Timothy:
“No!” the Queen said. “I never took your lady. She is a good match for you. I have no desire to separate you two, in fact, I want you to start breeding. You certainly cannot do that if she is whisked off someplace else. This is ridiculous.”
The Queen turned to her guards, motioned one of them closer, then ordered, “Find out who has taken the young woman. Then report back. If it is one of my court, heads will roll. If it is another court that has done this evil deed, let there be war.”
Without speaking, the guard flashed out, disappearing without sound or even the occasional air wrinkle that some of the Fae caused. Simply gone.
I turned back to the Queen. I want . . .”
“No. You do not leave this ship. That is an order from your Queen, whether you recognize me as such or not. I will not have you lost as well. One person will be easier to manage than two.”
I shook my head, then went down on bended knee. “Please, I beg of you. Do not allow any harm to come to my wife. I would die without her. We are bonded, fully melded. Even absence at this time is painful.”
The Queen’s face softened. Her smile had faded with the news of the kidnapping, but the lines around her mouth tightened into deeper grooves. “I remember, my dear Pooka. I remember what that was like. I would not this upon you, no matter how naughty you sometimes have been.
“But before I go, I saw when I arrived that you were angry with Ben. He has told me of his loyalty to you. He had absolutely no part in this injustice. Nor did I. We will solve this puzzle, settle it, and return your love quickly.”
So saying, she flashed out, leaving me no chance to further plead my case. She and her guards winked out, and I was left with my crew. I first turned to the wolves and apologized for hitting them. Terry just shrugged, but Bob said, “If it makes you feel better, sock me again. I would give my right arm to bring back Penelope.”
I nodded, appreciatively. I bowed to Daniel, my staunch support at all times. Did I tell him that enough? I must be more elaborate and understanding with all of them.
But then, there was only the one person I still needed to ask for forgiveness.
“Pardon me, if you can, my Fae friend. Ben, it was a miscarriage of justice to think you had betrayed my trust. I am deeply sorry.”
Ben gave me the briefest nod, then walked toward me. Before I knew what he was going to do, he’d thrown his arms about me and hugged me tightly.