The Bastard Queen (Viciously Yours #2)
Chapter Forty-Six: Lovers Quarrell

Two Weeks Later…

~Cillian’s P.O.V.~

Raising a hand, I curled it into a tight fist before uncurling my fingers and pointing my hand firmly in the direction of the Estate. Immediately, the three rows soldiers waiting behind me silently rushed forward to surround the outer walls. The air was still and the bustle of city life surrounding the great Estate was unnaturally dead. Despite our best covert efforts, it seemed the city understood what was about to happen at the Kellys tonight. Word had passed from mouth to mouth about the blue haired Divine spotted coming into town with a group of soldiers. That rumor reached the compound quickly as battles between the two armies were becoming more frequent.

Since I’d left, Macha had been making a steady dent in the list of Unseelie that would be most willing to turn against Mab. This wasn’t the first time she’d been spotted on Unseelie territory and Mab was becoming increasingly furious that ‘the bastard’ had not been caught yet. Though her mood had been sour since Macha’s escape, the spreading truth of Macha being Mab’s first born daughter and a Divine had the Unseelie Queen enraged. Her sons were in a similar state with the Crowned Prince Tidhg publicly electrocuting a male for questioning if his title to the throne was legitimate. After all, how could he be the next in line to rule when he wasn’t even the first born? Though Mab and Prince Tidhg were on a warpath, it was the young Prince Daithí that continued to make me uneasy.

Daithí’s presence at the compound had become a constant and his cryptic questions of loyalty only grew more intense with my brother’s sudden leave from the army. Pale lavender eyes seemed to track my every move in his presence and it was getting harder to make changes in the battle plans sent to Mab when he demanded to see them first. What was the most unsettling however, was his unconcealed fascination with Macha. I’d caught word that he had had files the guards kept on her during her time at Slykhelm delivered to his rooms. Daithí was studying her, trying to figure her out and I didn’t like it at all. My eyes flicked over to the pale man in question, not at fucking all.

Looking away, I watched the soldiers breach the perimeter of the Estate and slowly move closer to the windows blazing with light. Scanning the windows as I followed quickly from behind, my gaze locked onto the shadowy dining room on the bottom floor. Seven humanoid shapes filled the room, three of them sat while the others stood close by. But it was the figure that was slightly leaned farther back than the rest waving something around in the air, that I stared at. The dark maroon curtains made it impossible to see anything other than the shadow of their bodies but I knew it was her.

I told you to leave ten minutes ago, Cell Bait. What the hell are you still doing here?

Macha’s shadow didn’t falter in her movements as she replied, I haven’t finished my pepper corn yet.

Please tell me you’re joking.

She mentally huffed, Lilly. You’ve been up my ass about eating ever since I forgot to three days ago and now you’re mad that I’m eating? Make up your mind.

And you couldn’t have taken it to go? I’m glad you’ve found your appetite, Macha. But you should’ve left when I told you to, Daithí is here.

Macha didn’t answer for a long moment as my men settled into position below the windows of the modernized Estate. Her shadow shifted, Daithí doesn’t worry me. Besides…I wanted to see you.

A swell of emotion flooded my chest at her admission and I fought not to lose focus on our situation as the Fae with wind abilities raised their hands. Miss me already, Cell Bait? It’s only been two weeks and we talk everyday.

I could just imagine her rolling those unbelievable blue eyes of hers, Whatever. It’s just weird not having you hovering around me like my murderous stalker, that’s all.

That’s a shame because I miss you. My lips fought to twitch at her silence and I knew she was trying to figure out how to respond but the wave of a pale hand saved her. Shield your eyes. We’re coming in.

Her shadow disappeared as something large sectioned off her side of the room without hesitation at my words just as the glass from the windows exploded inwards. Taking advantage of the other’s surprise, the soldiers flooded the open windows and the fighting began. My team followed the soldiers a few moments behind, dodging the Fae flung out of the Estate by one of my siblings. The clash of metal on metal rang from inside followed by the unique sounds of elements crashing against each other and faint laughter. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Placing my hands on the windowsill, I shoved myself up and into the opening as fluidly as my large frame would allow. The somewhat small dining room was in absolute chaos and I had to take a few seconds to take in the situation. Soldiers in blue had stormed the room crowding it further as they fought against the Fae in purple. Blades flashed in the low light as elements wielded by a few strong willed Fae crashed about the room. But it was the one Fae who was laughing as if this was the most fun she had had in a while that had me moving.

Sliding the pair of axes she had given me from my sheath, the thin coat of silver she molded over them hiding the original color glinted as I blocked the strike of a mace. Pushing back roughly against the handle of the mace, I used the male’s stumble against him and with a twist of my wrist slammed the blunt end of the axe across the side of his head. Dismissing him, I fought my way towards Macha. The blows I struck against her soldiers had been discussed with them before I had left. They were to treat me no different than any other enemy soldier and in return I dealt them crippling or maiming blows. Injuries that they could heal from while giving the appearance that I was cutting down my enemies in order to get to the traitor.

