The dinner couldn’t have gone worse. Mother lacked all subtlty, not that she usually tries when it comes to the subject of ‘preserving our blood’.

Dandelion waited in the tree branches, the moon shining down on him, casting his body, and that of the other fae beside him, in blue light. Below them two figures walked hand in hand, laughing.

Dandelion scowled. Although I can understand her preoccupation with the mortal, she needn’t go to him for comfort every time she’s upset. Doesn’t she know that she’s supposed to come to me for comfort? What was I supposed to do? Throw it in mother's face that it would be a long time before we even attempted to try for children?

If it goes too far, the pet might think he could be something more. I won’t allow it. She’s my fiance!

Beside him Puck's teeth gleamed in a hungry smile. His eyes shined, giving them an almost sinister glow in the moonlight. Dandelion shivered. Turning his attention back to the pair below them he watched as the human touched what he shouldn’t. And consoled with jokes and sweet caresses what wasn’t his.

Ashara is too close to him, letting him have more freedom than most pets. It would be easier for everyone if she just took him to court and kept him there. What if she decided to become mortal? Dandelion dismissed the thought. She knows her place. She won’t leave. She wouldn’t abandon the people who have given her everything.

They were huddled close, still walking. There was a clearing ahead. Squinting, the mahogany-haired faerie looked towards the destination of both parties. A blanket, lit candles, and a wicker basket with a wine bottle sticking out. Dandelion rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. Take all the time you have and spend it wisely, mortal. She’ll soon tire of you and be in my arms. As she should always be.

Dandelion nudged his partner. The pair were getting closer to the clearing. Jerking his head in that direction, Dandelion flitted from branch to branch until he was comfortable with the view. A moment later a pair of arms snaked around his waist, cinching tightly to draw him into Puck’s chest.

Dandelion watched as the human held his fiance’s hand. As they entered the clearing Dandelion saw Ashara smile. He felt his heart soften. That’s not the smile she gives at home. It’s light. Like she doesn’t care who sees. Like she’s content here. Does that mean she wants to stay here? The thought made his chest ache.

Would she really throw away all she had for one human?. She’ll outlive him. She has to know this. Looking on as the pair made their way to the basket, Dandelion clenched his jaw. A slender hand stroked his cheek. Puck. Dandelion swatted it away.

“You’re crying.” He hadn’t noticed. Dandelion hurriedly wiped his eyes. I’ve never seen that kind of smile at court, especially on her. I’ll make sure to remember it. Because once I take her back, it’ll be gone. The mortal was digging around in the basket, The smell of whatever it was made his mouth water.

“Dandelion,” Puck whispered. “What do your elf eyes see?” Dandelion turned towards the phuka and snarled. He glared before turning his attention back to the couple who were enjoying the contents of the basket. The smell was utterly intoxicating. Both men muttered two words.

“Honey cakes.” They shifted as one, barely registering the crack of the branches under their combined weight. Crack! The branch gave way. Dandelion cried out as he fell, choking when a hand grabbed the back of his saffron jacket. He looked up to see Puck’s apple green eyes above him, a grin curling on his face. The phuka pressed a finger to his lips. Shhhhhh.

There’s no way she didn’t hear that. Dandelion felt his face heat up in shame as Puck pulled him onto a thick lower branch. The prince watched Ashara dive for the cake and nearly inhale it when the human’s back was turned.

Dandelion bit his lip, attempting to hold in his laughter seeing the mortal’s gobsmacked expression. The more Dandelion looked at the human, the more he saw what made Ashara smile. He was gentle as he took a cloth, dipping it in a jug of cream and wiping her face clean. He fidgeted, wringing his fingers and leaning forwards as the mortal and his princess leaned ever closer. He didn’t have the strength to watch their lips meet.

