The Mating Games

Chapter Nine:

ELOISE:

My feet guide me further and further down the long, dark hallway of the pristine castle. It really is the most breathtaking place with its opulence and historical heritage, yet I cannot find it in my soul to feel happy. Everyone else is strutting around feeling excited to be part of such a prestigious event, yet my mind, body, and soul can only think of one thing. Even after everything I overheard him saying in the kitchen, I just find myself more and more drawn to him. His broad, chiseled chest and the way I could only imagine how it would feel for my own softness to be tightly pressed against his strength. His brooding height that only makes me feel shorter as my knees become weak around him. His baritone voice and the many goosebumps that erupt every time he speak-growls at everyone around him. Don’t even get me started on his eyes and the way the brown within them reminds me of a waterfall of melted chocolate. Goddess…

“Get a grip of yourself, Eloise. He has no personality to match his fine features!”

I huff out and shake my head at my thoughts. A little smile lifts at the edges of my mouth at how ridiculous all of this feels, only it doesn’t last very long before every hair becomes raised on my body at the sound of a very low cough and clearing of the throat. s**t.

“Where are you off to whilst everybody sleeps, Lady Eloise?”

His voice along makes a shiver run down from my neck all the way to my core and I squeeze my eyes shut quickly. His laugh doesn’t make it any better and when I pry my eyes open, Prince Ares emerges from the dark shadow of the pillared doorway. He is still in yesterday’s clothes and there is a gentle aroma of liquor hovering around him.

"You smell divine, you know that?"

His face is so close now that I am not sure if the air moving between us is of my or his breath. He has no hesitation as he pulls my waist closer with one hand and rubs his nose up my neck, sending shooting jolts of pleasure along the route of his touch.

“f**k, Eloise…”

I snap my eyes open again and push away.

“Stop. I don’t want this!”

“Really?”

He lifts an eyebrow and his eyes wander over me, making it very difficult to concentrate. The moment of silence becomes more and more suffocating.

“I was only trying to find a place to put these.”

I show him the three, bright, green crystals in my hand. His eyes immediately snap to them and then back to me with a lingering curiosity.

“I need to lay them somewhere safely outside, preferably in a water source, so I was going to go back to that stream I found the other day and put them there.”

I am not even sure if everything I am saying is registering with the mysterious prince and his lack of reaction to my words makes me think he has no idea what to do or say. Perhaps I should just go back to bed and do this another time? I go to open my mouth again but snap it closed as the prince smiles, nods, and then gently takes my hand. Without a word or exchange, he leads me outside to where the cooler, night air and all the magic of the realm can be felt. It’s so different to back at home. For all the fresh smells of grass and farm in Shraya, Apreez fills the lungs with a more sharp aroma of pine and wood. I look around me and notice how the moon is offering a natural and gentle lighting to every flower that has sprung into blossom. No lights are needed whilst walking around here at night, as the wolves use their most powerful element. The Goddess made them creatures of the moon and never have I ever seen it glow brighter in the midnight sky. A soft breeze whispers against the rustling leaves, offering a sort of accompaniment to the rhythmic echo of our steps. I notice the pathway coming to a fork and I try to move left but the Prince stops me.

“The stream is this way.”

“I am taking you somewhere else.”

“With all due respect, Prince Ares…”

He sighs and drops my hand before running his own through his dark locks of hair. The action stops my words.

“Lady Eloise, would it be so difficult for us to make it through one, short space of time without arguing?”

Silence.

“I…”

“Trust me?”

I look back down the path that leads exactly to where I envisioned my crystals going but something in the air makes me look to the man who has decided to journey with me. Yes, we have had many troubles, but right now at this moment, he seems undone and authentic. Maybe he knows a better place? Prince Ares offers me his hand again, this time putting the choice in my own hand quite literally. My eyes hover back to the path, but even if my logic told me otherwise, my heart knows who to follow.

“Okay.”

This is all he needed to hear to offer me a broad smile. His brown eyes flicker in the night sky, glowing and calculating every step with warmth and care. I place my hand into his and allow his rough skin to tighten around my own softness. No more words are spoken. Only the soft brustling of the leaves in the pine-cone trees and the gentle whooshing of the wind around the fresh bask can be heard. I try to look around, to notice anything that may resemble where we are, but nothing comes to mind. As we carry on walking, two souls hand-in-hand as if sweethearts on a stroll, I notice the bush becomes lusher and the sound of running water heavier. Prince Ares peeps down at me with a smile, which I tentatively return. Is this how things are now, between us? Is this how it would be if we put aside our raging emotions? Maybe we could even be friends. Yes, a friendship would be so lovely too, but then I think of his eyes, his voice, his hair, his shoulders, and the deep burning in my soul reminds me that friendship would never be possible with him. Why?

