Category: Annalise

Aimee & Simon

Annalise

Our arrival in Brinecliff wasn’t quiet. We were expecting it to be, but apparently Queen Aimee Saw us coming. A ferry intercepted us with a note.

My Darling Boy, when will you learn you cannot sneak up on me. We will greet you at the dock. – Mother

“I hate when she does that,” Eric muttered. I looked at him. “Truly, it’s very irritating.” I laughed. “I’m glad you came,” he whispered. I rested my head against his shoulder.

“I don’t actually know how long I can stay,” I sighed, “Aaron wasn’t thrilled about the idea of regenting, he hates it.” He laughed.

“If you need to go earlier than planned, I’ll make sure Marina comes back to you strong and whole,” he whispered. I exhaled. “She’s already a good deal better.” I sighed. Her memory was back which I wasn’t sure was better. Ending the pregnancy took a lot out of her physically, but seems to have steadied her mind and dreams.

“I know that,” I smiled. I leaned back into him. Here I was again, at a crossroads, with Eric in front of me. Will he wait again? Do I want him to? “I missed you so much. Every day.”

“I missed you too,” he whispered. “I thought I was going to die without ever seeing you again.” I sighed. He says these things, and we’re sleeping together and we still can’t know what’s ahead.

“Eric,” I whispered, “what are we going to have to do, to stay together?”

“Immediately?” He said, “get my brother to pull his head out of his ass, and approve the engagement.”

“What if before your brother pulled his head out of his ass,” I whispered, “I had married Prior, what would you have done?”

“Kill him,” he said casually and I laughed. “Which I suppose will be difficult with someone I like as much as Prior.” I shook my head at him.

“You couldn’t kill anyone on purpose,” I whispered and kissed him. “You’re too gentle.” He pulled me close. I was baiting him, I’d just last night been reminded how gentle Eric wasn’t. And how much I loved it.

“Excuse me Captain, Your Majesty,” A sailor approached us and cleared his throat. I was vaguely amused by how his crew called him Captain rather than Your Highness, “We’re docking so I suggest you get ready. You know how The Dowager hates waiting.” Eric sighed.

“Are you ready to meet my mother?” He asked and I grinned. “I don’t like that look. I have this feeling the two of you together are going to be the death of me.”

“Don’t be silly,” I said bouncing ahead of him.

“Drowned to death by the suffocating mercurial love of psychic queens,” he muttered. I rolled my eyes. Marina was already waiting, her arm looped through Lefty’s. She was thin, but her color seemed returned. She was smiling. She didn’t smile much anymore, I could live on it.

“You feel it don’t you?” She whispered to me. I nodded. I glanced at the dock and saw her standing there. “She’s so warm.”

“She smells like sea foam,” I said. We all experience other magic users auras differently. Marina feels temperature, and Nika and Raymond see lights. I smell things. A gang plank was rolled up and I walked out over it. Queen Aimee smiled warmly at me.

“Your Majesty,” she said softly. “Welcome to Brinecliff.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I smiled.

“Well,” Aimee looked at Eric, “are you just going to scowl at me or are you going to greet me properly.” Eric walked over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hello Mother,” he said. “Where’s Simon?”

“Working, no doubt,” Lefty chimed in, she nodded, “your majesty,” he kissed her as well, “may I present Duchess Marina Sanpierre.” Marina dipped into a small curtsey.

“I am so glad you’ve both finally come,” Aimee said, embracing Marina. “My gods, you do look like Marie.” And then she looked at me. “But you’re your father,” we started walking. “I danced with him once, Anton.” She sighed. “He was very handsome and quite attentive. My first husband was so kind but he was an old man, when it came to it. Anton and John DuGarry were far too much for me to take.” I laughed.

“Did Lady Katrin come home safe?” Marina asked.

“Oh Kat is fine,” Aimee shrugged, “back in Vacana, helping Karina plan her wedding. Amazing isn’t it? For his daughter our king moves the whole world,” it sounded liked she was winding up for a rant and I grinned.

“Mother,” Eric said gently, “don’t.” She sighed.

“Tell me, Queen Annalise,” Aimee smiled over her shoulder at her son, “did you know how ashamed of me my son was?” I giggled.

“He hadn’t mentioned it, no,” I said. She sighed loudly.

“It’s a trial to have such a willful and ungrateful child,” she shook her head. “Damian and Kat are much kinder to me, thank Rana.”

“I’m her favorite,” Lefty chuckled and Marina giggled with him. “Something about not having to actually give birth to me is endearing.”

“It does help,” Aimee nodded. We walked up to a compound of smallish brightly painted houses. Marina’s face was completely lit up, which made my heart swell. “Welcome to Brinecliff, my dears. I’m so happy to have you.” She instructed some servants to show us to our villa and Eric paused.

“The Queen will stay with me,” he said. Aimee exhaled through her nose. “And the Duchess with Lefty.” Her eyebrows raised.

“You are not in Cammadan now,” she said, her voice gentle, but firm. I looked at her, as I watched Eric nod, chastened. “While I am glad it appears you two have reconciled, I will not risk the queen’s reputation under my roof.” He dropped his shoulders in defeat, as if this had been a long fight between them. Had this been an issue with Talia, I wondered?

“Of course,” He mumbled, “Anya,” he kissed my hand. “I will see you later.” He left. I smiled at her.

“You must teach me to do that,” I said. She laughed hard.

“Will you be alright?” Lefty said softly. Marina nodded and he kissed her forehead. “You are not to be brave, if you need me, send for me.”

“Of course,” she smiled. Aimee nodded and we followed her to one of the buildings, painted a comforting seafoam color.

“I hope you two find comfort here,” she said and kissed my cheek again and squeezed Marina’s hand. “You are safe, you feel it, don’t you?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Marina said gently. “And I thank you.” She smiled and left us. “I like her.”

“I worship her,” I said and landed on a couch. “Did you see how she quieted the boys? I’ve never gotten Eric to agree to anything so quickly.” Marina laughed.

“What are you going to do?” She asked. “Now that you’re here?” I sighed.

“I’ll have to go to Vacana, I think,” I said, “I can’t just come to Brinecliff and then head home without properly meeting Daniel.” Marina made an affirmative voice. “What will your father say?” She laughed.

“After the past few months, I worry Papa will sprout wings and fly us back to Brightcoast himself, if we stay away too long,” she said. I smiled softly at her. “I am getting better, Lisette,” I nodded. She wasn’t telling me the truth. The ship was small. We all heard her screaming at night. But she’d stopped shrinking from Lefty when he went to hold her. That was something. “You’ve been busy.”

“He’s energetic,” I giggled and fell back against the bed, “either I’d forgotten how skilled he was, or he’s improved.” She laughed. A maid came and asked if we wanted baths, which we both accepted and I soaked happily, clear warm water and rose scented oil soothing me.

“This is a sight I dreamed about,” Eric said softly, standing in the doorway. I looked up at him. “Though I was hoping I wouldn’t have to sneak to you.” I smirked and slid back.

“Do you want to join me?” I whispered.

“More than the whole world,” he said, “unfortunately I’ve been sent to fetch you both. Simon is insisting on family dinner, which wasn’t something I knew we did, and is exceptionally odd because Kat isn’t here.” I laughed. Marina walked in, wearing one of the wrap dresses I’d noticed several women around the compound wearing, brightly colored, patterned, this one a lively gold with little white birds on it.

“Is it alright?” She asked.

“It suits you,” I said, her hair was combed out and puffy too, she’d skipped her makeup. She looked so soft and natural. I rose out of the tub and on instinct, Marina picked up a towel and wrapped me. It had been years since she dressed me.

“I’ll leave you both,” Eric kissed me. “You do look nice, Rina.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m sure there’s one for you,” Marina said to me. I looked at her.

“No, I’ll wear the training dress that’s clean,” I shook my head. She looked at me oddly. “It’s not that I’m not happy to be here, I am, but I’m the Queen of Cammadan. I have to be that the whole time.” She exhaled.

“Of course,” she helped me dress and then left. Eric was sitting waiting for me in my bedroom.

“I don’t think I’ve spent much time in this one,” he looked around, “getting to know it should be interesting.” I rolled my eyes and went to leave, “where do you think you’re going?”

“We’re having dinner,” I said. He raised an eyebrow and half smirked. “You said we didn’t have time.”

“I’ve changed my mind,” he said, “come over here.” I crossed my arms. “Now, My Queen.” My heart stopped, the way he says it makes me shiver, not deferential, but commanding, possessive. I’m his. I step closer to the bed and he stands up and bends me over it. “We’ll have to be quick, but we’ll manage.” I inhaled sharply as he entered me.

Lefty

I stood sipping plainly on the glass of rum, leaning against the porch watching the tide role in. Gods, I loved it here.

“So you’ve brought her,” my father came to my side. “What next?” I exhaled.

“I pledged myself to Annalise,” I said. He looked at me with a sigh. “It was the only thing to do at the time, Da. I didn’t know that I could ever bear to come back, if she’d,” I couldn’t finish it, couldn’t even think it.

“What does Eric say?” He asked. I looked skeptically at him. “So you two are still there, then? That’s a shame.”

“It won’t ever be the same,” I shook my head. “Not after this.”

“You’re brothers,” he reminded me. As if I could forget it. “And now likely to marry to women who are family as well.” I exhaled and nodded. He didn’t understand, I couldn’t explain it to him either, the way my heart had broken when Eric had refused to leave Rastan with us. “Gods,” he mumbled, and I smiled, Marina was walking up the beach dressed in an orange Pharras wrap dress, her hair brushed out so her curls stuck out in a round style. “You weren’t exaggerating.”

“No,” I smiled and walked over to her. “You look lovely.”

“I hope it’s alright,” she said softly, “my things weren’t unpacked yet, and it was in my room.”

“It suits you,” I whispered and kissed her. Gods, I want her, I can be patient, I waited four years, but being near her, and knowing that even to touch her, hurts her, it’s torture.

Marina

I feel so safe here, and how Damian is holding me, is making me shiver, but for once, I think it’s a good shiver.

“My lady,” the older man who’d been on the porch joined us.

