by J E Mueller
“It was a terrible occurrence. I was there for all of it.” I nodded. “Help came just in time.”
“Almost too late really.” Zarek sighed. “We came as quickly as possible but were held up by some forces that were expecting us.” Giving up his calm appearance he got up to pace. “We’ve many in the dungeons now. They’ve given us a great amount of information on the origin of this, but not enough to find the true heart of it. I can’t believe you were there!”
“They’ve only attacked in the south,” David pointed out. “So we have a strong idea where this all came to be, but our sources say they aren’t the first. The group to truly start spreading this hate is still unknown to us.”
“With current events aside,” Sandra cut in, “This will continue and we will solve it. I would very much like to know how you got a three day head start before the castle knew you were missing.” She referred to the day I had run away so many years ago.
I blinked in surprise. “After mother fell ill, no one was in charge of checking on me. It was an oversight to be sure, but I couldn’t stay after her death. It was too much.” I looked down at my hands.
“No one blames you for leaving,” Sandra replied kindly. “Life was hard, and everything had been handled poorly. Truly, Mother should have sent you off for proper training and care. You could have learned so much and come so much further along if she had done that from the start. Yes, we wouldn’t have known you as well as children, but in the end, we lost you anyway. I hope with the knowledge and practice you’ve gained we can try rebuilding what was lost.” There was a lot of emotion in her words, but she still held herself as composed as possible.
I looked up at her. “I’d love to get to know everyone again. The rest we’ll have to see about later.”
David nodded, excited that I did want to get to know them again. “So tell us. How did you slip past all the guards?”
I explained a lot of what had happened, but found myself skipping details. I did include Sam, but altered how he died. It was something I didn’t feel the world needed to know. I also didn’t include Lee’s brush with death. Lee didn’t correct me and instead left me to choose what I did and did not feel up to sharing. It was a lot to speak of to those I hadn’t seen in so long. Even with their nods of acceptance, it was still a lot for me to take in and believe.
Zarek didn’t let silence linger after my abridged story concluded. “I think Mother would have loved that you found your own way, even if it was against what she wanted. She did admit at times when she was wrong. I’d like to think she would have come to her senses if she hadn’t fallen ill.”
Sandra nodded. “We were taught well enough that when she passed we were ready to take over, though we did have help from our uncle for many years before we went our own route.”
“Many didn’t like that we split the throne. Our province is much too large for a single family to rule, though.” David shook his head. “Our father never thought that through. However, with us splitting it, things are much more manageable.”
“Though it’s a nightmare from a defense standpoint. Our allies are strong now, but this new magic hating rebellion may cause a rift between us and our allies,.” Zarek replied, leaning back in his chair. At some point during my tale he had sat again, and I only just now took notice of it.
“They’ll either cooperate or be cast out with no help from the kingdom. The far outliers cannot survive without our aid, and will be left for someone else to pick up,” Sandra pointed out. “And more than most of that so called outside help is not worth going to.”
“Very well said. Maybe it’s a good time to renew those loyalties once more.” David mused.
“Perhaps, but tonight's not the night for that,” Sandra replied as she glanced over at me.
“Yes,” Zarek agreed. “We should celebrate Key’s return!”
I shook my head. “That’s really all right. I’d love to hear more about you, though.” While I understood why they wanted to celebrate my return, I did not want a huge fuss made on my behalf. This was already a lot to take in.
Zarek shrugged. “I guess there is a lot going on. I’m engaged.”
“I had heard rumors about that.” I nodded, smiling. “What can you tell me about that?” I truly did want to know and was glad to hear I hadn’t missed the wedding.
“We’ve yet to announce who I’m marrying though.” Zarek smiled wickedly. “Would you like to know why that’s so?”
“I hadn’t thought of it before. I thought a reliable word just hadn’t reached where I was. Why haven’t you said who it is yet?” Curiosity was getting the better of me.
