Chapter 1

The final battle in the civil war was coming to Darrian. In those final weeks, Angel and Ace had time to explore the increasing numbers for help. The portals that kept appearing all over Darrian. They need to find more allies that could help in the fight for their cause. As word had been arising about the child, who was born to High Queen Darthian and High King Mordithiaca before their death.  The stories of the twin's birth had been falsified and record as she was dead. Her life on the run was now more and more trying as the people are starting to demand her presence back on the throne that was meant for her. Angel and Ace took to roam the forest and portal opening with caution, and return light to people, who had thought that lose was hope that their world that had no chance of the horrors in which her uncle and cousin are putting them through.

As Angel has found another strange portal not too far from their home camp. She goes near it and looks in. It opens up to a realm inside a forest and a purple crystal lake with a rainbow waterfall.  She froze in her tracks as she was unsure where she was. She knew these forests around the portal but never came across this place.

Ace, who was not watching where he was going, ran into her and yelled at her. “ Angel, what the heck? We need to get back before nightfall. Your Uncle has tons of patrols out looking for us and you know he will kill both of us. “

Angel stepped aside and showed him why she had stopped. Ace looked around and just noticed the lake. Suddenly it looked like a huge butterfly was flying close to the edge of the water. Upon walking closer and observing all the different creatures in the area. He thought they looked at the tiny fairies.  Angel taps his shoulder and whispers into his ear. “ I don’t think we are on Darrian. I remember stories when we were kids about a land similar to this one. We need to be careful not to eat nor drink.“ The portal's door slowly sides shut to hide the entrance and leaving them surrounded by the fae.

“Yeah, they are the fae folk as dad called them. He said they are very merry folk and to kind strangers. Do you have any of mum’s bread left?” Ace moves to reach for her pack. “I know I ate all of mine but you have not each much lately.” Ace reaches up to pushes back her long dark hair that falls around her slender face.

Angel still looking at the spooky light that is coming towards her, as she takes a breath. As the glowing light gets closer to her makes her ethereal. It had been some time since he had really seen her. He had decided a long time ago that she didn’t belong to his kind of people and hiding like this sometimes was so hard. He smiles softly admiring her the same. He holds his breath as he wishes he could be what she needed.

Angel's body emanates a glowing light when the plight of the needy is near. She started to make food and supplies appearing out of nowhere, this made them move around to keep her secret. Her uncle had killed her father after her mother and brother died. Her existence was only known to her adopted father, the mage and midwife who helped her mother bring her to into the world. The Queen’s man at arms took her into her family with his newborn child who was born the same night. The Man at Arm’s, Tramicala knew that her mother had powers and the first High King, that her father was decadent from, was a very powerful magician that pulled the land from darkness and wars. He was her great, great grandfather.  These gifts were passed on to Angel and she really didn’t want the powers. Tramicala told Ace when he turned 13, that she was not his sister and told him that she was to be protected. As he looked upon her and thought ‘I am just her companion’ and sighed softly because he knew that she would never receive his feelings. 

Ace had been taught about the wars and how life began to get worse once Angel’s father died.  He didn’t realize the old king had a daughter and that daughter was not only Angel. He knew shortly after his wife gave birth to a stillborn male and his wife died, he followed her shortly. There were rumors of her being pregnant with twins. So it was thought the male was larger than what she could carry and this is why the queen died.

He knew Angel was not his sister because of the way his father treated her. He was so careful with her and scolding her when her magic slipped out or if she gets upset and her skin seems to shimmer. Along with that, a strange old man visits us ever so often to check up on us but spends time talking about Angel’s education and progression.  Ace let out a scoffing noise that made his deep thoughts were disturbing him and breaking Angel out of her trance.

Angel turns to see a strange scowl on his face. “ What is wrong now?  Am I glowing again? “Angel begins to examine her arms and hands. She looks to her legs where there is a little skin showing. She moves closer to the water’s edge and looks down. Suddenly there was a group of little people with wings flying around her, Ace moves to her and yells, “Angel, Stop!”

Angel still looking down at the water and starts to speak, “ Ace I am not glowing or any….” She stops and notices the fae around her.  They fly around her and seem to hum a gentle song of pure joy. Suddenly, there is one flying across the water towards her. She feels Ace’s hand on her shoulder. She places her hand on his and holds it. The little fae, that approached them, is dressed all regal and shimmery suit, with a little crown on his head.  A female in a beautiful little ball dress that seems to flutter in the wind accompanied him and they come to a stop and before Angel and bow deeply as their wings beat in the air holding them up at eye level.  Angel gives a low curtsey as Ace follows suit in a deep bow. 

