By The Skies

by J E Mueller

  Eastyn stopped, looking annoyed. “What in the blazes was that?”

  “I don’t know, is your staff normally clumsy?” Joseph shrugged, not seeming concerned.

  “I’ll check,” Joven volunteered, looking rather annoyed.

  I could hear the door open as I tried to swat at Eastyn, who didn’t seem to notice my efforts.

  “Just a clumsy maid.” Joven dragged in a scared looking girl.

  “Go and show her what fun she’s messed up,” Eastyn ordered.

  Joseph chuckled. “If you won’t, I will.”

  Joven shoved the maid his way as she tried to apologize.

  “Stop your whining,” Eastyn yelled at the maid. “Go do what he says.”

  The maid sobbed her agreement as Joseph dragged her out of the room.

  “Maybe I should go have some fun.” Joven glanced at me. “She’s too out of it to be fun anyway. I like a little more fight and bite.”

  “Your call.” Eastyn took off his shirt and loosened his pants as he laid on top of me. “Where was I?”

  I tried to call out a no, but it hardly sounded like anything. Eastyn kissed me hard, forcing his way into my mouth as he grabbed one of my hands and shoved it into his pants. “Soon, all of this will be yours,” he whispered gleefully into my ear. I tried to move but he kept a tight hold on me. His hand dipped between my legs again, caressing slowly upward as he enjoyed the fear in my eyes.

  Another clatter sounded in the hall and he stopped for a second, not moving his hands from just outside of their destination. I cried and tried to move but Eastyn didn’t care. He was done playing allies. His hand started to move again when the sound of glass breaking had him on his feet and me falling off the sofa.

  My head spun and reeled from the sudden fall, but whatever caused it I thanked. How long would this distraction save me?

  There was suddenly a lot of noise and someone picked me up. “I’ve found her. She looks drugged.”

  I couldn’t hear the reply over the noise. There was a sense of magic in the air and a few screams before something pricked me in the arm and everything went black.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Everything around me felt soft and cozy. Part of me was afraid to open my eyes and see where fate thrust me this time. The other part was greatly hoping that things were in my favor if I was under fluffy blankets. Carefully, I opened my eyes and saw I was in a very well decorated room. A fire was crackling to one side and lights were lit to be magically dim.

  My new surroundings filled me with a sense of welcome, and I noticed my body was better. Everything had been healed by someone. My magic was starting to resurface, wisps were within my grapes as it tried to build back up to the strength and flow I was used to. Joy filled my soul. Whatever was going on, I finally felt I was in the right place. I had to be.

  Carefully, I got up, pleased to see I was in a proper thick nightgown and that a robe was laid at the end of the bed. With the robe on, I cautiously made my way to the door and opened it. It led to a wide seating room and with the door cracked I could hear voices I recognized. I opened it fully, relieved to see the voices matched faces I knew.

  I rushed over to Aylum, crushing him awkwardly in his chair with a hug.

  “It’s okay.” He hugged me back, pulling me onto his lap. “You’re safe now.”

  I didn’t say anything. Instead, I opted to bury my face in his shoulder.

  “It’s good to see you’re finally up,” I heard Soleia say, her voice getting closer as she walked over to us. “Getting the drugs out of your system was tougher than we expected it to be. They must have been pumping them into you daily.”

  I nodded, keeping my head buried and enjoying Aylum’s embrace.

  “We’re all glad to have you back,” Delmar rejoiced softly.

  There was silence for several moments before Soleia spoke again, “I think now might be a nice time for a short walk.”

  “I agree,” I heard Delmar say. There was the scrape of a chair moving back.

  After they left, Aylum finally spoke again. “I’ve been worried sick. I’m not even sure what to think right now, but I am so glad to have you here with me.”

  I squeezed him tightly. “They destroyed the pendant you gave me.”

  Aylum shifted, moving me so he could see my face. “I know. Soleia had just regained her magic when they broke hers, and I could only assume they destroyed everything. She was furious. We would have just tracked you by your magic, but whatever they did to dampen it was enough for her not to be able to.”

