The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (108 page)

“Well, good news Lucian,” I said bitterly. “Ding dong the bitch is dead.”

Lucian smiled. “I heard, thank you by the way Mathias.”

“Anytime old friend,” Mathias said

“When Fonn came back to retrieve Sabine he also left something that he deemed valuable in my possession,” Lucian continued. “I’m not going into details but I was more than happy to keep this prize safe.”

“Have you heard from him since?” I asked

“As a matter of fact, yes I have,” Lucian said. “He came here a few weeks ago and reminded me of my promise. He said that things would be coming to an end soon, and I needed to be ready to fight.”

“You promised him that?” Mathias asked

“No,” Lucian said. “He thinks that he has me by the balls. He wants our small family to join with him and overthrow the Queen after, of course, kidnapping Willa, obtaining the obviously mythical weapons, and killing the Clan of Skye. What he doesn’t realize is that the minute he left I put my own plan into place. I sent a few men into the Fire realm, and they captured my mother.”

“What?” I asked. “You kidnapped your own mother?”

“Yes,” Lucian said. “I had to keep her safe. They have been moving her around every day, but she is to be brought her tonight.”

“Lady Lucia is coming here?” I said

“You know my mother?” Lucian asked surprised

“Yeah, I met her when I was in the Fire realm,” I answered. “She’s a great lady.”

“Yes she is,” he said. “I’m not sure how she will react to seeing me finally, but I have been speaking to her every day, and I hope I can keep her safe.”

“So she knows you're alive?” Mathias asked. “What about Machall?”

“I have not talked to my brother yet but soon hopefully,” he said

“Wow,” I said. “I’m sure Lady Lucy must be pretty happy to find out her son is alive.”

“Oh, she always knew,” Lucian grinned. “After all she is part Fae witch.”

“What’s a Fae witch?” I asked

“You’ve never heard of the Fae witches?” he asked surprised

“No,” I said looking at Mathias who just shrugged. “Who and what are the Fae witches?”

“Long ago, before the Fae, Sprites or Nymphs, two goddess witches were born by the mother of all Gods. Gaia is said to have created her very image into the Goddess Arianrhold, who was the epitome of beauty and light. She also was a powerful magical being. Where there is light, there is always darkness, so Gaia created the goddess Morrigan, who is the purveyor of death and war.”

“Gaia created them a beautiful realm but the other Gods were not happy. They feared these two goddess’s power, so they created the Fae. At one time they were all in the land of Fairlia but the witches did not like the interference from the King, so they made a pact with him. They would leave the whole land to him if he promised never to interfere with their business. King Cormagglia, your grandfather, was only too happy to comply. He knew the strength of their powers and was happy to grant them their freedom.”

“Then why didn’t he let the Sprites or the Nymphs have their own realms as well?” I asked intrigued

“He knew that the Nymphs were too vulnerable. They would never survive on their own or against an invasion. The Nymphs were fine with it; they are a peaceful being by nature but the Sprites were furious. The king wanted to give them their freedom, but he was also worried about their safety. The first Air Lord was told by Cormagglia to allow the Sprites to live how they choose and leave them alone. When Fonn took over though he realized their potential, they might be small but they are valiant warriors as well as hard workers.”

“He wanted them as slaves to do his dirty work both on the field and off?” Mathias asked

“Exactly,” Lucian said. “The witches retreated into the realm of Aislinge, which is Gaelic for dream. They are very secretive, and no one is allowed to visit or leave.”

“Then how did your mother and her family get away?” I asked

“At the time, the Fae witches were ruled by a powerful but gentle witch. She was sad to see them go, but my grandmother had fallen in love with a Fae and she wanted my mother to grow up in Fairlia. Soon after an evil warlock, who I believe is working with Fonn, staged a coup against the Queen of the Witches, and he cast her and her family out into the human realm but not before placing a curse upon them.”

“This warlock, who I assume is the king of the witches, he’s now working with Fonn?” I sighed. “That’s excellent. Just how powerful are we talking here?”

“It’s difficult to say,” Lucian frowned. “The Fae Witches are not like Gypsy Casters, they believe in using instruments, potions, wands and so forth to enhance and focus their powers. Your power is more organic than a Fae witch. I think they would have great respect for you. You’re not like the Fae; you do not keep the powers within you, and you release them back into nature.”

“It’s not an option now to keep them inside of me,” I grinned. “You have no idea how bat shit crazy I become if I don’t release them.”

“Just picture Willa like she was a few hours ago, only instead of killing the Rau, she would be harming herself,” Mathias said seriously

Lucian blanched at Mathias’s words, and I smiled at him reassuringly. “It’s cool Lucian. Mathias is telling the ugly truth about me, although personally I don’t think that’s the worst thing about me. You should hear me sing.”

We all smiled and turned when we heard a noise in the hallway. Lucian ran to the door and yanked it open. I had caught a glimpse of lady Lucia before she was swept up in her son’s arms. They both spoke in soft tones, and Lucia cried into his shoulder. Mathias and I exchanged a look before we quietly walked out of the room to give them a moment of privacy.

I was just walking down the hall when I heard two more voices coming around the corner. The man and woman both smiled at Mathias and looked at me in curious friendliness, but I stood there frozen when I saw the woman’s face.

I had never met her in person, but I would know her heart shape face and long mahogany hair anywhere. I had seen her in Machall’s soul.

