by J. D. Wright
“You used to be better at hiding your trail.”
Mereck paused, before straightening up and turning around to see Edmund standing behind him. He was dressed as a commoner in a thin gray tunic and brown pants. He had longer hair than Mereck remembered, but there was no doubt as to who he was.
“Hello, Edmund.”
“Hello, friend.”
Mereck snickered. He hadn’t been friends with Edmund for many years. Not since the last time Edmund had betrayed him.
“Now why would I need to hide my trail? It isn’t as if I have a reason for anyone to follow me.”
“Don’t be daft, Mereck. I know you have the stone. And using my son to retrieve it for you was a clever move. Almost impressive.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Edmund. Now if you don’t mind, I have somewhere I need to be.”
Edmund summoned a small ball of fire in his hand and tossed it at Mereck’s horse. It missed the horse but served its purpose. The startled horse pulled away from Mereck and took off through the forest.
“Son of a bitch!” Mereck shouted, rounding on Edmund.
“I’ve heard worse.”
“You have your magic. The idiot Elder Mage returned your magic.”
“It took dire circumstances in order to convince her to do it, but in the end, she couldn’t stand the idea of harm coming to her precious love. She happily unsealed my magic.”
Mereck didn’t respond. He slowly stepped backward, astounded by how quickly his plan had become threatened now that Edmund was once again in possession of his powers.
“From your silence, I assume you just realized that you should have hidden your trail, after all,” Edmund said, walking closer.
“You don’t know how to use the crystal,” Mereck said, putting a hand over his robes, trying to cover the stone. “You need me. You can’t do it without me.”
Edmund stopped right in front of Mereck and leaned in closer. With a quick swing of his arm, he stabbed Mereck’s side with a short, thin knife. Then, he pulled it out and jabbed him once more. Mereck dropped to his knees, shuddering in pain while blood began to pour from his wounds.
“You’ve always overvalued your usefulness to me, Mereck. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone.” Edmund reached down and pulled the chain from Mereck’s neck. “All of the years you spent tracking me, following me all over the realm, were for nothing. The one time you come to possess the crystal, you end up losing your magic. The sad part is, you thought you would be the one to use the crystal, but now you won’t even live long enough to see me use it, instead. I know I don’t have to kill you, but I can’t take a chance on you interfering.”
Edmund placed the stone and chain into his pocket, then started walking away.
“Your father should have taken it…” Mereck could barely speak for the blood beginning to fill his mouth. Without his magic, he couldn’t heal himself. “He should have… drained it… your magic.”
“Yes,” Edmund said, looking over his shoulder. “He should have.”
Mereck couldn’t hear Edmund’s reply as he collapsed to the ground and everything around him went dark.
Chapter Twenty-One
For at least the tenth time today, Rianne stared at the large wooden door to her chambers. The chambers that she had been locked inside of since being returned to Labara the night before. The long ride back from Hallowood had been the most depressing time of her life. Seeing the castle come into view had been just as daunting.
There were guards just outside the door and the doors and windows to her balcony had been nailed shut. Her father was determined to keep her there. And unless she were willing to harm her guards, which she would never do, there was no feasible way for her to escape.
She sat at her vanity and looked into the mirror. She blinked, unbelieving of what she was seeing. The girl in the mirror looked like a complete stranger. She had strayed so far from the princess she used to be that she hardly recognized herself, anymore. Sure, the eyes were the same. The hair was mostly the same, as well. But even those familiar features were somehow different. She was different. Changed, even. And she liked the woman she was becoming. It was too bad that her mother hadn’t bothered to notice…
“Gallivanting about the realm… With a boy! A wizard, nonetheless! Oh, the shame you’ve brought to this family, Rianne. I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am in you.” Isabelle was outraged and mortified. Her daughter’s reputation could have been soiled, had she been spotted traveling, alone, with this boy. Angrily, the brush Isabelle held tore through Rianne’s hair. But Rianne was too deep in her thoughts and sorrows to notice or care.
“What does Zander being a wizard have to do with anything?” she spat, noticing her mother’s remark.
Isabelle stopped torturing Rianne’s hair and walked around to look at her daughter’s face. She still held the brush in her hand, gripping it tightly, as she spoke. “Wizards are selfish beings, Rianne. And dangerous. Cruel, even. You could have been spelled. Or killed. For all we know, you could still be under his power. Under his influence. Just look at your hair! He is trouble. You never should have allowed yourself to trust him.”
“You’re wrong.” Rianne didn’t believe a word that her mother was saying. “All wizards are not like that. They aren’t all the same. And I do trust Zander.” More than I trust you at the moment.
“I know what I am talking about, Rianne.”
“I don’t think you do, Mother. And if you honestly believe that, then you’re a hypocrite!” Rianne no longer cared to mind her manners when her mother was being ridiculous. “I have spent my entire life living under the same roof as a wizard. You’ve never worried about Eon being dangerous. If all wizards are selfish and cruel, then why haven’t you tried to protect me from the very wizard who lives one floor below me?”
Isabelle turned away, trying to hide her anger. It was unfitting of a queen to lose her temper and she had always been able to control herself. However, it was becoming more and more difficult with each passing moment.
