Royal Enchantment (Skeleton Key) Read online

  “Deal.”

  The sound of that one word made her suddenly think she had just sealed her fate with the devil himself.

  She opened her mouth to speak, but Finn placed a finger over her lips in a silent command. A moment later, he moved to stand with his back against her front in a protective stance. Kellam moved in beside Finn then stepped forward. Fear burned her insides as a dark energy touched her psyche. Peeking around him, she couldn’t see any signs of a threat, but it was there, lurking.

  “What is it?” she whispered.

  Finn reached back with one hand and gently squeezed her elbow. “Go inside.”

  “What is it?” she asked again, a little louder.

  Just then, a man…no, an elf stepped out of the shadows as if appearing from the darkness. He was about a foot taller than Finn with long, black hair that blended with his tunic and leather pants. His dark gaze met hers, just as a creepy smirk tugged at his mouth. Suddenly, the fear in her gut morphed into a need to protect herself as well as Finn.

  Before she could form words to question Finn again, the man spoke. “She has returned, but she is weak.”

  Kellam let out a low growl a moment before Finn replied to the man’s taunt. “I claim her as my bride.”

  “But she doesn’t accept.” The man laughed. The sound made Ava’s skin crawl.

  Finn’s body tensed, his muscles going rock-hard under where she rested her hands on his biceps. “She has agreed to courtship. You have no business here.”

  The other elf stepped closer, ignoring the warning growls from Kellam while his gaze fixed on Ava. She started to back away but straightened her spine instead. Something told her she was safe with Finn and his guard. “My nephew has forgotten his manners. I’m Quinn, the rightful King of the Morna.”

  Ah, the pieces connect. Ava narrowed her gaze on Quinn and opened her mind’s eye. His aura was a much darker green than Finn’s, with a layer of black closest to his body. Dark power. The words were a whisper in her mind.

  Without warning, Quinn thrust one hand toward Kellam, throwing the large bodyguard several yards into the forest. Ava gasped and flinched as Quinn gripped Finn by the neck. “I could kill you now.”

  No. Ava shook. Warm, electrifying energy flowed around her, fueling her fear that was now like a wildfire inside her. “Let him go.”

  She almost didn’t recognize her own voice. The heat within her grew, and her hands began to glow.

  A moment later, Quinn held up his hand and a dagger formed in it. Dread sliced through her. Before she could react, Quinn sank the blade into Finn’s stomach and released him. Finn fell to the ground, coughing. Ava’s heart hammered in her chest as she glanced from Finn’s still form to Quinn’s evil grin. “What did you do?”

  She ran to Finn but didn’t make it. Quinn grabbed her by the waist, tightly banded his arm around her, and held her back to his chest. His hot breath brushed against her cheek as he growled out, “Something I should have done a long time ago. Bow to your new King.”

  Oh, hell no. The earlier energy, or power, or whatever it was flowing around her intensified. The glowing beneath her skin turned blue, then took on an orange hue, like the color of flames. It wasn’t around her, but rather inside her. Confused and desperate, she welcomed the new power and used it to try to break Quinn’s hold on her. “Let. Me. Go.”

  As soon she grabbed his wrist and pushed at him, he cursed and let her go. She stumbled a few steps before regaining her balance and then rushed to Finn’s side. Relief filled her when she saw his chest rise and fall with shallow breaths.

  “Bitch!”

  Quinn’s snarl drew her attention up in time to see the elf storming toward them. She threw her hands up out of instinct, and an iridescent dome formed over her and Finn. What? Just then, Kellam barreled into Quinn. The men rolled on the ground, and then Quinn was gone, obviously teleporting away.

  Ava focused on Finn. He’d lost a lot of blood. “You’re not healing. Why?”

  “Not enough magick. Too weak.” He coughed again.

  She framed his face in her hands and stared into his green eyes. Compassion mixed with a familiar sense of belonging swam in her mind and heart. Even though she didn’t know Finn, she cared whether he lived or not. It was as if he died, so would she. Odd.

  “I don’t understand any of this,” she whispered before leaning down to kiss him.

