Alard the Unseelie: Part Two (rough draft)

Titania was quite feared, and while she was indeed that, you knew she did all that she could out of love. She loved her kingdom, her people, and you knew she loved you. Even if keeping you, a human changeling, caused a number of dramas within the court, it didn’t matter to her.

You were raised as her shadow, mimicking and copying everything she did. You so wanted to be like her, even though you had the firm understanding there was no way you could be queen. You wanted to be tough and regal the same as she was. As a human in the fairy court, you had to be strong.

“I have a nephew, a troublesome young thing,” Titania said to you one day.

You were brushing her voluminous hair with her special comb, sectioning it off to make sure every strand was dealt with. Fireflies sparkled and danced through the air around her, sometimes gliding through her hair like it was water.

“I would be surprised if he wasn’t, Mother,” you replied.

Her smirked cut along her face and she chuckled. “Much more so than normal, you see.” She turned slightly to look back at you. “He’s known as a berserker, and he thrives on his…let’s call them talents.”

You watched her dark eyes with curiosity. “Why do I have a feeling you’re leading up to something.”

Titania sighed and reached back. Her hair flowed freely around her, caught in its gravitation. The fireflies sparkled within the thick, dark locks where they became lost in the void. She looked like the night sky itself, but unlike the night her dark skin held warmth and there was a rosyness to her complexion.

“I am leading up to something.” She stood with your hand in her own. She towered above you, nearly nine feet tall. “My nephew needs a keeper.”

Your mouth slightly parted. “Me?”

She smirked then stooped over and picked you up into her arms. “You’re the only one that I feel can do the job. He has scared off just about everyone I have sent his way.” She placed you on her vanity and pulled her stool up to sit down.

You watched her hand glide across the vanity as she tried to decide what to reach for first. The fireflies swirled and darted around her fingers before she reached for her powder puff.

You tilted your head to the side. “A berserker is a dangerous creature, Mother. I am merely human. Wouldn’t he rather devour me than have me ever touch him?”

“Alard is more spoiled than anything. He’s used to people treating him with kid gloves. He relies on people’s fear of him to get away with whatever he wants.” Titania pressed her powder puff into her skin, leaving trails of glittering dust in the air. “I gave him so much, and from what I have been told, his home is a wreck, and he rarely takes proper care of himself.”

You fanned away the fragrant dust from your face then sneezed. “That still begs the question: why me?”

Titania smiled at you. “Because you are just like me.” She tapped the tip of her finger against my nose. “My little shadow.”

“Your dog.” You huffed, irritated with how some of the court referred to you.

Titania leaned in close. “But isn’t it the dog’s bite that is most vicious?” She pressed her forehead to yours. “I am worried about Alard,” she said to you. “He needs someone to care about him, or I fear he will lose the amazing little boy I love.”

You gazed into her endless eyes, seeing starlight swimming within their depths. “You know I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“I know.” She kissed your forehead. “And I would not send you if I didn’t think you were up to the task. You won’t be alone there either.” She reached into the drawer housing her rings and pulled one out.

“There is Dey, a dear friend who takes care of most things around the castle.” She placed rings upon her fingers until they glittered with gems and fine metals. “They will be able to help you with most things. Your main concern is Alard.” She waved her palm across the mirror and within you saw a handsome fae.

He had long dark hair like Titania, and features sharp enough to cut glass. He was sitting before a fire, glaring into it before he picked up a blade covered in blood.

“He lives in the center of my labyrinth,” Titania replied. “He does special work for me there.”

“From the looks of that blood, I can only guess.” You shivered at the thought. “It’s human lood isn’t it.”

Titania stroked your hair and smiled. “If he harms a hair on your head, he will answer to me. So do not worry about yourself.” She took a small box from within her rings and as she brought it to you it sharnk between her fingers until it fit into your palm. Inside the box was a ring made of iron.

“Wear that for protection,” Titania explained. “Alard hates humans, but it is the men he despises. He has a weakness for women. It is one of the reasons I do keep a rather light hold upon him.”

