Arranged

by Spears, Jessica

  "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."

  Qwinn chuckled softly, "Adalia wouldn't hurt a fly."

  She glared up at him playfully and Alison suddenly wanted to leave. She didn't want to see them flirt. She wanted to be alone.

  As if sensing her mood, Qwinn watched Alison. "Are you alright?"

  "You don't still feel sick, do you?" Adalia jumped in. "Hurry, sit her on the pillows."

  Alison was sure the woman said all of that in English for her benefit. Qwinn gently laid her down. She was surprised to find that her arms didn't want to let go of him. He stilled, studying her eyes. Her heart skipped at having him so close. Alison wanted to shake herself. She shouldn't be reacting this way to a creature!

  She released him; however, he stayed just as close as when she was holding him. She backed into the pillow, trying to create space between them. When her eyes touched his again, he spoke. "You are not in danger here. I will return before the next meal," he said as his hand reached out as if to touch her face. He stopped himself and a moment later, he straightened up and cleared his throat, turning to the woman, speaking their weird language.

  Alison took the moment to study the room. Vines of flowers hung from the ceiling and climbed up various walls. Tiny lanterns were strung around the room. The large bed was covered with a sheer green cloth. Alison felt as if she were in the forest again. The pillow she was relaxing against sucked her into its comfort.

  Qwinn glanced toward her one last time before leaving. Adalia turned to Alison with a kind smile. "Are you hungry?" she asked as she offered a platter of strange looking foods. "Prees fruit is my favorite. We never had them on the surface."

  Alison turned her attention on the girl. "You were on the surface?"

  Adalia nodded. "When I was young. That was a long time ago."

  "How long ago?"

  Adalia looked at the ceiling, counting in her mind. "Centuries."

  Alison's jaw dropped. "You're centuries old!?" She looked to be only a few years older than Alison.

  Adalia snorted. "Please, don't remind me," she said with a smile. "How old are you?"

  "Almost 18."

  Adalia's smile grew. "You are just a baby!"

  "Where I come from I am an adult," she ground out.

  Adalia held her palm up. "I didn't mean to make you feel inferior; sometimes my mouth gets away from me."

  Alison nodded, accepting a fruit from the tray. It was one of the spiky fruits she'd tried before. "So…who are you, if you don't mind my asking?" Alison dared ask. "I mean…you must be important if you have your own room in the palace."

  Adalia pursed her lips. "Leave it to Qwinn not to introduce me properly," she said mostly to herself. Alison tried to ignore the familiarity in the way she said his name. "I am Princess of Vidar."

  Alison's eyes grew wide. She didn't know what to do, or what was custom, so she bowed. Adalia laughed, her giggle a tinkle of light. "You don't have to do that. Please."

  Alison straightened, blushing slightly. "I've never been in the presence of royalty." It didn't escape her that Adalia was royalty of a different race, but royalty nonetheless.

  "There's nothing special about me besides my bloodline. Enough talk about me. Tell me about you."

  Alison turned the spiky fruit over and over in her hands nervously. "…What did you want to know?"

  "We'll start with something easy. What do you think of Vidar?"

  Alison was silent for a moment as she thought about how to answer. She couldn't tell the Princess of Vidar that she hated her strangely beautiful land. She couldn't say that she was terrified of every new creature she met, even though none of them had hurt her, yet. She couldn't say that she missed the sun.

  Adalia seemed to take her silence as an answer. "I know it is a big change for you. But I assure you, if you give Vidar a chance, it can be a wonderful place to live."

  "I don't understand why I am even here," she said, tugging at her dress to cover her legs.

  Adalia sighed. "Qwinn isn't the best at explaining things…what has he told you?"

  Alison explained that she'd been told she couldn't leave because she'd seen them.

  Adalia nodded. "Sadly, there is no way to change that. For the protection of my people, we cannot let you go."

  "Do you allow all the humans who see you stay in the palace?"

  She didn't answer for a moment. "No."

  "Then why−"

  "I would not let the guards kill you," she cut in. "You…have a unique aura."