  Warmth and magick surrounded them as their lips touched, soft at first. The energy within her lessened, and when she broke the kiss, she realized she’d transferred it to Finn somehow. His wound knitted itself closed. Within minutes, it was as if he were never hurt.

  He locked gazes with her and smiled. “Thank you.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not sure what I did.”

  He took her hands and stood, bringing her with him. With a finger, he touched the shimmering dome, and it dissolved like a bubble being popped. “I’ll explain inside.”

  Nodding, she followed him while Kellam fell in step behind them. Her body still hummed from whatever she had done. A sense of numbness settled over her. She’d reacted before she even knew what she was doing.

  Once inside, Finn took her hand and led her to the parlor and closed the doors behind Kellam. “Are you all right?”

  “I think so. What about you?” She pointed to his stomach where Quinn had stabbed him.

  Finn offered a small smile and lifted his tunic to reveal smooth, unscarred skin. “All healed, thanks to you.”

  Kellam spoke from the window. “She’s a Fire Elf.”

  Finn studied her for a long moment. “No, I think she’s purely elemental. At least, that would make more sense because she is both Morna and Calim.”

  “I still don’t want to believe it, but I can’t explain what happened out there.” She wrapped her arms around her waist, refusing to fall part. Not again. She’d done that once, when her parents died. And she’d vowed to be stronger.

  “Come sit. Please.” Finn patted the couch cushion beside him.

  With a sigh, she sat. “Why didn’t I have any of these powers before? And what triggered them now?”

  “Simply being in this world could have triggered your magick. Like I said before, we are almost powerless in the human realm.” Finn caressed her cheek.

  “You burned Quinn, wounded him.” Kellam glanced at her, one side of his mouth lifting in an approving smile.

  Ava glanced from Kellam to Finn. “So my parents really were the elf couple that started the war.”

  “Yes. I know it more now than ever.” Finn framed her face and pressed his lips to hers. Desire flooded her in a hot wave. But too soon, he pulled away. “And only my fated mate could share her power with me.”

  Her heart slammed to her feet. His fated mate? As in bride. She shook her head. “I don’t think—”

  He placed a finger over her lips, stopping her denial. “I will not push you. The choice is yours. But you should know that I’m willing to do anything to make you mine, including seducing you.”

  She was in trouble. The more time she spent with him, the harder it was getting to resist him. “Before any seducing starts. I want answers about my parents and their lives here. About you and your role as Elf King and what it would mean for me if I choose—that’s a big if—to become your Queen. I want to know why your uncle wants to kill you. And now me. Can I meet the Calim?”

  Finn laughed. “Slow down. You will get your answers in time. To answer your last question, we leave within the hour to meet with Willow, the Calim Queen.”

  Ava frowned. “I hope it’s not a formal meeting.” She glanced down at her tan slacks and white button-up top. Though she was dressed professionally for work, she didn’t think it was proper attire to meet a Queen in.

  “I will summon Fern to help you freshen up and dress.” He kissed her forehead then stood. “I’ll meet you in the foyer when you’re ready.”

  Nodding, she watched Finn push a button on a small device on the table next to the sofa. Curio
us, she slid to the end of the couch to study the object. It appeared to be a communication device, like a call button she might find outside a building or something. Convenient.

  She glanced back up to Finn’s face, meeting his gaze. “If my father was once the Calim Prince, then who is the Queen to me?”

  “She is your father’s sister.” He cupped her cheek. “I must go tend to something before we leave.”

  Offering what she hoped was a reassuring smile, she said, “Go. I’ll be fine. Plus, Fern seems nice.”

  The green of his eyes darkened briefly before his features smoothed to express no emotion. “She is young and can be a bit…bold at times.”

  Ava stood and kissed his cheek. “I can handle myself and Fern. Go, take care of your business.”

  The corners of his lips twitched right before he dipped his head to give her a quick kiss. “I have no doubt you can.”