  Machall’s mate, the woman he loved more than anything was standing right in front of me.

“Willa?” Mathias asked concerned. “This is Egon and Tricy.”

“How do you do Princess Willa,” Tricy said. “We heard so much about you. I am honored to meet you.”

“We’ve met,” I said in a daze as my mind raced

“What?” Mathias said

“I’m sorry,” Tricy said confused

“I’ve seen you in your mate’s mind,” I said. “You’re Beatrice and from the Water realm of Fairlia. You were kidnapped from your mate, and your mind was erased by his enemies.”

Tricy had looked at me in horror before we all turned around at Lady Lucia’s cry. “Beatrice? Is that you? Willa? What the devil is going on here?”

Everyone stood still. Nobody had a clue what was going on or how to react. I shook my head. “Well, apparently Lady Lucy it’s all one big karma clusterfuck.”

Chapter Eighteen

“All right, what’s going on here?” Tricy asked. “How do you know me and why are you calling me Beatrice?”

“Lucian,” Lucia said angrily. “Why is she here with you?”

“That’s a long story Mum,” he said

“Why don’t we all…” Mathias started saying but Lucia interrupted him

“Lucian, do you know who she is?” Lucia asked angrily before turning to me, and her expression softened. “Willa dear, it’s so good to see you. I was so worried. I hope you’re acclimating better now. Machall told me everything, and I was very frightened.”

“I’m better Lady Lucy,” I said before I started to shake slightly. There was a definite hum of magic emanating from Lucia. It didn’t freak me out as much as it did almost comfort me. “So you’re half Fae Witch, right? I can feel it from your energy. It’s different from the Fae or Gypsy’s magic.”

“Yes, I am,” she said in surprise. “Have you never met a …”

“I’m sorry but who are you people? I’ve met Mathias before, but you two ladies are strangers to me.” Tricy asked. “How did you know I have no memories? You also said I had a mate?”

I looked at Lucia, and we both exchanged concerned looks. I had been so shocked to see Beatrice that I had blurted out what I was on my mind before I could stop myself.

“I’m sorry for throwing that at you,” I apologized. “Maybe we should go sit down?”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Lucian said. “I for one would like to know what is going on here.”

We all went back into the living room and sat down. A dead silence had come over the room, and I think we were all relieved when Mathias took charge.

“Ok, let’s start with the basics,” he said. “Lucian, can you tell us when and how you met Beatrice.”

“Tricy,” Beatrice said. Mathias cocked his eyebrow at her, and I tried not to laugh when she corrected him. It was nice for someone else to be on the other end of his frustrated look now and then.

“Beatrice was brought to me by Lord Fonn four hundred or so years ago,” Lucian answered. “He told me she was important and that I needed to keep her hidden.”

“You never questioned this from him?” I asked. “I mean seriously, the man threatened to kill your mother and you just take some random chick in because he said so?”

“Willa, let Lucian finish,” Mathias said

“I’m finished with my story actually,” Lucian grinned. “How do you and my mother know Tricy?”

I gave Lucia an encouraging look. I figured it would be best coming from her considering she had met Beatrice. I had only seen her in Machall’s mind.

“I met you a few weeks before your mind was wiped clean,” Lucia said. “I know that you are from the Water realm…”

“Which, by the way you still have a cottage there,” I interrupted, “It’s super cute.”

Everyone turned to me for a minute, and I bit my lip. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Lucian chuckled, and Mathias just shook his head. “Please forgive Willa, Lady Lucia, continue.”

“You were turned only for a short time before you were found and brought back to Fairlia. I believe you did go home and try to acclimate back into the Fae realm of your upbringing, but people there were not very friendly. You came back to court, and that’s when you met my son Machall, who is the Lord of the Fire realm. You fell in love and became true mates. Machall introduced you to my husband, and I and we were very happy for you both.”

“I have a mate?” Beatrice said. “I have a true mate?”

“Yes, and you also were engaged to be married,” Lucia said. “A week later my husband was killed by Lord Fonn, who is the Lord of the Air realm. He did it because Machall refused to join in his desire to overthrow the Queen. Machall, of course, decided to turn him in regardless, and that’s when Fonn kidnapped you and had your mind wiped of all memories.”

“Did he try to look for me?” Beatrice asked softly

“Of course he tried to find you,” I jumped into the conversation. “He kicked Fonn’s ass but he still wouldn’t talk. He has done nothing but wait for me to come along so I could help him.”

“And you’re the Princess Willa we have heard so much about?” Beatrice asked

“Jeez, do you have to ask like that?” I sighed. “You sound like you’re having a hard time believing that I’m really her.”

Lucian stood up and grabbed my hand. “This is Princess Willa, Beatrice. She is the daughter of Prince Cormac of Fairlia and Princess Cecily of the Clan of Skye.”

“Ah,” Egon finally spoke for the first time. “So this is the girl who has the Rau hiding in fear.”

“I have heard of you but why are you so important to Machall?” Beatrice asked, stumbling over Machall’s name slightly

“I’m sort of, well kind of, the Fae Sanctity,” I said

“Oh my God,” Egon breathed. “Do you not mean you’re the chosen one who can wield the power of the weapons that can kill the Fae Lord’s?”

“No Egon, I am the weapon,” I answered

“She’s a weapon of mass destruction and a bad mother fucker,” Lucian offered with a smile