Trickster Business: Wyrd Love, #6

By Cynthia Diamond

A Trickster Fae has come to Whitmore and there are only three things he could want; tribute, trouble, or the powerful ley-lines that Wendy Conelly is sworn to protect. Even though Galen's cocky grin makes her knees weak, she'll be damned if the pointy-eared bastard starts anything in her town. But after trapping him with an unbreakable vow, she must resist his fiery kisses to collect the favor he now owes her. And Wendy is dangerously close to relenting to Galen's deepest desires. Perhaps with a little magical persuasion, she could have the fae and his favor as well.

 

Cunning, charming, and devastatingly handsome (as declared by himself) Galen the Gregarious is on a mission to gather Whitmore's magical ley-lines for his Empress and free his brother from imprisonment. Yet a beautiful and arrogant mage has captured him with his own hubris, bringing his quest to a screeching halt. Wendy is always one step ahead of his trickster schemes, making his blood boil and his passion soar. Now, instead of defeating her, he wants to claim her as his own. But Wendy will never surrender. And the fate of his brother, as well as his entire realm, rests on whether he can outsmart and out master the devious mage. 

 

The battle of wills has begun and only fate knows if it will end in total rapture or complete ruin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cynthia Diamond
• Release date: Jun 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393103158

Cynthia Diamond

Since she was a child, Cynthia craved anything that featured heroines with strong personalities. Now she writes books for sassy nerds with a sharp sense of humor. Starting her adult life in theater, she earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Costume Design, but her first love was telling stories. After some encouragement, she dove down the rabbit hole and created the Wyrd Love series.  When not telling tales about hot dragons and werewolves with tight behinds, Cynthia is an SCA geek and an amateur artist. She resides in sunny San Diego, California with her husband Max, two cats of varying intelligence, and a ton of goldfish.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Wendy had almost forgotten how huge Jack was. Now that he was looming over her, shoulders puffed and amber eyes burning, she was reminded. The dragon was always imposing, even in human form. Smoke snorted from his flaring nostrils and she took a step back, quivering her lower lip. Jack paused in mid glare, wincing at her expression. Under her frightened glamour she smiled. The lip quiver always worked, no matter what their relationship status. Still, she couldn’t remember the last time he was so angry.

Oh wait, she could.

It was when she had broken up with him.

Well, it's his own fault for not getting over it faster, she thought. 

Wendy glanced to her cousin, Adelle, who stood stiffly to the side, pinching her forehead. Adelle’s siren blood made her drop dead gorgeous which clearly caught Jack’s eye, whether he realized it or not. Wendy had been counting on that. He was always a sucker for damsels in distress, especially redheads.  That weakness was going to solve her current problem, namely getting Adelle out of her hair and out of her house.  Wendy was about to speak when a terrified death grip caught her arm.

Steven.

Oh yeah. She had brought the vampire along. Damn her memory.

A wiggle of Wendy’s nose swapped Steven’s fear with a stoic, fierce illusion, complete with flashing red eyes. Did half-vampire eyes change when angry? Well, they did now. Jack grumbled at their linked elbows, his rage renewing.  Worried murmurs echoed through the coffee shop, patrons moving as far away as they could while still enjoying their lattes.

Wendy, you told me you’d never screw around with me like this! Jack barked, his light Scottish accent thickening.

I’m not screwing around with you! You promised! Wendy replied.

Sure, Wendy might have planted a teeny, tiny persuasion spell in Jack’s brain, so he’d vow to protect Adelle. And Adelle might be in danger from vampires who had kidnapped her and fed off her magical blood. And Wendy might want that danger as far away as possible.  But it was a harmless spell. Just a nudge, really. With her knowledge of mind magic, she could have done a lot worse.  Steven moved closer, his fingers digging into her skin.

He won’t kill you, Wendy sent telepathically. Jack is a lot of things but he’s not a cold-blooded killer. Stop looking like a scared raccoon.

I’m going to be slayed by a dragon! Steven whimpered in her head. I can’t not look like a scared raccoon!