  "Aura?"

  "Your spirit, it is pure. Because of that, the King and I have decided to let you live among us. We have given you a chance at life, a new life."

  Alison frowned. "I was running away, far away. If you let me go, I promise I will run and not look back. I'll never tell anyone!"

  Adalia starred off into the room. "If only it were that easy. I'm afraid you are in this much deeper than you know."

  "What do you mean?"

  Adalia shook her head, laughing softly. "Speaking nonsense. May I ask what you were running away from?"

  "I…I was being set up for an arranged marriage."

  "I thought that was custom on the surface?"

  Alison nodded. "However, the man my uncle had chosen for me was cruel, so I ran."

  The princess frowned. "I am so sorry."

  Alison shook her head. "I didn't want to marry any of the suitors my uncle chose."

  "What did you want?" she asked, all her attention focused on Alison. Strangely, that encouraged Alison instead of scare her. She never had any one to talk to, let alone a female. Adalia made her feel comfortable enough to speak. Maybe if she spoke her story aloud, she could make sense of it all.

  "I wanted to move into a small house in the city. I wanted to travel and see all the beautiful places I have only ever read about in books. Mostly, I wanted to find love on my own; marry who I wanted to marry when I was ready for it. I wanted a family, like one I never had. I wanted a new life, not one where I took orders from my uncle... I don't know why I just told you all of that…"

  Adalia smiled encouragingly. "It is nice to have someone to talk to. Qwinn isn't a great conversationalist," she said with a snort.

  Alison looked away awkwardly. "So, what do people do around here?"

  "There is plenty to do. Our world is almost like yours. Perhaps Qwinn would allow me to take you out of the palace and into town."

  Why would she need to ask Qwinn? Alison wondered. "That would be nice," she said instead.

  Suddenly, Adalia jumped up and rushed toward a drawer, pulling a small box out and returning to the pillows, handing the box to her. "I made this for you a long time ago and have been waiting to give it to you," she said with a bright smile.

  "What do you mean a long time?" She'd only been there for a few days, a week at most.

  The princess' smile strained slightly. "Oh never mind. Open it!"

  Alison studied the woman before opening the box. Inside was cloth. She parted the thin white cloth and pulled out a beautiful necklace. Stones and shells had been woven into an amazingly intricate piece. The blue and purple stones caught the light of the lanterns beautifully. "You made this?" she asked in astonishment.

  Adalia's smile bloomed again. "Do you like it?" she asked, taking the piece from Alison and looping it over the girls head.

  "I've never seen anything like it," Alison said, fingering it against her neck. "It's beautiful." Then her forehead creased as she tried to pull it back over her head. "I cannot take this…"

  "Why not?" Adalia asked, stopping her hands. Alison caught the hurt in her voice and felt ashamed.

  "Why would you make me a necklace? Why is everyone being so kind to me? I'm human! Shouldn't you want to skin me and eat my insides or something?" she asked, shivering at the thought.

  Suddenly, Adalia burst into a fit of laughter. The sound was so pleasant that Alison couldn't help but smile at how ridiculous she'd just sounded. When Adalia was finished, she cleared h
er throat, but laughter still twinkled in her eyes. "We do not eat humans. And we are nice because that is how my people are. We help each other and care about one another. You are one of us now, so I will treat you with the same kindness I treat other with. I made the necklace for you, I would be honored if you would accept it."

  Alison looked at the necklace in thought. No wonder Qwinn is in love with this woman, she is amazing. "Thank you," she finally spoke.

  Adalia nodded and fingered a flower hanging nearby. "I insisted on having these brought in. I wanted to be surrounded by beauty, not dreary stone walls."

  Alison looked around once again at all the flowers. "They are pretty. I've never seen anything like them."

  "Of course not. These don't grow on the surface." She suddenly leaned closer. "This world isn't all bad Alison. Give it a chance. Don't harden yourself to the beauty around you."

