Lina: Twisted Fairy Tales Book Two

12: Uncaged

Things were quiet for the next few days. The Fae King had gone to some far edge of the Realm to settle a dispute. It left me alone, and for the first time, somewhat lonely without all of the Fae to bother me.

I spent a great deal of time slinking around and subtly asking questions. It felt more imperative than ever that I make my way home. My feelings were softening towards the Fae around me, and I couldn’t have those attachments holding me in Faery.

I had heard a rumor that Thema was used often as the King’s spy and assassin between Realms. Thus, she had a secret way in and out, made just for her to ‘travel’ when the King could not assist all her movements in her service to him. So I spent quite a bit of time darting around in fox form just looking for Thema and Ives to find out if this was true. Or hoping I might stumble across a shimmery hole in the middle of the air or something, I didn’t know.

That was actually my current task, my nose twitched, nearly overcome by the scent of the garden’s flowers. Ever since the night of the Restorative snowfall, the garden had been in full bloom. I sneezed, unbidden, startling a Fae woman who was walking by. I would have chuckled, if this form was capable, but the sound came out more of a strange chittering noise, and honestly, the pollen was just too much to risk inhaling any more of it.

Darting between hedges, I lifted my nose again, trying to smell anything around the fragrance of flowers and the itching of my nose. I sneezed twice more in quick succession, hearing a startled squeak above me as someone else’s feet danced away from the brush I hid in. This was getting to be quite amusing. I might have to try it more often, just to pass the time. Maybe add in some little grabbing of ankles here and there to really get them going. I risked a look around and quickly bolted towards the vines along the castle wall.

All kinds of things lived in the thick growth that climbed the stones. Strange salamanders and insects, spiders that were almost translucent, birds, rodents, and then there was me. I followed the trail made by smaller paws than mine, but luckily this form was meant to hunt small prey. All I had to do was let my instincts take over. My body hunched closer to the ground, still moving quickly through the vines and their thick stalks. Careful of the roots, I pushed myself faster. I wanted to make the other side of the castle today before Spice noticed my absence.

A bird squawked angrily and flew off, making me freeze, ears pricking up and one paw raised. I forced the fur along my back and tail to relax as no other sounds came and trotted forward once more. I’d begun digging a den at the end of this mass of vines. If I could only burrow far enough-

“My Lady!” Spice’s shrill call had all my hair on end and my ears laying flat against my skull. I bared my teeth unconsciously even as I heard her call again. My eyes squinted, and I weighed the possibility of ignoring her.

“My Lady! The King has returned! He wishes to see you!” Spice’s piercing scream rang out. Damn it! How was I ever going to escape this place when these meddlesome fools were watching me all the time? I was growling without realizing it when Spice spoke again. “Lady Laoina! Oh Sire, I apologize..” Spice’s ear-splitting cacophony abruptly trailed off to a muted murmur. A chuckle could be heard outside the vines, and my fur bristled even further. I hadn’t even thought that was possible.

“Laoina, come to me my Love. Why are you playing amongst the vines?” His voice was too soft and calm. It almost grated on my nerves. Namely because I didn’t want to admit to myself how much it affected me and I wished to do as he asked. However, more important things were pressing in on my thoughts. Now that I’d been caught, did that mean my plans were thwarted? There was a sigh. “Come now. Has your maid told you the good news? She is with child. She doesn’t have time for your silly games any longer.” I felt my fur relax. Spice was pregnant? An outrageous sense of pride and joy for her shot through me. I guess I had to admit to being a little fond of her. A hand reached into the vines towards me and I nipped at it. The Fae King cursed. I yipped laughter, the best kind this form was capable of. There was another sigh.

“Laoina, if Thema is whom you wish to see, I will not stop you.” The Fae King murmured softly. I froze. Was he serious? Did he know what I planned to ask? “Yes.” The answer was so soft, I almost couldn’t hear it. But-why would he do that? I heard the rustle of clothes and had to assume the Fae King had settled on the ground beside the vines. He exhaled slowly.

“Did you know that your maid was infertile?” The Fae King asked quietly. I found myself creeping closer to him on silent paws. I had known she was having trouble conceiving, but.. “Or that the Realm is currently experiencing the most fertile period it has ever had?” I could almost see him through the thick stalks and leaves now.

“I have been loath to let you go because I knew of your effect on me, but it’s not just me, is it, Laoina?” The Fae King’s back was to me, but with that, he turned his head, pegging me with a look. “You’re affecting everyone, everything you come in contact with. Things are turning for the better here, and I think.. Perhaps.. I was wrong.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“I cannot hold you here. Go and find Thema.” With a pained exhale that I felt to my bones, the Fae King shoved himself to his feet and began to stride off. I yipped, racing from the vines, completely stunned at the strange turn of events. He was sending me home? Why? And why was he ignoring me as he walked away? Something about this seemed wrong. After everything he’d done to keep me here, something just rang false..

I watched him walk away from me, back straight, shoulders stiff, heading back towards the castle for several more minutes, a growing feeling of dread settling into my very bones. I watched until the feeling made me almost sick before spinning around and bolting in the opposite direction. The direction I was hoping I could find Thema. My conscience only bothered me a little. Or so I told myself. After all, he’d abducted me, right?