Waters of Fate

by Jessica Jarman

  “Now who’s being naïve? You are the King’s second-in-command, I am the King’s daughter. We may not see each other daily, but it’ll still be too much.” She cupped his face, fingers caressing. “Don’t you see? My soul sings when you are near. Everything in me celebrates. Until the inevitable rejection. Shhh.” She covered his mouth to still his protests. “I understand your reasons, Rhys. Really I do. I just don’t agree with them, nor can I live with them.” Her fingers trembled against his lips. “It’s too hard.”

  She pulled away from him and concentrated on waking up.

  “Wait! Don’t—“

  Neiva jerked awake. Tears streamed down her face and her breath hitched in her throat. Goddess, it’d been tempting—go home, wait it out—but she just couldn’t do it. She couldn’t bear to be near him and unable to be with him in every way a true mate is meant to. And despite his promise, they’d be in each other’s company often. She knew this from experience. Not only was he her father’s second-in-command, the two men were best of friends. Rhys was often at family gatherings and always at the official ones.

  This is for the best, she repeated over and over in her head. Maybe if she thought it enough, she’d convince herself.

  Turning her mind to building mental walls, Neiva prepared herself for sleep again. And this time, she’d dream alone.

  * * * *

  Early the next morning, Neiva dressed before peeking into Beth’s room. Her cousin was still sleeping soundly. Good, she had a bit of time. She flashed to parents’ dwelling and strolled into the dining room where she found her parents breaking their fast.

  “So…when were you going to mention the babysitter?”

  Kaelen paused, teacup halfway to his mouth, at his daughter’s raised voice.

  “Good morning, sweetie,” Abby greeted and gestured towards the chair next to her. “Breakfast?”

  “Morning, Mom. I’m not especially hungry at the moment, but thank you. Well?” she snapped at her still silent father.

  “Now, Neiva—“

  “Don’t ‘Now, Neiva’ me. I don’t need a babysitter, Dad. What sort of trouble do you imagine I’m going to get into at the cabin, for Goddess’ sake? Bring Rhys home. Surely he has more important duties.” She knew her father would never give in, but if she could just manage to get someone else in the bodyguard role…

  “You are my daughter and next in line for the throne. Who do you think someone would go after if they wished to hurt me?” He shook his head. “No, you will have protection or you will come home.”

  “Fine,” she bit out. “Have someone else do it. There’s no need for Rhys to be on Princess-sitting duty.”

  “Have you and Rhys argued?” Abby asked.

  “No, of course not.”

  The older woman tilted her head. “He seemed to think someone else would be better suited for the job as well.”

  Neiva’s chest tightened. Of course he had tried to get out of it. Why should that surprise her? Why should that hurt? She cleared her throat.

  “I’m not surprised.” She forced a laugh. “He has more important duties to see to.”

  “More important than protecting my daughter?” Kaelen bellowed. “No, he does not.”

  “Dad, be reasonable. Have…Gareth do it.” She blurted out the first name that came to mind.

  “Gareth? He’s a solid fellow to be sure,” he mused. “Didn’t you dance with him at the ball? Is he courting you?”

  “No!” Neiva saw her mother smile. “Mom, no. Gareth is not a suitor. Why do you have to make everything more complicated?”

  “I need someone I can trust to protect you. Gareth is a fine man, but if he’s more intent on stealing kisses than looking after your safety, you’ll end up hurt.”

  “Please listen to me,” she begged. “There is nothing between Gareth and me.”

  “Listen to me, daughter. Rhys is the best man for this. I’ll not take chances with your safety.” Her father punctuated the statement by pounding the table with his fist.

  “Urgh!” She threw her hands up in the air. “You are impossible!” Without another word, she flashed back to her room in the cabin.

  Unbelievable. Now her parents thought she and Gareth were involved. She sighed. Oh well. At least they didn’t suspect anything between her and Rhys. Feeling restless, Neiva figured going for a walk would calm her down. Being outdoors, in nature, always did. She walked quietly through the house and slipped outside.