  He left the room, and Ava sighed. She’d been transported to this world for a reason. Mating the Elf King may only be a fraction of it. No, if she was whom Finn believed she was, then it was prophesied that she’d restore the magick in the kingdom. All she had to do was figure out how. Easy.

  Her head began to throb. She’d been overthinking since she’d walked through that door. Yet, the sense of being overwhelmed hadn’t slammed into her. Not unless burning a man counted as jumping off the ledge. She was strangely calm inside. As if a part of her knew she had to be there.

  As for mating Finn? She didn’t even want to go there. Not at the moment anyway.

  The parlor doors opened, and she met the gleeful gaze of Fern. “Good afternoon, miss. Are you ready to prepare to meet the Calim Queen?”

  Ava smiled and nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She followed the young elf through the great room to the stairs. “You know I’m going to ask you for dirty details about Finn, right?”

  A giggle bubbled out of the girl. “Yes, ma’am. I have tales to share. It shall be fun to have you around.”

  Ditto. Ava’s smile widened. She could tell that she and Fern were going to become good friends.

  Chapter Four

  Finn entered his study and headed straight to his desk. “Quinn will not let this go.”

  A low growl escaped Kellam as the male turned from the window. “All the more reason you shouldn’t make the trip to the Calim Elves.”

  “It’s important to Ava to know her family. And Willow is her only known relative.” Even though it was the Calim who’d killed her Dark family. However, it was Willow’s place to tell Ava that. “We’ll take the carriage and go through the enchanted forest.”

  His head of security’s silence told him that Kellam didn’t like the plan. Well, tough shit. Finn was not going to hide. Especially from his uncle. “Have you heard from your source?”

  “There is talk about a female hybrid. At first, I thought he was talking about Ava, but now I wonder if there is another.” Kellam said.

  Finn cut a sharp gaze to Kellam. “Another? What makes you believe that?”

  “Vin says the female is evil and very powerful.” Kellam sighed before continuing. “Ava may be powerful, even if she doesn’t know it, but she is not evil.”

  Yes, Finn agreed with that. “Have you asked Willow about this female?”

  Another growl rumbled from the large male. “She avoided answering by telling me to make sure you made it on time and in one piece.”

  If the Calim Queen wouldn’t answer Kellam, then it was true. There was another half-breed among them. But why hadn’t she made her presence known? And what did she want? “What do you have panned for security for the trip?”

  “I’ll have two guards leading the carriage and two trailing. I will ride inside with you. There is a dummy carriage leaving in about five minutes with my twin leading it.” Kellam moved to the door. “I’ll make sure everything is set. We should be moving soon.”

  Finn nodded and waved his guard off. He longed for the day when he didn’t have to hide behind his guards because of the rebels. To be able to walk in the forest, free of a kill order hanging over his head.

  For now, he’d bide his time. Quinn would get desperate and fuck up. When he did, Finn would be there to make sure he paid for all his sins.

  Cool silk slid over Ava’s skin, soothing away the heat from using magick she didn’t know she possessed. After the royal blue gown had settled into place, she studied her appearance in the full-length mirror with a smile.

  She looked like a renaissance princess with a modern twist. The high waist accented her breasts perfectly, she noted with a half-smile. She lifted her arms to see the full effect of the bell sleeves. Nice.

  Fern came into view from behind her in the mirror. “If I am an elf, why don’t I have the pointed ears?”

  With a gleam in her eyes, Fern brushed Ava’s hair back, revealing her left ear. When the female touched the top, a ripple formed around Ava and made her shiver. Blinking once, she stared at her reflection in awe as Fern explained. “Your parents must have placed a glamour spell on you.”

  No shit. Ava didn’t only have pointed ears, but her skin also shimmered with a mixture of light and dark. “Why would they not tell me?”

  Fern fell quiet and walked away from the mirror. Ava turned and watched her tidy up the room. “Fern. Answer the question.”

  “I’m not sure. Finn should be the one to tell you.”

  Ava closed her eyes and took slow breaths before responding. “Finn says my life is in danger now that I’m here.”