“His name is Jameson.” Zarek smiled brightly. “An open minded kingdom isn’t without its naysayers.”
I smiled. “That’s a wonderful name. If they hate him then they don’t need to be a part of this kingdom,” I teased. “Good thing you're not the first. That should make it somewhat easier.”
“We’ll see.” He shrugged. “Better news is you’re an aunt twice over.”
“Thrice over.” David corrected, raising an eyebrow at his brother, “I have twins and he groups them into one.” He rolled his eyes.
“When they stop pretending that I can’t tell them apart they can be their own person. Those tricks don’t work on me,” Zarek defended himself, crossing his arms in fake anger.
“I’ve just one child at the moment.” Sandra smiled. “Caitlynn Rosemary.”
“Kent and Kris.” David shrugged. “My wife wanted them named after her late brothers. I understand the sentiment.”
“Here’s a fun fact you may enjoy.” Zarek said, redirecting the conversation, “My love has magic running in his family.”
“That’s pretty cool. What’s his gift?” I asked excitedly.
“He dreams of the future, and can speak to plants.” Zarek stretched. “It was actually his suggestion to start the search anew in Faraden and move it further south.”
“Did he tell you what he saw?” I asked curiously.
“He told me that you’d see the signs in Faraden. He didn’t see if you had heard anything before that, just that there would be the turning point for you there.” Zarek grinned.
Lee smiled. “Looks like you are on the right track then, Key. Now someone else with visions said you should be here.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Ignore my magic friend here.”
“And what gifts do you have?” Sandra leaned forward with intense interest. She had been eyeing him curiously but had no easy way of bringing him into the conversation before now.
“I can see a short distance into the future,” Lee explained happily, “And I have a very limited control over elements. I can light a fire from wet logs or make a day just a bit breezier. I can’t summon storms or do anything very powerful, but my magic does have its uses.”
“Is Kinsfield full of lesser gifts and magics, then?” David asked with interest.
“A large portion of it is, yes.” Lee nodded. “Every once in a while a really strong gift will show, but those who have them tend to go where they are actually needed. The Order is great at finding them employment, and most come back to visit frequently enough. Sadly, just about everyone who could have aided us was gone when we were under attack. Lesser magics are great up until you’re in close combat.”
“Have you traveled from home before?” Sandra pried. I considered saving him from having to answer, but I enjoyed having the attention no longer fully on me.
“Yes, I have many times but not for very long. It’s a very different world when you come from a magic based town. Not in any way bad, of course. It’s far easier to prefer what you’re accustomed to,” Lee explained, not remotely bothered to be speaking to the royal family about his mundane travel experience.
“That would make sense.” Sandra nodded, taking in the information. This triggered another thought, “So would it be too much to think you’re here to stay?” she asked me, eyes filled with hope.
I nodded. “I am no
longer used to this life and really don’t know what help I could be here, but we’ll figure this out later.” I didn’t want to set a date for me to leave so soon if things were going well.
“A traveling princess. How absurd,” Sandra grumbled but eventually relented. “I guess our histories are filled with crazier things. But it wouldn’t be safe for you if anyone were to find out.”
“That’s a risk I’ve dealt with since the beginning.,” I pointed out. “At any rate, it would take a great deal of luck for anyone to harm me.”
“All the right circumstances really,” Lee agreed, coming to my defense.
“I guess that means your magic can still kill with a touch.” Sandra looked down sadly.
I stood up, removed my gloves and offered her my hand. “Only when I don’t will it not to.” I smiled, happy the moment had come where I could show off my recently gained control.
She hesitated. Memories of Isaac and Elena no doubt filled her mind, but she only hesitated for one moment before she shook my hand, “I’m glad things are better for you.” True happiness lit up her eyes.
“It’s a lot of work,” I agreed when we released one another. “But it’s going in the right direction.” Everyone watched as I put the glove back on, my point made.
“How did you learn to control it?” Sandra asked what everyone else was wondering. Her gaze moved from my hand to meet my eyes.