“Marina, love,” Damian said gently, “may I present my father, Lord Simon Lestoff.” I smiled. “Da, this is Duchess Marina Sanpierre, my beloved.” The only claim he ever made on me, beloved, like he was nervous to ask me for anything more official. Like I would deny it, as I’d been denying him.

“To finally see you is the greatest of blessings,” Simon said and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled at him. “And where are the other two?”

“Right here,” Eric said bouncing up behind me, he was glowing and tucking his shirt in. It hadn’t been askew when I’d left them, Lisette was behind him, glowing in her uniform dress. “Hello Simon.”

“Eric,” Simon said with a sigh, “Your Majesty,” he bowed to Lisette who dipped lightly.

“Lord Lestoff, thank you for having us,” she said softly, I noticed a love bite settling on her neck. The Prince’s Glory was small, it wasn’t as if we hadn’t heard them, and Annalise never made a secret of her sex life, but she was rarely this brazen.

“Eric what did I say?” Queen Aimee walked outside and looked at her son and at Annalise. I burst into a laugh and Damian looked at me and started laughed. “My son’s clear disrespect for your reputation is my fault.”

“I can assure you,” Eric said stepping onto the porch and pouring a glass of rum, which his mother snatched from him, “that were we anywhere but home, we would be more discreet, wouldn’t we, love?” The sparkle in his eyes was complimented by Annalise sighing loudly. I liked this Eric, I realized, comfortable and playful, his anger and discomfort seemingly melted away.

“I’m sorry for disrespecting your rules,” Annalise said. “It won’t happen again.”

“That I don’t believe,” Simon snorted and I giggled. Aimee laughed too. These people were going to be my family, my heart felt full.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Impulses

Annalise

The wedding dinner has broken up and Raymond and Evan slipped away, Evan with a rather wicked grin on his face.

“He seems very sweet,” Eric sighed. “But Raymond blushes when you tease him about it.” I grinned.

“I think it’s something about Allred,” I shrugged, “they’re, creative, his mother was more than a little willing to overshare, and,” I stopped, he looked at me.

“Finish your thought,” he said. “I can handle it.”

“The way you were glaring at Tristan all night would be evidence to the contrary,” I noted. He downed his drink and stood up to refill it. As is the fact that he’s barely laid a hand on me. Kisses her and there, but my bed remained distressingly Eric-less. “We need to talk about it.” He exhaled.

“What do you want from me, Annalise?”He said. I frowned.

“I hate that we’re back to this,” I shook my head, “You being jealous over nothing!” He frowned.

“It’s not,” he muttered.

“You’re not jealous?” I said standing up, interrupting him.

“I am absolutely jealous,” he said. I nodded. “But it’s not nothing.” I stared at him. “I hate it, Anya. I hate that Tristan had you first, I hate that you love him, I hate that Harran got to be at your side while you became the woman I always knew you’d be. I hate that Prior Chastain, however briefly, got to tell the world you were going to be his. I hate that you loved someone else enough after me to even consider a future,” I swallowed, “and I hate myself for it because I have no right to that hatred.” I swallowed.

“But I chose you,” I said. He looked down. “Every time, I chose you,” I stepped closer, “the day you came to Dovetail, Tristan asked me, begged me to marry him and I refused him because of you, because I had to know,” I was holding his eyes, “Harran,” I exhaled, “With Harran, do you understand what I gave up?” I swallowed. “The tribes united with the crown, a promise of the stability of the border, of Westran,” I shook my head, “but no, there was you, always the possibility of you. And we got back from that terrible place and with Prior I would have been,” I exhaled, “I could have hidden with him, burrowed into the safety of him like I have for the past two years, because Eric, it was just that, safe and comfortable,” he was staring at me, I knew this would frighten him. He’s so cautious. Always. “But it’s you, Eric, I’m choosing you, please just choose me back.”

“I’m trying,” he whispered. “I am, it’s only,” he took my face between his hands, “gods, I want to know for sure.” I nodded.

“I can’t give you that,” I whispered. “I can’t change the past, Eric and I can’t see the future. But please know I’ll always choose you, when a choice is in front of me, I always have.” He stepped closer. “Kiss me,” I said. He smirked.

“Didn’t I once tell you to never give me orders in this particular vein?” He whispered. I bit my bottom lip. He was breaking.

“It wasn’t an order,” I said.

“It sounded like an order,” he teased.

“I am begging,” I said, “I am begging you to kiss me.” He nodded, mock seriously.

“What else will you beg for, Your Majesty?” He murmured.

“Everything,” I whispered and we collided then. The kiss was fierce and burning, it consumed me, lighting the fire in my guts that had been missing for so long. “Upstairs?” I whispered.

“No,” Eric muttered, moving to my neck and pulling back to an armchair, he unlaced. “I want you right here.” I lifted my skirt and straddled him. “I believe you said you’d beg,” I swallowed and kissed him.

“Please,” I whispered as he teased himself against me, “please Eric, I need you.” He arched up into me and I groaned. “Yes,” I exhaled.

“Ride me, Love,” he whispered, “we’ve waited long enough.” I exhaled and moved slowly on him, I’d missed him so much, every intense feeling rushing back to me, how perfectly he fit me, how good his hands on me felt. I exhaled as my pleasure overwhelmed me.

“Eric,” I moaned and he finished after me. I pressed my forehead to his. “Why here?”

“You probably don’t remember but there was a night in Dovetail,” he exhaled, “and this was all I wanted, I couldn’t quite resist the impulse here.” I smirked.

“I remember that night,” I said softly. “You told me you wouldn’t share me.” He nodded. “Eric,” I said softly. “You weren’t alone all these years?”

“No,” he shook his head, “no, when we go to Phania there’ll be an,” he laughed darkly, “well, an uncomfortable conversation waiting for me. Talia had tempered expectations of me, but expectations none the less.”

“Talia?” I said standing up. He sighed. “Who is she?” He shook his head. “It’s my turn to be jealous.”

“Lady Talia Warwick,” he said, “she’s one of Elana’s ladies in waiting, she was widowed young, she’s my age, but her husband’s ship went down.” I nodded. Of course, an unmarried Phanian woman would never be in his bed, certainly not a noble.

“Do you love her?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “I’ve only ever loved you.” He stood up and wrapped his arms around me. “I sometimes wished I did. I’ve always envied your open heart,” I smiled. “Shall I have my things moved to your rooms?” I nodded.

“I don’t want another night without you,” I said. He smiled. “You know I hate to sleep alone.” He kissed me.

“I have no intention of letting you sleep, my Queen,” he whispered, I giggled as he swept me off my feet.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Request

Annalise

Being in the summer palace without court felt bizarre, it was too quiet, too lifeless. I wandered the halls and flopped in empty receiving rooms, and waited for word from the manor that Marina was well enough to see people.

“Annalise?” Evan walked up to me one day. He and Raymond had stayed at least. I’d begged them not to go to the University Outpost instead, there had to be someone else besides me and Eric and the servants. “I thought you’d want to know Prior wrote me from the border keep.” I smiled at him.

“Thank you,” I said. He sat down with me. “I hope you don’t hate me.” He laughed and shook his head.

“No,” he said, “but give him time to grieve you. He loved you for longer than you even knew him.” I exhaled.

“I miss him,” I said softly. Evan smiled. “He said he wouldn’t go back to Allred.” He exhaled.

“My father is going to lose his mind,” Evan admitted. “We should all stay clear of Allred for a while.” I laughed. “Raymond wants to go back to Phania, when they go.” I nodded.

“Of course,” I said. “You should go with them.” He nodded. “Is there something else?”

“We’d like to be married when we go,” Evan smirked. I sighed.

“Evan,” I said, “you have my permission, but you know that in Phania they won’t,” he raised his hand to stop me.

“We don’t just want your permission, Annalise,” he said, “we want you to perform it.” I laughed.

“So then it can’t be denied without insulting me,” I said. Evan nodded. It was a truly brilliant plan. “Alright, when?” I gasped. “Oh, should we send for your parents.”

“No,” Evan laughed, “but when Marina is feeling better.” I nodded. “I’d like Prior to be there, but I doubt there’s time.” I sighed and leaned back against the couch. “Annalise, what happened, exactly?”

“We got back and I realized that,” I exhaled, “as much as I love him, and it’s so much, I couldn’t,” I exhaled, “I couldn’t live knowing that he’d always deserve more than I could give him.” Evan hugged me. “And I hate that Tristan and Aaron were right.”

“Well, we all hate when that happens,” he said. Eric walked in and looked at us. “Your Highness,” Evan said and stood up.

“Lord Allred,” Eric said as he left. “He is not going to warm up to me.”

“Probably not,” I said. “Prior is like a brother to him.” He laughed. “They want to go to Phania.”

“Oh, Lara and Elana are going to love Evan,” he groaned. “He’s so polite and responsible.” I leaned against him.

“What if I went?” I asked.

“To Phania?” He asked. I nodded. “Can you?”

“I think so,” I said. “Things went well enough while I was in Westran. I have to start visiting other courts eventually, and I want to know your family. You know mine.”

“You don’t want to know my family,” he said, “well, my mother, I suppose and Simon, and Kat, and maybe Karina, but the rest of them, no. You don’t.”

“Eric,” I said, “we can’t do this again. I win the horrible family contest every time. Brayton dragged Marina into a shadow realm where he brainwashed and raped her. Then she stabbed him repeatedly until he had no blood left.”

“Yes but you have the Pantonas,” he said, “and even though my mother and Simon are wonderful, they are also crazy.” I smiled. “I love you. And I want you to see Phania, I do, but is this the right time?”

“There’ll never be a right time,” I said, “but maybe if he sees me, sees us,” I exhaled. He nodded.

“I hate waiting,” Raymond walked in and plopped down. I raised my eyebrows at him.

“I just agreed to not only permit but perform your marriage, no complaining,” I pointed at him. He tossed a note at me.

I will tell you when she’s feeling better stop bothering me.

I laughed.

“Nika is very strict,” I shrugged. “We’re lucky it’s not Brea, Harran says while she was taking care of his father, she practically ringed the room in fire on days when he wasn’t up to visitors.”

“Ugh,” he said. “I want to get married and I want to go home.” Eric smiled.

“Anya’s coming with us,” he pointed out. I smiled.