  She seemed to be reading all of Alison's insecurities and speaking just the right words to make them seem smaller. She stood. "I almost forgot. I got you something else."

  "You didn't−"

  "I wanted to," she said silencing Alison's protests. She walked to the corner of the room, grabbing a gnarled stick with carvings in it. "This should help," she said, handing the stick to Alison.

  She eyed it. "Uh…thanks?" she said, turning the stick over and over, studying the swirls carved into the old wood.

  "It will help balance you when you walk. I heard your leg is hurt."

  A staff. "Thank you."

  Adalia sat back down. "It has been so long since I've had anyone over."

  Alison smiled sadly. "I've never been invited anywhere."

  Adalia's eyes grew wide. "What did they allow you to do on the surface?"

  "What proper women do; knit, study, entertain my uncle's company…that's it."

  The princess sneered in disgust. "You poor girl."

  "It could have been worse…"

  Adalia looked at her seriously for a moment before both girls burst out laughing. Alison felt more comfortable by the minute. "What do you do?"

  "Anything I want. Mostly, I go into town to dance."

  Alison looked at her in confusion.

  "I dance the traditional Vidarian dances at festivals and celebrations. There is a whole troup of us. My mentor is the most graceful dancer I have ever seen. One day I wish to be like her."

  "I would like to watch sometime," and to her surprise, she really did.

  Adalia smiled. "Maybe you could dance with us. I know a few that would be perfect for you."

  "I've never danced…I wouldn't know where to even start."

  "We would teach you."

  Alison shook her head again, tugging at her dress.

  "I'll change your mind yet," she said with a laugh. "I've been meaning to tell you, your dress is beautiful."

  "You think so?" Alison asked, for the first time feeling almost comfortable in it. For some reason, Adalia's words helped. Alison wanted her approval.

  "I haven't seen that style for years, but it looks amazing on you."

  Alison blushed shyly. "I feel so…exposed."

  Adalia nodded. "I can imagine. I have seen what the women wear on the surface. I don't know how you wear all of those clothes. Your dresses do not give you freedom to move or glide. They don't show your hips or anything!" She said with a shake of her head.

  Alison thought of the corsets, high collars and stockings. "You're right. But it's improper to show so much skin in my world."

  "Why? We all have it," she stated.

  Alison leaned forward, furrowing her brows. "But…don't you worry about what the…men will think?"

  "Should I?"

  "Well, aren't you worried they'll look?"

  Adalia smiled knowingly. "Don't you want them to look?"

  Alison blushed, looking away.

  "It's fascinating how you face can change color."

  Alison blushed deeper and Adalia giggled. "Look at it this way. You should be happy with who you are. If you cannot accept the way you look, then you will never be happy."

  Alison pondered her words for a moment, she had a point.

  They chatted more. Alison told her about her father and how much they'd love each other. Adalia taught her about how the earth gave them the power to grow food without the sun. She also told Alison how she had been a child when she was on the surface.

  Adalia was beginning to explain something about magic in her blood when the door opened.

  Qwinn let himself in, a hesitant smile on his face. Alison felt the urge to hide her exposed legs, but fought it. She was now determined to accept her body.

  She tried not to think about Adalia and Qwinn together. They looked perfect for each other. She also tried not to think too much as to why she was feeling so sad about it.

  It seemed that she had no way of escaping, until her leg was healed. So until then, she'd pretend to try to fit in. She'd gain their trust, then run.

  QWINN LOOKED BETWEEN THE TWO women nervously. His sister tended to be speak openly, too openly. He hoped she hadn't said anything he didn't mean for Alison to know.

  Before coming into the room, he'd stilled himself against Alison's beauty. She seemed to be growing lovelier every time he saw her. It hadn't done him any good, she seemed alive with a warm glow and he knew she was growing comfortable with her surroundings.

  Adalia stood at his arrival and smiled brightly. "Where is the meal?"

  He frowned slightly as he slipped into the Vidarian language. "I intended this to be a private meal."

  "I want to come along. She is comfortable with my presence. Maybe she will open up more to you," she answered back, in their language.