You. Are. Fine. She held onto him, in case he tried to bolt. On the off chance he does try to hurt you, I’ll make sure he doesn’t.

How? He’s three times your size!

Wendy turned to him with an arched brow and twisted lip. 

Steven blinked. Oh, yeah. The mind fuckery. Forgot about that.

Okay, let’s all relax here, Adelle said, her voice cutting through their mind-speak. Look, Jack. I need a place to stay. I’m sorry Wendy left that important part out but as melodramatic as this sounds, I’m not safe at Wendy’s place. At least not now.

Steven gave Wendy a frown. What does she mean, not safe?

Adelle ran into some vampire trouble down in San Diego and she was sent here to Washington to hide. Wendy tried to make her thoughts sound less annoyed. 

No wonder she kept giving me the side eye! I’m a vampire, Wendy! You should have told me this days ago!

Steven lifted his hand to his mouth as if trying to hide his fangs. Without batting an eye, Wendy reached up and pulled the offending appendage away, casting an illusion of Steven giving her a comforting squeeze.

Adelle scowled at the exchange, unaware of their ruse. Wendy’s urge to stick her tongue out at her cousin was overwhelming. Afterall, she was doing her a favor. Jack was fierce, loyal, and deadly. If anyone could protect her it would be him.

Adelle gave a hopeless sigh. Look, I don’t like this anymore than you do but please. I got nothing, man.

In an instant Jack softened. Wendy fought her grin.

Well it doesn’t matter anyways. Jack spit out his words like they were poison. I’m bound now. 

A dull pang strained against Wendy’s ribs. Guilt. That was definitely guilt.

Oh yes, her conscious muttered. You’re doing Papa proud with this behavior.

Instead of pretending her father wasn’t rolling in his grave, she flashed one of her best smiles. Can’t feel guilty with a great big smile. At least that’s what her mother always said. And God, her mother smiled a lot.

Fine. I got a spare room, Jack grumbled. You can stay with me for now, Adelle. He raked a hand through his hair, jaw clenched.

Another pang.

Wendy wiggled her fingers, her spell seeping between the dragon’s ears to whisper its sweet honey. You’re not mad. You’re only a bit miffed and will get over it.

Jack’s tension released and the fire in his expression faded.

Bull’s eye as usual.

Thank you, Wendy said, ignoring Adelle’s incredulous glare.  She patted her arm and told her Be good, please, then added in mind-speak: Not one word about my spells or I’ll wipe your memories clean!

Adelle snorted and plopped down at Jack’s table, not bothering to send a response. Good. Wendy didn’t want to hear it anyway. Before she could give anymore sneers to her cousin, Steven hauled her out, the bell over the door ringing madly on their exit.

Wendy looked back at What a Grind as she was dragged down the street. Jack and Adelle sat beside the picture window, staring awkwardly at each other. That would pass. It would only be a matter of time before Jack would fall all over her.  Wendy remembered how intrigued he had been when Adelle and her older sister Valerie came to help her move out of her father’s home.

Papa.

A hot sigh shook her chest. She tossed her head back, forcing that smile one more time.

Just count to ten and it will all go away! One. Two. Three...

Well, that could have gone better, Steven grumbled.

It went fine, Wendy replied. She ushered him further down the street, despite his car being parked right out front. Let’s take a walk.

Why?

In the distance a woman laughed. Steven almost jumped out of his skin.

Because of that reaction, right there, Wendy said. She rose on her toes and brushed his shaggy jet-black hair from his forehead. He seemed to calm.

Steven sighed. I don’t like being outside for long. Not since... you know.

I know. Wendy gestured to the sky overhead. But it’s broad daylight. 

Steven worried a fang across his lower lip, unconvinced. 

You’re safe. You’re with a Guardian, remember?

Yeah. Guardian of Whitmore. Not of the vampires. Do vampires even know what a Guardian is?

Stop being such a worry wart. She gave him a little nudge. This town is locked down. No one gets in or out without my knowledge, including crazy bloodsucking bitches.

His throat bobbed but he nodded, the grip on her arm tightening.