“Really?” Raymond said. I nodded. “Oh good. Maybe my mother will let me open a window in Tumona if you go there.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Eric said. I laughed. “Lara finds the sun abrasive.” Raymond was grinning ear to ear, I’d known he missed home, and Eric, but how much had escaped me. “Should I write to Elana or will you?”

“You write to your mother, I’ll handle the queen,” Raymond said. Eric sighed. “Kari?” Eric stretched.

“We can let Elana handle Kari,” Eric said, “and Kat, we’ll give Lefty the honor.”

“Is this normal?” I said, “You three juggling the women in your family? Should I be preparing for something?”

“If you think they didn’t spend every minute they were here the first time juggling you two,” Raymond teased and Eric playfully tackled him to the floor, Raymond turned him over and pinned him. “Give?”

“Yes, I give, you maniac,” Eric said and kicked him.

“Boys,” I mumbled and they stood up, “how am I supposed to take my Mastero and my consort seriously when they behave like alley cats?” Eric looked at me, and it was like the it was the first time I’d said it out loud. I hadn’t asked him. He hadn’t accepted.

“Consort, hm?” He grinned. I rolled my eyes. “King Consort? Lord Consort? Prince Consort?”

“That’s not up to her, Your Highness,” Raymond said with a kick to his thigh which Eric blocked. “Council will debate it for years maybe,” he stood up and walked out. He eyes me.

“It won’t take years,” I assured him.

“It better not,” he kissed me gently and then pulled back as the door opened.

“Well, this is a cozy scene,” a young woman walked in, carrying a crate. I grinned at her. Elaine and Dorian Addison were staples in Brightcoast, and Lefty’s oldest friends. Lainey in particular saw to it that Marina and I were cared for over the past few years. “Your Majesty,” Lainey curtseyed.

“Mistress Addison,” I said.

“Lainey,” Eric said gently, she shot Eric a cool look.

“Your Highness,” she said, setting the crate down. “Please thank your brother, Queen Annalise, this year’s whiskey barrel is selling very well.”

“He’ll be thrilled,” I said, “what did you bring me?”

“The newest vintage of the Brightcoast wine, I know you like it,” Lainey shrugged, “and a bottle of Dorian’s rum, for him.” Eric grinned.

“I’ve been good Lainey, I swear it,” he said. She shrugged.

“I wouldn’t have taken him back if I were you,” she said to me. “Is Marina up for visitors?”

“Nika says no, but I’m sure Lefty would be happy to see you,” I assured her. She nodded and turned and left, hitting Eric upside the head on her way out. “What did you do to her?” I gaped at him.

“There was an incident with some expensive and rare spirits that she got me,” he said. I raised an eyebrow. “She got me a barrel of Pharras rum that took her a month to find and I went through it in a week.”

“The whole barrel?” I said. “Gods, Eric!”

“Well, I wasn’t drinking it alone,” Eric said, “there was this incredibly limber and thirsty tavern girl, named, Ada with me,” I crossed my arms. “At the time, my dearest one, you were likely bent over some kind of furniture while Harran had his way with you.” He was trying to provoke me, I realized, we hadn’t had it out over my relationship with Harran. It worked.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Harran wasn’t that creative, he mostly liked to be ridden,” I said and stalked out. I had no right to feel jealous and I knew it. But I was more annoyed at the way he spoke about it. Like I’d done something wrong, when he was the one who walked away. Nika would have to handle it. I needed to see Marina. I walked down to the manor, only to be greeted by Marina herself splashing in a tide pool. while Uncle Les sat smiling in the sunshine. My fury at Eric melted seeing them, both free and happy, for maybe the first time ever.

“Oh Lisette!” Marina said with a giggle, “I’m glad you’ve come, look, there are starfish!” I smiled and went and joined her there were indeed, several, floating to the surface.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“Oh I’m fine, Nika is being a pest,” she said. Uncles Les walked over. “Where’s Eric?”

“Sulking,” I said, “but he invited me to come to Phania.”

“Did he?” Uncle Les said brightly. I nodded, waiting for his lecture about the danger I’d be in, as if my mind couldn’t grasp that those feelings had never been his. “Just Brinecliff, or will you be greeting my Aunt Lara as well?”

“Vacana and Tumona too,” I said. He nodded. “You could come with us.” He laughed.

“I’m feeling better about a lot of things, my dear,” he said softly, “but no, I don’t think returning to Tumona is the right course at the moment.” I nodded. Lefty walked down and saw us.

“Your Grace,” he smiled at Uncle Les, who nodded back. “What are you doing here?”

“I needed a walk,” I said, “he’s being impossible.” Lefty raised an eyebrow and we walked a little further down the beach. “He was picking a fight.”

“About what?” He asked. “The only thing you’ve ever done wrong as far as he’s concerned is sleep with other men and he knows better than to pick on you about that,” I looked at him. “No he obviously doesn’t,” he exhaled. “He knows he’s wrong, Annalise, it’s just,” Lefty shrugged, “he’s a Prince of Phania, women of a certain class are supposed to behave a certain way and you don’t.” I nodded. “And he’s jealous.”

“There’s nothing to be jealous of,” I said. Lefty looked at me0.0

“I don’t mean of the other men, although he is,” he exhaled, “he’s jealous of your nature,” I looked at him. “That you can love others, that your heart is big enough for them and him. He’s not like that, and he worries that he won’t be enough.” I looked down. “Be patient with him, he’ll get there.” I sighed.

“He didn’t have to start talking about tavern girls,” I muttered, “as if I didn’t know he basically had an open door policy into his bedroom,” I crossed my arms. Lefty looked at me. “I cared very deeply about Harran and we were trying to make it work because it would have suited both of our people and I loved Prior. It’s not the same.”

“I am not the person to have this fight with,” he said. I exhaled, “I’ve been having it with him as your proxy for four years.” I laughed at that. “He stayed this time, it’s an improvement.” I smiled, that was true.

“Raymond and Evan have asked to be married,” I said softly, “do you think arranging it will be too much for her?” He grinned.

“I think you asking her will cheer her up,” he said softly. “And she’ll be honest if it’s too much.” I nodded and we walked back.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Worse

Annalise

Nika stands with me watching her sleep.

“He raped her,” I said. She looked at me. She’d finally told me, that Marina is pregnant. Apparently she and Brea have known since that night in Pantona.

“She says no, but she’s still confused,” she said softly. I looked at her.

“Is there any chance it’s Lefty’s?” I asked. She shook her head. “The Sword of Amina.”

“Yes,” Nika said. “Though, the creation of a sword is,”

“Singular, yes, Anselm told me many times,” I muttered. She sighed. “Nika,” I swallowed. “What if this is the balance?”

“Marina bearing Brayton’s child is not balance,” she said sharply. “It’s cruelty, it’s torture, it’s her worst nightmare made real.”

“Nika,” I said, and put my hand on hers and she inhales, centering herself. She’s held it together so well. The way our powers match mean I can read her better than the others. Every one of her edges is frayed. And all I can think about is how much I’m going to miss her when she finally goes home.

We walked into the cabin. She was staring out the window at the ocean.

“Marina,” I said gently. “Do you know you’re going to have a baby?” She looked at me.

“Yes, I remember most things now, it’s messy, but it’s all there,” she said, “his son.” I nodded. “He wanted him,” her voice was soft and she wrapped her shawl around her. “He wanted the child, very much.”

“Do you want him?” Nika said. Marina looked at her.

“No,” she said quietly. “No, I don’t want him. I don’t want this, I didn’t want him in my bed, inside of me. He twisted it, me, my mind, I,” she swallowed.

“It’s alright,” Nika said quietly. “You don’t have to have this child,” she whispered. Marching nodded. “You should have everything I’ll need when we get to Brightcoast, even at the manor, but the Outpost will have most everything else, I’ll put a list together for you and Raymond to help with.”

“Of course,” I nodded. She left. “You told her before he didn’t force you.”

“It was confusing,” she said softly. “He would talk and talk, and touch me, and I would submit, and my mind would cloud and I liked it, but I was disgusted with myself.” She closed her eyes. “And he was sweet to me, once I was pregnant. And he loved me, I think, as much as he could love anyone, and I killed him.”

“Oh, Marina,” I said and held her close. “It’s alright, it’s over.”

“Nika can’t even look at me,” she sighed. “She loved me once, and now she can’t even.”

“To be fair to Nika that was a problem before this,” I smiled. “You two didn’t part particularly well.” She nodded. “Marina, you remember, why Brayton wanted you to have a child, don’t you?”

“To kill you,” she said. “Well, he’d settle for me killing you.” She smiled. “And our son on the throne.” She looked down. “Did you make Calla your heir because you don’t trust me?” I stared at her. “That you knew I’d be weak and fall to him.”

“No,” I said, “no I made Calla my heir because I ask too much of you,” she whispered, “because your life is tied up in mine, because the mandate,” she looked at me. “You run my life, you keep my household together, and you’re my family. To ask you to take on the throne also, to give your children to it, is too much.” She rested her head on my shoulder.

“Tristan hasn’t been to see me,” she said, her voice sad.

“Tristan stayed in Pantona,” I whispered. “With Carolina.” She nodded.

“I keep forgetting,” she whispered. “He used to,” she stopped. “Brayton read our letters. Tristan and mine.” She looked down. “That’s how he knew so much about me. It wasn’t magic, it wasn’t Amina, it wasn’t anything other than,” she exhaled, “he read our letters. The only thing I had in my childhood that was untainted by him, that he hadn’t touched, it was pure, me and Tristan. And it wasn’t, he read our letters. And that’s when I gave up, when I went to him. Because it didn’t matter. He won, he’d always win.”

“He didn’t though,” I whispered. “He’s dead, Rina, you killed him.” She nodded. “And you won’t have his child, if you don’t want to. If you do want to, I will love your son with everything in my whole self.” She hugged me tightly.

“He’s supposed to have grey eyes,” she whispered to me. “Like yours, and my father’s smile.” I cup her face. “In other threads he does.”

“I know,” I said softly. “I’ve seen him too.” That’s how I’d know I could love him if she decides to have the baby. “What does Lefty say?” She swallowed.

