by L. R. W. Lee
“Show-offs,” Kovis said and stuck out his tongue.
I snorted. Never in my life had I seen him do anything even remotely resembling that, not even in his dreams. So unprincely. “Your wings are far more impressive.”
He grinned. “They are, aren’t they?”
“Mm-hmm.”
He leaned over and nuzzled my neck. “Show me another one of your special spots.”
My mouth dropped open. “Ko-vis.” I swatted him playfully.
He added kisses.
I flicked my brow. Time for him to experience what I’d felt when he’d stroked my special spot last sun. My arm moved in stealth, up and over until it was above the bend in his wing. I reached down and inside and stroked ever so lightly.
He sucked in a breath, then chuckled. “Oh, Ali, what you do to me.”
I leaned over and kissed him, then said, “I believe your ego is sufficiently bolstered, oh great one. Time to try again.”
“Yes, master,” he replied with a wink.
“You can do this!”
He scrunched his face in concentration. He was just too cute. I could not wait for him to master this. We’d soar through the skies together. My heart sped.
He crouched, brought his wings down hard, then jumped. And rose on air!
“Flap!” I yelled when he hesitated.
He crashed face-first, and I rushed to him.
He moaned as he sat up. A trickle of red colored his forehead.
“You did it!” I said as I wiped the blood with my thumb.
He chuckled. “I did, didn’t I?”
“You just need to remember to keep stroking.”
“I was so surprised I’d gotten the timing right that I…” He shook his head.
“Do it again.”
So he did. And launched into the air. Downstroke. Downstroke. Again and again.
I launched and joined him. When I drew even, I looked over to see tears wetting his cheeks. What’s wrong?
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke. This was your life before you came… You gave this up, for me.
I wanted to hug him, kiss him, touch him as we glided on the wind.
We flew over the meadow, over the tree the birds had landed in, over grasses and boulders and scrub.
Climb higher with me, I said, and he did. He was quiet for quite some time, and I left him to his thoughts as I savored the scenery rushing by below and the warmth of the sun on my wings. While I’d flown the sun before, I’d couldn’t get enough.
He broke the silence a while later. It’s so beautiful up here. Our air cushions only got us so far, but they never gave us true freedom, not like this. I feel completely unfettered. Thank you, Ali, for teaching me to soar.
I could have told him he’d done the same for me with The Ninety-Eight, or that he’d done the work that made this possible, but words seemed bulky, clunky. I chose to be still and just savor his words and appreciation.
We flew for some time before I showed him how to bank and dive. He caught on quickly, and soon we undulated above the field, laughing until our stomachs ached.
The sun had sunk halfway to the horizon when I asked, Are you ready to meet Mema and my sisters? Excitement nibbled at my stomach. We could make it home before the sun set.
He met my gaze with an earnest expression. There is nothing I would love more, Ali dearest.
Would you refresh my memory as to who all your sisters are? Kovis asked as we flew. There’s a lot of them. His tone sounded strained, and I realized he was probably nervous about meeting them, but I couldn’t hold back a giggle as my excitement bubbled over. Yes, compared to his family, it probably seemed like mine was a small army.
Kovis, they’re going to love you, so try to relax.
He forced a smile.
There are twelve of them. And then I have nine brothers, but you won’t meet them yet.
I heard him exhale through our bond. I just hoped he wouldn’t feel completely overwhelmed. If I could help him know who they were, perhaps it would allay some of his concerns.
So first there’s Velma. She’s the oldest, I began.
You’ve told me quite a bit about her. She sounds protective and spunky, he replied.
That’s about right. You’ll like her.
He chuckled. Do you say that because there’s one or two I won’t like?
I smiled. No, you’ll like them all. Then there’s Wasila. She and Velma are roommates. Wasila is the second shortest of us girls… well, probably third shortest now, what with my changes, but she’s playful and fun to be around.
There’s nothing wrong with being vertically challenged, Kovis countered.
