by Macy Blake
The words in between were important. Sawyer nodded. “You hurt Loch when he was an imp to cover up the mark, but your magic was still on Kavalan. It was a glamour, wasn’t it? The mark was never there at all.”
She shrugged.
“Take me to them, Puteri. And we will find a way to tell your queen privately what you’ve done. You cannot keep such a secret from her, especially if it puts them in danger. I must take Loch with me when I leave, and the truth will come out. She must be prepared to defend herself and her son.”
She nodded and reached for his hand. “You are wise, Chosen One. I await the day you see the truth.”
Before he could comment, his stomach flipped and he was dragged along through a portal unlike any he’d seen before. When next he blinked, he was standing on the shores of the lake. Queen Orfhlaith and the others appeared in the distance, having not even arrived at the clodagh. He had no idea how the next few minutes was going to go, or how he was going to keep Puteri from whatever wrath the queen of the fae wanted to unleash on her, but he was going to try.
Andvari
Andvari didn’t wait for Eduard’s feet to touch the sand of the clodagh before he leapt off of his back and was at Sawyer’s side.
“You okay?”
Sawyer grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. His mate trembled. “I’m okay. Just… this might get ugly.”
“I won’t leave your side.”
The rest of the guardians, except for Saeward, gathered around Sawyer as well. None of them were happy they’d been sent away. Ward went directly into the water, shifting so that Loch was cradled against him. The queen had Kavalan in her arms in the water as well. There was an eerie silence on the beach, as if the entire realm held its breath, waiting to hear of their prince’s fate.
Andvari wanted to question Sawyer. His mate’s brain constantly amazed him. His ability to put together missing pieces was incredible. It hadn’t escaped Andvari’s notice that Puteri had hidden herself behind one of the nearby trees, and he knew that’s how Sawyer must have traveled from the court to the clodagh. Why was she hiding? And what did she have to do with what happened to Kavalan and Loch?
It also didn’t escape Andvari’s notice that Diarmed hadn’t taken his eyes off the prince since the queen reached the water. The chess pieces had suddenly been moved around the board, and Andvari wasn’t sure what the rules were anymore. He wasn’t even sure what game they were playing.
Sawyer reached for his hand and squeezed. His eyes were on Loch and Saeward.
The silence stretched. The only thing that marred it was their breathing.
Minutes passed and nothing changed. No one moved.
Andvari had no idea how much time passed before movement from the lake caught his eye. The imps had taken flight, swirling and giggling as they made their way around the water. They circled Loch and Saeward, bouncing around and performing their aerial feats before they turned their attention to the queen and Kavalan.
When they circled her, Queen Orfhlaith smiled for the first time since they arrived.
“Diarmed!”
“Yes, my queen?”
“Attend my son.”
“Yes, my queen.” The satyr splashed into the water, and Orfhlaith gently passed her son into his arms.
The queen emerged from the water, the smile on her face quickly replaced with a look Andvari recognized. It was enough to send a shiver down his spine. The queen wanted vengeance. Sprites flew around her, drying her even as she moved forward toward them. She never took her gaze off Sawyer. He had the answers, and they all knew it.
She came to a stop in front of him, her eyes blazing. “Who attacked my son?”
Sawyer squeezed Andvari’s hand once more before he released it. “No one.”
It wasn’t the answer she wanted to hear.
Hot air began to swirl around them. Her hair rose and there was no doubt why she’d earned the reputation she had.
“My queen—”
She cut Sawyer off before he could continue. “I am not your Queen. You are a human in my realm. These are my people. That is my son. I demand you tell me.”
Sawyer nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I only wanted to show you respect.”
“Respect me by telling me who hurt my son.”
“Okay. I only ask that you wait before acting. There is back story here that you need to understand. I think it’s important. Will you do that for me?”
“I owe you no boon, Chosen One.”
“I know. And I’m not asking for a favor or for one to be returned. I’m asking you, leader to leader, to hear me out before you make your decision.”
