backyard from this view. The sun’s rays hit the flowers beautifully, causing them to look as if they were blooming once more. The colours of the petals appear to glow the more they remain in the sun.

With the sound of the door opening I expect Oak to run back into my arms. I continue to face the flowers before I get met with his wet tears. I hear soft footsteps and I wait calmly.

“That went well.” Andrew’s soft husky voice kicks me back into reality. My eyes widen as I see him leaning on the door frame, his arms are in a crossed and I see him flash a warm smile. Immediately I try to pick myself up the floor. He beats me to it and offers me a hand. I take it. He flashes a smile and pulls me up with little to no effort. “You have a twin.” He states randomly. I blink a few times.

“Yes I do, haven’t I told you that?” I tilt my head at him, while dusting my body off.

“I don’t think you did.”

“Hmm.” I lean to my side. “We gotta fix that.”

“Fix what?”

“You not knowing general knowledge.” I chuckle. He rolls his eyes with a laugh.

“Okay, give me a break okay? How is it general knowledge?” he looks at me with an amused expression. He has dimples. “I mean, how could I have possibly known you have a twin?” he places his hands on his waist- somehow sarcastically.

“Well now you know.”

“Anything else I should know about? Perhaps another half-sibling that could probably throw everything out of balance?” Andrew jokes.

“Not that I know of- my mother was a mythical creature… I could be related to Ariel the mermaid.” I continue the joke. There was a slight pause in the conversation, I blinked at him, fearing that he didn’t get the joke I almost explained it- but his laugh erupted. Seeing so amused at my joke I can't help but to laugh with him. I guess I do need to be less uptight.

“Tell me about her.” he looks at me with eager eyes. I straighten my posture, my eyes wondering. “Your sister” he repeats egging me to say something. I continue to divert my gaze elsewhere- determined to keep quiet. “Oh, please Jude? If we're gonna be lovers we gotta get to know each other.” I sigh and turn to face him.

“Well, she’s the one who got me into this mess.” I blurt out, crossing my arms. “She kind of betrayed me, twice, and basically got me banished to the mortal world.” I huff out. Andrew’s expression softened and ruffled his hair awkwardly. “She took my job.. uhm… married my ex? Lied to me, fought me for-”

“Okay, okay- no need for your whole life story.” Andrew takes a step back with his hands raised. My body relaxes and I take a quick peek at the back patio- then back at Andrew.

“The sun’s a bit bright, did you wanna sit down?” I gesture behind him, Andrew only nods and we both make our way. “I guess it’s not as hot as Elfhame.” I mention, “That would probably explain how pale I got.” And skinnier. And weaker. Andrew pulled out a seat for me and I thanked him as he sat down. We both eye the glass full of iced tea- curious if it’s full of alcohol.

“But isn’t she the one who warned you about Madoc?” Andrew leans back on the chair, his curled hair flowing. “Seems like she has a history of betraying family members.” He huffs out, eyes still glued to me.

“Yeah...” I admit, biting my bottom lip.

“Then why did you-”

“Because she’s pregnant… and that she’s my sister…”

“Oh.” He clenches his jaw.

“And that- Cardan’s in trouble- which means the kingdom is in trouble. So I have to go back.”

“Oh.” He repeats. He clenches his jaw, and he stares off at the distance. “Cardan Greenbriar.” He whispers, and for a second his eyes flash gold.

“Do you know him?” I ask- somehow Andrew’s eyes feel like they’re glazed with this wet texture- it’s gleaming, and distracting. “I mean how did you know about him? I don’t believe he was even born before you left.” I question him

“My nurse-maid sent me letters about the newest royalty being born- twenty-ish years ago? Said he was a riot-” he chuckles. “Being the youngest in a family of such egotistical and cruel members, I’d get why he would act so… Disorderly.” He looks me, up and down. My eyes widen and I straighten my posture. “So, I was in shock to hear that someone as competent- adept and- beautiful, married him.” I almost choke on my own saliva as he mentions the last comment.

“Please, my looks don’t even compare to his,” I whisper back. “He has hair dark as the night and skin paler than snow.” I reminisce- remembering how his sharp gaze pierces through a crowd- almost always finding me first.

“And you have sun-kissed skin- honey amber eyes, and an elegant face,” he responded, eyes still in a deep stare. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” He casually states.

“Andrew- flattery doesn’t work on me-”

“Do you think I’m lying?” he smirks.

“I- uh…” my tongue is twisted and the knot is stuck in my throat. Can he? I feel my face begin to heat up. “Do you keep in touch with this said maid?” quickly trying to change the subject.

