The Ravaged Fairy by Anna Keraleigh Page B

his heart was back on Inis Mór with Breena.
    They began the quick descent to the
ground, and he watched as a few figures gathered around. His pulse quickened. There
was no mistaking the King and his new Queen. The sun was down and despite the
shadows lurking, a warmth came over him. The land was suddenly beneath his feet
and he fell to his knees as the Queen rushed toward him. She knelt before him
in her floral printed sundress and wrapped her arms around his neck. He didn’t
quite know what to do with this reception.
    “Thame!” Brook hugged him as tight as
Bray had and she swiped at tears. “We missed you!” she whispered the words into
his ear.
    He hugged her back, awkwardly; this was
not a common occurrence. King Carrick was by her side and helped them both to
their feet. “Sir.” He bowed his head, shame suddenly clouding his thoughts. He’d
let himself be captured and spent his days in Breena’s care when he should have
been here. “I’m sorry.” Those were the only words he could muster.
     The sounds of the night accompanied
Carrick’s deep voice. “We had feared the worst.”
    Was that a tear? The king’s eyes were
glassy. Thame nodded his head and clasped his outstretched hand. He was quickly
pulled into an embrace that defined the word friendship. They had been boyhood
friends, but as time passed, Thame was pulled into his solidarity while Carrick
flourished.
     He was different now. Something had
changed. He had changed. Thame walked on his own into the main palace. Just
thinking the word instantly reminded him of Breena. He stiffened his body,
which caused pain to lance through his tender back.
    “Sweet Goddess!” Wick exclaimed as he ran
toward the group. “You scared us to death! And what the hell are you wearing?”
    Leave it to Wick to notice the jeans. “I
missed you, too,” Thame muttered dryly.
    “Was that a joke?” Wick grinned. “I think
they messed with his head!”
     Wick then began poking his fingers into
his scalp. Laughter echoed through the hall, and Thame smiled as he pushed the
jokester aside.
    “We did miss you,” he muttered and the
jovial tone turned serious. His eyes drifted to his back. “I’ll get Brielle and
you’ll have those wings back in no time.”
     The serious tone turned deeper but Thame
couldn’t dissect it. They walked the few feet into a lounge area with glass
walls and ceiling. He sat a bit fatigued on the beige couch, his head falling
to the high backed cushions. From here, he could see the beautiful night cloak
the fairy kingdom.
    “We’re going to get Brielle. You just
rest,” Brook spoke softly and rushed from the room.
    He would have been content to just sit there
and enjoy the sights. This kingdom was heaven to a fallen angel. It was beauty
with its high buildings and giant sunflowers. He wanted to close his eyes
beside the waterfall and spend a few hours dreaming of Breena. One day he
wanted to bring her here. Thame longed for her to go to his house and make it a
home. His thoughts were turning when the soft flutter of wings sounded. He
opened his eyes to a gorgeous sight and a smile grew upon his lips. “Brielle.” She
was like a sister to all of them, and she held her hands to her face as tears
began to seep free.
    “Oh, Thame!”
    Her sweet voice punched through his
weariness. The moment she was close enough he wrapped his arms around her and
held tight. No matter how hard he tried to push away from everyone, she never
let him run far. “You’re a beautiful site.”
    “I missed you so much.” Her voice cracked
and she pressed her face against his chest. “Look at me crying like a twit. I
do believe we have some healing to do.” She smiled as she pulled away and sat
beside him.
    “Yes.” He wanted to shout with joy. His
wings would soon be sprouting from his back. Soon he’d leap into the air and
fly.
    “Lay on your stomach.”
    He did as instructed, his ankle throbbed
heavily from the walk. Her cold hands pressed against