Buffy silently moved over to where Barinthus held Whistler. She calmly pulled her lover's fingers from around the Powers messenger's neck. Whistler fell to the ground glaring up at the Ruler of the Oceans. "Bar, he does work for the Powers, give me a minute, please."
Barinthus nodded walking back to the table and taking a seat to keep himself from killing the balance demon. Buffy helped Whistler up from the ground then gave him his hat. He gave her a grateful smile that Buffy returned. No one expected or could stop what happened next. Buffy's fist lashed out knocking the small man across the room into the far wall. She casually walked over to pick him up and shake him while he tried to speak.
"Kid...what...are...you...doing?" He found himself tossed up like a ball and kicked across the room once again hitting the opposite wall.
Barinthus grabbed Buffy when she walked by to continue her welcome. "Pixie, why did you stop me? You're doing exactly what I planned to do."
"You mean you planned to open a portal to the ocean and kick his ass through it?" She grinned at him and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Very amusing, hardy, har, har. I came here to answer the Princess' questions. The Powers thought you needed some answers." Whistler walked over and picked up his hat, smoothing out the creases.
"Whistler, do you want me to continue my hello? Maybe, you want me to let Bar finish this?" Buffy crossed her arms as an eyebrow rose in question.
"No, that's all right, kid. I think I'll just stand over here." Whistler leaned against the far wall.
"Buffy, would you please explain what's going on?" Merry looked at the three people involved. Her eyes lingered on the odd man across the room. Could this be the former King of the Tuatha? He doesn't look like a king or even someone with Sidhe blood let alone one of our ancestors.
"This is the person that told me about my new destiny. He's just as much a pain in the ass here as he was in my world. Why are you calling him, Breeze?" Buffy asked Barinthus.
"He was the King of the Tuatha, the children of Danu. His wife was Merry's great-great-grandmother, Brighid. She wanted to help the Sidhe but Bres felt no compassion for them, even though Danu considered them her children as well. He was unfit to be king. He's the reason that the wars started. I tried to convince him that the Sidhe and Tuatha could live in peace, but he wouldn't listen."
Buffy's expression hardened and Whistler put his hands up in surrender. "Calm down, Slayer. I became a messenger for the Powers to try to make up for my past mistakes."
She let out a harsh bark of laughter. "Give it up, Windy. No one volunteers to work for the Powers. They aren't much for recruiting. Their specialty is drafting without asking. How about the real story this time."
"Fine, they decided that I abused my power, and to pay for my sins, I had to become a balance demon, an impure. Now, I have to listen to their orders and help lesser beings find their destiny. I won't be released until they decide that I've paid for my sins."
"Was that so tough?" Buffy laughed at the sour look on Whistler's face. She relished having an upper hand on someone who ordinarily only brought bad news. "Tell us the 411 about Merry and the birdies and I won't see how well you swim. Are you still immortal, Whistler? I mean if I decided to test it, what would you do? I've a feeling that down here, you're at Bar's mercy about when and how you leave."
Whistler glared at her then caught the knowing look on Barinthus' face. He tipped his hat to the former Vampire Slayer. He always knew she wasn't as dumb as she tried to make people think, damn it. "No need to do that. They said to tell you everything that I can. Princess, you're my great-great-granddaughter. I asked to be the one to explain this to you and for Buffy to protect you. I didn't do right by my people or my family when I was alive so I want to do what I can now. You're the Sidhe's last hope. The people are fading because they're bound to their barren rulers. That's why the queen only had one child in over a thousand years. You already know your uncle's secret. Your grandfather, though a tyrant and cruel man, was still able to have children. Even though all but your mother and aunt were monsters, he still produced several children. The doves represent the Powers acknowledgment and protection. There'll be other children from those the Powers judge as worthy. It's important that you become the ruler of the Unseelie Court for this to occur."
"That wasn't so hard was it? Guess, I have you to thank for me being here?"