“He doesn’t,” she whispered. “He said he can’t decide for me.” She rested her head on my shoulder. “He might kill you. No matter how much we love him.” I sighed. “And I didn’t want this.” She started crying. “But he’s supposed to have your eyes.” I’m amazed she can still call them my eyes. Dovetail eyes. My father’s. But Brayton’s too. “I can’t be his mother though, not when my mind is,” she exhaled, “not when I still can’t trust my mind.” I kissed her hair. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” I whispered. “And I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you sooner.”

“It could have been worse,” she whispered back. “It could have been much worse.” I nodded.

“I should have killed him,” I said. “Years ago, how many times I was alone in that cell with him, I could have just slit his throat and ended it.”

“No,” she said, “you couldn’t. I think I always had to.”

I looked at her. Of course she did. I sat with her a while longer and then found my way to the quarters that Eric had moved into on the ship. He was sitting quietly with a bundle of letters.

“Good news?” I tried.

“Not really,” he whispered. “Elana insisted Kat go right to Vacana when they returned so my mother is livid. Daniel has reminded me that I have technically stolen crown property, as did Lefty and he could hang us for piracy when we come back.” I nodded. For me, he did that for me.

“Is he serious?” I asked.

“No,” he said, “but he likes to do this,” I walked in and lay down next to him. “How is Marina?”

“Better,” I whispered. “She made her decision.” He nodded. “Eric what are you thinking?” He closed his eyes and exhaled.

“I’m thinking that I should have done this four years ago,” he whispered. “But I’m also thinking that I’m worried about Kat and Karina.” He circled his arms around me.

“Would they hurt her?” I whispered. “Your sister?”

“It isn’t like that,” he said softly. “It’s more subtle,” he sighed, “they’d take Brinecliff away, ruin Simon’s business, keep Kat from my mother, which they’re already doing.” I nodded.

“They kept you from her,” I said. He nodded. “When, for how long?”

“The longest was a year,” he said. “When I was eight.” I closed my eyes. “It was the same year Kari was born, and she showed up to court, round and healthy, carrying Kat, and declared that the new princess should be named heir over me.” I smiled. “She stopped short of saying she had a vision, but everyone knew it was why. And when my mother has a vision that’s the end of the conversation.” I looked at him.

“There are so many conversations to have about visions,” I sat up. He smirked. “They never mean what you think they mean, and half the time you barely remember them.”

“That’s your visions,” he said, “not my mother’s. When she Sees something, it happens.” I stared at him. “After that she was more careful, we all were.” He ran a thumb against my chin. “I see what you’re thinking Anya, and what Elana and Daniel did was terrible but I survived it, my mother survived it and Lefty and Simon survived it.” I leaned against him. “We’ll survive this too, and so will you and Marina.” I looked at him. “I won’t leave you again, unless you send me away.”

“Good,” I whispered. “Did she ever See us?” He exhaled.

“Not that she told me,” he whispered, “but she’ll rarely align with Elana and Daniel on these sorts of things and she was absolutely with them when it came to you. Until Daniel pulled us apart, which means she must have seen something.”

I kissed him. We had to figure this out. I needed him, even these past few weeks with everything terrible happening my heart was settled. It was this, us, this was what had been missing.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Nicky

Annalise

Arriving in Dorin is surreal. Everytime I’ve come to this city it’s been in huge style, and instead we’ve come as discreetly as possible, which of course with both me and Eric means not terribly discreetly but still, I’m very grateful for The Norvines at the moment, the Duchess and Leisel both have made it understood that I am here for a private matter, and as the twins aren’t with us, there’s no reason to genuflect to the Dumanis.

I couldn’t stomach Carland or even Trey right now. Couldn’t stand the calculations behind their eyes as they saw how vulnerable Marina is right now.

We arrive at the port and see a beautiful, white wooden ship.

“Oh, Rana,” Lefty muttered. “They couldn’t send someone else?”

“Did you really expect them to?” Eric said, amused.

“I’m confused,” I said, “it’s a lovely ship but,” then the man walked down the gang plank. He had stunning ice blue eyes, and blonde hair. “Goddess,” I murmurred, “do they all look like that?”

“Yes,” Lefty said. “That’s Nikolai.” I gaped.

“Why didn’t they send him when I was looking for a husband,” I said.

“He wouldn’t have been interested,” Eric said, “Nicky!”

“Eric,” Prince Nikolai said and embraced him. “Lefty,” he nodded cooly to him.

“Nicky,” Lefty waved awkwardly.

“Your Majesty,” he bowed flamboyantly to me.

“Your Highness,” I said, “thank you, for coming yourself, it wasn’t necessary.”

“We practically had to chain my brother to the throne,” he said, and looked at Nika, who was standing guard at the closed wagon. “Lady Nika, I presume, you and I have something in common,” she regarded him and then smirked.

“I suppose we do,” she said. “Lefty, can you help me?” He nodded and he lifted Marina out. Their easy friendship had been one of the few things to make me smile these past few months. I wondered if it would shift now that they weren’t united in their goal to save her.

I left for a lot of reasons, Nika had said to me that night. I don’t want you to be alone, Athena had said to me. I loved Eric and Lefty, but Nika had been with us these past four years. I hated the idea of losing her.

“Gods,” Nikolai whispered, and helped balance him as Lefty carried her on board the ship.

“What do they have in common?” I frowned. Eric looked at me with half a smirk. “Oh, Nikolai and Lefty?”

“For years,” Eric sighed. “Princess Rila too, much to her husband’s objection.” I laughed and we boarded. “Where did you settle her?” He asked Nikolai.

“The Captain’s quarters,” he said, “that was a strict order from Raniere. Your Captain Chastain is very persuasive by the way.”

“Prior went, himself?” I asked. Nikolai nodded. “Why didn’t he come back with you?”

“He did, but then rode for Westran,” he explained. “Ought I have detained, him? I wouldn’t have minded.” I stared at the prince wide eyed.

“Nicky, not right now,” Eric frowned at him. “Ignore him, he’s trying to shock you.” I swallowed.

Prior was amiable, and in the time before we were together, hardly chaste, but as far as I knew his taste stayed to women.

Not that I particularly liked the idea of him with another woman right now either.

That’s not fair, Anya, Eric didn’t even have to say it out loud. I hadn’t said it out loud, he just knew from the look on my face.

“Oh, I see, you and Lefty get to keep all the pretty Cammadie for yourself,” Nikolai rolled his eyes. “Your Majesty,” he bowed.

“He didn’t even stay to see me,” I said softly.

“Anya,” he kissed me gently, “did you really expect him to?” I had honestly. I wanted to see him, I missed him.

“Annalise,” Nika ran over. “She’s awake.” I ran with her to the cabin, where Marina was looking around, panicked.

“Where am I?” She asked.

“You’re on a ship, in Dorin,” Lefty said gently, I sat down and hugged her.

“You’re safe, Marina,” I whispered. She looked at me oddly.

“Who are you?” She asked. I swallowed. But at least she was speaking. “I won’t go back.”

“No one will make you,” I said, she stared at me.

“You’re his,” she said and retreated from me, “your eyes.”

“Annalise,” Nika said. “I think you should go.” I nodded and wiped my eyes running up on deck.

“So he’s dead then?” Nikolai walked up on deck. I looked at him. “Braga, I mean Brayton, Gods that’s confusing.”

“Yes,” I said softly, “Marina killed him with a dagger my mother used to carry that Caleb Pantona gave me for protection when I turned six years old.”

“Hm,” he nodded, “poetic.” I sighed. “I see why he chose us, not just because everyone thought my father was insane and my brother has a soft heart,” I smiled. “Because we’d never seen you and damn if those eyes aren’t a dead giveaway.”

“I’m sick of hearing about it,” I muttered. “I’m the last Dovetail. If I marry Eric, I bet my children’s eyes will be brown and the world will be better for it.” He nodded.

“So then your foster brother isn’t,” he started, I glared at him.

“You have a talent for saying the wrong thing, Your Highness,” I said. He chuckled. “As I understand it your sister is paying for the keeping of people who repeat that ugly story and want me dead.”

“Rila?” He said. I shrugged. “This was Lady Dugarry’s theory.” He said with an amused chuckle.

“It was,” I smirked. “Caro is rarely wrong.” He nodded.

“Did she account for the fact that my sister despised her?” He asked. I laughed. “Rila’s not stupid, you being delegitimized does nothing for her. She’s Raniere’s heir, and if he doesn’t marry, which he now vows he won’t,” he rolled his eyes, “her children get the throne. Rastan’s never followed the female line, but there’s you,” he gestured, “it changes everything. Rila’s had a difficult few years, but she’s even considering going home to her husband, though Raniere’s offered to let her divorce and find someone else.”

“So you’d have more to gain,” I grinned. He rolled his eyes.

“Why would I want to be king when there’s a world to explore and men to bed?” He asked. I laughed. In spite of myself I liked him, Caro’s report on him and his sister had been less than kind, but his blunt and shocking manners were refreshing.

“I’ve never found the second part difficult while ruling,” I shrugged.

“Yes, you’ve done very well,” he sighed, “I’ve never seen Harran but Eric, and Dugarry and that captain,” he exhaled. I looked down. “Eric and I have been friends for a long time. When he came to the coronation, it was like,” he shook his head, “like his heart had frozen, he seems more himself now. I think both are about you.” I swallowed.

“Will you stay with us?” I asked. “At Brightcoast?” He shook his head.

“I have a family that needs piecing back together too, Your Majesty,” he said. “Lady Dugarry called him a cancer. I don’t think she was wrong.” I sighed.

“It’s been cut out now,” I said.

“True,” he said. “But there’s still a wound.” I nodded. “I’m sorry, for everything you’ve had to go through, and what you will. Duchess Marina is a remarkable person,” he exhaled, “even if she may have destroyed my brother.”

“She is,” I said, “and I’m starting to worry I’ll never have her back.” He nodded. “She was doing what needed to be done,” I said, “with your brother.” He looked at me.

“He’s in love with her,” he said. “He would have made her a queen,” I shook my head.

“Marina has had more chances in her life to be a queen than anyone living,” I stopped him. He swallowed. “Your brother, and Otto of Failon, even Eric, for a moment, and of course, the man who kidnapped and raped her.” He stared at me. “In fact he was first. The first time I ever spoke to Brayton he was reminding Marina what she had to gain for siding with him.” He exhaled. “I’m sorry, that your brother got hurt, but I won’t apologize for us doing what we thought we needed to do to end him.” I walked away and Lefty was tying knots. “He is infuriating.”