  The cool morning breeze lifted her hair and she inhaled deeply. The fresh scent of dew clung to the air. Lovely. She wove through the trees, farther and farther from the cabin. She listened to the life around her—the plants, the animals, all of it. Suddenly, she felt pain, heard sorrow. Stopping in her tracks, she closed her eyes and concentrated. It was coming from her left. Neiva opened her eyes and headed in that direction. It wasn’t long before she found what had been calling her.

  A small tree and its surroundings were badly burned. Neiva’s heart ached at the sorrow on the air. Clearly, someone had started a fire and let it get out of control. About three feet of the tree’s trunk was scorched.

  She kicked her shoes off and stood barefoot on the singed grass. The earth was crying out for help.

  “I’m here,” Neiva murmured. “All is well.”

  She lifted her arms, closed her eyes, and focused. She allowed her physical self to fade away, becoming healing light and energy. Gliding over the earth, she soothed, repaired, and restored. She knew not how long it took, but didn’t stop until fresh grass sprouted, flowers bloomed, and no sign of injury was evident on the tree.

  Her task done, Neiva returned to her physical body and staggered. Unable to stay upright, she knelt in the fresh grass. Her fatigue meant nothing as she felt the earth rejoice beneath her. She ran her fingers through the blades of grass and smiled.

  “You’re welcome,” she whispered. “Goddess bless you.”

  She sat quietly for some time, humming to herself and listening to all around her. After a time, she rose and went back the way she came.

  Beth was in the living room when she entered the cabin.

  “Hey. Are you okay? You look a bit pale,” her cousin said, a frown furrowing her brow.

  Neiva sat beside her on the sofa. She didn’t doubt she looked horrible. Between the interrupted sleep and the healing, she was quite tired.

  “Just sleepy. No worries.” She leaned her head back and smiled.

  Beth leaned over and touched Neiva’s arm. “I think it’s more than that. You were crying. Last night. In your sleep.”

  “Oh.” Neiva wracked her mind, not really knowing what to say. “I’ll be fine. It’s…it’s complicated.”

  “You know you can talk to me. Whatever you say will go no further, I promise.” Beth crossed her finger over her heart like they did when they were girls.

  “I know. I trust you. Really. There are just some things I can’t talk about. No matter how much I want to. “

  Beth stared at her for a moment before leaning forward. “If this has anything to do with a certain secret your parents have, I already know.”

  Neiva’s eyes widened and her stomach did a little flip. Beth couldn’t possibly… “What exactly do you know?”

  “I know what you and your dad are,” her cousin said in a hushed voice.

  “What are we? Beth, I need you to say it.”

  “You’re faeries. Your dad is King and you’re next in line. The Princess.”

  “Oh…great…Goddess…” She struggled to pull air into her lung. “How…how do…how…”

  “How do I know? I’ve known for years. I overheard your parents telling my dad. I was about thirteen or so.”

  “Your dad knows?”

  “Yeah. I don’t know why they told them. I only heard part of the conversation, but he swore never to tell. Mom certainly doesn’t know. And, Nee, I’d never say anything. I mean, who’d believe it anyway?”

  “But you do? Believe it?”

  Beth s
hrugged. “Yeah. Dad believed it. I had no reason not to. And hey, it’s pretty cool. My uncle and aunt are King and Queen and my favourite cousin is Princess.”

  “This is incredible.” Neiva shook her head.

  “So, now that’s out of the way, what’s wrong? Faery troubles?”

  She couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled out. “In a way. Faery man troubles.”

  Beth clucked her tongue. “Always boils down to a man. You said before that you love a man and he doesn’t want you. I’m guessing there’s more to it than that.”

  “A bit more. All right… Rhys and I are true mates. True mates are halves of a whole, you see. Fate makes one for the other. We belong together. Our souls long for each other.”

  “Well, that’s intense. If you’re meant to be together, what’s the problem?”

  Neiva took a deep breath. “Let me start at the beginning. When I was fourteen, I looked into the Waters…”

  Chapter Six

  “And that’s about it, I suppose.” Neiva pulled her legs up and rested her chin on her knees.

