by Emma Hamm
“I have no interest in speaking with anyone but you.” She leaned forward, elbows braced on her knees. “Hallmar, they were mistreated in Bymere and it made me realize that myself and my sisters are mistreated here as well. We aren’t pets. We aren’t dangerous creatures you can keep locked up in cages so that we don’t make you frightened of what we might do next.”
He remained silent, blue eyes meeting her own. Hallmar was a master of keeping his thoughts hidden from all around him. He had to be as king.
Sigrid continued. “I’m not here to ask for your help or your acceptance. I’m taking my sisters and these men to Woodcrest. Along the way, I’m also going to stop and gather the rest of the Beastkin who have been spread across Wildewyn for too long. We are not starting a war within Wildewyn, we’re not interested in fighting. I wanted you to know our plan and that we will be sending the inhabitants back to Stoneholt and Greenlea. The region of Woodcrest is effectively under Beastkin control now.”
His eyes widened as she spoke. Sigrid knew this was a lot for him to take in, and likely that he would try and stop her. He wouldn’t give up a portion of his kingdom without trying to fight. He wouldn’t be as good of a king if he didn’t.
“You want me to just…hand you the keys to your own kingdom?”
“Like I said, I’m not asking.” Pity made her stomach churn. “I know this is hard for you to take in, and I don’t blame you for any anger you may be feeling now. I have an army at my disposal that could tear through Wildewyn in a moment, but I have no wish to use it.”
“An army? What army is this?” Hallmar spread his arms wide, nearly hitting the stone fireplace behind him. “I see no army with you, Sigrid. I see a group of wounded men who can barely stand on their own. Your sisters are locked far away from you. I could end this right now.”
“You couldn’t. I’m a dragon, you so easily forget, and I could crush this castle if I wanted to.” Sigrid shook her head firmly. “No, you misunderstand me. These are the weak and the wounded, the ones I wanted you to see so that you might feel some pity. The rest are already on their way to Woodcrest, I will meet them there with the rest of their kin. I’m not asking you to fight us, I’m not warning you of impending doom. I’m asking you to see who we are, what has happened to us, and understand that we are simply taking back what is ours.”
“This land was never yours.”
“We came from the mountains in Woodcrest. Our home is still there.” She remembered it only slightly. The safe wooden cabins, the sound of birds crying overhead, the rush of the sea. Her mother reading by the fire and entertaining children with her dramatic voices. She’d only been three or four, but these memories stayed with her.
“You’re making a grievous mistake, Sigrid.” Hallmar met her gaze and held it, so much emotion in those depths that she could barely understand his words. “Wildewyn is already in turmoil. There’s no need for this.”
“What turmoil?” She pointed to his leg. “I already noticed the limp.”
“There are some council members who did not react well to your union with the Bymerian sultan. Disturbing rumors have started that there is a war coming to us, and your return is not likely to help.” He pressed a hand against his hip and winced. “I got into a particularly nasty discussion with the Greenlea leader who has been feeling the pressure of Bymerians on his borders.”
“Discussion?” The Earthen folk were already worried then. Her return would only make them even more nervous about their future. Especially if she carved an entire region away for herself. Sigrid sighed. “I will speak with my people and see if we need the entire region. Those who are comfortable with Beastkin may remain in the same area, but they will see us in the wilds. There will be harsh punishment for any who attack us.”
“It’s something.”
“I’m sorry it had to be like this.” She reached forward and took his hand. He let out a sharp breath of surprise. “You’ve always been like a father to me, Hallmar. I am very grateful for all that you have done for me, but it’s far past time that we broke out of these cages. I hope you will work with me and my people in the future for a mutual understanding.”
He gripped her hand. “I’ll be far more understanding of it than the rest of Council.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to cut off my hand now?” He let out a chuckle. “I’m afraid you have my sword arm, Sigrid. I’d be loath to lose it.”
“Many things are changing. Some of our old traditions need to give way to new ones.”
Curiosity bloomed in his eyes. “Shall I see your face someday, then?”
“Perhaps. Small steps first though.” She stood. “I need to go to my people now. They will wonder what is going on.”
“I’ll speak with the Council. I cannot guarantee that you’ll leave without some form of resistance.”
“They won’t have the chance.”
She left his private quarters and walked down the halls of her childhood with growing apprehension. Had her sisters accepted the male Beastkin into their quarters or would she find them at each other’s throats? There was no guessing how her people would react. They were volatile when surprised.
Rounding the familiar corner, she was pleased to see no one had been left in the hallway. Instead, two guards stood outside the doors with more likely lurking in the corner.
She gave them a polite nod, placed her hand on the door, and breathed out a steadying sigh. Whatever was beyond the door, she would handle it as their leader. Soon the weight of responsibility wouldn’t just be on her shoulders. She could do this for a little while more.
Sigrid gave the door a shove and strode into the private quarters of the Wildewyn Beastkin.
Both sets of people stood on either side of the room. Some of the Bymerian men were seated on the floor—those who couldn’t remain standing even if they tried. The others stood around them in a protective circle.
