Lovers and Rivals

By Alexis Donkin

Eleventh grade botany and art, to forbidden romance and freak natural disasters? Climate isn't the only thing changing in the life of Khloe Alwell.

At just sixteen, Khloe is thrown into the middle of an ancient and often violent conflict between two halves of the Otherworld - the Seelie and Sidhe. Now Khloe finds herself struggling to learn the ways of her father's court, deal with heartbroken boys, navigate a complex relationship with her new weapons instructor, and come to terms with the truth of an ancient prophecy. In order to reach her full potential, Khloe must surrender her humanity and accept a role she never expected or wanted. With attacks on her life as she fights her father's rules, Khloe will decide whether she will choose her own way, or follow her destiny and heal the Otherworld.

Follow Khloe in LOVERS & RIVALS, book 2 of the epic fantasy series KHLOE ALWELL, as she discovers exactly what is meant for her beyond the veil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexis Donkin
• Release date: Jan 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466175198

Alexis Donkin

Alexis Donkin is passionate, purposeful, and prolific. If Margaret Atwood and C.S. Lewis had a lovechild, it would be her.Alexis currently lives in Southern California with her family and real-life familiar. She has lived many places and studied many things. Between writing, speaking, and chasing her kid, she paints, sings, and dances. Sometimes she does it all at once. Be sure to connect with her and sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/btmIPD

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Lovers and Rivals

Book 2 The Khloe Alwell Series

By: Alexis Donkin

2nd Edition

Copyright 2015, 1st Edition 2012 Alexis Donkin

All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1 - Beginnings

Little more than twinkling stars greeted us, that first night under the veil. The flickering outdoor lights made the palace difficult to see. As I expected, the UnSeelie veil followed a different timeline, or maybe it was just a different timezone. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket, happy to see the LED flashing. Amazingly, it still worked despite hopping several veils. The touchscreen blazed 9 AM in bold digital numbers. I sighed wistfully.

By this time, one class would have ended and another begun in my old Massachusetts high school. I imagined what my best friend Dani would be doing, and how the Grech boys would spend their morning without me there. But that was far from this place. I could never go back, not knowing what I knew now. Not now that I was with my family. My UnSeelie family.

The four of us materialized in a dark courtyard, paved in smooth stones, glittering as they reflected the low light. It was beautiful in its dark way. I couldn't help but remember the Grech manor at night, the welcoming lights beckoning to passersby. In this case, it was the stones themselves; they seemed cozy and warm despite their hard smooth surface.

What a strange place!

We were immediately observed. The staff was waiting for us. A group of guards, along with several heralds stepped out of the darkness to greet us. Like all my father's guards, they were dressed in black and deep purple. Then an older, more stately man walked smoothly towards us. His uniform was a slightly different design, and he moved with a kind of authority that only a high-ranking servant can have.

It's so good to see you sire! the servant said, displaying all his perfect white teeth as he smiled. And now with your lovely daughter Princess Khloe, your family is complete! He bowed to us.

"Yes it is a great blessing to have everything ... resolved." My father smiled as he paused over his last word. For a moment, I saw the memory of the last few weeks flicker in his blue eyes. I pushed it away from my own thoughts to focus on the task ahead. I had to own my newly discovered title - princess of the UnSeelie, sister to the crown prince of the UnSeelie realm. I swallowed and tried to lick my dry lips. As excited as I was about this new adventure, I couldn't ignore the creeping sensation in my gut whenever I thought about court politics. My friends from Massachusetts told me about such things - they had dealt with them for a long time in the Seelie world. In just a few short months, I had dealt with my own share of Seelie court politics. My life turned on its head. I used to feel abandoned by my parents. I used to move every year or so. I used to think I was an average human teen. Then I found out I was a princess of a powerful nation with supernatural abilities.

My name is Avdon. I am the palace steward your highness. The man addressed me directly, calling me back to the present. Tomorrow would your brother, Prince Toran, care to take you about the grounds or would you prefer to have one of your attendants show you?

My mother cleared her throat and smiled, drawing Avdon's attention.