It was Autumn in Whitmore, blustery and grey. The air was sharp with a cold that would soon grow fierce. It sank into Wendy’s bones and she shivered, releasing Steven to pull her coat closed. Ski season was approaching, which meant the tourists would start pouring in. She would be a busy little bee making sure each one of them had good intentions coming into town. More sleepless nights. More mind spells to cast. The mere thought of it exhausted her.

God, I hate ski season.

So, now that Adelle is out of the house, do I still have to sleep on that air mattress in your room? Steven asked.

Wendy chuckled. No. You can have your room back. I’ll get your things out of storage.

Storage? Steven arched a dark brow. You put all my stuff in another dimension.

It’s called a sanctum, Steven. It’s just a pocket dimension. 

But it's still another dimension! He shoved the heels of his hands into his eye sockets. How do you even do that? And is it all still there? I know I don’t have much, but I can’t live without my laptop and-

Only I have access and I can open it at any time. Wendy shook her head. Honestly. You act like I don’t know what I’m doing.

"That’s because I don’t know what I’m doing!"

Then aren’t you fortunate that you have a friend who does? She gave his cheek a pinch and wiggle. Yes. Yes, you are.

Steven stared at her for a long moment, then muttered, You are so lucky you’re cute.

They continued their walk, Wendy fiddling with her buttons and Papa still lurking on the edge of her mind. Two years had passed, and the bad memories still squatted inside her like a sick toad. Weren’t they supposed to fade by now? There should only be his smile, the games they played, and the spells he had taught her. But all she saw were those milky white eyes and gaunt face. 

The wild rages.

The screams.

The blood.

What’s wrong? Steven asked.

Nothing. Nothing at all, Wendy said, adding an airy chuckle.

Uh huh. Sure.

The damn vampire had empathy like a laser scope. Since he moved in, Steven had developed the uncanny knack of cutting right through her bullshit. Today was no exception.

Stop it. You’re making that bug-eye expression I hate, Wendy snapped.

In reply, Steven opened his eyes wider. His upper lip curled, exposing his fangs and he gurgled, flicking his tongue like a lizard.

Wendy smirked, shoving him back. Quit it, you nutjob.

Steven chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Fine. Fine. That’s what I imagine your mom looks like, by the way. He made the face again.

Hush.

Like a cross between Joan Crawford and Ursula the Sea Witch. When Wendy gave him a blank look he sighed. Don’t mages watch movies? Or listen to music? Or leave the house?

Can I assume both of those characters are... aggressive?

Ooooh yes. He grinned.

Wendy tried not to laugh, half afraid her mother would hear. Annette Connelly had a way of knowing when others were mocking her. They continued on their way when a familiar voice called Wendy!

A tall, curvy woman hurried at them waving her arms as if flagging down a life raft. Wendy skidded to a halt, a tingle of excitement trailing down her spine.

Deirdre? she gasped. That was a face she hadn’t seen in years.

Deirdre caught up, tucking a lock of her black hair behind her multi pierced ear, the silver rings as bright as her smile. Get over here so I can hug you!

Wendy flung her arms around her neck, laughing loud. What are you doing here, Dee? It's been so long!

I live here now! Deirdre smiled. I finally got my teaching credentials! Guess who’s the new force mage professor in your town? She snapped her fingers and blue sparks flew from their tips in a mini tornado. She preened. That would be me.

Wendy clasped her hands to her chest. That’s wonderful! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?

Well, I figured you had left town by now. I mean, I heard about... The joy in her expression faded as she took Wendy’s hands. I’m so sorry about your dad, Wendy.

Wendy bit the inside of her cheek, Deirdre’s sympathy turning her insides to acid.

I know you two were close. And I know that it wasn’t... pretty.

Grief shook Wendy’s bones with a stinging jolt. It happens.

Deirdre leaned in, whispering, It's not something our kind does, but if you need them, I know some human grief counselors that-

Tell me all about your dream job, Wendy interrupted, swallowing the edge in her voice.

