The Archer's Courtship, page 1
The Archer’s Courtship
Shadows of Wonderland, Book 8
Isadora Brown
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
13. Pan
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
17. Pan
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue: Pan
Newsletter Information
Did You Like The Archer’s Courtship?
Acknowledgments
1
There was going to be a ball tonight.
It shouldn't have surprised me in the slightest. The Fae had a thing with showcasing ostentatious luxury in any way possible. I thought Pan would have taken a few days to mourn Seraphina and the Fae guard she was secretly having an affair with. Both had been found dead, with the guard killing Seraphina in a jealous rage due to her participation in trying to win Pan's hand. However, Pan and I both believed their deaths were wrapped up too neatly, and while I hated agreeing with anything the Dark Prince said, I couldn't help it here.
Pan thought someone was going to kill him, and I agreed with him.
But neither of those points seemed enough to pause this ridiculous competition.
It was like they were completely enamored by it.
Distracted.
Why worry about their magic when they could watch the dark Fae Prince fall in love and select a wife? It was bad reality television.
And unfortunately for me, I was part of it.
A knock on the door caused me to stiffen until I realized there was no way Pan would be knocking on his own bedroom door. While I might have preferred the considerate announcement, Pan would have let himself in. He had no need to announce his arrival to his own chambers, after all. It didn't matter that I was forced to stay with him as his pet. It didn't matter that I technically wasn't part of this farce of a selection process any longer (though, to be fair, I had tried to kill him and failed terribly). All he cared about was himself, retaining his power, and trying to figure out who was trying to kill him.
"Mum?" the familiar voice of my lady-in-waiting, Cyan, called on the other side of the door. "Do you need help with your dress?"
I bit my lip. She was only trying to be polite.
I knew this.
And yet, I couldn't help my scowl.
I had been selected to be part of this competition for a multitude of reasons. First, the Fae believed that winning over the people's support meant allowing one of them to participate. As though there was any chance I would ever actually win Pan's hand. Secondly, Pan's older brother, the true heir, Rumpelstiltskin, ensured my name would be drawn. It wasn't like he hatched a plan to kill Pan, but he wanted me to spy, and since Pan had betrayed the Imp in order to acquire power, I couldn't blame him. Finally, after the Imp made his proposal to me, Robin, my best friend, thought it would be the perfect opportunity to kill Pan and rebel at the Fae taking over the town. I agreed to it.
And failed.
Instead of killing me, Pan made me this pathetic mortal pet so he could use me as a way to find out who tried to kill him.
Something about how the Fae never took humans seriously.
Even so, I didn't think he would even want me at this stupid ball, announcing the first official trial all the Fae contestants would have to participate in to get closer to the ultimate prize: Pan's hand in marriage.
"That's okay," I said, eyeing the dress Pan had made for me. It wasn't elaborate in the slightest – a simple thing that would allow me to blend in rather than stand out. "I can do it."
"Are you sure –"
"I said, I got it," I snapped. Instantly, I winced. It wasn't Cyan's fault I was trapped here. I cleared my throat. "Sorry. I shouldn't have snapped."
Cyan was silent for a moment. "If you change your mind," she murmured, "please call for me."
"I will."
I couldn't quite hear her footsteps as she left. Unfortunately for me, the Fae had this stealth way of walking that was impossible to track.
I chewed my bottom lip, my eyes shifting back to the dress. I needed to figure out if it was better for me to leave now or make an appearance at the ball and then disappear.
It was the perfect time for me to sneak out and go to Marooner’s Bay.
My absence wouldn’t even be noticed as long as Pan believed I was present. Which meant I needed to at least show up to this thing.
I heaved a sigh.
I didn't want to go to some stupid ball. I wanted to go to the nightclub and see if I could find any clues as to what happened to my brothers. Three years was a long time, but I had to try. And since Pan practically forbade me to go, I was positive something had to be there. It was his club, after all.
I shook my head, pushing away my thoughts about Marooner's Bay and instead focused on the dress. I slipped it on, the cotton material feeling soft against my skin. It was simple, yet elegant. The dress was a pale green, like Pan's eyes, the fabric silky and flowing, the skirt landing just below my knees. It was sleeveless, allowing my arms to move freely, and hugged my body like a glove. Tight enough to show off my breasts, but loose enough to allow me freedom of movement. I'd never worn anything like it.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, attending this ball. Maybe I could even use it to my advantage, gather some information on the other contestants and maybe even Pan himself.
It might help me figure out more about my brothers...though why the Fae would care about two Lost Boys, I didn't know. I had a feeling Pan knew more than what he told me, and if I wanted to know more, he would make me earn it.
Which meant playing his game. Being invisible. And figuring out just who would want to kill him.
