The Unseelie Prince's Bonded Bride

Here Ye Here Ye

The songs of the ravens and crows awoke me from my restless slumber. The low light of the foggy day made its way through the tiny window of the cottage, allowing me to see without the lanterns. Stretching the stiffness out of my limbs, I climb out of bed and begin getting ready for today.

Sophie already lay my dark black jeans, long sleeve purple shirt and light black leather armor out. Quickly getting dressed and throwing my black hair into a braid, I grab my cloak and tie it at my neck.

Sophie dressed similarly to me, but in dark green instead of black. I smile at her and sit at the small kitchen table and eat the bowl of porridge she made for me. “You know I am supposed to be taking care of you, not the other way around kiddo” I kid and muss up her hair. Batting my hand away, Sophie shakes her head. “There’s not a lot I can do to help around here but this I can do sister.” She smiles and goes back to eating. “You’re coming with me to town today so I can sell these potions and ingredients to Catia. It would do you some good to get out. Just make sure you keep your hood up.”

Sophie’s flaming red hair was a dead ringer for her lineage and most people won’t tolerate anyone who goes after the court, so her parents put a target right on her back. The slums weren’t as harsh, but you never know who might have eyes out. Red hair was super rare for an Unseelie, so her family always stuck out and never in the best of ways. Thankfully, Catia was trustworthy to keep her mouth shut on these matters. All she cares about is making money and I keep her well in stock.

After finishing eating, I grab our bowls and make quick work of washing them so I can get to work. I set up my work station and begin brewing my potions and elixirs.

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After making quick work of loading my satchel up with the finished goods, I am ready to leave.

Sheathing my dagger on my belt and rasing my hood, I grab her small hand and we head out the door.

It always seems to be a dusky twilight in the Unseelie territory, which is probably why we are always so pale. The small town is quiet as people make their way to and from the shops, mostly just people sneering at each other. Most Unseelie loathe anyone but themselves it’s just how they operate. They are all so damn full of themselves.

Sophie takes everything in it’s not like she never leaves, but it’s definitely not an everyday occurrence. I hate this for her so much. I wish she could be normal for once, but right now that is not possible.

Letting my ash grey wings unfurl, I stretch them out, sliding them through the flaps in my cloak and give them a few flaps. My wings are pointed and skinny compared to a Sellie but they give me speed and agility vs being sunshine and cute. Sophie follows suit and lets her red wings out.

We glide around town till we reach a small shop tucked into the side of a small cafe. The building was a small worn down shack with a faded blue paint and various signs adorning the walls outside stating the wares sold inside.

We push through the door, and the small bell jingles announcing our entrance . A mixture of incense and dried herbs fills the shop, and a thin layer of dust covers the cabinets. A small black cat jumps on to the counter, rushing to greet us. “Hello Maleficent, where is Catia? “ I greet the fur ball and pet the top of its head . “I’m coming hold your damn horses, “ A scratchy voice calls from the back.

A woman comes out of the back room with a long skinny pipe in 1 hand and a book in the other. She had plaited her long hair in a beautiful braid with flyaways poking out on all sides. She wore a loose fitting billowy brown shirt and pair of jeans with a belt around her waist. Maleficent jumped off the counter and circled Catia’s feet, rubbing against her.

“What brings you and your friend in today Luna? “ She asks, taking a drag off her pipe and setting it and her book down, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. “Came to see how you're fixed for herbs, ingredients and potions just the usual Catia “ I answered, grabbing my bag of my shoulder. “Where you able to get the special ingredient I asked for Luna ?”

I smile slyly and pull the small drawstring bag out of my bag, tossing it to her. “Goblin Teeth are not the easiest of tasks, but I rarely disappoint. I also brought in most of your usual and a few vials of bat blood “ I answer, pulling everything out of my bag. “Very well here take this. She pushes a bag of silver and copper coins towards me. Counting everything up, I nod and pocket the money.

“You know word has it there has been talk in the court about him again word has it he plans on being here for Adrian’s rise to the throne .”

I groan the he she refers to is my ass hat of a father or sperm donor. Just because my mother lived here in the slums, my father, who has held a seat on the high council for longer than I’ve been alive, couldn’t even be bothered to claim me. He popped in from time to time when I was little before she disappeared, but since then he acts as if I don’t exist as if I were gum at the bottom of his shoe that he couldn’t wait to get rid of . However, he always made a note of making sure I was at the castle’s main events .

“ An what of it? “ I snap back at the old woman, annoyed at the mention of it . “They are having a party to celebrate the changes of power and everyone, even the slums, is required to attend and pledge allegiance to our new king .” She replies. “Okay and “. I snap

“ Well that time could be the best time to ask him a favor, maybe beg or buy pardon or threaten to spread his dirty little secret. Although if I where you I’d out the bastard anyway .” The old woman finally spits out.

“I don’t know her going there is the last place I want her that’s pretty ridiculous it could sign her death warrant Catia are you going senile “.

I have always dreamed of outing him and watching his life crumble before him like he made mine . However, to do so could put me in danger as well. If not done right, not to mention he could just call me a liar and have me executed for treason. An who would they believe a girl from the slums or one of the highest esteemed council members . My money is on the latter and I won’t take that chance no way in hell.

“Let’s go” I shout and grab Sophie’s hand flying out of there fast. After being far enough away, we slow down strolling . Regardless of if I want to or not, my presence at the castle will be a must for this event . Father would have to know that I have this child, wouldn’t he, but maybe not. I can’t dream of him keeping this secret for me , He loathes me.

Coming home had me on high alert, but I’m not sure why, most likely just the thought of that man and going to the castle. I grabbed the envelope that had been hanging on the door and stepped inside . “Luna what are we going to do? “ She asked, her features visibly shaken. I stay quiet, reading the invitation, biting my lower lip, trying to figure out what my plan is here.

The Coronation is in a month's time but there is a ball the Queen is hosting in 3 days’ time in honor of the event. “Looks like I’m going to the ball and perhaps I can make something happen, “ I answer quietly, knowing there is very little I can actually do.