by C. E. Olson
Whether that hurts more or less than giving up her hair clip, she isn’t sure, but both of those suggestions from Laix make more sense than anything Aine could have thought of herself. Her whole life, she wanted to be Queen Aine, but ever since she actually became queen, she hasn't been truly happy. She’d convinced herself recently that what was missing in her life was her wings and that if she were whole, there wouldn’t be a void at all. But now that she’s away from court and experiencing love for the first time, she’s starting to believe it had nothing to do with her wings. What she was missing was Varis.
“Aine,” Laix’s tone startles her, but when Aine looks up to meet their eyes, Laix isn’t looking at her at all. She follows their gaze out into the night and sees Reeve’s silhouette come into view. Without thinking, Aine darts off the porch to greet her mate, but he isn’t there. Reeve is alone.
“Where is he?”
His expression answers her question before his words do. “The King has taken him prisoner. Varis believes it’s for show, that nothing will happen, but... I’m sorry, Aine.”
She doesn’t hear his apology, doesn’t hear anything after the word “prisoner.” Aine knows all too well how monarchs treat prisoners, and knowing Varis is uncomfortable at all makes her sick to her stomach.
The ringing in her ears nearly drowns out Laix’s response. “How long do you think the King will keep him?”
“He can’t keep him at all. We have to get him ou—”
A loud snarl behind Reeve has all three of them stilling, and the fact that it’s immediately followed by a man’s scream makes Reeve draw his blade. “Get behind me,” he whispers sharply.
Aine’s own blade feels too far away. Why she came out to the porch without it is beyond her, but when Laix steps in front of her as well, she feels completely helpless.
As the sight before them gets clearer, Echo stalks forward with blood dripping down her maw. She nods to her human and turns back, willing them to follow, and they quickly find the body of the man that scream belonged to when they do. His throat is torn out, and although he isn’t in armor, it’s obvious he worked for the King.
“I was followed. Of course I was bloody followed!” Reeve kicks the dirt below his boot and releases the most frustrated noise Aine’s ever heard from him. Gone is the boyish grin she’s become accustomed to, replaced by worry and stress. He’s just as scared for Varis as Aine is. “I should have been more careful. I know better than to come straight home after a visit to the castle, and yet, I led them here.”
“Echo has taken care of it, Reeve,” Laix says in an attempt to comfort him. “It’s alright.”
“Nothing is alright!” he snaps, followed immediately by an apology. “I just — we don’t know if he was alone. What if the other is already on his way back to the King now?”
“We can’t fear the unknown, my love.”
Reeve huffs a humorless laugh and kisses the side of their face. “If we didn’t fear the unknown, what else would there be to fear?”
Watching how soft they are together has her missing her own mate so badly she looks away. She’s been told all her life that humans don’t bond the way that Fae do, but the way these two look at each other has her doubting that entirely. Doubting everything the Fae claim to know about love. “We should go inside,” Aine offers. “We have to come up with a plan.”
With no argument, they all make their way inside. Reeve gives Echo a steak as a reward for defending their home, and they crowd around the dining table to plan as she devours it. One way or another, they have to get Varis back... and they have to do it soon.
“From what I remember, he’ll be held in the cells under the keep. There are fifteen levels below ground, each one housing ten or so cells and an interrogation room. I've never been down there myself, but I remember trying to comfort Varis the first time he was sent down there to question a prisoner. After that, he never spoke much about them, but I've picked up bits and pieces,” Reeve explains as he gets up to fetch parchment and a pencil. He hastily begins drawing a crude map of sorts, then points to the bottommost layer. “I'm afraid they'll put him here if they don't intend on ever letting him out, but if we’re lucky, they’ll keep him toward the top.”
Laix nods. “If all they're trying to do is scare him and hold him, that would make sense. They'll want to question him, and those guards are lazy. They won't want to travel all the way down every time.”
Aine commits as much as she can to memory and tries to think of a way to help. “I have my glamour. If you can take one of the guards, I can impersonate him and maybe we can get him out that way?”
Reeve licks his lips, but ultimately shakes his head. “We need more men. There's no way we'll get him out of there with just us. I'm not that good.”
“I beg to differ,” Laix says with a soft smile. “But he’s right. You said you wanted to send a message to the Sun Court. Is it possible they’d send help?”
After some consideration, she nods her head. “I believe so. They’re loyal to my family, not just the crown. I think we can count on my personal guard.”
“Should we just go? Or send a message to them?” Reeve asks. “We'll need to leave Trystrel here. If my brother manages to weasel his way out of this, he'll need help. I'm not sure we'll have time to get all the way to your castle and back here on foot.”
“I can send a message and have Vaenor meet us at the portal. I trust he would come alone and I also trust he will see reason.”
Laix smiles supportively. “Will he be enough?”
“Probably not,” Aine admits. “What if I had him come with five of our most trusted men? Will that be enough, Reeve?”
The look on his face says no. “It'll have to be. Between us and Echo... we'll make it work. We don't have a choice.” Reeve stands, pacing back and forth a moment as Echo glares at him. “What? You saved him once already. Don't act like you two don't love each other.”