The queen rolled the words around in her head, looking for a trap. She finally nodded. “I will hear you out. But do not attempt to force a delay. I will have my vengeance.”
It was the best Sawyer was going to get out of her, and they all knew it.
“I just have one more thing,” Sawyer said. “I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important and since I don’t know all the rules of your realm, I think it’s important. I would like for this conversation to be private. My guardians and one other should be the only one who hears what I have to say other than you until you decide otherwise. Is that a thing here? I don’t—”
She raised her hands and a red bubble appeared around them. It was similar to the one Loch had formed around Sawyer to protect him. The queen’s power was much different from Loch’s, though. “Do not test my patience.”
“I’m not. I promise. Puteri,” Sawyer called.
The queen hissed.
“Please, Queen Orfhlaith. Wait.”
The brownie stepped to the edge of the barrier, and the queen extended it to let her through. Her energy was angry and Andvari couldn’t help but pity the little creature even as the air in the shield heated in response to the queen’s wrath.
“I asked for privacy because of the nature of what happened. Puteri feared for your life and for the life of your son. She made a terrible mistake, but it was made with the best intentions.”
The queen turned her attention to Puteri. “Explain.”
So Puteri did. Andvari couldn’t help but stare out at Loch as the story unfolded. Puteri felt no guilt in what she’d done to him. Everything was done to keep her queen from appearing weak. She’d orchestrated a powerful scheme, and she’d used her magic on the prince since he was a child. Years and years of a glamour. It was no wonder Kavalan had lost consciousness when it was ripped away.
Andvari didn’t agree with her actions, but her motive… there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do to keep Sawyer and his mates safe.
Before Orfhlaith could react to the news, however, Diarmed called out from the lake. “My queen. He awakes!”
Sawyer reached for Andvari’s hand once more. His mate’s hand was sweaty, but he’d not shown his fear to the queen. Andvari squeezed it, trying to convey his pride without speaking. Sawyer’s attention turned further out where Saeward had begun moving closer to shore. He stopped when he was waist deep, Loch still cradled in his arms.
The prince wasn’t the only one waking up. Loch was as well.
Another of the ceannbhrats appeared at the edge of the woods. Sprites fluttered around it. Diarmed carried Kavalan to shore and laid him down on a nest of leaves and flowers. Diarmed did not move from Kavalan’s side. Saeward, on the other hand, did not leave the water. Andvari wondered if the lake kept him there, or if he just didn’t want to leave its safety.
The queen checked on her son, taking note of the bare skin on his arm, before turning to Loch.
“Captain! Fly!”
Loch bolted upward and his wings sprung from his back. He was in the air with his sword drawn within a second of receiving his queen’s command. No one could deny the mark on Loch’s wing. It stood out amongst the shimmering whites and blues. The queen and Loch stared at each other.
“Captain, continue your duty as ordered by your prince.”
Loch bowed to her and flew over to Sawyer,
landing by his side. He seemed very confused, but ready for action. The queen moved toward them once more, her anger billowing around her in waves of heated air. The bubble of privacy formed again and the queen stood there for a moment, seething as she processed everything she’d learned.
“My son is not weak,” Queen Orfhlaith snarled. “He never has been. He is as strong as his father and carries the same gifts as his sire.”
Andvari didn’t actually know who Kavalan’s father was. From Sawyer’s confused frown, he didn’t either.
Puteri, on the other hand, began to tremble.
The queen pulled her sword and swung, stopping the tiniest fraction from Puteri’s neck. “Some rulers require fear and skill with the blade to rule. Others, like my son, rule with the gift of their mind. No one understands the minds of our people like my son. He is my most trusted adviser, the cool head to my hot. Your lack of faith in your prince is unforgivable.”
“Queen Orfhlaith, Puteri acted with a—” Sawyer began.
“You dare defend this traitor?”
Sawyer snapped his mouth shut.
“Mother.”