I think now sleep is perhaps in order. We have stopped several times in our travels here. It's been a long day. You need to acclimate yourself to this time and it is rather late. She frowned at me. While it had been tiring, the time it took seemed less than a day, though I had lost my concept of time. Only my cell phone kept track and according to it, we only took an hour. Or had it been twenty-five?

Very good your majesty. Avdon bowed, Myra will show you to your suite. I raised my brows slightly. I wondered what kind of accommodations were fit for a long-lost princess. Wistfully my thoughts wandered to the vine-covered lattice screen and fountain that constantly bubbled in my room at the Grech manor. Seeing Myra smiling at me, in her dark attire, I was called back to the present. She beckoned me with her eyes. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, and followed her.

I heard my mother and brother's footsteps echo across the stones as they walked towards another door in the palace, presumably to their own suites. It appeared that each of us had our own separate corners. Judging from the hallway I found myself in, my new home had many.

Myra was a lithe thing. She walked softly and swiftly across the smooth tiles of the long hallway. If I hadn't been paying attention, I would have lost her in the palace maze. The walls were barely discernible under the dim sconces. They looked like suspended groups of dancing fireflies. I found myself staring at the sconces, getting lost in the dancing, which only blinded me when I looked back to Myra's slender, dark form.

Your highness must feel … out of sorts. Myra's speech broke the silence like a series of tinkling bells - disarming and sweet. Though it was strange and new, I found myself soothed by the sound, however irritated I may have been by my new title.

You don't need to call me ... I coughed the hoarseness out of my throat.

She paused and turned toward me.

Just...just call me Khloe.

Myra smiled politely, her eyes kind.

"While I am the only one in your presence, as you wish. Otherwise, there are - rules."

Oh.

She nodded and once again headed down the hall, which made several twists until we stopped in front of a large, intricately carved, wooden door. It reminded me of the door to my room in the Grechs' home, though this was much more ornate. I stared at the forest scenes in the molding. Floral patterns accented with designs of oak and mistletoe on the door itself warmed my heart.

Myra turned to me and smiled.

This is your suite. She gestured with her right arm and the large door opened slowly. Inside the rooms were dark. I could make out high ceilings, glass along several walls, and warm wood floors. I walked in and through the first room to the furthest wall. A large bed loomed in the dark.

I hope you find it satisfactory.

I plopped onto the large bed, the soft velvet of the covers rustled with my force.

It's great! I don't really know what it looks like, but sure, it's fine.

If you need anything, Myra approached me timidly holding out a small, silver bell, Just ring this and a servant will attend you.

My brows raised.

Do you need anything now, or shall I leave you to rest?

Actually I do need to know a couple of things. Where are the lights? The bathroom? Are my things already here? And can I get some water or something to drink? I blurted breathlessly. The words poured out so quickly Myra chuckled. I say chuckle, if you could call it that – her laughter was an extension of the tinkling silver bells of her voice.

There is a candle by your bed. She gestured and a candle came to life on the previously hidden nightstand. The room began to reveal its colors slowly - reds, greens, and golds. Myra called my attention back with her voice.

Your bath is beyond that door there, she nodded to the same wall. Next to the nightstand, perhaps a yard away, was a large door, less ornate than the entrance, but still displaying beautiful carvings. This time, the wood showed scenes of mermaids, fish, and other water themes. Suddenly I wondered what existed in the UnSeelie world.

And something to drink? I turned back to her.

Um, again the silvery bell chuckle, if you look on your nightstand again. Behind the candle was a glass pitcher and glass cup sitting on a small metal tray. My eyes had ignored the colorless things.

Oh. I felt heat rise to my face.

It's a new place. Don't worry, Myra said gently, you'll get used to everything in time.

I guess so.

Tomorrow you'll have a chance to see the palace and grounds. I'm sure you'll meet some interesting people as well. A seed of anxiety sprouted in my chest at her words.

Yes...

Oh, your things should be in the closet, which you'll find to one side in the bathroom. Everything is already taken care of. Someone will come tomorrow morning and help you dress.

Excuse me?

"Well, we can't let you go out in just anything."

I think I can dress myself.

"Of course, but perhaps someone would be able to advise you. That way, she looked at me carefully, you'll be sure to fit in."