Whistler nodded his head reluctantly. He expected another beating from the former Slayer. Shock spread across his face when a beautiful smile spread across hers. "Thanks, Breezy. This may have been the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." She leaned over and kissed Barinthus full on the lips. His hand buried itself in her hair as his passion flared at her words.
Whistler watched Lir and Buffy and felt happy the Slayer finally found a man who would stand beside her through the test of time. He always wondered how Angel could have walked away from the woman that Buffy grew into. He wondered how they would take the next news that he had to tell her. "I've some more news for you, kid. The Powers are happy with your choice, and want you to know that you don't have to worry about leaving him behind."
"What do you mean, Whistler? Just spit it out, already."
"Don't get all bent out of shape. You're more like a Sidhe in this world and your mortality's tied to Lir's." He watched the lovers stare at each other in amazement that swiftly turned into joy. "Now, let me finish the rest so I can leave before you two start making out again. You need to get Andais off the throne and Merry onto it. They want you to protect her and the child."
"I'm already doing that. What aren't you saying? There's more to this isn't there?"
"They're worried about the Seelie Court's leadership. King Taranis is unstable and his people are in danger. They know the Princess will be a good queen and want the same for the other court. Kid, you need to persuade him to step down. You can use whatever means necessary and the Powers will back your play." Whistler studied Buffy to see if she comprehended what he was telling her.
"You can just go back and tell them that I'm not their trained dog, and won't kill for them. They'll have to do that for themselves. As for Trainwreck, we already know that he's insane. We're going to take care of him and the Brat Prince at the same time. Go back and tell them I'll let Merry and her aunt decide what happens to them."
Whistler nodded his head, glancing at Barinthus with a question in his eyes. The Ruler of the Oceans returned his nod and the balance demon winked out of sight.
Barinthus and Buffy couldn't take their eyes off each other. A beautiful smile spread across Buffy's face. The gold in her eyes glimmered, reflecting her happiness. She finally absorbed Whistler's words realizing her lover wouldn't have to watch her grow old.
"Are you certain you can stand me for thousands of years?" Buffy's asked jokingly but there was another note underneath.
Barinthus heard the teenager that every person she had ever loved abandoned at one time or another. "Pixie, I've lived thousands of years and known many lovers." He saw the doubt grow stronger in her eyes, and cursed the people that made Buffy doubt her own self-worth. "My only regret is that I didn't spend my former years with you. I'm thankful for those years, because they let me recognize real love when I found it. When I found it with you."
Tears, that Buffy tried to hold back, slipped down her cheeks. The others left the room to provide the lovers some privacy. He bent forward and kissed the tears from her face. Barinthus tasted her doubt flow away from her body and in its place; he tasted her love for him.
"I love you, Pixie. I'm not going anywhere. You'll just have to get used to having me around." He pulled her onto his lap and gently ran his fingers through her hair.
Buffy wrapped his long blue hair around her like a security blanket. "I love you too, Bar, more than I ever thought possible. I thought what I had before was 'real' love but I was wrong. It was just 'first' love, filled with flash and angst. With you, it's different; it feels like I'm home where I'm safe and loved," she whispered into his chest snuggling closer.
"Are you all right, now?" He searched her eyes, judging for himself from what he saw there.
Buffy nodded, hugging him tightly. "We need to set our plan in motion. I wish we didn't have to leave here, Bar. I could live here forever with you." Buffy pulled his head down for another kiss.
"When Merry's on the throne, we'll return, promise. I need to contact Andais to let her know that Merry needs Fflur to confirm her pregnancy. I'll ensure that Cel knows the time and place that we'll be arriving, and that you're seeking sanctuary at the Mound. Will you go with me, Pixie? Just be out of sight of the mirror but in the room with me."
Buffy stood up; holding out a hand to him, which Barinthus happily took. When they arrived in the room, he showed her where to stand to while he called Andais through the mirror. She leaned against the wall to watch her lover perform for the queen, as well as use his power on Cel.
