PARADOX III

by Paradox III (anthology) (lit)

  Li sighed. She was a halfling, half-human and half-elf, just enough of each to ensure she didn't fit in anywhere. She was what she was, a woman with a great many scars both inside and out. Nik needed--no, deserved--a woman who could stand by his side and someday help him rule the realm of Riverhaven.

  Her lips firmed. It was inevitable that he would marry, as he was the heir to the throne. Her heart gave a sharp twinge. But that didn't mean she had to be a witness to the man she loved marrying another woman.

  A knock sounded on the door, and before she could say anything, it opened. Nik's younger sister, Hollen, stood in the doorway with her arms loaded down with garments. She gave Li a brilliant smile as she bustled into the room.

  "I have some dresses for you to try. Since this ball is on such short notice, all of the ladies are consigned to wearing dresses from last season." Hollen dumped her load onto the bed. "Then again, I guess Nik couldn't have sent word ahead, could he?"

  Li's smile was faint. "No, considering he wasn't sure where he was, that wasn't a possibility."

  Hollen plopped herself on the bed, her beautiful face alight with curiosity. "Niko has been very tight-lipped about where he's been. Do you know?"

  Li shook her head. "I don't know for sure, and if I did, it would be Nik's story to tell, not mine."

  Hollen rolled her eyes. "Somehow I knew you'd say something like that. No one ever tells me anything." She pulled a sapphire blue gown from the haphazard pile. "I think this will look good on you."

  Li clutched the neck of her gown tight to her throat. "I'm not sure I should attend, Hollen. I'm not family, and I don't--"

  The other woman waved her words away. "Of course you should. Nik brought you here and you're a guest of the family. It is expected that you will attend." She draped the blue gown on the bed and picked up a rose-colored one. "This one is nice too."

  Li stared at the dresses, her heart in her throat. The cost of one of those gowns was more than she earned in a season. What would happen if she damaged it? Would she have to pay for it? Or worse, what if she made a fool of herself in front of everyone?

  "Hollen--"

  The other woman leapt off the bed, the rose-colored gown in her arms. "Come, Li. Try this one on first." She gave a wild giggle. "This will be my first ball with another woman in the house close to my age. We will have such fun together, I promise."

  Li looked at Hollen and saw the joy written on her face. The young woman and the rest of her family had been so good to her, how could she say no?

  * * *

  Li's stomach was tied in knots by the time she descended the main stairs. The hall below was packed with people, and the thought of facing all those strangers was making her feel faint. She wanted nothing more than to run and hide in her room. Instead, she forced herself to walk beside Hollen as if it were common for her to attend a grand ball such as this. In reality, she'd never seen anything quite like it.

  Everywhere she looked there were riches like she'd never imagined. Jewels dripped from the ladies as plentiful as raindrops, and their silk dresses were in every color of the rainbow. She was both pleased and relieved that her dress was every bit as elegant as everyone else's.

  After much debate, Li had picked the rose dress that Hollen had insisted she try on first. The garment was of such exquisite workmanship she was afraid to breathe lest she damage it. The other woman had loaned her a simple necklace and earrings of delicate silver strands entwined with dozens of moonstones.

  For the first time in her life, Li looked as if she belonged somewhere.

  Too bad she didn't quite feel that way.

  Hollen took her time moving through the crowds, talking to many people and taking care to introduce Li as she did so. Grateful for the other woman's guidance, Li kept a smile on her face and followed her lead.

  After an interminable amount of time, she heaved a sigh of relief when they finally reached the ballroom. On the far side were several musicians who were playing a gentle tune. The crowd milled about in lively conversation, and she had no doubt that most were speculating on the sudden reappearance of Nik--nay, Crown Prince Nikolaz.

  Her gaze skimmed the crowd and her heart leapt when she'd located him. He stood at the far end of the room surrounded by his parents and brothers. He looked handsome in a jacket of dark purple velvet. Black leggings clung to his long lean legs, and black leather knee boots completed his outfit. Around his head he wore a carved silver band.

