The Blue Flame [Book 1 of the Daradawn Series]

by Barbara M. Hodges

  Regan sighed. How many families were missing their Mary-Annes this morning? “I'm so sorry."

  The young woman swallowed. “We all loved her.” She turned and walked to the dressing table with the small crystal bottles. The men had finished and departed. “Would you like the water scented?"

  "The pink one with the carved flower top. It's roses."

  "Of course, miss. After your bath the Queen's-Commander would like you to join her for breakfast."

  "Tell her I'll be down as soon as I'm dressed."

  Meg dug in the pocket of her skirt and handed a folded piece of paper to Regan. “The Queen's-Commander gave me this to give you. Now if there's nothing else?"

  "No, that'll be fine."

  Meg curtsied again, then left.

  Regan opened the sheet of paper and read Kelsey's words:

  Regan, I'm so happy that you and Peter have found love. I'll miss you but I know the two of you will be happy here. I have been for the past seven years.

  Please, let me give you the dress to wear at your wedding. It was really made for you, although I didn't know it at the time. Yes. You guessed it. It's the blue one for the dinner that never was.

  Your loving sister,

  Kelsey.

  Regan kicked the bed coverings aside and ran to the tall wardrobe. Opening the door, she reached inside and removed the pale-blue dress. She held it against her body and waltzed around the room. “With this on, I'll feel like a princess."

  She laid the dress flat out on the bed and turned toward the tall screen and oval tub.

  * * * *

  Regan stood before the long mirror and smoothed the blue dress over her hips. Her eyes strayed to the low oval neckline and she blushed. She twisted her shoulders side to side, decided the dress's top would remain in place, then turned and walked to the door.

  The full skirt of the gown caressed her bare backside as she moved. Maybe there is something to a lack of underwear, she mused. Her cheeks, all four of them, warmed at the thought. Humming “Here Comes the Bride,” she walked out the door.

  * * * *

  "...A beautiful day for a wedding,” Regan heard Kelsey say as she stood in the doorway. Her sister's back rested against a mound of propped pillows. Margeaux was taping a large bandage beneath Kelsey's right breast. Queen Tessa stood at the bed's end watching the procedure with an eagle eye. Kelsey glanced up. “Here comes the bride now."

  Tessa and Margeaux looked at her and for some stupid reason Regan felt her face heat. “Give me a break."

  "Regan, you look beautiful,” Tessa said, crossing to take her hand. “I'm so happy that you will be staying with us."

  Regan felt her face grow redder. “Thank you.” She pulled her hand from the queen's and walked to Kelsey's bed. “Well, how is she?"

  Margeaux lowered Kelsey's top, then smiled. “She's just fine. I don't even think she'll be left with a scar to brag about.” She winked at Regan, then turned back to Kelsey. “In fact, I don't even know why she's still in bed."

  "What?” Kelsey squeaked.

  "She always was a lazy one,” Tessa grinned.

  Regan watched expressions flicker across her sister's face for a moment, then she burst out laughing. Kelsey frowned at her, then kicked the coverings aside and stood. Regan's laughter abruptly stopped as Kelsey took a step, then stumbled. She reached for Kelsey's arm, but her sister waved her away irritably.

  "Just give me a second."

  Regan gnawed her bottom lip as Kelsey took a deep breath, then another wobbly step. Regan glanced at Margeaux.

  The elven healer watched Kelsey take an even shakier step. “Give yourself a moment between each step,” she said.

  Kelsey shot her a dirty look and took another step.

  "Kelsey, listen to Margeaux. You don't have to do it all in one day,” Regan said.

  Kelsey took three more steps, then turned to her sister. “Yes, I do. I intend to be standing by your side when you're married this afternoon."

  "I don't recall asking you to be my Maid of Honor."

  "You seem to have forgotten, but I'm going to be anyway. I missed your first wedding. I'm not missing this one.” Kelsey had made it all the way to the door. She leaned her head against the door's jamb for a second then, with a grin, turned and walked with slow care back to the bed. “See. No problem."

  Regan returned her grin. “Great. And for the record, I'd be honored to have you stand beside me at my wedding."

  "Thank you. I accept."

