Forever (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 5)

“What do you think of this chair for him?” There was no need to say who she meant. Both she and the yeti knew it was for Teague.

He paused, tilting his head in thought. Then he grunted. He moved forward and picked up a set, one in each hand.

“No, just one throne.”

He turned and gave her a steely look before giving her his back and shuffling out the door with both chairs. She winced when the wood door slammed against the outer wall as he exited.

After she had picked everything she thought Teague would like, she left and locked the room. By the time she entered the throne room, it was finished. The yeti and the Fae lights had hung the new curtains, tapestries, and painting. She stopped mid-step when she saw the chairs she had picked out for Teague sitting on the dais.

One was occupied by a ghost from past.

“Playing house, I see.” Annalora smiled cruelly. Her braided hair hung over her shoulder. The olive green of her dress made her look sickly—or maybe her gnome heritage was simply showing through.

“What are you doing here?” Mina asked, defensive.

“I should ask you the same thing. You shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m not exactly here willingly. But why are you here, Annalora?”

“I’m coming to pay my respects to my prince and offer my services,” she answered snidely.

“What services would he need from you?” Mina scoffed.

Annalora’s face turned ugly and red. “Teague’s banished the king and queen. I’ve talked to them, and they have no intention of attacking him and retaking the throne. They are waiting for another solution. So I’ve come up with my own.”

“Which is?” Mina asked sarcastically, knowing the Fates were waiting on her to solve their dilemma.

“Our world is dying. A queen should know what that means.” Her eyes narrowed. “I do.”

“This is not my home. So I don’t exactly keep up to date on Fae World 101.” Mina said, pretending to not care.

Annalora sneered. “All good things come to those who are patient. And I am very patient. You don’t belong here, Mina. You never did. If you hadn’t’ve shown up, none of this would have happened.” Annalora gestured to the palace.

“You’re the one who killed Dinah and tried to kill Ever and me.” Mina stepped forward.

Annalora stiffened but continued. “Well, I blame you for stealing the throne from me.”

“That’s all you ever cared about. The throne. You never cared about the prince, just his title and position.

“That’s how it should be.” Annalora’s voice rose in anger. “The job comes first. You don’t need love to rule. I know that. Teague knows that. All of the Fates before married for power, not love. Her voice calmed, and she took a deep breath. “But I also thank you for returning my throne to me. Giving me a second chance.” She rubbed her hands along the dark ebony wood.

Mina wanted to march up there and yank her out of the chair by her hair. “The throne will never be yours.”

“Teague will have to choose someone eventually,” Annalora answered slyly. “Why not me? Besides, you’re the one who betrayed him and made him this way. Not that I’m complaining. I kind of like him ruthless. And I can see by the iron cuffs that you’ve not redeemed yourself. You’re nothing more than a slave.”

The whole time they argued, the Fae lights had darted in and out of the room, clearly alarmed by Annalora’s sudden appearance.

Mina felt the build-up of power and sensed Teague’s approach moments before the Fae lights disappeared. Teague marched down the room and stood in front of Annalora, who quickly jumped up and out of the throne.

“My King.” She spoke softly and curtsied.

Teague’s eyebrow rose in question, and he turned to give Mina a look as if to ask why she didn’t show him the same respect.

“Annalora, what a surprise to see you here.” Teague kept his voice neutral.

“It shouldn’t be, considering the signs. I knew when the river dried up that you would need to choose. I’m only sorry I didn’t come sooner.” She stood and gently placed her hand on her chest, trying to show how saddened she really was.