"Andais, I have urgent news for you," Barinthus' voice held the calm of soft waves rolling onto the shore. He watched the Queen of the Unseelie Court roll over in bed before sitting up to glare at her mirror.
She unwrapped herself from her lover, Tyler, and Eamon, her consort. Andais allowed the covers to fall away when she stood up. A sly smile showed on her face as she walked to the end of the large bed and regally sat down. Anyone looking at Andais would know she was royalty whether bedecked in jewels and lavish gowns, or sitting as she was now - nude.
Before she had Cel, Andais tried everything she knew to bend Barinthus to her will. She lusted after him to an almost obsessive level. She remembered the one night she ended in bed with the Kingmaker. Her frustration at not being able to compel him into a repeat performance was in large part the reason she grew so harsh toward her Ravens. She wouldn't be pleased when she discovered that he and Buffy were lovers, even though she 'released' him from her service. "What's so pressing that you would disturb my rest?" Andais' demanded as her eyes grew cold and hard. She bit inside her cheek to keep her anger under control, knowing she'd only push him further away. Andais drank in the sight of him, noting that Barinthus had never looked better. There was a glow in his eyes; she didn't remembering ever seeing before. Suspicion started growing in the back of her mind. She peered into her mirror but couldn't see where he was or if anyone was with him. Why would he choose to be with some insignificant child when he could have me?
"Andais, are you listening?"
Her back stiffened and her chest pushed forward at the censure in his tone, her skin flushed lightly and her eyebrow rose. "Don't speak to me in that tone, Barinthus. I'm still your queen."
Now, it was his turn to raise an eyebrow at her as his eyes darkened to the color of an angry ocean. Andais broke eye contact first. It still angered her when confronted with limitations to her powers, specifically, when dealing with this man. "Is it safe to speak? This message is of the utmost secrecy?"
"Of course it's safe," she snapped
"Very well, but the future queen's heir depends on getting her to safety." Barinthus waited for her to understand what he implied. "We'll need an escort to meet us at the Mound's edge; you know the place I refer to? Buffy's also needs sanctuary. There has been a kidnapping attempt from the Seelie Court. We believe we know why Taranis is after her, and she would be safest in the Mound."
Cel listened to his mother's conversation from a secret entrance that only family knew of its existence. He used it once again to discover what was happening with his cousin. He had heard enough, quickly leaving to find the Ravens who had sworn fealty to him. They didn't want to see Merry take the throne anymore than he did. He had to ensure that she never made it back to the court. He smiled at the thought of delivering 'Buffy' to his partner in the Seelie Court. He couldn't wait to hear about Taranis abusing her. With any luck, the Seelie King would kill her and leave one less problem for him to deal with.
"Are you positive that Merry carries a child?" Andais had mixed feelings about her niece's pregnancy. She felt elated that the Sidhe bloodline would continue but not that she would have to give her throne to her brother's daughter. A mere child by Sidhe standards not to mention she was human, no less.
"Yes, Andais, it's true. Frost's the father. He and I will escort Merry and Buffy. The others will join us later to throw off suspicion. They'll break up and take different routes to lead whoever's trying to take Buffy onto false trails. We'll arrive at the mentioned place at 10:00 tomorrow morning. Good-bye, Andais." Barinthus nodded his head and broke the connection.
"Barinthus, wait!" Andais' voice rose, causing the two men behind her to stir. "How dare he leave on his own accord? He should've waited for me to dismiss him." She began to pace the floor, which rather than calming her temper caused it to rise with each step she took. Her long black hair flew behind her like raven wings. The air around her started to stir as her anger rose even higher.
Andais stormed to the door to see which Ravens stood guard. She pointed a long finger at the one on the right. "You come in here, now."