You looked away from the unimpressive chunk of iron around your finger. “So you think because of that I can control him?”

She smirked and slipped her long fingers under your chin. “If you are anything like me, it will be easy.”

Your first meeting with Alard was not long after. You were taken into the labyrinth, but no one was waiting for your outside the castle. You stood there with your things and the carriage left quicker than it arrived.

“I see,” you murmured.

You let yourself in, shoving open the huge doors made of glass and stone. You dragged your own trunks inside then sat upon one of them with a huff. You looked around the dark, empty corridor with an unimpressed expression. It was dark, save for a few flickering candles above.

You heard a cacophony of meowing from down the hall, and moments later a stampede of cats came rushing down. You watched them with a curious eye, following their hectic yet planned route until the last small kitten was trying to keep up.

You followed after them, going down a long unending hallway. It was dark, but flames would come alight in the sconces as you approached. The hoard of cats collected around your ankles, sniffing you and studying you as you followed along with them. They eventually lead you into a kitchen with a massive stove at the center of the back wall.

The place was well lit and it was warm. Sitting on the table was a plate of cookies and a kettle of tea. You sat down, helping yourself to a cup.

“You must be the new keeper!” A voice chimed.

The tea cup in your hand halted before it could reach your lips. You looked around to see where the voice came from. “I am.” You set the teacup down. “You must be Dey.”

The stove lit up bright and flames licked out from inside. “I am! It is so nice to meet you. Titania spoke very highly of you.”

You approached the stove, looking inside to see the fire looked very different. “I was about to say the same of you.”

“Sorry no one was able to meet you at the door. His lordship still hasn’t gotten out of bed,” Dey huffed. “But not to worry! We’ll get you situated and comfortable here.”

“He’s still in bed?” You asked.

“Yes, Alard does enjoy his beauty sleep. And his deep sleep. And sleeping in-” dey’s voice droned to silence. “Not many of the keepers have found a way to get him to rise.”

You thought for a moment. “Where’s his chambers?”

Dey was quiet. “You just got here! Rest a moment.”

“I promised my mother to take care of Alard. I plan on doing so.”

Dey sighed. “You don’t need to start right away. But if you insist.” You saw some of the cats leave the kitchen so you followed after them.

They took you back into the entrance and down another hallway which lead up a set of stairs. Within the stairs were packs of pixies that swarmed you. They ripped at your hair and clawed at your face. You brandished the iron ring and they fluttered away hissing and cussing me.

“Definitely have some cleaning to do around here,” you muttered.

The cats lead you to a red glass door which they laid around as you stood there. You sighed and pushed open the door. The fireplace grew into a large crackling flame and you saw it move strangely.

“Careful now,” Dey whispered.

The grand bed at the other end of the room was surrounded by mountains of dirty clothing and dishes, as well as some weapons and various other things. A large lump rested towards the head of the bed and inside you could hear breathing.

You stood there for a moment, just watching and taking in the sights. Then you saw a broken spear sticking out from under a pile and pulled it out. The wooden handle was perfect. You started jabbing the lump on the bed with it.

“It’s time to get up!” You shouted.

“What the fuck?” Alard roared from under the blankets.

You kept poking and prodding with the wooden handle. “Get up!”

A hand reached out from inside and grabbed hold of the spear. It yanked, pulling you with it. You tried standing your ground, but your feet began dragging.

“Who do you think you are!” The blanket fell away from Alard and he stood upont he bed glaring down at you. His expression faltered for a moment. “A human?” his grip also loosened and you took the spear back. You swept it under his feet, knocking his legs out from under him and he toppled off the bed.

“Good morning!” You panted.

“Do you even know where you are?” Alard rose from the ground, a hateful look upon his face. “Do you know who you are messing with, human girl?” He bared his sharp teeth as his began to glow red.

You sneered. “Do you?” You jabbed the spear across the bed and poked him in the forehead.

