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She does not like to be kept waiting, but I think this once she might be willing to
forgive.
Fiach snorted. Cilia hid her laughter behind her hand. Rois brought them to a set of
double doors similar to the ones leading to his chamber, but these were gilded with gold
and jewels in a rainbow of colors. Their guide s pale hands pushed wide the doors and
revealed the Lady sitting at a silver table with two empty silver chairs. The rest of the
chamber was decorated in vibrant shades with gold-tone accents. The choice of silver
seating was a concession to the fact that gold irritated Phoenix skin.
The Lady nodded and Fiach returned the gesture. He pulled a chair out for Cilia and
settled her down before claiming the remaining chair.
Lady, we owe you thanks. Cilia began.
The Lady held up her hand to silence Cilia. Your debt is paid in full. I have longed
my entire existence to see what you so graciously shared with my court. She released a
heady sigh. It is something none of us will forget.
*
Cilia blushed. Fiach laid his large warm palm over her own in silent support. She
took a deep breath and addressed the Lady. There are things neither of us remember.
The Lady nodded gravely. Of course. The gaps in your memory are from the time it
took to implant you each into a receptive womb, and the subsequent time it took for your
rebirth. Also, there are some things you will not recall until you have been formally
bound by the Noce. Some of the knowledge you seek is only found within in the mind of
each mate.
Fiach s brow wrinkled. Forgive me, Lady, but I still don t understand.
The Lady twisted to address the man who had been raised as her son. You know of
changelings?
Cilia and Fiach nodded that they did.
The Lady leaned nearer; her voice was just a whisper. That is what you both are.
Only we took a greater risk by exchanging you each with an unborn fetus, instead of a
newborn. By giving you new life, the bond between you was severed. It requires only the
completion of the Noce, and things will be as they were.
Cilia felt her eyes rounding. Fiach s face remained uncertain.
The Lady rolled her eyes in a very human gesture. I exchanged Cilia with the
unborn of a member of my Court. Cilia went to live among humans, with just enough of
her memory to be able to control and hide her power as she matured. She was Phoenix
born and not made, as you now remember, so she had to be aware. In exchange, the
female court member received a human child. A secret smile lifted her lips as she looked
at Cilia. I believe you may have noticed him at the mating?
She meant the silver haired man. Cilia had been born of his mother and delighted in
the pleasures of the son. She felt sick, cold to her core, and disgusted with the enjoyment
she had gotten from watching him reach his climax as Fiach came inside her.
Fiach pushed from the table, scooped Cilia into his arms, and then settled her onto
his lap.
What is wrong? the Lady asked.
You just told her we got off watching her birth mother s son ejaculate, he snapped.
Oh. I see, The Lady replied, although she clearly didn t. Cilia you are not of the
same blood. You were yourself, only given new life through the body of a willing human.
There is no blood, no bond between yourself and Cayden.
Cilia relaxed. The tight ball of self-loathing slacked a little. She snuggled closer to
Fiach s chest. What about Fiach? How did he end up being a demon born of the Sidhe?
Why didn t you allow him to join me with humans?
The Lady became saddened. After your exchange was completed, the Morag
attacked Faerie. I was able to hide Fiach through the first wave of the invasion. There was
no time to arrange for his rebirth. A demon lord breached the fortress and came to the
great hall. He agreed to leave us in peace as long as the rumors of our harboring the
Phoenix were unfounded. Her eyes met Fiach s. He also demanded a night of pleasure
with a Sidhe woman. It went unsaid that Harailt had singled her out. Fiach vibrated with
fury at the sacrifice the Lady had given; Cilia s heart ached for her sacrifice.
It is in the past. Demons make admirable lovers, so I enjoyed the exchange even if
the choice to initiate it was not my own. The coupling was a perfect cover for Fiach s
revival. My court helped me fake the pregnancy. He was implanted in the womb of a
demon lover belonging to one of my most loyal guards. The birth was natural to her,
whereas if I had attempted it myself, she pointed at his wings, the result would have
been much less favorable for us both.
Harailt knew me. He claimed me. Fiach spoke into the silence.
Yes. Someone leaked word that I had conceived. He wanted you. He thought my
blood mingled with his would provide him with a stronger, more agile and magically
proficient heir. He was right about you, but not because our powers had bred such a
powerful child. You had been demon born when Cilia found you the first time and gifted
you with the power of your Phoenix. Harailt did not know that was where the power drew
from. I refused to give you up. I knew I had to protect you from the Morag until the time
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