Augustus followed, realizing precisely what would occur from looking at the queen's face. He would have fit in perfectly at the Seelie Court with hair that fell to his knees in a curtain of burnished gold matching tri-colored gold eyes and the pale golden skin so admired at the other court. But, the Seelie court wouldn't recognize him because his mother was Unseelie. He slowly walked into the queen's bedroom. "Yes, your majesty." His voice remained respectful but his eyes began to blaze, reflecting his inner anger at her summons. Every Raven had been on the receiving end of Andais' temper. She used them to workout her anger and frustration for the last 600 years.
"Strip and stand at the post."
He reluctantly did what she commanded, standing nude before a T-shaped post, putting his hands in the restraints placed there for just that purpose. Andais licked her lips, already anticipating the way his golden skin would taste. She gripped a whip in experienced hands, an expert at taking her victim to the edge of pleasure before causing their release through pain. Sidhe law didn't allow Andais to sleep with any other Sidhe but her consort, Eamon. Sleeping with Tyler was allowed since he was human. Long ago, Andais found ways to get close to breaking the laws without taking that last step. She found loopholes, which allowed her to enjoy them, but they couldn't enjoy her, which was the fine line she walked. She could pleasure them with her mouth; even have sex with them in a manner of speaking. Andais only had to ensure that they never found release in her body through traditional means. That mattered little to her; she much preferred the rougher versions, anyway.
Flicking her wrist, she cracked the whip, leaving a red mark on pale golden skin. Augustus didn't even flinch. His long years as a Raven weighed heavily on him. Andais' cruelty grew worse with each passing year. Many Ravens wondered if something in the royal bloodline led to insanity as the years went by. Taranis, Andais and Cel all gave proof to their theories. Several moments later, Augustus had whip marks and cuts across his body's front from neck to feet. Andais walked forward dropping her whip. Her face had a Cheshire cat smile on it. Starting at his neck, she licked away the blood. Her hands caressed his back and buttocks while she moved down his body. Andais continued to caress and lick him, working her way down.
Augustus bit inside his cheek in an effort to keep himself detached from Andais' talented mouth. He was older then her and should be able to control himself better but if she was anything, she was thorough. She rolled his soft balls in her hand while her mouth continued its journey down his leg then up the other one. She looked up with an evil smile as her mouth engulfed him in one smooth move. Andais started out slow, taking every inch of his notable length down her throat. Her tongue teased him and she softly scraped her teeth on the sensitive skin. Augustus' body responded regardless of his inner struggle. He felt her smile even as she increased the pressure of her mouth. Andais started sucking harder each time she pulled him back down her throat. She cruelly pulled on him now like a pup latching onto a tit. Augustus was too far-gone and the pain added to his need to find release. Andais put her hand around the base of his purpled cock, effectively cutting off his ability to cum. She bit the swollen head causing him to scream which was exactly what she desired.
"Now, that is more like it. Let's see what else can cause you too sing for me."
Buffy opened a portal to the designated site not far from the Mound. The queen's Ravens would escort them directly to Andais. They understood they were walking into a trap. Everyone hoped Buffy's plan would work and both women would emerge from this alive. The portal grew large enough for four people to easily step thorough it. Merry held Frost's hand and Barinthus had his arm wrapped around Buffy's waist. She knew he worried about the time they would be separated but Buffy felt strangely calm about the coming confrontations. She squeezed Merry's hand when she saw the approaching men. There were eight of them, all experienced Sidhe warriors and four, Merry noticed were Cel's friends. The leader was Conri, Cel's closest confidant and his childhood friend.
"Where are the rest of your men, Merry?" Conri smirked, his eyes taking her in, not in the Sidhe manner of appreciation, but as if he looked at something beneath him.
"That's Princess NicEssus, to you boy," Frost growled, relaxing slightly when Merry squeezed his hand.
