Four
Page 26
"I could've told you that." Mayr crossed his arms. "Had you just talked to me, really talked, I would've listened. I always listened. But you didn't trust me, did you? I know you didn't respect me, but you could've at least tried trust."
"I know that now," Betta said. "I also know you were happy to be a father. That's what made me realize how wrong I was. I was chasing after something I thought I wanted, but the whole time I'd had it and ran away. You were providing for us without complaining. You gave us a real home. We never would've been wealthy, but we would've been secure. Loved. Protected. By the time I realized it, it was too late. I couldn't come back. And Aeley, she—" With a nervous glance, Betta surveyed the ballroom. "She made it painfully clear I was never to come back." She rubbed her cheek and smiled. "Now I'm married—actually married—and Barin, he's a lot like you. Kind, caring. It took forever to find him. Being with him… I know how much I lost, how foolish I was. How much you deserve better."
All the words he had wanted to hear. All the things his heart had needed. He had waited years for even just the whisper of them. Finally, the moment had arrived, and she laid them at his feet, free for the taking.
He had no idea what to feel.
Sad that she had stomped on his love but paid what sounded like a hefty price; angry that she had left at all. Happy that she had found someone; thankful they could put the issue to rest. Mayr gripped Tash's hand, wishing the confusion away.
"Why now?" Mayr asked. "Why didn't you say any of this before? It's been ten years."
"I didn't think you'd listen. Or that you'd even agree to see me." Betta bit her lip. "I expected you'd toss me at Aeley and just walk away." She exhaled deeply. "I almost did come to you, though, when Iliane was sick, almost dying. We needed a new place, extra medicines, but I—I didn't think you'd help. I didn't think you'd want to see us or be involved."
Before he could stop himself, Mayr grasped her arms. The thought of Iliane sick and dying hurt more than listening to Betta grovel or beg. "Of course I would've helped. I'd have done anything for her. Just because you and I were done doesn't mean I stopped caring for her—for either of you."
Betta nodded. "That's what Priest Tash said."
"Tash?" Mayr slid his glance toward Tash.
"He found us, not too long ago. Talked to us. He wanted to know we were all right—if we had what we needed. He was so kind, so thoughtful. Said time had healed old wounds. So I decided to visit and make sure you were all right. Happy." Her gaze passed between Mayr and Tash, and she grinned. "Though seeing you together, I'm pretty sure I've got the answer. You look good. Love suits you. It always has." She kissed Mayr's cheek.
And you've been conspiring, Mayr accused Tash silently, pursing his lips. They would talk about the matter later.
A flash of memory replayed Betta's words through his mind. He sucked in a breath and gripped Betta's elbow. Another chill surged through him. "Iliane. She didn't…?"
Betta shook her head. "Someone took pity on us. Helped her recover." She pointed into the crowd. "Actually, she's here with me and Barin. Did you want to see her?"
The breath Mayr had been holding whooshed out. "Yes."
After several steps through the crowd, Betta waved excitedly.
Tash slipped something warm and metallic into Mayr's hand, discreetly coiling it in his palm. Confused, Mayr opened his fist.
The necklace he had bought Iliane. A chain of white gold dotted with small, red petals formed from tiny jewels. Three larger white jewels dropped from the centre. He had purchased it because he wanted her to have something beautiful; something that was hers alone because she was special to him. At last, he could give it to her.
Fighting tears, he looked at Tash, who did nothing but smile. They would definitely have a long talk later.
Moments later, a girl squeezed through the crowd to take Betta's hand. Together they approached Mayr and Tash, their resemblance undeniable. Iliane's dark hair was curled, the thick ringlets framing her cheerful, round face and large brown eyes. She was skinny and short, her height to her mother's bosom. To his relief, she appeared healthy, her tan skin complemented by her blue gown with its puffy sleeves and white ribbons. On each of her fingers, she wore a colourful, woven ring.
"Iliane," Betta started, pushing her closer, "you remember Priest Tash?" When Iliane curtsied, Betta smiled. "And this is Mayr. He's a good friend of ours; yours and mine."
"It's nice to meet you," Iliane greeted, curtsying again. She hugged her mother, watching Tash and Mayr with interest.