  Li swallowed hard. He looked every bit a prince.

  The king walked to the front of the dais. "If I may have your attention, please." The crowd stilled. "I'd like to thank you for attending this gathering to celebrate the return of my eldest son, Nikolaz."

  The cheers and clapping were thunderous. Nik looked both touched and proud at the same time. He nodded at a few people and tipped his head forward in the traditional Elven greeting to the crowd at large.

  "My son and heir has returned to his home, and his family and people will be forever grateful for his safe, albeit tardy, arrival."

  Laughter broke out.

  "Tonight we celebrate. We drink to the health of my family and the realm of Riverhaven." The king selected a glass from a waiter who stood at his elbow. "We will eat to celebrate the continued prosperity of our community. We will drink to our continued prosperity. We shall dance to reaffirm our love of life, family, and community." The king raised his glass. "To Riverhaven."

  Cheers sounded around Li as the revelers drank to the toast.

  The king handed his glass to the waiter, then clapped his hands. "Let the celebration begin. My son, Nikolaz, will lead everyone in the first dance."

  Li was jostled, separated from Hollen as people moved to clear the dance floor. Through the crush she saw several women approach Nik and offer him hugs and whisper a few words into his ear. She lost sight of him when a man elbowed her in the chest and she slipped behind a large potted plant in the corner.

  She batted a leaf out of her face and resisted the urge to cry. Now that Nik was home it was time for her to leave. Maybe he'd forgotten about his promise to return her to Graystone? Should she just approach the king and request an escort--

  "Li."

  Nik's voice sounded in front of her. She parted the lush foliage and peered out. He stood near the dance floor with a wide smile on his handsome face. Her heart clenched when he held his hand out toward her.

  "Please join me in this dance."

  She gulped, knowing she wouldn't say no. This might be the last time she would hold this man in her arms. In a day or so she'd be gone; he'd be free to resume his former life, and she, hers.

  Why did that prospect leave her feeling so desolate?

  "I don't dance very well." She forced a smile. "But if you're willing to risk your toes then I'd be honored," her voice wobbled.

  His hand was warm, reassuring as his fingers closed around hers. She stepped out from behind the plant, well aware of the hundreds of pairs of eyes focused on them. She held her breath as they walked onto the center of the dance floor.

  Please don't let me make a fool of myself...

  He seemed to sense her discomfort and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Relax."

  She looked up into his blue eyes and fell in love with him all over again. His arms came around her and everyone else faded away. The music was light and lively, and Li had no trouble following his steps. She'd always loved to dance, though most of her dancing had taken place at the village festivals in Graystone.

  After a few moments others joined them on the dance floor, but Li paid them no mind. Nothing existed outside of Nik's mesmerizing gaze. They twirled about the floor and Li felt like a princess. The lights seemed overly bright; her handsome partner held her close, and in that one shining moment, everything was perfect.

  Nik leaned down and spoke in her ear. "You look beautiful this evening."

  Li's cheeks warmed. "So do you."

  "I need to taste you." Her mouth went dry with the sensual imag
es his words aroused. "Meet me on the terrace in a few minutes?" His lips brushed her temple and she shivered.

  Wordless, she nodded, and his answering smile warmed her heart.

  The music ended and they parted. Nik bowed at the waist and gave her a subtle sign as to where to find the terrace doors. Keeping her smile demure, Li tipped her head toward him before slipping into the crowd.

  With her heart thudding, she wove her way toward the terrace doors, then slipped outside. The covered terrace was dim, lit only by a few torches. Rain still fell but it was a misty rain that painted everything in a soft romantic gloom. It was fitting for the most magical night of her life.

  She wrapped her arms around her waist. This feeling would not last, but while it did, she was going to grab it with both hands and hold on tight--

  A cold hand landed on her neck and spun her around. Her eyes widened when she saw Junal standing beside her, his silver tooth shimmering in the torchlight.