Oh. I nodded slowly. I might not be able to handle people serving me hand and foot, but I could definitely use help blending in. One thing I learned moving from place to place while growing up – you should at least consider help when offered, especially if it aids fitting into a place. Jeans and a striped tunic might not go over so well with the UnSeelie court, and I didn't know the expectations for an UnSeelie princess.

Right. That's a good idea.

Myra smiled graciously.

Well I think that's all you need right now. If you can think of anything, feel free to ring for me. She bowed her head slightly adding, Have a good night and pleasant dreams Princess.

Khloe.

Yes...uh... Khloe, she said reluctantly as she smiled.

Good night Myra.

In a moment, the door clicked closed and I was alone. My excitement around following day made my heart beat furious and fast. It was a new world for me to explore, new people to meet, new things to see, and I couldn't wait. I had a complete family after sixteen years of separation. There was no question they loved me and would give me anything I needed. I stripped to my underwear and crawled into bed, not wanting to try to find anything in my new closet. The sheets were aromatic, smelling like lavender and chamomile. Snuggling into my pillow, I breathed deeply, and fell into an easy sleep.

Before I opened my eyes, the sound of a light wind rustling reached my ears. Birds chattered brightly. There seemed to be a low hum coming from somewhere. I opened my eyes slowly. I was laying in a fourposter bed made of rich wood. The posts were carved simply when compared to the doors to my chambers. Light streaming from the large window reflected off my red velvet covers displaying their softness. I sat up and surveyed my surroundings. My new home was darker than the Grech manor, where I spent the previous autumn. The ceiling wasn't nearly so high, though it was clear as I looked around, I effectively had my own apartment within the palace. From the bed I saw the hint of bookshelves in one section, a harp and blank canvas in another, as well as a sitting area near the chamber entrance.

I visited the bathroom, which as I expected, was full of ornate water-themed carvings, most in marble. I was pleased to see recognizable taps in the large tub, and a shower almost like a fountain. Behind the tub I could see some of my own human toiletries clashing violently with my Seelie ones. Beside those were bottles I had never seen before. Every UnSeelie item was housed in ornate crystal or stone. Nothing was simple. I laughed at the thought. Nothing in my life is simple. After a quick shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and heard a stronger rustling. I started.

Hello? I peered into my bedroom, walking slowly. Is someone there?

Ahem.

I looked down and stared. Before me was a riot of color which I soon determined was a very petite woman.

Princess. The woman bowed flamboyantly. She had long wildly teased hair with streaks of pink and pale blue, and wore an outfit that would put Cindy Lauper to shame. I am here to help you dress.

Right...th-thank you. I smiled at her even as she looked at me like I had five heads. Did I do something already? She's the one who looks like she stepped out of an 80s music video that referenced a Jim Henson flick!

Your highness will need to wear something that reflects your position, but allows some freedom of movement considering you will be reviewing the grounds. Freedom of movement?

"Um, what exactly does that mean?"

A tinkle of laughter similar to Myra's the night before came from the woman's tiny mouth, which she covered delicately. Her dark eyes sparkled as she shook her head and leapt past me to the bathroom and the large closet on the left side. It was large enough to boast its own windows and several ornately framed mirrors, positioned in such a way to show the viewer at every possible angle.

My little dressing woman leapt from the floor to the top of a built-in dresser to peer at a series of unfamiliar dresses hanging in color order. She flipped through the fabrics, humming, leaping, and cocking her head this way and that, like an excited bird closing in on a worm. Finally, she jumped straight up in the air and plucked a crimson and gold silk confection. A glance told me there was some boning involved, though luckily for me, no lacing.

This will do. She leapt to stand on a short island in the middle of the closet with shelves for shoes and small drawers along the top edge that I assumed housed my jewelry.

Remove your towel.

Uh... I stood there, dumb.

"Remove your towel, please."

It was basically an order. I dropped my towel and within seconds the dress was somehow on me, along with some supportive undergarments, which all fit perfectly. I was fully clothed, but felt completely naked. Meanwhile, the strange creature responsible was purring and smiling wistfully.