  "Weddings,” Queen Tessa said with a clap of her hands. “I do love them. And we haven't had one in some time. The last was Rourk and Caitlan's."

  Regan looked at Kelsey. Her sister's face had gone white and a sickly little smile curved her lips.

  "When and where is mine to be?” Regan said in a rush.

  "In the chapel, of course,” Tessa said. “I'm having it filled with flowers as we speak."

  "Who is to marry us?"

  "In Daradawn, it is the Queen who marries you,” Kelsey said quietly.

  Margeaux turned to Kelsey, frowning slightly. “You've done too much. Back into bed with you."

  "My body has healed very well, thank you."

  Regan moved to take her sister's arm. “Margeaux's right. There's no sense overdoing it. After all, you want to be healthy to go home, right?"

  Kelsey batted Regan's hand away. “Not in the bed—the chair."

  "Whatever. Just sit down."

  Kelsey walked to the chair and settled into it. “The rift—will you and Peter go with me?"

  "I can't speak for Peter, but I'm going with you."

  "Enough talk of good-byes. We've a wedding today,” Tessa said. “But first, breakfast. I've taken the liberty, and it should be getting here right about now.” She turned toward the door just as three serving lads arrived, each balancing a huge silver tray above their heads.

  "But how did they know?” Regan said.

  "I told them to watch for you, then wait ten minutes and bring the food.” The queen looked around the small room. “Where shall we put it?"

  "The bed seems the only place,” Margeaux said. She bent and smoothed the coverings. “Place it here, lads."

  The serving boys glanced at the queen, who nodded. They moved with skilled ease to the bed and set the trays down in its center. They bowed to Tessa and backed from the room.

  Queen Tessa walked to the bed and removed the tray's linen napkin coverings. Two of the trays were mounded with pastries and fresh fruit. The third held three pitchers. “Coffee, milk, or juice? I didn't know which you'd prefer.” Piled in the center of one tray were rose-colored napkins and small golden plates. “I specifically asked for finger foods. Nothing that needed a knife or fork. Well, don't just stand there. Let's eat.” The queen picked up a plate and handed it to Regan. “The bride-to-be will go first."

  * * * *

  "Ouch,” Regan winced.

  "Well, quit moving your head,” Tessa said. “I'm almost finished."

  Regan turned her head an inch, then flinched as Queen Tessa gave a warning tug.

  "Regan, sit still,” Kelsey said. “Didn't mama teach you anything?"

  Out of the corner of her eye Regan saw Margeaux finish winding a red ribbon through Kelsey's braid.

  "There.” Tessa leaned over Regan's shoulder and handed her an oval mirror. “Would you like to look?"

  Regan stared at her face in the mirror, then turned her head to see the intricate braid entwined with blue ribbons. “It's beautiful."

  "You're beautiful,” Tessa said. Someone rapped on the door.

  "It's time, my queen,” a young man said.

  Tessa, Queen of Daradawn, smiled at Regan. “I'll be waiting for you in the chapel. Kelsey will show you the way.” She walked to the young man who bowed deep, then offered his arm. Tessa placed her hand on his arm and sailed out the door.

  Regan's knees began to shake. “Oh, God. It's really going to happen.” Her stomach dipped and rolled. “I think I'm going to be sick.
"

  "No, you're not,” Kelsey said fiercely into her ear. “You're not going to puke all over that dress."

  Regan took deep even breaths and swallowed convulsively. “You're right. It'd be a sin to ruin this dress.” She smiled wanly. “I'm all right now. Let's do it."

  "Just follow your Maid-of-Honor. No ... wait.” She walked to stand in front of Margeaux and took her hand. “Make that Maids-of-Honor."

  Margeaux tried to pull her hand from Kelsey's. “No, this is Regan's day."

  Regan smiled at the healer. “I would be honored to have you both at my side."

  "Without your help neither of us would be here,” Kelsey said.

  Margeaux looked from one to the other, then gave in. “It would make me very happy."

  "Then it's settled. Now let's be off. Peter awaits his bride-to-be.” Kelsey herded them toward the door.

  * * * *

  Regan stood on the first of the three steps leading to the carved-wood arch of the chapel door. Soft chords of music filtered to them. “What instrument is it?"