Alard grabbed it and yanked it from your hand, tossing it and smashing it against the wall. “You do realize you are in the unseelie court?”

You looked around and waved out your arms. “From what I am seeing here, no.”

Alard jumped across the bed, lunging into your face. He gnashed his teeth and breathed smoke from his throat.

You punched him.

“Oh my god!” He screamed as the iron ring made contact. He flailed back onto the bed holding his face in his hands.

You shook your hand in the air. “Your aunt sent me.”

“You fucking hit me!” Alard cried out.

You scoffed and placed your hands upon your hips. “We both know you would have done something to me if I didn’t.”

He glared up at you, his hand still covering most of his nose. “Why would Titania send a human here?”

“Because she raised me.”

His eyes grew wide and his expression turned blank. A grin began to appear and he started to chuckle. “You’re her lap dog!”

You glared at him. “And you’re her mad dog.”

Alard was snickering and wheezing. “I thought she was joking when she said she’d be sending you here.” he slipped off the bed and stood before you. His hand moved away from his face, revealing you had left quit the mark. “Is she crazy?”

“No. but maybe I am.” You stood your ground, glaring up at him. “I’ve already hit you once. I really don’t want to do it again.”

Alard leaned down into your face. “I doubt you could.”

You met his glare with equal intensity. But you were wracked with confusion at the same time. For some reason, you found this whole situation quite arousing.

“I doubt you could either,” you replied. “Because you know if you lay a single hand upon me with ill intent, Titania will have a word with you.”

Alard licked his teeth. “You’re lucky I want to see how this plays out.” He chuckled and stepped away from you. “I’m sure you’ll be begging to leave just like all the rest.”

“You’ve never dealt with anyone like me before,” you murmured. “So don’t hold your breath.”

Alard picked up clothes from the floor. “I wouldn’t waste my time with you anyways, little human.” He sniffed the clothes then began putting them on. “If you were left in my labyrinth I wouldn’t even spare a thought on you. I’d just leave you to rot inside.”

“That would be a big mistake.” You took the blankets and sheets off the bed then bundled his pillows inside them. “Gather up all this mess,” you commanded. “Take the dirty laundry where it needs to go, and put all the dirty dishes in the kitchen.”

He stared at your in confusion.

“If that doesn’t happen in an hour, I’m slashing your mattress.” You walked away with his bedding while he stood there glaring after you.

The cats led you down to the laundry room where the blankets and sheets began washing themselves.

“Very impressive,” Dey said. “I can’t believe how that went down!”

“My mother told me I would need a heavy hand with him,” you replied. “Hopefully from here, we can grow.”

“For your sake, and maybe his, I hope so,” Dey sighed.

You waited an hour, and when you hadn’t seen Alard again you returned to his room. He was laying back in the bed, but when he heard you he sat up with alarm. He stared at the knife in your hand and laughed.

“You aren’t serious.”

You rolled the handle of the knife in your hand. “You have until the count of three to take something dirty and put it where it belongs. One-”

Alard scoffed. “You think you can scare me?”

“Two.”

“I kill humans like you with glee! That little knife does little to frighten me,” he continued to laugh.

“Three.” You stabbed the knife into the mattress and cut a small hole.

Alard’s laughter stopped and he stared at you in disbelief.

You looked into his eyes. “Should I continue, Lord Alard? Or is there a couch comfy enough for you in this whole palace?”

His mouth hung open as he glared into your eyes. “You’re crazy.”

“Just enough.” he nodded your head to the piles around the bed. “Now which will go first, the dishes or the clothing?”

Alard slowly stood up from the bed. “You don’t scare me.”

You pouted. “But I want to.”You cut more of the mattress and feathers began to spill out from inside.

Alard grabbed an armful of laundry. “I was going to do this today anyways. You better fix my mattress and clean up all these feathers.”

You smiled at him. “Once this room is clean.”

He hurried off, grumbling curses under his breath.