Kavalan’s voice was weak and shaken, but it immediately drew the queen’s focus. She released the protective shield and was at his side before Sawyer took his next breath. She raised another shield around her and Kavalan, blocking them all from their conversation.
“Tread very lightly, Sawyer,” Eduard said softly.
“I will. I’ve done what I can.”
Puteri dropped to her knees beside him, knowing he’d spoken the truth. Her fate rested in the hands of her queen and prince.
Although they couldn’t hear the discussion taking place between Kavalan and his mother, it was without a doubt a heated one. The queen was furious, but Kavalan simply reached out and touched her. She pulled him close. The shield’s color deepened as the queen’s anger grew. Whatever her son said to her wasn’t improving her mood at all. But finally, it began to settle. When it was over, Kavalan stood and bowed to his mother. She lowered the shield, spread her wings, and flew away without a backward glance. Andvari couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
“Ureba! Prepare for a celebration. The leaders of the realm will attend us as we announce our exciting news!” Kavalan walked over to them. He only glanced at Puteri before turning his attention to Loch and Sawyer. “Trust me,” Kavalan said in a quiet, but urgent, tone. The words were barely there but held weight.
“Always,” Loch replied, equally quiet.
Sawyer bowed his head slightly and the prince spun away once more. He began issuing orders left and right and all manner of fae began to flutter around the shores of the ceannbhrat. Several of the sprites ushered them toward a newly constructed seating area. Once they were settled, food and drink appeared before them.
“Eat,” Loch suggested. “The prince is working his magic.”
The double meaning couldn’t be denied, even if Andvari had no idea exactly what Kavalan was up to. Once they’d eaten, another set of brownies appeared and they were redressed in robes similar to the ones they’d worn the night before. The only difference was the colors. This time they’d all been placed in deep, royal purple with silver trim. Even Loch, who seemed deeply affected by the change. It was the first sign that he no longer belonged to the prince.
Andvari couldn’t imagine being told that his clan leader was no longer his first loyalty. He’d even accepted his duty as a guardian at his leader’s behest. His loyalty had been transferred, given as a gift to the Chosen One. It was the way it worked for warriors, at least of their kind. Loch was a warrior as well, and it was clear that his loyalty was also being given to another.
Loch only revealed his distress for a moment before it was filed away behind the mask of the fae. Andvari understood the shock. He’d at least had time to understand what he was doing. Loch had spent a lifetime not knowing who he was. Andvari placed his hand carefully on Loch’s shoulder and squeezed. It was all he could do to offer support. That the fae did not shrug him away said more than any words.
By the time the rest of the fae began to arrive, the shoreline had been transformed. Kavalan glanced their way one last time before he turned to two large trees which had magically appeared at the edge of the ceannbhrat. One had pale white limbs and the other had branches of the deepest brown. They twined together and formed a platform for Kavalan to ascend. He turned and faced them all and he smiled brightly. Andvari couldn’t see a single sign of distress on the prince’s face. He seemed excited, eager in fact, to share his news with his people.
“Friends! I speak on behalf of myself and my mother to share with you a most joyous announcement. Finally, my secret can be revealed, one that I have guarded with my life since I was a small child. The burden has been heavy, but I, your prince, would carry it for you until the end of my days. However, as fortune has it, that burden has been lifted and the truth can now be shared to all.”
Curious mutters began to fill the crowd and they looked around with puzzled frowns. Only a few seemed to notice Loch standing with them, and those that did showed little reaction before turning to face their prince. Kavalan worked the crowd expertly, drawing out his explanation just long enough to build anticipation.
He held out his arm, now bare of the mark, and waited for the significance to sink in. The mutters grew louder.
“I am not the guardian of the Chosen One. Instead, I was tasked with keeping him at my side, shielding him from the danger of his fate, even as he protected me from all dangers which came my way. The Chosen One has arrived and officially claimed his guardian, so our secret can now be revealed. Loch, Sawyer.”
