Skirts & Swords (Female-Led Epic Fantasy Box Set for Charity)

by L. P. Dover

  By the time she’s finished wrapping Elissa’s hand, her skin is completely back to normal and not misshapen at all. But why would she keep this a secret? As soon as we are alone, I plan to ask her.

  “I need to take her with me, Meliantha. I’m going to have Heylfred, our advisor, take a look at her. He’s very powerful and he will be able to help her and figure out what happened.”

  She looks up at me, and although her expression is strong, I can still see the quiver in her lip when she asks, “Are you going to lock her up?” My chest tightens at the thought of her friend being punished for something she didn’t consciously do, but I have to take her with me to make sure she is secured. I don’t want to cause Meliantha more pain, but it’s looking like the dark sorcerer plans to continuously cause it. I really hope one day we will find a way to destroy the bastard.

  I take Meliantha’s hand and I lightly kiss her palm.

  “She’s not going to the dungeons, if that’s what you are asking. I’ll have her safely secured in a nice room until we figure it all out. She killed a noble, Meliantha. Dark sorcerer or not, Darius is still gone, and we have to prove her innocence to the court.” I tilt her chin to look up at me. “I am so sorry, my love.”

  She nods her head and gets to her feet. Her eyes look tired, but she’s holding her body strong. I admire her for her loyalty and courage, and best of all, I love that she is mine. I pick Elissa up off the ground and I cradle her in my arms. Ashur and Meliantha both place gentle kisses on her head before stepping back.

  “I’m going to take good care of her,” I say to both of them.

  Then to Meliantha I say, “After I get Elissa settled and Heylfred sent to her, I’ll come see you first thing in the morning. We haven’t finished talking yet.” She nods her head and kisses me tenderly on the lips.

  “Please keep her safe,” she whispers. I watch her walk away with her guardian by her side. She looks back once before disappearing down the path.

  “Alright, warriors, let’s go.”

  Last night was the best and worst night of my life. Having the vision with Meliantha was the best, but having to take away her best friend was the worst. Not to mention, the dark sorcerer is trying to wreak havoc in Meliantha’s path. After I left her last night, I secured Elissa in a private room where she remained unconscious throughout the night until early this morning. I sat with her the whole time Heylfred performed his magic and found the solution. The necklace Elissa had been wearing was spelled with dark magic and that is how the dark sorcerer gained his entry. I wonder where she got the necklace. It is now with Aelfric to be taken back to the Elvish Kingdom where it can be destroyed in the magical fires, along with Finn’s gold cuff.

  After Elissa woke up, she was confused and lethargic. I gave her a few minutes to herself before explaining to her what happened. She was hysterical at first, but later calmed down slightly when I promised to bring Meliantha and Ashur to come see her before the trial. It is tragic that we lost one of our own, but the devastation and heartache Elissa is going through right now is a punishment in its own. I wish I could console her, but I know there is nothing that could make the events of the past night easier on her. Meliantha will know what to do to help.

  I couldn’t get my mind off Meliantha last night. Knowing she was in the cottage alone with her past lover had me on edge. Finn seems like an honorable warrior, but if he tries to seduce her in my absence, I’m going to kick his ass all the way back to the Summer Court. If I wasn’t busy handling this travesty, I would have liked her to stay with me...alone.

  I’m beginning to understand how the twisted mind of the dark sorcerer works. He’s doing everything possible to keep Meliantha and me apart. If we’re separated, we can’t fulfill our destiny. He’s succeeded at it for five years so he could...damn it! He’s been laughing at us the entire time while fucking with Meliantha physically and emotionally. Just thinking about it makes my body shake in fury. He’s had his hands all over her and done who knows what to her out of his sick and twisted enjoyment. I know Meliantha is strong, and she has me to help her, but how long is it going to before she breaks from the sorcerer’s perverted pleasures?

  My eyes are heavy and they feel like a bag of salt has been poured into them. I think I may have gotten about an hour of sleep during the whole ordeal. I plan to spend the morning with Meliantha and take her somewhere special before Elissa’s trial today. I don’t know when she plans on leaving, but I know she has to go back to the Summer Court to get everything arranged before forming our court. The pull to the land has grown stronger since last night and I know it’s telling me to come claim it. I am sure Meliantha is feeling the same way. I can’t wait to say the sacred words and be bound to her for all eternity. I plan to make the announcement of our bonding after the trial.

  I rub my eyes and stretch to get the kinks out of my muscles. It’s snowing outside, like usual, but for once I don’t dread the day. I quickly get out of bed and into the shower. Once I’m out, I towel dry and comb my hair. I have to be prepared if I’m to protect Meliantha, so I put on my full warrior gear. My breast plate is in place and I have everything strapped and laced. My sword is heavy hanging from the holster on my hip, but it’s a welcome weight that I find great comfort in.

  It’s still early, but I can’t wait a moment longer to see her. Before walking out of my cabin, I see my reflection in the window. After taking a shower earlier, I can’t believe I didn’t take the time to notice my newly changed body. It’s amazing how different my skin looks and feels. My heart finally feels like it belongs somewhere — it belongs with Meliantha, and in our court.