Suddenly Angel and Ace’s clothing seem to shimmer and shift.  Angel’s clothing turns into a white silk dress with flowers around the collar that seem to glisten into the light.  Her feet have velvet white slippers that shimmer like her dress. Her long dark hair has curls, while flowers and little lights are woven in. Her face seems slightly glowing and her eyes are highlighted with black eyeliner and soft purple shadows that seem to have sparkles. Her eyes that were once blue seem to change into purple, and her hands are designed with white tattoo patterns.  Angel turns and sees Ace dress in a white jacket with no sleeves and golden straps to keep it fasten so that his bare chest would not show.  He was wearing white cut pants and his dark black hair was pulled back. His tribal tattoos around his eyes glow white as well. On his hip was his sword and the packs were lying next to his feet.

Angel turns back and smiles. “ Thank you my Lord and Lady of the Fae. I am humbled by your appearance to us. “ Angel curtseys low and motions for Ace to step back and bow. Suddenly as she does the Lord and Lady grow to the same size as her and Ace.  The Lord speaks to Angel, “ It is who should thank you and bow to you High Queen of Darrian and Lord Ace. We have brought you here for a night of peace and merriment and discuss what to help aid in your battle. You see the fae support you because of what your uncle did to your mother’s family was unthinkable and will bring out the darkness if he is allowed to continue. The taint is there. But with your rule, you can fix it. You have a purity about you, child. And you have chosen a strong warrior as your mate, protector, and guide…” 

Angel interrupts, “ My mate? I have not chosen anyone yet. I am still young and unsure of what I am wanting. I found out two years ago my family is merely babysitters and teachers. I was thrust into my mother’s Man at Arms’ arms. Now the battle in two weeks, I must fight my uncle and defeat him so that I can be a ruler over a planet where there is constantly fighting. Who would want to listen to me? A girl, who can only prove her birthright by my mother’s powers and my father’s charms and looks and I fear they may scoff me out of court; I am merely a servant of the people who want justice for the hardships that my uncle has forced upon them. I have given as much as my family would let me without exposing my true nature.” Angel takes a quivery breath, “ I don’t know if I can or will…” She feels the tears begin to weld up in her eyes, the emotional strain starts to break her down. Suddenly,  she feels Ace’s strong and warm arms around her.  She turns and looks into his dark blue eyes and holds her breath as a glow encases them into a bubble as her heart feels his love for her. Her eyes widen as the vision of their love and how it will help sustain her through the battle fills her eyes, tears start to fall as she realizes that it is, and had been him at her side since she had been born. Was he her destiny all along? This amazing male, who had been a friend and a brother. As the lines start to blur between them understanding dawn on her. He was her to take. She was only safe with him and not to doubt what has been planned for them.

Her thoughts come to her ‘Is this what they meant as protector and mate?’ She watches him as his hand lifts to her cheek and his thumb brushes away a tear.  Ace begins to smile and speaks with a gentle tone, “Now Angel, don’t fret so, your pretty make-up would get ruined, and the Lord and Lady are wanting us to supper with them. So let us be on our way and don’t worry. You will be fine. “  He squeezed her and acted like he had not heard what the Lord had spoken.

She turns slowly and looks to the Lord. He speaks to her, as a spell that creates a bubble from the rest of the area allowing them privacy, “Dear Angel fear not. He does not know of what is to transpire. You must be forewarning though if you choose wrong, you could lose him forever. This will make your path harder. Tonight will give him a chance to see you beyond the warrior princess you are but a beautiful queen.  You are not of blood and you were destined to be together if your choices go the way they do.  For now, I have opened the eyes of both you and him so that you will not waste any time. The fight ahead is something, we can’t join or help you any more than we have. Your grandfather had been close to me before he was encased in the crystal that rests around your neck. He lives in there with his tribe. I don’t know if you know but he is proud of you. We have spoken through the moon-lit waters.  He was saddened that you have been ripped from your true family. But it was foretold and nothing could be done. “

The Lord lets go and helps Angel to her seat of honor around the fire. As she watches Ace who is being seated between two pretty fae girls and at an angle to where Angel can watch. She saw one of the fae touches his shoulder and she started to feel upset about this touch. She watched as everyone eat and chat. The Lady spoke to her briefly as her attention could not be taken away from Ace. How could she not see him as handsome as he was? 

