The Arrival: An Epic Fantasy Romance

by Nicole MacDonald

  ‘Come on outside, we can talk,’ Loushka’s voice sounded kind, causing more tears. Fighting the lump in my throat, I nodded to her and climbed out the pen.

  Alek watched while Loushka and Cat walked out of the room. He had to fight the urge to go to her when he saw the tears slide down her face. A lump seemed wedged in his throat, he leaned over his knees, staring at the ground. It didn’t feel right being apart. Maybe I am wrong. He stood and gathered his things. Might as well go back to my quarters. A talk with the guys might help and he couldn’t stand being this close to her without wanting to speak to her. But he wasn’t ready for that—yet.

  I’d explained the situation to Loushka and sobbed my heart out, again. It astonished me that I still had any tears left. After the tears came anger. She was surprised and sympathetic; lying down so I could cuddle against her while she made a soothing noise like a purr. I felt more at peace now.

  ‘But, Cat, didn’t you and the others cast a love spell to get here?’

  ‘Yes, how did you know?’

  ‘Elena told the men. They wanted to know what Alek’s attitude was about.’ Oh dear, I sat still while thoughts ran through my mind; so that was it.

  ‘Cat?’

  ‘But it wasn’t a spell that forced anyone. We didn’t know it’d actually work.’ My chest got tight as anger flooded through. ‘He could have asked me about it, given me a chance to explain!’

  Loushka made the soothing noise again. ‘Calm down, Cat. He hasn’t even spoken to me about it yet.’

  We talked for a while longer until my eyelids started to droop. Loushka ushered me to the little room out the back. The servant I’d heard wasn’t there. They must have left when the griffons came back. I stretched the skinny blanket on the bench bed over me, falling asleep moments later.

  It the midst of dressing, Sian twisted to look when Cat came in. She looks exhausted, she thought in concern. Pretending not to notice, she smiled brightly at Cat. 'Been out for a run?'

  'What? Oh. Yeah.' Cat nodded, her eyes bleary and headed to the washroom. It didn’t look like they’d sorted it out yet. Sian sighed. If it didn’t improve soon she might have to stage an intervention with the girls.

  After five days of training, we were competent enough to do the exercises with our eyes open. Now it only took us a few moments to call our energy forth, so there wasn’t as much meditating. I’d also discovered that when I kept the energy running through the loop, like we’d been taught, I felt more alert. It almost made me feel normal again.

  Elena noticed Cat’s tendency of late to practice the energy loop longer than necessary. It appeared to make her feel better so she didn’t stop her. Cat looked more and more exhausted as the days went by. She felt a twinge of annoyance at Alek’s behavior.

  He hesitated in the solar doorway. Sabyn, Rumal, and Daron sat at the table deep in discussion. Then Rumal noticed him. 'Alek. Haven’t seen you around lately.' The man’s tone sounded deceptively mild.

  Resisting the urge to sigh, Alek squared his shoulders and walked in. 'I’ve been busy.'

  Sabyn gave him a flat look. 'Doing what?'

  'Thinking.'

  Daron nodded agreeably. 'And?'

  He shrugged. 'I thought I might discuss the matter with you all.'

  'We’re honored, Alek, being your advisers and all.' Sabyn’s sarcasm was cutting. Still, for all their apparent annoyance, they sat down and waited for him to continue.

  Rumal listened to Alek ramble on and on while inwardly shaking his head. Man, he’s got it bad. He caught Daron’s eye, exchanging a glance. 'What you’re saying, Alek, is that you’re concerned Cat has misplaced her affection. That you’re not the one.'

  'I never took you for a coward, Alek.' Those at the table turned. Yakov stared at Alek from the doorway with an expression of surprise. Rumal invited him to sit.

  'I’m not!'

  Sabyn arched an eyebrow. 'Then tell me cousin what is your problem?'

  The heated discussion continued for a good portion of the day, their loud voices echoing down the corridor. So loud that it caused those passing to pause in surprise. It wasn’t until late noon that they reached a resolution of sorts.