The hiss she releases actually makes them all chuckle. It’s over in a second, and the mood quickly returns to what it was previously. “I’ll need to heal him, I’m sure. Gods, I hope he’s not being...”
“He isn't,” Reeve barks too forcefully. He issues a hasty apology and clears his throat, never once pausing in his pursuit to wear a hole in the floor. “I'm sorry. Just... don't think it.”
Aine nods, not wanting to think it any more than Reeve does, and Laix grabs them each a shortcake as a peace offering. “Sweets help calm the mind.”
“And how many have you eaten already?” Reeve asks, but there's a smile on his face instead of judgement. He pops the entire thing in his mouth and chews as he pulls Laix into a kiss.
They melt into it without a fight, smiling against his lips before pulling back. “I’m coming as well, right?”
All humor fades from his face. “Yes. Every fiber of my being wants to say no, but I want you close this time.”
Aine glances down at her sweet, wishing her and her newly-formed family could just disappear from here and avoid war altogether. Even as it crosses her mind, she knows it isn’t possible regardless of how badly she wishes it were. “We’ll rest tonight and send word to Vaenor at first light.” She slides the hair clip over from where Laix set it down and spins it in her fingers. “Let’s hope this works.”
SENDING A MESSAGE OFF is easier than Aine anticipated. Everything they’ve done so far has come with a cost, so when this one, singular thing goes off without a hitch, it gives her hope for the future. Maybe, just maybe... they make it out of this alive. Trys is hesitant to leave them at the portal, but with a quick reminder that Varis may need him, he bows his large head and takes to the skies, leaving Aine, Reeve, Laix, and Echo at the entrance. “Are you sure they will come?”
“Yes,” Aine says, her voice wavering only slightly. “I told them when the sun is highest in the sky. They should be here any moment.”
Reeve nods. “Are we crossing first, or are they? There will be a fight if it's them.”
“
Us. I’m going to glamour us all. Only one of us should talk, so who do you think is best, Reeve?” She catches Echo disappearing into the shadows from the corner of her eye and then makes them appear as a couple and their adolescent coming through with cakes to trade. Thanks to her glamour, she can make one basket of shortcakes look like twenty.
“Probably Laix. They're better with words than I am and you... can't lie,” Reeve says quietly. “Let’s just make this quick.”
Laix clears their throat and takes Aine’s free hand, walking her carefully toward the portal. Instead of outright speaking, they try the silent approach: simply nodding with a polite smile and trying to push through.
The guard closest to them holds his arm out to stop them, but Laix quickly explains who they are and what their intentions are.
“Let us see, then,” the guard says as he peeks at the basket. “Smells good.”
“Can they have one?” Aine asks in the smallest voice possible. “I helped bake them.”
Laix nods and pulls one out for him. “Only if you don’t tell the other guards,” they whisper, and the guard seems to like feeling as though he’s in on some secret.
“You think I want to share this? Hurry along before they try and take your sweets for themselves.” The man nods at Reeve and then walks away to enjoy the dessert.
“Are humans always so easy?” Aine whispers. “Give a man a treat and he forgets his duty.”
Reeve blinks at her. “You met my brother, didn't you? You two are acquainted?”
Aine rolls her eyes as they cross the threshold. “Very acquainted, I’d say.”
“Then that was a stupid question,” Reeve responds, but the banter comes to a halt when Vaenor approaches.
“State your business here quickly, human,” he snaps at Laix.
Aine removes the glamour and stares up at her most trusted soldier. “It’s me, Vaenor. Thank you for coming.”
He bows quickly, as do the other four he brought with him. “Your Grace, please accept my apologies. Your glamours have always been impressive and imaginative.”
“Yes, well, I am impressive and imaginative,” she jokes, and for a brief second it’s as if no time has passed at all — but that isn’t the case. “I’m sorry to drag you out like this. But we need your help... I need your help.”
Vaenor nods. “Your message was cryptic but I gathered as much. You're safe here, my Queen. The Fae Hammer won't reach you. You have my word.”
“No, wait. You misunderstand, Vaenor. I don’t need protection from Varis, I need help rescuing him. He is my mate.” Aine stands as tall as she can, because regardless of his wrongs, she feels no shame.
Anger flashes across his sharp features. “You know what he did to me, Your Grace. And yet, you ask me to rescue him? Mate or not, he—”
“You received an order from your Queen,” Reeve interjects. “Not a request.”
Aine looks between the men and steps forward before Vaenor can argue. “I know it’s a lot. But when have I ever steered our kingdom wrong?”
“The day you chose to make a deal with the Hammer and not eliminate the threat.”
“He was doing a job. If I asked you to cut down a baker, would you hesitate?” His face gives him away, so she continues, “You know an order is an order. The King ordered him to do everything we've hated him for, he never would have if he had a choice. I promise you that.” She looks each one in the face. “And if we’re speaking of promises, what of the promise you made to me when King Sontar murdered my entire family? What of the promise you swore to my father as he bled on the castle floor?” Even Reeve looks taken aback by her choice of words, but this isn’t the time to tread lightly. They’re on borrowed time.
“My Queen, what you ask of me...”