  "Hello, Li."

  * * *

  CHAPTER TEN

  The ball had ended and only a few stragglers remained. An army of servants worked to put the ballroom to rights.

  Nik ignored them as he crossed the room for the fifth time in the past hour. He hadn't seen Li since the first dance, and that had been hours ago. He'd looked for her on the terrace, in the kitchens, and in her room. Finally, he'd enlisted the help of his siblings and still she hadn't turned up.

  What could have happened to her?

  Tamping down his anxiety, he mounted the steps leading to the family wing. Surely no harm could have come to her. Riverhaven was well guarded and secure, the royal house especially. Only the royal family, servants, and the guard had unlimited access. No one here would wish her ill, and it was highly unlikely that someone could have just come and stolen her away.

  "Hail, brother." Len walked toward him with another man in his wake. "This is Ting, one of the gardeners."

  The short man bowed at the waist. "It is an honor to meet the legend, Nikolaz the Hunter." The man's accented voice was melodic. Clad in black silk from head to toe, he resembled a gnome with bright green eyes.

  Nik nodded, then looked at his brother.

  "Ting has some information for us about Li."

  "Ah, yes. The young lady in the pink dress." He nodded, his narrow face scrunched up with excitement. "She came onto the lower terrace after dancing. She stood there for a few minutes and a man approached her." He nodded again; a silk tassel on his cap dangled down to his shoulder. He shrugged. "They left together."

  Nik frowned. "Who was this man?"

  Ting shrugged again and the tassel gave a quick wiggle. "Know not. Never seen him before."

  "What did he look like, Ting?" Len asked.

  "Tall--taller than the lady. He must like the rich food, for his belly gives him away." He held his finger up under his nose. "He had hair here, lots of it."

  Nik's gaze flicked from the gardener to his brother. "Li isn't about to just take off with any man. She doesn't trust very many people. If she left with someone, then she had to have known who it was if she went willingly."

  Len touched Ting on the arm. "Did you hear them say anything?"

  He shook his head. "I was too far away, pruning the night-blooming rejna flowers. They need to be pruned at night, you know."

  Nik ground his teeth together in an effort to not bark at the man. "Did she seem upset or reluctant to go with this stranger?"

  He looked thoughtful. "Now that you mention it, she didn't seem to be very happy to see him. He hovered over her when he spoke, crowding her against the railing. When he was through talking to her, another man approached and together all three of them left by way of the gardens. They were holding the woman by the arms."

  "Is there anything else you can tell us about these men?" Nik asked. "How were they dressed?"

  "In black; both were in black." Ting's brow furrowed. "They were heavily armed, both with swords, and blades tucked into their boots."

  Len gave his brother a knowing look. They were strangers, they had to be. Elves didn't carry knives in their boots, at least not where they could be seen.

  "Anything else?" Len pressed.

  "They had a shield, here." Ting pointed to his heart. "A metal shield of some kind with points."

  Nik and Len looked at each and spoke in unison. "Peacekeepers."

  Nik wheeled away and headed down the hall. Riverhaven had no peacekeeper outpost as they preferred to use their own guards and army to maintain the peace. The reality was that elves in general were peaceful; it was only outsiders that brought trouble to Riverhaven. The closest peacekeeper outpost was half a day's ride in the northernmost reaches of the Kelarian province.

  "What will we do next?" Len called. Nik turned to see Ting hovering behind him.

  "Gather our brothers; we ride out in a half hour."

  Without waiting for an answer, Nik headed for his chambers. He needed to change clothes and grab his weapons. No one was going to take Li away from him without a fight.

  * * *

  It was official, the rain was never going to end.

  Li stumbled barefoot behind the horse--her dancing slippers had long since been taken from her feet by the slick sticky morass that was once a road. She didn't know how long they'd been traveling, but it had been a good while. The sun was now up, though it was shrouded by thick gray clouds that seemed to drip constantly.