Yes. Perfect! She gestured towards the mirror, Now, hair. Face.

I stared at my reflection as the birdlike woman flicked from one side to another inspecting me before disappearing behind my full crimson skirt. Suddenly a wind blew around my head and the top of my rich brown hair was up, semi-braided and the rest curled down my back. Another zephyr breezed across my face, and I closed my green eyes. When I opened them, every feature of my face was emphasized in the best way. My outlined eyes shone bright green. My cheeks were just slightly pink. More than that, I couldn't but stare at my lips. It was as though I had eaten a frozen fruit pop that stained them something between red and purple.

I'm hot! I must have gasped because the bird-like woman tinkled a laugh.

Myra will show you to breakfast. She nodded, and in a flash disappeared. I strode to the sitting area near the entrance of my chambers. The couches were dark leather, accented with carved wood and bits of floral brocade. I sat staring at the wooden panels and the carved marble fireplace. I didn't have to wait long before the door creaked open.

Princess, we're here to take you to meet your brother for breakfast, Myra announced as she and an under-servant entered. Both curtsied and unsurprisingly, wore dark purple with blue and black accents. Their hair was up and back. I sensed a trend.

Okay. I sucked in a deep breath and followed, as Myra and her underling led me out of the room, and down the twisting hall. In the daylight I saw the hall had windows to one side, while the other boasted large doorways opening to all kinds of tributaries and chambers. It seemed 'my' hall was along a major artery of the palace. Eventually we turned to the right, inwards. After passing several doorways, we came upon a set of double doors that may have been called French in another place and time. These opened onto a lovely courtyard that also served as a kind of balcony where one side ended at a sharp cliff edge. My father literally surveyed his kingdom from the palace.

Toran was already at breakfast, his blue-black hair gleaming in the morning light. His blue eyes sparkled. He was sitting in a beautifully carved wooden chair, drinking a steaming beverage while reading something that looked suspiciously like a newspaper. Newspapers?! Maybe the world beyond the veil wasn't quite as different as I expected.

Without looking up, Toran smiled.

Morning! Hot beverage to his lips – it smelled like coffee and sassafras together. I suspected the flavor was unfortunately something completely different.

Morning! I replied warmly. A servant that had been standing in the shadows, ran up and pulled out a chair for me. Somehow I kept my composure and sat when prompted. In another few seconds, a translucent glass of pink juice, plate of eggs, some fried starchy thing, and a steaming mug were in front of me. Everything was served so promptly and silently, I hardly knew what happened. All of it was on the finest china. I stared at it instead of digging in immediately. Toran continued to read his news.

"It's not dissimilar from what you ate before. He took another sip. Eggs are eggs – though these come from our geese and ducks."

You have geese and ducks?

There is truth to fairytales. He grinned smugly and I rolled my eyes.

And this? I held up the steaming mug. My brother looked up at me, holding me in his blue gaze for a few seconds, before glancing at the cup.

Mulled pinyon berry tea. It's not coffee and it's not like human tea – something in between. Maybe like masala chai you get in Indian restaurants.

How do you know so much about the human world? I asked stupidly.

Toran smiled into his mug as I finally dug into my breakfast. Weird though it looked, it tasted more delicious than anything I had ever eaten on Earth.

Mom made me spend time there. I visited Crete... though I never met our relatives.

Our relatives – the ones I didn't know existed until a few months ago. I was instantly envious.

I went a few other places.

I see. I sipped the pinyon berry concoction. Hmm.

Do you like it? Toran watched me with genuine interest. He was obviously more concerned about my happiness than he let on.

It's different. I smacked my lips.

His brow furrowed.

But I think I do. I smiled at him which he quickly returned.

Good. I'm glad. He watched me as I finished my meal. "So I'm going to take you around – show you things. We're going to be quick about the grounds, well, as possible."

What do you mean?

"Well, let's just put it this way – there's a lot to see. I figured I would show you more of the area around the palace today. This afternoon before dinner we might get to some of the wings."

My brows rose.

Really?!

Really.

