The Fairy King’s Desire by Jessica Stapelberg

Hidden deep in his kingdom of dark woods, trees of twisted bark and leaves turn into mulch.

A path serpentines amongst the roots, stones and fallen leaves…

Be warned!

Should you stumble, fall, or get lost along the path, you may end up losing a possession or two.

Best not talk to them.

Do not look at them.

Nor chase them, for they will chase you.

Remember it’s best not to enter the heart of his kingdom, for that is where he keeps his heart’s desire.

A blooming flower.

He spied her hidden amongst the creepers. A single curtain of light upon those golden petals - a single bud springs beauty amongst the decaying autumn.

His majesty’s heart skips a beat.

Seelie is he by nature. Golden thorns atop his brow makes him king, though his smile brings out his boyish charm, and yet his square shoulders and posture make him a man. The immortal king.

His heart’s desire - the flower.

Desire to hold her - though she could not be touched.

Desire to keep her - though she has wilted away.

Even so, the Fairy King desired her still. Those beautiful petals that have been long gone now bear fruit.

A fruit so strange and yet so familiar, as golden as his flower, yet he wonders if it tastes just as sweet.

The immortal king, the fairy monarch, now yearns for that tantalising sensation.

He desires the fruit.