by R. C. Reigh
“We’re not in Avonlee, Cora. You don’t have to worry.” I patted her shoulder lightly and tried to be as reassuring as possible. “Still, a warrior should never be unprepared, which is why I have something for you.”
“What is it?” She looked down as I presented her with a long paper wrapped package.
“Open it up.”
The corners of her lips turned up as she carefully unwrapped the gift. Her mouth gaped open as she reverently pulled the saber from its sheath. The hilt to the end of the blade gleamed in the sunlight of the open terrace.
“Wow, it’s beautiful!” She stared at it in awe. “Thank you.”
“Couldn’t have the champion of Avonlee competing in the arena with any old sword,” I said, relieved by her obvious excitement.
Cora chuckled.
“Isn’t Prince Dane considered the champion of Avonlee?” She raised an eyebrow.
Ugh. I had forgotten that my father had bestowed that title upon him. Only the gods knew why. My wording choice had been poor.
“Hopefully not for long,” I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
Her eyes flashed toward the gates and then back to me.
“You don’t really want to break the treaty, do you?” Cora’s tone was hesitant and I shook my head.
“Just the marriage part.”
"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try, then." Her ghost of a smile was forced, but at least she was opening up to the idea of helping me.
We retreated to our common area and not thirty minutes later she dutifully scribed my letter inviting Prince Dane to meet and discuss business like the royals we were. Back out on the balcony she hesitated and looked at me warily before sending it off.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this, Amelia?” Her eyebrows tugged together in concern.
I grinned back at her. There wasn’t anything in this world of which I was more certain.
“Absolutely.”
DANE
Practice in the arena had been enlightening from a tactical perspective. Clearly, and as expected, we wolves and the dragons were far superior in combat, easily striking down our Human and Fae opponents time after time. Add magic to the equation and their odds increased significantly. Well, for some of them anyway. The Fae had magic skills ranging from novice to powerful, and they were calculating. Some of the human warriors were mildly capable, but not many, which left the reasoning behind my father’s bargain with the Avonleean’s all too obvious.
From what I’d seen, humans were weak physically and magically, perhaps even mentally, but that still remained to be seen. I hoped my intended wouldn’t be as disappointing as the rest. Being attached to something so feeble and useless would be irritating, but her people did have some value. It was found mostly in the skills of farming, agriculture, and building trades. They were not warriors, but they did have their fertile lands and the numbers to work them. Therefore, they too had become a necessity to us.
Loud shouts brought my thoughts back to the arena. Ivan was a blur of blond hair and metal axe as he barreled toward me. With a roundhouse kick I sent my emissary flying backward. Sand scattered the air when he hit the ground hard. A human would have been writhing in pain, but Ivan just looked up and smiled.
“Excellent shot, your majesty,” he praised as he dusted the sand from his blonde hair.
I bowed in jest and prepared before motioning for him to come at me again.
As he rose, Ellis came at me from behind. His steely eyes glimmered with purpose and his dark skin rippled over his thick arms as he raised his saber to strike. I blocked his attack and both of our swords went sliding onto the floor. I elbowed him in the jaw and followed with a sound punch to the gut. He stumbled backward, using his left hand to force his dislocated jaw back into place. Good thing we wolves healed quickly.
We continued on for several minutes, blow for blow, until their breaths were ragged and our parrying slowed. My muscles had only just begun to burn with the sharp tension of fatigue.
It was the kind of burn to which I had grown accustomed, if not addicted to. The thrill of the fight, the blood coursing through my veins, it was what made me feel alive. This was what I was made for. It was who I am. In battle I was entirely in my element. I was a warrior, through and through.
We stopped to give them a break. Dropping our swords into the sand, we slumped onto the champion’s benches to watch the others spar in several sparring circles of the Arena.
Of the four major contest sites at the Bastion, the Arena had become my second home. It was by far my favorite, even if it was the smallest of the competitive spaces on the grounds. The largest contest site was an ovular and partially open-air venue, referred to as the Stadium. The second largest was the Coliseum and it was intended to host primarily large-scale magical sparring events. Last, but not least, was the Dome, which was an entirely enclosed rotund that was really just a smaller and fancier version of the Coliseum.
I took a deep swig from my canteen as my eyes settled in on a pair sparring closest to us. A human boy from the kingdom of Alstare swung at one of the Fae from Heinez with his blade. The Fae easily dodged, obviously taunting him. The human then tried an inept attempt at magic, which the Fae also easily blocked, returning with a bolt of stunning lightning. The human stiffened and fell face first into the sand. That had to hurt. It was so pathetic that I felt embarrassed for him.
I rubbed my hand over my face and cringed. I had no idea why my father had included a marriage contract with such an inferior race into our treaty. I am sure he must have had his reasons, but I had a hard time seeing them. We were so young when the arrangement had been made that I didn’t remember a thing about it. I doubt she did either. We hadn’t seen each other since. Well, I had seen favorable likenesses of Princess Amelia. She was attractive, as far as humans go, so she at least had that going for her.