After breakfast Toran and I set off for the entrance to the palace which was an adventure in itself. It felt like I would never get my bearings – each hall led to another. Staircases abounded and everything looked the same. Servants all dressed alike, and though I knew eventually I would be able to tell them apart, for the moment, they were a sea of unfamiliar faces clad in black and purple.

We finally reached the entrance hall which was grander than anything I had personally seen, though it certainly rivaled some of the more luxurious palaces I heard of in the human world. I found myself thinking of ancient emperors and the extreme wealth their homes boasted.

As we left the entrance hall, my curiosity got the best of me.

"Why is there so much space? It must be so empty for only one small family."

Toran laughed, looking sidelong at me.

"Where do you think the servants sleep? The guards? The ranking officers in our military? The courtiers? This isn't a single family home – it's a compound."

Oh.

He shook his head slightly which made me blush.

I didn't know, I whispered.

"Yeah …well. We grew up very differently."

As we walked down the smooth stone road, I noticed large looming trees to one side, a rolling field on the other, and maybe one or two outlying buildings. There were no fences whatsoever. The road diverged and we took the fork towards the field.

So where are we going?

The stables.

Horses.

A pleasant memory from earlier that year floated through my mind. The last time I was around horses had been the ride I took with Freyr, the blond light-elf, crown chieftain of Asgard and Alfheim. Freyr's tan skin and blue eyes flashed through my mind and I shivered. The last time I had been in the Luft family stables, Freyr had given me an apple – a symbol of commitment and promise in the Otherworld. It felt so long ago, but it had only been weeks. I frowned, pushing the memory out of my mind. If I was lucky, I would see him again soon, but I had no idea when that would be.

I don't see any buildings. Confused, I looked around the field.

"We don't keep our animals the same way humans or Seelie do."

How...?

Just wait for it. There was a note of excitement in his voice. I walked a little faster to catch up to him. He kept up a quick pace and I felt my shorter height next to him, though by human standards, I was above average at five feet, eight inches.

Wait for what?! I whined. I worried that my hair and makeup would be undone by my exertions. Toran merely smiled as we crossed the field to a cairn of large rocks. A series of standing stones had been arranged just past it, and past that, I saw something I didn't believe existed. I gasped, stopping in my tracks.

Toran... are they...are they real?

He laughed.

As real as you or me. He stopped to revel in my shock before trudging off to the herd in front of us.

They were huge - white, palomino, roan, and dappled. As I got closer I could see how they resembled the large northern horses of Europe, but these were so much more. These had wings. When we got a little closer, a few of them looked at us briefly before returning to their grass. I couldn't help but smile like a kid on Christmas morning.

Can I touch one? I whispered.

Sure. A palomino was closest. I approached slowly until it was clear the mare would let me touch her. As far as I could tell, they felt like horses feel and smelled like horses smell.

So the only difference really is the wings?

Toran nodded.

More or less. They eat a lot more. Flying uses a lot of energy I guess, he shrugged.

So how do you keep them here?

Well pegasuses are territorial. This herd was bred here, so they come here to roost. We take care of them, make sure they have adequate shelter as needed, and in exchange, we get to ride them.

That makes it sound like you have an agreement with them or something, I laughed.

Well, that's part of our culture, Toran shrugged again as he leaned against one of the standing stones. "We're not so arrogant to say we own animals. We have relationships with them. It's how we keep balance."

Balance. There was that word.

Yes. I'm sure the Grechs talked to you about that.

Balance – the whole reason why the UnSeelie exist – because you couldn't agree how to strike it with the humans. I felt myself grow hot. It was already such a loaded word for me. Before it was something for yoga classes and Buddhist coffee table books. Now it made my stomach bubble and my head pound. Noticing my discomfort, Toran started towards me.

Are you okay?

I took a few breaths and calmed down.

Yeah, yeah, sure. I took my hand from the beautiful creature and turned to him. So what's next on the agenda?

Toran blinked.

Well, do you want to see our farm?

"Uh, well, sounds - er – interesting," I temporized, trying to hide my lack of enthusiasm. My brother grinned.

Or we could check out the woods and the gardens, he suggested knowingly.