  “How did you find me?” It seemed impossible.

  “Delmar.” Aylum gave a small laugh. “He had heard that his uncle was taking time away at the family home in the mountains. Delmar gave us all the information on where to go, the layout, and the most likely places anyone would be at any given time. He got permission to send guards to help. Kidnapping is a terrible offense and high crime. Preventing a duel is another terrible offense.”

  “What happened to everyone?” I couldn’t imagine my father was in on this, but who knew for sure.

  “I can’t speak for Soleia’s side, but I do know she gave your mother a good thrashing before leaving. There were some guards sent to bring her in for trial. I know your father is angry, he had no idea until you were gone and his wife was beaten. Your mother didn’t get why the drug didn’t fully work on Soleia. While she could stop the human magic, she could not get rid of Soleia’s dragon strength.” Aylum shook his head as he continued. “Everyone is locked up except the Lari himself. He’s dead.”

  My head reeled in surprise. “What?” A prominent figure erased from history, sent to the underworld where he belonged.

  “He told me we can’t take the prize that he won, and I may have punched a hole in him,” Aylum replied, exhaling deeply. “Humans are fragile, and I momentarily forgot that. He could have been healed, but the guards with me collectively agreed if someone could punch him that hard, he deserved his fate. Thankfully, the King agreed.”

  “Oh no, the King’s directly involved now too?” As if things weren’t ridiculous enough.

  “That is another long story on Delmar’s end. The endpoint is, Eastyn is locked up for a list of heavy crimes. The staff had several grievances against the family and were all too happy to give any information to see them hanged. It has been decided that you get to choose his fate. If I had it my way, he’d get to fight me in my dragon form.”

  I nodded slowly, taking everything in. “It will need to be a good one, then, after all of this.”

  “What happened?” Aylum asked softly.

  I pressed my head against him once more, trying not to shudder at the thought. He rubbed my back gently while I tried to gather my words, but none felt right on my tongue. “You were just in time.” I blinked away tears until there were too many to hold back, only vaguely aware of how tight Aylum was holding me. There wasn’t much to go through, the bits were too vague in places, but I explained enough of it for him to get the gist of it all.

  We soaked in a few moments of silence, Aylum continued to rub my back gently as I tried to recompose myself. Soon after I managed to calm down again, Delmar and Soleia returned.

  “Where are we, anyway?” I finally asked as I sat upright.

  Aylum stood up with me, moving us to the sofa so I could sit beside him.

  “Um…” Soleia and Aylum both looked over at Delmar.

  “Well, I guess you are the only one who doesn’t know at this point.” Delmar gave a small chuckle.

  “Know what?” It felt so weird being on the outside of all of this.

  “We are at my home. This room is actually part of my chambers. I wanted to make sure you were the best protected and taken care of until you were ready to leave,” Delmar explained, waving vaguely at the surroundings. “I may have sort of lied about who I was for the entire length you’ve known me.”

  I frowned. “How can you possibly do that? I know your cousins personally, and your sister. No one can k
eep that good of a secret.”

  “Well, my sister can, and as for my cousins they really didn’t know.” In a wave of magic Delmar’s appearance changed to one I only really knew from portraits.

  I gave a small gasp, surprised. “No. Truly?” The prince of Arix sat before me.

  Delmar shrugged. “I’ve been going by my middle name at school for ages, and since I can’t stand my first name, please, just call me Delmar. It helps that I have enchanting magic, so I can keep it up with ease. My sister needs potions to keep up with hers, but she can uphold the illusion herself for short segments. For ages at family gatherings me and my siblings have played a game. How long can we be two people at once before someone notices? The answer is apparently forever with those halfwits.”

  I stared, dumbfounded. “All those conversations about things you would change if you could are just your actual plans.” I gave a small laugh. “My entire life feels like it’s pulled straight from a book.”

  Delmar chuckled. “Aylum knew, but that’s a story for another time.”

  “And I had recently suspected it,” Soleia smirked.

