by J E Mueller
It was an awkward introduction at first, but the twins had plenty to tell me, and it eased the way in for the rest of them.
“Kris found a giant beetle today!” Kent informed me, loudly enough that all could hear.
“Oh that’s nic-” I started to say.
“He ate it!” Kent shrieked.
“You double dared me!” Kris defended himself. “No one but scaredy babies back out of that.”
“I ate two!” Kent beamed, ignoring his brother.
Susan opened her mouth to say something to her sons but thought better of it before turning to David, “Wasn’t it your turn to watch them?”
David put his hands up sheepishly. “Zarek had it under control!”
Susan raised an eyebrow at her brother-in-law.
“Let the record show, that all three of us are not scaredy babies.” Zarek shrugged and shoved a forkful of food in his mouth.
Altogether it was a wonderful evening. I was thankful when I was finally allowed to go to bed. It was strange talking with so many people at once, but I didn’t hate it. But I could see it getting old soon.
Chapter 22
In the morning, it was no surprise I woke up first. I went to quickly check on Lee. The shock of him still being alive lingered from time to time. After his reappearance, my mornings began this way. Someone had mentioned something about trauma and that it would pass. Luckily, Lee didn’t complain about my need to check on him.
It was obvious he had strong feelings for me. I felt strongly for him as well, but I wasn’t sure what those feelings meant yet. Still, I didn’t want to add too much to my life and put off acknowledging what I felt. Lee never pushed it. He was always understanding.
Words for my feelings towards him, my family, the people I cared for… I was used to jumbling them up and locking them away. It was almost too much that I could now do something with them.
In the next few days I fell into a routine. Mornings would start with practicing in the gardens every morning with Lee to work on my magic. Zarek would often stop by to see how things were going. Jameson, once he arrived on the second day, delighted in joining us even when there wasn’t much he could help with. Afternoons were spent chasing after my nieces and nephews, and the evenings were spent with the rest of my family.
After the fifth day of visiting, Sandra asked again if I thought I’d stay.
“Not permanently,” I finally replied. “It’s been wonderful seeing everyone, but I also really like quiet village life. I don’t want to be gone forever again, though.” My heart beat fast, hoping she would understand.
Sandra nodded. “In a way, I envy your ability to have a choice.” Her voice was sad. “There is no way I could choose the same, not with all my kingdom needs from me. At the same time, I wish I knew something different.”
“You can always visit. Steal away to the countryside. No one would suspect their queen would do such a thing. Not when lakes and vineyards are an option.” I smiled, liking the idea of her and maybe the others coming to see me.
Her eyes twinkled at the idea. “I think neither my husband nor David would approve.”
“Leave a note and escape with a single guard. That’s all you need for quick travel. Wear the right clothes and no one would know the difference.” The idea was too fun not to suggest.
It was dinner time and Sandra glanced over at her husband, “I couldn’t do that to him. We’d work something out. Caitlynn would benefit from seeing firsthand how things are on the outside.”
“I’d like that.” I smiled gleefully.
“Where will you stay?” she asked. It was a practical question.
“I guess I haven’t given that much thought,” I replied honestly. “I’ve never really had a full plan. I could easily stay with Celia. I know she’d appreciate the extra help. Juni had already offered me a place to stay if I wanted it as well.”
“I’m glad you have options if you won’t stay with us.” Sandra looked sad again.
“At least I’m not a disappearing without a goody-bye. Just an I’ll see you again later,” I replied trying to lighten the mood. “It’ll be wonderful to make plans.” I felt tears forming at the thought of being able to actually rebuild my life and make plans with my siblings.
“That is true. You likely wouldn’t have stayed forever even if you weren’t cursed. You’d have moved to an estate somewhere else or possibly to an entirely different kingdom.” Sandra nodded, feeling a bit better as she considered all my possible options. “With your lack of royal duties that would make planning much easier. It’ll work out nicely.”
It was settled, and I couldn’t have been happier. “We’ll stay for a while longer of course. Zarek’s stories are amazing, and Jameson doesn’t hesitate to add in the details he leaves.”
“Yes, our soon to be joint military advisors.” She eyed them carefully across the table. “They never let the men see them behave as ridiculously as they do around us, and I’m sure because of that it’s twice as bad as it ought to be.”
“I can hardly imagine either being so stern,” I mused.
“They start their morning exercises at dawn. You should watch. It’ll be good for you to see how much Zarek has actually grown. He’d probably enjoy having you visit.”
“He’s not going to make me join him is he?” I asked cautiously.
“He makes any bystander join. To the best of their ability of course. It’s impossible to sneak a glance either.” Sandra sighed. “Probably twice a month I’ve been roped into it, but the soldiers love seeing what we’re capable of. Even if I can’t put up any sort of real fight I try to be a good sport.”
“Could always use more practice.” I paused. “Actually I really could use a lot more practice. I’ll have to check it out then.” After that battle back at the village I knew my combat skills were heavily lacking.