“He does have a gift for getting under people’s skin,” Lefty exhaled. I looked at him. “I seriously doubt he slept with Prior, if that’s what’s worrying you.” I laughed and shook my head.

“It isn’t that,” I whispered, “I have no right to,” I exhaled, “even if he liked men, that’s Prior’s business.” I almost convinced myself. “He was talking about Raniere, and Marina.” Lefty nodded. “I never got to talk to her about it, and,” I sighed. “I don’t know, I have no idea how she felt about any of it.”

“She didn’t like lying about it,” he whispered. “She liked him.” I smiled. “Everyone likes Raniere though, he’s like you, that way,” I laughed. “I didn’t like it either, any of it. The lying, seeing her with him,” he shook his head, “alienating people I’d been close to for years, including that particularly irritating man over there.” There was a laugh in his voice. “He seems to have forgiven me, but I doubt Raniere will. That night, the night he took her, the things we said to each other.”

“Did they,” I exhaled. He shook his head.

“Unless she was lying to me too,” he said. “No.” I exhaled. I was glad for that. That she didn’t feel the need to take her deception that far. A promise from a long time ago, when some lordling from the East had shown up, with half an army, that I’d never make her take a man she didn’t want. Never make her worst nightmare come true.

But then it did anyway.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Scattered Visions

Note: It’s a fluke of timing but this the 300th post! (wow!!!!!!!!!) There’s some social media goodness going on over on my Instagram (a new adorable animation by Kristi and some cosplay fun stuff, a not really explanation but somewhat highlighted expansion on how the musical Hadestown inspired this chapter, and a quick primer on a character we see for the first time here!) The chapter is heavier, but very character focused.

Annalise

I came to in a bedchamber, or it looked like one, I was certainly in a bed. I was wearing a silken dress, the color a deep forest green, but it otherwise resembled the slinky thing I’d worn the night I seduced Harran.

“Lisette,” Tristan appeared from a shadow.

“Tristan,” I said and went to stand, “what happened?” He sat and kissed me.

“It’s over, my queen,” his voice felt like wine and my brain swam. He lay me beneath him. “Do you know how I missed you?” I groaned as he stroked up my thighs. It had been so long since he’d touched me like this. Years. Ages. Had it been forever? “I wake in the night hungry, craving you and have to settle for her, it’s torture.” He entered me and I crested into pleasure, my eyes closed and when I opened them, it was Harran, I couldn’t quite get to confusion because of how he was taking me.

“We’d have conquered the world,” he grabbed on to my thighs, and pulled me into his lap. I started riding him. “You couldn’t let yourself see it.” My orgasm shook me again, and as I fell against the soft bed, I felt arms around me and a soft kiss against my neck.

“Why can’t you let me care for you?” Prior’s voice said his hands gentle, stroking me and making my heart stop. “Let me give you what you’ve always craved, Annalise,” I leaned against him. “Home, safety, love, a family.” I exhaled. “I’ve given you my whole self, and yet you can’t surrender anything to me. Why?” I went to role over and speak to him but it was Eric now, and I knew why, my answer to Prior.

“The gods made us for each other,” he whispered and rolled me onto my back.

“Yes,” I said and wove my hand into his. “Brought my mother over the sea.”

“Drove my father mad with desire,” he said. “Wove every thread, so we could come together. But you couldn’t wait.”

“I tried,” I whispered.

“We said always, Annalise,” he said before dissolving into shadow. The door appeared again, and I was in my green uniform. I stood up, still disoriented and walked through.

Tristan

I stepped into the room and saw a woman with nearly white blonde hair and ghostly pale skin standing over a cradle. I realized seeing her turn I was looking at Amina. I’ve never been in the presence of a god before.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“Hush,” she said, “you’ll wake him,” I swallowed and walked and saw the child squirming, my heart suddenly burst open. “I considered you, you know, when Brayton failed me, the girl would certainly have preferred it,” she sighed. “But in the end, I knew you wouldn’t bend, there’s too much of my brother in you.”

“Cornan chose my sister,” I said. She shrugged. “He’s mine?” Amina smiled, she seemed gentle. I know the gods are complicated. “Or is this Brayton’s son?” A silly question. The baby was fair, with light blonde hair. A child that Marina and Brayton had wouldn’t look like that.

“No,” she said, “your people don’t talk about it ever, even the Westrans don’t acknowledge it much, but I have them too, these little ones, as well as the dead. This is your son, with your Carolina.” I swallowed.

“What will happen to him?” I asked, my eyes not leaving the baby, his thumb in his mouth, sucking on it gently. She smiled at me.

“He will be born,” she said, “he will live, and from that look on your face, he will be loved. And like all of you, he will die and return to me, before I send him to my brother, or sister, or your people.”

“Are there others?” I asked. She smiled.

“A soul must be at least conceived for me to see them,” she said. “You will be offered a great temptation, Tristan Dugarry, son of Alexia,” I swallowed. “And if you fall to it, you will lose this. You married a woman with a soft heart, but she will not always forgive you.” I nodded and another arch opened, looking just like the one in the clearing and he ran through it.

Lefty

After I landed from the shock and coughed out cold air that I could have sworn was water. I looked up and was in a room that had large windows and stars twinkling above it. Marina was lounged on a chaise, in a fine gown, her head crowned.

“Marina?” I whispered, walking to her. “You’re alright!” I went and sat with her and she looked at me oddly, “Did he hurt you?”

“Hurt me?” She echoed. “Of course not!” She sounded strange. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to save you,” I said. She laughed.

“Save me?” She repeated again. “From what? Brayton’s going to give me the world, and even if I wished to get away, why on earth would I choose you to go with?” I swallowed.

“Marina,” I whispered and she rose. “I love you,” she laughed, a soulless, bell like sound.

“Of course, but, consider my other options,” she said, “Raniere is a king, Damian, and Nika is going to lead the tribes,” she sighed looking out the window, “Tristan Dugarry worships me, has broken the world in two to ease the way of my mandate and you’re nobody. The son of a no named sailor and one of his whores, who can’t even convince his own brother that he and his people are worth consideration?” I stared at her.

“What are you?” I said. This wasn’t Marina. It couldn’t be. The thing in front of me laughed my beloved’s laugh.

“Surely you knew I’d see it someday, Damian,” she walked over to me. She was naked now, the gown disappeared to some other magic. She straddled me. “Not that I didn’t enjoy myself, obviously. Brayton even appreciates everything you taught me.” She whispered in my ear. “Do you remember that night while we were riding to Brightcoast, under the stars?” I swallowed. I remembered so clearly the night she meant, I’d been sure I could never be happier in my life, Marina wrapped around me, in every possible sense. “You were so patient with me. He loved it.” I exhaled and gripped her throat.

“What are you?” I repeated. “And what have you done with Marina?” She gasped for breath as the life left her eyes and she collapsed heavy and cold.

“Dami?” I looked up and saw Aimee, my step mother, her light brown skin and small coiled curls. She looked confused, but not overly shocked. “Where have you brought me?” This wasn’t a part of the vision, I realized, or it was, but this wasn’t a shadow, this was Aimee.

“I don’t know,” I said. She looked at me and then at Marina, or the shadow of her, I didn’t know, collapsed on the floor. “Aimee, what have I done?” I whispered. She shook her head.

“Nothing yet,” her voice was gentle, if lightly annoyed, yes, definitely Aimee, “you can still stop it,” she gestured towards a newly appeared arch and I ran through it.

Athena

I was somehow in the gallery above the ballroom in the Dumanis Manor and there were people waltzing below.

“Thena, why are you hiding again?” I turned at the voice, pitched up in a laugh and my eyes watered.

“Mama?” I gulped. My mother was dressed in an elaborate gold gown, her long hair twisted on top of her head, a silver ceremonial bow hanging on her hip. I looked down and realized I was in a ball gown as well, my was a deep forest green, that looked more black except when it caught the light.

“Well, I wasn’t going to send your father,” she rolled her eyes, “we were lucky to get him up here from Dovetail at all.” I nodded. “Come, the sooner you dance the sooner your grandfather will be, well, if not satisfied at least out of complaints.” I laughed with her, my mind filling in the gaps, realizing I was at my debutante ball in Dorin, as it would have been. I knew it was some kind of trap, but I couldn’t care. My mother was holding my hand. I walked down into the ballroom and smiled again, as I saw him walking up. “We weren’t expecting you, Viscount.”

“I will likely spend the summer apologizing to the princess,” Aaron’s blue eyes twinkled, “but how could I not come?” A waltz started and he moved me around the room.

“How?” I whispered.

“In any world,” he said, “I think it would always be us, Athena,” but the room around us changed quickly, the other dancers melting into shadow and Aaron’s face turning to ash.

“No,” I said, as the arch appeared again, I exhaled and ran through it, it was just a vision, I couldn’t live in it.

Nika

It was dark, and voices were hissing in my mind.

Failed. They began to chant. Failed your people, your parents, your sister. And now you will fail your lover. Not that she’ll care, you let her play with you while your people faded to nothing.

It wasn’t true, I had to steel against it. Marina had loved me, I loved her. There was still love between us, we’d learned so much from each other. My people would thrive, I would take my father’s place at the head of our tribe, I would guide my sister.

I would be strong. I wouldn’t fail. I hadn’t failed. I couldn’t.

Eric

I was standing in the throne room in Vacana. I don’t know how but now I’m waiting for Daniel’s bellow, asking where the hell I’ve been, what I was thinking.

“Well, then, boy,” I turned at the voice, “Rana,” the man on the throne whispered, “you’re your mother’s son, there’s no mistaking that.”

“Father?” I asked. He sighed. I barely remembered him. He died when I was two.

“You don’t want my throne,” he said. I shook my head. “Your brother proved a disappointment.”

“His daughter will be worth the wait,” I assured him. “Karina is strong, and wise.” Cyrus smirked at me. I don’t know what’s more frightening, the ways he did look like Daniel until he smiled, and then it’s like a mirror.

I never wanted to be anything like him.