“By learning exactly what my magic could do,” I replied and laughed.
“What do you mean?” David asked as I retook my seat, “We’ve known forever it was touch based.”
“With the likelihood of emotions added to it,” Zarek added. The phrases were engraved in all of us.
“Exactly, but what else could it do? It literally took losing all of my control and seeing everything my magic could do to start to understand it. I wanted to control it, but it’s not based on control. My magic works with guidance. Instead of letting my fire shoot from my hand to Sandra’s when we touched, I redirected it and guided it elsewhere. The lethality is still there, it was just away from her,” I explained as best as I could. “I’ve not yet mastered how to avoid harming people when touched by surprise. It takes a lot more energy to have it on alert like that at all times.”
“And that’s the part you have to practice?” Sandra asked.
“Yes.” I smiled, happy she understood.
“Wonderful.” She paused. “I’m sure you’re tired from your journey. We really just wanted to confirm that it was you.”
David laughed. “We’ve had two with the guts to pose as you. Didn’t even have the right hair or eye color. Their stories for leaving were great though.”
Zarek shook his head. “You mean annoying. Waste of time. Lying in such a way…”
“Anyway…” Sandra looked at the boys, cutting them off. “We’d love for you to join us for dinner in about an hour. You can rest and wash up.”
“Do you remember the way to your suite? We’ve kept it about the same,” Zarek wondered, “I’d be glad to show you the way.”
“By about the same, he means we’ve tidied it up. But the blankets are the same, just cleaned, and we never did remove your old clothes.” Sandra explained a bit further.
“I’d love to see it. I’ve no idea what I left behind anymore.” I smiled, standing up to stretch once more. “And yes, I do remember how to get there.”
“I’ll show you just in case.” Zarek said getting up, “Guess we need a place for your friend as well.”
Lee smiled. “Whatever is most convenient for you is more than enough for me.”
I shook my head. “My chambers still have a guest room correct? That’ll work.”
Sandra raised an eyebrow at me. “If I say that’s hardly appropriate for a young princess, would you listen?”
“Unlikely,” I replied honestly. “But there will be talk enough away. Me coming home with a stranger unknown to the court is great for gossip.”
She sighed, not wanting to argue. “Very well. I cannot say I’m pleased with your decision but it’s not mine to make.”
“He’ll grow on you.” I told her jokingly
“That’s normally my line,” Lee teased.
“And you’re just friends?” Sandra questioned, skeptical.
I blushed but nodded. Lee answered for us both. “I did ask her if she’d go on a date with me once her magic was under control and she had a chance to meet her family again. It’d be terrible to attempt to court one another with so many stressors unresolved and without a chance to set her past straight.”
“I like him already.” Zarek laughed, cutting off all further comments. “Let me show you the way.”
Surprised that Zarek had no smart remarks to make, we followed.
When we were out of sight and he was sure no one else could hear us Zarek said, “To be honest, I’m surprised you managed for so long on your own. Sandra believed for a long time you must be alive, but it was David who didn’t give up. When my betrothed confirmed it I thought it was a crazy dream. But he insisted. I’m glad I listened to him.”
“It does sound far-fetched. A palace born kid, a princess at that, trying to make her way in the world based almost solely off the books she read? I was very lucky,” I replied as we made our journey through the twists and turns of the back halls.
“I hope you don’t hold it against us for giving up,” Zarek said, glancing back at me.
“If you by some grace don’t hold my past against me, I have no reason to hold logic against you,” I told him surprised he’d even think I could hold such a thing against any of them.
“It really wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know. None of us did when Isaac passed.” Zarek gave a moment of silence, “The rest is really Mother’s fault for not acting appropriately. We were kids, so of course we behaved as children do. Accidents happen. It’s a tragedy that Elena is gone, but that’s not your burden to bear. You didn’t aim to kill.”