  Beth pursed her lips. “Okay. Let me see if I have this right. You and Rhys are true mates. But he insists you aren’t and won’t…bond…with you. This hurts and is why you came here. Only now your dad has Rhys being Mr. Bodyguard and he’ll be following you around while you’re here. Being near Rhys hurts, being away from him hurts, and now you’re sharing dreams with him.”

  “That about covers it.”

  “Well, you’re in a fine pickle, cuz. And I thought my man troubles sucked.”

  Neiva chuckled. “I think man troubles suck no matter what realm you’re in.”

  “No doubt. You poor thing.” Beth patted Neiva’s shoulder. “Poor Rhys.”

  “Poor Rhys? Why poor Rhys? All he has to do is admit we’re meant and say the binding words! You’re supposed to be on my side, Beth!”

  “Oh I am. I just can’t help but feel for the guy. He spends his whole life believing he has no true mate, but your dad changed all that by saving your mom. He feels a pull for you. I mean, this true mate thing works both ways, right? If you’re feeling all this—the longing, the emptiness and sadness—isn’t he?”

  “Well, yes, I suppose so,” Neiva conceded slowly. She’d never thought of that. She’d always accused Rhys of being selfish and she hadn’t given a second thought to what he was feeling as a result of their being true mates.

  “Add to that, you’re the King’s daughter. The King, who just happens to be his best friend and has been for what? A couple hundred years? That’s gotta bite the big one. Even in the human world, it’s not cool to go after your best friend’s kid.”

  “But we’re meant!” she protested. “Dad would understand that and wouldn’t see it as a betrayal, like Rhys does. He wouldn’t stand in our way, I know it. It wouldn’t make sense to fight Fate.”

  “Feelings don’t always make sense, Nee. Sounds like Rhys needs to work through this stuff in his head.”

  “Damn it, I understand his feelings, his reasons. I even told him that. I just can’t be around him, pretending everything is normal while he does that. And I have no guarantee that he’ll ever be with me.” Neiva winced as her voice broke. She would not cry again.

  “I totally get that. I think coming here was just what you needed. You need time to concentrate on you. Not Rhys, not your parents, not your kingdom. You’re going to have the rest of your life to worry about others after you’re Queen. Now is you time. So, let’s go shopping, then get some lunch. And we definitely need to go out again tonight. You had fun dancing last night, right?” Beth scooted over and put her arm around Neiva’s shoulders.

  “Yes, I had a wonderful time.”

  “Excellent. Get your ass into the shower, girl. Time’s a-wastin’.”

  Neiva laughed. Time just for her. She hadn’t thought about it that way. Beth was right. It was exactly what she needed. There was plenty of time for others later. Today was about her.

  * * * *

  Rhys walked into Kaelen and Abagail’s sitting room and found the King reading in a chair and the Queen reclining on the sofa with her eyes closed. He cleared his throat and waited to be acknowledged.

  “Welcome, friend.”

  Rhys bowed. “My King.”

  “Yes, yes.” Kaelen waved a hand before gesturing to the armchair next to him. “Sit. “

  “Is Abby well?” he asked in a hushed voice.

  “I’m fine. Simply tired.” Abby laughed, not bothering to open her eyes. “Carry on, gentlemen. Pay no attention to the knocked up Queen.”

  “For the love of the Goddess, Abby.” Kaelen shook his head. “Ignore her, Rhys. Hormones,” he said in a stage whisper.

  Abby snorted, but otherwise remained silent.

  Kaelen turned back to Rhys. “My daughter visited me this morn.”

  “She… Has she returned?” Rhys’ heart leapt.

  “No, she came to discuss your presence in the human world. I didn’t think she’d spot you so quickly. Are you getting too old for assignments which require stealth?”

  Rhys ignored the jest and asked, “Was she angry?”

  “Of course.” Kaelen shrugged. “She knew my mind was set. She believes you’re too important for the job, though.”

  “Oh really.”

  “Indeed. She even tried to suggest a replacement. Gareth, I believe was her choice.” He chuckled. “As if I’d be crazed enough to assign a man half-besotted with her in charge of her wellbeing.”

