Earth Child (Romance Novels of The Fae Realm) by Rosemary Green Page B

there?” Terrestria asked.
                “Because despite who my mother was, it is still my home.  I can’t just abandon the people there that have raised me.  I won’t leave them with no explanation, no story as to why I’m leaving and why I’ll never see them again.”
                “You cannot leave yet,” stated Zephyra.
                “And why not?  You don’t need me here.”
                “Because you’re training, although adequate, is incomplete.  It is the understanding of this council that you attempted to use your powers to save a bunch of humans and the strain nearly killed you.  Even last night you could barely stand.”
                “I have to go back.  My parents are expecting me.”
                “I’m sorry, but that’s impossible.  We can at least accommodate you on your first request.  I believe some introductions are in order.  It’s only fitting.  You know Terrestria from yesterday. She is Earth Fae.  To her left is Root, the Spring Fae.  I am of course Zephyra, Air Fae and this is Blade, the Fall Fae,” each of the Fae nodded as they were introduced.  Turning to look at the other side of the table Zephyra continued her introductions, “Blaze, from the Fire Fae, and Calefacto the Summer Fae.  Aquamarine, the Water Fae and Graupel, from the Winter Fae.  Together we make up the Terra Council.”
                I waited until she was finished, nodding to all the Fae in turn and grateful to put names to faces.  That is where my feelings of gratitude ended.  They could not keep me here.  “Thank you Zephyra.”
                “You’re welcome Mother Alexa.  Now let us get back to the business at hand.”
                “Not so fast Zephyra.  The business at hand is me.  Here is what we are going to do.  I am going back to the human realm.  Cerus will remain in place as my ceffyl gard and will accompany me back there.  In five days’ time I will return to begin my training.  This will continue for the next seven weeks, until graduation.  Then I will return to the Fae permanently.  Have I made myself clear?”
                “Mother Alexa I thought I had already explained that you can’t leave.”
                “And I thought that you would show the Mother more respect than that,” I scolded her, “I am not asking this council’s permission.  This is the way it is going to be.”  I didn’t wait for her to reply.  Instead I stood, nodded to the other council members and walked out of the council chamber, Cerus close behind.
                “That was very foolish, Alexa.”
                “I don’t care Cerus.  Now take me back.”
                “In a moment.  There are a few people I’d like you to meet first.”
                “Fine.”
                “But you’ll have to change first.”
                “Change?”
                “You’re wearing fighting gear.  My mother will never believe that you’re the Mother dressed like that.”  And he escorted me back to my room where I changed into one of the sheer dresses that left me feeling naked.
                “Is this better?”
                “Much better,” Cerus breathed, “You look amazing.”
                “Thank you.  Let’s go.  I want to get back to the human realm before dark.” With that Cerus took my hand and let me from the room. 
                We walked for a bit, weaving in and out of the different corridors, finally emerging on a wooded path and moving away from the royal quarters.  I took the chance to look around.  The woods here didn’t look much different than the woods in the human realm.  I suppose the trees were a fuller darker green.  There was no trash or evidence of people around.  The animals were bold, knowing they were