  Yakov walked with Alek to the Great Hall. 'If it’s meant to be, Alek, it will be. You know I understand this fear of loss better than anyone. But it shouldn’t stop you from trying.'

  By the time we arrived back from training the sun had set. Hiranes had dinner already prepared in our suite when we entered the room, I was pleased to realize I had an appetite, even more pleased when I saw Yakov waited for us. He spent an hour or so with me these evenings when the girls disappeared to catch up with their guys. We hurried to wash then sat down to eat, conversing with both Yakov and Elena, who’d decided to stay for dinner. 'I understand you’re all progressing rapidly,' Yakov said.

  Kassie flushed with pleasure at Yakov’s words.

  'We wouldn’t know, Yakov, we can’t compare ourselves to anyone,' Loi said.

  'Well I can,' Elena said briskly. 'Yakov’s correct, you are all progressing extremely well.' The girls grinned at each other. It made all the hard work feel a bit more worthwhile.

  Elena and the girls excused themselves after dinner, Yakov and I shifted to sit on mine and Kassie’s beds. I gazed out over the courtyard, Yakov had told me a number of stories in the last few evenings, funny anecdotes about castle life; I wonder what he’ll share tonight?

  'Cat, how are you?' He gave me a penetrative look.

  Urk. So far he’d been the only one not to bug me. I shuffled uncomfortably on the bed. 'Fine.'

  'Have you been for a run lately?'

  I shrugged. 'No. I’ve been really tired.'

  'Well then I won’t keep you.'

  I looked up in surprise. 'What?'

  'Cat, it would please me greatly to see you happy and smiling again. Go to bed early then have a run with Audi in the morning. She needs it as much as you.' Yakov climbed off Kassie’s bed and bent, giving Audi a quick pat. Then he gave me a hug and a kind smile. 'Trust me, Cat, you’ll feel better if you do something you enjoy. Think about it as you go to sleep.'

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Yakov wasn’t wrong. I woke just before dawn, stretching out in bed then relaxed. Huh, I actually feel like a run. The thought made me smile which caused a buzz of delight, my first genuine smile in days. I got out of bed and quietly made my way around the bedroom, getting ready. The other three snored on, oblivious. Nnelg had slept over again and watched curiously. It amused me when he quickly turned his back on me as I changed. It wasn’t every day I made a dragon blush. Audi and I slipped out of the room.

  Alek paced the corridor, agitation rippling through him. Yakov said he’d strongly recommended Cat go for a run. He knew she’d do it in the morning but when? He’d paced this section of floor for a good half hour. What if she doesn’t come? Then what? He gritted his teeth, stomach churning. I want to see her.

  Hearing a noise Alek froze, listening. It sounded like footsteps. They sounded light. Yes, I hear a dog. What do I do? His mind went to pieces on him when she rounded the corner.

  I skidded to a halt. Alek stood in the middle of the corridor, gaping at me. Uh-oh. Now what? He took several steps toward me, I instinctively stepped back.

  Cat moved away from him, a guarded expression on her face. He fought to find words while he gazed at her, marveling. So beautiful, what was I thinking? Any price is worth it. Even if it doesn’t last. She wore the running costume Melanite gave her and looked incredible. Then the rose tinted glasses faded and he registered the weight loss and dark shadows under her eyes. It felt like someone dealt a blow to his chest when he realized he’d been the cause.

  Why is he staring at me? What the hell is that expression? It almost looks caring. No, don’t be ridiculous. My mind was in turmoil as I stared back. Just go away! You have no idea how much my heart aches when I see you. Idiot! Leave me alone.

  Drawing a breath I gave him a cool look. 'Alek. What can I do for you
?'

  She sounded so calm. Then he noticed her hands, clenched fists at her sides, knuckles stark and white. 'Are you going for a run? Do you mind if I join you?'

  I gaped. He wants to join me? Shocked, I stammered my reply. 'U-uh… If y-you want to.' Ugh way to sound like a moron, Cat. He gestured for me to continue and after a moment’s hesitation, forcing my stupid legs to work, I did. The awkward silence while we made our way to an outer door seemed deafening. Made all the more so by servants who spotted us and stared in open mouthed astonishment. Oh my God, is nothing private around here? Alek took the lead once we stepped outside.