The Lady had given her a bottle that looks like an ocean of creamy opal milk swirled around with sparkles of light shimmering on the surface. Angel looks to the fae and smiled as the Lady of the Fae speaks, “When you are ill, injured, or hurt please drink from the bottle. It is a healing supply of liquid that will help you fight on. But beware. The powers will not heal everything.” The Lady smiles as she looks to Ace. Angel smiled and bowed her head, “Thank you, my Lady.  You and your mate have been kind to us. I want to thank you.  My Lord, do you think I may use your pool to speak to my grandfather? I would like to see what is to be said and any advice to my adventures head.” She drops her head to show respect and hopes he says yes.

The Lord nods to a tall and nice-looking Fae to join them. “ This is my son Taitartin. He would escort you to the pool. But son, beware of the dark ones. She may only stay for a bit and be back for the dance.  You must dance my dear.  “

Angel takes Taitartin's arm and blushes slightly as she begins her journey to find out about her family. As she went to through the forest, Ace looks up and glares at her male companion. He tries to get up and the Lord smiles and speaks. “ Have no fear sir, she is going to visit her family. “ Ace’s eyes widen as he looks to the Lord. “ Her family is dead except that. “ He takes a deep breath and starts again, “Her uncle had done away with her mother’s family sealed them away. “

            The Lord let out a laugh, “ Maybe the High Queen was promised to marry my son and he is taking her to the bridge to connect with her family in the crystal. He is giving her a chance to give her knowledge so that she can bring peace and then my son and she can be married unless. “ His eyes glow with intrigue to see the boy’s reaction. “ She has found another suitor better for her?”

Ace suddenly realized the time they spent, the hours they had trained, and fought in battles. She was his star to guide him to right but mostly he could not think about her with another.  He starts to get up, two fae girls pulled him down and the Lord spoke, “ Don’t worry, my son has another he is interested in. She is not as lovely as Angel but we know what is to come. This is kind of announcing for the both of you so that things, don’t go wrong. You and her must both are on your guard. The battle doesn’t end with her uncle. Stay close to her and be sure that you can claim her. “

Ace settles down as he begins to think back to his time with Angel. He pushes the two women off and grabs a bottle of wine and drinks. His thoughts deepen as he starts to fear that she is not near him.  He worries that he might lose her all together.

Meanwhile, Angel and Taitartin are walking slowly as suddenly her dress becomes a bit heavier as the flowers seem to cling to her hem of the dress. Suddenly a long train is flowing behind her. She turned to let out a gasp as she isn’t supposed to use her magic. She starts mumbling. “ I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to. “

Taitartin laughs, “You didn’t my fair lady, the forest honors you. You are the child of balance. They wish to see you as you are supposed to be the High Queen of Darrian and the gates to all worlds. I am just sorry our fates will not be intertwined. This is the portal pool. Step into it and wade into the waters. Don’t be afraid you would see the water come up around you. This will give you a portal through the crystal to visit your grandfather. You have thirty minutes to talk and then you must return or be trapped into the crystal. Have fun, my dear. “ He leans over and kisses her cheek. “ My, you are breathtaking. “ He lets her hand go and bows.  He waits as she turns and begins to wade into the water.

Angel half expected the water to be cold and yet it was warm. It didn’t feel like water as she moves in deeper it suddenly enveloped her. The water seems like a water ball around her and from the bottom, a dark shadow of an old man appears. Angel’s voice spoke. “Hello, Are you my grandfather? “

The man shifted into forms that might seem more grandfatherly appearance than his normal frightful appearance. “ I am child, and you must be Lafiathia Angel de Marce. “ He bit down on the last name with a bit of venom.  “It is sad that your uncle has taken so much from you.” He offers his hands out for a hug.

Angel steps slowly towards the man and smiles softly.  “I am sorry .. How do I know this isn’t a trick for me?”

Her grandfather laughed hardly and spoke softly, “Child, you are wise beyond your years to question a shadow demon. But today, I am not in a mood to trick you but to warn you. Since our tribe is unable to help you, we have used the power that we have and we have pushed into a crystal. Beware not to use it for trivial things. It is like a deal with the devil.  The crystal will allow you to use different powers bestowed on our clansman.  We can’t be free but we can help you survive. I love you and you have……”

            Something makes him stop speaking, his expression grows dark on his face.  “ Listen to me, you may return here to speak to me once an annum. But don’t come more.”

Another voice rings, “Where is my future bride to be? “ Angel feels a cold and looks to her grandfather. Her body starts to glow a bright blue light out of fear. She asks, “ Who is that, and is he talking about me?”

“ Yes child, your mother was promised to him so the next child of my house would be his. I am afraid that is you. He is,” he takes in a breath and leads her to the edge of the bubble. “Rather strong but I can control him.”

