Lina: Twisted Fairy Tales Book Two

14: Fight Or Flight

Faery

Malina

He was gone.

Lightning flashed across the darkening sky and thunder boomed so loudly I could feel it shake the walls of the castle.

It shouldn’t bother me that he was gone. It shouldn’t! But something disturbed me about the whole incident, and if there was one thing being an animal at least part of the time taught you, it was to trust your instincts.

Lightning struck close enough that I heard it impact the earth. The sharp scent of it burned my nose. How could I follow after him if I didn’t know which way he had gone? This time the lightning struck the castle, and I heard screams as I hunted for Spice.

One thought repeated itself over and over again inside my head: Where is she? And the words just rolled, ricocheting around until it was all I could hear and I’d nearly forgotten my purpose, my aim. Somehow I had fallen into a panicked spiral I couldn’t break out of.

Spice had to know where he was. She always knew. It was like she had a special mental connection to the King. If I was actually interested in him, I’d be jealous..

I shut that line of thinking down swiftly. Voices and laughter rang out ahead of me along with the sound of clattering dishes. The racket echoed down the stone hall so loudly it forced me to pull my ears down in discomfort to try to dull the sound a little. I hadn’t realized Fae could be so loud. But I scented Spice in this direction, so this was the direction I was headed.

Pawpads picking up the chill from the stone as another crash of thunder momentarily silenced the noise ahead of me, I realized I must be headed towards the kitchens. The scent of food spilled towards me and I tried to ignore the hunger gnawing at me, caused by my day of exertions. I paused as I neared the doorway looming ahead of me. Lightning struck something close by as another loud burst of laughter had me pulling my ears down angrily. Once again the room beyond went silent, and I lifted my nose to be sure Spice was indeed beyond the doorway.

I could smell her unique fragrance. I was certain of it. After as much time as she’d spent in my company, I should know her scent quite well. My only fear was: did all the Fae have similar scents? They smelled inviting to a person, scents designed to ensnare. Could I be sure this was my Spice’s scent I was following?

I forced myself to stop hesitating and dragged myself through the door, ears and tail down, trying to slink along the wall unnoticed. I should have chosen another form for this, but this was the second form I ever knew, so the one I inevitably fell back on.

I spotted Spice in the center of all the ruckus. Of course she would be. Fae women around her laughed and chattered at her as food and drink was passed around. She had a huge smile, sitting at a table in the midst of it all. The sight, for some reason, enraged me.

Her King, whom she pretended to care so much for, was out risking his life, and here she sat, drinking and.. Celebrating?

I thought she wanted him to remain King? I thought she said he was good for the Realm? Was everything she told me a lie? The growl falling from my lips was only outdone by the crack of thunder outside. As everyone stilled, my growl became more evident. Wary eyes looked around the room and inevitably turned to me. My form ripped itself apart, fur scattering as what was left of me drew together to reform my human shape. My fingers were curled, teeth bared as I snarled threateningly at Spice.

“How dare you?!” I growled. “How dare you sit here and.. and.. party while your King..” Too late, I noticed the tiny outfits on the table. Too late, the small blankets and miniature toys. My shame burned through me and the growl and harsh expression fell from me. Spice had stood, a hand on her chest, her own expression hovering between hurt and somber reflection.

“My Lady.” She gave a small curtsy, followed by the other women, and straightened to start packing the small things away.

“Spice, I.. I’m sorry..” I stammered, but she shook her head.

“My Lady is right. This was a poorly timed celebration. If My Lady can but give me a moment, I will attend her shortly.” She responded curtly. My conscience ate at me once more.

“I didn’t realize..” I tried again, but Spice shook her head sharply.

“If My Lady would excuse us? This is no place for a Queen.” Spice looked pointedly towards the door, and suddenly I felt very much like a berated and dismissed child.

“I apologize.” I offered the room in general, and ducked out as inconspicuously as a nude Shifter who just interrupted a party celebrating the first new pregnancy in who knows how long, possibly could.

I groaned when I let my head hit the wall several feet from the door. I tried to ignore the hushed voices of the women I’d interrupted.

I felt like a fool.

Spice had put up with a lot from me, and I genuinely was happy for her. I had sort of gotten attached to the saucy jailer in a way. After all, she was just doing her job, right? She’d never hurt me or done anything untoward, even as I annoyed the living Hells out of her in every way imaginable.

When Spice finally excused her way into the hall with much apologizing, I felt worse than dog dung.

“Spice-I’m really sorry..” I began, but she held up a hand, brushing past me while juggling an armful of baby items.

“My Lady, may I ask what inspired your interruption just now? As you can imagine, I do not often have time to gather with my friends, and have even less occasions to celebrate-” He words were brisk, but not cruel, however I felt the sting thoroughly.

“I um..” I muttered uncomfortably, and Spice spun on me, snapping a finger in my face.

“Well out with it girl. If it was important enough to interrupt the celebration of my child’s conception, it’s important enough for you to spit out swiftly so as to not waste any more of my time.” Spice scolded. Reggie had nothing on this woman’s sharp tongue. I was pretty sure my skin blistered under her reproach. I winced uncomfortably with homesickness, then raised my eyes back to Spice.

“I want to go after him Spice. The King. I heard there is a rebellion. Because of me. And.. he tried to send me away to protect me but..” I stumbled to a halt as her eyes teared up.

“Oh, My Lady!” She sobbed, grabbing me in a hug as her baby’s gifts fell to the floor.