by Riley Walker
Once everyone has left, the castle becomes instantly silent. I look over to the Princess and notice the unease in her eyes and the stiffness in her body. “Princess, they will be back and all of this will be over soon.”
She looks over at me, nods her head and graces me with a small smile. I watch as some of the tension leaves her and it warms me to know I was able to ease some of her pain. I stretch out my hand in her direction, “Come with me, Princess. Let’s go for a walk in the rose garden. It will help get your mind off of things.”
I watch her look over at Shelby, who gives her a wink and walks off toward the kitchen. My Beloved reaches her hand out and places it in mine. I lead us through the castle and out the back doors, and to the Queen’s rose garden. We begin walking slowly, taking our time to look over the varieties of different roses that are blooming. When we pass by a concrete bench, her grip on my hand tightens and I feel her shudder.
“What is wrong, Princess?”
“Nothing, Winston. Just reliving a bad memory.”
We continue walking for a bit before what she said sinks in. I immediately stop and force her to look at me. “I am sorry about that night, Princess.” I take a deep breath before I continue bearing my soul to her. “I knew exactly who Bianca was when I brought her out here.” She tries to pull her hand away from mine, but I just hold on tighter. “She was nothing to me, Princess. None of them meant anything to me.”
I finally release her hand and she walks away from me. Just when I think that I have royally screwed up, she whirls around and stomps back to me, poking me in the chest with her finger.
“If you knew who she was, then why do it? Why put me through any of that? Do you have any idea how much it hurt me to see you with her? She was supposed to be my best friend. Who does that to people?”
I grab her finger before it can put a permanent hole in my chest. “I know, and I am truly sorry. I have never wanted my life to be planned out for me. From the moment you were born, all I have ever heard was how I would grow up, marry you, and join our Kingdoms. That was all I was good for.” I take her hand again and lead her to a different bench and sit her down. I turn and kneel on one knee in front of her. “You have always been my future, but to have it beaten into you everyday, it was more than I could handle. I thought if you saw me with that wretched person, you would demand that we call off, or at least postpone the wedding for a bit. I did have feelings for you then, I just was not ready for them.”
She takes a moment and just stares at me, almost as if she is searching my soul for the truth. When she realizes that what I have spoken is real, she gifts me her beautiful smile and places her hand on my chest. She leans forward and just when I think she is about to kiss me, she pushes me so hard that I fall and land on my back, knocking the wind out of me.
She jumps up from the bench, putting her hands on her hips and bends over me. “Did you really think that spouting all those pretty words would work on me? You wanted me? Please. If you really had wanted me, you wouldn’t have paraded all those women in front of me. Two years, Winston! I watched you for two whole years attend every function that I did, and not once did you have the same bimbo on your arm. So, they meant nothing to you? You just brought them here to torment me, then what? Take them home for a quick thank you screw and go on to the next one?”
By the time she is done with her ranting, I have stood up and dusted myself off. She is breathing so heavy, I can see the rise and fall of her chest. I slowly take a step toward her, ready to move quickly if it looks like she is going to attempt to take me to the ground again. When I feel that my safety is no longer in jeopardy, I lift my hand and use the back to caress her wet cheek. I had not realized she was crying. I knew I hurt her, but I never thought it was this deep.
“My Beloved, I promise you, not only did none of those women mean anything to me, but I never touched a single one.” I remove my hand from her face and wrap it around her waist and pulling her to me. “I have never touched anyone. What you saw me doing with her, that was the farthest it went. I am untouched, Princess. I may have been fighting my future, but I could never stop the feelings I have for you.”
I use my free hand to wipe away the tears that have continually fallen. When I remove the last one, she lays her head on my chest and wraps her arms around my waist. We just stand there, holding onto each other, lost in memories that will hopefully be buried after today.
“I forgive you, Winnie.” I roll my eyes at that horrible nickname. “It hurt to see you with all of them, but what hurt the most, was how mean and completely indifferent you treated me. Like I was nothing to you. The night I found you here with her, I decided I couldn’t do it anymore. The next morning is when Gretchen helped me get out of here and sent me to her brother in the Earth Realm.”
I pull her even closer, “I had no idea that I was the reason you left.” I release her and begin pacing. I turn around, running my hands through my hair in frustration and regret. “Why didn’t you say something? At first, no one would tell me where you were. When I finally found out where you had gone, they wouldn’t tell me why you left or when you would be back. I was devastated.”
She grabs my arms and pulls my hands from my hair. “Winnie, we were both younger and so stupid. I didn’t want my entire life laid out for me either. I may have had feelings for you, but my heart already belonged to Edrik, and he didn’t even know it. Let’s just say it was two immature, spoiled Royals, that made some big mistakes and forget about all of it. I’m willing to start over, if you are.”
“I am more than willing to let it all go.” I lean over and place a kiss on her temple, taking a moment to breathe her in.
She places a hand on my chest and gently pushes me away. “I can’t do this with you right now, Winnie. I have two fated already, if Ruby is right, at least another one somewhere out there. I’m so confused because of not only my feelings for you, but also my duty to my people.” She takes a step back away from me. “We are still betrothed to each other! I have two fated mates. What am I supposed to do? How do I handle all of this without going completely insane?”
