Tagan's Child

by ammyford1

  “You look pretty good yourself,” I said quietly. He smelt divine.

  “I can see that Toby is doing the rounds.”

  I followed his gaze to find Toby standing next to the Queen who had her arm draped protectively around his shoulders. They were talking to two women of Leylana’s age and Toby was doing his best to be polite and grown up. Every now and then he scratched the back of his head, which was something he always did when he felt awkward and uncomfortable. I felt the urge to go over and rescue him but I chose not to. Social engagements were another thing he was going to have to get used to.

  “Do you want to meet my parents whilst Toby is busy?”

  “I don’t think I’ve had enough champagne,” I declared.

  “Come on, you’ll be fine,” he said with a chuckle, steering me in their direction.

  I panicked. “You won’t leave me, will you?” I whispered.

  “Never,” he replied fervently.

  We walked over to where his parents were.

  “Father, mother, I’d like to introduce you to Sophie McAllister, Toby’s aunt.”

  “Sophie. Driscan and Belayne Elessar,” Ahran said courteously.

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

  Ahran’s father gave a slight nod of his head and took my proffered hand in a bone crushing handshake. “So you’re the daring human aunt who pitted herself against Queen Bazeera of Morana.” He spoke a little louder than was ordinarily acceptable in company and managed to make what should have been a compliment sound more like an insult.

  I withdrew my hand, flexing my fingers just to check I still had the use of all digits.

  “It’s lovely to meet you,” said Ahran’s mother, shaking my hand warmly. “Ahran tells us you had a lucky escape from Bazeera’s island.”

  “Yes, it was a little hair-raising to say the least,” I replied.

  “Thank goodness you found Toby and all got away safely, it must have been terrifying.”

  “It’s not an experience I wish to repeat,” I confirmed.

  “And how is Toby since his rescue?”

  Belayne Elessar was ingenuous and gracious. I had to wonder what on earth she was doing with a man like Ahran’s father. “He seems to be coping remarkably well. Meeting his grandparents and learning about his newfound heritage has helped to take his mind off it,” I answered.

  Toby had started to make his way over to us.

  “Have you met your great-nephew yet?” I asked.

  “No we haven’t.”

  Toby approached me and was about to say something when I interrupted him. “Toby, this is your great aunt and uncle, Ahran’s mother and father.”

  He turned to face them. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” he said politely. It didn’t sound like it was the first time he’d said it that evening.

  Toby put his hand out to shake Mr Elessar’s hand. For a moment I thought Ahran’s father was about to ignore his outstretched hand. I relaxed a little when he eventually shook it with a hint of a smile on his face as if Toby’s confidence amused him.

  “Ahran tells us you showed great courage during your ordeal,” he said.

  “I didn’t really do very much,” Toby replied, clearly wondering what all the fuss was about.

  “I think perhaps you are being modest.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means, it was probably worse than you are making out,” Ahran’s father explained.

  Toby thought about this for a moment and just shrugged. Toby was far less intimidated by Driscan Elessar than I was.

  “You are a brave boy indeed, the King is very proud of you,” Mrs Elessar added.

  “Um, thanks.” He then said what he had really come over to say. “Auntie Sophie, I have just met one of my cousins, his name is Salom and he said he would show me a new game he’s got on his Gamewhizz, can I go with him and have a look at it?”

  I looked over to where Toby was pointing. Standing there was a dark haired boy of a similar age and he was looking in our direction expectantly. I searched the room for the King who was talking to a small group of people.

  “Yes, but don’t go too far away, I expect we’ll be eating soon.”

  “I won’t,” he said, nodding and putting his thumbs up at Salom. “Bye!” And with that he made a hasty exit.

  “Sorry. I’m afraid to an eight year old, computer games are far more alluring than talking to a bunch of adults,” I said.

  “Don’t apologise, it’s good he has found someone his own age,” Mrs Elessar replied and sipped her drink.

  “Sophie runs her own business on Earth,” Ahran interjected.

  His father’s attention turned to me. “What business are you in?”

  “I run my own coffee shop.”

  He looked distinctly unimpressed.

  “I’ve managed to attract a commuter market for the first time and the business is going from strength to strength.” I was damned if I was going to let him belittle my achievements.

  He nodded but didn’t say anything.

  “That must keep you very busy,” Ahran’s mother said. She was making much more of an effort than her husband was and I warmed to her.

  “Yes, it does. I try to offer organic food and source things locally as much as I can.”

  “That’s very good. We hear reports that locally sourced organic food is still a novelty on earth. I find that bewildering,” she said.

  “I think more people would buy it if it wasn’t so expensive. Unfortunately, we have large supermarkets offering poor quality food as cheaply as possible and this is squeezing out those of us who are trying to do what’s right. Regrettably people are too seduced by a bargain.”

  Ahran’s father seemed more interested in this turn of the conversation.

  “It’s been reported that there are many countries on Earth experiencing a crippling economic downturn. Is it as bad as they are suggesting?” he asked.

  It felt somewhat strange and more than a little creepy that an alien world should have such intimate knowledge of our economic climate and yet nobody on Earth even knew this world and its people existed.