I think the woods and gardens would be better, you know, more my speed, I said casually. I wanted to assert my choice as little as I could without seeming totally uninterested in going to the farm portion of the palace. Though I did admit I was curious what distinguished the farm from the gardens. If they didn't keep animals, what did the farm do?

The farm has all our grown food stuffs. The orchard and planted food is there along with the animals we have relationships with. He smiled and gestured for me to walk back towards the looming trees and the extensive building that was now my home.

And the gardens?

They're for the sake of wooing elegant, courtly ladies of course, he grinned. I blew a raspberry at him.

Ugh! Whatever!

He laughed.

Seriously though, they're for beauty. I think you'll like them.

The road through the trees branched a second time to the other side of the palace and into an area that felt like it was fenced off, even if there weren't any fences. The hint of a boundary every so often with a standing stone, or a carefully cultivated hedge, separated the thoughtfully planned garden.

The garden itself was an explosion of greens and other hues - trees, shrubs, and ground coverings prevented any patch of dirt from being bare. Rivulets flowed over small rocks and divided the garden into sections. The water was easily crossed with small stepping stone bridges. Butterflies floated, bees buzzed, birds and squirrels chittered as they each found their respective morning meals. Flowers bloomed from every height, in every shape, size, and color I could imagine. My face lit in sheer ecstasy.

Toran! I breathed, This is amazing! I ran from plant to plant inspecting and twirling as I went. Toran just laughed at my antics.

It's Mom's design. She's been working on it for years. I think it was something for the two of you, once you were able to be here.

I love it! It's wonderful! I skipped through the plants inhaling each one's smell, listening to each song and whisper they shared. It was overwhelming. Had I been alone I would have sung. I neared the far edge from where we entered and stopped. A figure, perfectly still, perched on a boulder under one of the weeping trees. From where I stood, I could tell it was male. He had been so silent, so still, I never would have seen him, except as I neared he moved slightly, betraying his position.

Hello. The voice was raspy with disuse. He must have been sitting there for some time. Smoothly he uncoiled, jumped down, and brought himself into the sun. Like my brother, he was tall, with broad shoulders. His hair was dark, more purple than the blue black of the men in my family. His eyes were the color of steel and river rock.

Hello, I replied slowly.

I haven't seen you before, he said without preamble. He cocked his head as my brother's footsteps sounded nearer. Then Toran was beside me, a slight smile on his face.

That's because she's my sister, Khloe.

Sorry, your majesty. The boy bowed mockingly low. He really was a boy, my brother's age perhaps. When he stood, a smirk crossed his mouth.

This is Cam, Toran introduced.

Jester, friend, and confidante of Toran. He glanced from brother to sister in a way that sent a shiver across me. Perhaps Khloe as well? He raised a brow.

I laughed wryly.

We'll see.

"Well, I was sitting here contemplating my existence when you came in ready to sing."

I started at his word. There was something about Fair Folk boys – they had an uncanny ability to be unnervingly creepy. The worst part was, I don't think anyone ever let them know. Someone needs to call these guys out!

Sorry, I never learned to be still or quiet. I stuck my chin up to challenge him, but he just smiled. For someone that looked born of the night, he had a sunny disposition. He was all smiles in a warm and irritatingly charming way. It was unsettling.

So, I think it's almost time for lunch, interrupted my brother. Toran glanced at the sun's place in the sky. Cam, want to come? I think it's just sandwiches and things. My mom wanted all the prep to go to dinner tonight. My brother shrugged apologetically.

Yeah, that'd be great. Cam's grin widened. I glared at him. I'd love a chance to pester your sister. He looked at me appraisingly.

Hmph.

I turned and started back the way we had come. Now I knew my way to and from the garden. It was inside the palace that caused me anxiety. I tried to retrace the path to my suite and struggled at the second or third turn. Everything looked the same.

Suddenly, echoes of Toran and Cam's conversation brought me back to the present. They were trying to be quiet, but sound travels, even to someone as blundering as me.

So, your sister...

Yes? I heard the beginnings of a growl in Toran's voice. I smiled to myself.