“You think that matters?” He asked. “A woman will never reign in Phania. Take your place at your brother’s side and spare the island his vanity.”

“A man who forced an eighteen year old to wed him at sixty because she smiled at him, accuses another of vanity?” I grinned. The old king narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m not saying Daniel isn’t vain, but it’s rich coming from you. Other people see their ancestors in visions and get blessings and warnings. I get hypocrisy and a pointless order.” I shook my head. I really shouldn’t have expected more. “She’s happy now, if you care.” That softened his face.

“My Aimee,” he whispered, “of course I care.” I stared at him. “And this girl? The captive, she’s worth crossing hell? Forsaking everything you once valued?”

“Who said I’m doing any of it for her?” I said. An arch opened and I walked through it. “It was nice to meet you, Father.”

Aaron

I was in The Study at Pantona, and then walked out into the hall.

“Strange,” Anton Dovetail was looking out the windows to the mountain, “I died here. I wasn’t here nearly enough in life.” He looked at me. “You’ve grown. How’s your mother?” I blinked at him, the smile on his face was delighted at my discomfort.

“She’s,” I swallowed, “the same.” He laughed. “I think she misses you. I think she always did.” He sighed.

“I missed her too,” he looked at me again, “You can ask. I know you want to.”

“I’m not yours?” I said. He laughed.

“Not a chance,” he said. “The minute I met Marie your mother washed her hands of me forever, for one thing. From what I can see on my side she’s grown quite wise and patient but when we were young,” he whistled. “Tough as nails.” I smiled and looked at him. It wasn’t as obvious in portraits, but seeing whatever this animation of him was, I understood what Mother and Thomas always say about Lisette and him.

The way he stands and laughs, and those damn grey Dovetail eyes, she’s so like him I want to shiver.

“Why didn’t you see it coming?” I asked. He exhaled and looked at me.

“I was arrogant,” he shrugged. “Marie saw it, I dismissed her as paranoid.” He closed his eyes. “My daughter, my Annalise,” he sighed, “you know we all meant you for each other.”

“That didn’t work out,” I smirked. “Not for lack of trying, but an entire courtship of the beatings would have been a bit much.” He chuckled. “My father always denied it.”

“Mm,” he nodded. “Caleb kept his own council. Perhaps coming to love her as daughter changed things.” He sighed. “Brayton has the little one? Anne’s girl?” I nodded. “I don’t envy Brayton the haunting he’ll get if he survives. I was scared of Anne in life, in this world,” he shuddered, I smiled.

“He won’t survive,” I said. “Lisette regrets not avenging you, and for Marina,” I shook my head, “I think she’d burn down the world.” Anton smiled, this one not soft, but dark, knowing and cruel. I forget about this sometimes, about the Dovetails. Conquerors and warriors, my father once said, she has to be more than that. That’s our job.

“Good,” he said. “Watch over her.” The twin doors to the courtyard changed into an arch like the one Calla made.

I walked through and was standing on a hillside overlooking a large dark castle. I looked at Lisette.

“Well,” she said, “it’s time.” I nodded. “What did you see?”

“Your father,” I smiled at her. “You?”

“Them,” she jerked her head to Eric and Tristan. We smirked. “And Harran. And Prior.” I gaped.

“All at once? Even for you that is scandalous,” I teased. She rolled her eyes. “Will we see him?” She shook her head. knowing immediately what I meant.

“I only saw him once,” she said, “and Amina had him, not Brayton.” I nodded.

“You weren’t wrong,” I said, she looked at me. “When you chose mercy, five years ago. You don’t have to be like them.” She swallowed and nodded. Athena appeared at my side and slid her hand into mine. “What did you see, my love?” She exhaled.

“You,” she said. I smiled at her.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Opening The Gate

Athena

We’d gone over the plan, but as we approached the clearing at dawn I was still nervous. Caro had stayed behind with Jack and Olivia. Calla would focus to open the gate, while Brea and Anselm stayed beside her to ground and augment her power.

“I won’t let her be hurt,” Brea promised me as we rode through the woods, Calla still sleepy curled against me in my saddle.

“I still worry,” I sighed. She nodded. “She’s still so small.” Brea smiled gently and We arrived and settled in at the clearing.

“I think I should stay here,” Prior said. Annalise stared at him.

“What?” She said. He looked at her. “Why? I need you!” He kissed her gently.

“If it does function like thin places in the veil,” he whispered, “there will be shadows. A lot of them, and with Brea helping to ground Calla’s power, someone will need to fight them off.” Harran nodded.

“I agree, I’ll stay too,” he said. Annalise nodded, but she looked pained. They weren’t wrong though.

“Thena,” Martin looked at me, “what do you want me to do?” Calla had run off and was picking flowers.

“Protect her,” I said gently. He nodded. “And if we don’t come back,” I drifted off. He cupped my face.

“Come back,” he said, “that’s an order, Commander.” I nodded.

“Yes Sir,” I whispered and he kissed my forehead. “I love you, Papa.”

“I love you too, Little Girl,” he said. “And you,” he pointed to Tristan, “have you been officially reinstated?”

“You don’t command the rangers,” Tristan said. “I’ll have to come home under my own steam.” He looked at him.

“You’d better,” he said. “I will not be the one to explain it to Trey.” I laughed.

“Alright,” Aaron said, “so it’s the seven of us through the gate?” Annalise, Tristan, Lefty, Eric, Nika and I nodded. “Good,” he said and slid an axe into his belt. His father’s, I realized. I hadn’t seen him training with one, but I was sure he had been. “Calla, come here duck,” she ran over and he hugged her. “I love you so much, my heart.”

“I love you too Papa,” she said. “I’ll see you soon though.” I smiled and hugged her too.

“You are to do everything Lady Brea and Mastero Anselm say,” I said, “no arguing.” She nodded.

“Alright,” she whispered. “You’ll hug Lady Marina for me.” I nodded. My spear was on my back, Annalise had her father’s great sword on one hip, and a dagger on the other. Nika’s staff in her hand and Lefty had a sword, and Eric, surprisingly, had a bow and arrow. I hadn’t used a bow in a long time, but it had always been my mother’s weapon of choice, it was comforting.

“Viscountess,” Anselm took Calla’s hands while she settled on Brea’s lap. “Look down at the gate and focus on opening it, like your flowers. Picture it just the same, unfolding.” Calla nodded and raised her hands over the pond and inhaled deeply. A large spout burst out of it and unfolded, forming an arch with a rippling mirror in the middle. “Goddess,” Anselm mumbled.

“I did it,” Calla said.

“Yes,” I said in wonder, “you did, Duck.” We prepared and walked through and suddenly I heard nothing but shouts echoing far away, and I was blinded by inky black darkness.

Annalise

The others started to walk through the watery arch and I went to Prior. I’d never been more terrified and I wanted to keep him close by. I looked at the others, Harran holding Brea’s hand and Eric and Tristan both looked back at me.

“Are you going to be alright?” Prior asked me softly. I looked up at him.

“You’re sure?” I said. He cupped my face.

“I’m not sure of much,” he said, “but I know, deep in me, that I don’t belong on the other side of that gate.”

“I love you,” I said and kissed him deeply.

“I love you too, I always have,” he whispered. “Now go,” I nodded and ran through behind the others, and felt like my whole body was sucked into a funnel. There was nothing but screams and blackness.

Posted on by Reenie 2

Home Again

Annalise

We arrived in Pantona village and then to the Manor. I pulled Rosethorn’s reigns and Prior helped me to dismount.

“We should be at the cottage,” I said.

“You need to sleep,” Prior said. I rolled my eyes. I knew it was his way of dealing with what we were all going through, and we’d reached something of an understanding, but his fussing was starting to bother me.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Maybe eat something.”

“You’re worrying too much,” I said and kissed him before breaking away. I smiled softly as Calla came running out to my arms. “Hello, My Darling,” I whispered.

“I’m glad you’re here, Aunt Annalise,” she mumbled. She glanced at Lefty and Eric. “Who are they?”

“Come,” I said, “don’t be shy,” I walked her over to them. “Your Highness, may I present my heir, Viscountess Calla Pantona, Lady Calla, this Prince Eric of Phania.”

“Your Highness,” Calla curtsied. I was proud of her.

“My lady,” he knelt down and took her hand and kissed it. “You resemble your beautiful mama much more than I could have ever thought.” She giggled.

“And you met Captain Damian Lestoff in Dovetail,” I said. “He is Lady Marina’s very favorite person.”

“She’s in the pond, which is a gate,” Calla said with all the confidence of repeating what she’d heard the adults say. “Lady Brea!” She gasped and ran to Brea and Nika as they rode up.

“So this is Pantona,” Eric said. I nodded.

“You never saw it?” Prior rejoined us.

“We left before I could,” Eric shook his head. “It’s lovely.”

“I’ll show you around,” Prior said. “It’s Tristan’s home too, at that.” I wanted to scream. They did this occasionally, a sort of congenial aggression, like animals circling their territory, except instead of a patch of forest it was me.

We walked inside, and Aaron and Athena were standing in the hall.

“Your Highness,” Aaron said and bowed to him.

“Your Grace,” Eric said. “Thank you for having us, it’s been too long. Countess,” he took Athena’s hand and kissed it. She hugged him.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered. Harran walked in next, holding Calla on his hip. “Chieftain.”

“Countess,” he said, “I’d like to inspect little Lord John, when it’s convenient.”

“Chieftain,” Calla said, very seriously, “Baby Jack is quite small, and requires a lot of sleep. He doesn’t receive visitors.”

“My apologies, Viscountess,” he said, putting Calla down. “Where are Tristan and Caro?”

“They thought it best they stayed at their house,” Athena said and looked at me. Prior looked down.

“I’ll go there,” Lefty said. I looked at him.

“I’ll go with you,” Prior said. I frowned. I didn’t like being on another side of a line from them. It felt strange. He kissed me on the forehead. “You sleep,” he looked at Aaron, “make sure she does.”

“She’s never listened to me, but no reason not to try,” he shrugged. “There’s food.” I followed them into the dining room, we ate and I tried fitfully to sleep, but couldn’t. I stood up and walked out to the lemon grove, I stepped back seeing a figure leaning against one of the trees in the moonlight. But I recognized him immediately, I picked up a lemon and tossed it at him. He caught it and looked at me.