Her masked sisters clustered together on the other side, staring at the men with a mixture of shock and fear. Sigrid remembered what that felt like. The mixed emotions of a brightening future and the understanding that they had been lied to their entire lives. That there was more in the world that they hadn’t even attempted to find because they hadn’t the faintest clue that it was out there.
Brynhild stood at the front, her long blonde hair in a braid over her shoulder. It struck her metal chestplate every time she breathed. The cold gaze of her sister flicked to the door and returned to the men, only to slowly return back to Sigrid when she realized who had entered.
Her voice cracked on a quiet utterance. “Sigrid?”
“I’ve returned for you, sisters.”
They raced towards her, each laughing and crying in their happiness. Ingrid, Freya, Astrid, Hilde, more people than she could count. They wrapped their arms around her and welcomed her back into their home with loving touches and shouted laughter that rose into the rafters.
This was what she had missed. Her throat tightened and tears flooded her vision as she laughed with them. There were no words for a little while, only babbled excitement as they all gathered around her.
Brynhild was the first to gather her composure, and she quickly asked, “Where is Camilla?”
“With the others.”
“Others?” Her tall sister pointed to the group of men who stared at their antics in shock. “Like them?”
“There’s so much I want to tell you, but we don’t have time. In short, yes. There are more like them, and we need to find the rest in Bymere. It’s time to take back our freedom, sisters. I’ve already spoken with the king. We’re going to Woodcrest. We’re taking over our homeland and sending the humans back here or anywhere else they need to go. Beastkin will no longer live in cages or be afraid. We’re going to live together in a kingdom of our own making.”
Silence met her. Brynhild straightened with pride, but Astrid and a few others curled in on themselves in fear. They weren’t predatory creatures. Astrid could turn into a rock l
izard, while a few of the others were fishes and seals. They didn’t know what the world would hold for them if they left, and Sigrid didn’t blame them in their fear.
She reached out for the few who were afraid, tugging them into her arms. “No fear, not now. We will build a future that is ours by choosing, not held by the limits of what the Earthen folk tell us to do. I know it’s not something we planned or desired. But this is our future and we must do something. We cannot live in gilded cages forever.”
Brynhild nodded firmly then asked, “What happened in Bymere? You’d never have agreed to this before. You wanted us to live side by side with the humans, not separately as you’re suggesting.”
“They happened,” she nodded at the men. Raheem answered her with a soft smile. “The Bymerians treat them like livestock at best. At worst, as monsters. These are the weakest that need healing before we begin our journey. I brought them here, so you could tend their wounds, and see to their health. I will not be treated like an animal any longer.”
“There is more to your story, I can see that.” Brynhild strode away from the group and knelt next to the first man. “But we will heal your people, and we will go with you. When we reached Woodcrest, I expect you to tell us everything.”
The no-nonsense tone was one she had missed. There were no minced words in the way Brynhild spoke. She knew exactly what she wanted and told everyone around her.
Sigrid found it appropriate that she had knelt next to the man who was a bear shifter as well. Perhaps like called to like, even without them knowing.
She smiled and nodded. “The whole story, and likely more from the men you are helping. Be quick. I’m sure Hallmar is giving us a little time, but the Council will have to be informed eventually.”
Her sisters rushed into action, each taking a man, sometimes two helping depending on the injuries. There would likely be a few fights when they finally reached Woodcrest. There weren’t enough men to go around, and many of the sisters had always wished for a husband. Now that there were no rules on who they could see or how many children they could have, there would be a learning period.
Sigrid wasn’t looking forward to that. She stepped back until her knees hit a wooden bench and sank onto its surface. There were going to be many changes in all their futures, and she would have to prepare them for it.
The Bymerian Beastkin didn’t understand their ways, and now they were the strangers in this land. Earthen folk customs would linger in her sisters, and herself. She didn’t know which ones to keep and which ones to get rid of.
The masks? Each of her sisters wore their masks, likely hastily thrown on when the men had been sent inside. They wouldn’t know what to do when they saw her remove her own mask. But these men were Beastkin. They were as good as family already.
Perhaps, she had been wrong. They might not wish to remove their masks around the men, and now they would expect that kind of behavior because Sigrid had already set the stage for it.
Could she do what she had done with Nadir? Would they feel understanding, because she cared for them? Or would they be so different from her husband that she would have to learn all over again how to change their minds?
Her head was spinning.
Raheem picked his way toward her and settled next to her on the seat. “What’s going through that mind of yours?”
She gestured at her people. “They’re my responsibility now.”
“It is a great weight, isn’t it?”
“How did you know?”
He chuckled. “I’ve been living close to a sultan for the better part of fifteen years. I know the look of a troubled royal when I see one. He felt the same way many times, you know. All this power resting on your shoulders, and people expect you to make the right choice. But no matter what choice you make, there will always be people who disagree with you.”
“It’s daunting.”
“It’s life. Royal or not, there will always be decisions in your life that people will disagree with you for.” He looked over at her with a sad smile on his face. “Like falling in love with the sultan.”