Within minutes, they had two guards on every side. Reflexively, Buffy's body slipped immediately into Slayer mode and she had to fight to keep it under control. The Slayer wanted to take out the threat in one fell swoop, but Buffy knew it was important to let them 'capture' her and Merry. When a trumpet sounded nearby, Barinthus caught Buffy's eye and gave her a subtle nod. This was it - the ambush. Buffy shot a quick glance at Merry and Frost, who had already fallen to their knees. Buffy and Barinthus copied them. All the guards, except one, fell into an unconscious state, with Merry and Frost following right behind them. Buffy made a special note which guard didn't seem affected. She would deal with him later.
Conri called out, "Hurry up, I don't know how long this will keep them out."
Peeking through her lashes, she saw four men with long golden hair approach. They wore white livery with a golden sun emblazoned on the front and resembled chess pieces standing beside one another. Buffy felt strong arms pick her up. She listened to the men talk among themselves.
"Why's she important enough to risk going to war with the Unseelie?"
"Our job's to do what we're told not ask questions. She sure is little to have caught our King's eye."
"Where are we expected to take her?"
"Someone," the one clearly in charge said, "will meet us at the east entrance and show us where to take her."
Conri picked up Merry and walked off at a fast pace. He had to get Merry to Cel before the others woke up, and then return to act as if he didn't know anything. Cel waited not far away with Siobhan, the captain of his personal guard. Siobhan stepped forward to take the unconscious princess. She didn't say a word as she turned to follow her prince. Normally, she wasn't superstitious but this situation gave her a bad feeling. She was loyal to Cel and would kill, or die for him, but she was missing something and she wondered what it was. Cel wasn't about to allow Merry to take the throne away from him. He would eventually rule the Unseelie and no one was going to stop him. Conri ensured that his accomplices had escaped with their prizes before laying down to feign unconsciousness. The next thing he knew someone was kicking him. He opened his eyes to look into the hard eyes of the Killing Frost. For the first time, Conri had a bad feeling that this wasn't going to end the way that he and Cel planned.
"Where did you take her?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. What's happened? Where's the princess?"
He went flying through the air with Frost stalking him like a winter storm. He pulled his sword, Winter's Kiss, but Barinthus stayed his hand. "No, Frost let me talk to him. I'll discover where they've taken her." Barinthus stared into his eyes and Frost reluctantly nodded. "Come with me Conri, we're going to have a nice little chat."
"Barinthus, he's insane. I don't know what he's talking about. I woke up with the rest of you."
"Yes, you did but you didn't go to sleep with us. You see Conri; the conch doesn't work on me. Now, let's have the real truth from you." The blue of Barinthus' eyes went dark and Conri felt a strange pull in his body.
Conri didn't understand what was taking place to him. He felt an uncontrollable impulse to confess to the former Raven. "Cel has her and the other was delivered to Taranis' guard. Someone is suppose to meet them at the east entrance that is all I know."
"But, you know more about where Cel took Merry, don't you? Tell me what I want to know."
"He," Conri tried to fight what Barinthus was doing to him but couldn't escape, "there are passages within the Sithin. Only the royal family is supposed to know about them, but when we were children Cel showed me. There's a door in the Rose Arbor that leads to a hidden room. Cel is taking her there."
"That wasn't so bad was it? I'm afraid you're going to meet with a terrible accident, Conri."
Conri paled, stepping back. He swore he saw waves in the blue of Barinthus' eyes. The feeling changed and he felt a terrible pressure in his head. His eyes burst and Conri screamed. His hands went up to his face to feel the liquid of his eyes slide down his cheeks. A flood followed as his body's water leaked out to wash over his hands. Barinthus walked away with a small smile. Conri fell to his knees screaming then fell silent.
"Frost, I know where she is. There's a hidden room in the Rose Arbor. Rhys should be right behind them. Hurry, he'll tell you how to get in. I have to admit, my Pixie, sure knows how to plan for an attack from all sides. Could you imagine if she had been with us during the wars? I've no doubt she'd be queen in Andais' place. Go see about your woman while I go and catch up with mine. Hopefully, Pixie will leave something for me to do."
Frost looked over at the now dead Conri. "You don't want to rule us do you?"