“Be my guest. I’d love to see it, but then I’d be stuck joining you too.” Sandra smirked.
“As queen, can’t you ordered him not to make you participate?”
“The practice field is his and as long as it doesn't go against the laws of the land, it’s his rule. He can request I practice if I dare to show. Anyway, a queen showing she can defend herself decently does help the guards know what type of protecting we actually need. While I need protecting, I won’t ever be helpless. I can hold my own against an average man. If you want to be the best queen, you do what no others dare to do and you do it with skill.” She held her head high and proud. “It has taken much work, but I am proud of it. Even if it isn’t something I wish to do.”
“You’re the coolest sister.” Catching up was turning into the best idea I had had the more I learned about everyone.
“It’s a low key cool though, sister.” she cautioned. “Can’t let the world knowing I’m capable of so many things. It’s the best defense.”
That night I asked Lee if he’d want to join me in the morning. He laughed and admitted that Zarek had already asked him if we would stop by, if only to see if I had really learned anything while I was traveling.
By early dawn we were ready to go. Yawns held at bay, we headed down to the practice field. The soldiers were beginning to muster and many stares and whispers greeted us. I paid them no mind, not sure if any of them knew who I was.
Zarek was greeting his troops when he saw us. “My darling baby sister.” He said loudly, gathering everyone’s attention, “How nice of you to drop by.”
I glanced around at all the slowly waking faces, “Is this time really the best time to train anyone?” I asked, trying to ignore the attention he was bringing to me.
He clicked his tongue at me for a moment before replying. “It’s perfect. It zones in on what’s muscle memory and what needs work. In a fight, you can’t rely on your enemy thinking out their next move. Every strike, every blow should be fluid. Perfection. Only the best survives,” Zarek paused. “You’ve learned a lot while you were away. Would you like to demonstrate in a sparring match what you know?�
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I nodded, figuring I didn’t have a choice. “My skills aren’t great but I did more than hold my own at the battle of Kinsfield. I’ll gladly spar one of your people and see how it should be done.”
“Any volunteers?” Zarek asked loudly, glancing slowly around at the suddenly many bystanders.
“Is this really your lost sister?” someone asked.
Zarek nodded. “She left long ago, as you all know. Those who believed the curse rumor are correct. It is no lie or mystery that the the late king Ramulus dealt with forces none should see. Kikara has returned, having learned the basics of how to live with the magic battling inside of her. As such, are there any additional rules to keep my team safe, dear sister?”
They stared at me expectantly.
“Yes, actually,” I replied. There was no room for messing around. “Just for your protection I ask that whomever I’m sparring with is fully covered so there is no risk of skin to skin contact. While I’ve had it under control for a short while now, I wish for there be no accidents.”
“Hear that?” Zarek called loudly. “Full practice gear. Easy enough. Volunteers?”
A few raised their hands. Zarek eyed the options closely before calling out, “Mara, you’ve passed all the beginners tests recently. Your skills should be perfect for assessing my sister. Please, come forward.”
The girl, short with spiked red hair and freckles, pushed her way forward. She bowed before Zarek. “I am ready whenever my challenger is ready.”
Zarek nodded towards the field a short distance away. “Let’s get geared up and ready to go.” He turned towards the group around us. “All right ladies and gents you know the rules. One free watch then get your butts in gear. I want to see everyone breaking a sweat before the next match is done or the whole lot of you will be on latrine duty for the next week!”
Everyone ran at a quick pace for the field, knowing his words weren’t just empty threats. Some started picking out gear and weapons to help us get situated. Since Zarek just wanted an assessment of me he handed us practice swords and quickly had us ready to face off.
Mara took several practice swings at me before going all in. For the first few moments I held my own, the next I was losing ground, and then I was disarmed.
Zarek clapped. “Well done. Mara, excellent use of hesitation and technique. Key, make sure your blocks are quick and inward. Don’t swing wide if you don’t have to. Again.”
After the next round Zarek came in and started showing me where I was going wrong. Another round ensued with the same results. And another. Before long I was beaten and tired, but was grateful for the information I had gained. I hoped I would retain some of it. When I was finally granted a break, I noticed that Lee had found a group to practice with as well. His group was filled with a lot less strict technique and more laughter, but he was also picking up on the lessons more quickly.
After two hours of practice we were dismissed and I was glad to head back into the castle to clean up and relax. My body was tired and bruised in places that shouldn’t be bruised. After cleaning up I sprawled out on my bed as Lee read something.
“What did you find?” I asked curiously.
Lee was sitting on the sofa just outside of the room. “Something you’ll hate me for reading.”
I groaned loudly. “Which terrible story did you pick up?”
“There’s bunnies in it. Very fluffy with giant ears that let them fly.” Lee smiled.
“I hate my life.” I covered my face, too tired to fight back. “We can go look at the library. Where there are actually quality books. It’d be much more fun than this.”