A figure wearing the disguise of Macha’s Acolyte stepped into my path, a double edge sword firmly grasped in their left hand. With a twirl, Bria rapidly lashed out at any part of my body that she could reach. Thin cuts began to appear on my arms while slashes tore the fabric of my black tunic. Knowing my little sister had a smirk plastered across her face underneath the mask, I dropped low and slammed the dull sides of the blades against her right calf. Her legs immediately flew out from underneath her causing her back to crack against the edge of the table and bring the whole thing down.

Fuck you, Cillian. You better hope mom has that bruise cream or I’m going to tell Macha to kick your ass! She mentally yelled at me as I walked away.

Stomping to the far side of the dining room, I jumped back as a ball of fire and earth collided creating a smoldering mass of hard earth that crashed at my feet. Lunging over the smoking rock, I struck out with an axe and knocked a blue sword, inches from disemboweling one of my soldiers, off course. Long blue hair littered with tiny braids whipped in my direction following the motion of Macha’s head. Eyes narrowed, the sharp lines of her face that enhanced her cruel beauty twisted into a sneer.

I’m getting real tired of you telling me who I can and can’t kill.

Blocking the sneaky strike of her other sword, I rolled my shoulder inwards and rammed it against the center of her chest. And I’m getting tired of you wasting your energy on killing Fae that don’t matter.

Blue eyes rolled discreetly as she flung her hair from her eyes and steadied herself before twisting to the side. The glistening blade of her sword slit the throat of one of my team members that had made the mistake of turning his back on her. The motion was so smooth that if I had blinked I would have missed it. You were saying?

Don’t get cocky.

Swiping diagonally across her chest, Macha jumped back before the hit could connect and slashed her swords in a X formation at my neck. I know what I’m doing, Lilly. I can’t just kill your entire team in one go. Mab would catch on too early and pull all the ranking Fae from the battles.

I know. I know. I replied while ducking underneath the deadly sharp blades. Dropping my axes, I tackled her around the waist bringing us to the floor harshly, I just want you to stay safe.

Blue hair fanned out as her head smacked against the wooden flooring. Shaking the glaze from her eyes, Macha’s left fist shot out and caught the underside of my jaw, I get it but you said you trusted me. I trust you to take care of yourself so trust me.

I do trust you but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry. My head rocked back at the force of the blow while Macha took advantage by bucking wildly and switching our positions. With a grunt, my back hit the floor as she straddled my waist and slammed a hand against the wood by my head. Instantly, I could feel the Estate tremble underneath her will until the sound of crashes rang through the room. Before the top floors could come crashing down on us however, a thick band of pure ice locked around her shoulders and bound her arms to her sides.

Shocked, our eyes locked for a moment, Daithí. I forgot about Daithí.

Plump lips pulled back in a snarl, And I’m the cocky one.

Daithí’s pale form calmly walked up to our sides before flicking his cold eyes to Macha and lifted her to her feet using the ice. He was easily a few inches shorter than his sister but the shape of their eyes and noses were so similar that I was surprised I had never noticed until now. The fighting around us continued while I got to my feet and looked between the siblings locked in a stare down. This was the first time that they had ever seen each other up close and I was sure that they had noticed the same similarities between them that I had. Macha’s head cocked to the side as Daithí’s eyes narrowed in what could only be called curiosity.

“You don’t look like Mab at all.”

“Babes, that’s the nicest thing you could’ve ever said to me. I thought we were enemies.”

The young Prince’s expression didn’t flicker, “Do you honestly think you can beat her? You already failed once, how much humiliation can you stand?”

“I see you inherited Mab’s cunty attitude.” Macha replied with a smile, steam rising in the air as the ice binding began to melt. “As to how much humiliation I can stand, I don’t know. I imagine it’s about the same as you can being Mab’s personal bitch.”

My eyes pinged from cold lavender to icy blue eyes, I know I should have been doing something. Anything to not seem suspicious or at least watch my own back but it was like watching two snakes make eye contact for the first time. Coiled and hissing but giving no hint as to who was going to strike first.

Daithí lips curved, “I read your files from Slykhelm. Did you know they keep meticulous records on everything you did. From when you ate to your time with Fearghas? Tapes of your later sessions with him?”

I fought to hide the way my shoulders wanted to tense at the mention of the tapes. Macha had a completely different reaction however, her entire body relaxed before she laughed, “Were you studying me, Babes? That’s just precious. They do say the youngest tries to imitate the oldest, I never got that until now.”

“Mmmm. I see it now. That iron clad control over your emotions, tell me. Do you care about anyone? Or can you slit the throat of a long time friend without flinching?”