After an hour more of practice, we retired to our chambers to hit the baths and scarf down a late dinner. Once we had finished our meal, we lounged in my quarters. Ellis had just finished describing our practice schedule to us for the week when a folded paper flew in through the window. Ivan snatched it out of the air, flipped it over, and smirked.
“The crest of Avonlee.” A snide smile lit up his face as he wagged his eyebrows and made some vulgar suggestive gestures. “Looks like your little woman is hot to meet you.”
I chuckled as he tossed me the note. Of course she was. Most Carpathian, and Avonleean women for that matter, were smitten with me. As the Prince of Carpathia I was accustomed to females swooning or occasionally even fainting at being in just my mere presence.
Even so, I was surprised that the Princess had sent a message to me so soon. I had heard rumors that she might be involved with some loser from her kingdom. If she was, it would be considered highly inappropriate and, even though she was to be my future queen, I wasn’t in a hurry to have to get in the middle of it.
I had bigger things to focus on than the errant behavior of the princess. I preferred to concentrate on the competitions that would soon take place, but it would be better to get introductions and expectations with my future bride out of the way before all of my other responsibilities consumed all of my time.
As one of the superior warrior nations, our students had been tasked to act as the Bastion’s secondary security defense, should the need arise. The dragons had been similarly tasked, but from what I had seen so far they were so arrogant they didn’t even bother to train.
As if I didn't already have enough to deal with, the school term hadn’t even started, and there had already been several scuffles in the hallways between students in different kingdoms and, as we moved into the school week, I would have my hands full with keeping my own brethren in line and out of trouble.
Frankly, I didn’t need anything else on my plate.
I opened the note as I sipped from my goblet. As expected, she wanted to meet. I read further and realized it was to discuss striking betrothal from our peace
treaty.
She wanted out.
I guess those rumors had more truth to them than not. I should have been offended, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it. Having the luxury of dating around before choosing the wife I wanted for myself sounded pretty darn good. Being tied down so young at the height of my virility was burdensome. I doubted our parents would go for it, but I would hear her out.
“Ellis, send a reply.” I raised my glass. “I accept her request to reconsider our terms.”
Amelia
After dinner Sunday evening, Cora and I met Adam in the convocation room below the Avoleean turrets. Cora quickly stoked a roaring fire with a wave of her hand, while Adam set about lighting each candle by hand.
The turret staff arrived to set out drinks and snacks in case the wolves desired them. I had made it my life’s mission to avoid all things pertaining to the Carpathians, so I wasn’t sure what their normal formalities entailed, and I figured it would be best to cover all of my bases.
We had agreed to meet in our convocation room since it was located in the lowest levels of the Bastion and each of the kingdoms had one that connected to a massive underground tunnel system. The main building of the Bastion was set up like an octagon with two dormitory towers at each corner of the structure. The thorough fares below the academy had been intended to make it easy for large groups of students to move to and from the Bastion housing to events at the different competitive areas, but they were also convenient for concealing one’s movements from one kingdom to another. Which was exactly why I had chosen this room to meet with the prince.
I glanced around the room to be sure everything was coming together as I had directed. It was my first time entertaining royalty of another kingdom and I wanted it to be perfect, especially considering what I was asking of him. As we busied ourselves with last minute preparations, I tried to think of what my parents would do and how they would act as they prepared to entertain dignitaries. I was comforted to find that it felt almost of second nature. Thank goodness for that training, because I was going to need it.
I thanked the staff for their assistance before dismissing them.
Cora approached me.
“Do you think having Adam here is a good idea?” she whispered while he continued working on the candles across the room.
“Why? It’s not like the prince knows. Besides, nothing would raise more questions than a missing emissary,” I whispered back.
Cora’s frown indicated that she wasn’t convinced. My anxiety ticked up a notch. She was as nervous as I was and it wasn’t even her head on the chopping block.
I glanced around the space again and was relieved to see that everything appeared to be in order. Adam finished his task and made his way to me.
“Your highness,” he bowed as he approached. I extended my hands to him, inviting him to me. He took them, moving in close as he gently rubbed the tops of my knuckles with his thumbs. “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked. There was an uncertainty in his voice that sent me to the verge of panic, but I maintained my composure.
“Have you changed your mind?” I uttered. My heart felt like a lead weight in my chest.
“Well, no. I still feel the same. But what you’re risking. . .” he struggled to find the words, “what you’re putting on the line for us. . . it’s asking a lot.”
“Do you not believe you are worth it?” I searched his eyes with mine.
“No, actually,” he sighed, “but that doesn’t mean it’s not what I want.”
I smiled and pulled him closer. Hearing that he wanted me was all that I had needed. He pulled me in for a long hug and our lips found one another briefly before Cora coughed.
“Now is really not the time,” she glared.
I didn’t care. All I wanted was to be near him every moment from now on. There was a knock at the door and we were forced to part too soon.
The door opened and a herald stuck his head in the door, entered, and bowed.
“Your highness, the Prince of Carpathia approaches.” He bowed again before he assumed a parade rest next to the entrance.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Adam's hard swallow.