“No, she stopped replying to me a few years ago.” He whispered - his eyes now adrift. “I don’t think she- died, perhaps just… Gone.” He guessed, a solemn expression replacing his usual uplifted smile. I nod slowly, trying to match his vibe.

“Ehem.” Vivi cleared her throat behind us. “So we’re just sharing our life stories here or are we going to plan out how to overthrow Madoc?” she states, crossing her arms. “Oh Andrew, are you planning to go back home or would you just like to stay with us from now on? Hmm?” she asks him sarcastically, her tone full of despise. I clench my jaw and widen my eyes at her.

“No- no, I think I should leave- I rather have a lot of errands to run,” Andrew admits. At that exact moment, his phone buzzes and he takes a quick peek- the screen is too dark for me to see.  He quickly turns back to face me  and Vivi, “I should get out of your hair now.” He chuckles. Vivi only made a huff noise to signal her approval, she re-enters the house and closes the door behind her. Andrew stands up and I follow.

“Oh and another question.. Is Cardan.. is he still-” he makes this exploding gesture with his hands.

“Dramatic?” I guess. He nods. “Oh, more than ever.” I answer.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14

Cardan’s POV

“Are your lessons as horrible as the person you are?”

“I am worse.”

“Get out!” I ordered the maids. Their incompetence annoyed me more than usual. More incompetent than usual. I sigh out loud before I look in front of the fogged mirror adjacent to me. My arms rest lazily out of the confines of the bathtub. With a final sigh, I stood up from the bathtub, letting the water, steeped from the freshest flowers in Elfhame drip down my body as I took another good look at myself in the mirror. My eyes waver at my reflection. A little bit older, hair a little longer.

I get out of the tub and my pale hands stretch out to the towel prepped and warmed for me. The soft material covers my waist as I leave the bathroom, the water slides off my skin and splatters across the floor. My eyes roll in disgust as I view the clothes prepared by the previous maids. Incompetent. Uneducated. Unfashionable fools.

The chair beside me is replaced with a new sturdier version- with the remains of the last one, broken and in pieces from me throwing it across the room.

I am seated from the other end of the long elliptical table- the council members sit high above me, surrounding the circle-like room. The god’s seats, that’s what they call it.

 It’s like I am on a stage. I almost laugh out loud.

I am the main act and they are watching me like I am a meal- about to be devoured- torn apart by a predator.

“This ‘war’ is useless. What benefits would it ever give back to Elfhame- to the people!” I shout back at Madoc, his strong jaw clenched tightly. “You are making a grave- desperate mistake. Madoc.” I spit his name out like venom.

“You are making a miscalculated decision by not agreeing.” He rolls his eyes and sits calmly in his chair. How dare he- I? Miscalculated? “I don’t want a war. We, need a war.” He continues- a sleek smirk rests on his face. I groan out loud- pushing my chair back and standing up.

“Why?” I shout at him, my throat getting strained. In the corner of my eye is Orlagh, Queen of the Undersea, making an amused face, barely restraining herself from laughing. Beside her- tucked away, is Nicasia- her face grimacing at my voice.

“It is needed- High King, because Elfhame is merely a small island surrounded by a sea of Monstrous beasts and- your majesty we are drowning.” He states, his elbows now leaning on the table, he interlinks his fingers and stares at me with dangerous intent. I almost bare my teeth at him. “Year after year, king after king, we have consistent losses in battle, politics, wealth and production.” I roll my eyes at him- while the other council members sit still and listen. “We are a name on the map with not one accomplishment. We have nothing, and we will be nothing if we don’t do anything.”

“We don’t need it. Do you think Elfhame needs more damage done to it?” I replied, gaining a few interested looks from the council members.

“Damage that your family caused.” He replied a little too quickly. My arms reach for the chair next to me and I lift it, before throwing the object aimed directly at Madoc’s head, Locke pulls it down. I stare daggers and frown at him, but I let him put the chair back down- a few inches away from me.

“And because of your little hiccups as King, the other nobles of this land deem you weak- unorganised and unworthy.” He leans back into his chair, smiling- glaring at me. “The Merfolk has already agreed to help us-” he gives a quick nod to Queen Orlagh. “To prepare for both in battle and in training.” He finishes.

“Without my permission?” I ask him, rudely cutting him off.

“With the council’s permission- Elfhame will be strong and impenetrable.” He replies. The entire council is behind his back. The entirety of them has decided to follow this prude- undignified man to war.