  'I’ll show you a favorite track of mine.' He beamed at me then turned and began to jog. My head did serious spins as I followed him. What the hell is going on?

  Cat hadn’t responded but Alek heard her footsteps behind him; I’ll take a slow pace, maybe she’ll jog beside me.

  I focused on my feet for the first part of the jog, concerned that with the chaos currently un-reined in my mind I’d trip and fall. It looked like he’d led us to the track around the forest, in the gap between the inner and outer walls. The trees grew rather thick. I hadn’t registered how large the gap between the two walls was. Makes sense I guess, you wouldn’t want an enemy to be able to jump from wall to wall. Birds chattered and sang in the trees, darting past us as we ran by. Alek hadn’t spoken to me again, for which I was grateful.

  Maybe he’s trying to be friends, the silly voice in my mind suggested. My rational voice refused to consider that, he must just want to make sure we can be civil to each other, to stop the gossiping. That thought left a nasty dead feeling in my chest. I fought back tears. Wish I could talk to him, I thought, but knowing that wasn’t possible I lifted my head, watching him instead. My heart ached while I traced the lines of his figure with my eyes, in my mind re-running the image of him smiling at me. I wish he’d do that again, and mean it.

  Alek resisted the urge to look back at her; the prickly sensation on his back suggested she watched him. I don’t know what to say now. I’m just so grateful she’s close to me. I’ll have to talk to her at some point. Yakov did say to take it slow, I can see how much this has affected her. Guilt weighed heavily on him. She’s lost weight, I know she normally has a healthy appetite. I didn’t realize I meant that much to her. Delight filled him at that comprehension. I mean something to her!

  Is it ridiculous that I wish this run could last forever? The tense air between us had lightened but I knew that would change when we reached the end. I felt my heart sink when I saw the track getting lighter. Before I knew it we stood back in the courtyard staring at each other.

  Cat appeared rather pale considering they’d just completed an hour long run. Alek fought the urge to touch her. Her green eyes stared up at him, anxiety and nervousness apparent in her gaze. He wanted to reassure her. 'Cat.'

  He said my name, he said my name! I have no idea why that thrilled me but it did. His eyes didn’t seem to be guarded at all. My stomach felt like turned into a giant bouncy ball, pinging up to my ribs and down to my feet.

  In an unexpected move, he leaned forward and kissed me.

  His brain froze when trying to think of what to say, so he acted on instinct and bent to kiss her. The familiar snap of energy greeted him and he felt a rush of delight.

  Then a hard slam to his sternum.

  After the instant of sheer joy came the fury. HOW DARE HE! A hard punch to the chest sent Alek staggering back, bent over, gasping for breath. The anger rushed through my veins like nothing I’d felt before. Like that time on the griffons my vision was tinged with red.

  'HOW DARE YOU!'

  A furious scream sent the girls leaping out of their beds, scrambling to the windows.

  'Oh my God,' gasped Loi when she spotted them. Kassie and Sian let out shocked sounds too, as Cat continued her tirade while Alek appeared to be doubled over in pain.

  'Shit. You don’t think she stabbed him do you?' Kassie looked at Sian and Loi with an expression of horror.

  Sian stared disbelievingly at the scene before them then looked at Kassie. 'With what? It's not as though Cat carries knives.'

  'Not normally,' Loi said dubiously.

  Alek fought to get his breath back while Cat screamed at him. Bloody hell her voice is intense. It rang through his head, reverberating about his skull. The pain in his chest passed, he straightened up.

  'Oh thank goodness,' Kassie breathed in relief at seeing Alek stand up with no apparent injuries. Then he began roaring at Cat. The three girls started to glow as their energy expanded with their increasing anger.

  'What the hell?' hissed Loi to Kass, her brown eyes glowing an unnatural green. 'Where does he come off yelling at Cat? It’s HIS fault.'

  Honestly, I couldn’t even register what I yelled. I was so angry. All the bottled words and thoughts from the last agonizing week rushed out of me. I didn’t know what he roared back. All I could hear was a strange rushing sound.