You sighed and tucked the knife into your apron. “This is going to take a while,” you muttered to yourself. You looked around the room and crossed your arms. “I guess we’ll find out.”

It took time, but eventually a reluctant respect grew between the two of you. It was always a struggle between the two of you. But something else grew from it.

You laid in his bed, gazing at his sleeping form. He breathed deeply, snuggling into his pillow with his arms wrapped tightly around it.

You shook his shoulder gently. “Time to wake up.”

He grumbled.

You moved in closer to him, your bare skin pressing against his. “I won’t ask you nicely twice.”

Alard growled, gripping his pillow tighter then cast a single eye open upon you. “When have you ever asked nicely?”

You kissed his arm and gave him a smile. “I asked nicely last night.”

Releasing his pillow, Alard put his arm around you and pulled you in close. He buried his face into the curve of your neck, breathing in deeply.

“Come on now.” You patted his back. “It’s a big day today. We have to get ready.”

“Fuck that.”

You rolled your eyes and dragged your nails up his spine. “Titania is coming, I want everything to be perfect for her visit.”

Alard snarled and nuzzled even deeper into your hair.

“Don’t start this again,” you huffed. “You brat.”

He rose up over you, pinning your shoulders down upon the bed. His eyes looked sharp and fierce, but they bothered you very little.

“You didn’t seem so worried last night,” he growled. “When you were asking so nicely for me to fuck you harder and harder and harder.” His voice became a low, arousing moan as he spoke.

You stroked your hands up his strong arms. “It was late. What could be done except you fucking me?”

His smirk grew. “You’re turning me on.”

“Not today.” You wagged your finger. “We’ve got things to do before Titania gets here. Get aroused in secret.”

Alard released you and you stood up from bed. As you walked across the room to the vanity you could see him still pouting upon the bed. You smoothed your palms across your face, where you could see small changes appearing. Sleeping with Alard had begun turning you into a fae. Your eyes showed the first sign of this, changing in color and shape. Your lashes were longer, your hair was fuller, and your freckles had started to glitter.

These were all subtle, but Titania would be able to tell right away. If she didn’t know already that was.

Int he reflection of the mirror you saw Alard standing behind you. He took the brush and began running it through your hair. “Do you think this is what she had planned all along?”

You nodded. “Knowing her I would not doubt it. In fact I should have known right away there was something else going through her mind.”

Alard kissed your neck as he pulled back your hair. “That or she wanted us to kill one another.”

“Either option was smart on her part,” you laughed.

Alard’s fingers glided through your hair, stopping at the bottom and grabbing hold. “My father used to tell me that Titania was something of a wild thing as a child.”

You glanced back at Alard.

He nodded. “Oh yes. She used to run into the woods with barely a stitch of clothing on her. They’d find her days later sleeping with bunnies sheltered around her. Sometimes even humans.”

You turned in your seat to look at him. “Knowing her that doesn’t surprise me.”

“It did my father,” Alard sighed. “He used to think she would disappear and never return. But when she married her first husband a change took hold.” He shrugged. “Then again, my father was also the one who said I was a better monster than a knight.”

You frowned. “You’ve never told me this.” You hesitated as a thought occurred to you. “You’ve never said anything about your father either.”

“Did Titania?” Alard laughed as he crossed the room. He picked up clothes from the floor, sniffing them and then folding them when the scent was unpleasant.

You shook your head. “Actually no. She only ever called you her nephew.”

“That is because my father, even for an unseelie, was untasteful. Even compared to me,” Alard laughed.

You stood from your seat, watching Alard as he went into his wardrobe to dress. He seemed so nonchalant about it.

“Where is your father?” You asked.

Alard slipped on a shirt then pulled his long hair out from the collar. “Who knows? Titania did something with him when she gave me the labyrinth. I haven’t seen him since my youth.”

“What did he do?” You asked.

Alard shook his head. “I never knew my mother. Maybe he killed her. Maybe he made me from moss. I’m not sure. I sort of figured whatever he did, it was enough to displease Titania. I thought, perhaps, it had something to do with my mother.”

