by S. A. Garcia
I controlled my gurgled gasp and shook my head. “Nothing, nothing. The Prince is alive?”
Underbutler Todd turned and nodded in glee. “Alive and… wait, what was that?” He leaned forward and then turned back to us. “The Prince has taken over the palace!”
This time they both stared at me in alarm. Deranged joy infused my mind. I refused to hide at the back and suffer through this inane whisper down the lane game. As I pushed forward I did not care who I insulted or annoyed. In fact I enjoyed elbowing past the gawking nobles. I erupted into the study with a touch too much drama. Master Adrian and Lady Delia stared at me in amusement. They knew my sad story.
No need to add to the spectacle. I backed to a supportive wall and offered them my custom blank face. Where was Lord Keith? Other nobles glanced at me and then returned their attention to Adrian.
Unexpected pride swelled my soul. I stared at my wrist. Now that Linden lived I refused to hide my love. My fingers undid the four small snaps holding the leather covering securely in place. The silver scales caught a stray sunbeam and spiraled colorful reflections on the ceiling. Gasps echoed from the nobles standing nearest to me. Low murmuring filled the room. For once I did not detest the attention. I maintained my practiced blank expression but inside I wanted to scream; Yes, this is why this freakish slave deserves to hear the news. Look and know the returned-to-life Linden loves me.
Master Adrian returned to his transcription until he gasped for a different reason. His assistant quickly spooled the thin paper from the clicking comm. Adrian read and jotted down his findings. From my angle I saw this message arrived in a numeric code, different from the normal dots and dashes. “Everyone, please listen! I now possess final confirmation that Prince Linden staged a peaceful coup d'état at dawn. The military guards willingly surrendered to him. The entire military under General Arata acknowledges Prince Linden’s right to rule. The General owns proof that Prince Linden’s dirigible was attacked by rogue elements of the military acting under King Edward’s direction. The accident at the power plant was engineered by Edward and members of the Front Liberty. Edward worked with terrorists and killed his own countrymen to bait his assassination trap.” Adrian paused and shook his head in quiet disgust.
The nobles muttered in anger. Silk and velvet rustled as they expressed their disbelief.
“Outrageous!”
“The blackguard!”
Stately Duke Deinar called out the crucial question. “Tell us, has Prince Linden already claimed rule?”
My heart clenched in anticipation. Master Adrian’s broad smile dispelled his normal scholarly demeanor. “Yes indeed. All hail King Linden the First.”
Linden did it. My lover took the throne. Even as my heart beat in joy I sank to my knees along with the other nobles. Voices soared free in excitement. “Hail King Linden the First!”
Commotion sounded behind me. Lord Keith shoved forward through the still floor-bound nobles, sweaty and red from his efforts. He gasped. “Is it true Linden staged a coup?”
“Yes, he is now King!” Lady Delia hugged her messy husband. He picked her up and nearly tossed her into the air. Their laughter felt healing.
Keith’s right arm demanded obedience. “Anders! Anders, open the wine for everyone. Tell everyone to cease working and begin rejoicing. This day calls for great celebration and merriment! We finally have a sane king!”
I stood to applaud. To my surprise my knees buckled. I collapsed against the window seat. Too much joy attacked me. Lord Keith focused on me and smiled in acknowledgement.
One thought conquered my mind. Linden took the throne! My excited heart beat so fiercely I felt ready to pass out. Adoration flooded my senses. My Linden had recovered enough to claim the throne. He finally took what he deserved.
The next minutes passed in a celebratory blur. Someone pressed a brimming goblet into my hand. Nobles drew close and respectfully touched Linden’s bracelet. When did this abused slave become a good luck charm? I didn’t care. The news of Linden’s triumph forced old bitterness from my soul. The day felt hopeful and bright.
Adrian never left his clicking comm; he supplied us frequent updates. Linden locked Edward in the dungeon with the intent of holding a trial to determine his final guilt. We understood an execution loomed in the future. My wise lover ordered a quorum to convene. He had already selected trustworthy nobles to travel to Rahalda to meet with him and discuss the country’s future. The capitol city turned into a carnival of hope. My Linden ceased the war wicked Edward started with the small country of Urbru. Yes, we all remembered Edward declared war against Urbru accusing their operatives of killing Linden.
When the comm fell silent I wandered into the ballroom and stared at the mountains. I wondered how two brothers could act so differently? Compassionate blood drove Linden’s brave heart where pure serpent venom flowed in Edward’s veins. Nothing else made sense. Edward embraced relentless evil. My compassionate Linden embraced enlightenment and reason.
I shivered in love. I hoped someday he’d embrace me again!
A page came up and touched my arm. “Ala, Lord Keith wishes to speak to you. He’s still in the study.”
Keith looked up from reading further reports transcribed in Adrian’s neat script. He looked so out of place in the elegant room still clad in his rumpled hunting clothes. His bright rust hair haloed his face in spiked abandon. “Alasdaire, I have news I do not wish to announce during the festivities. I fear Linden is not a well man; the initial accident broke his body. He is recovered but still damaged; reports are he can barely walk.”