Deirdre stepped away, tugging at her oversized blue sweater. Oh, well... The old force professor just retired, and I was on the short list to take over. They set me up in an apartment near the school. I’m starting in the spring. Her wariness was replaced with glee and she spun a little pirouette. I can’t believe it! I’m going to be a professor! I worked so damn hard and it's finally coming to fruition! She blushed. Sorry. I didn’t mean to get so excited.

No, you should, Wendy replied. I’m ecstatic for you, Dee. Truly. The words tasted bitter.

You’re living your dream. And I’m still stuck here.

Deirdre gave her shoulder a squeeze. If I can do it, you can do it. You said you always wanted to travel and... She puckered her lips in thought. What is it you wanted to do, Wendy?

Fuck if I know anymore. Wendy thought.

She clenched her fists, tucking her hands behind her back. Oh, I already have my dream job.

Woah, really? Deirdre clapped. You finally told your mom off and became an enforcer?

Even better! Wendy held her arms out towards the buildings around her. I took papa’s mantle. I’m the new Guardian of Whitmore.

Deirdre’s smile waned. Oh. That’s... She widened her coffee colored eyes, as if trying to rally her enthusiasm. That’s great. Congratulations. And that’s what you want? Like, really want?

Absolutely. It's my family’s pride and tradition.

Okay, fine. Sure, Deirdre said. But you always talked about going into Enforcement when we were in college.

Wendy waved a hand Psht, it’s pretty much the same thing.

Not really. I mean, mages hardly need Guardians anymore. And you despised the idea of being Guardian. Hell, even your dad didn’t want to take the mantle.

Well he’s gone now! Wendy snapped.

I know. But your mom has always been... Deirdre paused as Steven slid beside Wendy, tugging on her sleeve like a lost child. Uh, can I help you?

Wendy looked between the two then yanked Steven into a hug. Oh, honey. I’m so sorry I didn’t introduce you!

Deirdre’s brows rose high. Who’s this?

This is Steven Lewis. Wendy pushed him away, dusted him off, then leaned her head against his shoulder. My new beau.

Wendy? Steven’s nervous voice rolled into her mind. I thought the whole boyfriend act was done after the Jack stuff?

Wendy ignored him, ruffling his hair. He’s a half-vampire. Steven, meet Deirdre Ramírez. We were roommates in college.

Deirdre sighed, resting her hands on her hips. "Another boyfriend?"

What, I’m not allowed to have a boyfriend?

No, it’s just- Hey! Watch it!

A tall figure swept through their conversation, hip checking Deirdre and bumping Wendy off the curb. Steven steadied them both with quick hands as the male barreled down the sidewalk, not sparing them a glance.

Wendy cupped a hand around her mouth, calling Rude! to his back.

He stopped in an instant, then turned. Wendy’s breath caught. He was gorgeous; ginger haired and sharp jawed, with a Grecian nose and high cheekbones dusted over with freckles. A shaft of sunlight peeked through the clouds, shining down on him like an omen. And his eyes. Dear God, his eyes were liquid gold.

My apologies, Lovely, he said, a hint of laughter under his low, smooth tones. He flourished a hand, giving the three a dramatic bow.

Wendy shook off her surprise. Be more careful. Others around here are not so forgiving.

He straightened, tossing his hair with a grin. Hidden under that bright mane were a pair of pointed ear tips. Wendy pressed her fingers to her throat. He was a fae. No, that was not just any fae, it was a fae with golden eyes.

He was a Trickster.

He didn’t seem perturbed by her souring expression. With a wrinkle of his nose, his eyes turned from gold to brown, the tips of his ears rounding until he looked human. He pressed a finger against his lips, then sauntered down the street.

Is that what I think it is? Deirdre whispered.

Yes, Wendy replied.

A Trickster in Whitmore? Where the ley-lines are?!

I have the ley-lines heavily warded, Wendy said. There’s no way he could find them.

What the hell is a Trickster? Steven asked. And ley-lines?

I’ll explain later. Wendy gave chase, fists clenched.

Wait, where are you going? Steven called after her in a panic.

Just stay with Deirdre! 

