The Kingdom of Fae's

Isaiah P.O.V. 

It’s been a month since my birthday and coronation. I sent word to the King of Faes, Edor, the day after, to schedule a visit for diplomatic reasons. He was slow to respond, but about a week ago I got a call from the Court. The King had decided to meet with me at last, but on the condition I would meet his daughter and take her with me home. He would even pay me to take the girl off his hands. 

When I told mom and dad they were livid, and they decided they were going as well. They wanted to meet the man who seemed to have so little respect for others that he would trade away someone in his own family. All I could think about at this point was, I would take the girl home, but I also need to find my mate while I am there. 

I just know in my heart that the girl from my dreams and vision is my mate, and she is clearly not in good condition. The words of the Goddess, because mom says it can only be her, keeps repeating themselves in my mind. They are living rent free at the moment unless I keep myself busy with work of any kind. 

“We’re here, Isaiah.” Aiden says, as we park in a courtyard. We’re in front of a giant castle, and it’s beautiful but also kind of melancholic. It has a vibe of sorrow over it. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels sad somehow. 

“Great. Remind me how long we’re staying here.” I respond with a small yawn. I have not slept well since my birthday, feeling like my dream girl is in danger and getting weaker by the day. 

“Three days. How could you forget already?” 

“I’m not really sleeping at the moment dude. That’s why I brought you, Milo and Adam. You are going to be my eyes, ears and memory as long as we are here.” 

“I still can’t believe you think your mate is being shown to you in your dreams.” We’re getting out of the cars. Milo and Adam have driven with mom and dad. The King didn’t seem best pleased when they decided to join, but there was not much he could do as they were the former rulers of our kind. 

“Are we ready?” Mom asks, coming up to stand besides me and Aiden respectfully stands behind us. Even though I think it’s foolish, we have to follow the oldest traditions here. The Court of Fae’s is very old fashioned, and they are very strict on formality. So as long as we are here, Aiden, Milo and Adam must address us by our titles, and act like our personal guards. Milo is technically not ranked, but he is here as an ambassador and that keeps his ranking as high as his brother.

“I think so. Let's go in and see where we go from there.” I tell her, my heart and mind occupied with the thought of finding my mate. Apollo is not helping. He keeps whining and growling. He can sense something I can’t, and it has him on edge. I shush him, and he quiets down for now, but I know it’s just the calm before the storm. Something is wrong. The small hairs on my arms and neck are standing upright. Mom takes my arm. 

“I feel it too, sweetheart. Something is not right in this place.” I nod, but don’t say anything as we walk up the stairs to the young man waiting by the double doors.

“Welcome, King of wolves and entourage. We are delighted to have you accompany us for the next three days. The King will be open to an audience soon. Please follow me to the guest wing. Someone will be out shortly to collect your baggage.” He turns around without further words, and starts walking into the castle. I look at mom and dad who shrug in return, following the strange man. He didn’t even present himself, or actually acknowledge my parents. 

We walk deep inside the castle wall, and I soon lose all sense of direction. We must have turned corners a thousand times before the man finally stops in front of the double doors. 

“This is going to be your quarters, King of wolves.” He says with a slight bow. He opens the doors, and gestures for me to walk inside. I raise an eyebrow.

“I would like to see where my Beta, Gamma’s and parents are staying.” I say as politely as I can. He is irking me in the wrong way with his attitude and distant manners. 

“Don’t worry, King of wolves, they will be housed accordingly.” He says with a dismissive frown. I cross my arms, and he sighs dramatically. 

“They will be staying here in this hallway. Your parents are right beside you, as your men are on the opposite side. Each has their own room.” He gestures to the four other doors. I nod, satisfied for now and walk into my quarters. “I will fetch you when the King is ready to welcome you.” He says, and closes the door. I roll my eyes into the empty room. These fae’s are a different and unfriendly bunch apparently. 

I look around. The room is spacious and held in duche colors. The bed is a king size four poster bed, with silver gray linen. It feels comfortable enough. There is a desk for work at the window, which I discover is facing a beautiful garden. It also has a seating area with a small couch and two chairs. 

A door leads to a smaller walk-in closet, and another to the bathroom, which is also spacious. 

Half an hour later someone knocks on the door. There was a young fellow with my bags, and after I put everything away I sat down at the desk with my laptop. Luckily I brought my own internet key. Otherwise I would have not been able to get proper work done. 