  “Gareth? Besotted…” Rhys stuttered.

  “He’s been interested in her for some time.” Abagail popped one eye open to look at the men. “He’s watched her for a while now. I even saw them dancing at the ball. They looked lovely together, very well suited, don’t you think, love?”

  Kaelen frowned. “Looked lovely… Abby, she is far too young to mate. It was an innocent flirtation, I’m certain.”

  A dull roar filled Rhys’ head. She had asked for Gareth? Had she decided to follow through with her previous plan and lay with the man? And Abby thought them well suited?

  To hell with that.

  “Garth is entirely unsuited for the task at hand. Furthermore, innocent flirtations can develop into dangerous situations. It’s better they are kept apart.”

  Kaelen nodded in agreement. Abby sat up and stared at Rhys, questions swirling in her eyes.

  Rhys shifted uncomfortably. “She is Princess of Fey. She is unlike other young women. More care needs to be taken with her!”

  “You see? This is exactly why you are the best man for this!” Kaelen exclaimed. “Now…all is well?”

  “Yes, of course. There are no disturbances around the cabin. I’ve protected the entrances of the dwelling and I’ve been watching over her. She and her cousin were shopping when I last observed them,” Rhys reported.

  “Excellent. You’ll keep me apprised of any changes?”

  “As you wish, my King.” He bowed, then nodded at Abagail. “My Queen.”

  He flashed back to the cabin. The building was empty and the car still gone. Rhys sighed. He’d give them a little while longer. Meanwhile he’d double-check the surrounding area.

  He made his way through the woods, senses attuned to any magickal disturbance. His mind was a jumble. Had been since he’d awakened. Since the shared dream. He clenched his fists. Normally he constructed barriers to prevent it from happening. Obviously he’d failed the night before. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  And to hear about her and that boy Gareth…

  His emotions were out of control, and he knew why. Being around Neiva, but unable to be truly with her, was maddening. All the things she mentioned—the sadness, the emptiness—oh, he felt it too.

  Rhys would give anything to go to her now and say the words. To be with her body and soul. But he couldn’t. Not yet. He stopped and closed his eyes. She is too young to mate… From the King’s own lips. They needed to wait. Neiva would see that eventually and they figure out a way to li
ve with it.

  Damn it! He was allowing himself to become distracted again. Pushing all else from his mind, he concentrated on the earth and air around him. Listened to what they had to say. A disturbance. Without thought, Rhys sprinted towards it. It was faint, and no evil clung to the area. But a powerful spell could mask that easily.

  He stopped where it felt strongest and searched for any clue as to what magicks had occurred here. His gaze landed on fresh growth around a small tree. He walked to it and knelt.

  Grass and flowers bloomed, their smells heavy in the air. The tree itself fairly sang with happiness. With every swaying limb, joy could be heard.

  Rhys’ skin prickled and his stomach tightened. Neiva. This was her work. Now that the panic had passed, he could feel her touch everywhere. Relief filled him. There was no danger. Although he’d talk to her about wandering the forest alone.

  That should be a delightful conversation, he thought with a cringe as he headed in the direction of the cabin. Time to see if the Princess had returned.

  * * * *

  Neiva sipped her drink and watched the dancers on the floor. She and Beth had returned to the bar they’d visited the previous evening. It wasn’t as crowded but Neiva didn’t mind. She just wanted some time to not think about serious topics. Another night of drinks and dancing with her cousin seemed like just the thing. In fact, the entire day had been perfect. They’d visited the salon—Beth’s hair was now a rather vibrant shade of red—and gone shopping. That had been an adventure. Neiva chuckled. Beth had made some interesting purchases. The more an item would shock her mom, the more she wanted it.

  “So how are you holding up?” Beth asked.

  “Good. I’m having fun.” She scanned the bar. Disappointment soured her belly.

  “You’re looking for him, aren’t you?”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m just…looking for him,” she admitted. “He may be here, cloaking his presence. He’s powerful enough to hide from me. But I don’t know why he would. I mean, I know he’s protecting me, so—“