Ballerina Undone :Tales of Elysia Book 2

The myths and legends about Faerie are many and diverse, and often contradictory. Only one thing is certain—that nothing is certain. All things are possible in the land of Faerie. -Brian Froud & Alan Lee Fen’s heart had nearly shattered when the entire race of Unicorns had crossed over into his realm, approaching him for sanctuary. Their pale, white skin was marred with bruises while their ribs protruded, revealing to Fen the centuries of a***e they had endured from their handlers. No doubt, this was the work of the Dark fae for no other creature would dare come against the powerful yet pure unicorns that can look into one’s soul and see its intent with just a glance from their orb-like eyes. Fen clenched his fists as anger came bubbling up to the surface. Once he’d made sure that the unicorns were properly fed and taken care of, Fen dropped onto his plush bed and was instantly asleep. When he awoke in his dreams, he found Him sitting on their favorite wooden bench, admiringly gazing out into the still waters of the lake that surrounds Fen’s castle. “How is everything?” Arahnor asked. “Everything is going well. I’ve had more creatures come in today and they were given asylum.” Fen said as soon as he sat down and joined him. His brows furrowed when Arahnor got up and walked over to the edge of the lake. Fen followed, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he stared down into the rippling waters. Though they stood, man-to-man; shoulder-to-shoulder, their reflection depicted a different picture altogether. It captured a lion and a wolf, standing side by side; their rounded, luminous eyes a matching hue of warm honey and gold; identical white fur unblemished and glistening like fresh snow. “There is a girl in the mortal realm,” Arahnor began, “she is not human but the only remaining heir to the throne of Terrathelle.” “So she’s an elf?” Fen surmised. Arahnor remained quiet for a moment before continuing, “I need you to watch over her. When you visit the mortal realm, check in on her and keep her safe.” He raised a hand over the lake’s surface until it began to ripple into a new reflection of said young girl. Fen’s lips stretched into a grin as he took in the adorable little girl excitedly jumping around in a pink tutu. “She’s quite the epitome of cuteness, isn’t she?” Arahnor remarked with a soft smile. “That she is.” Fen nodded in agreement. “So the King and Queen had her sent to the mortal realm to keep her safe?” “Yes. She arrived the day Terrathelle fell at the hands of the Crown Prince of Winter,” Arahnor said with a frown. Fen felt his hands curl into fists at the mention of his twin brother, leader of the Dark ones. Arahnor turned to look at Fen. “Can you do this? Can you watch over the Princess?” “I will,” Fen vowed. “And if the time ever came and you had to face the Crown Prince of Winter, would you be able to kill him?” Arahnor asked, seeming to already know the answer. “It would be my pleasure,” Fen stated wholeheartedly before clearing his throat. “No offense,” he quickly added. Arahnor chuckled and shook his head. “None taken. Though I may seem all about life and redemption, there are times when death is the only way they can be brought to me for judgment; the only way they can no longer hurt my other children.” Years later . . . Fen plopped down on the grass, releasing a contented sigh as he ruffled Arahnor’s mane. Arahnor had decided to be in his lion form today, which wasn’t unusual. The lion turned its incandescent eyes on him. I take it that things are going well with the Princess? “Yeah, pretty much. That emerald necklace the Queen gave her is keeping her true identity hidden. The other creatures don’t notice her, nor can she see them. Except . . .” Fen clenched his jaw. Except what? Arahnor prodded. “Her adoptive parents never loved her. The poor girl grew up alone and, for some reason, she couldn’t even make friends.” Fen said angrily as he fisted a chunk of grass before yanking it out and throwing it aside. The lion’s eyes casted down with sadness. “Even the dumb protector who was sent to her hasn’t made the effort to befriend her. Just let’s her rent out a room in some crummy place.” But is she happy? “I guess in a way she is. . .” Fen conjured up memories of her joining a small ballet company, of her performances, and finally, of her human boyfriend: Derek Masterson. The lion clearly saw these images and frowned when they got to the human. Arahnor blinked when he detected hints of jealousy in Fen and inwardly smiled. Thank you, Fen. You have done a marvelous job. Her 18th birthday is approaching, which means she will be able to return to Elysia. Even then, she will still need you. “Ah, ok. I really don’t mind.” Fen admitted. “But how long did you want me to watch her?” It’s up to you. “What? How—that doesn’t make any sense.” Fen shook his head. The Lion turned to him and simply said, She is your mate in every way; mind, heart . . . and soul. Fen blinked. He felt tongue tied as his heart roared in his ears. His words kept replaying in his mind as he conjured a memory of her dancing alone in some grand park she liked to frequently visit. Of course you don’t have to be with her. Many go on with their lives without ever being with their intended, Arahnor went on as if he hadn’t just laid a bomb on Fen’s lap. And then Fen’s heart began to sing a different tune: mine. “. . . She’s meant to be mine?” he whispered hoarsely. The lion tilted its head. Yes, she is. She was made for you just as you were for her. Fen took a deep, harrowing breath. Does this mean that you will safely see her to Terrathelle and help the elves get back their Kingdom? “Yes, I will. I’ll make sure that she is sitting on her throne. And I’ll keep her safe. After all, she is mine and you know damn well that I protect what is mine.” Fen swore, his throat releasing a soft growl. Don’t forget that she has to choose you too, Arahnor cautioned. Fen scoffed. “How can she not choose me? I’m quite the charmer and the looker.” Fen grinned as he raised his right arm and flexed his impressive bicep. The lion did not look amused. Shaking his mane, the lion stretched before coming to stand on all fours. Ah Fen, I can always count on you for a good laugh. Fen rolled his eyes. Getting to his feet, Fen stared out into the horizon, letting a soft breeze caress his face as it danced through his fine hair. “But you’re right,” Fen said in all seriousness. “It will be her choice. I’m quite content as a King and though it would be nice to have a Queen, I will not force her. If I have to, I can let her go.” Would you try to find another to be your Queen? Fen solemnly shook his head. “No. As you say, she’s my soulmate. The only Queen good enough for me. If I cannot have her then I will remain alone and without a Queen.” The lion nudged his side in comfort. Clearing his throat, Fen decided to change the subject to something less heavy and a lot more fun. “Isn’t there a gorgeous nymph currently residing in Denmark who would love to visit New York and perhaps temporarily join a certain ballet company?” Fen stated as he rubbed his chin while his thoughts began to calculate and form a plan. The lion gave a resigned sigh. I will not be a part of this conniving plan of yours. You’re on your own. Fen’s face lit up when he remembered her name. “That’s ok. I can do this all on my own—well, also with Calla’s help.” he grinned. Arahnor shook his head and lightly stepped over the lake's surface as he began to silently walk away. * * * * * * * * * * Fen jolted awake. Quickly sitting up in his bed, he tossed the covers aside and began to prepare for a quick trip to Denmark before heading straight back to New York again. Knowing that she was his soulmate changed everything. He now saw her with newfound eyes. Though he had experienced joy when he had been given his own realm to rule plus new magical abilities, this new happiness felt completely different, rare, and pure. He’d trade his realm and crown just for her. Surprisingly, not everyone has a soulmate, so to not just know that you have one but to also know who it is, was a very special and rare gift. “And hopefully, she will choose me back.” he murmured before taking a step through the portal he’d created that led him right into a certain nymph’s living room.