A Dream of Fate & Flesh (Courts of Malice #2)

19. You Drank Piss

nineteen

You Drank Piss

Alessia

M y fist flies up and connects with Eoin’s manhood.

He groans, collapsing onto the ground with his hands cradling his tender bits.

“You bastard!” I lurch to my feet.

A pained noise leaves his lips as he breathes through his teeth. His breathing grows steadier, and a few seconds later, he stands tall. He must’ve used his magic to heal the pain. “I’m here to help you, I told you.” He scowls at me like I’m an idiot.

His hair is askew, his shirt is ripped, and there’s dirt streaking across his face. Whatever he went through to get here, I don’t care. He’s my enemy, and I refuse to empathize with my enemies ever again.

Readying myself for a fight, I pivot and land a right hook to his face, just like Ken taught me. This time, when Eoin crumples, I roar and dive onto him.

I wrap my fingers around his throat. “How dare you!”

His face turns red beneath me, and he thrashes, trying to pry my fingers from his windpipe. I press harder. If only I had the strength to crush him.

I hold him down, reveling in the control. Eoin struggling underneath me brings a sense of satisfaction I have never experienced before .

" Kill him ," whispers that same dark voice I heard before. "K ill him. Kill him. Kill him. "

I can’t tell if the chanting is coming from inside my head or all around me. But I block it out, forcing it to be quiet. My vision darkens slightly at the corners, like a hint of shadows creeping in. When I blink, it's gone.

“If Rainer dies because of you,” I say, leaning in, “I will kill you.”

The cruel tone of my voice sends a jolt of terror and guilt through me. I snap out of my violent stupor, releasing Eoin. I jerk away, landing on my arse in the space beside him.

I gape in shock at my trembling hands.

Where did that come from?

Eoin catches his breath, rubbing his neck in soothing motions.

My chest rises and falls quickly as we sit silently, staring at one another. My eyes water, but I hold back the tears. I don’t want to cry in front of him, especially not over the fact I truly wanted to end his life.

“Did you hear that?” I whisper, glancing around frantically.

“Your threats?” he croaks. “Clearly and concisely!”

“No, there was—” I don’t even know how to explain what I heard. It must’ve been coming from inside me. I’ve never had such terrible thoughts before. “Never mind.”

“I came to save you,” he says. “Not send you to Dovenak.”

“I don’t need your help,” I say, rising to my feet. A tremor works its way through me, and I try to brush off the strange moment. “Go back to your opulent court and your piss-wine.”

“Piss?” His brow furrows, and he licks his lips, appearing to consider something. “Did you urinate in my wine?”

“Go away,” I say, the fight leaving me .

“Nope.” He stands, adjusting his pack on his shoulder. “I’m coming with you. We’re getting Rainer. I’m going to save you both.” Somehow, even after getting his arse tossed, he manages to look prideful. Haughty.

“Why should I ever trust you?” I scoff at the ridiculousness.

“Because I woke you instead of stealing you away and tossing you over to the humans.” He raises his hands. “And I didn’t even use my power on you.”

Ah, great. Not only does the queen already want me gone as a human, but she’ll surely want me executed if she finds out that I’m demonblooded.

Eoin comes toward me too quickly for my liking, and a frigid burst of panic explodes inside me. Suddenly, I’m at the lord’s estate again, bracing myself for his lashings.

“No!” I cry out, squeezing my eyes shut. "Don't."

I envision myself shoving Eoin backward into the fire.

" Do it ," the dark voice whispers. " Save yourself ."

Eoin wants Rainer dead. It’d be poetic karma watching him burn.

" This is what he deserves. "

No!

I fight the urge, refusing to give in to the call. Opening my eyes, I take a deep breath and will the dark thoughts to stop haunting me.

The front door slams open, and I suck in a sharp breath.

“Hey, little human,” a familiar voice booms through the room like a balm on my frayed nerves .

My head snaps up, spotting Ken. He's dressed in his typical garb, with weapons lining his body. His hair is pulled into a bun at the nape of his neck, and his thick beard has bits of leaves and twigs.