A Trickster fae in Whitmore.  One who wanted tribute, to cause trouble, or take claim of the powerful ley-lines that flowed beneath the town. Wendy narrowed her gaze. She’d be damned if some pointy eared asshole decided to start shit on her watch.

The Trickster turned the corner. Wendy broke into a sprint, stumbling into the town square. If she lost sight of him, he’d vanish for sure, hide somewhere in plain sight with his shape shifting. She spotted him settling on a bench under a whitewashed Victorian gazebo. He reached into his pocket. This was it. He was going to start his havoc right in the middle of town.  Wendy readied one of the few force spells she knew as he pulled out a hand full of...

Was that birdseed?

The Trickster whistled sharply between his teeth. A swarm of goldfinches flew from the branches of a tree, landing to pick the seeds with greedy little beaks. Wendy’s jaw fell open.

He was feeding the damn birds? Really?

A smile peeled across his lips as he clapped his hands clean and leaned back on the bench, looking to the sky. Wendy held her breath, waiting for the finches to explode, or at least transform into an army of mutated bird monsters. They only sang happily, finishing off the last of their lunch before fluttering back to their perches.

What in the-

The blare of a car horn made her screech. Wendy leapt onto the sidewalk as a truck zoomed past. Out of the corner of her eye, the fae canted his head towards her, mouth thinned in a thoughtful line. Wendy primly folded her hands and strolled towards him as if she wasn’t almost flattened like a pancake.  

Is this seat taken? she asked, nodding to the empty spot with one of her more beguiling grins.

The Trickster gestured beside him with a grand sweep of his hand. Be my guest.

She settled, adjusting the skirt of her blue dress with a feminine sigh. Lovely day, isn’t it?

He looked up to the miles of grey that blanketed Whitmore and chuckled. From a certain point of view, sure.

I happen to like blustery days, Wendy replied with a bat of her eyes.

Really? The fae tapped his chin. You look more like a summer type to be honest.

She giggled. You’re right. I’m not a fan of winter.  I’m only making conversation.

Ah. I see. Well, I couldn’t ask for a more stunning conversation partner.

Oh my. Aren’t you charming?

He smiled. Indeed, I am.

Wendy tittered while poking at his mental shields. 

They were down. 

Perfect.

She held her breath, prying open a gateway between their minds.

I wouldn’t recommend starting anything, she mind-spoke to him. 

The Trickster jerked in surprise, turning his astonished gaze on her. His mouth twitched then he threw his head back and laughed.

Not the reaction she wanted.  

You’re a mind mage? His voice rolled into her thoughts with ease.

Wendy nodded, lifting her chin proudly.  The Trickster slung an arm over the bench, casting his eyes back to the sky. 

So, we’re going to mind-speak, eh? Well, if that’s what you want, Lovely. I’m game.

What I want is to know what a Trickster wants with Whitmore. Wendy kept her serene expression intact despite the anger in her tone. 

The fae sighed. My disguise was too little too late, huh?

And very sloppy. Now please, answer my question.

Not to worry, Lovely. I’m only a tourist.

A tourist? Sure. Wendy smirked. The fae are not simply tourists.

He didn’t elaborate, only examined his fingernails as if she weren’t there. Wendy’s frown darkened. No one ignored Wendy Connelly and left with their brain still in one piece. She rested her chin on her knuckles, appearing peaceful and serene.

I get to decide if you stay or go, she snarled.

The fae let out another laugh. It was smooth, stroking her from head to toe. Wendy almost slid right out of her seat the moment it touched her mind. She shook off his velvet chuckle.

Clearly, you don’t know who I am.

You’re right, I don’t. Enlighten me.

Wendy bowed her chest, still not looking in his direction as she tossed her hair back. I am the Guardian of Whitmore.

The fae looked right at her. His eyes widened, then the corners of his mouth creased with laugh lines, as yet another glorious chuckle filled her.

Really? he asked. Why would you divulge such a thing? Are you showing off?

Wendy rolled her eyes in reply. All right, maybe she was showing off a little bit. She had to have some sort of clout with a fae to shoo him away. Power respected power.