You frowned. “I take it you don’t really care.”

“Nope!” He shut the wardrobe. Alard then laid his hand upon his chest. “I like who I am despite my father. I like who Titania allowed me to be. I may be this ‘mad dog’ of the unseelie court, but Titania cared enough about me to send me keepers and handlers.” His smile turned soft, and his eyes reflected a gentle aura that made you turn soft and warm. “She loved me enough to send me you.”

Your cheeks warmed and you nodded. “All you need, right?”

Alard kissed your forehead. “All I need. Now hurry!” He snapped hsi fingers. “Titania is coming, I want everything to be perfect for her visit. I won’t ask nicely a second time!” he mocked what you said earlier.

You scoffed and got dressed, going down to the kitchen to work with Dey on preparing for Titana’s arrival. Alard went out into the labyrinthe, just in case there needed to be something he had to deal with. You wanted to ask Dey about Alard’s father, but figured it wasn’t important enough to bother even yourself with.

Titania arrived at dusk, her carriage preceded with a cluster of fireflies that filled the air with their twinkling light. As soon as she stepped from her carriage, she scooped you up off the ground and hugged you close. She nuzzled her cheek to your hair and placed kisses upon your face.

“I have missed you, little shadow!” She cooed. “So glad to see your-” She stopped as she looked at you thoroughly for the first time. “Your pretty face.” A smirk crossed her lips. “I see you two wasted no time.” She cut her eyes down to Alard. “I had hoped something between the two of you would blossom. But I thought it would take much longer, given the nature inside you both.” She patted the top of Alard’s head.

“I thought as much, dear aunt,” Alard laughed. “I doubt you would have given up your lovely changeling for just anything.”

Titania’s eyes focused back upon you, taking int he small but glaring changes to your face. “Changeling no longer. She’s fae now.” She kissed you one last time then set you back down upon the ground.

“Would you like to rest a bit, mother?” You asked.

“I would like something to drink and to talk with both of you,” she said with a smile. “I have looked forward to nothing else this entire journey through the labyrinth.” She took herself inside, ducking slightly in the doorframe.

As Titania stood in the entrance, her sharp eyes gazed around as her fireflies flew close to her form. She clicked her tongue as you and Alard showed her the way to the parlor where you had received fresh stock of Titania’s favorite cordial.

“I’m glad to see this place is in much better condition than when I left you here, Alard,” Titania mused. “I suppose my shadow was a good influence on you.”

“I wouldn’t call it influence,” Alard smirked.

You gave him an eye but smiled back.

“I see you still have pixies,” she grumbled. “Such a shame. They’re so hard to get rid of once they get inside.”

The cats followed Titania, swapping and jumping upon her trailing skirts, clawing up the sides, chasing the fireflies, and generally treating her like a tree.

“Go on now! Shoo,” you tried to wave them away.

“Oh it’s fine,” Titania chuckled. “I barely notice them.”

You arrived in the parlor where you set up a special chair for Titania. She sat down, cats now able to climb and claw to their hearts’ content.

“I’ll fetch your drink.” Alard said, kissing Titania’s hand.

“Thank you, my dear boy.” Titania’s eyes focused on you and her smile turned a little soft and faint. “I’m still not used to it.”

You returned her smile. “You did only just arrive, mother. You’ve got plenty of time.”

She chuckled. “I knew you and Alard would suit one another well. I hope that is the case.”

You nodded. “Like oil and vinegar.”

Titania’s fingertips touched to her lips as she chuckled. “Delicious then.” She then turned as Alard brought her her drink. The glass grew as it touched her hand, and she sipped upon the thick liquid inside.

“It’s been a while since I have been here,” she murmured. “I’m a bit…surprised.”

“At what?” Alard asked.

Titania eased back in her chair. “This used to be the unseelie palace in the beginning. It’s old. Much older than most of us within the court. And yet, this place feels as if it is not much older than the new palace.” She looked around. “I’m not sure what it is that is causing this strange sensation.”