“You think Elfhame isn’t strong. You think Elfhame is weak?” I chuckle sarcastically.

“I think Elfhame needs change.” Madoc smiles softly, he looks at me directly, a strong emotion of contempt glazed over his eyes. Almost as if he’s insinuating something that’s directed at me. I realise this and I laugh.

“No.” I reply- all signs of emotion on my face are replaced with an empty expression. My tone is monotonous and dry. “I won’t allow this war.”

“The council will decide on this matter.” He stands up and gestures towards the council. They nod.

Yes.

I stare at them, my mouth almost hanging ajar- I huff out a breath of disappointment. My heart almost falls to my stomach. My eyes almost closed shut out of mere pain.

“Then why call for the meeting? Why do this if it were already decided that ‘a war’ is happening.” My tail hit the ground- making an ear-deafening whip-like sound that echoed throughout the room.

“We just- wanted you to know,” Madoc responds with satisfaction plastered all over his green-bumpy face. Ugh. I look at the chair behind me and Locke had to physically restrain me from doing anything harmful. While I struggle in his grasp, Madoc shakes hands with Queen Orlagh and smirks at my outrage. At the same time, the rest of the council members leave, alongside Nicasia and then her mother. Madoc and stay to give me one last look.

“Oh, and don’t you think it’s so much better that Taryn has replaced your past seneschal?” he can’t even speak her name. I pull apart from Locke and I leap towards the man, my claws bared and sharp. Alerted- he leans back, letting his guards protect him. Coward.

“You- is it because of you that she hasn’t come back? That she hasn’t read my letters?” I try to claw his guards, but the two of them grab and hold me by the waist- holding me in place.

“Have you ever thought that it just might be you? That you might be the reason why she hasn’t come back- why she doesn’t read your letters?” he huffs, leaning towards my face. “You were the one who banished her from the fae realm. Why would she ever even think about you ever again?” he leaves with a fat smile across his face and gestures for the guards to let go. They do and I drop to my knees- my face red from my rage, my eyes watery. I feel weakened-

I feel as if he tore me apart, and swallowed me whole and devoured me.

“You have been weakened by emotions you cannot control- that is the first lesson I have ever taught her- and I admit, she must’ve forgotten that lesson by the way she fell for you and her emotions.” He grimaces at the mention of Jude.

“Are your lessons as horrible as the person you are?” I spat out, still on the floor. Weakened but alive, my eyes glare at him.

“I am worse.” He walks out of the room with a horrendous smile. With his guards following right after.

Locke scoffs- Not at Madoc, but at me. He offers me a hand to help me up but I swat him away, with my palms curled into tight fists, I slowly push myself off the floor, the cold marble feels like it’s freezing my skin off as I make contact with it.

“That went well?” Locke guesses, nonchalantly strutting across the room to the other side. “Madoc seems like he has everything intact.” He looks down at Madoc’s chair. “You, however, do not.” He claims confidently- smiling widely. I turn away- only to be met by my reflection in the stained glass of the room. I am met with an even paler face- weaker- and sullen. My hair is slicked back haphazardly, and the kohl under my eyes seemed to be smeared, and wet. “You are a mess. And you better clean up before your lover comes back and sees you like this.” Locke cheered.

“What happened back in Maine- when you were with Taryn.” I ask him, my gaze still focused on my reflection.

“What do you think happened?” he asks me. I roll my eyes and strut towards him. “Okay okay-” I cross my arms and wait for his answer. “We warned her about Madoc- she seemed pretty upset about that- she didn’t seem to agree about Oak- so we just dumped a bunch of solutions to her.” he lists out, but I wait for something else. He sees my expression and sighs. “Look- Taryn’s call line was about you- her first sentence was about you.”

“And?” I almost pour out my emotions, desperate for an answer.

“She laughed- she, Jude…” he clenches his jaw and runs his hand through his hair. “She said ‘so what’…” I exhale deeply, my lungs fill up with cold air. I shake my head away from disappointed thoughts.

“And…?” I ask again, begging for another answer, anything else she could’ve said-

“Look… Cardan you have to face the facts.” He sighs and leans on the chair. “She doesn’t care about you anymore.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt her. I didn’t mean to…”

“Banish her? Betray her? Take her away from the only place she calls home?”

“If she could only read my letters- she would know that I- she could’ve revoked her banishment herself- if she’s getting my letters…” I give a quick look at Locke- “Is she getting my letters?”