  "A harp,” Kelsey answered. “Beautiful, isn't it?"

  "I've never heard one before."

  "It's a wedding tradition in Daradawn,” Margeaux said.

  Kelsey grabbed Regan's arm, pulling her up the last steps.

  Just inside the chapel's door, Regan's feet refused to go a step further. My God, what am I doing? I've only known this man for six days. I knew Jack for years and look how that turned out. She felt a tug on her arm.

  "Regan, are you okay?"

  She looked up at her sister. She opened her mouth to speak, but only a croak came out.

  Kelsey turned to Margeaux. “We need a minute ... stall."

  "Stall?"

  "Just walk up there and say something nice about Peter and Regan. Tell them how happy you are. Tell them anything; just give me a moment with my sister."

  Margeaux's gaze went from Kelsey to Regan's white face. “Very well, I'll—stall.” She stretched her lips into a wide smile, then walked toward the aisle that ran the length of the chapel.

  Gulping in quick shallow breaths, Regan watched Margeaux glide along the scarlet-and-gold carpet runner. The elven lady turned her head side to side and smiled at everyone who caught her glance.

  "Who are all these people?” Regan asked. Row after row of marble benches were crowded with them, pressed shoulder to shoulder. “I expected only a handful. How did so many find out?"

  Kelsey shrugged. “Somehow the word always gets out."

  Margeaux reached the tall scrolled altar and curtsied low to Queen Tessa. “My Queen,” Regan heard Margeaux's musical voice clearly. “I ask your indulgence to say a few words on this glorious occasion."

  Regan saw the queen look back to where she stood with Kelsey. Then she nodded.

  "Thank you, your Majesty.” Margeaux turned to face the crowd. “I've known Peter his entire life.” She turned her head and smiled at Peter who stood a few feet from her, Angus on one side of him, Ben on the other. Peter returned Margeaux's smile, but Angus turned and looked her way. She tried to smile him reassurance, but her stiff lips refused to cooperate.

  Kelsey pinched her arm and jerked Regan's attention back to her. “What's the problem, and would you quit gasping like a suffocating fish,” she whispered.

  Regan forced herself to take three slow, deep breaths. “Am I making a mistake?"

  Kelsey stared at her sister for a second. “Peter's not Jack. Would I be walking with you down the aisle if I thought he was?"

  "I haven't even known him for six days..."

  "Haven't you, Regan?"

  Regan frowned. “Dreams? How can I know they're true?"

  "Trust your heart. What does it say?"

  Regan took another deep breath. “It says I love him—and always have."

  Kelsey took her sister's hand. “Then are you ready?"

  Regan nodded, then turned to face Queen Tessa.

  The Queen had watched them. As soon as Regan faced her, she smiled down at Margeaux. “All you say is true, dear friend. Now let's all rejoice in the coming together of two perfect souls.” Tessa nodded to the green-clad woman who sat with a golden harp resting between her knees. The woman's fingers moved across the strings and music filled the small chapel.

  "That's our cue,” Kelsey said. She gave Regan's hand a squeeze and then turned and moved along the aisle. Halfway down, a beam of sun filtered through one of the stained-glass windows and circled Kelsey in a halo of gold.

  A sudden peace filled Regan as she walked to take her place beside the one man who, in this or any other life, was meant to be her love.

  As she stopped at Peter's side, and he reached to take her hand, she heard the tinkling of bells. She turned her head and met a pair of large, brown basset hound eyes, shining from the first pew. Then Regan faced forward and smiled at the woman who was now her queen.

  Chapter 28

  REGAN STROKED GILDA'S velvet nose, then circled to the mare's side and swung up into the saddle. She couldn't stop smiling as she watched the man who was now her husband bow to their queen, then swing up onto Skylar's back.

  A breeze tickled the back of her neck and blew the ends of a gold satin ribbon forward to lie across her breasts. The ribbon crisscrossed the length of her braid now, but only moments ago Queen Tessa had held it aloft, intoned God's blessing, then wrapped it around hers and Peter's clasped hands, binding them together for life.

  She saw Cook's fretting face in the shadow of the kitchen doorway. No doubt she's still worrying how she's going to keep little fingers from marring that perfect white-frosted, tower of cake.