“Ken!” The tension seeps out of my body as he steps closer, his familiar face a welcome sight. “Thank Gods.”

“Oh,” Eoin interrupts. “That’s the other reason you should trust me.”

I glance at Eoin, then balk at Ken, putting it together. “No.” I shake my head. “You came with this traitor?”

Ken scratches the back of his neck, scrunching his nose at me. “Yes?”

“Do you know what he did?” I yell, eyes widening with fury.

“Eh, yes?” Ken at least has the decency to look embarrassed. “But he could track you, thanks to the pixies, and I had the means of transportation. So we made a deal.”

“You made a deal with the enemy?” I ask, disbelieving.

He offers a sheepish smile. “Enemy of my enemy is my ally and all that?”

Before I can answer, Ezamae shimmers into sight, appearing at my side. Unlike the queen’s sweeping, consuming magic, his is a gentle breeze. He tosses a sack onto the counter with a clang and turns to me.

“Alessia?” He reaches out to place a hand on my shoulder, but I swerve, keeping space between us. “What’s going on?”

Ken watches the exchange with his brows drawn downward. Suddenly, the room feels much too small.

“I wouldn’t touch her if I were you,” Ken says. “Not if you like your hands and balls where they currently are.” He coughs into his fist, giving me a long look .

The memory of Felix’s missing hand and Rainer’s admission pops up in my mind. Rainer is nothing if not a male of his word, and I have no doubt he would mutilate the Prince of Pleasure without blinking an eye.

“Do you know what happened?” I ask Ken. I assume he was frozen by the queen’s power like the other revelers.

“Eoin filled me in on the journey. Long journey it was.” He strokes his chin. “I did not expect a six-hour trek up Mount Altum.”

“You really did not have to come,” Ezamae deadpans. “We have things under control.”

He clears his throat and then turns to the kitchenette, busying himself with tidying the already tidy spice rack.

“Riding a bear was never in my plans,” Eoin says with an exasperated sigh, adjusting his pants. “I didn’t realize bears were so fast.”

“They’re not.” Ken snorts. “But I’m not like other bears.”

Ah, the unkempt appearance makes sense. “I hope you gave him a bumpy ride,” I tell Ken.

Ken gives me a toothy grin. “The bumpiest.”

“I will never reproduce, thanks to you,” Eoin mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose. “My testicles have ascended to their origins deep within my body.”

“For the best,” Ezamae says, his back still to us.

Ken barks a laugh, and I shake my head at all the talk of male parts.

Ezamae opens the pack he brought back with him, pulling out canteens. “I’m preparing for the journey,” he explains and glances at Ken. “I suppose you’re joining us? ”

“Yep!” Ken pulls something out of his pocket, tossing it into his mouth. He chews, his crunching filling the air. “Peanuts?” He holds out a hand in offering.

“No, Ken,” I say exasperatedly. “I do not want a peanut.”

“I'll take one.” Ezamae reaches a hand out, but Ken slaps it away, dropping a peanut in the process.

I watch it roll across the floor, noticing that the shell is still on it.

“Get your own, airhead.” Ken laughs at his insult, his broad shoulders shaking as he pops in another nut—shell and all.

I blink at him slowly. His ability to laugh even in the darkest situations puts me at ease, but I find it impossible to join in right now. “Ken… you understand this is serious, right?”

Ken nods, his face growing serious. “Oh yeah, I plan to murder the flower prince once he helps us get Rainer.”

Eoin throws his hands up. “I’m not a feckin’ flower prince.” He grumbles some words under his breath and busies himself, snatching up one of Ezamae’s books and staring intently at it.

Ezamae scowls and rips it from Eoin’s hands, slamming it shut.

“Mind your business,” he says, placing it back on the stack.

“I host you often enough; it’s about time you returned the favor,” Eoin says.

“You’re welcome to visit my palace, but I do not recall inviting you to my private space.”

Eoin snorts. “I didn’t take you for the type to live in a closet.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes at the bickering princes, focusing on Ken instead. “You can’t come with us.”