“She didn’t mention anything about letters- and I’m sure you’ve sent thousands- but… Not a single peep of it.” he replies almost automatically. He was raising his shoulders and shaking his head. I could only sigh as I knew nothing different would come out of his mouth.

“Alright- fine…” I bite my bottom lip- Oh Jude. I turn to face the glass panels, and from the reflection I look at Locke. “Find Taryn, tell her one last expedition- I understand that she wants to see her family from the mortal world, but all the travelling would indefinitely put a strain on her and her baby.” I shake a hand in front of Locke signalling him to leave. He clicks his tongue and walks out of the council room whistling- his arms placed behind his head. He goes down the hallway- swaying his hips.

I am left in the council room alone. Alone. My chest heaves, my eyelids heavy. I feel the temples of my head throb and ache. I look back on the reflection.

I banished her- but I did not mean to hurt her. I took her away from the only place she calls home- but it was my intent to make that permanent. I… I never meant to betray her. Her of all people?

The hairs on my tail spike up as I hear sudden voices from behind the doors of the council room. Interested I sneak up slowly to the door- mere inches away from the dark wooden surface.

“He mustn’t know-” a dark gravelly voice starts, I inch closer- placing my ear to the side of the door. “If he suspects anything- this entire thing- everything I have worked for will collapse.” The Voice continues-. “She does not suspect anything I shall tell you that.” the voice states- almost too confidently. “And this ensures our little pact?” The Voice asks- but no response to whoever he is speaking to. “Good… The plan goes on- she will be there in a few months.” Who… Jude?

The man out the door starts to walk away- I slam the door open but he is nowhere to be seen.

“I should have recorded that.” I stomp on the floor. My tail whipped the side of the door right after. Only Locke left the room after Madoc- but I’m sure he went deep into the hallway when I directed him. Who could ever...

My mind gets blurred with multiple candidates and its faces get buried amongst other faces- my head overheats and I practically give myself a headache right there and then. I sigh and I leave the council room- closing the dark wooden doors. What a disappointment you are.

I waltz back into my room- Stress filling my mind, my lips suddenly missing the taste of alcohol- and they’re also missing- the taste of someone else. I enter my chamber and lock the door, before I can fall on my bed and rot- I push a chair against the door, under the lock.

“That should- probably do the trick.” I stumble forward and land face-first on the comfort of my lush bed. “A little wine- should help cheer me up,” I whisper to myself. I grab the wine that has been stashed behind my bed frame for a while now, I hold the neck of the bottle and smile at my erratic image, reflected on the bottle’s glass. “You are such a disappointment,” I state. With a hard pull, the cork pops out and I look at my table where a wine glass sits empty. With a sigh, I roll off my bed and hazily walk over the table. The lips of the bottle meet mine- then suddenly, a third of it is already gone. I laugh, loosely- I pour the rest of it into the wine glass- stumbling I suddenly spill it on my desk, on top of some papers. “Ah- shit- shit…” I use the sleeves of my tunic to wipe off the wine. While doing so I manage to reveal a half-written letter addressed to her.

Her.

I slump down on my chair, wine glass still in hand. With a frown, I lift the feathered quill from its ink pot and cross out the past written words and I begin to write.

Dear Jude

Have you forgotten about me?

I hope to tell you that- i in fact is actually doing well. Despite, I presume your thoughts of my skill to be sober and become a well-functioning member of society- I

WHO DO YOU THINK WHO YOU ARE JDUE JUDE DUARTE???

I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU.

I WANT YOU BACK.

COME BACK. COME BACK. PLEASE.

-CARDAN.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15

Third POV

Hair light as snow, face like past kings and gods, beauty encompasses you, but those golden eyes lead you somewhere dark, so a shadow of something grotesque is imbued within you, darkening your magic, blemishing your soul.

Andrew’s car continues to hum- softly vibrating the seat and the dashboard. After spending the morning with Jude’s family he sits still in the confines of his car seat. It's been so long since he sat at a full table. It's been too long since he’s had a happy morning.

The carpark is cold and almost empty, the lanes go on and on, never-ending it seems. Such a dark contrast from Jude’s place to his, makes him laugh-it echoes. Andrew lifts his keys and locks the car, he jingles it around his index finger as he makes his way to the reception.

“Good morning, Cindy.” Andrew’s voice is deep- alluring. It almost scares the life out of the poor girl. She takes the time to dust off her shirt and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “My room key please” he practically purrs out his tone sweet and low.