  I walk out the front door and Aki is waiting for me on the porch.

  “Come on, Aki, let’s go get our princess.”

  He huffs and runs around me once before bolting away to the cottage. His enthusiasm and excitement brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I know Meliantha has an affinity for animals, but I think Aki would have been drawn to her anyway, affinity or not. He is wagging his tail and staring at the cottage door as I approach. I knock firmly on the door and wait patiently for someone to answer. A few seconds later Meliantha opens the door and looks at me and Aki with the most beautiful smile. Her eyes look a little sad, most likely from the situation with Elissa, but it doesn’t take anything away from the lovely features of her face.

  Her auburn red hair is down and she’s wearing a knitted cream-colored cap that hugs the top of her head and over her ears. She’s also wearing a cream-colored snow jacket with cream-colored snow pants to match. I know she can’t be comfortable in all that, being from the Summer Court and all, but she looks absolutely amazing.

  After being stunned into silence by her beauty, I finally find my voice.

  “I have a surprise for you,” I say with enthusiasm as I hold out my hand for her to take. She gazes at me with excitement and quickly grabs my hand. Seeing her elation fuels mine, so I pull her hurriedly out the door and into my arms.

  “Come on, let’s go.”

  - Night of the Attack -

  My mind feels like it’s in complete shock. I think it’s a combination of everything that is taking over my body. I am angry, tired, hungry, devastated, frustrated, and every other terrible emotion you can think of. The list could go on forever, and it still wouldn’t touch the way I truly feel. How many of my loved ones is the dark sorcerer going to use to torment me? First Kalen, then Finn, and now Elissa. Who knows what’s going to happen to Elissa at the trial?

  The walk back to the cottage with Ashur is not easy. He was the one who witnessed the horrid display and I know he fears what will happen to her, and also for me. He cares for Elissa in a deeper way, so his feelings go way beyond just fear. While we were with Kalen and the warriors, Ashur told us what the dark sorcerer said while he was in Elissa’s body. He said he will see me soon, and deep in my gut I know it is the truth. He will come for me because I know his time is running out. But when will he make his move?

  My home wi
ll not be long in the Summer Court now that the transformation has begun. Kalen and I will form our new court as soon as possible, I hope. I can feel the land calling to me. It’s pulling me with an invisible force, demanding I claim it and make it mine. I’m deeply honored by this gift, and as soon as I leave this Winter haven I’ll be one step closer.

  “Soon,” I whisper among the wind.

  In order for the dark sorcerer to get my magic, he has to get it before Kalen and I bond. Once I combine my power with Kalen’s, the dark sorcerer will no longer be able to use it because it will no longer be pure. By the way things are going, it might be best to complete the bond tonight. My heart races at the thought of making Kalen mine tonight, and being able to make love to him. I wonder what he would say about completing the bond tonight. I shake my head and silently laugh at myself, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind in the least.

  When we made it to the cottage and walked inside, Finn was nowhere to be found. I wonder if he’s in my room or in another one. I’m sure I am about to find out.

  “Get some rest, Princess, we have a long day tomorrow.”

  Ashur looks worn and defeated, so I walk over to him and put my arms around him, holding him close. He grips me tight and all his sorrow and all his heartache pours into me in a huge rush. His pain runs deep like a knife being shoved in my gut. It’s deeper than I could ever imagine, so I do the only thing I know of to help. With him holding me tight, I release my power, sending it through every ache and every pain in his body. I mainly send it to his heart because that is where he needs it most.

  His grip lessens, and he pulls back, startled and wide-eyed.

  “What did you do?”

  I take his face in my hands and I answer silently, “I’m taking care of my Guardian for once. The pain was too much for you to bear, so I took it from you, but you must not speak of this to anyone. I don’t want anyone to know what I can do yet.”

  He closes his eyes and bows his head.

  “Thank you, Princess.”

  I kiss his forehead and release him.

  “You are most certainly welcome, Guardian.”

  He nods his head and slowly walks away toward his room. Once I hear his door shut, I make my way to my room. The door is shut and I hesitate for a second before turning the knob. I turn it slowly and open the door. I look around the room and Finn is nowhere to be seen. I’m relieved, but I also feel guilty. I open the door to the room beside mine, and there he is. His white-blonde hair is fanned out across the pillow and his steady breathing lets me know he’s in a deep sleep. Knowing I’ll be leaving him and the Summer Court sends a twinge of guilt sparking through my chest. I will miss his companionship greatly.

  I close the door quietly and I walk back to my room. It’s late in the evening and my body is worn from the long journey here and the stress of the recent events. I unfasten my dress and slide it off. A nice, hot shower is what I need before I go to sleep for the night. Maybe it’ll wash away all the evil I feel surrounding me. The bathroom smells of lavender and everything is laid out in all shades of purple. I need to make it a point tomorrow to ask Kalen what the obsession is with the color purple; although, I think I already know the answer.

  The hot water relaxes my body, and I sag against the wall of the shower. I can’t wait to see Kalen tomorrow so we can figure out everything with Elissa and also talk about our future plans. I am going to mention to him about my earlier ideas of completing the bond as soon as we can.