Mayr swallowed, remembering how small she had been. How perfectly she had fit in his arms. "It's nice to meet you, too. See you, I mean. It's been a long time." He bit his tongue. Why could he not think of anything better to say?
Betta rubbed Iliane's shoulder. "You wouldn't remember it, but he knew you when you were little. He was there the day you were born and held you when you cried and took your first breaths. He held you a lot. I had to practically tear you out of his arms. It was like fighting a bearcat, all growly and snappy and grr."
Iliane laughed as her mother tickled her arm, her nose crinkling as her eyes brightened. In that moment, she looked exactly like her mother used to.
"He took care of both of us," Betta continued. "He treated us like we were goddesses. We had to leave, but it wasn't his fault."
"It's just how things happened," Mayr added. He stared at his fingers clutching the necklace. "But I have something for you, Ili… ane, something that belongs to you." Kneeling, he held the necklace out. "I thought you might like it."
Iliane's widened eyes took in the shining metal and jewels. "It's so pretty. Just like a grown-up's," she said, touching it. "Mama, can I have it?"
"Mayr says it belongs to you, so of course you can." Betta squeezed Iliane's shoulder. "You'll have to be very careful with it, yes?"
After Mayr clasped the necklace around her neck, Iliane nodded. "I will." She cupped the large jewels in her palms, gaping at them. "Thank you, Mayr," she murmured.
Mayr stood back, overwhelmed with emotion. To see it on her—to hear her say his name—it was as much a miracle as anything. "You're welcome, Ili."
Pensive, Iliane's gaze bounced between Mayr and the necklace. She removed one of her rings. "This one's for you," she said, holding out the ring of red, purple, and gold threads tightly bound and knotted in a banded pattern. "I want you to have it. It means we're friends now."
As though he knew Mayr's knees would give way, Tash wrapped his arm around Mayr's back. Whatever you do, keep it together, Mayr told himself, grateful for Tash's touch. Don't cry. Don't make a fool of yourself. Just take the damn ring.
"I'd be honoured," Mayr said, accepting the ring to slip it on his little finger. It reached the second joint and sat snugly. He would get a chain for it later. "Thank you."
Iliane flashed him a bright grin. "You're welcome." She tugged on her mother's sleeve. "I'm going to show Father my new pretty!" Before Betta could argue, Iliane wandered into the crowd, her head bowed over the jewels in her palm.
"Ili!" Betta rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry. I have to go before she gets elbowed in the head or something. She doesn't always look where she's going." She licked her lips. "This is goodbye, but not for good. You can come and see us. You can see her whenever you want. I won't keep her from you. Something you can consider?"
"Yeah." Mayr was breathless, his emotions still reeling. "I'd like that. Thanks, Betta. I mean it."
"I know." After another kiss to his cheek, Betta rushed after Iliane.
Tired of guests watching them with interest in their eyes, Mayr pulled Tash toward the nearest corner. He needed to get out of there, to retreat to a safe space where it was just Tash, him, and every emotion smashing down the walls of his anger and despair. He would have to settle with an empty corner.
"What did you do?" Mayr kept his back to the crowd as he urged Tash into the corner.
Tash drew his fingertips down Mayr's jaw. "I asked around, talked to Aeley, and
had some priests I know do some thinking. It took a few months, but someone knew someone else who had seen them in Temple from time to time, making offerings."
"But why?"
"I told you: I'll take care of you. Always."
"Always, hmm?"
"As in forever. You are forever stuck with me," Tash whispered on Mayr's lips. "Not just tonight, tomorrow, or the years to come. Forever, as far as the Goddesses know it."
An offer I can't refuse, Mayr decided, returning Tash's passionate kiss. You're my Halataldris, my companion, my freedom, my heart. Everything. Always. Forever.
FIN
About the Author
Archer Kay Leah was raised in Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer's family and the never-ending need to be creative, this diversity inspired a love for toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and difficult situations.
Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged. When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek with too many hobbies and keeps busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.
Website: http://archerkayleah.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Archer-Kay-Leah-Author/170517966489444
Twitter: https://twitter.com/archerkayleah