A lesson in history.

Your eyes snap open, and you find yourself looking into Nadia’s crystal blue eyes. She stares for a moment, and then backs away.

“The trials are over. That was…unexpected.”

You look at her as she hesitates. “Why? What happened?”

She sighs. “Normally there are more trials, but…I’ve seen enough. I must explain some things to you.”

She waves a hand, and a couch simply grows from the roots of a nearby tree. Nadia gestures for you to sit, and sits down herself, right beside you. You notice that the clearing, previously bustling with faeries, was now quiet and empty. Nadia notices you looking around, and nods.

“I sent them away. What I must tell you is not for their ears.”

You nod. “That important?”

She sighs. “That secret. I have been Titania for nearly a hundred years, Nicholas. That is a very long reign for our kind. When we take the crown, we cease aging, until we find a mate and abandon it.”

You look at her, seeing sadness in her eyes. “And why has it taken you so long?”

She shakes her head. “Because it has taken this long to forget the shame of my predecessor. Understand this, there is no violence among the fae folk. It is abhorrent to us, except in times of dire need.”

You nod. “I take it there was dire need with your predecessor?”

Nadia looks at her hands. “I killed her. It had to be done, but I can never be forgiven for the murder of another fae. That armor you saw. She was the last to wear it. She took it from a warlord who thought to invade and enslave our people.”

You shake your head. “And she wore it? Why?”

Nadia shrugs. “The armor spoke to her. It was strong then, glutted on emotions. I believe the being bound to it is some form of succubus, feeding on the emotions around it, empowering it…her.”

You sigh. “And the armor corrupted her?”

She shakes her head. “Not at first. But the longer she wore it, the more depraved she became. By the end, she was luring in visitors to be killed. It was horrific.”

You shake her hand, and feel that she’s trembling, recalling that time. “So why show it to me?”

She looks you in the eyes. “Samus asked it if me. Even so, I was going to refuse, until I saw how you handled the first trials. Your righteous rage at the gate of your loved ones, despite the hopeless circumstances. The way you refused to execute your enemies, though it may cost you everything.”

She looks down at her hand in yours, and speaks softly. “And the way you comfort me now, despite what I put you through.”

Recovering her composure, she lifts her blue eyes back to yours. “And then, when I show you the armor, you walk away. A flat refusal. Truly, Samus knew what he was doing when he sent you here.”

Nadia sighs. “I expect that I will be leading you to that armor at some point. If what Samus says is true, you are destined to wear it regardless. Better you do it as my mate.”

She smiles. “At least I can keep a close eye on you that way.”

You smile, and give her hand a squeeze. “So, what happens now?”

She straightens, regaining some of her regal demeanor. “First, I accept your proposal. I shall become bonded to you, and you shall be my mate. After we consummate the bond, I will pass on my crown, and return with you to your home.”

You raise an eyebrow. “And what does this consummation require?”

Nadia smiles, standing up. “I believe you’ll find it quite pleasant. I know I will.”

With that, she turns and walks towards another curtain of vines. “Come, it will be more comfortable in my chambers.”

As you stand and follow, her dress dissolves into a flight of butterflies. The smiling redhead glances over her shoulder as you eye her naked backside, before slipping through the curtain. You catch a glimpse of a well appointed bedroom, and she beckons you with a finger before disappearing within.