I snorted. Vertically challenged? Is that what you call it?
He smiled. So what is she like?
Wasila likes to tease me about fostering romance among my charges. Sometimes I’d go on and on about how I was “helping” one or another of them “realize” what they felt for a particularly cute girl or boy. I was a great matchmaker if I do say so myself.
You never did that for me, did you?
I felt my cheeks warm.
Kovis laughed. Keeping me for yourself, were you? Good thing you came, or I’d never have found true love.
Anyway—I cleared my throat—Wynnfrith is next oldest.
Kovis interjected, She was your roommate, and she likes plays.
Yes, and she was the shortest among us, I interjected.
But alas, is no longer. Kovis chuckled.
He’d gotten lucky, I couldn’t slap him, our wings forbade it. Ailith is next. She’s enthusiastic and creative. It seems like she can do almost anything that interests her.
Isn’t she the one your father also said he would make his favorite daughter? Kovis asked.
I frowned, and my stomach tensed. Yes, I pray he hasn’t.
I didn’t mean to make you worry. I’m just trying to piece together what you’ve shared with me.
I bobbed my head. It’s okay. So anyway, next is Bega. She’s serious and likes tradition and safety.
Don’t we all like safety, at least to some extent? Kovis questioned.
Yes, but she avoids risk at nearly all cost and would never challenge authority. She, Eolande, and Eadu are all content being defenseless little princesses, having big, brave males protect them.
Kovis smiled. You make it sound like that’s a crime.
It’s just not my style. I could never stand to live that life, not enough excitement.
Kovis snorted. So our little adventure would push them over the edge, you think?
I grinned. Just a little. Next is Beval. She’s an artist, kind of like Kennan. Did I ever tell you about the Festival of Sandlings when she showed up in a fuchsia gown?
Kovis shook his head.
She made the fabric, and then she made the dress. I shook my head.
That is impressive.
After Beval is Deor. She’s sharp and is quick to speak her mind.
Kovis added, That mare imitated her with too much perfume, isn’t that right?
Leave it to Kovis to remember a beast imitating my sister. Yes, that’s right. I shook my head.
Hey, just sorting them out, he defended.
Then there’s Alfreda.
I know her. Well, I don’t know her, but…
Yes. Then Eadu. She’s analytical and less sensitive.
Like your brother Challis who figured out the math that sand people wouldn’t procreate fast enough to handle all humans’ dream needs after a time.
I looked over at him. He really had been paying attention through all the stories I’d shared since we’d been in the wilderness. Gods knew we’d had plenty of time.
Of course, Ali dearest. If they’re important to you, why would I not?
I grinned. Forgive me, I didn’t give you enough credit.
Apology accepted.
Then there’s Phina. She’s the quiet one.
Only one in the whole bunch? Your family dinners must get—
Loud? Raucous? I
chuckled. You could say that. Farfelee’s next. She’s fun loving and lives for the moment.
She’s the one who always enthuses at seeing wildlife, Kovis added. She’s the reason you figured out you flew with mares and not your siblings.
Yes! She is. Kovis, I’m so proud of you.
He smiled. I try.
Next to last is Amelia. She’s a nurturer. She’ll put everybody before herself, and she’s very perceptive about people. I love that about her. She has this sense that I just don’t.
And last but not least is Eolande, Kovis continued, who you said was like Bega and Eadu, who prefer security over adventure. As well as sewing and the “maidenly arts,” as you call them.
I glanced over. That’s right.
He grinned as if he’d passed some test.
Don’t get me wrong, I love them. I’d just be bored.
I meant no offense. And I get it. With so many siblings, there have to be one or two you prefer over the others. You can’t be equally close to all of them. At least I don’t think I could. And from everything you’ve shared, I’d say you’re closest to Velma, Alfreda, and Wynnfrith.
And you’d be right.
We continued on in silence for some time. Kovis digested what I’d told him like he studied for another test, at least it seemed so from what filled his thoughts when I checked a while later.