“I thought this may be a more safe and appropriate place for your stones.”

My eyes glitter as the bush and forest disappear, leaving the Prince and me in a small clearing where there is a flowing river, perhaps the one that later becomes a stream? The moonlight takes glances through the trees and flickers of light swirl against the moving tide. Fireflies can be seen dancing and spraying one another with water along the river edge and a few ducks have nestled themselves into a slumber against the rocks. The river is beautiful, magical, and illuminating…

“I usually come here when I- Uh, when…”

The Prince trails off and I notice a slight brush of pink on his cheeks. My own eyes take wonder in how his fingers slide through the locks of brown curls on his head. I know this look too well. When you are admitting something that shouldn’t be said. When you make yourself vulnerable and open up to information that goes against the very essence of being a prince. My eyes look around a bit longer, this time with a smile and I notice some spaces here that have a history for the prince. A rock with his name engraved on it. A lantern in the tree that is yet to be turned on. A metal box with “stuff” painted on the lid. This is Prince Ares’s spot. His hide-away from the buzzing of the castle and the obligation of being a royal. I suck in a breath and look back to the Prince, who is still to meet my gaze.

“I have a large wall that borders the perimeter of our family home. It is low enough for me to climb without worrying about my life but high enough for anybody to ever notice me on top. The view up there can be the most peaceful thing when life gets a bit edgy. When I am on top of that wall, it’s as if all stresses go away. It is like a boasting view of hope and possibility and I suppose the closest I will ever get to being able to soar.”

The Prince smiles and his eyes turn to meet mine.

“I hope to one day see it, Eloise.”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. How do I respond to that? What does it even mean? A electricity between us crackles in heat as our gazes never falter. His brown orbs lower to look at my lips and my breathing hitches. This is what I want, isn’t it? His hand snakes its way around my waist and without even realizing it, my feet swing me forward until I am flush against his chest. Goddess, he is so tall and hard against me. My cheeks become flushed as his other hand goes to lift my chin. For a moment we are lost in one another. His chest moved with mine. His hand pressed into the thin material of my dress. Our gazes are fixed. With a gentleness I didn’t even know the Prince had, he puts his forehead against mine and inhales.

“Why do you have this effect on me, Eloise?”

My cheeks brighten again. Do I affect HIM? If only he knew the effect he has on ME! My eyes lower for a second and see the crystals glowing in my own hand. The one I wish I could also hold onto the Prince with.

“I, uh – my crystals…”

My eyes look back up into an expression I cannot read. With a smile, Prince Ares clears his throat and slowly let's go.

“Right. Your crystals.”

He nods and we both look away awkwardly. I notice a small part of the river that has a splash pool before it flows. The little area is slightly calmer and hidden by the rocks and reeds. It would be perfect for the crystals. My feet naturally glide me there and I go down onto my knees on the water edge. I can feel Prince Ares’s burning gaze on me, but the green light from the crystals keeps me focused. Gently and with the utmost care, I place each one securely in the pool of water, wedging them between other stones and away from harm. The green sheen of each gem brightens and I smile as I whisper the simple incantations over the water. Only when the final word leaves my mouth, do the stones start to fade and blend into the river bed, only leaving a small trace of green behind.

“Whoah…”

I look up to see the Prince watching me carefully.

“What was that? What does it all mean? Am I to be worried that you're putting magic stones in my river?”

I giggle at his little outburst and the awe in his expression. He also starts to chuckle.

“There is hardly anything to worry about. They are only blessing stones.”

The prince lifts his eyebrow in confusion.

“Well you know fae aren’t as powerful as witches.”

I roll my eyebrows sarcastically because these were Prince Ares’s very words. Not only his, but everybody believes that fae is lesser. Just a fairy.

“Eloise, I never meant…”

“But we have other things that make us important. For example, we bring balance to nature. We allow the water, the sun, the stars, the trees, and the earth to live in unity for the lands. We offer wisdom. We bring health to people. We care and advocate for unity. We encourage happiness. We strive for equality and wish to see a thriving population in Zenox. One of the small, but important tricks we do is leave blessings. When something or someone needs a small favor, I ask these stones to do that for them.”

“So like granting someone a wish?”

“Not quite. I may ask a stone for a blessing, but the stone decides who is worthy of it being granted to.”

The prince looks at me as if I have two heads.

