My stomach was filled with dread.

The morning passed by quickly, riding through the forest at a fast pace our horses never tiring. There was no time for sightseeing and I was disappointed as my first view of the forest was simply a blur of green. Kheelan told me he would show me the forest another time but he'd received a message that morning from his brother.

Apparently the Queen was doubtful of his return and had given him until noon to present his new bride. We rode hard and fast, like the dogs of hell were on our heels.

In a way, they kind of were.

Alpin's paw had healed quickly overnight, no trace of the wound visible when I expected it this morning. He now ran with us, easily keeping up with the horses. I looked behind us to see him loping behind us, his tongue hanging out of his mouth with joy.

When my face turned to him he gave a small bark and ran faster.

As we rode, Kheelan tried to explain proper etiquette and how I must address the Queen.

Basically, the less I said the better.

The Captain had yet to grace me with so much as a good morning. I still wasn't sure about him, I just hoped he would keep his word to Kheelan.

It wasn't long before we were riding through the entrance to the court, creeping vines covering the walls with beautiful white flowers blooming. There was no large buildings, or towers. In fact it didn't look like a court at all. It looked more like a large garden. If I had been passing by I might have completely missed it.

The smell of Daphne filled my senses but rather than feeling sickened by it, it felt rather welcoming.

Like I was coming home.

We stopped at two doors where two guards stood. The doors were void of plants, but vines and roses were carved into them, speckled with what I guessed to be gold.

In their uniforms and their blonde hair, the guards appeared almost identical, though the one on the right had blue eyes and the one on the left had brown eyes.

When Kheelan dismounted they both stood to attention and bowed, before saluting the Captain. Helping me down, Kheelan looked worried for the first time.

"I'll go in first,' he said quietly. "I will make your introduction and then Drake will guide you in."

My fear must have been visible as he smiled at me reassuringly. I grabbed his hand anxiously as he turned away.

"What are the chances of this going badly?"

He just continued smiling but I could tell the smile was only for show.

"I'd say the chances were stacked against us." he said truthfully.

The men opened the door and Kheelan walked in, the doors shutting loudly behind him.

------------

Waiting was torture.

Nobody spoke or moved. The guards were like statues, staring straight ahead. They never moved an inch. I was tempted to see if I could get them to move like they tried to do in England. The Captain stood behind me and I doubted I'd get any conversation out of him.

I heard a howl and looked back.

Alpin sat at the entrance watching us sadly. Kheelan told me we couldn't bring him in with us, saying the Queen would not allow a Cù Sith in the court. I wondered how I could ask the Queen to let me have him in the court.

Still looking at Alpin, I jumped when hands covered mine.

The Captain watched me calmly, his eyes looked almost kind.

"Do not fear Lady', he said softly so the guards wouldn't hear. "The Prince will protect you. The Queen has a soft spot for him and he often gets what he wants."

I nodded, trying not to look as scared as I felt. "I'm not afraid." I whispered.

Then the Captain smiled and I blinked in surprise. He actually looked quite handsome when he smiled. Squeezing my hands he let them go and turned away, murmuring, "Your hands beg to differ my Lady."

Glancing at my hands, I saw the nail moons embedded in my skin.

It was a bad habit of mine. Whenever I was stressed or nervous, unconsciously, I started scratching my palms and digging my nails in. During my final exams in high school, I had scratched them raw. I'd had to wear gloves for weeks to stop myself.

I glanced at the Captain, he stood behind me, eyes staring straight ahead as if the moment had never happened. Most people never noticed when I did that. I felt the corners of my mouth lift up; maybe the Captain did have a heart.

The doors opened and I jumped, my fear flooding back in. The Captain stepped forward and offered him arm.

Taking it tentatively, I stared straight ahead, seeing the faces peering back at us.

"Are you prepared, Lady?"

No! My mind screamed.

My head, however, moved of its own accord, nodding jerkily.

"Let's get this over with," I whispered.

On that note, we walked into my own version of hell.

------------

The hall wasn't really a hall, per say.

Walking through the doors, I stepped into a grove.

The floor was covered in soft green grass, muting my footfalls up the aisle. More flowers climbed the walls inside, giving the air a cold dewy feel. I looked to my right and saw a small pond where a water sprite swam calmly, her crystal eyes following me.

There were so many different types of Fae I soon lost count.

I spotted brownies scurrying around the tall Fae's legs, hitching their skirts as they scuttled, trying to get a better view. A large minotaur creature stood near the front, glaring at me and I quickly lowered my eyes.

The Fae themselves were beautiful. The men all seemed to have perfectly sculpted bodies, their clothes accentuating their frames. The ladies were slim, willowy figured, wearing long flowing gowns which shimmered in the light, their long hair falling in rivers down their backs.

I tried not to stare at them, not because of their beauty but more because I was trying to subtly see which one Kheelan had his eye on.

They all seemed to look the same though; all staring at me unhidden hatred.

Great, haven't even reached the Queen yet and all the ladies of the court hate me.

Reaching the end, I felt my heart give out. Sitting atop a throne of blooming flowers was the Queen.

Gnarled roots and branches created the throne, bright blues, purples and pinks blooming all over. Atop her head was a simple gold crown, accentuating her brown hair which was tied in a bun atop her head. She wore a beautiful deep green gown which seemed to melt into the grass. She looked to be in her late twenties but I knew she had to be much older.

Kheelan stood to the side with a guy who could only be his brother. He was a younger clone of Kheelan, although his hair was longer and his eyes were full of mischief as he gave me a wink.

For some reason this frightened me more than the hateful stares I could feel stabbing me in the back.

The Captain stopped at the base of the throne and tugged my arm gently. Taking the hint, I dropped into a deep curtsey, feeling my knees click.

God I hope I don't have to do this often.

"Rise." I heard a melodious voice speak.

Melodious?

Seriously?

The Queen watched me, no emotion visible on her face. The Captain gave my arm a squeeze and moved away to stand at the side.

Now I was truly alone. I didn't think clinging to him and begging him to stay would come across as very dignified. Clasping my hands together, I tried to stop my nails from tearing my palms apart, but mainly I clasped them together so they wouldn't see them shaking.

"Tell me your name." She spoke softly, but the sound seemed to carry in the large grove.

"Laila Groves, Your Majesty."

"The half breed daughter of the traitor knight, Avery Groves, correct?"

My temper rose but I bit my tongue, spitting out, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Amusement flickered in her eyes at my anger and the urge to hit something caused my fingers to twitch.

Don't let her win, Laila.

"I was saddened that your father had to abandon you and your mother at such a young age," she said plainly, as if it were a common occurrence to her.

I bet you were, I thought sourly.

"Of course,' she continued, "I believe the child should not be held accountable for the wrongs performed by their parents. I was happy to hear my son had finally chosen a bride. Of course being half mortal, you will hold no power over the Seelie Court when my son takes the throne. Does this displease you?"

"No, your majesty.' I answered truthfully. "I do not care for power."

Her eyebrows raised. "I'm glad to hear it," she said softly.

She glanced at Kheelan, displeasure in her eyes. "Unfortunately, my son has played a trick on me, by agreeing to marry you. I foolishly stated that his wife must be of noble blood, without stating that they be pure. As punishment, my son is now being sent to the Faylinn mountains to discuss treaties with the Unseelie Court."

My stomach dropped. I looked to Kheelan but his face remained blank. This wasn't part of the deal.

I was going to kill that lying bastard!

"In the meantime,' the Queen spoke, and I looked back to her. "You and I shall have time to get better acquainted."

Her smile looked kind but her eyes told another story.

In the immortal words of one Admiral Ackbar, my mind shouted, It's a trap!