The fae rubbed his palms together. Well, my day just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?  A fine day in the earth realm. A beautiful female sitting beside me. He turned to her, his gaze as hot as the sun. And I think I found what I wanted.

Warmth coursed through her, spreading from her chest to her fingertips. To her toes.

Between her thighs.

She almost arched towards him, aching for that lustful gaze to pour over her. Touching her core. Touching so much more than that. Wendy shoved herself to her feet, heart pounding. Too bad you can’t have me.

Thank you for the sit, she said out loud in an all too chipper tone.

The fae nodded, a twinkle of gold swimming under the dull brown of his irises. Anytime, Lovely. Anytime.

Wendy walked away, desperate to keep her pace and her pulse steady.  Without slowing, she glanced back. He was studying her like an algebra final. His human form flickered, the faint outline of his ears wavering and his eyes flashing to a brilliant gold. Butterflies filled her belly as the Trickster wiggled his long fingers with a wave then got to his feet and strolled away, leaving Wendy trembling.

She only wished it was out of rage

Chapter 2

The exquisite blonde disappeared down the street, her hypnotic backside swaying. Hate to see you go, Galen murmured. "But I love to watch you leave."

He grinned. The Guardian of this wee town was a mind mage. And a powerful one if she managed to slip past his shields. If a town had a Guardian, that meant they also had ley-lines. Just what he was hoping for. Now he just needed her full name and what type of drink she preferred so he could take her soul.

Easy peasey.

Galen slipped down an alley between a quaint looking bookshop and a grocery store. He swiped his hand through the air, a pinpoint of light pulsing under his palm. A sparkling edged portal tore the atmosphere and he stepped through.

White marble walls glittered like stars and the royal sigil -a laughing fox mask with two snakes entwined through its eyes- shined in brass on the doors.  Courtiers were strewn about his throne room in a wave of colorful silks, brocades, and jewels. They stopped their idle chatter, bowing before him respectfully and murmuring their greetings. Galen returned each in turn while basking in the sun pouring through the skylights of the domed ceiling. Thank the gods he was out of that earthly chill. With a flick of his fingers, the portal snapped closed behind him. 

Caid? he called.

No answer. 

The courtiers chuckled at the usual routine. Galen climbed the dais, plucking up the intricate crown of snakes that sat on his throne. He plopped it on his head, instantly feeling Caiden deep inside the palace.

Galen cupped his mouth and shouted, Caiden! I’m back!

His voice boomed through the halls. The giggles of the courtiers were followed by running footsteps. With a devilish grin, Galen rubbed his temples, sending his thoughts coursing through the corridors. The walls hummed, vibrating with power. Stone and wood groaned, the shifting floor tiles rippling like the ocean. Then everything settled, the room wider than before.

In the distance, a male cried, Oh, come on! The sound of running rose and fell as it constantly changed direction.

Wait for it. Galen tapped his foot, looking at his wrist as if he were wearing a watch. Waaaaait for it.

Speeding around the corner came a slender male, his long white blonde hair falling in wisps from its tie and his finely tailored suit a blur of yellow and red.  He skidded to a halt, boots squealing across the floor. In one fluid moment, he flourished his arm and fell to one knee, head bowed.  The room broke into thunderous applause.

Wow! Ten seconds faster than your usual, Caiden! Galen cheered. Good work!

Thank you, Caiden panted. He glared up at him, his pale skin dripping with sweat.

Are you training for something? Like a marathon? Galen shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, grinning like a cat.

Caiden glanced at the chuckling crowd then discreetly extended his middle finger at Galen with a smirk.

Well, it looks like I’m not the only one studying various earthly gestures, Galen said.

You just had to change the halls, didn’t you? Caiden grumbled. Of all the power you wield as king, that’s the one you use the most?

Galen pressed a hand to his chest and in his best snooty voice said, It is tradition.

Caiden shook his head with a little laugh. Permission to stand, Your Majesty?

Don’t call me ‘Your Majesty’, Galen said. I’m your brother.

All right. Permission to stand, dumbass?