  “That was why you were so interested in everyone’s names.” I laughed, seeing the pieces come together before a yawn struck me.

  “You should rest,” Aylum stated, his voice immediately full of concern.

  “I think I would like some food before I sleep,” I admitted. “I’m tired, but I don’t feel terrible.”

  “That makes sense. You were out for two days,” Soleia explained before glancing over at Delmar. “Can you abuse your privilege some more and get her some food?”

  “With ease.” Delmar chuckled getting up and walking over to the door. He briefly whispered to someone on the other side before rejoining us. “Now that food is taken care of, we have a few matters to discuss.”

  “Can’t that wait?” Aylum asked, trying to fuss over me.

  “I’m fine enough. What are they?” There was no use avoiding every discussion.

  “I don’t need answers now, but I doubt many will give you time away from answering tomorrow. They’ll want to know exactly what part your mother played in this, if your father played a part, and what exactly you want to do about your Promised since all the rules were broken.”

  “I can easily explain what I know Mother did. As far as I know, my father played no part. For that pond scum I was previously Promised to, well, I want to duel him and then let Aylum fight him in whatever way he sees fit,” I replied with ease.

  Soleia laughed. “I am glad to see you won’t let that go. You’ve worked hard to beat him.”

  Delmar glanced over at Aylum. “Am I to assume that the fight shouldn’t be a public affair then?”

  “If I’m truly allowed to fight him how I see fit, then no. It should not be open to anyone out of the know,” Aylum agreed before adding, “I don’t have to keep him alive do I?”

  Delmar smirked. “It’s considered legally a fair fight if he has a proper sword. Do as you please.”

  Relief flooded through me. This was actually at an end.

  I wasn’t thrilled that they insisted I sleep more. At first all I could think about was the duel that was finally going to happen. Then exhaustion swept over me like a tidal wave and dragged me under.

  I had never been so thrilled to wake up. Soleia had stayed the night with me, since it wouldn’t have been proper for Aylum to. I didn’t try and fight the issue. Everyone was safe, and things were finally falling into place. I had never been so excited for a fight in my life.

  Soleia was almost equally excited. She wanted justice, and was only disappointed she couldn’t join in. Delmar found it more funny than terrifying. It was certainly a wise move to have dragons on your side.

  By the time we were finally allowed to start things I was antsy, ready to begin. There wasn’t a nervous fiber in my body, just some lingering magical drain and minor exhaustion. I was going to own this fight, and beat Eastyn fairly. Then let justice run its course.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Soleia asked as she walked with me, Aylum, and Delmar.

  “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

  Soleia shrugged. “I just know last time you spent any length with him, things were less than well… I am not sure how you would handle seeing him again.”

  I nodded. “The thought of him makes my stomach sick at best. I don’t know how I will react to seeing him again, but I figure if I can’t fight him, I can still see to it he gets exactly what he deserves.”

  “That is a good plan.” Aylum squeezed my arm as we stopped in front of a double door.

  I looked to Delmar. “Where are we exactly?”

  Delmar gave a soft smile. “Just a training room that is used more for private lessons. It is bigger than what we need it for, but out of the way and contained so onlookers won’t be an issue.” He placed a hand on the door before hesitating. “Are you ready?”

  I wasn’t sure if I would ever be ready for this, but nodded anyway. “Yes.”

  Delmar opened the door and while my stomach crawled at the sight of Eastyn, I was ecstatic to see his arms and legs shackled with two guards on either side of him. Magical lights illuminated the room since the shades were drawn tight. No one would catch a glimpse of what went on in here today. Eastyn looked over at the sound of the door creaking open, surprised to see us.

  “Oh good, cousin. Certainly, you’re here to let me out for whatever madness is going on,” Eastyn drawled confidently as he tried to walk to the door, the guards barred his way.

  Delmar raised an eyebrow and took several steps forward. “My dear cousin. You have been charged with accessory and aiding to kidnapping, holding someone against their will, and a whole slew of other crimes. I’m greatly confused why you would think I would want to release you.”