“You there,” he called out to me and I came closer. “Not a boy.”

“Are you lost?” I smiled back. He sighed.

“Terribly,” he whispered. I moved closer to him and into his arms.

“Do you come here a lot?” I whispered. He shook his head.

“Almost never,” he sighed. “Tonight though,” I kissed him. “Lisette, don’t.” I exhaled. “You’ll see the gate tomorrow.”

“Prior insisted I sleep,” I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, he was emphatic that you’re driving yourself into the ground,” he said. “Lestoff is sleeping in my house.” I giggled.

“Marina will think it’s a miracle,” I said. He smiled. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Me too,” he said, I hugged him tight. “May I come back?” Our heartbeats were matching. “Lisette,” he mumbled. Gods, it’s not fair. It’s not fair that being close to him makes me feel this way. Still, after all this time, and everything we’ve been through.

“Please,” I whispered. “Yes, please.” We settled in at the base of the tree and I leaned against him.

“Did you bring your little book of fairy tales?” He whispered.

“No,” I said, “I think they’d just make me sad right now.”

“Also, it’s too dark to read,” he teased. I looked at him. “I keep thinking of when we were at Resistance camp,” he said, “and I swore to follow you anywhere.” I swallowed. “This isn’t like anything else. We’re literally going to hell, Lisette.”

“I know,” I whispered. “You’re going to be a father.” He sighed.

“Now, I need a promise,” he whispered. I swallowed. “No matter what happens to me, The Dumanis can’t have the baby.” I looked at him. “Caro will need to be protected.”

“Of course,” I said. “I swear.” He kissed me. I thought about pulling close, about undressing him of having that, just once more. But I knew I couldn’t. We’d said goodbye so many times, but I knew this was the real one.

Tristan wasn’t mine anymore. He hadn’t been in so long. The bonds had frayed so much they were barely there anymore, and his other ties, to Carolina, to the child she was carrying, to Prior, were all stronger than the impossible vows two lost children had made all those years ago.

But I could protect them, I could honor our love by protecting the people he loves now.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Healing

Annalise

We walked into Brightcoast Manor and up to Uncle Les’s room. He was sedated, sound asleep and Brea sat down and stroked his brow.

“He seems terribly kind,” she mumbled.

“He is,” Nika whispered, I took her hand. “He and Marina are devoted to each other.” Are. Nika has refused to use the past tense when discussing Marina.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked. Brea looked at me, her usual arrogance gone from her face.

“My sister is particularly talented with illness,” Nika assured me. “She’d know if it were just deterioration. And she’d help with that too, but this can be fixed, Annalise, it’s magic, we can bring his balance back.” I nodded. He woke up and looked at me.

“Marie?” He whispered. I swallowed and went and took his hand. “No, Annalise, I’m sorry, I,” he swallowed. “I thought for a moment.”

“I know,” I whispered. I looked at Brea. She stood up and rolled up her sleeves.

“Your Grace, I apologize,” she said softly. “This will be a disorienting.” She looked at me. “Annalise, hold his hands.” I wove my fingers into his, and Nika and Brea circled us. I took a deep breath as their magic surrounded us and fused with mine. The closest I’ve felt to something like this was when Athena, Marina and I bound our mandates. Rising out of it of the combination was a figure, soft looking at first and then changing shape, to something sharp and mean, images became clear in it’s smoke. Marina, chained, beaten, and a smirking face I didn’t know well but felt instantly familiar.

“Daniel,” I whispered. This was the vision, this was what Brayton had placed in his mind. For twenty years he’d watched over and over again, his daughter destroyed if he dare touch his homeland again. We fell against each other as the spell evaporated. “Oh, Uncle, I’m so sorry,” I whispered. He touched my face.

“It’s alright,” he said. “But you have to bring her home.” I nodded and hugged him.

“I will,” I said softly, “I will, I swear it.” He smiled.

“Gods, looks at you,” he whispered, “I feel like I’ve never really seen you.” I laughed as he cupped my face.

“I hope it helps,” I said, “and I’m so sorry we didn’t think,” he sighed.

“To be fair, Marina thought I was being over protective,” he said, “of course she dismissed it.” I nodded. “Ladies,” he looked over at Nika and Brea. Nika ran over and embraced him. “Oh sweet girl,” he said softly. “Thank you for this.”

“She was so worried about you,” Nika sniffed, “so worried, she didn’t want to lose you.” He kissed her forehead.

“I know.” He smiled.

“Well regardless of who was worried and why,” Brea said, “His Grace needs to rest and you two can cry elsewhere, shoo,” she opened the door and gestured.

“Oh,” Uncle Les smiled, “I mistook the wrong girl for my sister. This one is Marie.” He nodded to Brea. She preened and Nika rolled her eyes and we walked out to the terrace.

“I’m a little ashamed of myself for never even thinking of it,” Nika sighed, “but it’s really Brea who’s the healer.” I nodded. “Annalise, what are you going to do, now that Eric’s here?” I looked at her.

“Nika, I don’t know,” I whispered, “I’ve wanted Eric to come back since the minute he left,” I leaned down, “but Prior is,” I sighed.

“He’s Prior,” Nika smiled. I nodded. “I doubt either of them expect you to decide before we know,” she choked. I covered her hand with mine. “What if she’s dead?”

“Then there’ll be nowhere in any world where Brayton can hide,” I whispered. “I’ll trade my own soul to Amina to be able to torture him myself.” She nodded.

“Don’t string him along,” Nika whispered. I looked at her. “It’s awful,” I sighed.

“She loved you,” I said, “loves you.” She exhaled and smiled sadly.

“You didn’t send Eric or Lefty away,” Nika said. “And they were there too.” I looked down.

“It’s different,” I whispered. “I don’t know, why but it is.” She nodded. “You left her over him.” Nika smiled.

“I left for a lot of reasons,” she said. “But yes, he was one of them.” I nodded. “I’m going to meditate. It’s been useless, but tonight feels different.” I nodded and walked out to walk up the beach. Eric was standing, skipping a stone against the sea, flat with the moon reflecting. He looked over at me.

“Raymond said you’d be here,” he said and glanced up, I smiled.

“Did he?” I said, he took my waist and pulled me close. “Eric,” I whispered, “four years ago you would have given me a lecture about wanting to be sure.”

“Four years ago I was an idiot,” he whispered and kissed me. “I wasted so much time not being with you,” I smiled. “Lefty said you sent Tristan away.” I pulled away.

“Not you too?” I said. “I just had it from Nika, of all people I thought you two would,” he sighed and shook his head.

“Did Lefty tell you what happened?” He whispered. “How we found them?” I nodded. “And then she had to choose. Would you have chosen to walk away, if he was taking me? Or your ranger waiting up in your bedroom at the palace?” I swallowed.

“Yes,” I whispered. He smiled sadly.

“Maybe you would,” he said. “But you didn’t see her, no one could have stopped her.” I shook my head and walked away, he followed. “Please don’t get me wrong, the idea of Tristan Dugarry being out of your life thrills me. But this isn’t that.” I looked at him and swallowed.

“Why didn’t you come back?” I whispered. He sighed.

“Because I couldn’t,” he whispered. “Just like you would have walked away, I have duties and responsibilities too.” He had changed, he felt heavier, and darker. More serious. It suited him.

“I have to go,” I whispered and he kissed me again.

“Do you?” He whispered, and fingered the pendant around my neck. “When did you meet him?”

“Three years ago,” I said, “when Calla was born and Athena left the rangers.” He nodded. “We didn’t get involved until about a year ago though.” He sighed. “And you’ve slept alone for four years?”

“I never considered marriage,” he shook his head. “That was only for you.” I swallowed.

“I fell in love with him,” I whispered. “And I want a family. ” He smiled. “And now he’s waiting, and he doesn’t deserve this.” I walked up the beach to the palace and up to my room. Prior was asleep on the couch but startled awake quickly. “You could have gone to bed.” I said gently.

“I was trying to wait up for you,” he whispered and rubbed his eyes. I sat down and rested my head on his shoulder. “How did it go?”

“Good,” I said, “I think. He’s resting now, I’d never seen him so,” I exhaled, “sure? I guess is the word.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. I smiled at him and we kissed. “Annalise,” he mumbled as I pressed closer.

“I miss you,” I mumbled, we kissed and I pulled onto his lap. He exhaled.

“You have no idea how much I miss you,” he mumbled. He stood up carrying me into bed, he made love to me slowly, deliberately, which even for Prior and his general lack of rush in these things felt like he was saying something. After I lay back and inhaled. “We need to talk about it.”

“About what?” I said. He sighed and rolled onto his side and looked at me. “I told you this morning,”

“I know,” he said. “But you also haven’t touched me in a month.” I blinked at him. “Annalise, if you’re feeling like yourself again, I’m glad, but,” I stared at him.

“Are you seriously voicing objections now?” I said. He sighed.

“Objections is a strong word,” he said, “but when you sent Tristan away, I don’t know, I thought,” I blinked at him, “I thought this part was over.”

“Which part?” I said. He exhaled.

“The part where I wonder if you’re just settling for me,” he said. “The part where I ignore how you look at someone else.” I rolled onto my back.

“If I were settling for you I wouldn’t be here,” I mumbled. “I want to be with you, I love you, I’m choosing you.”

“What do you mean?” He asked. I frowned and looked at him. “This morning you said,” I exhaled.

“I can’t see the future,” I said. He smiled softly.

“The thing is, my love, that you can,” he whispered. I exhaled.

“That isn’t how it works,” I whispered, “I don’t know, I can’t think about what’s next, I’ll go crazy, I just know that tonight, I wanted you,” I wove my fingers into his. “Just you, us, this, how you make me feel.” He kissed me again.

“And what’s that feeling, love?” He whispered against my lips.

“Home,” I said, “you’re home, Prior, that’s what it’s always been.” He nodded and we made love again. Gods, I really had missed him. When we finished and drifted off I tried to forget what Eric had said to me all those years ago.

I don’t simply want to be a place holder because you hate to be alone. That’s what he thought of Prior, what he thought of me. He didn’t understand, he never had.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I Dreamed. I was in a bedchamber, not mine, and Marina was sitting in front of a vanity, dressed in a dark velvet robe. She turned and looked at me. This was new.