Permission granted, asshole. He took Caiden’s extended hand and pulled him to his feet. Nobles. My brother and I need to discuss matters. If you would not mind...?

Galen nodded to the door. The courtiers made their way out, chattering along the way. Caiden dusted his knees, his upper lip curling in disgust.

Your clothes are hideous, he said.

What? Galen ran his hands down the front of him. I’m just blending in with the earth dwellers.

One snap of his fingers and his jeans and grey sweater rippled into an elegant purple brocade suit. He flicked some lint off its sharp lapel, then held out his hands. Better? 

I wish you would send a scout to do this work, Caiden said. It’s dangerous for you to go alone.

I don’t trust scouts. Galen fluffed his gold ascot. Besides, it's what everyone expects. We send one. They get apprehended. And then we’re in trouble.

And if you get captured, we’re in even deeper trouble.

I won’t get captured. I’m strong. I’m smart. Oh, and I’m the damn king. Galen rubbed his hands together eagerly. But that’s not the issue right now. Because I’ve returned successful.

Caiden lit up like a candle. You found ley-lines?

In a little town that’s crowded with Wyrdlings. And to confirm my findings... Galen grinned. There’s a Guardian.

Caiden blinked. Really?

A feisty one, too.

Galen’s thoughts fell back on the mage. Hells Bells, she was breathtaking; willowy and graceful with round eyes as blue as the summer sky and long, flowing hair the color of wheat. Her cheeks were rosy and her skin smooth and flawless. And dear lords and ladies that mouth. Full and pink. What would it take to see those plump lips wrapped around his throbbing-

Are you sure? Caiden’s voice cut through Galen’s lustful meditations. Guardians are anonymous. Only other mages know their identity.

She was trying to impress me. Galen buffed his nails against his vest. Her mistake. My gain.

So, what's the plan then?

I’ll buy her dinner and take ownership of her soul, then command her to grant me access to the ley-lines. Galen shrugged. It’s not that hard.

Caiden clicked his tongue. You really think you can buy a mage a meal? Don’t underestimate them, Gale. They’re among the smartest of the Wyrd.

Not as smart as us.

But what if-

Galen held up a hand, silencing Caiden. His ear twitched at a faint shuffling from the hall and he closed his eyes. Someone is eaves-dropping.

His will pulsed through his crown and it flowed through the palace, reaching out through every square inch. Somebody was lurking in their halls. The intruder wasn’t sneaking but they also weren’t making an effort to hurry along.

Galen reached towards the towering doors and they slammed shut with a boom. His will tendrilled out once again, shifting the hallways to reroute the uninvited guest. When the intruder moved into the kitchens, Galen could breathe again.

Caught them? Caiden asked.

They’re detained for now. Galen continued in a hushed tone. If I get Titania the ley-lines, she will free Devlin. She’s the Empress, after all."

"But Oberon is the supreme ruler. I want Dev back as much as you do, but this scheme is getting too deep."

Galen frowned. The burn in his temples returned, rage creeping up his spine. I’m not pledging to the bastard who wrongfully imprisoned our brother. He didn’t deserve that punishment. Oberon is just being a-

Don’t say it, Gale. Caiden thrust a finger under Galen’s nose. Not one word. You know the Emperor and Empress love to pop in at random!

Galen leaned in, bared his teeth and shouted, Dick!

Caiden slapped his forehead. Gale!

Galen cupped his hand around his mouth and announced, Oberon is a dick! Caiden swatted at him, struggling to shove his fist into his mouth but Galen dodged his brother’s swings. Every pixie in the fae realm knows how dickish our emperor is! Dickhead Oberon imprisoned our brother for shit reasons! He’s a diiiiiiick!

Oh, is he now? a feminine voice asked. There are days I’d be inclined to agree.

Galen gulped as an exquisite female appeared beside the thrones. The Empress Titania was clothed in thick swaths of gold. A crown of slender spires and hovering stars haloed her black hair and her ebony skin glowed with a sheen of power.

In a breath, Galen and Caiden knelt.

Oh, we are in deep trouble, Galen thought to