Instead of doing anything with my hair, I left it down. I brushed it thoroughly so it was as nice as I could make it, considering the tresses were wavy and could be unruly at times.
When I finished, I opened the bureau and pulled out some makeup Pan had a couple of servants bring in for me to use. I still wasn't quite an expert at applying this, but I managed to do some eyeliner and mascara.
For a moment, I did nothing but stare at the collar around my neck, the black leather with the ostentatious P, practically announcing my reduction to property rather than humanity.
I hated it.
I wished I could rip it off and shove it down Pan's throat.
But I couldn't.
Not yet, anyway.
I had to play nice.
With a deep breath, I made my way out of the room and towards the ballroom. Unlike the other contestants, I had more freedom to maneuver through the palace. I didn't need an escort to take me to the ballroom because my name wouldn't be announced. I preferred it this way. Not only because it might help me get the information I needed to tell Pan, but it meant I could slip away to Marooner's Bay with ease.
The sound of music and chatter grew louder with each step I took, my heart racing with anticipation. As I neared the entrance, I could see the other contestants milling about, adorned in their finest attire, all more lovely than I remembered.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the ballroom. The grandeur of the room was breathtaking, with the high ceilings adorned with shimmering chandeliers, the walls decorated with intricate tapestries, and the floors made of gleaming marble. But it was the people that caught my attention. The room was filled with Fae of all shapes, sizes, and colors, all dressed in their finest attire, their eyes sparkling with magic and mischief. It was a sight to behold, and for a moment, I was almost entranced by their beauty and grace.
Where did they all come from?
But I quickly reminded myself of my mission. I was here to gather information, to find out who wanted to kill Pan, and to figure out what happened to my brothers. I couldn't let myself be distracted by the glamour and charm of the Fae.
I slipped into the crowd, my eyes scanning the faces for any sign of suspicion or malice. But everyone seemed to be in a festive mood, laughing and chatting.
I had to remind myself that I was not here to win Pan's hand in marriage. I was here to gather information, and if I was lucky, find some sort of leverage against him. The thought of being able to escape this life as his pet was enough to give me hope, and I clung to it tightly.
As I made my way through the ballroom, I tried to blend in with the crowd. The room was filled with Fae, all of them dressed in extravagance, their faces painted with makeup that could make even the plainest of features shine. The room was bathed in gold and purple, the colors of the Fae kingdom. I could feel eyes on me, but I ignored them, focusing on my goal.
I spotted Pan, sitting on his throne at the far end of the room, his eyes scanning the crowd. He looked bored, his chin resting in his hand. It was clear that he was only here because he had to be, not because he wanted to be. But as soon as his eyes landed on me, I could see a flicker of interest. His lips tugged upwards into a smirk, and his gaze lingered on me for a moment too long.
I hated that I noticed him at all, but it was hard not to. His features were sharp and angular, his eyes a striking green. His hair was dark and wav y, and he had a strong jawline that I could make out even from here. He wore a crown of gold upon his head, and a thick cloak of forest green velvet covered his body. He looked regal, powerful, and intimidating. I wanted to turn away from him but something kept me rooted to the spot, my heart pounding in my chest.
We locked eyes for what felt like an eternity before his knowing smirk deepened. It sent shivers down my spine, but it also filled me with determination. No matter how mesmerizing this Fae prince was, I had to remember why I was here. I was here to get information about what happened to my brothers and eventually free myself from this life as his pet.
I quickly averted my eyes, not wanting to give him any satisfaction. But I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. Sooner or later, I would have to face him, and I needed to be prepared for whatever he had in store for me.
At least he had seen me. That way, he wouldn't come looking for me. Which meant I could sneak out sooner rather than later.
I continued to mingle with the crowd, trying to listen in on conversations and gather any information that might be useful. But most of what I heard was just idle chatter, gossip about the other contestants and their families. Nothing that would help me in my investigation.
That is, until I overheard a conversation between two Fae standing near the refreshments table.
"I heard that Pan has a secret weapon," one of them said, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Really?" the other one asked, intrigued.
A secret weapon?
"I heard Seraphina found out about it," the first said. "She and Pan had had a sordid affair back in Neverland. She seduced him, you know. And found out about it. Rumor has it he brought her in as a contestant specifically to kill her before word got out about the weapon."
"What sort of weapon?" the second voice asked.
"I don't know," the first said with a shrug. "But it must be powerful if Pan is going to such lengths to keep it a secret. Is it any surprise Seraphina's dead?"
"Then how do you know about it?" the second one asked.
"You know Seraphina," the first said. "Well, knew. She couldn't keep her mouth closed when she had a good piece of gossip the same way she couldn't keep her legs closed when she saw a man she wanted. Now, she's dead, as is her secret lover."