  “Things are pretty bad. The banks have been irresponsible, largely driven by greed and it has fallen on the shoulders of the taxpayer to bail them out. Of course, the knock on effect is that the banks are now cautious about lending money and this has had a negative effect on the housing market and employment levels.” Wow! I impressed myself and I’d managed to snag the interest of Mr Elessar senior. “Some of our smaller countries are even facing economic collapse.” It gave me a certain sense of satisfaction to be able to talk knowledgeably to him about something he knew very little about. Bennie was always teasing me for listening to Radio 4. I knew listening to it would pay off someday.

  “It sounds very serious indeed,” Ahran’s father said. “And how do your governments plan to solve the problems?”

  “Well, it’s a case of everyone having to tighten their belts. There have been massive cuts in public budgets and interest rates are at an all-time low to try and encourage people to start spending again. The trouble is people haven’t got the money to spend, so forecasters say it could be years before we begin to see any kind of economic improvement.”

  “I’m surprised your governments have allowed it to happen.”

  “That’s what many people think, but I suppose governments have enjoyed the boom years as much as everybody else, they were prepared to turn a blind eye to malpractice as long as they were making money. Widespread greed brought a good degree of short-sightedness in many arenas and we are now all paying for it.” I glanced up at Ahran. He was smiling at me.

  Suddenly, a shrill sound pierced the conversation in the room. It was a servant tapping a spoon against a glass. The King, Leylana and Toby were stood in the middle of the room and the King was waiting to address the gathering. Once everyone was quiet the King spoke in English. “Firstly, I want to thank you for all coming this evening. It gi
ves the Queen and me great pleasure to share our one hundredth wedding anniversary with you all.” He raised his glass and a cheer erupted around the room. The King smiled. “Not only have we invited you to celebrate our many happy years of marriage but it seems the ideal opportunity to introduce you to a very important person.” He glanced down at Toby and smiled. “We are extremely sad Tagan is not here with us tonight to be part of this occasion but I know he would have been a very proud man indeed.” Everyone raised their glasses in respect. The King acknowledged their gesture with a bow of his head. “For a long time we were unaware of Toby’s existence so you can imagine our surprise and delight when we found out Tagan had a son, particularly in the light of his untimely death.” He paused for a moment as emotion flickered across his face. “Tragically, Toby also lost his mother a year ago and has been cared for by his Aunt Sophie since her death.

  Tears stung my eyes.

  The King took a deep breath. “It is with much regret that Toby went through a terrible ordeal before we were finally able to meet him and I want to take this opportunity to apologise for not being more vigilant and protecting him.” Halsan placed a hand on Toby’s shoulder. “I pledge, in front of everyone who is gathered here tonight, that we will do everything in our power to keep you safe from now on.”

  I appreciated the public apology. I glanced up at Ahran who had a troubled expression on his face.

  The King raised his glass to Toby who was looking like he’d rather be anywhere else but here.

  “We shall be forever indebted to Elaya, Ahran, Lieutenant Vanhallen and of course Sophie, who put themselves in great danger to bring Toby back safely.”

  The King raised his glass, in mine and Ahran’s direction and towards Elaya, who I hadn’t realised was here.

  “Hatcheena!” Everyone called out together.

  “So, it is with great pleasure that I present to you my grandson and future king of Dinara, Toby Prince of Saleth.” The King raised his glass and bowed towards Toby. I stiffened at Halsan’s presumption that Toby’s future as king was definite.

  “Hatcheena! Hatcheena! Hatcheena!” The guests said more loudly this time.

  It was all rather overwhelming and by the look on Toby’s face he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it all either.

  “Please take a seat, we will be eating shortly and I hope you enjoy the rest of this evenings’ celebrations.”

  The room erupted again and then people started to make their way over to the tables.

  Ahran’s parents had begun to talk to a striking looking gentleman nearby but Ahran was still stood next to me. “Well, that was all a bit overwhelming,” I remarked.

  He shrugged apologetically.

  “Poor Toby,” I said. “He looked as if he wanted the ground to open up beneath him. He’s quite a shy boy by nature.”

  “He’ll get used to it.”

  I wasn’t sure I wanted him to get used to it.

  “Why don’t you go and find our seats, I’ve just seen an old college friend of mine who I haven’t seen for years. I’ll come and join you in a minute.”

  “Okay.”

  Elaya caught my eye and came over. We kissed each other on the cheek.

  “Well, that was a first,” I said.

  “You mean to say your nephew has never been made a prince before?” she laughed.

  “Funnily enough, no, not even a Lord.”

  “What kind of place is Earth?!”

  “I know, we don’t have nearly enough ‘prince-ing’ ceremonies.”

  We both laughed.

  “Are you going to sit down?” Elaya asked.

  “I was about to but I have no idea where I’m sitting.”

  “I’ll find out,” she said leaving me to go and look at one of the seating plans positioned at the entrance of the room.

  “Sophie, how lovely to see you,” a vaguely familiar voice said from behind me.

  I turned to see who had just spoken and came face to face with Talina.

  What the hell was she doing here? I had been too worried about meeting Ahran’s parents to have given any thought as to whether she would be attending. I’d assumed that after Ahran had broken off their engagement she wouldn’t be invited.

