Sunset, She Fights

by Tameri Etherton

  Power thrummed through the black stone. Ancient power from a time when elves were unchallenged leaders not just in Elvenwood, but Faerie as well. He stroked the stone with his thumb and smoothed his tumbling thoughts. Every family had secrets.

  Rainne stopped in the middle of the garden, near a large fountain sculpted out of marble. Three elven women held a large shallow bowl and atop that, three flames supported a smaller bowl. Water flowed over the edge of each, avoiding the elves’ naked marble bodies, creating a curtain of sorts.

  Theo cocked his head and admired the simple beauty of the fountain. His gaze returned to Rainne and he startled to find her watching him. “I, erm, the fountain,” he stumbled over the words, “it’s quite beguiling.”

  “They’re the three daughters of the first goddess of Elvenwood.”

  “I haven’t heard of a first goddess.” To be fair, he’d slept through most of his tutor’s lectures on history. His interests were more of the immediate and future. Engineering and building and efficiency were what captured his attention. And the stars. He glanced up to the cloudless sky. Always the stars.

  “You might know them by the three muses. They are the source of knowledge, specifically through literature and song.”

  “Oh, right. Of course.”

  Rainne’s giggle brightened her face. “You still have no idea who they are, do you?” He shook his head. “It’s a long story.” She took his arm in hers and turned away from the fountain. “I want to show you something.”

  They entered a tower at the far end of the garden and climbed six harrowing flights of stairs. Rainne barely breathed heavy, but he had to stop midway to lean against a wall and catch his breath. When they finally emerged from the cramped stairwell, his thighs burned almost as much as his lungs. Whatever she wanted to show him wasn’t worth the price of his life. For certainly, his heart would stop any moment and he’d drop dead of exertion.

  Without stopping to see whether he survived the climb, she went to a battlement and rested her hands to either side of her body, her face upturned. “It’s so quiet here. No servants to bother you, nor anyone else to invade your privacy.” She faced him and grinned. “You can see all our lands from here.”

  She swept an arm out wide and his gaze followed. Duir was good-sized, with many white timber-framed and thatched-roof houses scattered around a central road. Acres and acres of green pastures stretched beyond the village, and to the south were the Duir Woods where he’d nearly been killed by the wolves. His pulse quickened and throat went dry at the memory, but not of being attacked by the vicious creatures.

  She was out there, somewhere. His mysterious savior who’d stolen a kiss. She was so very unlike his kind, timid hostess. Rainne’s eyes sparkled as she surveyed her lands. Her pale fingers by turns gripped and smoothed the stone wall. The rise and fall of her chest came in a steady rhythm of calm.

  “I can see how much you love your village. Aren’t you bored, though? A lady such as yourself should be surrounded by friends and ladies-in-waiting. You should be riding and laughing and dancing, not cooped up in a dreary castle all day.” Theo clamped his mouth shut and swore silently. He’d not meant to say such things, and certainly not to Rainne. The fresh air must’ve knocked loose his common sense.

  “Oh, but I love it here. This is home. You might find it boring, but I do not.” She kept her face turned away from him and he detected a lie buried among her words.

  “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to offend.” He placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. “I should like to find the peace and tranquility you seem to possess in spades.”

  Her snort delighted him. He gazed again at the landscape and sighed. Such a pity she was a country girl and utterly mundane. What he would give to see the girl in the forest again. Now there was a lass who captured his imagination. A shame she wasn’t his equal. After all, what kind of lady would be riding through a dangerous forest at night? Certainly not one his parents would approve of.

  How he longed for a woman who could excite his mind and body. Someone who challenged him and was his equal. Unfortunately, the Lady Delarainne had the rank, but not much else. His parents would find her charming and unpretentious, but would they approve of her? Gods help him, they would. Perhaps his plan wasn’t as well-thought out as he’d hoped.

  Rainne stretched and extended her clasped hands, revealing her palms. Small calluses formed along the soft pads beneath her fingers. Most likely from gardening. He suspected snipping flowers was the most exciting thing she did during her day.