  “I’m family, and most of that is either lies or a great misunderstanding. Kareia knows I was trying to help her out.” Eastyn nodded toward me. “I was on her side.”

  His words echoed in my head, but that final moment with him had shown otherwise. My cheeks felt hot with rage. “You drugged me!” I screeched, the words out of my mouth before I could even help it.

  “I did no such thing. You had a drink and it hit you harder than expected. Nothing more,” Eastyn replied innocently.

  “I don’t believe a word of it,” I heard Aedyt, Delmar’s sister, say from behind us, shutting the door as she came in. “There’s plenty of testimony against you.” She came to stand next to her brother and crossed her arms. “And some of those statements come from people I know.” Her voice was cold. “If it were up to me, I’d stab you myself.”

  “Good thing it’s not up to an emotional girl-child who wouldn’t understand how life really is,” Eastyn shot back.

  Delmar laughed hard for a moment. “But, it is!” He laughed again, pleased as punch at his delivery before motioning toward me.

  “What? She’s too emotional to make rational decisions. Certainly, you can see it,” Eastyn scoffed.

  Whatever hesitation I might have had in fighting him was lost in that moment. He wanted an emotional mess? He was going to get one.

  “Kareia wants her right to duel you, and then, if you can survive a duel with Aylum, you’re free to go. For the first duel, standard dueling rules apply, but if you make it through that, you’ll be free to wield whatever magic and tactics you wish against Aylum.”

  Eastyn laughed. “I do not doubt my years of experience in fencing nor my magic. Thank you for giving me a way out.”

  Delmar smirked. “Okay, Let’s get on with it. I am here to enjoy a good fight.” He stepped back and motioned to the far side of the room. “Kareia, please pick your blade.”

  I was confused for a moment as I walked over to the complete opposite end of the otherwise empty room to where he had pointed. As I approached, I saw one was clearly with a pointed edge, and not standard by any means. I had to smile at that. While they were all more than willing to let me have this fight, they were also
much more interested in seeing Eastyn pay for what he and his family had done.

  I picked up the modified sabre, more than willing to oblige with everyone's need for blood spilled. If things hadn’t happened when they did… I didn’t want to think about what Eastyn would have done. There was no holding him back, and I should not hold back on him.

  Delmar nodded as he moved to grab the remaining one. “Guards, you may release him. Everyone else, please step back.”

  Eastyn gave them a dirty look as they removed the shackles. When Delmar handed him the sword, Eastyn frowned. “I can clearly see this isn’t the same as hers. Where’s my father or even your father for that matter? This isn’t justice.” He sneered at his cousin.

  Delmar raised an eyebrow. “My father has the court to deal with. You’ll be seeing yours soon enough.”

  Eastyn shot Delmar a glare. “Away at court while you’re holding me prisoner? What sort of joke is this?”

  Delmar gave him an annoyed look before taking three steps back and letting his illusion fall. Eastyn’s expression shifted from surprise to horror in a fantastic show - one I hoped never to forget. “What’s the meaning of this?”

  “My father, the king, has more important things to deal with than a troublesome nephew whom the world won’t miss. Now either get ready to duel, or stand still and be a pincushion. I won’t be stopping her from stabbing you,” Delmar stated coldly.

  Aedyt nodded at Delmar and her illusion fell as she waved. “I’ve been looking forward to this all morning.”

  Delmar didn’t give Eastyn any more warning as I held my sabre straight forward. “Begin.”

  I didn’t waste time and gleefully pulled what magic I could around me and teleported behind him before slashing him in the side. He called out in surprise and pain, but I was gone before he could react, back to my starting position.

  “What’s wrong? I’m just a little healer.” I smirked mockingly.

  Eastyn tried to charge at me, but I easily teleported behind him, striking him in the same place, causing him to hiss in pain as red started to drip down his side. He moved to strike at me again, and across the room I went. For a moment, I felt dizzy. My magic was still recovering, my body trying to clear away what was left of the after effects of the drug.