  There had been no time for cake-cutting or bouquet-tossing, things she had dreamed of as a young girl. Those things would wait until she and Peter returned—alone. Pain squeezed Regan's heart. It would be seven years before she saw Kelsey again. She pushed the thought away, then leaned forward and pulled her wedding dress high above her knees. Kelsey had changed to shirt and breeches for their ride, but Regan had adamantly refused. This dress stayed put until her new husband removed it.

  She looked back over her shoulder at the crowd still surrounding Kelsey. “If I see one tear, I'm going to lose it,” she murmured. Gilda shook her mane, then turned her head and nipped Regan's bare calf.

  "It's good to feel such love for one of your blood,” the mare sent.

  "I hate to see her go, but I know she has to."

  The mare's feet shifted restively. “Then we go soon?"

  "Yes, we've a long ride ahead of us."

  Regan watched Peter rein Skylar to Kelsey's side. Kelsey looked up, then nodded. Regan watched her sister glance down and meet Queen Tessa's eyes. Tessa reached up and touched Kelsey's cheek, then turned and walked away. As she passed, Regan saw Tessa's cheeks glistened with tears. The knot in her own throat grew larger, and she blinked rapidly. Had Kelsey told Tessa why she had to leave?

  * * * *

  Regan guided gilda to where Ben and Angus stood away from the rest of the crowd. She looked down at Ben. “Are you sure?"

  Ben nodded. “This is where I want to be. Margeaux and her people need me."

  "If you change your mind, you know where we'll be."

  Ben smiled and nodded.

  Regan looked over at Maggie. “You take care of them until Peter and I get back,” she said to the basset hound.

  The dwarf snorted, then scowled. “I still say I should be going with you. What if..."

  "This is our wedding night,” she cut in, not wanting to go over it all again. “Do you really want to be there?"

  Angus glared at her, then stalked away. Behind her Regan heard hooves strike cobblestone and turned. Kelsey and Peter reined in at her side.

  Kelsey's gaze went to Angus's stiff, retreating back. “Don't worry about him. He has a hard time letting those he loves grow up. Shall we ride?"

  * * * *

  The three of them rode through the inner gate, receiving a smile and a wave from the guards who stood the
re. In the outer bailey's center training area, a group of young lads stood before a horse made of wood and straw. A gray-headed mailed knight stood before them talking and gesturing. One boy turned in their direction and grinned. Regan watched as the knight pushed the tail of the straw horse and sent it around. The horse's head caught the grinning boy's shoulder and sent him sprawling.

  "Your attention, young master,” the knight commanded.

  The red-faced boy scrambled to his feet, and Regan quickly adverted her head so he would not see her smile.

  "Sir Argyle is the best arms master we've had in the past seven years,” Kelsey said, riding up beside Regan. “If Dirkk ever bothers us again, we'll be ready...” She stopped, then smiled tightly. “I mean, they'll be ready."

  Regan reined in Gilda, then turned and looked her sister full in the face. “Do you still want to leave? You know we'd all be happier if you'd stay here with us."

  Kelsey closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. “Daradawn's second arms master is Rourk."

  Regan stared at her sister, then nodded. She glanced at the small wrapped bundle strapped to her mare's back. “Is that all you're taking?"

  "It's more than what I came with.” Kelsey turned and called to Peter. “How long before we reach the rift?"

  Peter rode Skylar up beside them. Regan saw him glance at the sun. “By nightfall."

  * * * *

  They neared the outer gate and fell back into single file. The guards came to attention as they approached and saluted Kelsey. She returned their salute as they passed through.

  Along the streets of the merchants, it seemed business as usual. People strolled the sidewalks and let themselves be persuaded through open doors but, beneath the apparent calm, Regan felt the tension of forced normalcy, a thin, protective shell wrapped tight to preserve sanity.

  A shopkeeper turned, waved happily, and Regan felt a twinge of anger, then squelched it. What did she expect? They had kept it from them, that the woman who had played the biggest part in giving them back their lives was leaving.

  They rode into the marketplace. How different it was since the last time she had seen it. Now the bodies were gone, the wagons of produce were upright. All seemed normal. Farmers stood on top of their wagons, crying out their wares, but dark patches of bloodstained ground told another story.