“We’re looking for you,” I said. She looked at me blankly.

“I don’t know where I am,” she said. “I wish I could help you.” I nodded. “The birds,” I swallowed. Her little white birds, in the aviary here. “Give the baby one.” Tristan’s baby. Of course, she gave Tristan their mother, he gave them back to her. “There aren’t birds here, but I remembered,” I nodded.

“I love you so much,” I whispered. “Please hold on.” She swallowed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m trying,” she said, “I am. But it’s so dark.” I stepped closer to her. “Don’t,” she shrunk away, I froze, “don’t touch me, he’ll see you, he sees everything.” She was afraid of everything, Athena’s voice echoed. I was expecting the Marina of my childhood Dreams, the dark, cynical, heartless creature, who stole my breath and snapped my neck.

But this was the Marina I never knew, frightened and alone and desperate.

“I won’t give up,” I said, “I’ll look for you forever.” She smiled sadly.

“I know that,” she said. “Please go.” I awoke with a gasp. She’s alive. I’m crying but not screaming, my heart is steady.

This was something new. I looked at Prior still asleep and walked out to the terrace to catch my breath.

“Well, hello,” I gasped seeing Rana standing waiting. So much for the steady heart. “Could you for a moment stick to the plan?”

“Your plan,” I said, “Eric is down on that beach because you want him there?” She frowned.

“Obviously,” she said, “I was considering sinking the ship if he didn’t change his mind, although my sweet Karina would have been on it, and Aimee is so fond of him.” I stared at her. “My brother has decided he’s had enough of Amina and I squabbling over Marina so I’m here.”

“To bother me about my sex life?” I asked. She rolled her eyes.

“Oh, bed whoever you like, you mortals always do,” she sighed, “Mariah was ridiculous about it, three different fathers for those brats of hers.” I raised my eyebrows. A very strange way to describe my ancestors who she blessed herself. “You will not do that, I won’t put up with it again. Only one father, I beg you.”

“I’m marrying Prior.” I said.

“Are you?” She exhaled. “Well, he’s a nice enough boy,” she said. “But look down there,” I glanced down at Eric, walking on the beach, and my heart caught in my chest. “None of the others have ever made you do that.” I swallowed. “You know when Sebastian Anselm talked of you to Brayton Dovetail, he said the easiest way to get you to do what someone wants is to tell you to do the opposite. It amazes me these boys of yours never figured that out.”

“My Lady,” I turned and she was gone. Eric looked up and I met his eyes. He smiled gently at me. My sweet, patient prince, always waiting across the water. I’ll always wait for you, an echo of an echo, magic I still don’t understand.

I made my way back to bed, to Prior, and felt him circle around me. Protecting me. None of the others ever made you do that. No, but the others never did this either.

Posted on by Reenie 0

Triangle, Redux

Annalise

“I need to speak to you about something,” I woke up in my bed in Brightcoast. Prior was already gone. I’d been sleeping longer than him a lot lately. Brea and Nika were standing over me.

“I told her we couldn’t do this,” Nika said. She’s terribly thin and pale. Brea scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“I made a tea, as requested,” Brea said sitting down on the edge of my bed, “to sedate your uncle.”

“Thank you for that,” I mumbled. Uncle Les was in agony. Even if sedation wasn’t a real answer it was something.

“You’re welcome,” Brea said. “You know that his mind is broken?” I nodded.

“He lost my mother, and my aunt,” I said, “and then Caleb and now Marina, after a lifetime of protecting her, it would break anyone.” Nika frowned.

“No,” Nika said, “his mind was broken. It’s scarred, by black magic.” I stared at them. I leaned back. “Brea thinks we can heal it.”

“You do?” I said. Brea nodded. “How?”

“We’d need someone with a powerful connection to both his own line and Mariah’s,” Brea said. “You wouldn’t know anyone like that?” I sighed.

“You’re sure?” I said.

“Reasonably,” Brea said, “we should do it tonight at moonrise.” I nodded.

“Of course,” I said.

“Good,” Brea stood up. “Oh, also Prince Eric arrived this morning.” I blinked at her. Nika mouthed an apology to me.

“You could have lead with that,” I gasped. I bounded up and ran down to the dock and saw the Prince’s Glory and the small skiff being tied off.

“Hello Anya,” he turned and I threw myself into his arms. “Oh my love.” He whispered. “I’m here.”

“How?” I whispered. “Please tell me I’m not dreaming?”

“I was going to be the good little prince,” he said and lifted my chin, “escort Karina and Katrin home, as ordered.” I swallowed. “And I realized, that I would be abandoning the two people I loved the most in this whole stupid broken world. And I couldn’t live with that,” I kissed him.

“I missed you so much,” I said, “and I’m so scared, Eric, I,” he pressed his forehead to mine, “Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“I’ll breathe for you,” he kissed my forehead. I nodded.

“Annalise,” Prior’s voice broke into whatever world we’d slipped into. “Everyone was looking for you,” I cleared my throat and stepped away from Eric.

“I obviously didn’t go anywhere,” Prior nodded. “I’m sorry, I’m,” I looked between them, “Prince Eric of Phania may I present Commander Prior Chastain.”

“It’s my pleasure, Commander,” Eric extended his hand and shook it, “I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

“The same,” Prior said. “We’re supposed to be deciding our next course. If you’re feeling up to it.” I nodded. “Your Highness,” he bowed and left.

“That’s him?” Eric said. I swallowed and nodded. “He’s very handsome.” I giggled. I felt guilty for it. “Do you think we’ll be friends? I never came around to Dugarry but Harran and I got on rather well.”

“Stop it,” I said, “I can’t think about all that right now.” He nodded. “You should come to this meeting. Lefty and Raymond will be there.”

“Alright,” he said. I exhaled. “My darling,” he said and kissed me again, “I need to get settled. Go to your council, after you, me and your appallingly good looking betrothed will eat something and untie our knot.” I exhaled. “But I’m not leaving you again. We’ll find Marina. We’ll all be together again, I swear it.”

“Don’t swear,” I whispered, “please. I’ll hate you for it eventually,” he kissed me.

“What do you mean?” He asked. I swallowed.

“You’ll see,” I whispered.

“Alright,” I said and turned to leave, I paused.

“Maybe, don’t call me Anya, with Prior.” He smirked. “What if we don’t find her?”

“You will,” he whispered. “You came back from the dead,” I laughed. “You are a miracle, Anya. I have no doubt that you’ll find another.” I smiled at him, and then exhaled and walked back to the palace and settled in the war room. Prior looked at me from his side of the table, the others hadn’t gathered yet.

“Did you know he was coming?” He asked. I looked at him.

“Of course not,” I said. “The others said he wasn’t.” He nodded.

“Don’t go to him,” he said. I closed my eyes. “What do you want from me now?”

“I can’t,” I whispered, “please don’t ask me to decide that, while Marina is,” I exhaled. He looked at me and nodded.

“Of course you can’t decide anything right now, sweetheart.” He whispered “I’d be more useful with the Rangers.”

“You’re useful keeping me calm,” I said. He nodded. “Eric wants to talk. The three of us.”

“Does he?” He whispered. I nodded. “Why?” I exhaled and walked over and kissed him and slid into his lap.

“Because,” I said weaving our fingers together, “we’re in a bit of a knot, Prior, he just wants to make sure the air is clear.” He began to play lightly with the pendant around my neck.

“Are we in a knot?” He asked. “He left you, and we’re getting married.”

“Yes,” I sighed, “but I was going to marry him. And he didn’t want to leave me, and we need his help.” Prior nodded and the door opened.

“I swear to Rana if Daniel gave The Glory to one of his pets I’m jumping off the cliffs,” Lefty said, pointing out the window. I sighed. “Hello Prior.”

“It’s not someone else,” I said, “it’s Eric.” He exhaled and looked at Prior again.

“Inconvenient for you,” Lefty grimaced. I sighed loudly. “Well it is.”

“Why are we having these councils daily?” Raymond walked in. “It’s the same, we don’t know where to go next.” We all looked at him. “What?”

“Did you look at the horizon this morning?” Lefty asked. Raymond shrugged.

“I haven’t been outside in a week,” Raymond grumbled. “Why?”

“Eric’s here,” Lefty smiled. Raymond stared at him.

“Then why are we having this meeting?” Raymond asked.

“I don’t know,” I sighed, “go, both of you.” They ran out. Prior looked at me.

“Annalise,” he said, “don’t go to him.” I settled into his lap and kissed him.

“When he first came to Dovetail,” I said softly, “I was with Tristan and he was,” I exhaled. “Eric isn’t interested in any kind of arrangement, Prior. He won’t compromise, he’s not,” I exhaled.

I won’t share you. That’s the line for me.

“He’s not what?” Eric said walking in. “Commander,” He nodded to Prior who nodded back and I stood up.

“Lefty and Raymond are looking for you,” I said.

“They can wait.” I nodded. “You were talking about me?”

“Annalise was assuring me that you wouldn’t be interested in some kind of arrangement,” Prior said. I looked at him. “Which wasn’t precisely my fear, but it’s what I’m thinking about now.”

“Ah,” Eric nodded, “yes, I’m not particularly inclined to share.” Prior nodded. “I am however, patient.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “That’s settled then.”

“Certainly,” Eric kissed me on the forehead, “I should find Lefty and Raymond.”

“Yes,” I said, confused. “What’s settled? Nothing is settled!”

“Yes it is is,” Eric smiled. “Nice meeting you, Commander, I look forward to getting to know you better.”

“Of course,” Prior said as he left. I crossed my arms. “You seem confused.”

“I am,” I said, “deeply.” He nodded. “What’s settled?” He kissed me.

“I’m also patient,” he said. “As you well know.” I nodded. “You can’t make any decisions now, I understand that, so does he. But I’m not going to step aside. And I don’t think Prince Eric is either.”

“You got all of that from the exchange you two just had?” I asked. He nodded. “I do not understand men.” Prior grinned.

“That has been evident from the moment we first spoke, my darling,” he said. I wove my hand into his. “You are still mine, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I said, “I’m still yours.”

Posted on by Reenie 0