I caught the first glimpse of the sea off to the left soon after and then the outskirts of Sand City, one of the main populations and training areas of Lemnos, to the right sometime later. The city was just a short flight from home, so my siblings and I visited often. I’d definitely have to show Kovis City Center, its expansive central market area, sometime.
I let out a squeak as the white spires of home came into view. I couldn’t help it. The palace of sand maidens was a sight to behold. I’d never expected to see it again.
Kovis’s heart had quickened. What did he think of this place that my heart overflowed with love for? With those I loved inside. I had to know. I popped into his head, looked through his eyes, and listened.
It’s like a huge, white barrel rising from the bay, a good five stories. The setting sun makes the white stucco look pink and orange. One, two, three… nine cerulean-topped spires circle the upper floor, and archways add more decoration to that top level. He drew breath in sharply as we circled around the front. Impressive. Water’s gushing from spouts around the perimeter of two levels, back into the bay. He chuckled. And of course, an enormous pair of golden wings out front. And there’s a veritable harbor at your doorstep. With people walking around. And flying!
Turning to me, he said, I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. You really lived here. Dream realm is real. Sand people live here. Lots and lots of them. And each one helps a human sleep and dream. He shook his head. For all you’ve talked about it, I don’t know… it’s still hard to believe. All this exists outside what we mere humans know. It’s enormous.
I wanted to laugh. But seeing my world through his eyes for the first time allowed me to glimpse the wonder of it, and I realized how much I’d taken for granted. My heart swelled all the more.
I returned to my own body and said, I’m glad you like it.
He could only bob his head as words abandoned him, grappling with the new reality.
Let’s land on the third-level terrace, I suggested. It’s the grand entrance.
What? Oh. Okay. Behind the wings statue?
Yes.
Never having executed a landing before, Kovis glided behind me, studying my movements as I prepared to do so. I spread my wings wide and tilted them up to catch the wind and slow myself. Then I pulled my legs forward and bent my knees, as if grabbing for the ground. I glided nearly to a stop and took a step, furling my wings in the process.
Kovis yipped right before his unfurled wing pushed me over from behind. He landed in a heap beside me with a grunt.
“Nice technique,” I said.
He sat up smiling. “It wasn’t graceful, but it got the job done.”
“Halt!” The cry rose from above. A guard had an arrow trained on us from his position on the second level. Another guard joined him in a heartbeat, adding yet more weaponry.
I recognized the first guard as Wyke, but not the second. Wyke hadn’t been around for that long when I’d left, but I hoped I could convince him of my identity. “Wyke, it’s me, Princess Alissandra.”
He pulled back in surprise that I would know his name but yelled, “Don’t move!” Both the sentry’s arrows remained nocked.
The ornate, oversize, white doors of the palace creaked open and Baldik, one of the hulking muscular sentries who had assisted me on that fateful trip to Father’s just before I’d gone into hiding, stepped out along with another uniformed guard. Their thumbs twitched above the swords at their sides.
Still crumpled as we were from Kovis’s spectacular landing, Baldik looked us over, but there was no recognition in his eyes.
“May we?” I asked, holding my hands up to show I was unarmed.
The pair of guards drew their swords and their wings tighter before Baldik nodded for us to rise.
Kovis shifted his wings beside me as I began. “Let me try this again. I’m Princess Alissandra. Baldik,”—he also drew back at my use of his name—“you tried to protect me at my father’s palace several moons back. And when he… did what he did to me… you and Rowntree flew me back and brought me up to my bedroom, the one I share with Wynnfrith.”
The male furrowed his brow. “I’ve no idea how you know that tale, but Princess Alissandra is dark complected, you expect me to believe you when your hair is golden? And she’s much taller.”
How would I convince him?
Pull your hair away from your face, Kovis suggested.
I held my hands up, palms out, then slowly drew them to my temples and placed them where they would cover my hair. “Come closer, Baldik.”