  “Shall we see if your stepfather is available? There’s something I’d like to discuss with him.” It was time to put his plan into action, but he needed Finnick’s consent.

  “He should be, but I’m not sure.” She glanced at the sky, then toward the forest. A frown creased her forehead.

  Four riders galloped toward the woods, then turned to the east and rode out of sight. Theo’s heart pounded with the horses’ hooves. The dark cloak they wore reminded him of the forest girl and he sent a wild wish to the stars that she was with them. But that would be impossible. For all he knew, the lass was miles away.

  “What are they doing?” Theo motioned to the riders.

  Rainne hesitated before answering. “Patrolling.”

  She didn’t elaborate and he glanced in her direction. Her fingers gripped the stone hard enough to make her knuckles white.

  “Is there a problem?” Patrols were an everyday occurrence at Elvenwood. He saw no reason why it would be any different at Duir.

  “Not at all.” Her face brightened and she smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes. They were crinkled at the edges and full of worry. “Do you have a library at Elvenwood?”

  The question caught him by surprise. “We do. It’s massive and full of tomes as old as our kingdom.”

  She sighed dreamily and leaned over the wall. “What’s it like? Are there balls every night with dancing and feasts?”

  Theo took the change in her behavior and tone in stride. Most people were curious about Elvenwood; why wouldn’t a noble-born lady want to know more about his home? Except, her posture, while trying to be supple, held a tension he could almost feel. The riders had upset her, but she pretended they were no concern.

  His gaze flicked toward the east and back to Rainne. The admonition not to get involved in their family drama sprang to mind and he let it go. She’d given him the perfect opportunity to execute his plan and he wasn’t going to squander it.

  “Elvenwood is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. The palace is built into a mountain.” Her eyes narrowed and a genuine smile lifted her lips. “There are many wonders about the palace that not many people know about.”

  They left the battlements and roamed the castle grounds while Theo told her tales of his home that he hoped would entice her to want to visit. She listened attentively and asked questions, all the while glancing nervously toward the castle gates. When the small group of riders returned a few hours later, Rainne breathed as if for the first time since they saw them ride out earlier.

  “Finnick’s returned.” She tossed the flower she’d been holding to the ground. “Did you still wish to see him?”

  There it was again, the concern and apprehension in the tightness of her eyes. Her bottom lip rolled between her teeth as she looked to him for an answer.

  “I would. Shall we?” He took her elbow and led them toward the doors of the castle.

  They found Master Finnick in the same study where they’d first met. It was one of the few rooms Theo suspected were ever used in the castle. Books, scrolls, and ink jars were scattered across the desk and side tables in the room, giving testimony to the fact that this was where Finnick spent a great deal of his time. Not a single feminine touch marred the dark paneling or draperies.

  When they entered, the castle’s self-proclaimed steward turned from the window and greeted them with a cautious smile. He wore the same brown and green tweeds he’d worn the day before, but his boots
were freshly polished. Not the boots of a man who’d been out riding, but the scent of horses clung to Finnick’s clothing. Which meant the man had been part of the patrol. That would explain Rainne’s concern over the group. His heart dipped and he pushed aside the idea that Rainne and Finnick were romantically involved. They weren’t blood relatives, but her mother lay unmoving not more than one hundred feet from where they stood. It wasn’t entirely outlandish, but he didn’t think Rainne—no, he hoped beyond reason that Rainne wouldn’t betray her mother in such a vulgar way.

  Theo had to tread carefully or he’d be shut down before he finished his request. Of course, he could pull rank on Finnick, but he wanted the man’s blessing without any coercion.

  “Good sir,” Theo started once they were seated around a low table covered with books. He resisted the urge to straighten them. “I wish to thank you for your hospitality.” His fingertips played with the bandages around his neck and he swallowed. “Your healer Egritte has declared me sound for travel.”