"And you think Pan killed them?"
"Who else would it be?"
My mind raced with possibilities. A secret weapon? If I could find out what it was, I might be able to use it against Pan. Or at least use it as leverage to gain my freedom. But how could I find out more without arousing suspicion?
I continued to listen in on conversations, but no one else seemed to be talking about the secret weapon. It was as if the two Fae had been the only ones who knew which meant I had to do some digging.
But first, I needed some air. The ballroom was starting to feel suffocating, and I needed a moment to clear my head.
I made my way towards the balcony, hoping to find some solitude. But as soon as I stepped outside, I felt someone grab me from behind, pulling me back into the shadows. I tried to scream but a hand covered my mouth, muffling my cries.
"Don't scream, little pet," a voice hissed in my ear. "It's just me."
I turned my head and saw Pan himself.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice low and strained.
"Did you find anything?" he asked. If anyone else had been around, I highly doubted he would have favored his left side so obviously. He didn’t want anyone to know he’d been weakened by the Lycans, but he didn’t seem to care if he appeared more vulnerable in front of me.
Probably because he didn’t take me seriously at all.
"Do you really think now is the appropriate time to ask?" I asked.
I glanced around. I might not be noticed if I was present or not, but Pan certainly was, especially with the extra guards, thanks to the two murders. I didn't know if the general public knew about them yet, but it wasn't as though Alice's father and his police force had come barging through the castle doors, collecting evidence and taking statements.
"Anyone could see us," I pointed out. I wished he would let go of me, but the way he stood so close behind me, the grip on my wrist, I doubted it. "Wouldn't that damage your little reputation of hating mortals."
"I assure you, pet," he said, lips barely grazing the edge of my ear. I tried to suppress the shudder that went down my spine at it. "Nothing about me is little."
Suddenly, he stepped back and it was like I could breathe again.
I turned to look at him. The evening sun cast a warm golden hue over his features, painting them in a soft light. His eyes glittered like diamonds, the color of the stars in the night sky. The shadows around us played with his features, adding an air of mystery and danger to him that I had never experienced before.
I looked out over the balcony which overlooked a lush green forest and rolling hills. In the distance, I could see a lake shimmering in the twilight as birds twittered and hopped around looking for food. The sun was slowly setting behind us, casting its warm rays across everything it touched. It was truly breathtaking and I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful nature could be at times like this.
"Did you hear anything?" he repeated.
I opened my mouth, ready to ask him about this secret weapon. However, something inside of me hesitated. I didn't even know if that was true. More than that, it was the only leverage I had on him, and I didn't want to reveal I had it just yet.
"No," I finally said. "I didn't."
He gave me a long look. "I can tell you're lying, mortal," he said, taking a step close to me. "We'll discuss this later then. You'll tell me what you know or you will suffer a consequence."
Before I could ask what that consequence was, he slipped back inside the castle, leaving me alone again.
2
I decided to take advantage of the fact that Pan was back inside. He saw me. He spoke to me. I highly doubted he'd look for me again, especially after sending me off to find out what the hell was going on.
It was the perfect time to sneak out and get to Marooner's Bay.
I knew what I was doing was risky, but I had to find out what happened to my brothers. I had to save them and get them back home, away from this dangerous world.
As I made my way through the castle, I kept my eyes peeled for any guards or servants. I didn't want to be caught and punished for trying to escape.
Finally, I found a hidden passage that led to a secret exit. It was perfect. No one would see me leave, and I could make my way to Marooner's Bay undetected.
The smell of the passage was stale and musty. Like it hadn't been used in a long time. I only knew about it because it was the same one Pan insisted we used after his mishap with the Lycans in the Blood Forest.
It had only been a day since then, and yet it felt like an eternity.
I continued on, shaking thoughts of Pan injured from my mind. Silence overwhelmed me; the passage was undisturbed. It wasn't loud enough to be heard by any in the castle, but it wasn't completely silent. I could hear the water above, flowing through the canals. The walls were rough, the floor was uneven, and the stones were loose. It was a long, uncomfortable walk, and by the time I slipped out, there were a couple of tears in my dress.
Oh well.
I couldn't worry about that now.
From there, I made my way outside, willing my steps to be silent and graceful. As expected, there were guards that surrounded the castle. They seemed primarily focused on the entrance, but that didn't mean there weren't other guards in the back.
I pressed myself against the walls, trying to look as innocuous as possible. I considered venturing back into the Blood Forest. It offered a quick route into town, and there was always a chance I'd see Robin again –
My heart thudded. I missed him. I missed him terribly. But how could I try and see him when I hadn't done anything since the last time we saw each other? I didn't want to face him, not when I knew he'd be disappointed.
