Awake by Riana Lucas

insolently staring down at the table. Her normal scowl is gone though, replaced by a sad frown and her body has lost its usual rigidness and is now in what I can only describe as a defeated slouch. The concern in the queen’s eyes is apparent, but once again she moves her gaze to me and the expression changes. Her eyes now sparkle with pride and joy.
    After another deep breath, she straightens her shoulders and clears her throat. “I have a story to tell you, Poppy. I recognize you are in a hurry, but I assure you, once I’m finished with my story, everything will be clear to you. You will understand my actions and my concern. You’ll be able to make a final decision on what you wish to do, not only for today, but for your future. I ask that you listen to the entire story, saving your questions for the end.”
    The seriousness in her voice along with the fear in her eyes keeps me mute. I am only able to stare at her as I nod. Clenching Willow's hand even tighter, I try to relax my shaking limbs as I brace myself for what I am about to hear.
    â€œThank you,” she whispers so softly I barely make out the fear in her voice before she clears her throat one final time. She lays her clasped hands on the table in front of her then begins. “This story started about nineteen years ago. I understand most fae don’t understand the concept of time, but the events were so tragic for me. I have counted the days since. At the time, the unending feud between the unseelie and seelie courts existed. When this began and for how long the dispute has been going on is completely lost to me, but the war has always been and will always be.” She lifts her hand as if to brush the thought aside and continues, “My court was secure. I had the best-trained warriors I could have asked for. My warriors were led by a very strong and wise fae. My second-in-command was a fae by the name of Damien.”
    My heart rate speeds up at the mention of Damien’s name. The name is common enough and it might be a coincidence that it was the name of the queen’s second, like the Damien I know is the second to the unseelie king. But my instincts are screaming at me once again. Something is going on here far beyond things in common and coincidences, something I am not going to like.
    â€œDamien had been with me for so many years, years I couldn’t even count. One of my servants rescued him long ago when they found him in the faery forest between the two courts, wandering aimlessly. He did not have much strength or any memory of where he came from. It seemed as if a spell had been cast upon him. My servant returned with him to court, and we took care of him. After a few years, he proved his loyalty along with unbelievable strength. Then he began to train as a warrior, working his way through the ranks. Eventually, I made him my second, as he had proven many times he would give his life for mine. He was the best second-in-command I ever had.”
    As she spoke, her voice had begun to quiver, and now her eyes close for a split second at the memory. The pain she feels is apparent, but it surprises me when tears begin to slip past her closed eyelids as she continues, “One night, I retired to my room early. I had felt faint all day and experienced minor dizzy spells. Damien suggested I go to bed, reassuring me he would put the rest of the evening’s work into order. Trusting him, I bid everyone goodnight before retiring to my room. I remember lying down…then nothing.”
    She shakes her head before opening her eyes once again and peering up at me. “When I awoke again, Damien was leaning over me checking my vitals. I tried to speak to him, but I was not able to open my mouth. I tried to move my arms, legs, anything , but to no avail. My body remained paralyzed. I could see, but even that stayed a bit fuzzy. My mind worked slowly, but I soon realized I was under a spell. I watched Damien helplessly,