“Could Dey be the cause?” you asked.

“Dey has been here a long time, btu they don’t have that power to renew.” Titania’s eyes focused upon you. “Unless these changes are because of a certain new fae within the halls.” She smirked. “Or perhaps Alard’s new attitude is having some influence over this old place?”

Alard just shrugged. “Whatever it is, the place does feel less drafty.”

Titania chuckled, sipping at her cordial again. She sighed deeply, turning her gaze upon the fire place. “I used to visit here as a child. Sneaking away like most children do. I was told not to come here, but that only proved to me I should go here. I would hide in the labyrinth all the time from my brother.”

Alard’s eyes glanced away.

“He was quite the prcik.” Titania turned a watchful eye upon Alard. “He used to make up all sorts of stories about me. Said I went off to fornicate with mortals.”

“Did you?” You asked.

Titania shook her head. “No! Never. The only mortal I ever looked at twice was you, my darling.” She sighed and shook her head. “My brother was the one who would go out and seduce mortal women. He would lie and cover up what he did. But I know exactly what the fool did.”

Alard’s expression pinched. “You’re joking.”

“I wish I was,” she sighed. She looked at him apologetically. “He disappeared into the mortal realm. Not that we have cared to look for him, mind you.”

Alard furrowed his brow even more at Titania. “That is what happened to him? That’s all?”

Titania shrugged. “That’s what he chose for himself and why I took care of you. I could never explain his reasoning, but I did know he was jealous of me. I always thought he left because he could not bear to see me in the throne.” She smirked. “Which I’m fine with.”

Alard huffed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Did you care?” Titania asked.

He shook his head. “I thought you had done something to him.”

Titania shrugged. “Kind of. After I found him beating you one day I beat him in return. He left the day after. I gave you the labyrinth.”

“Oh,” Alard seemed surprised.

Titania smiled. “I’m sorry if that’s a disappointing outcome, Alard. But that is life. Your father was terrible, and he ran away.”

He shook his head. “No. It’s more than what I expected.”

After a few more drinks, you all retired to bed. You went with Titania first, helping her get settled and brushing her hair for the first time in so long.

“Are you happy here?” She asked you.

“Yes. very much so.”

Titania closed her eyes and smiled. “That fills this old heart. I look forward to seeing what you become. After seeing how this castle is renewing, I feel as though you and Alard will have great power together.”

“Perhaps that is a mistake,” you teased.

Titania laughed. “No. It’s what you’ve always deserved.”

After bidding her goodnight, you returned to your chambers with Alard. You found him sitting before the vanity, his head down and his hands fidgeting with a comb.

“I’m surprised, I expected to find you asleep or still partaking in the cordial.” You came up behind him, running his hair through your fingers. You sectioned it off and began braiding.

“I still can’t wrap my head around it,” he huffed. “My fathe ris out there, somewhere, just…living like a mortal.”

“Would you want to find him?” You asked.

“No. Of course not. It’s just…frustrating.”

You finished braiding his hair then smoothed your hands along his shoulders. “Tell me. I want to know.”

Alard scoffed. “He used to taunt Titania so much. Used to speak so ill of mortals…and yet he was putting his dick in them.”

You kissed his temple. “Is he not as a simple a creature as you had hoped.”

“No.” he huffed and stood up, taking hold of your hand. “Even worse. It makes me realize how much like him I am.” He looked into your eyes.

“What? Because of me?” You placed your palm uponhis chest. “Hush. Liking me does not make you like your father. It makes you very smart.”

Alard laughed and bent down to kiss you. “I love you.”

“I know,” you whispered. “Take me to bed. Show me how much you do.”

“Constantly.” He picked you up off your feet and laid you down upon the bed. He kissed you as he made your clothes vanish from your body.

“Are you sure?” he then whispered. “While she’s here?”

You chuckled and wrapped your arms around him, bringing him down close to you. “We can wait until she goes back home.”