            “Really old man?” A voice comes out of the darkness and a hand shoots out to grab Angel’s arm.  Angel feels an icy grip and sees icy blue eyes looking back at her. “So, you are like your mother, beautiful but you posse a greater power. You will help free your family, won’t you? You are now my betrothed. I was promised a bride but one who is,” he dark hollow eyes glow with such desire for power, “how shall we say ethereal. Amazing chief, just amazing. I didn’t think she would be so strong-willed.”

Angel let out an almost deafening screech and a wave of power flows through the room without focus. Her grandfather and the other male shadow demon buckle over. “You will not touch me.” She kneels down to help her grandfather up and touches his cheek. Her hand glows with a healing touch so that he can hear without pain. “Grandfather are you ok? I am sorry. The mage, that visits our home, taught me that if I got to where I was in a place that I was going to be hurt, that I could stop them with a flash.  I am so sorry that I hurt you.” Angel’s eyes begin to tear up as she looks into her grandfather’s eyes. “Please, tell me that I don’t have to marry him.  I am already be promised to another so says the fae king.  That man’s touch hurts me. I felt like ice slivers running through my blood.  Why do I have to?” Her eyes realize the pain that ripples through the old man’s eyes. “I will get you out. I promise that after …” Her voice drops slowly, “the battle I must face.”

Suddenly the man with icy dark blue eyes stood. “You will find us waiting. On that day, I will have what is mine.” He reaches for her but her own eyes begin to glow with light blue light. She glares at him and daring him to try again.  He begins to speak again. “You are mine by treaty law. Remember that little Angel. Our children will be strong and beautiful rulers over your realm. We shall ..”

            With a strong motion, her grandfather takes and pushed her out of the bubble and a whisper of a fair well.  She could see him knock the dark arrogant figure back and then she was in the water. She quickly swam to the surface where her escort takes and gives her a towel and a blanket. She looks down to her arm and begins to cry.

Her grandfather, who she thought was lost forever, was not lost. He was sealed inside her crystal and unable to be reached. And what makes matter worse, another male who seeks her hand. She begins to weep as she looks at her arm. A dark handprint shows on her arm.

 Taitartin looks down to her arm and speaks softly, “What happened my Lady? Did your grandfather do this? Why would he do such a thing?” Angel looked up to him horrified at the thought and shook her head as she spoke, “It was not him but another male. He tried to claim me as his. As soon as I free them, I would have to face him.  He will try and take me and I don’t know if I can fight him. I can’t hide. I hope he doesn’t hurt grandfather. I had to use my voice to stop him.”

Taitartin takes her hand and helps her up. He looks at her and softly speaks, “You must tell father. He will know what to do. Let us hurry back before the darkness gets much thicker. If what I fear has happened, you may have a hard road to follow.

Taitartin and Angel ran as her dress starts to crumble back into a smaller easier dress to run in. She looks back as all the flowers seem to pop into glitter as her train falls from dress the she wore. As soon as they reach the encampment of the fae, Angel’s body crumples into a pile on the soft moss-covered ground.

The Fae King rushed with Ace to her side and looks up to Taitartin. “What happened? Did she meet with her grandfather?” 

Taitartin looks to his father and nods. He takes a deep breath and tells them what he knows.  He has one of the handmaids of the glade bring out fairy wine, water in a bowl, and a cloth. The girl kneels with all of the things. She hands Taitartin the cool water rag and suddenly Ace takes it from her.  Ace lays Angel’s head in his lap and slowly dabs her head. He finally sees the mark on her arm. “What is that? “

Taitartin speaks softly, “It is what the shadow demons call a betrothal mark. All I know is that she came out of the pool crying. I know things in the woods seem darker. I think you guys need to stay with us for the night. She may have accidentally notified another tribe that she is not fully taken. “

The Fae King laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. “This was nothing you could have done. You did the chore that was asked. Angel has a much longer road than previously seen.  Ace would you like a bed for you and Angel. I can have two created in a tent by our fire. We can stay until morning light on guard but when that hits, we can no longer help you.  We are only allowed through the veil on certain nights.  This is one. We were wanting to see the new Queen. Rumors of her kindness were not exaggerated. I hope that she will continue to grow as the war is waging for her throne. You do realize the throne that she is returning to is not one without danger? She will not only rule but she will have to guard against other species that use the portals’ paths to travel from one realm to the next.”

Ace sighs slightly, “ While I have been taught that I am protector, I have sat in with the mage, who was once her mother’s protector and listen into the history and what is expected of Angel. I knew that I would be by her side until she decided otherwise. While we have little understanding of her powers, the mage makes us aware of how far she can be pushed and not pushed.  She had destroyed an abandoned village that we stayed in. But she also fixed her mistake by turning it into a place of beauty as it was returned to the land.”