Lee snickered. “I do believe you’re mistaken. This is great fun.”
“Anything but this,” I complained to him, still unmoving.
Lee laughed while finally getting up. “Okay. We can talk about what’s on my mind instead.”
“Oh boy. I feel like I’m falling into a trap… but okay. Shoot. What’s on your mind?”
Lee joined me, sitting at the foot of my bed. “While I adore your wonderful family, I’m missing home as well. There’s a lot going on back home, and I feel I should be there.”
I nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.” I shook my head. “You don’t have to stay with me.” Too much had gone on recently. It wasn’t fair to keep him away from his home.
“I’d like for you to come with me.” Lee paused. “If you want to spend more time with your family, of course do so. I can’t blame you; it’s been so long and I can’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like. I’ve lead the opposite life of that and have been blessed with being close to mine. I don’t want to make you choose, but I do want you to know that if you don’t come with me, that I’ll miss you, and whenever you’re ready to stop by I’ll be more than happy to see you again, so please don’t be a stranger.”
For a few moments I thought things over while we sat in silence. “I was actually speaking about this with Sandra yesterday,” I admitted. “I do want to spend some more time here, but I don’t have a large urge to stay. If anything, all the constant crowds of family are draining for me. I wasn’t expecting it and now that the rush of meeting everyone again has died down it’s becoming a bit much. I’d love to visit frequently, but I don’t know how that’ll work. I’d also love for them to have a chance to visit me.”
Lee smiled. “Want to stay another full week and then head home with me? With the cold season coming you could plan to visit around the winter solstice. Maybe even spend a month here. I’m sure that’d be exciting with all the little ones about.”
“I like that idea. I wish I knew of a good time or way for them to visit. I don’t even know of a place for them to stay.” I sighed. “Now that Sandra put that thought into my head, I can hardly believe I’m thinking of a permanent home. This nonsense is turning my head and life upside down.”
“It’s not a bad change, though. If things are going to change it might as well be good, right?” Lee smiled blissfully. “Maybe a place for a couple of sheep?”
“What would you even do with them or all that wool?” Laughing, I tossed my pillow at him.
“Probably make sweaters. Do you know how to make a sweater? It seems like a practical thing to learn. Even more so if you’re looking into getting a flock of sheep.” Lee was trying not to chuckle.
“I am not looking into getting sheep!” I tossed my other pillow at him. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Maybe we can try going on a date once everything settles down?” He smiled, unabashed.
“Don’t know if there’ll be time for a date if I’ve got to learn how to take care of sheep,” I teased. He threw the pillow back at me.
“Anyway, if we are both agreed, I’ll write Mother and let her know the plan. I’m sure she’d like to know how things are going.” Lee got up and stretched.
“That’s a good idea. I’d like to write her and Celia too,” I said, getting up to find some blank paper and something to write with.
That night at dinner I explained my plan to my family. Sandra wasn’t surprised after our recent conversation but David and Zarek were.
“But you just got here!” Zarek complained loudly.
“You can accompany us back.” I smiled at him. “You probably want to check up on your men anyway, I’m sure.”
He nodded. “That is a good plan but still… It’s not fun seeing you leave again.”
“But this time you know I’ll be back,” I reassured him.
David shook his head. “I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to visit.”
“When you take time off just don’t go to a normal place. Dress as a commoner, have your guard do the same, and you’ll blend in well enough.” I suggested, really hoping for that plan to pan out.
“Maybe we can vacation somewhere together?” David looked at his wife.
Susan nodded, “It is always wonderful to have someone who’s good with the boys around.” Currently Kent and Kris were
chasing each other around with wooden swords. “And by that I mean someone who will let me enjoy my vacation with my husband. Sometimes it’d be easier to hand them off to a maid like the rest of the nobles in the land do.”
“I still like the idea of raising our own children. Even more so since they will rule one day,” David replied.
“I like that idea too.” It would be fun getting to spend time with my nephews and try vacationing with my family. “It would be nice getting to know the twins as well. They’ve grown so much in the short time I’ve been here, I’d love to see them again.”
“Good.” Susan let out a sigh of relief, “Sometimes I think they have the spirit to scare demons off themselves. They’re always so full of energy.”
“That would be a wonderful gift,” I agreed.
It was settled.
Chapter 23
After another week of training with Zarek, practicing with Lee and Jameson, and spending a few too many afternoons having tea parties with Sandra and little Caitlin it was time to go. The farewells were heartfelt and some tears were shed, but we all knew I would return. We already had plans in the making. It was a great reintroduction to my family, and I was glad to leave it on a high note. Zarek and Jameson accompanied us while we made the journey to Faraden and then they were to branch off to go meet those still in Kinsfield while Lee and I went to see Celia and meet up with Juni.
As soon as we cleared the main grounds and the castle was out of sight, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Zarek noticed at once. “Family time a bit much?” He laughed and winked in understanding.
