- Elena -

I crept through the forest, a bow tucked under my stolen hood and plain servant's attire. Somewhere, distantly the horn of the hunt is blown and it echoes throughout the forest. The game has started. The sound of hooves thundered on the ground beneath me and I stepped aside quickly as riders on horses brushed past.

Young courtesans and ladies giggled as they rode past, avidly discussing what to hunt and betting who would win the game. I paid them no heed as I pressed myself against the large tree which shifted to make room for me. Stepping over its gnarly large roots, I pulled my hood lower hoping no one would recognize me as I slipped away from the forest. Someone tapped me on my shoulder.

I turned around and it was Keiran sitting atop his favourite white mare trotting beside me. "What are you doing?" I hissed.

"Stay safe in the Human World." He said trying to catch my eyes through the hood. "If there's any danger ask for help. I'll see what I can do." I rolled my eyes. "Yes I will. Now go before someone recognizes me." I chased him away with a shooing motion. With one last farewell nod, he pushed his mare forward and they galloped off. Something tickled my shoulder and I saw that it was a leaf. The faint scent of a spring breeze floats in the air. Picking up, I read the message.

You owe me one. Think properly about how to repay it. ~ Your beloved cousin

I huffed and kept the spring leaf in my pocket knowing I may need it in the future before turning towards the opposite direction and heading to the gateway. I was too busy keeping my head down so that no one would recognize me when I knocked into something hard.

"Apologies. Excuse me." I mumbled as I side-stepped him. A strong arm grabbed my elbow before I had the chance to slip away.

"What a lovely voice. Let me see your face." Came a smooth and deep voice. Instinctively I grabbed the front of my hood and tugged it down even lower, feeling resistance as the stranger tried to push it off my head. Refusing to let go, I glared at him through my hood. I noted the callously tanned hand on my elbow, the arrogant lines and his summer blue eyes and instantly a small fear sprouted in my chest. Stories of the flirtatious nature of the Summer fae resounded in my mind.

"I heard they kidnap ladies to their beds, changing them like clothes. It's oh so barbaric and thrilling at the same time."

"Yes oh my, how I wish one of them would whisk me away right now to the Summer Court."

"Silly Jasmine, haven't you heard? They dump the ladies that cling to them like vines. Their love is like a summer breeze, coming and going suddenly. If you can attain the princes' affection for even a week, you're already the subject of envy." The ladies sighed longingly and giggled coquettishly.

"Their summer blue eyes and such deliciously smooth tanned skin." One of them described avidly.

"And a golden crown of hair." Another giggled. "Makes me want to run my fingers through them."

"Oh right! Which one of the three princes do you prefer the most?"

At that time I was standing hidden behind a pillar listening as the court ladies gossiped away. I thought they were foolish and I scoffed at their infatuation. Until now. It seems I'm in a situation I can't get out easily.

"Oh don't be shy. Let me take a peek. Just one will do, I promise." His supple full lips mouthed as he teased playfully.

"Enough." My anger slipped and I stood taller. "Do you know who you're messing with? Just breathing my name can get you killed." Suola's grave! What have I gotten myself into? I realised I'm not supposed to expose my identity.

"Really? Who are you then oh fair maiden?" His confidence faltered and I took the opportunity to side step him. I took all of two steps before I was stopped by his wide chest. Are all summer fae so big? This guy is persistent. "You were telling me about yourself."

I looked straight into his eyes and gave him a pointed glare. "I'm just a passerby. Now let me pass."

His brows shot upwards and he chuckled amusedly. This was not how my intended effect was supposed to be. "Ooh. Gutsy. I like my women fiery in my bed." Before I knew it, his fingers gripped my chin tightly and tilted it upwards. "Such pretty lips. Soft and teasing." He whispered with a smile on his face. "I wonder what noises you'll make when I unravel you slowly. Makes me want to ravish you right now."

"You dare?" I said steely. I have had enough. "Hands off."