“How?”

I giggle.

“How do witches cast spells or werewolves shift into their beasts? Fae has a relationship with nature and our words and motivations are listened to when needed.”

There is a moment of silence as Prince Ares watches me lift to my feet. I have no idea what he must be thinking at this moment. Perhaps that I am some typical fairy, speaking about asking for favors from nature and whispering to the trees? I guess why would he think anything more of me? Nobody ever has. We both move in silence to the treeline and the Prince turns on the small hanging lamp on the branch above. He also opens the metal box and whips out a small blanket and lays it out. Damn, he is prepared. For a moment I feel happy as we both sit and absorb the magic of the night, but the silence slowly starts to creep in and when I look at the Prince, I see him watching me with a puzzled expression.

“What?”

“I am just curious.”

His gaze remains fixed on mine.

“Well, are you going to ask me or will you just hope I tell you? I can’t read your mind. I wish I could ask the tree what may be going through your head, but that isn’t possible.”

The words leave my mouth and I instantly regret the level of sass. It has been such a great evening and I have probably ruined it with my need to be fiesty. Instead of the scowl, I was expecting, the prince widens his eyes and then lets out a hearty, loud laugh. So intoxicating is the sound that I am unable to hold myself back from laughing too.

“Perhaps I should thank the tree for sparing me the embarrassment of having my mind read?”

We both laugh again at his words. Only when it slows down does he look at me more seriously.

“You really are an enigma, Lady Eloise. A fae girl with different shades in her eyes. You have the finesse of any she-wolf in Apreez, yet you have the elegant and soft beauty of the Shrayan women. You speak of unity and all those romantic notions much like any fae noble do, but there is a fire in you that likes to argue, command, question, and debate. You puzzle me and if it weren’t for your obvious lack of a beast, I may have thought you to be a...”

He stops the words coming from his mouth quickly. A word which I had daunting in my childhood. One that is forbidden, despised and wiped from the historical records. I think about what he says and I guess he is right, but how do I respond to it?

“All my life I have been told I am different. As a child, I had to undergo vigorous testing to make sure I am not a hybrid, and every time the results are the same. I am just a fae girl who has odd eyes, a curious personality, and a zest for life. Nobody has ever seen it as a good thing though.”

“I do, Eloise. I see it as a good thing.”

His words touch me. So different is this prince. The listening, caring, and vulnerable one who can just sit and have a simple and meaningful conversation with the prince who broods around the castle. Sure, the prince who holds his chin high and keeps a powerful aura about him may be the object of my desires when I sleep at night, but this prince? He could be the object of my love. My eyes widen a little at the thought and I shake my head and clear my throat.

“Why were you so confused before?”

I change the subject and he looks startled but quickly recovers.

“You’re going to think I am stupid, but I was only wondering what three blessings you were bestowing onto the nature? I mean, for who or what? You said you were asking for blessings.”

Of course, he would want to know. I smile.

“Well, the first stone is for Kiko.”

“The maiden who is serving you?”

The Prince sounds shocked.

“Don’t be so shocked. Kiko is as deserving of my blessings. She wants to expand her life, meet her mate, and go places. I was only asking for a little more guidance for her.”

The Prince nods, but his shocked expression never falters.

“The second blessing was for your friends, Nate and Linda.”

“Why would they need a blessing?”

I seem to have really piqued his interest. I think about the couple and my mind runs over the small conversation I overhead them having whilst I was occupied with the Prince.

(Flashback)

The prince has my book in his hand and his little bit of banter is making my blood boil. What must Nate and Linda be thinking of the Prince and my heated exchange? The thought makes me quickly look around and I notice they are gone. All I can hear is their giggles and chatter in the distance.

“I wouldn’t mind a boy, or perhaps a girl to dote on…”

“Linda, you put too much pressure on it.”

“Oh, I know, but surely all this trying will eventually make it happen? I really want a child with you, Nate. I want to be a mommy and have someone to look after while you are away on your escapades. It gets lonely you know?”

“I know, my baby, but the Goddess chooses when we have our children, not us…”

My eyes flashback to the Prince, who is smirking at me and acting like a horny teenage boy. I won’t let him win this one, though.

(End of Flashback)

“Your friends have needs beyond your knowledge. You know that, right?”

Prince Ares looks at me a bit startled and then sighs.

“I know I demand a lot from Nate. He is my greatest friend and also, in my opinion, the best beta this kingdom has ever had. Unfortunately, our ranks come with a duty.”

“And have you never stopped to think about how your trips away from the kingdom may be affecting his relationship at home with his mate?”