“Of course Mr Freed…” she turns around to grab his key, but before she gives it to him, Cindy hesitates- “What was so important last night for you to rush out so quickly?” she asks- her eyes sparkling. Eager. Andrew’s eyes darken for a split second and his bright expression turns dull. “You basically ran out the door- you didn’t even greet me,” she adds, slyly as she looks through her eyelashes.

“A personal issue of mine… I ask you to not pry about it,” he responds, taking the key from her hands rather than waiting for her to pass it. before he walks away he sighs- he turns around. “Oh, and you look absolutely divine today.” He whispers- words sweet, coated with a thick layer of the purest honey. Almost instantly Cindy’s eyes glaze over with a wet look. Satisfied, Andrew goes up to the elevator. Inside his eyes drop to the floor. Surrounded by mirrors, and no one else to look at but himself, it pushes him into a solemn feeling. The elevator purrs and it zips to his floor- penthouse.

He was sighing loudly as he stepped out of the metal cage. His eyes travel from the red carpet to the pristine marble walls of the long empty hallway. ‘God has every day been like this slow?'  he thinks to himself as he jingles the keys in the keyholes. ‘So bleak, monotonous and dry?’  he continues, almost saddened at his everyday life. He enters the apartment he stumbles towards the bathroom. Chucking his keys onto the marble top of the kitchen island that sits empty. ‘Such an empty place.’ He adds, ‘devoid of warmth and colour. God- devoid of people…’. The fae lurches towards the bathroom, taking a piece of his clothing with each step, he peers at the mirror that hangs adjacent to the marble bathtub. From it, a pair of golden pupils look back at him. He only shakes his head at his reflection. Andrew smiles softly as he enters the tub, the water soaking his hair, and eventually his entire body.

The time ticks slowly as he sits inside the tub, resting, thinking, of her.

Suddenly all of Andrew’s thoughts were about her.

Jude has a ferocious attitude and an even sharper tongue- she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she seemed like she wasn’t afraid of anything. But today seemed different. Her tone was shifted to something softer than her usual snappy sentences, she smiled at him and just more in general- ‘she cracked a joke even.’ Andrew chuckles.

But even more than that- she had enough trust in him to share what was troubling her.

“She is more than capable of fulfilling her goals- why does she put herself down?” Andrew asks himself, looking up towards the ceiling. A flash of Jude’s smile crosses his mind- then another, this time a smile he captured in his mind when she wasn’t looking. he relishes the moment- widely grinning as he sees the soft corners of her mouth turn up, how her eyes slightly curve downwards. His mind wanders around for a second too long- and this time his focus remained on a certain photo- with a certain pale prince.

“And to think she was married to him. Cardan.” He spat out his name like an over-chewed gum, “And to think she showed him that very same smile.” He rolls his eyes disappointedly. He grunts in annoyance as he glances at the clock- stationed above the door.

The mirror, adorned with a golden trim- placed adjacent to the tub, fogs up. With one hand gripped around the towel around his waist- another found its way to the metallic surface. Andrew glides his hand down the mirror- a soft squeak interrupting the silence he experienced since he entered his apartment.

The mirror gleams bright, showing the reflection of the light as well as the reflection of Andrew. In the reflection is Andrew’s large- well-built body, mostly amassed with a clean balance of muscle and fat. He stares at the mirror with a harsh glare.

Across from his shoulder to the front of his left chest pec was a large star-shaped scar- with the points of the ‘star’ sprawled across like a web. On his right shoulder is a large black tattoo in another swirl-like shape, mimicking the star on his left shoulder.

Andrew drags a gentle finger across his scar, he reaches up to his neck and clenches his jaw as he sees himself in the mirror. With a soft grunt, he leans on the marble top sink, pushing his body towards the mirror. He shuts his eyes closed, and when he opens them a new reflection manifests itself on the cold surface of the mirror.

Andrew’s dark curly hair was now drained to a daunting pale white, the freckles that adorned his face were wiped away, the creases under his eyes and the glazed shine on his pupils were nowhere to be seen. He breathes out, a small fog covers the unfamiliar face in the mirror.

‘Hair light as snow, face like past kings and gods, beauty encompasses you, but those golden eyes lead you somewhere dark, so a shadow of something grotesque is imbued within you, darkening your magic, blemishing your soul.

Cursed blood runs inside you, it exhibits through the magic you perform, through the way you think, through the way you will live. You are and will always be a Freedriex through and through. Royal elven blood will splatter the walls as you are killed. The walls will be stained and it will glisten like gold, marking the death of another elven royal. And I will let the rays of the morning sun shine on your fresh blood, let it reflect off the stained glass in my castle as you lay below my feet, devoid of life, devoid of magic, devoid of all things elven… Just like your forefathers before you.’