Alard struggled internally with what to do. You could see it painted upon his face as he fought with what he wanted, and his own concern.

He eventually caved in and continued kissing you hungrily. His hands roamed down your body, gently cupping your breasts then bringing them to his lips. You moaned softly, breathing in deeply as his sharp teeth grazed your sensitive flesh.

The fire dimmed and there was alight that shone from your body in the darkness. Alard drank it in, watching you as he rose above you.

“I should thank her better in the morning,” Alard murmured. He tossed the braid over his shoulder. “I don’t think I did it properly.”

You chuckled and reached for him. “Focus on me now.”

“Oh, I will,” he smirked. He smoothed his palm along your thigh, opening it slightly so his fingers could find purchase on your mound. “I’m going to enjoy you tonight, my love.”

You bit your lip, closing your eyes as Alard’s fingers rubbed against you. His fingers pressed into your vulva, spreading you open just enough to see deeper inside. You moaned again, arching your back off the bed enough for your neck to stretch back.

“Ah, it begins,” he moaned. “Softness like petals. It’ll begin to rain soon.” he leaned down, kissing and suckling upon your breast again. His mouth was warm, his teeth were sharp. You felt that warmth and care along with a dangerous edge. He moaned against your breast, pressing his fingers deeper as wetness began to seep out.

“Alard,” you moaned.

He chuckled, lifting his head and gazing into your eyes. “Yes. I know.” He rose up, pushing your legs back until they opened. He placed himself between your thighs and took his cock into his hand. He rubbed the hood of his cock against you, pressing in only to recoil back when you grew excited.

You pouted, but that only egged him on. He pressed inside, going a little deeper each time. But he never gave you fully what you wanted.

Alard laughed as the frustration grew upon your face. “You want me so bad, don’t you? You’ve got it bad.”

“By it, do you mean yourself?” You huffed. “Because yes, I’ve got you bad.”

He bit the tip of his tongue between his teeth while he grinned. “I’m awful.” He pushed in suddenly, making you cry out with relief and shock. He chuckled, moving his hips slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you bad too.”

You whimpered, holding onto his hips as he moved inside you.

Alard grunted, thrusting himself inside you. He gazed upon you, eyes lidded and mouth parted. He went harder, shaking you upon the bed until the pillows fell upon your face.

“No, no. I have to see you. You can’t escape me.” Alard leaned over you, throwing the pillows away. He gazed into your eyes, going still as he saw himself reflected in your eyes.

“What?” You whimpered.

Alard kissed you and began moving slowly again. “I just realized I could never be like my father. Because all I have ever wanted was you. No one else. Nothing else. I am happy with only this.”

You wrapped your arms tight around him. “Alard-” you whispered.

He kissed you hungrily, moving himself harder and faster inside you. He felt so deep, so tight against you. You knew you wouldn’t last much longer.

Come morning Alard was snoring and tucked under his pillow. You got up, deciding to let him sleep in while you went to the kitchen to help dey with a special breakfast. But to your surprise, titania was there already.

“Oh, you’re up already!” You gasped.

“I haven’t talked to Dey in ages. And I rarely get to visit the kitchen at the palace.” Titania chuckled. Cats poked out of her hair, meowing then disappearing back inside.

You sat beside her at the table. “Is what you said about Alard’s father true?”

“It is. Why?” She asked. “Is there reason for concern?”

You shook your head. “Just making sure is all.”

Titania smirked. “Did you and Lara dave fun last night?”

Your cheeks blossomed and Dey began to giggle. “They have fun most nights, my queen,” they said. “They’re quite well suited for one another.”

You glared to the stove while Titania giggled. “I thought as much.” She ate a slice of apple that had been sizzling in a pan. “I wanted something special for my shadow.” She stroked your hair and gazed lovingly at you. “It took me a long time to realize that for myself. I didn’t want something precious to me to struggle.”

You smiled up at her. “Thank you, mother.”

Titania bent over and kissed you. “As long as you both are happy, there is no need to thank me.”