My heart tensed. “I feared he suffered cruel injury. As long as he lives I do not care.”
Keith nodded. “It saddens me to think of my bold brave cousin in such a condition but yes, at least he lives. Can you believe he invited me to join his new quorum? I promptly refused the offer since I do not wish to live in that dreary city all the time.” Keith grinned in relief. “Good thing Linden is the King or my refusal might harm my ability to breathe, eh? Lord Malster is the better man for the dangerous position. Far more diplomatic. He is thrilled to serve his new King.” Keith held out folded paper to me. “What do you care of such matters? Most importantly, this is for you.”
My knees weakened again. My gaze devoured the words.
A.— I miss you. I miss you more than you can imagine. I need you. Once this political intrigue is over we shall be together again. I promise you this with my aching heart. Be patient. — L.
I read the note five times before I could speak. “Thank you, Lord Keith. Thank you.”
“No, thank Linden for knowing his heart’s desire. As he asked, be patient. Feel cheer in knowing your torment is over.”
Keith’s earlier words worried me. I needed to know the truth. “How badly is Linden injured?”
A frown interrupted Keith’s merriment. “His left leg healed badly, so he walks with a debilitating limp; at times Linden needs a cane. His left arm is also damaged, but he claims he is much recovered. Ah, I still can’t believe the old hawk hid for all these months waiting for his supreme moment.” Keith shook his head. “Wicked Edward deserves to die. Why my stubborn cousin needs to hold a trial irritates me. Yes, I know Linden is a paragon of justice, but I hope the quorum changes his mind and pushes for Edward’s speedy execution.” A silly smile crossed Keith’s lips. “But enough bleak thoughts! Powers on High, the cousin I love well is finally where he belongs, on the throne.” He hoisted his goblet into the air. “Hail King Linden!”
His cheerful cry echoed into the ballroom and returned in chandelier-shaking force.
I almost fainted. I was the beloved of a King.
Mother would feel proud.
What a day! That evening my lonely little bed no longer felt like brutal torment. Keith told me since Linden’s death no longer ruled the land, I could return to living in Linden’s suite. To my surprise, I needed to think on the idea. Something told me to wait until I shared the space with my one love.
Too much of my own wine compromised my senses yet I needed to taste a few more drops. Somehow the wine connected me to my love. My shoes met the floor. I stretched out clad in my simple gardening clothing. Linden’s note rested in my chest pocket. I read the sweet words so many times I feared my stare might burn the weak paper. Patient? If it meant my Linden returned to me, then I could wait until the winking stars burnt out. Bah, I acted like a dramatic puppy, but I couldn’t control my joy. Imagine, Linden took the time to write to me. Amidst political turmoil and danger he remembered me. The new King remembered our love.
I loved Linden so much I barely knew how to remember breathing. Somehow Linden spelled me. I welcomed the curse.
My door banged open in rude force. What? I looked up and frowned in displeasure. “Anders?”
The legendarily composed butler snarled at me. His gray hair appeared as if he had raked the mass into a hopeless snarl, an unruly forest of tufts and twists. Drink flushed his narrow cheeks an unhealthy brick hue. One thin finger jabbed at me. “You arrogant slave, how dare you walk around here acting like you’re the new King? Do you think King Linden is really coming back for you? Why would a king want a sluttish slave at his side?”
I almost threw my goblet at his sneering face. Instead I granted him a superior little smile. “Anders, you fool, I know he’s coming back for me. Linden already wrote to me.”
Anders’s wicked mockery halted. His face fell into slack disbelief until he pointed at me. “Once he sees your damaged face he’ll change his mind, Elf! You’re not the pretty piece he enjoyed bedding. I predict those ugly scars will change his opinion of you.” He laughed in cruel triumph, then, to my relief, he slammed from the room.
My fingers touched the raised scars twisting my cheek canes into splintery shapes. The surgeon Lord Keith procured for me performed a miracle restoring my battered face, but he couldn’t banish the many scars twisting over my skin. At least my crushed nose retained a semblance of a normal shape. My Father’s damaging blows almost drove the bone into my brain.
I scolded myself for worrying. Anders was a wicked fool. My King loved me.
I knew it above all else.
Linden
Reunion
Restraint pummeled my soul. I despised allowing Lord Jenkins to assist me from the tall, steam-driven carriage, but better that than falling on my royal face. Although the steel confines granted me speed and safety, the rough ride promised stiffness, especially with my damned infirmities. My body betrayed me, intent on orchestrating persistent symphonies of pain. Watchful Jenkins stood with me. I leaned on my cane, stretched my aching left leg, and determined forward progress felt doable. “All right, nanny, I can move on my own.”
Jenkins grinned at me. “I shall be directly behind you, Sire.”
“Stop it.” I hobbled up the steps into the manor without embarrassing myself.
I smiled at Keith. To my delight my magical Alasdaire waited behind him. My cousin smiled in true joy but his words taunted me. “It took you long enough to visit me, Sire. Were you annoyed at my refusal to join your political party?”