“I’m not in love with him,” she denied. Thankfully, the golden mask hid the burning of her cheeks.
“You have everything you’ve ever wanted. Your people, your freedom, a purpose, and yet you are sitting here thinking about him.”
“I’m not. I’m thinking about all the changes that are coming to our people and wondering if I can guide them in the right direction.”
“And comparing your success with them to your success with Nadir. You needn’t hide from me, Sultana. I’ve been there throughout it all. If anyone can understand your mixed emotions, it’s me.”
Her thoughts whirled with all the possibilities of the future. There was too much out there, too much she didn’t know and couldn’t predict. All of it swam around her in a sea of decisions she would need to make, threatening to drown her in fear.
“This is really happening,” she whispered. “My people are all together now. They’ve met, they understand the doors opening for them. The Bymerians have all seen me, they know the threat we are and they won’t let that go easily. The Earthen folk are losing a large portion of their kingdom and there’s nothing they can do to stop it, but they won’t let it go easily. Not to mention that our people still need guidance, how to create their own merged culture of both Bymerian and Earthen folk.”
Raheem lifted a hand, pausing her in the rant. “You’ll figure that out. One thing at a time, first get your people to their new home. Settle them in so that they are no longer hungry and cold. Then tackle each thing as it comes. Otherwise, your thoughts will overwhelm you.”
He was right. She took a deep breath and forced the wild rush of her thoughts to still. Finally, she nodded. “You’re right.”
“I always am.”
A small smile broke free at his words. Rocking to the side, she nudged his shoulder with hers. “And arrogant as well I see.”
“Anything to see you smile, Sultana.” He looked back at her people, nudging her back. “Besides, I think many of your worries are for naught. Look at them. Already, they are tolerating each other far better than I had ever expected.”
She followed his gaze and tried to see through his eyes. The female Beastkin were taking care of the men far more gently than they would have each other. Even Brynhild was carefully wrapping gauze around the Bymerians shoulder. His dark eyes were fixed upon her, murmuring words of thanks and wonder as she cared for him.
Hopefully, this kind of behavior would continue once the newness wore off, but she wasn’t so sure. She felt a connection to Nadir that she’d never had with her sisters. There was something visceral between them. Something raw and untamed that went beyond logic or reason.
It wasn’t attraction. Not that she hadn’t felt heat bloom in his presence before, but it was something deep in her soul. He was the other part of herself that she hadn’t known was missing. Two pieces in a larger game that came together to create something so much larger than themselves.
She heard a group of people marching toward them. The sound of footsteps and the clinking of armor echoed in the hall beyond. Sigrid stood slowly. “Our time is up.”
“There’s more we could do for them, sister,” Brynhild said, standing as well.
“Matriarch,” she corrected.
They all needed to see her as they had before they left. They needed to understand that she was their leader, though she would choose more of them to help when they arrived in Woodcrest. She didn’t want to lead alone, but knew in this moment she had to. One person needed to make the decisions right now, or more people would die.
Brynhild hesitated for the briefest moment, and Sigrid knew that she would be difficult when they arrived in Woodcrest. Her sister had enjoyed leading their family too much to give up that right soon.
“Brynhild,” she warned. “Now is not the time.”
“Matriarch.” Brynhild inclined her head, but her words rang with sarcasm. “It is my
honor to serve you again.”
“We go now. I need seven of you who can fly to go to our other sisters living with the lords and free them as well. If you have any issues, you are to bring them to me immediately. The lords will learn what it means to feel fear if they deny me.”
“They won’t believe us,” her sister replied. “It was always a rumor that you were a dragon, nothing more.”
“They’ll see me leaving.” All would see her as she lifted herself above Greenmire castle. She’d make certain of it. “There are three gryphons here still, yes?” At their nods, she ordered, “Take what men you can on your backs. The others will go on foot. Transform when you must and stay to the shadows. I will meet you back in Woodcrest.”
She trusted her sisters to get them all to safety. They wouldn’t stand for anyone trying to stop them, not when freedom was so close to her fingertips.
“And you?” Brynhild asked as she helped the bear to stand. “What will you do?”
“I’m going to deal with the Council and make it clear that they are not allowed to follow us.”
When she was done, no one would dare step foot in Woodcrest without her permission. She only hoped Hallmar could forgive her.
Her sisters gathered up the men and made their way toward a secret passage only they knew about. They’d always known that the Earthen folk may make a decision they didn’t agree with, and had prepared for a flight into the night. But there had never been a reason to leave. Not until now.
Raheem stayed at her side.
“You should go,” she said quietly. “This is bound to get ugly.”
“I stay by your side. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. As you said, that wouldn’t end well for anyone.”
“You’re here to protect me?” She shook her head. “I don’t need protecting, Raheem.”
“You don’t. But it’s nice to know someone is there sometimes. You won’t stand against them alone.”
Gods, how she wished it was Nadir saying that, and not his ever-faithful guard. Why couldn’t the man she married understand that? All she wanted was for him to support her, to listen, to know that she wouldn’t have made this decision if it wasn’t the best one for them.