  “Haven’t you endeared yourself to the King, executing such a brave rescue of his grandson?” The thin film of venom lubricating her words made me bristle. She was cruising for a fight. “But he’s not the only person you’ve endeared yourself to, is he?” she said pointedly.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. “I don’t know what you mean,” I said, looking into her seething eyes.

  “No, of course you don’t because you are totally innocent,” she said her voice dripping with sarcasm. Everything about her was predatory. She wore a skin tight black dress, killer red heels and bright red nails to match. “Stay. Away. From. My. Fiancé,” she spat in my ear.

  What had Ahran said to her? And how dare she start issuing threats! “As far as I was aware Ahran no longer has a fiancé.” I said, knowing I shouldn’t have said anything to inflame the situation but I couldn’t help myself.

  “Well, thanks to you, Ahran seems to have forgotten we have been betrothed since childhood. Our parents will never let him rescind our engagement,” she warned. She leant in closer. “Oh yes, I meant to ask you Sophie, how do you feel about the fact that Ahran murdered your sister?”

  “What?” Suddenly, my whole attention was focused on her. The crazy bitch had lost it.

  “He hasn’t told you, has he?” she drawled, a cruel smile creeping across her face, “I didn’t think he had, because finding out that your lover killed your sister is not the most ideal foundation for a new relationship.”

  What on earth was she talking about? The thought was absurd. He didn’t know Toby or I existed until a few weeks ago. “I don’t know what vindictive little game you are playing, but that is ridiculous. Ahran only found out that Tagan had a son recently and Katie died a year ago,” I said, more to rationalise it to myself than to correct her.

  “Is that what he told you? Oh poor Sophie, how you have been deceived.”

  I tried to wrack my brains. What had he told me? Had he even mentioned when he had found out about Toby?

  To my relief, Ahran was walking towards us. “Talina, what are you doing here?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  I knew he would put a stop to her ridiculous accusations.

  “Oh Ahran, its good of you to join us. I have just learnt you haven’t been entirely honest with Little Miss Earthling here.”

  “What have you been saying?” he hissed, looking like he was about to strangle her.

  “Not much really, just that you murdered her sister.” All signs of evil playfulness had vanished leaving only bitter hatred in its place.

  I looked at him and noticed the blood drain from his face. He didn’t attempt to deny her allegation.

  He grabbed her elbow. “You need to leave Talina,” he said in a low menacing voice. She pulled her arm free from his grip. “What? Leave the party when it just started to get interesting?”

  Something about Ahran’s expression made me feel nauseous. “Tell her she’s a liar Ahran,” I insisted, searching his eyes for the reassurance I needed.

  “We need to talk,” he said, his eyes pleading with me.

  I felt like I had suddenly stepped onto a sinister merry-go-round at a Halloween funfair. I felt off kilter and the soundtrack was sliding out of key.

  “So you are saying you did kill my sister?” My voice rose an octave. I couldn’t quite believe I was asking him this.

  He opened and then closed his mouth. The merry-go-round started to spin faster.

  “Ahran?!” I demanded. Why wasn’t he saying no? People started to look in our direction.

  “Sophie, let’s go somewhere more private,” he said as if he were placating a child who was about to throw a tantrum.

  I stood stock still trying to make sense of what was happening. “You killed my sister?” I sai
d in a slow, disbelieving whisper.

  He took a step towards me. “Please let me explain.” I kept hearing his words but every one of them jarred as if the pieces of the puzzle he was handing me were the wrong shape.

  “Do not come near me,” I hissed. Suddenly there wasn’t enough oxygen in my system. I tried to breathe in more air but for some reason it made no difference.

  I caught Talina’s satisfied expression.

  “I’m going to leave now,” I said in a daze and walked blindly out of the room.

  Ahran followed me through the doors.

  “Sophie, let me explain.” I could hear the desperation in his voice. He had still made no attempt to contradict what Talina had said.

  “There is really nothing I want to hear you say at the moment,” I said coldly. “Don’t follow me, I need to get away from here and away from you!”

  I was completely unmoved by the pain in his eyes.

  “It’s not what Talina would have you think. It was a terrible accident.” He was determined to tell me whether I wanted to listen or not.

  Waves of nausea gripped my stomach.

  “I don’t want to hear this,” I said, wrapping my arms around myself in a vain attempt to stop crumbling into a million little pieces.

  “She spun around the bend, she was driving too fast, I managed to avoid her but …”

  Tears were streaming down my face and I rammed my hands over my ears.

  “Stop it, just stop it!” I screamed.

  The bones in my legs had suddenly disintegrated and my gut began to twist violently. I reached for the wall to steady myself, gasping for breath. My beloved sister had died because of Ahran.

  He put out a hand to offer me some support. “Don’t touch me,” I spat. My hand came to rest on the wall in time and I was able to stop myself from collapsing into a heap on the floor.

  Everything was a jumble in my head and I struggled to make any sense of it. “Katie’s dead because of you. When were you planning on telling me this?”

  “I wanted to tell you, I tried to tell you so many times but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” I could hear the anguish in his voice.