Vaenor trails off, his pain written all over his face, so Aine takes a chance and reaches for his hand. “Vaenor, I know what he’s done feels unforgivable. I know what I ask of you is too much, and yet... here I stand asking. Please, I need your help.”
He deflates before their eyes, nodding slowly in agreement. “You have my sword, my Queen. And once the war is won... I ask you to relieve me of my duties. I cannot look your mate in the face every day, knowing it was the last my son saw.”
Of all the pain Aine has felt these last weeks, this blow cuts the deepest. She agrees of course, she has no other choice. Yes, her guard has sworn to defend her until his last breath, but she will not force anyone to stay at her side if they don’t wish to. That isn’t the queen she wants to be.
Crossing back over with more bodies is slightly more difficult, but they manage to disguise themselves as members of the King’s army, and thanks to Laix’s calming nature, they convince the guards they’re returning from a mission. The rest of their journey is slow, and when they’re all crammed together inside of Reeve’s house, Aine can feel the tension in the air. She chooses to ignore it, and simply tells Reeve she will try to reach Varis in his dreams before turning in for the evening.
Unfortunately for them, that’s easier said than done. Come on, Var. Where in the bloody hell are you?
Chapter Eighteen
The cell Varis finds himself in is cold and damp. They didn't have the decency to remove his shackles before locking him in here, so getting comfortable is impossible — it's hard to lay down unless he stretches his bound hands above his head, but that position is far too prone for him to ever truly relax. Instead, he props himself up against the moss-covered wall and picks at his fingernails to pass the time.
With very little natural light and no torches, it's hard to make much out down there. He can't tell if the other cells are empty or occupied since the few noises he does hear could easily be attributed to rats, not prisoners. The few times he calls out for some conversation go unanswered.
They don't bring him food, and he was told in no uncertain terms that once the water in his canteen was gone, he could either get creative or die of thirst. But Varis doesn't intend to do either of those things. He sips as sparingly as he can, biding his time until Balian inevitably comes to his senses. He must, Varis tells himself. Even he's not this stupid.
But time passes without anything changing. He's not sure how much, but he guesses from the pain in his stomach that it's been at least two days since he's eaten anything, and he's down to his last drops of water. Balian will either need to double down and let him die here in this cell or fill his canteen again soon.
He sings himself songs to pass the time. Though he doesn't know many, he picked up a couple from the court and Aine herself, though he doesn't remember those lyrics at all. Her voice had captured his attention far more than the words themselves, and try as he might, they won't come to him. Instead, he sings gibberish words to make himself laugh, but the sound is ridiculously out of place in the small cell. It bounces around and echoes back until it seems the walls are laughing at him, not with him, and Varis begins to wish more than anything that he could simply go home and live out his days like none of this had ever happened.
But it did happen. It is happening, and the thought exhausts Varis to the point that he no longer fights sleep. If someone sneaks in to kill him, then so be it. Maybe that's what it'll take.
His dream shifts abruptly from something as dark and cold as his cell to something warm and soothing. “Var,” Aine’s soothing voice rings in his ear seconds before her soft hand touches his cheek.
He leans into it, humming softly as he closes his eyes. “Are you really here, or is this a normal dream?”
“I'm here, my love. Look what they've done to you.” Aine's soft lips press against his face, and with his eyes closed, he can almost pretend it's really happening. “I've been trying to reach you the last two days.”
“I haven't slept. I regret that now.” Varis forces himself to open his eyes and smile softly. “It looks worse than it really is, I promise.”
“I doubt that. How can we get you out of here? I can't see the room; do you remember how many cell doors you passed to get to
yours?”
Varis frowns as he sifts through his memories, but they're too fuzzy here to make anything out. “No. Don't do it, anyway. You’ll both end up here with me. Balian will see reason soon enough. He has to.”
“Again, you leave your life up to chance.” Aine climbs into his arms and kisses him, moving his hands down her frame. “Do you feel me, Varis? Do you feel what is waiting for you to return?”
“Yes. I haven't forgotten. All the more reason for you and R— wait, what happened to Reeve?” Varis asks, suddenly feeling much clearer. “Have you seen him? He—”
“Yes, I have. He returned home that same night alone. I may have ripped him a new one for that, but he said the King said 'in due time' and released him. We quickly discovered the true reason was because Balian ordered him to be followed, but Echo took care of that for us.”
Comfort washes over Varis at the thought. “I might have to add the shadow cat to my holiday list,” he says quietly. “She's proven herself in ways I never expected. I'm glad you're both safe... are you staying with Reeve and Laix still?”
“I am. They're kind of adorable when they think no one’s watching, aren't they?” Aine huffs affectionately, but he feels her mood shift slightly shortly after. “I fear returning home.”
It takes Varis a moment to work out what she means. “You are home, Aine. The Sun Court... they don’t deserve you.”
“Home is with you, Varis Kester.” Aine places a hand on his chest. “I already miss you... even when you’re frustrating.”
“So... every minute of every day?” He grins a little cheekier than he'd have been able to if he were awake. “I miss you, too. And Reeve, Laix, Trys... Echo. Don't tell her I said that.”
“Too late. I’ve already decided to tell her; I can’t go back on that decision now.”