“While that may be true, I don’t know if I’ll ever feel that way.” Sighing, I glanced back at Lee. My heart would never not ache for the loss of my siblings.
Lee shrugged. “No one can tell you how to feel about it, but your brother is right. And I will continue to agree with that standpoint.”
“See? It’s the majority vote. A winning statement.” Zarek laughed as we reached the correct landing and opened the door. “Home sweet home, little sister.”
“I like that it still smells like lavender.” I smiled, breathing in deeply.
“Sandra remembered that.” Zarek smiled. “Dinner is going to be our best guesses of what you actually liked, so I apologize in advance if we forgot anything, or remembered wrong.”
I laughed. “That’ll be all right. It’ll be worth the laugh to see what’s close and what’s not.”
“We’ll send Hildie to fetch you when it’s time then.” Zarek nodded, taking his leave.
I turned to Lee. “Hildie has been around forever.”
I opened the doors further and saw the small seating area was freshly cleaned. The door to my bedroom and the guestroom were wide open. It was so strange to be back in my old room once more. A sense of nostalgia filled me, and I made a beeline for my room and started to open everything to see what was left. Plenty of things were as I left them. An old diary shoved under my pillow, stories I wrote crammed into drawers, and plenty of mediocre dresses I had made hung in the wardrobe. It filled my heart with joy that they had saved everything.
Lee stood watching from the doorway. “This must be strange.”
“It’s crazy, they really didn’t get rid of a thing…” My eyes teared up. “They really did hope I’d be home.” I could actually believe it now.
Lee nodded, “The only way you could know was to see it for yourself. I’m glad it everything is as it should be.” He offered a soft smile.
I nodded and wiped away my tears. “Me too.”
“Think you’ll be wanting to stay then?” He asked, his voice a little sad.
> “I wasn’t lying when I said I’d have to see. I love seeing them all again, but I don’t see a place for myself here.” Traveling had been a necessity for some time, but I didn’t hate it. With the control I suddenly had I could do much more now. My options seemed endless, and I doubted I would want to stay tied up here for too long.
“You can always take up my suggestion and herd sheep.” Lee smiled weakly.
“Why sheep?” I asked, sitting on my bed and flipping through my diary of woes. I wasn’t sure about Lee’s tone. I knew he was happy for me, but the thought of me staying upset him.
“I’ve always wanted them,” he finally explained with a shrug.
Looking up at him I smiled, “Didn’t know you wanted to have farm animals.”
“It’s a great idea. Settle down, build a nice house, have some sheep. Maybe a few goats. I like having some realistic goals. Oh, and a large garden.”
“Sounds like a lot of work.” I got up and put my diary away. The overly dramatic journaling I had written years ago was a bit much to read. Maybe some things should stay forgotten in the past.
“Yep. Too much for one person, but that’s a worry for another day.” Lee shrugged, trying to play it cool.
We headed out to the small sitting area between the two rooms and for the first time I noticed our belongings were there.
“Oh that was nice of them.” I said as I went through everything.
“Going to unpack?” Lee asked.
“No… While my room still feels like my room, this place hardly feels like home anymore. It’s just so… Big. And cold. It’s just all so strange to me now.” I sat down on the sofa and put my bag on the floor.
Lee joined me. “At least it smells nice.”
Laughing I leaned against him, “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.” He hugged me. “It’s a nice adventure. Can’t wait to see what they think your favorite foods are.”
To my surprise, most of it was correct. There was roast pheasant, stuffing, berries, puddings, and many different soups and vegetables. The food was wonderful, and I got to meet the rest of my ever growing family. The twins Kris and Kent were four years old, and little Caitlynn was two. David’s wife, Susan, was short with gorgeous blonde curls and sweet hazel eyes. Sandra’s husband, Jasper, looked every bit like royalty. He had a strong build and raven hair that was tied back neatly. His face was stern, but he had a fantastic smile and snuck sweets to the twins when he thought no one was looking.