She's ...different. Toran exhaled in relief. Maybe our time in the Seelie world had affected him more than I expected. He had needed to wield all his protective powers as my brother when I was attacked by the heir of Knockma. I had almost been raped, except Toran was able to save me at the last minute. It was the kind of thing that stuck with you, heightening your senses and your wariness. I doubted my brother wanted to behave that way with his friend.

She is that.

...and quite beautiful.

I heard it before Toran's fist connected; the whooshing sound, followed by a thud against Cam's shoulder, the cursing and laughter afterwards.

Well she is!

I know. It's a problem.

Cam was silent.

She already has two Seelie after her. Another attacked her because he wanted her so bad... at least... something like that.

I see. Cam's voice was a mixture of surprise and flatness. I heard that flatness before. It was the kind of thing people did when they closed something off from the world – when they were hiding.

"Yeah, it was a total mess. My dad wanted her to come back anyway, you know, bonding and whatnot. That just sealed the deal. Of course, the Seelie guys are nobility, so they may end up visiting some time. Nothing we can do to prevent it, not with everything."

Prevent it? I wondered why he would be so eager to keep Freyr and Constantine from seeing me. There was so much I didn't understand.

Right, sure. Again, flatness.

You okay?

Of course! Why wouldn't I be?

Now Toran laughed.

Oh man. Forget it. We were almost through the woods. I could see the palace through the last few rows of trees.

What?

Look, my mom is Arcana – part Aphrodite. My sister got a healthy dose of that talent. She affects people constantly. She doesn't have very much control yet. Don't let it get to you.

Seriously? The trees were gone and I could see the huge doors that led to the grand entry-way.

Toran! I stopped and turned at the same moment Cam tripped. Cam – who had been so still he had been invisible – lost control of his feet. Cam flushed a deep purple and Toran laughed, while I scowled.

Yeah?

I can't remember how to get anywhere in this place. They stopped next to me, with Toran still laughing and Cam lightening to scarlet.

No problem.

Toran took lead and Cam somehow managed to walk closer to me than his friend, though he suffered many dirty looks from both of us because of it. I guess boys really are the same everywhere.

We had wound our way through half the palace when Toran turned to me.

Would you like to freshen up?

I glared at him, hurt.

"Do I look that bad?"

Toran laughed.

No, you look fine to me, but other courtly ladies usually want to.

Well I'm not that vain. Defiantly, I stuck my chin out and crossed my arms. Toran smiled with pride while Cam stared wide-eyed.

Alright, then let's have lunch!

We found our way to the patio where I had met my brother for breakfast. Instead of a few small wooden tables here or there, a large rectangular one had been covered by a white cloth and set. Already there were a few people standing around chatting as if their conversations had been continued from elsewhere. Most of them had such dark hair it could have been carved from onyx. Every now and then I saw a flash of bright colors, reminding me of the small bird-like woman who dressed me.

Does everyone have black hair here?!

Toran smirked at me.

Shades of black and red. You won't see any blonds here, and the only brunettes I've seen are you and Mom. I turned sharply towards him.

Seriously?!

Yeah, he grimaced, but you'll be okay. Clearly my friend likes you already. He rolled his eyes making me laugh. Ready? Up until this point I had been standing towards the edge. I hadn't noticed that I stopped to survey the scene.

Here goes nothing, I muttered and nodded to Toran. When we stepped into the bright sunlight, the small group that had gathered all turned. I don't suppose my red and gold gown helped. I muttered to Toran, Remind me to never wear this color again. He chuckled under his breath.

"Darlings! My mother moved towards us in a lovely cerulean. I wished I had been so lucky to wear something so unobtrusive. She kissed our cheeks. Khloe you look lovely! Beaming at us she went on, I'm so glad to see you and your brother spending time together! Did you see the herd?" She seemed so excited to have us back – so happy. It was infectious.

Yes! They were beautiful! I smiled as I thought of the palomino I touched. And we saw your garden! Mom, it's gorgeous! I beamed. It felt almost like before, when I thought I was human, almost. I turned to see Toran matching our smiles. Then my mother looked past us to our companion.

Ah Camulus!

Camulus? I muttered to Toran.

That's his full name.

No wonder you call him 'Cam.'

Toran chuckled.