  She ducked her head. Her dress was ruined and Junal had taken her borrowed jewelry. Her shoulders slumped. What must Nik and his family think of her? Did they believe she'd stolen away during the ball just to steal their jewelry?

  No, Nik wouldn't think that of her. But he might just think she'd abandoned him, slunk off in the middle of the night rather than face him.

  She winced as the peacekeeper who held her bonds gave her a slight tug to signal her to pick up the pace. Nik had been betrayed by one woman already, so it was possible he'd think the worst of her.

  Tears stung her eyes at that thought. Even if he didn't love her, she'd have wanted him to think well of her, not remember her as a thief. Li raised her head and scowled at Junal's back. He'd told her that Lady Moli had charged her with the theft of the gargoyle and he was taking her back to stand trial.

  She shook her hair out of her eyes. It would be difficult to prove her innocence when she didn't have the statue, added to the fact that they'd found her in Riverhaven apparently living in the lap of luxury. She glanced down at her ruined dress. This garment alone would have her condemned. She knew Junal wouldn't need to bring out the beautiful moonstones. No doubt he'd already pocketed them for himself.

  She tipped her head to stare up at the gray skies overhead. Why was she destined to always lose those she loved?

  Without warning, she lost her footing and fell in the mud. She heard laughter and the grip on her wrists tightened as the horse continued walking, dragging her through the sludge. Dirty water splashed in her face and eyes as the creamy mud invaded her bodice. Sticks and rocks scraped at her skin as she was dragged along the road.

  "Halt," she heard Junal call. "We will rest here for the night."

  She lifted her head and their gazes clashed. The look of triumph on the other man's face was obvious. He was enjoying her humiliation.

  Silently, Li forced herself to her feet, unwilling to ask for help of any kind. She would return to Graystone and explain what had happened to Lady Moli. She'd worked for the woman for several seasons and she was a trusted and valued employee. Surely she could make the other woman understand what had happened?

  Once that deed was complete, she'd return to Riverhaven and explain herself to Nik and his family. Hopefully, they wouldn't think too badly of her during the time it took to get everything straightened out.

  She squared her shoulders, fortified by the half-concocted plan. She needed something, anything, to hang onto to get through this. Her mouth opened and closed when she saw where she was.

  She'd been returned to Lyg
as. Only this time, Nik wasn't here to save her.

  * * *

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  "Well, at least it isn't raining on me."

  Li's voice echoed off the walls of the icehouse. Her smile was mirthless, and she drew her blanket tighter. She was back in Lygas, locked in the community icehouse. The village didn't have a jail per se, as real crime was unusual. On the rare occasion that someone needed to be detained, the icehouse was used for such a purpose.

  She leaned her head against the wall, exhausted both physically and mentally. She'd certainly never imagined she'd end up here. It was a small space, only a few paces in width and length, sunk deep into the earth. The floor was covered with sawdust that had been used between the ice blocks to keep them from freezing together. Luckily for her, this chamber had been emptied already.

  Light from one lantern gave scarce illumination to the room. At least they'd given her that much. Rasmus had brought her a dinner tray last night and they'd provided her with one blanket and a slop bucket. She closed her eyes. Not bad for a dead woman.

  A half-sob, half-laugh caught in her throat. They would come for her soon. The light filtering in through the bottom of the door told her that a new day had arrived. Would Junal parade her through the center of town? Probably--she didn't put anything past him.

  She loosened her blanket and glanced down at the ruined bodice of her dancing gown. She'd been reluctant to don the gown in the first place, and if it weren't for Hollen, she'd never have known what it felt like to really fit in for just one shining moment.

  Her heart clenched.

  But that was in the past, and she had to focus on the here and now. When Junal came for her, she'd not show her exhaustion, her inner torment. She'd hold her head high and walk through the square as if she were the finest lady Lygas had ever seen. Never would she allow these people to hurt her again.