AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She only had to wait a few moments before a silver flash streaked through the sky and settled on the window’s sill. It stuck out a scrawny leg, and Badb attached the missive.
“Deliver this to Niall, leader of the house of The Honorable Ones.”
The bird flapped its wings and soared out over the palace gardens below as it banked around the castle.
This was only the beginning. But with Niall in her pocket, they could craft allies that would set Badb up as the ruler of the faerie lands.
The next day, Roisin was to be sentenced in front of the faerie court. Badb sniped at the new maid who came to dress her, threatening to break her fingers if she fumbled over her buttons. She enjoyed the little mouse’s trembling and the smell of the fear rising off of her.
Niall of the House of Honorable Ones had responded to her message, ready to back Badb. Her plans were falling into place. If, when she split from Morrigan at the bog, her appearance remained a copy image of the faerie queen as that seer Illya suggested, then she’d use that to her advantage to take out Dagda. And after he was out of the way, then she would reveal who she really was.
With Niall’s support, the court would be primed to split when she revealed herself and claimed authority. War would ensue when the other half balked at Badb’s claims. Then, she’d release Ornan’s demons and chaos would reign while also bolstering her leadership. When the war within their own kingdom waned, she’d move against the elves.
Morrigan hadn’t made an appearance the last two days, still hiding away in her dark spot, allowing Badb to plot and scheme. A smile twisted her lips. It took a day and a half to travel by pegasus to the bog where the witch resided. With only two more days to Samhain, it meant Morrigan needed to leave tomorrow. Everything here would remain in place for when Badb returned in triumph.
The only thing left undone was that bond between the faerie king and queen. Whenever she had seen Dagda, she’d tried to insert doubts, but he was wise to her strategy, and even when she landed a blow that made uncertainty come to his eyes, he’d quickly sweep it aside.
Time was running out. She’d make another bid to undermine their relationship at the sentencing.
After she spread the entrails of that lowly little maid, Roisin, across the throne room floor as an example.
“Are you done?” Badb snapped at the frightened woman dressing her, making her jump.
“Y-yes, your majesty.”
Badb regarded her own appearance in the mirror. Her dress was a full black silk gown with silver threads. The bodice clung tight on her midsection, the embroidered midnight vines and roses brushed the swells of her breasts, a bit of silk covered the disc still clinging to her arm. The crown resting on her head was a white gold with glittering ebony diamonds. She placed the heartstone at her throat. A reminder of what her true goal must be. She stared at her reflection with a cool, calculating eye. An attractive body didn’t matter so much that she portrayed power. She took in her cold, regal beauty. She was the queen of the night.
Palon trailed her to the waiting room. The rigid way he walked and the tenseness in his muscles told Badb that he knew, or at least guessed who was in control. He’d been that way for the past couple of days. Tense, on edge.
Dagda waited for her in the small chamber leading to the throne room.
When he saw her, his fists balled at his sides. “This sentencing has to do with Morrigan’s maid. She should be present for it. Will you let her out?”
Badb took in his regal attire with one dismissive glance. “She does not wish to come out.”
Dagda’s dejection gave her extreme pleasure.
He offered his arm, and Badb seized it. They walked into the throne room. She gazed over the faerie court. These pampered faeries who thought they had power and yet relied on the protection of the soldiers around them. Never mind, they’d soon realize how fragile their sense of security was. Everyone was present, including… she frowned.
What was Ornan doing here?
“You may rise,” Dagda said.
The people rose and Dagda directed Badb to her seat, but before he released her, he bent close to her ear.
“You will behave today and should Morrigan wish to take over, you will let her, or I swear, I shall chain you up until Samhain.”
Badb sneered inwardly before claiming her seat.
“Bring forth the prisoner,” Dagda said.
The throne room doors opened and two guards escorted Roisin inside. Nothing bound her wrists, and she held her head high.
Too high for Badb’s liking.
“I have asked you to gather here to bear witness to what is to proceed herewith.” Daga addressed everyone gathered. “You think the purpose of the meeting is to punish this woman for her actions.”
Badb grinned. She saw bloodlust in the eyes of those present. They craved to behold this maid’s sentencing. They wanted to see her suffer.
