Clíodhna stared off into the distance. The rolling hills glowed with ambient light. “I wish I could show you a sunrise. It’s a glorious sight. I miss them.”
“Adhna said you may return someday. Will you do so, given the chance?”
“I must at some point. I must see my children. They’re all living in the mortal world, and I’ve trusted others to take care of them. Each one has left a hole in my heart.”
Grimnaugh also introduced her to some lesser Fae who worked for the Queen. Those who prepared food, repaired garments, decorated for her fêtes and balls. These Fae seemed more human-like, though too tall or short to be real humans. Their voices sounded like tinkling bells or roaring winds. Some had wings or fins or feathers.
A courtier might approach her during court when the Queen attended another matter. Grimnaugh reminded her of the Fae’s rank, name, and purpose.
One such young Fae walked toward her during a ball. He looked very young, tall and thin with snow-white skin like the Queen’s and a young raven perched on his shoulder. His ink-black hair curled around his face and down his back, almost alive and writhing. He bowed to her. Grimnaugh whispered, “This is Ammatán. He is but recently admitted to the Queen’s court, as his sire once served her. He lived in another Queen’s court for some winters as he grew.”
The Fae flushed when she beamed at him. “Greetings to you, Ammatán.”
“And to you, human. I wanted to meet you. I’ve never seen a full human before. Oh, I hope I haven’t offered insult?” The sweet, anxious expression in his eyes made her soften.
“I’m honored to meet you, young Fae. And what is your talent?”
He swallowed, bowed, and scampered off without answering her question. He’d only sought a meeting. She turned to Grimnaugh. “He seems sweet.”
With a nod, Grimnaugh frowned. “Sweet enough. He has yet to find a protector in court. That choice often colors the future for young Fae.”
“A protector?”
“Someone to guide the youth, teach him the ways of the court, how to avoid the pitfalls. Adhna and I have become your protectors, though he’s by far the more powerful of the two.” As soon as the young Fae fled, another took his place. This Fae towered over Clíodhna, stick thin and wispy like a mare’s tail cloud in the sky. Grimnaugh gave her name. “She is Cerul. Her position gives her power over the light in Faerie.”
Clíodhna’s eyes grew wide. “That seems a great deal of power!”
The tall Fae bowed once, her pale blue eyes shining. “I have little to do but maintain levels. The Queen prefers consistency. However, the work is important.”
While cocking her head, Clíodhna asked, “Have you ever traveled to the mortal world?”
Cerul gave a slight smile but said nothing.
Clíodhna let out a sigh. “I miss the serene beauty and power of the sunrise. Can we do nothing of that sort here in Faerie?”
Cerul considered the question with more solemnity than Clíodhna expected. “I shall inquire.” She left quickly before Clíodhna could thank her.
Grimnaugh introduced several other Fae. Beacáin raised mushrooms along the Great Swamp’s edge, while Gabha worked bronze, creating the spears and daggers used in Fae warfare. A third, Ceatha Mil, a rainbow-striped female, had become the only beekeeper in Faerie. She told Clíodhna no one else had coaxed the creatures to thrive here, but she confided she would never divulge her secret.
A disturbance at the hall’s entrance made them both glance toward the arched doorway. Clíodhna sucked in her breath when she recognized Bodach striding in with four guards behind him, marching in step. He approached the Queen with brash confidence and bowed deep. “My Queen, I have returned from a successful mission.”
Queen Áine smiled, but Clíodhna didn’t think the smile reached her eyes. When Bodach rose, he cast his gaze across the gathered courtiers until it fell upon her and Grimnaugh. He glowered, his expression turning sour. He turned back to the Queen. “Your Grace, why have you accepted this human to your court?”
Her response came in a whisper, falling upon a sudden silence, like mist on a still pond. “Do you dare to question my judgment, Bodach?”
He bowed again. “I should never dare to do so, my Queen.” He retreated, not turning his back to her. Once he exited, the assembled court breathed again.
Grimnaugh curled his lip. “That one. He has incredible nerve. One day, it will land him in a great deal of trouble.”
“Has he acted so bold before?”
“A few times. Most recently, when the Queen took a mortal lover. He has no love for mortals, and believes their blood dilutes the pure Faerie blood. Which is ridiculous, because all of us are of some mixture.”
She had more questions, but the hall had grown quiet again as another petitioner approached the Queen.
Clíodhna had expected such a display of obvious disapproval to result in no more courtiers approaching her. However, several now queued up for introduction. That alone gave her much information about both Bodach’s relation to the other courtiers and the strength of Queen Áine’s approval.
Before she left the court, the Queen pulled her aside. “Be wary of Bodach. You must realize by now he means you ill.”
“I’m aware, my Queen. I shall be cautious. He’s attempted to destroy me before, in the mortal world.”
“If he attempts anything in Faerie, he will feel my wrath. Call on me should you suspect anything brewing.”
Before Clíodhna could agree, the Queen swept from the hall in a flurry of sparkling silver and white, like a soft snowdrift blown by a strong wind.
* * *
Several hours after Grimnaugh escorted her back to Adhna’s roundhouse, her erstwhile host, lover, and mentor returned, tired and bedraggled. She helped him wash in the pond and massaged his