"I'm so glad you met Khloe! I know the three of you will get along swimmingly!" She grabbed one of my hands, and then one of Cam's. Oh no! Dread crept up my throat. I took a deep breath and then she relinquished our limbs. Let's sit down. Camulus, your parents were meeting with us this morning. I thought we could all take lunch together! Then maybe you could take Khloe around the palace a little bit? She was looking at Cam and Toran, but I had a feeling she intended Cam to accept. Toran was a given. Then she turned to me, Unless you haven't had a chance to see the village?

Village? From what I remembered, there was nothing remotely resembling a village outside the palace.

Yes – well, city really. You boys should take her! my mother said excitedly. I didn't relish the idea of walking all the way out of the palace a second time. However I was at their mercy, and I would rather have a guide than not.

We approached the table and I felt a momentary panic. I knew it would be a light lunch and therefore not quite as formal. I also knew that meant no name tags. So where was I supposed to sit? There had to be some rule about that. The palace was the kind of place that had rules for everything, even if they weren't written down. Toran, good brother that he was, sensed my panic and lightly squeezed my arm.

Don't worry, he gestured to one side of the table, kids sit together.

Suddenly, servants rushed to pull out our chairs. I guessed it had something to do with our status. Toran thankfully sat next to me while Cam sat across the table.

So have you met anyone else? Cam asked.

No. I thought of Myra and my dressing woman. It was clear he hadn't meant servants.

Well now's your chance, he muttered, smiling tightly as a copper-haired girl in a slinky, burnt sienna gown walked in our direction. As she approached, I watched her appraise the situation. When her gaze found me, her hazel eyes flashed just a moment, before her face broke into a carefully formed smile.

She moved towards the chair next to Cam, as a servant rushed to pull it out for her and then push it into the table when she sat.

Cam.

He barely glanced at the girl but nodded.

Toran. She smiled warmly at my brother.

Toran smiled and nodded. I genuinely hoped he wasn't attached to her. There was just something about her that set me off.

"And who is this?" She looked at me like she was imagining my body drawn and quartered.

This is my sister, Khloe. Toran looked at me warmly. I felt him squeeze my arm again. Don't let her get under your skin. I looked at him quickly. We hadn't communicated mind to mind for some time, and never in words. I sent him a rush of gratitude for the warning and for the useful skill. This is Macha.

It's nice to meet you Macaw.

She laughed.

No, MOH ka.

Oh, sorry. Macha. The adults were busy in their own conversations. I could vaguely see a couple purple-black heads which I assumed were Cam's parents. Someone sported dark red, and a few other black-haired wonders beside my parents talked politics, or whatever issue was on people's minds that day. Then it hit me. They were talking about me.

So. Macha was coy as she unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap.

So.

You grew up Seelie. It was a statement, not a question.

Actually, I grew up human. This time both Cam and Macha's brows rose.

Really? Cam was suddenly very interested in the conversation. What was that like? Macha gave Cam a dirty look which he ignored.

Well, a lot less exciting I guess. I took a bite from my sandwich thinking I was done, but my audience continued to watch me intently. Hastily, I swallowed. Uh, well, I didn't know I could do anything, so it was like none of that existed. I took another bite out of my sandwich.

I haven't been to Seelie veils. Macha furrowed her copper brow.

"Not Seelie, human," Toran corrected.

Right, whatever. She waved her hand as though swatting a fly.

Well, it's not like Seelie don't have powers, abilities. And they're completely different than humans – they have their own separate shared history. It's a world within a world, I said before taking another bite. My brother only smiled between mouthfuls.

Right, said Macha slowly.

So what do humans do? Cam asked eagerly, as he moved to the edge of his seat.

What, for fun?

He nodded.

Well they play games, sports, paint, sing, dance, see shows – all the normal things. You must do that as well.

Well, sure.

Humans just can't control elements or forces.

Huh! Cam sat back in his seat.

Sounds boring! Macha muttered before taking a bite of her food. Toran merely smiled before taking a sip of his water.

At least it was predictable. Like seasons. This new life I was leading was completely foreign. I had been lucky to move along a gradient, from human, to Seelie, to