"What do you mean by 'owing more debt to other allies'?" Ethan demanded, his voice low and taut with suspicion.
Amdis's pale lips curved into a cryptic smile. "Exactly what I said, Alpha King. More debt. Other allies."
"Care to elaborate?" Ethan pressed, struggling to keep the growl from his voice.
Amdis sighed, his regal posture softening slightly. "Do I have to spell it out for you?I'm unfamiliar with this type of magic, Ethan. It's not something I would ever dabble in- dark magic is a dangerous path, even for vampires." He paused, his crimson eyes gleaming. "But the fae? The fae enjoy a little danger and have dabbled in the gray despite their own best interests."
The word 'fae' hit Ethan like a physical blow. He flinched, memories of centuries-old feuds and twisted bargains flooding his mind. The fae were notorious tricksters, their grudges lasting lifetimes. Dealing with them was like trying to swim with cement shorts.
"No," Ethan said firmly. "We can't involve the fae. There has to be another way."
"I am sure they are already involved in their own way. I doubt the Hunters only targeted our kind," Amdis countered. "We don't have time for alternatives. Every moment we waste, Kasia and Devanna slip further from our grasp." His voice softened, a hint of something akin to compassion coloring his words. "I refuse to fail my mate for a second time."
Ethan's heart clenched at the mention of Kasia. Her fierce determination, her flashing hazel eyes- the thought of her in danger tore at his very soul. But the fae...
"The risks are too great," Ethan argued. "We can't trust them."
"Trust isn't the issue here," Amdis countered, his patience wearing thin. "Information is. And only the Queen possesses the knowledge and the power we need to find Kasia."
Ethan's jaw clenched, his brown eyes darkening with apprehension. "What about Titania or Oberon? Surely they'd be easier to deal with."
Garrett's sharp intake of breath caused Amdis and Ethan to look at him. "Are you crazy?" he snapped, grabbing Ethan's arm. "Bypassing the Queen is the worst insult that you can do to the fae. You don't just waltz into her realm and pick your preferred royal."
Ethan growled low in his throat, frustration radiating off him in waves. "There has to be another way. She is…"
"Dangerous? Unpredictable?" Amdis interjected. "Of course she is, but Queen Eliane has experience and information that we don't have." Amdis hated admitting that someone was more knowledgeable than him, but the fae queen was older than both of them and had dealt with many things that were now considered legends.
Ethan opened his mouth to respond when a melodic, teasing voice filled the room.
"What trouble have you dragged my name into now, Ammie?"
The air shimmered, and suddenly she was there. Queen Eliane materialized behind them, a vision in navy blue and gold. Her dark skin gleamed like polished obsidian, crowned with an intricate headdress that seemed to capture starlight.
Amdis dropped into a deep bow. "Your Majesty, I-"
But Queen Eliane was already moving, closing the distance between them with feline grace. A sly smirk played on her full lips as she reached for Amdis, pulling him into a kiss that was equal parts passionate and possessive.
Queen Eliane finally broke the kiss, her laughter like tinkling bells. "It's been far too long since you've called on me, Ammie," she purred, tracing a finger along Amdis's jawline. "I knew you'd come to your senses eventually." Her touch lingered, playful yet possessive. "Now, what do you need, dear?"
Amdis gently removed Eliane's hands. His face flushed in embarrassment as his body responded to her touch more than he wanted. "Nothing has changed, Eliane," he said, his voice steady.
"I don't understand why your mate is so selfish. I have no problem sharing," Queen Eliane pouted.
"Eliane," Amdis said firmly.
"Then, why did you say my name, Ammie?" Queen Eliane asked.
"I said your name because of Alpha King Ethan," Amdis answered. Queen Eliane's gaze snapped to Ethan, her smile faltering for a split second before morphing into something more calculated.
"Well, well," she drawled, sauntering towards Ethan. Her eyes raked over him, assessing. "What's this? A cursed king?" She clicked her tongue, the sound mockingly sympathetic. She noticed the healing wound on his neck before looking back at Amdis. "That was smart to do Ammie, but it will only delay the curse. Not that it's any of my business, of course."
Ethan fought the urge to take a step back. The Fae Queen's presence was overwhelming. Her aura was similar to an Alpha but more oppressive. He steeled himself, reminding himself why he was here.
"Your Majesty," Ethan began, his voice rougher than he'd intended. "I-"
But Queen Eliane held up a hand, silencing him. Her eyes glittered with amusement and something darker. "Oh, don't worry, darling. We'll get to you soon enough." She turned back to Amdis, her smile sharp. "First, I think Ammie here owes me an explanation, don't you?"
"What do you mean?" Amdis asked.
"You're Lord now or at least that is what your guards are calling you. When did that happen and why was I not invited to your coronation? I'm hurt," Queen Eliane replied.
"There was no coronation. My father had been working with the Hunters. He is dead now," Amdis said flatly.
This was not what Queen Eliane expected to hear. Her expression was unreadable for a second before settling to a calm demeanor. "Oh Ammie, you should have called my name much sooner."
"I told you. I called you because of Alpha King Ethan," Amdis responded again.
Ethan's jaw clenched, irritated with being ignored. Swallowing his pride, he bowed deeply, his voice steady as he spoke. "Your Majesty, I humbly request your assistance."
Queen Eliane's laughed again, a sound both beautiful and unsettling. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she turned back to face him.
"And why would I help you, my dear king?" She circled him slowly, her gown fluttering against the floor. "You've never so much as sent a single gift to my realm. No visits, no tributes." Her finger trailed along his shoulder, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.
"I... I apologize for my neglect, Your Majesty," Ethan said, forcing humility into his tone. His very instinct raged against the submission, but Ethan pushed it down. "My focus on countering the rogues has consumed my time and attention."
It sounded like a weak excuse, even to his own ears. But it was the truth- the constant threat of the rogues and now the hunters had left little room for diplomatic niceties.
Queen Eliane's eyebrow arched, her expression unreadable. "Ah yes, the big, bad rogues," she mused, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Such a convenient excuse for ignoring your duties, isn't it?"
Ethan's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He wanted to argue, to defend himself, but he knew it would only make things worse. Instead, he forced himself to meet her gaze, letting her see the desperation in his eyes.
"You're right," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. "I've been shortsighted, and my people have suffered for it. But now, I'm here, asking for your help. Please, Your Majesty."