"No, I don't. I prefer my own kingdom. They're my priority after Buffy and Merry, naturally. I only remained for Essus and later Merry. He was my best friend. Now, I have another life that's even more important and I won't lose her." Barinthus strode off; his living blue hair swayed around his seven-foot frame.
Frost headed in the direction of the Mound and his family.
Buffy didn't open her eyes until the door closed and her senses told her she was alone. She found herself in a lavish bedroom done in gold and white. She quickly got off the bed and studied her surroundings. Based on the view from the window, she was on the tenth story of a - castle. "Man, do these guys have big heads. I mean, come on, this isn't Cinderella." She noticed an open door leading to a bathroom. "Come on out Mr. Invisible, I know you're in there." Buffy whispered, knowing Doyle's ultra sensitive hearing would pick up what she said.
Doyle appeared in the bathroom's doorway with his bright white teeth gleaming in his beautiful dark face. "I wish I knew how you do that, Buff." Their mutual lifestyles as warriors had created a bond between them.
"Just perks, comes with the whole package. When I was first called, it was tough to adjust. My senses were so strong that it almost drove me crazy. Whenever a vamp was near, I got horrible cramps. Let me tell you, when a hungry pissed-off vamp's after you, it's not the time to have a Midol Moment."
Doyle laughed softly, shaking his head at her attitude about a life many couldn't even fathom. They both turned to stare at the door, someone was coming. Buffy leaped to land on the bed. She quickly closed her eyes and slowed her breathing down. Doyle walked over to stand close to the bed and Buffy before vanishing from sight.
A delicate woman with pale white Sidhe skin, brown hair and huge amber eyes, entered the room. Buffy peaked out from under her lashes and her eyes nearly popped open when she saw the woman's face. She was half-brownie and didn't have a no nose. Buffy wondered if she would ever get used to the different fey flavors. Sometimes she wished for vampires at least she knew who had souls. The people here had souls but many had contaminated them so seriously that she wondered if a soul counted anymore. The woman sat a pitcher of water and a glass beside the bed, and then quietly left the bedroom. As soon as the door closed, Buffy popped up in the bed, staring at the water with heavy suspension. She wasn't about to drink anything sent to her from Taranis. Buffy took the pitcher into the bathroom, emptied it into the tub and went to refill it from the sink.
"Hello, Pixie, did you miss me?"
Buffy spun back around to stare at the previously empty tub. Barinthus lounged in the tub as if he soaked in a bubble bath. She caught the pitcher before it could hit the floor. "Bar, you frightened me. I know this is a dumb question, but how'd you get here?"
His eyes twinkled with laughter. "Pixie, where there's water so am I. Now, come and give me a kiss, I've been away from you too long."
Buffy moved closer and his long arm snaked out to pull her in with him. Doyle quietly closed the door, ensuring no one saw Barinthus where he shouldn't be. He knocked on the door to let Buffy know that he heard someone approaching the room. She once again positioned herself on the bed, feigning sleep. Doyle watched from his corner as the door swung open. He wasn't surprised to see Taranis enter the bedroom. The Seelie King's skin glowed ethereally, his glamour firmly in place. Doyle hoped that Buffy truly was immune to the magic of their world. If she weren't, she wouldn't be able to deny Taranis whatever he wanted.
Taranis strutted into the room, his glow from the glamour cast everything else into shadows. A frown marred his beautiful face. He expected the girl to be awake for his grand entrance. The light surrounding him dimmed slightly. Buffy practically laughed aloud, as it was, she had to work hard to keep the smile off her face. He reminded her of Cordelia when they were in high school. She always put on a show when anyone was watching but her true colors showed when no one else was around. Taranis was crazy; she wondered how far his cheese had slipped off his cracker. She slowly opened her eyes then squinted from the light surrounding Taranis. The moment he saw her start to wake, his glamour went into full affect.
"Where am I? Why am I here? Where's Merry?"