  An expression of relief swept over Finnick and his body relaxed into the chair. “That’s marvelous. Will you continue your journey south?”

  “Well, no.” Theo cleared his throat and fussed with the edge of his sleeve. “I will be returning to Elvenwood and hope to leave at first light.” Before he lost his nerve, he said, “And I should like to bring Lady Delarainne with me, as a companion only. I assure you I have no romantic aspirations.”

  “What? No!” Horror showed on Rainne’s face and she turned to her stepfather. “Tell him, Finnick. I can’t possibly leave Duir.”

  The master of the castle looked equally as terrified and Theo’s eyes narrowed, his lips pinched. Who in their right mind would decline an invitation to Elvenwood? The pair looked as though he’d given them a death sentence. His misgivings about a possible illicit affair resurfaced.

  “Lady Delarainne is correct. She can’t leave Duir. Not even for a night.” He blinked several times and looked at the ceiling as if for an answer. “She has an illness, you see.”

  “One that is worse at night, I’m afraid.”

  Rainne nodded, as if Theo should understand when in fact he was more confused than ever. The mother comatose and the daughter ill at night? Whatever game they were playing, he was not amused.

  “But you look healthy to me.”

  “I’m not. Please, Your Highness, you must believe me. As much as I’d like to, I can’t leave my home.” Without waiting to be excused, she hurried from the room.

  Finnick wasn’t much help. He mumbled and patted the pocket where he kept his watch, still looking at the ceiling.

  “Good sir, surely you must see reason. If your stepdaughter suffers from a malaise, there are healers at Elvenwood even more gifted than your Egritte. They’ll cure whatever Rainne has and she can return to you the better for it.”

  “She needs a miracle to save her, I’m afraid.” Finnick glanced at him then, his eyes large and full of sorrow. “That is, if she would even survive the journey to Elvenwood.”

  Theo chewed the inside of his cheek and let Finnick’s words settle in his mind. A clock ticked and, outside the large windows, birds chirped. No other sounds came to him from the castle or the grounds. It was a silence he could never get used to—he was too accustomed to the constant noise at Elvenwood. This sort of disquiet unnerved him more than he’d admit.

  Gods, but he couldn’t return home without a proper reason. Seeking guidance from his mother as to how they could heal the duchess was a start, but Rainne’s presence would distract his parents from ordering him to continue his search for Therron. A slice of guilt cut through his thoughts. He was using Rainne for his own needs. Not a princely thing to do at all, but he was desperate. Never in his wildest imaginings did he expect Finnick or Rainne to deny him. Quite the opposite, in fact. He thought they would see it as a great triumph and shriek with joy.

  There was only one thing to do—best them at their own game. Theo stood and adjusted the jacket he wore.

  “If it is as dire as you say, then you leave me no choice. As your prince, I must insist Lady Delarainne journey with me to Elvenwood. On my honor as a son of Thane, your stepdaughter will be looked after as if she is my own sister.”

  Finnick turned to look at him, his deep-brown eyes drooped with sorrow. “I don’t doubt you will respect her, my lord. Since you leave me no choice, you have my blessings to take Lady Delarainne with you.”

  A sour taste crept up the back of his throat.

  “Sir, I must ask—is there a romantic relationship between you and your stepdaughter?” He didn’t breathe as he waited for Finnick’s answer.

  “I should be offended you had to ask, but I can see how this must look to a stranger.” He fussed with his pocket watch, opening and closing the detailed case. “To answer your question, no. There is barely any relationship between us, and I assure you, nothing romantic or physical. I have only loved one woman in that sense, and that is the duchess.”

  Instead of feeling elated that he’d be returning to Elvenwood, and reassured about Rainne and Finnick’s standing, Theo had the unwelcome sense that he’d shattered something precious.

  7

  It wasn’t possible. How the hell would she be able to hide the ogress from Theo? Finnick was mad. Had to be. Why else would he agree to the prince’s stupid plan? She, go to Elvenwood? And what, curtsey to the king and queen like a proper lady, but then show up to dinner glowing green and nasty? Hardly!

