Justice, of sorts.
A warm hand covered the scar, while a glacial one touched his left hand for an instant, and then withdrew. No, he hadn’t done it alone. Without Skye and Annwynn he would still be enslaved to the fairies. He met Skye’s warm, green eyes and Annwynn’s calm, violet ones. “I –” his throat closed up. Kheelan tilted his face skyward, tried to compose himself.
Annwynn spoke first. “I must return to Faery. The Queen expects me to join in tonight’s celebration festivities.”
Skye entwined her fingers in his. “Will we ever see you again?” she asked.
Annwynn shook her head. “I think not. It’s best this way. Ye are both free now to live as mortals with no interference from us.”
Kheelan found his voice. “So this is . . . goodbye.”
Annwynn inclined her head slightly.
“You didn’t have to help us. I wasn’t sure that you would.” Had she really cared something for him after all? He stared at those beautiful, other-worldly eyes. So human and yet – so unreadable. His former Guardian was a fairy after all, a creature from an alien realm.
The old bitterness arose. She had lied to him, kept him from his family. Still, Kheelan remembered small acts of kindness growing up: brewing warm apricot nectar at bedtime, running interference when the other fairies teased him too much, putting aloe balm on his mortal scrapes and cuts.
Skye squeezed his hand, reminded him of his manners. There was much to be grateful for in the end. Annwynn had come to his rescue three times in the past couple of weeks – providing the poison antidote to the elf shot, halting Finvorra’s attack, and convincing Queen Corrigan to let them out of Faery.
Annwynn leaned forward. “My sweet,” she whispered in his ear. Her breath was as chilly and soft as a cascade of snowflakes. She began to fade, melting into another time, another dimension. The last part of her that was visible, her raspberry wings started to dull. “Thank you, he called out, “Thanks for everything.”
Annwynn was no more.
“Do you think she heard me?” Kheelan asked Skye.
“She heard. I knew she had affection for you. She came through when it mattered.”
“Yes.” Another doubt formed, a lifetime habit from dealing with the Fae. “Annwynn will take full credit with the Seelie Court for defeating the Unseelies. She came out of this looking like a hero. Your work will forever ensure her royal standing and prestige in Faery. Hardly fair.”
Skye laughed. “That sounds like Annwynn. But I don’t care what she does once she returns. She didn’t have to help us with Queen Corrigan. Try to remember that.” Skye clasped her hand over her mouth. “I just thought of something. The Queen might be angry with her for defending us. Annwynn pretty much forced her to let us go.”
“Nah, no need to worry. Annwynn’s been a wise counselor and supporter of the Queen for too long. It’s in both of their best interests to put this behind them. Besides, they each got what they wanted.”
Skye grinned. “And so did we.”
Kheelan’s smile slipped. “You gave up a lot. I hope you won’t regret it one day.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but Kheelan raised a hand to silence her. “Annwynn’s not the only one I need to thank.” He shook his head. “Thank you sounds so lame.” He faltered, unsure what to say. “Look, I’m no good at this mushy stuff.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” She ran her fingers lightly across his cheek. “When we were in Faery and you tried to get me to use the boon for myself – I knew then how much you cared for me. The only thing you’ve ever wanted was your freedom and you were willing to give up your dream for me.”
Kheelan crushed Skye to him, held on to her warm, human body like an anchor in a storm. Freedom wasn’t near as sweet or important as this mortal girl. He kissed her, trying to put all the words he couldn’t say into the kiss.
If Skye had stayed in Faery, the Fae would have loved and adored her forever. But all their worship of her couldn’t match his own deep feelings for Skye. Let the fairies laugh all they wanted about impossible Mortal Tales of true, everlasting love.
He knew better.
Chapter 23
Tarot Party
Mama D laid out all her specialties, brownies, scones and pecan pie, on the countertop by the kitchen. Even with the slab of barbeque ribs from Dreamland, nobody would think of skipping out on her deserts. After tonight, everyone was scattering for the Christmas holidays and The Green Fairy would close for a week.
Tanner hobbled over to the card table, weaving a path of destruction as his crutches knocked against the furniture, sending books and magazines scattering to the floor. Glenna and Katie rushed to his side, murmuring sympathy and picking up his mess. Even Mama D hovered close by carrying his drink and a plate full of carbs and sugar.