  The two of us stood about a foot apart, our faces red while we screamed at each other.

  A flicker of movement caught his attention. Alek suddenly realized they had an audience, of increasing size. This is ridiculous, he thought and extended a hand to Cat. 'Cat, I’m sor—' Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, he was jerked off his feet and slammed down hard on his back.

  'Oooooh,' the three girls chorused as they watched from their suite windows. Alek looked to be struggling for breath, like a fish out of water. Reminiscent of the throw Kassie did to that moron at the party; how appropriate, thought Sian unable to resist smirking. Cat marched toward the door with such a black look on her face that the observing crowd parted in a hurry. Several people raced forward to help Alek to his feet. Sian felt smug while she watched. One public humiliation begets another, she thought with satisfaction.

  I stormed back to our suite. The expressions on the girls’ faces told me they’d witnessed it all which was good, I wasn’t in the mood to explain. After a long hot shower I finally calmed down.

  I wasn't sure if I should be grateful that I couldn't remember what I said to Alek. Well, not all of it. There was an awful lot of swearing. I sighed, leaning against the side of the shower, watching the water swirl around my feet and vanish. But then, I can’t remember what he said either. Probably a good thing, I wonder if I’ve blown it? A prickle of tears threatened. No, I thought determinedly. I refuse to cry about this anymore.

  Cat stayed awhile in the washroom. When she came out the rest of them were dressed and waiting for her; not that they minded. Sian felt relieved that the confrontation between them had finally occurred. Anyone could see it coming. Perhaps now she and Alek can actually talk, once she’s cooled down, Sian thought.

  Cat didn’t say anything while she fussed about getting dressed. Elena had provided them with more training clothes that looked similar to the outfits they’d arrived in this world wearing. Now that the Sorceress had proof of the girls’ abilities she enjoyed showing them off. So Sian had a beautiful blue top, Kassie a golden yellow and Loi a forest green.

  I paused as I went to pull on another red top from the pile, instead turning to Loi. 'Loi, switch?' Red was her favorite after all and green mine.

  Kassie chuckled when the girls exchanged tops. That would make Elena blink. When Cat came over Kassie hopped up from the bed and hugged her tight. 'Well done, Kitty Cat,' a giggle slipped out. 'You really showed him.'

  Loi and Sian began laughing and came over to join in the hug. Then they headed out to breakfast.

  The Great Hall seemed more crowded than normal. When they entered the room fell silent with every head turning. They made their way to their usual places and Kassie noticed Sabyn, Daron, and Alek, missing from their usual spots. Hmmm, I wonder if they’re patching him up or tearing a strip off him. She smothered a giggle. Surely not, Cat tore enough strips off him to last a while.

  Elena and Yakov wore cunning smiles as we sat down. I avoided eye contact instead studying my place mat.
/>   'Cat, how was your run this morning?'

  I turned and glared at Yakov. 'Far more entertaining than I’d expected. Exactly how is it that he knew I was going for a run?'

  A muffled giggle slipped out from Elena. I turned my gaze to her, an eyebrow arched. 'Must have been a serendipitous act of fate,' she announced with a grand gesture of her arm. I’m pretty sure half the room snickered at that. A heavy flush made its way up my neck, I refocused on my place mat with a sigh.

  Poor Cat kept her eyes fixed on the table for all of breakfast while it seemed nearly everyone else in the room had a comment or three. It kept up a jovial atmosphere and Sian soon discovered that all the new additions to the room were members of the General Guard. 'They’re not just here to tease Cat?' she whispered to Rumal.

  The man choked on his food. Kassie pounded helpfully on his back. Laughter was evident in his voice when he replied in now hoarse tones. 'Just to laugh at Cat? No, they’re here to receive training from the four of you. Though I’m sure they all have heard about this morning’s incident.'

  Kassie looked nervously at Sian. 'We’re to train them?'

  Elena leaned over. 'Yes. Today’s training is all physical. I think a break will help with your Elemental training.'

  Loud laughter rang out from the solar. Chortling, Sabyn managed to get out. 'Gee I wish I was a Prince so I could have such a way with the ladies.'