  Rainne stormed through her rooms, rage blurring her vision and fear hardening her heart. Three days and two nights, that’s how long it would take to ride to Elvenwood. Two nights of fighting her urges. Three days of listening to the half-wit prince prattle on about gods know what. That was a bit harsh. Theo hadn’t dazzled her with scholarly wisdom, but he was well-educated and polite.

  Alona avoided her as she paced a circuitous route from the sitting area to her bedchamber, then through the little library Finnick had made for her when she was younger. She paused to trail her fingertips along the leather spines of several books. The library at Elvenwood sounded heavenly. All those scrolls and books! How she’d loved to read back when the world was safe. But now that she knew real monsters lived among them, she had lost her enthusiasm for fanciful tales.

  A flick of grey alerted her to Pora’s presence. She was lucky to have him. He accepted her for what she was—the monster from her childhood stories. The beast who lurked in the shadows.

  “What am I to do, Pora?”

  “Dela, are you in here?” Finnick’s voice bellowed from the sitting room and she groaned.

  “Coming.” She abhorred the idea of him being in her personal space. Whatever he had to say, she hoped he said it quickly and left. Sunset was almost upon them.

  Her stepfather’s dejected expression made her pause in her step and she approached with caution.

  “Was there nothing you could do?”

  Finnick shook his head. “I tried, Dela, but he commanded me, as is his right. He is our prince, after all.”

  Something in the way he said the words, as if they left a rancid taste in his mouth, set an alarm in her mind.

  “I can’t…” Rainne took a deep breath to calm herself. “I don’t know how you expect me to hide from him every night. Not just on the road, but once we reach the palace, what if he makes me see a healer? What if the king and queen demand I attend an event after nightfall? This is a disaster.” She didn’t add that he was to blame.

  “Are you taking anything for the transition?”

  Rainne glared at him, eyes narrowed. The expression he wore made her think he already knew, but was testing her. To what end? She’d always been honest with him, if a little too bluntly so.

  “What do you care?”

  “She takes xanslip, my lord.” Alona curtseyed with an apologetic glance to Rainne.

  Fucking traitor.

  “Xanslip? Oh darling, that will only make it worse in the long run. It works well enough for males, bu
t will eventually wreak havoc with females.”

  Her stare intensified. “How would you know? I don’t see you turning green every night.”

  “I’ve been researching your condition to find a cure. I want to help, Dela. I wish you would believe me.” A note of remorse clung to his words and Rainne tried valiantly to tune it out. “Take this.” He offered a sprig of something green.

  “What is it?”

  “Thurnbull leaves. You have to chew them. At first it’ll be bitter, but then becomes a refreshing minty taste.” He handed the plant to Alona. “Will you make sure she has one each evening? Two at the most, but never more than that.”

  Alona took the thurnbull and nodded. “Aye, my lord.”

  Rainne cringed each time her maid said “my lord.” She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, counting the seconds until he left. The nerve of the man to come into her private quarters and pretend to understand what she went through every night.

  “Why are you giving me this now when I’ve been this way for several years?” She tapped her fingers on her biceps.

  “I only just discovered it a few weeks ago and had to arrange for some to be brought here. Thurnbull grows farther north, where the ground stays cold much of the year. Egritte only just received the delivery today.”

  “Oh. Thanks.” It would be easy enough to confirm his story with Egritte. Even after seeing him that morning with her mother, and his constant protestations, she hesitated to trust him.

  If he was telling the truth, and her affliction was just a bizarre set of events, then she’d lose hope. Her anger at Finnick kept the possibility alive that she was cursed and there was a cure. But hating him was exhausting and a part of her was tired of hiding and fighting. A treasonous part of her wanted to believe he’d never hurt her or her mother.

  “Master Njeeb says your sword skills are admirable, but you’ve lost focus of late.”

  Rainne faced him, fresh fury tearing through her veins. “You’re spying on me?”