  Fern nodded. “The rebels want you dead. They vowed when the seer predicted your arrival to kill you. Rumor says they are plotting to claim the thrones of both the Light and Dark kingdoms.”

  Quinn’s face flashed in Ava’s mind. It was clear the male didn’t like the fact that Finn was King. “Is Quinn a rebel?”

  “Yes, ma’am. He’s the leader.” The words were spoken low, like she didn’t want to talk about it. When Fern glanced back at her, she smiled wide. “Now that your glamour is gone, you are ready to meet your aunt.”

  “My aunt? Oh, yes. The Calim Queen.”

  Fern nodded. “She is beautiful and nice. You will love her.”

  Ava had a family. Well, at least an aunt. “What do you know about my mom’s family?”

  Again Fern turned away from her, like she had with the last question she didn’t want to answer. Ava decided to let it go and save the questions for Finn. “Never mind. You’re uncomfortable.”

  “No. That’s not it. I never knew your mom, but my mom did. She worked here in the palace.” Fern gathered up Ava’s clothes and headed to the door. “After your parents left and war broke out, your mother’s family were captured and killed.”

  Ava’s heart sank and broke all over again. The loss of both of her parents rose up, bringing the pain front and center. Tears stung her eyes. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

  “I’m sorry.” Fern lingered at the door as if unsure what to do.

  “Don’t be.” Ava wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, then released it in a rush. “We should get going. I’m sure Finn is waiting.”

  And Ava wanted to meet Willow.

  With a nod, Fern led her down to the foyer where Finn waited patiently. He wore a black, high-low jacket over a tan tunic. When he faced her completely, she sucked in a breath at how handsome he was with his hair hanging loose around his shoulders. Then he smiled, and Ava swore her knees would give out.

  “You are beautiful,” he said and offered his hand to her.

  She placed her hand in his. “I’m not sure about the ears and the shimmer.”

  When he gave a gentle tug of her hand, she stumbled into him. “It will take some time to get used to, I suppose. Just promise me you’ll let me know when you are unhappy.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m good at expressing my unhappiness.” She laughed, and suddenly, her nerves sent a zap of worry through her. She was the love child of the couple who’d started a war. Finn’s war
ning of being in danger finally sank in. The rebels wanted her dead. Who knew how many others resented her parents.

  Finn smoothed her brow with his fingers. “You have nothing to fear. After I announce the wedding, it will be against the law to harm you, punishable by death.”

  Dread and shock stilled her heart for a brief moment. “Wait. I didn’t agree to marry you.”

  A crooked smile formed on his sensual mouth, and a spark of knowing twinkled in his emerald gaze. “Oh, but you will.”

  Will I? “You are so sure of yourself.”

  “Yes. I always get what I want.”

  She had no doubt of that. Every minute she spent with him, she found it harder and harder to remember why she had to return home. And really, what was holding her to one place or another? However, if it meant learning more about her parents and the life they’d hidden from her, she was intrigued enough to stick around. Plus, Finn sparked a desire she’d never felt toward anyone before. “We’ll see,” she teased.

  A bright flash rippled across the irises of his green eyes as a grin played on his face. “Challenge accepted.” He offered his elbow to her. “We shouldn’t keep Willow waiting.”

  Looping her arm with his, she sighed. “I’m ready.”

  He led her out the door to the horse-drawn carriage waiting for them in the circular gravel driveway. Her heart thumped in her head as she allowed Finn to help her into the carriage. Wanting to focus on one thing at a time, she said, “I guess there are no cars here.”

  “Cars?”

  His drawn brows and curious glance at her told her the answer was no. “I didn’t think so. Cars are motorized vehicles that run on gas and oil.”

  He smiled. “Yes, I’ve heard of them. We don’t need such things here. We are creatures of nature, after all.”

  Now that she thought about it, she did feel more clear-headed and at ease. No noise, no pollution. Just her and the natural setting of the forest. It was enchanting in more ways than she’d dreamed. “Would it be possible for a tour of your kingdom?”

  His hands fisted in his lap. After a few moments, he uncurled his hands and covered one of hers. “I would love to show you my kingdom, but—”