Ken glances at me, his eyes narrowed. “Of course, I’m coming.”

“You can’t.” I shake my head. “You need to go to Rainer’s court and keep things under control.” Rainer wanted to keep his secret not for himself but primarily for his folk. To protect them . He cares about his court more than anything.

I know he would want his folk looked after, especially in a time of turmoil.

Ken slaps his thighs. “Damn you, little human, but I think you’re right.”

I blink slowly. I’d expected him to fight me on it, not listen to my instructions. I take a few silent moments, gathering my thoughts.

“Really, you’re going to listen to me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” His forehead crinkles. “You’re my prince’s partner. Of course I’ll listen to you.”

My heart skips a beat.

Even with the complications mounting between us, Rainer considers me his partner—someone he can trust and who his court can rely on.

It fuels me, giving me the confidence I need to instruct Ken.

“I need you to head back to Umbra Court, Ken. Ensure the folk stay content and that no one in his court finds out about this.”

“I can, and I will.” Ken tilts his head, his eyes gleaming. “It’s a wise idea, little human, but are you gonna be okay without me?”

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I say, “I have to be.” I won’t always have someone else watching over me. I need to learn to take charge of my own life. “Rainer would want you to protect his court.”

“He’d want me to watch over you above all else.” His gaze flits to behind me and then back to my face. “Especially if you were in danger.”

“Am I?” I lower my voice. “In danger?”

Ken glances at me, then at the still-bickering Ezamae and Eoin. He jerks his head toward the door. I follow him as he opens it, and I step outside.

The air immediately drops, and I shiver in shock. Only a few paces away, the mountain drops off. I can’t see how far the drop is, thanks to the dim dawn light.

I wrap my arms around myself and focus on Ken instead of the cliffside. My respiratory rate picks up; the inhales feel less satisfying, like I can’t get enough air.

“You are stronger than you expect, methinks,” he says. “Ezamae is an arrogant debauchee, but he’s mostly harmless. If he hasn’t seduced you yet, he likely won’t.” He glances toward the cottage. “As for the Terra Prince? Here.” He opens one of his many leather pockets, untying something and handing it to me. I eye it but don’t make a move to accept it. “You can take him. He’s a coward. If he tries anything—” He plunges the dagger into the air beside us. He grunts. “Up into the space between his ribs and give it a good twist.” He demonstrates for full effect, then grips the blade, offering me the handle with a smile. “Here.”

Hesitantly, I accept it. “I don’t even know how to use one of these.”

Ken chuckles, placing his palm on my head. “Little human, anyone knows how to use a dagger if needed. Trust me.”

“You think I could stab him?” I whisper.

" Yes . S tab him ."

I almost drop the dagger, caught off-guard by the voice.

Ken winks, apparently not having heard what I just did. I glance around discreetly, wondering what the hell is wrong with me lately. Now is not a good time to start hearing voices.

“I don’t think it’ll come to that, but yes, you could.” Ken shrugs as if it’s easy. “Your enemies are usually safer when they’re nearby. You can keep an eye on him.”

“How are you so casual about all this?”

Ken grins. “Oh, this is not the worst situation I’ve seen. Not by a long shot.”

“The queen took Rainer!” I widen my eyes. “He could be sentenced to death. His court is—”

“Fine. His court is fine. I’ll keep a good eye on things while you get our grumpy prince back. If anyone can do it, you can.” He ruffles my hair.

“How are you not murdering Eoin right now?” If I’m feeling uncharacteristically murdery lately, I expect Ken to be worse. After all, it’s his best friend and his prince that’s in trouble.

“Oh, that’s Rainer’s revenge, little human.”

I must look confused because he laughs.

“I am giving Eoin space to pay off his debt—it’s the honorable thing to do,” he says. “Fae honor bargains, as you well know. And if he fails to pay it in a timely fashion despite his proclamation to do so, well… that’s within Rainer’s right to dole out a punishment.”

“So I’m supposed to be nice to him and let him help?”

“Let him help, yeah. No one ever said anything about being nice.” Ken chuckles. “I’m hoping Ezamae might feck with Eoin a little. Ya know, put the mouthpiece of Eoin’s canteen between his arse cheeks, things like that.”