“Beloved….”
“Stop! Just, please stop calling me that. I can’t focus when I hear you use that name. Look, just give me some time.” She walks back over to me and places her hands on either side of my face. “I just need a little time, Winnie. I forgive you for the mistakes you made. I understand what you were going through, but I need time to wrap my head around it all and figure out what to do. Please, just give me this.”
Does she not know by now that I would give her the world if she asked me for it? “I understand. I will give you all the time you need. All I ask is that you do not leave me again.”
The Princess leans up and places a swift kiss on my lips. “I promise not to leave you. Thank you, Winnie. For telling me the truth. I know it wasn’t easy for you.”
She drops her hands and I watch my Beloved walk back into the castle.
35
I Am H-O-T
The talk with Winston leaves me more confused than ever. I need to find Shelby. She always knows just what to do, or at least she can distract me from the jumble of thoughts in my head. I look for her in her room, but it’s empty. Lately, she has been spending all her time with the Inferiors. Something about being close to other shifters makes her feel better. I never thought my best friend would turn out to be a penguin shifter.
I’m heading outside to look for Shelby when one of the Royal Guards stops me. “Princess, you cannot go outside alone. If you are going to the Inferior camp, it would be my honor to escort you.”
I roll my eyes, but I know he is only doing his job. “Very well, let’s go then. Oh, by the way, have you seen my friend Shelby?”
He nods, “Yes, Princess. She has been with the Inferiors all day.”
“Ok, let’s go find my little penguin.” I follow him out the door and across the grounds to the forest where they have set up their temporary camp.
It doesn’t
take long for me to spot the little girl with the corkscrew blond curls playing kickball. She is screaming at the top of her lungs with excitement after running all the bases. She is the only girl playing and she is kicking some butt. One day that girl is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
I walk over to the game and spot Shelby sitting down on a log taking score. “Hey, Shelby, do you have a minute?” I ask while sitting down next to her.
Shelby looks over at me, “Sure, Frannie, what’s up?”
“I’m having boy trouble again, but this time, it’s Winston.” I grimace while looking at her. She’s going to think I’m nuts for having feelings for him.
She laughs and continues watching the game. “What’s King Asshat done this time? Did you catch him boinking one of the maids?’
I’m surprised by the sudden rush of jealousy her question insights. “No, nothing like that. It’s a long story, and I think I’m going to need a drink to get through it.”
She pats my leg. “Ok Frannie. Let’s have a girl night. I’ll be in as soon as this game is over. Cheer up buttercup, Shelby will make it all better.” I can’t help but laugh. She always knows just what to say.
I am headed back to the castle followed closely by the Royal Guard when I hear someone calling my name. I turn around to see Helen jogging toward me. “Hi, Helen. What’s up?”
She gives me a shy grin. “Nothing much. Annie is staying in her best friend’s tent tonight. Her mom has promised a campfire with ghost stories. Do you have plans? I’m desperate for some adult conversation that has nothing to do with Armand or this war.”
“Actually, Shelby and I are going to have a girls’ night. I’m sure she won’t mind if you come. The more the merrier, right? I will warn you that there will be lots of wine, and lots of gossip.”
Helen gives me the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face and gives a little squeal. “Oh Franchesca, that would be fantastic. Are you sure Shelby won’t mind? I don’t want to be a bother.”
I give her a reassuring smile. “Of course she won’t mind. Meet us in my bedroom after you have Annie settled down at her friend’s. Wear comfy clothes because it will probably be an all nighter.”
“Thank you, Franchesca!” She yells while quickly making her way back to the camp.
When I enter the house, I go straight to the kitchen. After rummaging through the pantry for snacks, I am finally happy with my loot. I find Shelby already in my bedroom with several bottles of wine. That girl will use any excuse to drink Fey wine. She has changed into yoga pants and a shirt that reads, Nacho Problem.
I walk into my closet and change into a pair of comfy boy shorts and a t-shirt that reads, Sassy Since Birth. Now that Shelby and I do all our shopping together, most of my shirts have cute sayings on them. “Shelby, I invited Helen. I hope you don’t mind.”
She takes a break from sorting all the food I grabbed from the kitchen, “You know it’s okay with me. I adore her and Annie.”
My best friend is the best. I help her sort all the food and set out glasses for the three of us. We are already half way into our first bottle when Helen finally shows up.
“Helen!” Shelby jumps off of the couch and runs to the door, grabbing Helen into a bone crushing hug. “We are so glad you came. We’re going to have the bestest time ever!”
Helen looks at me in confusion, “The Fey wine hits her hard. It doesn’t take much to get her drunk.” I shrug my shoulders and take another sip of my drink.
Helen pats Shelby on the back and eases out of her grasp. She plops down on the floor beside me and grabs the glass I sat down in front of her. Helen takes a big gulp before setting the glass back down and looking at me. “So, give me the details on what’s going on with you and your merry men.”
Shelby laughs so hard at this question, she rolls right off of the couch. “Merry men. Oh, that’s too funny, Helen. Colton would have loved you.” She squeaks this out between gulps of air.