His eyes well up at the memory as he strokes her face with the cloth. He lifts his head and asks, “Where is the bed that I can put her? Don’t worry about me. I will guard her.” Ace’s eyes rover over her face as she lays there in a deep sleep. This is the first time he had seen her like this.  He lifts her up in his arms as a tent appeared a few feet away from them. He takes her to the tent that the Fae King had escorted them to.  A fairy girl with big blue eyes and curly dirty blonde hair with gold and blue wings holds open the tent. As he moves in he lets out a gasp, it was like a bedroom in their home. A huge bed made of trees and vines was near a window overlooking the field and pond. Ace gently puts Angel slowly down in the middle of the bed that has a soft silk comforter. The little female fae hands him a blanket to cover her. He finds a chair and sits down to watch over her with bright eyes of green.

As his thoughts begin to drift to wonder what has happened tonight. His father is going to kill him for letting her leave alone. He was going to be named her man at arms. He had been training to be a warrior since he was five. Angel had watched everything when his mother didn’t have her sewing or reading.  He had learned to read some but he was more interested in sword fighting or archer or even hunting in which he's excelled. Angel seemed to excel in everything she did with little effort. She had picked up a sword and in a matter of no time, she was able to beat him in a matter of months. She had been reading faster and learning everything so fast at times that he was jealous. But now, after years since he found out what and who she was, he started to see and understand more.

Now his eyes seemed to droop in tiredness, as he sits comfortably in the chair. Angel moans softly in her sleep. She begins to thrash silently as he jumps up and moves to him. He grabs a cloth and wets it. He moves to her and drapes her over his lap while whispers softly try to soothe her. She stills after some time as her head lays on his chest. Ace closes his eyes as he feels her warm and soft body against his.

Chapter

As Angel falls inside the camp and is drifted under into the dream realm. Her eyes open up and reveal she is in a strange tent with a dark presence.  The demon lord walks toward her and softly speaks with a rich deep voice that vibrates the room with the warmth of a deep hot chocolate. Angel’s hackles raise on the back of her neck and she draws in her power to her so that she isn’t glowing very much and she has a shield against his power-up. She glares at the demon and hisses. “I don’t belong to you. Nor should you test me today. I am dealing with too much to have some pompous idiot that thinks I am his property.”

Angel turns and looks into the mirror that is in the room. She looks at the demon lord over her shoulder and threw a spell to bank off the mirror and hit him in his chest forcing him back away from her. “Begone, and I will not be harassed.” She created a portal behind him and with her powers, she forced him back through.  She looks around the room and realizes something is different. She thinks, “Where is Ace? He would never leave me alone.” She begins to move around the tent. She notices that everything is not elven or Fae made. The chair that sits near the vanity has a dark wood tint and has strange markings. She touches it and some vision begins. She is in a tent similar to the one she was in.  A young girl with strange light blue skin and dark blue eyes and another girl with dark blue skin and green eyes. They were giggling and whispering. Angel moves in deeper to the tent and closer to try and hear what and who are these two are. She then hears them talking about their father’s trip to Marthos. She tilts her head as she sees a painting of a man who she saw earlier that said she was his granddaughter. She looks at the women again as she just realized one of these two women is her mother. Suddenly she hears “Angel, wake up! We must leave, your uncle's scouts are close. Please wake up.”

 “ They have twin sons, maybe we can find you a match so that you don’t have become another Angel turns away" She turns and begins to walk to the door, she suddenly hears the light skin female say, female to his harm. I am promised to Lemaric and …” The voices become distorted and she is woken up as trumpets sound. There is a flurry of fairies flying around picking up everything while Ace is kneeling next to her.  “We have to go, grab your pack and they have gotten a horse we can use to get us back to father. “ Ace grabs her hand and Angel grabs her pack. She knows that she must make a move and must not be caught by her uncle.  Word had begun spreading that she was alive 6 months ago when she saves a village from the county’s King Northian. She dethroned him and replace him with a younger son, who supported her. She had taken more than half of the support of the planet’s counties.

Angel approaches the horse and it kneels down to allow her to climb on by using a knee. She takes and climbs on the horse as Ace starts to mount the beast he chuffs a snort. Angel speaks softly, “Calm, he is my …. “Her voice drops off at the thought of what the fairy lord.  “Bodyguard and,” The horse began to move fast as the horns sound again. She looks back over her shoulder.  As they get to the dark wood forest, she can see signs of the dogs. They move faster into the wood and disappears.

To be Continued….