“Ken.” I rub my forehead. “I don’t think Ezamae has the same sense of humor as you.”

Ken grins contagiously. “Eh, maybe he’ll surprise us.”

I can’t help but laugh, even though worry constricts my ribcage.

Or maybe it’s genuinely breathlessness because suddenly, I thirst for air.

Ken salutes me goodbye and then bolts past the cottage in the opposite direction of the cliff. His body changes form, shifting into a brown bear as he bolts away.

I stand there with the dagger and leather tie in my hand, watching him disappear into the clouds. For a moment, they break, and just enough morning light shines that I'm able to glimpse an immaculate, pale blue and white palace in the distance. It resembles an extension of the clouds, with dozens of floors and spires stretching upward.

Gaping, I don’t break my stare until the clouds again obstruct my view.

My head grows light, and I feel slightly off balance as I gulp for air. I make quick work of tying the dagger to my thigh. It’s not at all hidden, but I don’t care.

Bursting into the cottage, I suck in a deep, satisfying breath, my lungs refilling. Then I stride over to where Eoin sits on the couch. Ezamae watches us with thinly concealed amusement as he leans against the bathroom door frame again.

“How did you find us?” I hiss.

“The pixies.” Eoin’s eyes widen. “I found out Rainer was bribing them with moonshade, so I did the same.” He gestures to me. “One hitched a ride in your hair.”

I lift a hand, pulling my hair free and shaking it out in chaotic curls around me.

“It’s gone,” Eoin says. “Came back to court to get me.”

My lips curl, and I squeeze my fists at my sides. I hadn’t even noticed.

“I had no idea about my sister. The woods…” he says, having the audacity to appear… ashamed?

“What?” I squint at him.

“How Rainer was covering for her.” He gives me a pointed look, then glances over my shoulder in Ezamae’s direction. “How he saved her.”

“Yeah, well.” I lick my lips, trying to think of something to say without giving it away that I’m the one without a clue now. “Now you know the truth.”

I try not to let it show that I have no idea what he’s talking about. A flicker of jealousy alights in my chest at knowing Rainer and Sennah have secrets of their own, but I know Rainer will tell me if I ask.

I’d rather hear it from him anyway.

“I owe Rainer. I’ll make it up to him,” Eoin says, confirming what Ken mentioned about him wanting to make amends.

I’m disappointed he doesn’t reveal more, but whatever happened, I can find out later from Rainer.

“There’s no way I believe you had a change of heart, Eoin.”

His features tighten, and he holds my gaze. “Without Rainer, my sister would be dead or worse.” He strokes his jaw, a worried look flitting across his face.

What could be worse than death? I shudder, having a few ideas.

“He saved her. He saved me ,” Eoin says. His expression turns pleading. “Sennah is everything to me. She’s all I have. I would do anything for her, including forgiving Rainer and protecting him as repayment. After this, we’re even. Iorworths aren’t the only ones who always pay their debts. The Orions do, too.”

Chewing on my bottom lip, I mull over his words. A few silent beats pass. So long as Eoin’s honest, this can work in our favor.

“Make a deal with me,” I say. I’m not going to mess this one up.

“Anything,” he says. “Well, within reason.”

“You will not cause me any harm, mischief, trickery, ill-intent, malice, or create obstacles for us. You will help get Rainer back with the intent to help him truly, and you will not find any loopholes or manipulations in this bargain. You will uphold it the way I intend.”

“Is that all?” he asks eagerly.

“You will also not attempt to return me to Dovenak or let anyone else do so, nor will you continue to sabotage Rainer or attempt to take over his court. You will put me and Rainer first.”

He curls his lip at this, tapping his foot as he glances upward.

After a few dramatic moments, he huffs and looks at me. “Fine.”

I squint. “Just like that?”

He rolls his eyes. “There are more important things than petty rivalries.”

“Like what?”

“Like family, Alessia,” he says exasperatedly. “Wouldn’t you do anything for your family, too?”

