Alard the Unseelie: Part One (special preview)

The frosty morning made itself known as you woke from slumber. The crispness of the air and the scent of cold upon your nose let you know, without looking, that outside the world would be covered in delicate frost. The labyrinth would appear like glass as soon as the sun hit it.

“Fuck, he’s going to be whiny this morning,” you grumbled as you put on your slippers. “Best nip that in the bud.” You pulled on your quilted robe and left your chambers.

The hallway showed signs of life escaping the labyrinth outside. Small creatures scaled the walls, sluthered between cracks in the stone, or fluttered through the air as you passed by. You swatted at pixies as they tried to rip at your hair. They must have locked the cats in the kitchen again, you thought.

Down the hallway, the pixies left you alone, avoiding the very room you were heading towards. You let yourself in without knocking, going across the room towards the fireplace. Across the room is a great bed with an even greater lump in the middle.

The lump pulsed and writhed, it shifted back and forth before eyes peered out from under the blankets. TheirThey’re icy blueness would have filled the room with an extra chill for most, but not for you. You were used to thesethis eyes and immune to their effects now.

“It is cold,” a deep voice rumbled.

“And what does it look like I am doing, my lord?” You scoffed over your shoulder.

A long, paleplae hand jutted out from under the blankets and a finger pointed at you. “Your job in this labyrinth is to take care of me! ”

You tutted as you added wood to the fire. “Oh, poor baby.”

“How dare you mock me?” He hissed.

“Lord Alard, my job here is to keep things running. I am not your mother, nor a babysitter, nor a guardian to you because you are a grown man.” You fanned the members, hoping it would catch flame soon so you could head to the kitchen and take care of yourself.

The blanket shut around the bed and deep grumblings could be heard underneath.

“What was that?” You called back.

The blanket rose until it slipped from Alard’s head and rested around his shoulders. His long black hair was matted and bunched from sleep, but he was attempting to look regal anyways.

You raised your brows at him then turned back to the fireplace.

“You’re only human,” he hissed. He loved to toss this in your face.

You scoffed. “Trust me, I know, my lord. You need not keep reminding me. And don’t go on with why I am here or I will stop trying to light this fire.”

He was quiet for a moment.

“I’ll bring breakfast once it is ready.” The flames were beginning to catch and the wood was crackling away. “Unless you have something else to say?” You stood, turning to look at him glaring in your direction.

His sharp features looked dulled by his sleepiness, and his usually silky hair was so unkempt it looked like thick briars. His long neck stretched further out, and the feathers sling the side of his face and jaw ruffled.

“Good morning then,” you said as you left his chambers.

Working for Lord Alard wasn’t exactly a dream position. Despite his power and authority he was kept at arm’s length by the rest of the unseelie court. His aunt, the queen, kept him in the labyrinth for several reasons. The biggest being he was dangerous and whoever got lost inside the labyrinth deserved to be found by him.

The kitchen was quiet that morning, but as you walked in, the stove burst to life and the lights brightened. You went over to the pantry and opened it, letting out several cats that went yowling into the halls to deal with the pixies. The kettle whistled and a teacup was placed upon the counter.

“Good morning, Dey,” you said as you filled the cup.

The cabinets rustled and a tea bag fell out from inside one. You picked it up and placed it into your cup.

“He’s in a mood this morning,” you said. “Do we have what it takes to make his favorite? Or am I asking too much?”

The stove opened and wisps of smoke billowed out. Tiny members followed and a face was made amongst the smoke. “You spoil him.”