The male shared a look with his fellow guard but stepped forward. His jaw tightened.
“Look closely. I have violet eyes. Pretend my hair is onyx.”
The guard ruffled his wings but tilted his head as he studied my features.
“I’ve been gone for nine almost ten moons.”
His eyebrows grew closer the longer he gazed, and then his eyes widened as recognition dawned. “It… it is you, Princess. What? How? What happened?”
Kovis exhaled beside me.
“Wallis, it’s really her.”
“Well, who is that?” Wallis asked, acknowledging Kovis for the first time.
“This is Prince Kovis Altairn… crown prince of the Altairn Empire… of Wake. It’s a long story.”
Both male’s mouths dropped open for a heartbeat, but their training kicked in and they snapped them shut again.
“I think we best see them in, soldier,” Baldik suggested.
“Yes, Sergeant.” Turning to us, Wallis extended an open hand as Baldrik opened the hulking door. The pair ushered us through the high-ceilinged grand entrance and down a short but well-appointed hall. We stopped outside the dining room, whose carved wooden doors stood closed.
“Excuse us.” We stepped aside as five white-gloved servers carried in three covered trays and two carafes.
Were they serving bublik and berries? It was hard to tell. It had been forever since I’d eaten the sweet pastry. They didn’t have anything comparable in Wake, and I realized I’d missed it.
“They just sat down to breakfast. I dare say your return will improve their moods. Gods know they sure need it,” Baldrik said, frowning.
Improve their moods. What did that mean? I looked to Kovis beside me. He was staring at the door, preparing himself, I realized judging by his heart rate through our bond, as we waited to be announced. Without turning, he reached over and took my hand and gave it a small squeeze.
Everything will be okay. We’ve come this far, he said.
What a man. He was reassuring me when he was under duress about what they’d think of
him.
I winked. Once this is over, we’ll do something you like. I had a few ideas I thought he’d consider.
The corner of his mouth turned up. Is that a promise?
I’d never jest about something like that.
He turned and raised a brow, just as the doors opened and servants exited, empty-handed.
Wallis held us back with an arm while Baldik entered. The sounds of clanking and rustlings filtered out to us.
After clearing his throat, he said, “Madam, ladies, you have unexpected guests.”
“This can’t wait until after we’ve finished breaking our fast?” Mema inquired. I clasp my hands together and drew them to my mouth.
“I don’t believe so, ma’am.”
“Very well, then show them in.” Frustration laced her words, and I furrowed my brow. She normally held her emotions in check.
Baldik stepped back, and Wallis motioned us forward. Butterflies launched in my stomach. And it wasn’t because we hadn’t eaten. I reached for Kovis’s hand and drew him through the doorway with me.
The sun had abandoned the sky and dusky grays and the last hints of pink filled the floor-to-ceiling window behind where Mema sat at the head of the long table that ran the length of the high-ceilinged dining room. The crystal chandelier above watched over my sisters who lined either side in their prim dresses. I suddenly realized we hadn’t taken time to clean ourselves up. I must look a fright, especially with my leathers in their current state of disrepair, but it was too late.
A steward stopped in the back, near one of the army of candles that illuminated the dimming room and relit one. No one paid him any mind. They’d all stopped eating and stared at us.
Mema scanned us, then sniffed. Judging by her frown, it wasn’t a look of approval. Only my sisters’ eyes moved, roamed over every fingerbreadth of us.
Until Wynnfrith gasped and drew a hand over her mouth. “Ali? Ali, is that really you?”
Every one of my sisters’ heads ping-ponged between us and Wynnfrith, mouths agape. Mema furrowed her brow, searching for the truth.
“Wynnfrith…” I raised my arms, not knowing whether to run and hug her or stay firmly rooted.
Kovis compelled me to action, and I bolted for my former roommate. We enveloped each other in hugs, and a heartbeat later, Wasila, Phina, Amelia, all my sisters really, pushed away from the table squealing and engulfed me in hugs.