  The bathroom is steamy with the smell of lavender and fresh cut flowers. I dry off quickly and I take the bathrobe hanging on the back of the door and wrap it snugly around my body. It’s soft and cool making my heated body feel sensational underneath its silky covering. The bed looks comforting and it takes every ounce of energy I have to make it there. I lie on the bed, sinking into its comforting embrace, but I can’t help but feel like something is missing. It only takes one quick second to realize this will be the first night I have spent alone in years. The silence is lonesome, but the fear of being alone doesn’t come. Soon I’ll be in Kalen’s arms every night for the rest of my life.

  I can feel my eyelids getting heavier by the minute. I blink a few times, but then I quickly fall into the labyrinth of sleep. All I see as I close my eyes are the colorful array of flowers in the field from the vision, and the ice blue eyes of the man beside me holding me tight.

  I wake to the sound of light knocking on the bedroom door. I wait for the person to enter, but the door never opens.

  “Come in,” I call out.

  The door opens and Finn walks in carrying a tray of food and a steaming cup of something that smells absolutely wonderful. My stomach is growling so loud I know he can hear it as he makes his way into the room. A smile takes over his face and it instantly makes me smile. After everything that’s happened, he is still trying to take care of me. He truly has a heart of gold. He walks over to the side of the bed and his smile slightly falters when he sees me up close. I completely forgot that he would be seeing me in a new light now. Finn never saw me again last night after the change from the vision, so seeing me now has to be hard for him.

  I open my mouth to explain, but he cuts me off before I get my first word out.

  “You don’t have to explain, Mel.” He sets the tray down in front of me and takes a seat on the bed beside me. I wish he would let me explain so I can tell him how sorry I am and that I don’t want him to hurt. I hold back the tears as best I can. The burn makes me want to blink, but if I blink they will fall.

  He continues, “I knew what I was getting into when we became lovers, and I’m fine with that. I’m not going to lie to you, but it does hurt to see you like this.” His eyes are sad and full of longing when he meets mine. “I hate knowing that I will never be with you again.” He reaches over to grab my hand, squeezing it tight. I guess it’s safe to assume he will not be following me to the Spring Court. I know it’s for the best, but I can’t help feeling the twinge of disappointment in my chest.

  “So you’ll be staying in the Summer Court, I presume?” I ask to confirm my assumption.

  He nods in affirmation, “I would love to follow you, Mel, but I don’t think it would be a great idea.” He pauses for a few minutes in thought, and then his lip starts to tilt up into a mischievous smirk when he teases, “As much as I would like to torment your prince, I don’t think he would enjoy seeing your ex-lover every day.” His smirk grows into a full out grin and the laughter he bellows eases the tension in my chest.

  I lean over to kiss his cheek and when I pull back, I give him a warm smile. He stands up and motions to the food he brought in for me.

  “You need to eat something, Princess. Elissa will need you to be strong for her today.” Yes, she will, and I plan on doing everything possible to get her out of this mess.

  I take a sip of the warm, chocolaty drink that’s in the cup and it tastes like heaven as it glides down my throat. I can taste the touch of cinnamon that’s been sprinkled on top of the cream making the mixture absolutely sinful. Finn looks from me to the covered dish in amusement so I lift the cover curiously. My eyes go wide at the sight of . My mouth is watering and I can’t wait to taste the masterpiece of the food. I thought I was going to have to forgo having my favorite breakfast on this trip. I’m starving, so I will probably eat everything on the plate and then some. I beam at Finn to show my appreciation.

  What lies before me is a loaf of pumpkin bread with crumb topping that’s been sliced into thick slices and is surrounded by an assortment of fae berries. It’s my favorite breakfast and Finn knows it. He has been with me every morning for years and has seen me eat the same thing over and over. We have grown to know each other well. What’s strange is that Finn knows more about what I like than Kalen does. I guess I will need to remedy that.

  “Thank you so much for this, Finn. How did you come across pumpkin bread here?” I ask curiously.

  He shakes his head and laughs, “You think the Winter fae would have this stuff he
re? No. I packed it, along with the berries, when we loaded up to come here. I knew you would miss it if you didn’t have it. Besides, I didn’t want you to go through withdrawals. You’ve eaten your pumpkin bread every morning since I’ve been with you.”

  The clenching in my stomach starts up again because it’s another reminder of losing him.

  “I’m going to miss you so much,” I say. He was headed for the door but stops at the sound of my voice.

  He looks at me over his shoulder and gives me a tender smile. I can hear the sadness in his voice when he replies, “And I you, Meliantha.”

  He opens the door and quietly shuts it back when he leaves. I need to eat and get ready for the day. I’m sure our departure has been delayed because of the incident with Elissa. She is most likely going to have a trial today to prove her innocence, and I know she will need my support. Kalen said he’ll be here first thing in the morning and it is now morning. I relax to enjoy my pumpkin bread and berries before looking through my things to find something warm to wear. I have never had to wear winter clothes, so it’ll be different having so much clothing on my body. There is one thing I know for sure: I am not going to be freezing cold today.