My chest squeezes at those words. I think of Char and how I would’ve done anything for her—for the only family I’ve ever known.

I nod, avoiding eye contact, hoping he won’t see the tears springing there. Blinking a few times, I clear my vision. “Understandable.”

I look to Ezamae, who gives me a sharp nod, and I return to Eoin. “So it’s a deal?”

“Deal.”

Heat scurries across my skin, and I shudder, starting to embrace the delightful caress of magic. When it’s on my terms, at least.

Whatever happened with Sennah and Rainer must’ve been significant if it got Eoin centered so obsessively on a new goal. I don’t love the alliance, but it’s better than the alternative of him upholding the queen’s wishes of sending me back to Dovenak.

“Just so we’re clear,” I say, gaze bouncing from Ezamae to Eoin, “I don’t trust either of you.”

Ezamae smirks. Eoin points at him. “What’re you getting out of this?”

“Entertainment.” The Aer Prince shrugs—the epitome of unbothered with his hands in his pockets and his ankles crossed, leaning casually. “My court is a wee bit boring as of late.” He yawns, stifling it with the back of his hand. “This is a nice, dramatic distraction to keep me on my toes.”

With a huff, I plop beside the fire, still trying to warm up after coming in.

Ezamae’s demeanor is even calmer than Ken’s, as if none of this surprises him. I wonder how many secrets he harbors that aren’t his own and whether he’s in this for innocent reasons.

“We’re going to Ethyria?” Eoin asks. “I haven’t been there in… ages.”

“The city is quite diverse, but the court itself is home to a bunch of elderly folk,” Ezamae informs me with a straight-face. “Including his parents.” He jerks a thumb to Eoin.

“What?” My head whips toward Eoin .

“My parents left Terra Court to serve on the Council of Elders,” he says, an annoyed look crossing his face. “Along with other retired royals.”

“What exactly is the Council?”

“It’s a governing body,” Ezamae says. “They oversee the realm alongside the queen as advisors from each bloodline. Most notably, they’ll vote on whether Rainer should be exiled or executed for his crimes.”

“This is all your fault,” I hiss, pointing my finger in Eoin’s face. He has the decency to look ashamed as he flinches back.

“Now, now,” Ezamae says, gently gripping my hand and tugging it away from Eoin. He quickly releases me and backs up before I can snap at him for touching me. “Fighting will get us nowhere.”

“You’re right.” I sigh. I try hard not to glare at Eoin when I turn back to him. “Can you talk to your parents? Figure out a way to keep them from…” I can’t bring myself to say it aloud. “To earn Rainer’s freedom back?”

“I can try, but my parents don’t think highly of me.” Eoin’s cheeks flush, and he turns his head.

“We need a plan.” I rub my forehead. “If we can find out where Rainer is, can we windwalk in and snag him?”

Ezamae grimaces. “Ethyria is heavily warded to protect the land. Only the queen’s magic works there.”

“That can’t be,” I mutter, thinking of my dream. Dreamwalking is magic. I keep my mouth shut, not wanting to bring that up in front of either of the princes.

Ezamae gives me a coy look, his brows rising to his silver hairline. His mouth twitches as if he has something to say, but his eyes flit to Eoin and me .

I tilt my head, scrutinizing him.

“Aren’t you cold?” I narrow my eyes at him instead. I glance at his exposed body, all hard lines, chiseled like marble, and then take in the tan pieces of Eoin’s muscles that peek out from beneath his ruined garments. Despite being ridiculous and infuriating, they’re both easy on the eyes. I avert my gaze to the ceiling, picturing Rainer instead. He’s the only gorgeous faerie I’d like to see the flesh of.

“Ezamae.” I keep my eyes locked upward. “Maybe you can procure that clothing you mentioned for us?”

Ezamae chuckles. “Yes, my lady.”

The air grows quieter. I finally look beside me to see Ezamae has indeed left. He’s alarmingly silent with that ability.

I turn to Eoin, crossing my arms. “Just so we’re clear, I do not trust you. I do not like you.” I smile smugly at him. “And yes, you drank piss.”