Sawyer moved forward with Loch by his side. They stepped up beside Kavalan, and any who hadn’t noticed Loch’s wardrobe change before certainly did now. Kavalan smiled out at the crowd before giving Loch a significant look. The newest guardian spread his wings wide, revealing the mark of the chosen one for all of them to see.
“The lady of the lake blessed her imp, chose him among all the others to gift this honor. We must honor her blessing and celebrate! As they continue on their journey to heal the magic in all the realms, we send with them our fiercest warrior. For the guard who has been by my side for these many years, my friend and champion, I also gift him with further bounty for his journey to the human realm. My brothers, Taraghlan the white and Uallas the dark will add to the defenses of the Chosen One, protecting him as do the warriors from other clans of his guardians, joining my captain in his duties and adding their strength to his. I also send with him Puteri, my companion since childhood, one who has served me well and who will continue her good works by aiding the Chosen One in his mission.”
Andvari had no idea how Sawyer managed not to react to the prince’s announcement. He simply smiled and looked out at all of the gathered fae. Puteri made a single squeaking noise, clearly as surprised as the rest of them were. Andvari prepared himself for the lecture he planned on giving the brownie. He would not allow Sawyer or the rest of them to be at risk because she thought to “help.” From the low grumbles of the other guardians, they were having the same thoughts as him.
“It is also with great honor that I announce my mating with Diarmed, leader of the satyrs. My mate has kept our secret as we waited for the Chosen One, but now we have my mother’s blessing to plan our joining. She has gone to the elder elves to proclaim our intent. Diarmed has also accepted the role as the new captain of my guard, and his family will be added to the ranks of my guards immediately.”
At this, the satyrs began to cheer and the rest of the fae joined in. Kavalan pulled Loch to him. They hugged for a long moment before Kavalan pulled back and held out Loch’s hand. Sawyer stepped forward and accepted it. The fae’s cheers grew louder. Kavalan then grinned down at his mate, who reached up and grabbed the prince from his makeshift stage and wrapped him up in a heated embrace.
“What just happened?” Andvari muttered.
“You just witnessed an expert politician at
work,” Eduard answered. “Brilliant.”
Sawyer and Loch returned to them and they settled into the cushioned seating area the sprites had set up for them earlier. The celebration went on for hours around them. Eventually, Kavalan made his way to them, claiming a seat next to Sawyer. His beaming smile never faded.
“Puteri!”
She popped into existence at Kavalan’s side. “Yes, my prince.”
His smile dimmed, only slightly. “You understand your new orders?”
She lowered her head. “Yes, my prince.”
“Your loyalty now belongs to the Chosen One. Do not let me down.”
“I won’t.” Puteri leaned in and Kavalan lifted his hand. “I adore you, my prince.”
“I know you do, Puteri. I never doubted it for a second. Keep them safe. And now, I need to speak to the Chosen One. Sawyer, would you care for a swim?”
“Uh…sure. A swim sounds nice.”
Kavalan stood and reached out his hand to Sawyer. Sawyer accepted it and they walked together down the beach, only followed by Loch. Andvari stood at the edge of the water, not willing to let them out of his sight. The party raged on behind them as the fae celebrated as only they could.
Loch
The prince dropped his tunic at the edge of the water before diving into the lake. Sawyer glanced at Loch, questioning. “Let us join the prince,” Loch advised.
He unbuttoned his tunic before slipping it over his head. Sawyer repeated the motion before he began walking into the water. Loch followed. Once they were in deeper water, Sawyer began to swim toward Kavalan. The lake welcomed them, sending warmth around them as they grew closer.
Kavalan had another of his beaming smiles on, and he turned to Loch.
With a nod, Loch raised his shield around them as Kavalan worked his own magic, glamouring the bubble so no one would see what was actually taking place inside. The lake shifted once more, gently wrapping around them and allowing them to float without exerting any energy. Loch passed his hand gently through the water, thanking her for her care.