Tears stung his eyes, his shoulders shaking in silent sobs. Of course they’re so close. Maybe she isn’t as committed to her duty as I thought. I’ll let her have this small happiness for now. It hurts that she feels she cannot come to me with her woes, and instead shares them with him. Dandelion watched as they talked until the candles burned down to the wick, the sun creeping over the horizon. Ashara raised her hands over her head, letting out a small yawn. The mortal stood, offering her his hand. She took it and he led her to the tree line.

“You have taken my sorrows, for that I am grateful,” Ashara said, looking up at the mortal with a tender expression. She pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek. The human’s cheeks blazed scarlet. He ducked his head and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

“I must go now. Someone will notice if I’m not in my bed.” Ashara said with a small laugh. The mortal pressed her knuckles to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. Dandelion waited until Ashara was too far to hear them before leaping down into the clearing on silent feet. It’s time to end this. Once and for all.

The human had his back turned to him, packing the basket. Dandelion stopped a foot behind the human, letting his shadow in the early morning dawn loom over the mortal. He glared, green eyes gleaming. The human looked up, straightening and turning. Dandelion didn’t bother to hide his scowl, his wings fluttering.

“You’re going to get your wish.” The mortal’s eyes widened, making him look like a deer in the headlights. His lips parted. “Ashara-” Dandelion’s hand whipped out like lightning, curling around the human’s throat. He leaned in close, seeing his reflection in the mortal’s terrified eyes. Good, let him be afraid. Let him fear the power of the Seelie. Filthy human.

“You don’t get to speak her name!” Dandelion’s fingers curled tighter around the human’s throat, lifting him off of his feet. His eyes followed the humans face, watching as he squirmed against the hand at his throat. Dandelion growled, dropping the mortal. He turned, dragging a hand through his curls.

A wicked thought scuttled across his mind. The unseelie queen surely knows how to make faeries. But it’s very unlikely she’ll grant such a request. He’ll end up dead either way!

“I suppose you don’t want to know how to become a faerie then?” Dandelion walked away, a feral smirk twisting his features. A weak cough sounded behind him, followed by a pathetic squeak.

“W-wait! Please! I’ll do anything for her!” The human’s voice cracked near the end. Dandelion fought the urge to strangle him. You can’t offer her anything. You’ll only stop her from becoming the queen she was always meant to be. But you can’t stop anything if you’re dead. Dandelion turned around, schooling his features into a calm mask.

“Anything?” Dandelion’s brows rose. Yes. Agree. Let yourself be led to your own demise. The human nodded, his lips parted and his eyes desperate. Dandelion held out his hand, tugging the mortal to his feet.

“The first thing you’ll need to do is write a letter to Ashara, but you can’t tell her what you’re planning to do. This has to be a surprise! She’d never let you go if she thought you’d be in danger.” Dandelion nodded, looking into the humans brown eyes.

“But where am I going? What will I do when I get there?” The human tilted his head, his soft cheeks still flushed and his eyes shining. No wonder Ashara fell for you. You look like a farm animal being led to the slaughter. Dandelion smiled.

“The winter queen would be happy to accept the princess of Summer’s pet into her court, I’m sure.” Happy to have a hostage or a new plaything. And Ashara will be too busy with her new duties as queen of the Summer court. What a pity. A confused expression settled on the humans face.

“But why can’t I come with Ashara to the court of Summer?” Dandelion chuckled. Because you’d be in her way. She couldn’t concentrate on being the queen her people need if you’re there, leading her astray.

“Women just love it when a knight in shining armor goes on a quest to prove his devotion to them, don’t they? And you are her lover, aren’t you? That must make you a knight! Knights go on dangerous adventures for their ladies, don’t they?” This is one adventure you won’t be coming back from. The mortal nodded, grinning.

“You’re right! I’ll go right now! Let Ashara know I’ll come for her when my quest is over!” The human turned, striding across the clearing and disappearing into the treeline. A malicious grin curled it’s way onto Dandelion’s pale face.

“Oh I’ll tell her.”