I notice Shelby’s face starting to fall and I decide to keep her distracted with the talk of my love life.
I turn back to Helen, “What do you mean, what’s going on?”
“Well, we all know you have Rook and that hunky Knight of yours, but what about the King? Everytime I see you, I see him.”
“You mean Winston?” I groan and take a sip of my wine before I answer her. “Okay, let me tell you both what he said to me today. I need some advice anyways.”
I get comfortable and drain my glass before I repeat every word Winston spoke to me in the garden earlier. When I am done, I wait to hear what words of wisdom these two will have for me. Nothing. I look from one to the other, both wearing identical looks on their faces. “What?”
“Frannie, he actually told you he hadn’t been with anyone? Like never, never?”
“That’s exactly what he told me, Shelby. No one, ever.”
“Damn.” I look over in shock at Helen. “Girl, that man wants you bad. You can’t just leave a man like that waiting. You need to decide what to do. Personally, I would say yes, and take all three of them to bed. Together. Mercy, can you imagine?”
Shelby mimics fanning herself. “Do you have a fan, Frannie? Because this penguin is H-O-T.”
I throw a pillow at her. “Shut up. You know I already have Edrik and Rook. If Ruby is right, I may have another fated mate out there, and I have Winston on top of all that.”
I lay back on the floor and look up at the ceiling. Maybe the answers I need are on it. “Franchesca, here is my advice to you. Take one day at a time. If your relationship with King Winston is supposed to be, then let fate take over and have faith. Everything will work out as it is supposed to. Now,” she turns her gaze on Shelby, “pass me more wine. This party is getting too heavy. I need some girl time, not adult time.”
A few hours later of swapping stories, drinking wine, and discussing all the good looking guys in the Inferior and Renegade camp, Shelby decides to talk about the dreaded fight with Bianca.
“Hey Helen, did you hear about the time our Frannie here beat up on Edrik’s old girlfriend? I hear she gave her a concussion and put her in a full body cast, then ripped her hair out by the roots.”
I look over at her and gasp. “I did no such thing! I simply body slammed her and broke her arm. Hussy deserved to be put in a body cast though.”
Shelby starts laughing again, “Hussy. Good one Frannie.” She laughs again, and then snorts. The snort makes Helen laugh, which causes Shelby to laugh even harder, which leads to another snort. I slap my palm over my face. I already know how this is going to end.
Laugh.
Snort.
Penguin.
“Sweet mercy. She really is a penguin,” Helen whispers at me.
Before I have the chance to respond, Helen is on all fours, crawling across my room toward Shelby, the penguin. When she reaches her, she stands up and begins to pat her head while crooning. “Oh my. She is so adorable. I have never seen a penguin shifter before. You’re so cute. Aren’t you a cute little penguin.” Helen tries to pick up Shelby, but before she can, Shelby takes off on her waddle and moves behind Helen. I also know how this is going to go. I hold my breath and wait for it.
Whack!
Helen jumps in the air, “What the hell was that for? Franchesca, did you see that ? She just smacked me on the ass with her flipper. What the heck?”
I watch my best friend start to waddle around the room and I look up at Helen, just shrugging my shoulders. “This happens when she drinks too much. She snort-a-shifts.”
Helen has a bewildered look on her face. “Right. So, how long will she be waddling around your room like this?”
I look over to see Shelby in front of my gold leaf mirror, making different poses. Help me. “She won’t last long. She usually passes out about an hour afterwards. She's still not used to shifting and it takes a lot out of her.”
We watch my penguin best friend make more poses and waddle around my closet and bathroom before finally settling down on
the floor beside my bed. It doesn’t take long before we hear little snores coming from her beak. Bless her heart.
Helen and I decide to call it a night not long after. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.
36
Asshat vs. Asshat
The next few days bleed together. Winston and I continue to work with Helen and a few other Inferior women on setting up a temporary schooling for the children. Shelby stays busy with Jessup the healer. She has gotten close to the older man and he is patiently teaching her different herbs and medicines of the Fey that are used for all types of illness and ailments.
It’s during one of our mornings of gathering things for the school when I feel it. Something isn’t right. I look up to find the source of my unease and I see Edrik and Rook headed toward me. When I stand, I see two other men behind them carrying a makeshift gurney. I drop the supplies in my arms and run to my two fated. When I reach them, I see Hawkeye lying still on the gurney. His color is ashen and his shirt is covered in blood.
“Hawkeye! What happened to him?” I turn to look at Winston, “Go get Jessup and Shelby. Tell them to get ready, we’re headed to them.”
Winston runs off ahead of us to prepare them for Hawkeye. I look up at Edrik and he shakes his head at me. I grab Rook’s hand and walk by his side to the healer’s tent.
Shelby opens the flap to allow us in and I see her go pale at the sight of Hawkeye laid out, unmoving, and unresponsive. To see this large man, so full of mischief and fire laying there like this, it almost takes me to my knees.
Jessup comes over and directs the two soldiers on where to place Hawkeye. He looks over at the three of us. “I need space to work. Go on and I’ll send Shelby for you as soon as I get him stable.”