“Yes?” I say, turning to face the door. The man from before pokes his head inside. 

“The King is now ready for a brief conversation.” I stand, but he holds up a hand, and stands aside. A corporal man walks in, his hand outstretched and a fake smile on his lips. His eyes are dark blue, almost black and they shine with malice. I immediately don't like this man. 

“Ah! King Isaiah. What a pleasure! I hope the room is alright?” He says with a light and high pitched slightly wheezing voice.

“The room is great, King Edor. Thank you.” I answer while shaking his hand. I gesture for us to sit, and as he turns his back to me I quickly mind-link mom and Aiden to join us. 

“I was very surprised to receive your request to visit our humble Kingdom. To what do I owe this sudden interest?” He asks, his hands folded over his big belly as he leans back in the chair. I open my mouth to answer, but the knock on the door interrupts before I get the chance. 

“Isaiah, dear, I was wondering. Oh my. I am so sorry. Did I interrupt something?” Mom says walking in with dad hot on her heels and Aiden not far behind him. 

“No, no. King Edor, this is my esteemed parents Isabella and Elijah, the former King and Queen. And my Second in Command, Aiden.” I present as I stand with a smile. I could kiss my mom. She plays a very excellent empty headed woman when she wants to be. The impeccable picture of a mother not thinking straight. 

“Of course, of course. Welcome everyone to my Kingdom. It's a pleasure to house you all.” He is lying. It is excellent, but still a lie. I have inherited some of moms powers, as has my siblings, and one of mine is that I can detect a lie no matter who is telling it. 

“Thank you, King Edor. I hope you don’t mind us walking in on you like this.” 

“Not at all, dear Lady. We were just doing small talk.” 

Mom plops herself down on the couch with me, and dad sits besides her. Aiden takes the other chair. King Edor seems very uncomfortable, and I don’t think he was counting on them walking in. Maybe that was why he decided to surprise me in my room. 

“You ask why this sudden interest in the Fae’s, King Edor. Well, I have always been fascinated with history and culture. I thought my coronation was a good excuse to do some diplomatic work as well as experience some new cultures and people.” The King relaxes a bit, and I wonder why. I can see Aiden and my parents also noticed this change in demeanor as well. “But I was wondering one thing.” 

“And what might that be?” 

“The daughter you want us to bring home. When are we going to meet her, and why are you wanting her to leave your people? She is of your people as well I gather.” I ask, wanting to know now before we meet the rest of the Court later. I hope he will speak more freely, and tell us most of the truth. 

“Well, erm. That part has actually changed. She will not be joining us for the time you are staying. She has unfortunately fallen ill.” His eyes flicker to the sides, and his posture tightens. He is obviously lying, but why. 

“Oh. Well, that is a shame. My mom is a healer, I am sure she wouldn’t mind taking a look at her.” I offer with a small smile, and mom nods. 

“It’ll be my pleasure if I can help.” 

“Oh well. No thank you, King Isaiah. It’s not that bad. Just a small thing. But quite contagious. I’m afraid it won’t be possible for anyone to see her.” He is still lying, and there is something else. He seems almost greedy at the mention of this girl, and it peaks my interest. 

“Hmm. Too bad, really. Especially seeing as you are lying.” I say with a shrug, and he splutters. 

“I beg your pardon.” 

“I’m sure you do, and you have it. You are lying, and I wonder why that is.” 

“I am absolutely not lying. That is a preposterous thing to accuse your host of!” Mom silently asks me to calm down and not get us thrown out. She knows as well as me he is lying, and she probably wants to find out the truth. I sigh. 

“I’m sorry, King Edor. That was off the line. Of course you are not lying, and I do give you my sincere apology.” He relaxes again. 

“Hmpf! I had heard of the audacity and lesser mind of the wolf shifter, but I must say I expected more of their ruler. Your apology is accepted, and we’ll not speak more of it. Now if you will excuse me, I have to tend to the dinner tonight.” We all stand as he does, and doesn’t speak a word before he is out and closes the door. 

“Well that was informative and interesting.” Mom says, sending me a scolding look. I sigh again. 

“Sorry mom, but he was lying about that girl and I can’t help feeling she is important somehow.” She nods. 

“I feel the same way, Isaiah, but we need to tread lightly.” 

“Alright, I'm sorry.” She nods, and I ask Aiden to get Milo and Adam in here. We need to talk and put a plan together. The King is lying for some reason or other, and I for one am going to find out why.