Seeing her mother was trying to avoid the conversation, Rianne continued, “Care to explain, Mother? How can you hate a wizard that you’ve never met when you treat our Royal Mage like he is a member of our family?”
“Because he is family!” Isabelle spun around, furious at her daughter’s condescending tone.
Rianne gaped at her mother, surprised by the sudden outburst and confused by the statement.
“Who is family?”
“Eon is family, Rianne. I feel that you are safe around Eon because he is family. He would never hurt you. This… Zander… I don’t know from the next stranger that wanders into the town.”
“Are you lying to prove a point? How is Eon our family?” It didn’t make sense to Rianne, but she had never caught her mother in a lie, before.
“I may be a lot of things, but a liar isn’t one of them,” Isabelle said, sharply.
“Then prove it. How is Eon, family?”
“It doesn’t matter how—“
“Then it is a lie.”
Isabelle bit her lip to prevent herself from saying something she would regret. The level of disrespect her daughter was showing her was atrocious. But Isabelle knew that it wasn’t entirely her daughter’s fault. Rianne was upset and had inherited Nolan’s explosive temper, which required a large dose of patience on Isabelle’s part.
“Eon is your grandfather, Rianne. He is my father.”
“How can that be?” Rianne was stunned. “I’ve met my grandfather, your father.”
“No, you met my mother’s husband, the man who raised me. My real father is Eon.”
“I don’t understand. Why would you hide this from me? Do Tristan and Xavier know?”
“No, Rianne. And you will not tell them. The only other person who knows is your father. And Eon, of course.”
“But if you’re the daughter of a wizard, then you must have inherited his m—“
“No. I did not inherit magic. A
nd I am thankful for it.”
Rianne narrowed her eyes. How could her mother believe that wizards are terrible when her own father is one? And why would she want to hide her father’s identity from everyone?
“Is that why you hate wizards, then? Because you don’t have magic and—“
“That is enough!” Isabelle slammed the brush down onto the vanity beside her then steadied her breath. “You will never see that boy—that wizard, again. It’s time for you to accept it. And accept your role in this family. You are the daughter of King Nolan and you will wed King Carneath.”
Rianne started to argue, to list at least a dozen reasons as to why she shouldn’t be forced to marry Carneath, but it was pointless because Isabelle was already walking out of the room. Rianne was left alone, staring at the splintered handle of the brush that her mother left behind.
~*~
Tristan sat down at the family table and looked around. Everyone looked miserable, for one reason or another. With Rianne locked in her chambers, upstairs, Nolan and Isabelle could finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, Nolan looked sad and worried, having just sent word to King Carneath that their wedding plans could now resume. He had also suggested the ceremony be expedited. And as a courtesy, Nolan offered to host the ceremony in Labara in order to save time.
Isabelle practically stormed into her seat, still fuming from her visit with Rianne. Tristan hadn’t been present, but he could tell from his mother’s mood that her reunion with her daughter had not been a pleasant one.
Xavier was easily on his third glass of wine and supper had not even been served yet. After Dahlia slipped away from him at the wedding celebration, Xavier had become angry and depressed, resorting back to heavy drinking to ease his suffering. Tristan worried that he would soon find his brother in bed with a slew of women again, though Xavier promised it wouldn’t happen.
Seraphina was the only person at the table who seemed genuinely happy to be there. Her disposition had softened a bit since the ceremony though she still preferred to be alone for most of the day and rarely spoke to her new husband. She was delighted when the servants brought bowls of steaming bean soup with mushrooms for the first course. It had become one of her favorite dishes. In fact, now that she had decided to actually try the food, she found that she quite liked most of it, especially the sweets. Tristan almost smiled at seeing how happy it made her. Then he remembered how miserable she made him and he scowled, instead.
Supper was quiet. No one spoke more than a few words to one another. Once the plates and bowls were clear, Nolan and Isabelle excused themselves, not bothering to wait for dessert. Tristan, Seraphina, and Xavier were left at the table. The servants placed a plate in front of each of them. There were small slices of rum cake and rhubarb pie, as well as a scoop of bread pudding.
“Oh, my!” Seraphina said, placing a hand over her heart. “I’ve never seen this many desserts in one day, before!”
“They’re Rianne’s favorites,” Tristan said, taking a bite of the pudding. “The cooks must know she’s home.”
“Speaking of her return,” Seraphina added, taking another bite. “Are either of you going to tell me the real reason that she’s been away?”
“What do you mean? Rianne has been ill, recuperating with relatives.”
“Hmm…” Seraphina sipped her wine and eyed her husband.
“You’re a terrible liar, Tristan,” Xavier said, shaking his head.
“As a member of this family now, I think I have a right to know,” Seraphina insisted. “I caught a glimpse of her last night and she looked angry. I would think that someone who is no longer ill would be happy not angry.”
It was obvious that Seraphina intended to learn the truth and Tristan really had no reason to hide it from her. Rianne was home. The wedding was happening, as planned, so it hardly seemed necessary to lie about it any longer. He glanced over at Xavier, who just shrugged, then he turned to Seraphina.