Macha hummed, stepping closer to her younger brother as the ice completely melted making Daithí wince at the break of his will, “What about you? Tell me, brother. How many times have you sat back and watched Mab kill everyone around you? How many lives have you sacrificed in order to stay mommy’s favorite? I imagine we’re both a bit heartless.”

Her voice was a mocking sneer that dug its way underneath the normally controlled Prince’s skin. Lip slightly lifting in the corner to match his sister’s sneer, Daithí bit back, “Royalty don’t stay royalty without sacrifice. Rulers don’t become rulers without pain. And people don’t reconcile without strife. Crowns and thrones fall in a cloud of dust and loyalty changes on a-. ”

“I am so done with men and their cryptic bullshit.” Macha groaned, lifting a foot and kicking her brother right in the chest. “Let’s just fucking fight, Babes.”

The moment the young prince was sent stumbling backwards, the bubble of imaginary privacy we had bursted. Sounds of the dying battle rushed back to my ears and snapped me out of the trance I had undergone watching the siblings. Casting a quick look over the room, it was clear that we were losing this battle and that by protocol the Prince was no longer allowed to be here. It was the perfect excuse to get him out of here before the fight between the two royals could escalate.

Jumping between the pair, I barked a sharp order to my nearby team, “Protect the Prince!”

The last of my team, four Fae bloody and tired, surrounded the lavender haired royal with weapons drawn to protect him at every angle. Pale purple eyes locked across the small distance to his new blue haired nemesis that winked and finger waved prettily. Though it turned less pretty and more amusing as Hamish, my master archer, spontaneously combusted into a ball of blue flames. Since becoming a Divine, Macha’s abilities had become amplified to the point where she hardly needed to command the elements. It was like they raced to bend beneath her will before she even consciously decided to use them.

Snatching my axes from the floor, I stepped out between the two with my back facing Daithí. My eyes connected with sparkling blue ones that shot a shiver down the center of my back. I couldn’t help it, the defiance lighting her eyes was the same spark I normally saw when we were fucking. Lips curving Macha raised her hands to the ceiling, no doubt purely for dramatic effect, and then flung them towards the ground. A low rumble rolled through the room going unnoticed by the fighting Fae until it reached a roar.

As chunks of the ceiling rained down, I twisted at the waist to shout, “Get him out of here!”

Without needing another order they grabbed the arguing Prince and disappeared just in time to escape the ball of blue flame that exploded over where they had once stood. A jerk to my tunic had me stumbling into Macha as flames the color of her eyes and raining debri blocked us from the others. Long slim fingers pressed into my chest as they slid up to squeeze the bottom of my throat, an unnatural heat from her palms lightly singeing the fabric of my tunic.

“Lilly,” She purred, aloud. “You took my fun away, twice now. I’ll have to punish you for that.”

Another kind of heat unfurled in my stomach while I dropped my head a notch to brush our noses together, I’m the one who does the punishing, Cell Bait. Don’t tell me you forgot already.

I don’t know...it’s been so long. Maybe I just need a hard reminder. Macha murmured, turning her head to nip at my bottom lip.

Reaching out, I slipped my hands underneath her tunic to grip her bare waist and yanked her up against me, Don’t tease. You know we can’t. I flexed my fingers into her skin, a weight left my chest at the feeling of being able to hold her again. Even if it was only for a few moments.

She sighed, looking up at me from beneath blue lashes, Do you always have to be so responsible?

One of us has to, otherwise it’d just be complete chaos all the time.

And what’s wrong with that? She grinned, flashing white teeth that glowed in the fires light.

My heart squeezed at the impish look she shot me and I couldn’t help but smile back despite my warning tone, Macha.

Her eyes rolled, I know. But the least you can do is give your mate a goodbye kiss.

I flicked my eyes left and then right checking our surroundings, the only thing visible around us were the flames of her fire. Casting a look down at the dangerous woman that was all mine, I slid a hand up the side of her neck and pressed our lips together. This kiss was different from the others, it didn’t scream sex and wicked promises. It was slow and passionate, a kiss to savor while also making my knees weak. The brush of our lips whispered to something deeper, something that had me tightening my grip and molding our mouths together as the fire raged around us.

Macha was the one to break away first, pressing a hand to my cheek and swiping her thumb beneath my left eye, Take care of yourself, Lilly. I think I’ve gotten a bit attached to you.

And I you, Cell Bate. Stay safe and don’t take risks. I replied with a gentle pat to the side of her ass.

With a laugh and smirk, the blue beauty disappeared.

——

Omg, y’all! I feel like I haven’t updated in a phat minute.😩 Hopefully this jump isn’t too abrupt, I think it’s a good little filler chapter to blend the time jump but you never know. Also, this chapter was sooooo cute! My little badass characters are getting the feeelssss and not just sexual ones, lmao. I almost named this chapter ‘The Fuzzies’.

As always, drop a comment or a like if you feel like it!

Smooches, Verbage💋

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