Prince Ares's expression drops.

“I would never want anything to come between Nate and Linda. I never force him to come. He always chooses to. Mates are meant to be together.”

“Hmm, well you have a very loyal beta. Would you still go away for weeks on end if you had your mate at home in the castle for you?”

“Never. I would…”

He trails off.

“Goddess, I didn’t think of it that way. Perhaps next time I should insist that Johnno rather come. Is this what your stone is about? Their relationship? Are they not doing well because of me?”

“Calm down.”

I giggle. He sure cares for his friends.

“They are fine. More than fine.”

I think about how lovely they look together.

“Their blessing is something a little more personal.”

Prince Ares looks at me questioningly but then nods in defeat. Nate and Linda’s story isn’t for me to tell. I sigh happily and lean back against the tree.

“And the third stone?”

“Oh, right. That was one was for the people of Apreez. They are a happy people and I think they are plentiful in so much. I guess I just wish them happiness and unity. I don’t know why, but my heart just told me to do it for them.”

When I look up, I see Prince Ares staring at me in bewilderment. His jaw ticks and I open my mouth to say something. I know this look. The deep rumble from his chest, the almost black glow of his eyes, the way his whole form has clouded over with a darker and more intense glaze…

“Pri…”

I am too late. His lips smack against mine, demanding entrance, drawing in every ounce of me as our tongues collide in hot, burning, and desperate desire. It's unlike anything I have ever experienced. My heart is beating uncontrollably, it's thumping loud and hard against the numb feeling that has clouded the rest of my body. Every hair of mine has stood on the edge, yet the air is warm and my skin hot from the touch of his body. His tongue is soft, smooth, and patient, yet his every grab of the hip, twist of the body, and domineering grip against my mouth speak of something far darker and passionate. I feel heat radiate through me, consuming my insides as it travels from my core and up into the kiss.

“Mmm…”

A vibration emanates against me, causing my eyes to snap open into two very dark and lustful ones. We stare at one another for a few moments, panting and gasping at the s****l tension between us. I can feel it. There is far more magic here than I have ever felt before. Prince Ares reaches over and brushes his thumb across my lip and down my neck. A shudder runs through me. Slowly he moves his hand down my collar bone and when his palm brushes over my n****e, I can’t help the way my hips roll forward so that I am flush against his chest.

“Goddess, Eloise, do you even understand how beautiful a woman you are?”

He dips his head down to take a long inhale of my scent.

“f**k and you smell so good. When did…”

He looks up at me. Confusion clouded him. My eyes lift up to meet his and for a moment his eyes widen before returning to normal. He clears his throat.

“I think we better get going back to the castle.”

Prince Ares jumps up and starts hurrying to turn off the light. I quickly stand up too, feeling like an absolute i***t right now. What happened? Was it something I did or said? Tears start to spring to my eyes as he even tugs at the blanket underneath my feet.

“I don’t understand.”

He throws the blanket into the metal box, hardly taking any care in his hurry. He grabs my hand and starts to pull me back down his personal path through the forest.

“Did I do something wrong?”

I ask again, this time tears rolling down my cheeks. His steps speed up and I can see his jaw ticking under the light of the moon. The castle comes into view and the Prince never bothers to answer me. The whole scenario plays over in my head. Our kiss. His words. None of it makes sense. Self-doubt starts to echo in my soul as my chest tightens. I have never been heartbroken before and I doubt I could even call myself in love with the Prince yet, but the way my insides feel I reckon is the closest to heartbreak I have experienced. A tear rolls down my arm and onto the prince’s hand which has mine in a grip. He looks down and his whole face stiffens. I cannot read him right now. A flashback to the conversation in the Kitchen rings over in my head. He said I will always only be good for one thing I am not his mate. My blood becomes cold. How stupid could I have been to actually allow myself to get wound up in this? His grip loosens and in the midst of my self-depravation I realize I am in front of my bedroom door. He goes to open it, but I quickly pull away from him.

“You can let me go now, Prince Ares. You do not need to pretend to care or even have an ounce of worry for me!”

I open my door with more anger than I can ever describe.

“Eloise, I…”

“I heard you last night, you know?”

He looks at me questioningly.

“In the Kitchen.”

His face turns from confusion into a dark and mortified understanding. I wasn’t supposed to hear him say what he did. That is apparent.

“I know I'm not pretty. Not your mate. Not good enough. Not intelligent. Only a fairy and clearly so horrible at kissing that you needed to run away. I wish you would just leave me alone!”

“Elo…”

I slam the door closed in his face.