“Our sister, Rianne, went on a short trip… outside of the kingdom…”
“That couldn’t possibly have been more vague,” Xavier mumbled.
“What I mean is… Rianne left home… on her own.” Tristan was hoping to save his sister's reputation, but there really wasn’t a nice way to say it.
“You mean, she ran away. Right? She ran away because she was betrothed to that old Carneath.” Seraphina scrunched her nose up. “I don’t blame her. I would have done the same.”
“Umm, what?” Tristan was surprised.
“I can’t blame her,” Seraphina continued. “If my father had promised me to an old geezer like Carneath, I would have run off, too. Honestly, she shouldn’t have to marry him. He’ll be dead before long. What a terrible marriage that would be. Old and wrinkly…”
“Seraphina, you do realize that Carneath is younger than your own father. He’s younger than mine, too.”
“Perhaps, but he is still far too old for your sister. Especially, when there are plenty of other young princes in the realm.” She took another bite, unaware that Tristan and Xavier were staring at her.
“Who are you?” Xavier asked, raising his eyebrows. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“For once, Seraphina,” Tristan said, “We agree on something. However, I find it hard to believe you think this way. Considering you, yourself, were betrothed… To me.”
Seraphina waved a hand, dismissing him, “Yes, of course. But you are young and handsome. We make a very fine couple and will no doubt have beautiful children. Your sister’s situation is altogether different.”
“Uh…” Tristan didn’t know how to respond. That was the first time that she had complimented him, calling him handsome. Which was strange, considering she barely ever looked at him. And now she was referring to their unborn children.
“This is the strangest thing I have witnessed in a long time,” Xavier said, leaning back in his chair and smiling. “Please, do continue.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Seraphina asked, looking up from her plate.
Xavier laughed and sipped his wine.
“I think he means to say that you have hated me from the moment you arrived. It’s strange to hear you say anything… flattering… toward me. That’s all.” Tristan found it surprising but not nearly as funny as Xavier did.
“I didn’t hate you, Tristan. I was angry with my father,” she said, simply. “However, I received word that he will be visiting in late winter. Along with my brother.”
“And this makes you happy?”
“Well, of course.”
Tristan rubbed a hand over his face. He couldn’t believe how quickly his wife’s attitude had changed. He almost felt guilty for thinking so ominously of her. Then again, he wasn’t sure how long this new mood of hers would last.
A messenger entered the room and brought a small piece of parchment to Xavier. He thanked the messenger and sent him away. Then he opened the message and read it to himself. Irritated, he crumpled the parchment and tossed it onto the table.
“I assume from your reaction that she declined?” Tristan asked, taking a bite of his pie.
“Who declined?” Seraphina asked, with a mouth full of pudding.
“The bard,” Tristan replied, then was hit with the sudden realization that this was the longest conversation he had ever had with Seraphina. He looked over at her and frowned.
“Yes. She has a prior engagement that cannot be rescheduled. Bullshit!” Xavier stood, picked up his goblet, and drank the rest of the wine in one gulp. “I’m going to the tavern.”
“Xavier! Wait!” Tristan shouted, but his brother was already through the door.
“He really has terrible luck with women,” Seraphina said and finished the last bite of her dessert.
~*~
Xavier stumbled into his darkened chambers. He looked around and found that everything in the room reminded him of the one person he had started drinking in order to forget. First, it was the armoire. That reminded him of the last night he spent with Da
hlia. It had started alongside that very armoire. He went over and slammed his fist against it.
Next, he walked to the balcony. The doors were locked, which he assumed was to prevent him from taking a tumble over the side. He would have to thank Tristan later. He heard the door open behind him. Or I can thank him now.
“Tristan…I was just thinking that I should—“
Xavier froze when he saw Ingrid standing in front of the door.
“It’s so dark in here, Xavier. How can you possibly see anything?” she asked, then walked over and began to light additional candles.
“Ingrid? What are you doing here?” he asked. Seeing her walking toward him was confusing. He wasn’t even sure if she was real. When she placed her lips on his, however, there was no doubt. They were the same soft lips that he had enjoyed many times.
Only, now they felt empty. Her kisses didn’t warm him the way they used to. She whispered something into his ear, but he didn’t understand her. She pulled his arm and led him to his bed. Then she began to undress him. She removed his shirt and scattered kisses across his chest.
He blinked a few times, uncertain if he should stop her. He didn’t want her. Not in the way he once had. But he couldn’t deny that he was lonely. And having her there as a distraction was tempting. But it wasn’t what he wanted. Not anymore.
He put a hand out to stop her when she started to open the clasp on his belt.
“Well, I can’t very well remove your belt with your hand in the way,” she said, then shoved his arm to the side.
“Wait, Ingrid,” Xavier said. “No.”
“No? Are you sure? Because your mouth may be saying that, but something else isn’t.” She rubbed a hand across his groin which made him jump up from the bed.
“No!” He put an arm out, again. “This can’t happen. It won’t happen. Go home.”
“But Xavier… You don’t really mean that. No one needs to know. We’ve been discreet before.” She reached out and put her hand on his chest. “Besides, I don’t see anyone else here offering to take care of you. Where is she?”