“Thank you,” I replied as I tried to will away the nervousness that had begun fizzing in my stomach.
Cora held onto the hilt of her sheathed sword as she took her place as my guard a pace behind me and two to the left. I clasped my hands together to keep them from shaking.
“His royal highness, Prince Daneatious of Carpathia, Champion of Avonlee!” The herald announced his official arrival and bowed.
I fought to keep my eye from twitching at the title.
Two bulky emissaries marched through the doorway in a rather soldierly manor. Like the trained guards they were, they stopped ceremoniously and turned to face one another, arms tight to their sides, and waited at attention.
Another tremble of nervousness pulsed through me. Oh, boy. This was going to be rougher than I had thought.
Moments later, the towering prince stalked in between them at his leisure. Daneatious had a clean-cut look about him with dark auburn hair that was longer on the top with short sides. His face possessed pleasing features with rich, honey-colored eyes and a strong, angular jawline. I was repulsed to admit that I found him to be more than the slightest bit attractive.
My heart rate kicked up another notch when he stopped several feet away from the door.
The prince had the type of commanding presence that only a royal warrior could exude. He was everything I had expected, right down to the arrogance that seethed from him. He held the power and he knew it. A deep red paludamentum was fastened at one shoulder over his dark blue Carpathian uniform. A profusion of gleaming medals and colorful ribbons festooned his chest.
“You summoned me, Princess of Avonlee?” He casually surveyed the rest of the room before turning his honey-colored gaze to me.
I donned the sweetest smile I could muster as I extended the normal formalities.
“Welcome, Prince Daneatious of Carpathia, and emissaries,” I greeted in my friendliest tone. I didn’t want to offend him by being abrupt. This was a business meeting after all.
His gaze flickered from Cora to Adam and back to me.
“Please, won’t you be seated?” I added and waved to the chairs, but he just raised a curious eyebrow.
His guard didn’t budge.
I lowered myself gracefully into my chair and sat in a noble manner that was appropriate to receive: Shoulders back, hands lightly folded on my lap, knees bent and ankles crossed to the side. Still, not one of the Carpathians moved. I dared not glance at Adam, but I felt a tinge of comfort in knowing Cora remained faithfully standing by my side. If only I could hear her thoughts right now.
“If I am to understand correctly, princess, you wish to make changes to the pact our fathers agreed to nearly fifteen years ago?” His voice was regal, peppered with hints of deep and growly reverberation. There was an intensity about him that was definitely intimidating.
I tried not to let him shake my resolve.
“Not the peace and unity, just the marriage part,” I said and smiled calmly. “I’m sure you would much rather have the ability to make your own choices. As do I.” It took all my strength to avoid instinctually glancing toward Adam.
The prince looked me over. His expression was not of anger or offense, rather of intrigue. The idea interested him, which meant he must have thought of it himself on occasion. Good. Maybe this would go my way after all. Maybe the only roadblock to happiness would be convincing our parents it had been a mistake to begin with.
His focus shifted to meet my eyes, and I noticed a shadow of change cross his features as he stared at me. As if I had somehow been locked into his gaze, I couldn’t look away. There was something unfamiliar that transpired between us in the silence. Suddenly, I could hear the sound of my blood rushing in my ears and I quickly realized my heart was racing.
The prince steppe
d toward me and the heady scent of winter and pines engulfed my senses. He towered above me. I kept my attention focused forward at his chest while his golden eyes bored into me.
Cora stiffened at my side. Her grip tightened on her sword, but the prince simply leaned forward and slowly inhaled.
His breath hitched and the rise of and fall of his broad chest ceased.
After a few moments, he leaned back again and his eyes were closed. There were several seconds of silence where he just stood there, eyes pressed tightly together.
Then, suddenly, they flashed open.
Exhilaration and loathing stared back at me beneath his heavily furrowed brow. I swallowed past the lump in my throat.
It was at that moment I knew all hope was lost.
DANE
My eyes were shut tight as a torrent of electric current coursed through my veins. It completely consumed me and for a few brief moments I was paralyzed. I barely regained control of my limbs in time to prevent myself from falling to my knees. My breathing had turned ragged. What the hell had just happened?
It only took a moment to figure it out. In fact, I knew the clear and true answer the second my eyes focused upon her face. This could only mean one thing.
Fated.
One sniff and in an instant my entire world had changed.
“No,” my blood pressure skyrocketed as I spoke in a low growl, “I will not release you from our agreement.” The muscles in my clenched jaw ticked as I turned away to compose myself.
Amelia and I were destined. She to I and I to her. How could this be possible?
My first thought when I had entered the room had been that she was beautiful. Those big hazel eyes had me captivated the second I saw them. I longed to run my fingers through the long strands of silken hair that waved down her shoulders like golden fields of wheat basking in the sun. What made her even more enticing was her figure. She wasn’t a waif like most humans preferred. No, she was thicker, curvy and voluptuous. We wolves were big by comparison, so a soft and curvy girl, the kind with a little meat on her bones, was much more appealing than those other thin-as-a-post humans any day.