Shock fills Andrews’s face as he re-opens his eyes, he takes a sharp gasp as he quickly looks back up to his reflection- with golden eyes looking back at him he quickly wipes the foggy mirror- the blurred and unglamoured version of him vanishing immediately.

He chokes on his breath as if something is gripping his throat. He felt like he was panting for air, desperate for the oxygen to fill his lungs. He quickly stumbles out of the bathroom, knocking a few pieces of furniture with him as he reaches his bedroom.

Breathless, short-winded and with an unfocused gaze he tries to lie on his bed. Andrew clutches his throat and tries to regulate his breathing. He closes his eyes out of utter desperation.

‘Andarren, where are you?’ a young woman in a forest looks worried as she tries to search for her son. She trembles in the cold as she cradles a basket full of fruits. ‘Andarren! It's getting darker- we need to go home now!’ she shouts into the forest, hoping it’ll reach the ears of her young. She waits, leaning against the base of a tree- its roots entangled with the flora. Suddenly the snap of a twig makes her spin, to her surprise it’s nothing dangerous.

‘Mother!’ a young Andrew pops from the bushes and rushes into the comfort of his mother’s arms. ‘Mother look, I found more mushrooms for tonight’s dinner!’ the boy snuggles in his mother’s warm arms. He peers above to see her soft smile.

‘Good boy, Andarren.’ His mother pats his head and strokes the soft curls of her young.

Her smile fades as she hears heavy footsteps charge towards their cottage. A cottage tucked away in the depths of Insweal’s forest. Her pupils falter and it pace around the confines of the eye. Andarren matches her panic. His hands tremble just as hers drop the basket. He clutches the fabric of his mother’s dress tightly.

 The bright torches of King Eldred’s army blind the young’s eyes temporarily. He sees nothing but white. Yet the sounds are overwhelming. The mother shouts at him. He is knocked to the ground and something is torn away from him.

 Once he regained consciousness again, he lays alone, in the cold forest. The warmth from his mother’s embrace has left him. His mother’s warmth was torn away from him. She was torn away from him.

Andrew’s eyes flash open. He tries to focus on his breathing once more. He counts, paces and counts one more time. His heart is beating out of his chest and he heaves like he has been starved of oxygen his whole life. The world is turning upside down, inside out and he is in a perpetual downward spiral.

A ping from his phone snaps him out of despair. It temporarily distracts him from his thoughts. The phone’s light emanates a shade of white that guides Andrew. He reaches for it while still laying on his wide bed.

‘ Afternoon. This is Jude.’

Andrew’s eyes light up as he scans over the text over and over again. ‘It's Jude!’ he thinks excitedly. He opens the text and the white background of the phone brightens the room. He hurriedly taps to reply but waits as he sees her typing.

Jude                                                                                                                                                                         

‘Vivi  says we need to get to know each other better.’

Andrew

‘But haven’t we gotten along well so far? ( ＠ _ ＠ )’

Jude 
‘We need to know each other better, to fool
the courts- and the people. Emphasis on the better.’

Andrew smiles widely at such formality. He catches his breath and sits upright. His happy expression can be seen clearly from the phone’s reflection-smiling like dumbass 

Andrew

‘I thought we were already doing that. Did that adventurous night
at the beach meant nothing
to you? (￣︿￣)’

Jude 

‘Please stop using these faces, I don’t
understand what they mean. But I do agree that
something about that night was adventurous.’

Andrew

‘They’re called Kaomoji- theyre even cuter than
regular emojis. ( ´ ꒳ ` )’

Jude 

‘Whatever,
 so tomorrow 1pm?
Steak and Shake at Green Stead Ln?’

Andrew

'It’s a date (^_<)〜☆’

Jude 

‘Totally not.’

Andrew

‘Totally is.’

Jude 

‘You’re such a child’

Andrew

‘I guess you’ll get to know more why tomorrow at our date.’

Jude 

‘NOT a date’

Andrew

‘See you there, (o˘◡˘o)’

Jude 

‘Whatever.’

Andrew huffs a disappointed sigh as he sees Jude-type bubbles disappear. Before he could settle the phone back on the stand he heard a ping.

Jude 

‘See you tomorrow :).’

He smiles widely as he sees her attempt at Kaomojis. He holds the phone close to his chest. The warmth from the screen reminds him of something that was torn away from him back when he was a child. The warmth reincarnated and materialised itself and finally, he was able to embrace it once more.