He gave me a cocky grin full of his own surety. "Why should I? I am the first prince of the Summer Court and no one refuses me. Not even a maid like you." I must have gone slack with surprise because he grabbed my waist and hoisted me over his shoulder before walking off to one of the caves. I pounded against his back shouting. "Let me go you barbaric caveman."

When he ignored me, I raised my palms and opened myself to my magic. The wind in the ancient forest around us whispered in my ears. "Arrogant summer princeling... call upon us. He deserves to have his ass whipped."

With a flick of my finger I summoned a surge of breeze between our bodies, forcing him away from me. I landed gracefully as I righted myself with the help of my magic. My hood was blown back from the gust of air and my crown of glistening blonde hair fell around my face.

The summer prince widened his eyes as he stared at my features. "You're a royal." Getting up from his position on the floor, he brushed his pants languidly, enjoying my attention on his arms as it brushed against his ass. "Since you like doing this the hard way. Fine by me." He licked his lips as he loosened his shoulders.

"Finally something exciting to watch." A voice said coolly from above us.

Our heads snapped upwards to a shadow lying on a branch above us. The crunching sound of a fruit came from above as the sweet fragrance of apples hung in the air. "Who are you to intrude on our privacy?" The summer prince asked, but he might as well be talking to the empty air. I realised that whoever this person was, he was content to watch us from above and not lift a single finger to help me.

"Don't mind me. Continue." A pale hand waved lazily from above.

"Let's continue shall we?" Summer prince said when the man on the tree posed no threat. I gritted my teeth and said nothing as the wind whipped around us.

***

The gale storm I summoned died as he raised his arms in surrender. Blood trickles down the tiny dozen cuts on his face and muscular arms. His clothes are torn and bruises color his left cheek, courtesy of me. Of course, I wasn't perfectly unharmed. I have bruises on my waist and back when he jammed me against the tree and grabbed me in place. Probably a swollen lip as well when he kissed me forcefully.

Panting, I tried to ignore the indignant whispering of the winds. "He deserves to die... outrageous. Daring to touch our princess." They promised unspeakable violence. I will make him pay. I soothed them in my mind.

I crouched over his fallen form and spitted into the ground beside him. "You're worse than a beast. If I hear any of the ladies saying you've touched even a strand of hair on them, I will make sure that no words will ever breath out of that smooth tongue of yours." He wheezed painfully but managed a throaty laugh.

I walked off wincing a little at the dull throbbing pain along my body. "Was the spit necessary?" Someone landed softly beside me. Glancing at him, I recognized him. He was the prodigal Autumn prince. So he was that guy watching us all along.

"I am willing to recognize you as a worthy opponent. Let's have a round." Close up he looks even more beautiful and regal with his striking crimson hair. He bore his eyes deep into mine, they are a striking blue. Breathtaking like the skies except there's a hint of coldness and detachment.

I ignored him as I continued walking. I must hurry if I want to make it for the delivery shift.

"Hey you. Shortie. Stop ignoring me and come at me. I want to see that look in your eyes again. The one you used when you stared at the summer boy." I quickened my pace, I thought he wouldn't chase after an insignificant maid like me. Footsteps sounded behind me and I know he's following along. I broke off into a sprint running through the woods, grunting against the pain that jolts through my bruises with every step. He's crazy. Are all princes this persistent?

He may be taller and faster than me with longer strides. But I am as swift as the wind and I know the forest like the back of my hand. All my sneaking with Keiran better have paid off if I had to endure being grounded in the castle.

The carriages and merchants are standing at the gateway ready to head out to the Human World. With the words of a spell, the soldiers set the portal to their destination as I remained tucked inside a carriage, hidden between the massive supplies and stocks. Somehow, I managed to outrun the faerie with what remaining energy I had left. A stroke of luck that the merchants are still here. Thank the goddess!

I felt the carriage rolling forward and the tingle in the air as we crossed the portal and stepped into the other world. Tiredness rubbed against my bones like an old friend, but a wide grin spreads on my face.

I'm coming for you, my sister.