  Alison lowered her eyes to stare at the floor, avoiding their gaze. He took a deep breath. "I want it to be private. Perhaps you may join us another time."

  Adalia pouted, but Qwinn ignored her, turning his attention to Alison. "The meal has been prepared in the garden. I thought you might enjoy going outside for a while."

  Alison hesitantly raised her eyes to meet his and nodded. She glanced to Adalia. "Is she coming?"

  Adalia looked smugly at Qwinn, who worked his jaw. "Not this time."

  His sister sighed and sat back into her pillows, fingering a flower on the wall as if none of this bothered her. "By the way," she added in Vidarian. "She wants to dance."

  Qwinn's heart picked up, however he didn't answer. He knew his sister had only said that to gain a reaction out of him. Without a word, he scooped Alison into his arms and turned toward the door. He heard Adalia chuckle, apparently his silence was enough of a reaction for her.

  He cursed her gift of sensing people's emotions. Even as a child, she knew how to manipulate a situation. Dancing was a large part of his culture. No doubt, if Alison began dancing with Adalia's troupe, they would teach her the traditional dances performed only at marriage ceremonies.

  When he closed the door behind him, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Alison didn't wrap her arms around his neck this time, which made him wonder just what his sister had told her.

  "Did you enjoy your time?" he asked, desperate to fight the awkward silence growing between them.

  She nodded. "She seems nice."

  Qwinn was left with nothing more to say. For the life of him, he couldn't think of a subject to start with.

  "You two love each other, don't you?" she suddenly asked quietly. Qwinn could tell from her tone that she didn't want to ask it.

  "Of course," he answered. Why did she seem upset?

  "I'm happy for you," she mumbled, turning her green eyes to the stone walls they were passing. Qwinn's forehead furrowed. Why would loving Adalia be a cause of grief? He wished he had his twin's gift to read peoples moods. Alison was confusing him now more than ever.

  He studied her, trying to decipher her mood. She said she was happy for him. Could it be because she didn't have siblings? No, there had to be more to it than that. He opened a small door and entered into a courtyar
d at the center of the palace that was filled with a beautiful garden; courtesy of his sister.

  His confusion was forgotten for the moment as he watched Alison's eyes consume the garden. His sister had made sure to have the most beautiful flowers brought in, even from the surface; however, without the sun, those flowers evolved into a strangely beautiful underground species. Purples and glowing white were the majority of the colors; however, the species varied to uncountable numbers.

  The garden consisted of stone walkways through flower bushes, fruit trees and a few statues. He headed straight for the large hedges that made a cozy little hide away, the perfect place for a relaxing meal. Fireflies danced around the hedges, creating a warm glow. Alison gasped at the sight, smiling with wonder.

  Qwinn ducked into the hedges and stood inside the small room they created. Everything had been prepared, just as he had ordered. A table was set with candles and delicious smelling foods. He carefully sat Alison down on a chair and took the one across from her for himself. She eyed the food curiously, but hungrily. "Help yourself," he said.

  She dug in, grabbing a bird leg and ripping the meat from the bone.

  He smiled slightly as he filled his plate with food. "What did you two discuss?" he asked, no longer able to fight his curiosity and worry.

  She slowed her chewing, buying time to answer. "This and that," she offered, affectively dodging his question.

  His eyes narrowed slightly; however, before he could ask another question, she asked her own. "How long have you and Adalia known each other?"

  Qwinn puzzled over the question. "Our whole lives."

  Alison nodded, suddenly studying her plate of food as if it were the most interesting thing. "How did you meet?"

  Then it hit Qwinn, she though they were mated. He also realized he never bothered to tell her otherwise; apparently neither had Adalia. Now all of her questioning made sense. He couldn't have stopped his smug smile if he wanted to. She sounded jealous.

  "She was the first female my parents allowed me to be around. They knew we would love each other forever," he answered, playing on her jealousy for a moment and ignoring the way his heart jumped excitedly at the way she was avoiding his gaze. "Does this upset you?"