“Don’t tease me, cousin. Come now, my new kingdom needed to see me alive and well. Hauling my battered old body around the country didn’t please me. Now I need a rest in your fair lands.”
“No doubt. Well, Sire, we can talk later. For now someone also needs to see you alive and well.”
Keith warned me about Leo’s violent attack on Alasdaire’s face. To me he looked as beautiful as our first day together. The spidery scars disrupted his bold cheek canes into lacey patterns, fanciful and lovely, much like a mosaic. The broken nose added complexity to his face. My poor Elf had earned his battle scars. He still looked like a soothing dream. “My Elf.”
As he smiled Alasdaire bowed low in impudent respect. “My dear King, welcome back.”
“You impenitent Elf, don’t you remember I dislike your hair sweeping the floor?”
A husky edge brushed Alasdaire’s accented voice. “Forgive me, my King for forgetting your desires.” Alasdaire shook his head and continued smiling until I thought his lips might never lose the happy expression. My arms pulled him close into a welcoming kiss. His lips tasted sweet and safe; I planned on kissing him for long, pleasurable days. My fingers were finally buried in his wavy hair. I felt like I returned to my soul.
When I managed to release those soothing lips I glanced at my cousin. “Keith, may I use your study?”
“Of course, cousin.”
My fingers stroked Alasdaire’s damaged cheek. “Come, my love.”
My lover followed me into the stately study. “Keith, please, we need privacy.”
A knowing grin mocked me. “Of course, my liege.”
“Your mind truly dwells in the gutter!” Once we were alone I guided Alasdaire into a chair. My fingers continued stroking his cheeks, one smooth and one rough. “How I missed you. I love you so much. All this time and I love you more than ever. Do you trust me?”
His answering smile contained enough love for a city. “Linden, my love, of course; I trust you above all others since I love you.”
“Excellent. Time to remedy a serious wrong. Please relax.” I flexed my fingers, urging my sulky left fingers to loosen up. The proper touch was essential to my goal. Power swelled in my mind. Concentration distanced me from my surrounds. I shut my eyes. The sight of my love’s trusting gaze made me want to pull him close and taste him anew. No.
Seconds flowed by. Wait, there, my power collected and clicked in my mind. It was time. My fingers rested on the cold Catch. I murmured the proper chant. My fingers tapped out an arcane pattern against the metal. The silver metal parted on the hinges and fell to the floor. How simple. Yes, my ascent to the throne offered me powers I never imagined possible. Edward was too insane to take advantage of the stunning finesse required. What a blessing.
My freed Elf sat in stunned silence until he finally stared up at me. He shook his head in bewilderment. His next smile embodied impossible gratitude. Before I could pull him into a supreme embrace, he surprised me by grasping my knee. What did he do? Low whistling flowed around me, the sound mysterious and inspiring. Vivid pain shot through my crooked bones. No! No, wait, I needed to endure the initial sensation. The pain built against my damaged bones until it dissolved into warm bliss.
Alasdaire inhaled a deep breath and smiled at me. “Did my song help your pain?”
I flexed my knee. Impossible. My joints moved in greater liberty. Faint pain remained but what freedom! “You can heal me?”
“I can, my love. I can heal you because I am one with you. Our love joins us. Our love protects us.”
I stood there amazed at how the pain fell away from my leg. Time to complete my mission. Before this second I feared this part of my plan, but now I knew anything was possible. Perhaps I knew the possibilities before they existed. My Elf told me in a long ago dream. “Come ride with me, beloved. You looked at the mountains for too long. Time to visit them.” I reached down and pulled my lover into my arms.
His laughter thrilled me. “I cannot wait!”
I had already told Keith I wanted one of his prime stallions standing ready for me. Keith’s favorite horse, Bartlo, snorted in readiness to run. My Alasdaire gingerly hauled himself atop of the proud stallion. The restless horse truly unnerved him. I waved away Jenkins’s help and mounted without assistance. Jenkins shook his head in amazement. “Linden?”
I smiled in merriment. “My friend, I told you this special place would cure me. This place and my lover.”
Jenkins smiled in joy. “Then you do not need me.”
“Jenkins, I will always need you. I need my friends. But now I am in need of only one man.”
Mere inches separated our bodies until Alasdaire hugged me close. His nose teased my neck. “My lover, you smell like supreme life.”
“You taste like life. I need to drink you.” I whirled the prancing Bartlo around and galloped down the drive. Trees flashed past. I guided t
he powerful beast onto a barely noticeable dirt path leading up into the verdant foothills. We galloped through the thickening cypress trees. Birdcalls and fresh mountain breezes supplied our soft music.
Alasdaire’s arms embraced my waist. His warm lips nuzzled my ear. “Are you stealing me away, my royal lover?”
“You’ll see. I hope you’re not too exhausted from anticipating my arrival, although after this afternoon you might need a long rest.”
Alasdaire laughed and licked my ear. “I confess seeing your beloved face makes any weariness fade into the soaring sky.”
“Ah, I see Keith taught you courtly compliments.”
“Wicked man.”
“Beautiful Elf.”
