Sunset, She Fights

by Tameri Etherton

  “We’re really not that complex, once you get to know us.”

  “Ah, there lies the crux of it all. I’ve never been good at the peopling thing.”

  Rainne’s laughter bounded to the trees on either side of the road. “The peopling thing? As in, talking to people?”

  “Yes, that. I’m rubbish at it.”

  She stifled a second bout of laughter for fear it might not be perceived as humorous to him.

  “You’ve conversed quite well with Finnick and myself.”

  “Because it’s just the two of you. If there were more people around, I would become full of nerves and say the most absurd things. I’m a disaster at feasts. Usually, I make an appearance, then slip away when no one is looking.”

  “What is it you enjoy?” She could sympathize with him regarding crowds. She’d never been in a large gathering and the idea of going to Elvenwood gave her nervous fits. Later, she’d mention it, but for the moment, she liked getting to know him better.

  Theo glanced at the sky and a wide smile covered his face. “Building, designing, organizing. I noticed you have a telescope. Do you use it, or is it Master Finnick’s?”

  “It belongs to the castle, but I’m the one who commissioned it made. Why?”

  “I chart the stars. Did you know, there are worlds out there other than this one?”

  She stared at him for a long moment. Her nerves did strange things beneath her skin. They jumped and fizzled with excitement and terror. The same with her heart. Other worlds?

  “How do you know?” Her words came out a little breathless.

  “Because,” he turned to look her full in the face, “I’m a visionary—some would say a dreamer, but I see myself as pragmatic as well as idealistic. While I don’t enjoy traveling on horseback through the countryside, I do have other means of travel that take me places you could only imagine.” His features grew stern. “I would make an excellent advisor to either of my brothers and the gods know they’ll need someone with lateral thinking and vision in the coming years.”

  A shutter fell over his features and she saw him retreat before her eyes.

  “What do you see happening?” She couldn’t even begin to process the first part of his statement. Other ways to travel—what did he mean?

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. I told you, I’m no good at conversing and keeping the topic light. I end up babbling on about uninteresting subjects.”

  She sensed his distress, and as much as she wanted to know what he meant, they had many long hours before reaching Elvenwood. In that time, she would unravel the meaning of his ominous prediction. If he saw something in the stars, perhaps he knew of the dangers escalating on the southern border. She bit her cheek and debated telling him about the raids she and Finnick dealt with. But then, Theo might do as Finnick feared and send troops to help.

  “I’m a good listener, Theo. I won’t belittle your ideas or question your beliefs.”

  He placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. “I’ve been unkind to you, Lady Delarainne. I used my position to command you to travel with me.” Theo stopped his horse and she did the same.

  Rainne waited for him to speak, curious where the conversation was going.

  “I’d sincerely like to help you find a cure for your illness, but won’t force you to continue to Elvenwood.”

  A roar whooshed through her ears and her breath caught.

  “You’re saying I could return to Duir if I wanted?”

  His ever-changing eyes turned a muddy shade of brown. “I am. If that is your wish, we can turn around this moment. I will see you safely home, then leave you to your life.”

  Pora’s claw scratched at her thigh, but she ignored him. Her thoughts scrambled and heart pounded. This was what she wanted, wasn’t it? She looked to the sky and the puffy white clouds drifting overhead. She was the cloud, free to choose. But was she?

  Behind her lay her old life. In front of her were new fears and challenges. Neither were very attractive, if she were honest. Curiously, the ogress was silent.

  “I’d like to continue to Elvenwood.”

  Alona gasped and Rainne flinched against the sound.

  Theo’s eyes gleamed as green as fresh grass and a wide smile covered his face. “I’m glad. Shall we?” He indicated the road away from Duir and she nodded.

  What the hell had she done? Her heart skipped with a delirious little giddy-up that made her want to cry happy tears. She’d made a decision about her life on her own terms. Elvenwood would push her out of her comfort zone, but Theo would be there.

  Theo reached over and clutched her hand. A little thrill zinged up her arm. “I was afraid you would turn back. Thank you for choosing to stay.”

  She gave his hand a squeeze. “It was tempting, but you made Elvenwood sound too alluring. What sensible lady wouldn’t want to see the palace for herself?”

  They chuckled at her turning his words back on herself. In truth, she was scared witless to continue, but she wouldn’t let Theo see her fear.

  “I’d like to know you better. What are your interests?” He held up her hand and showed the calluses. “Do you like gardening?”

  “Sure. Yeah. Gardening is enjoyable.” She floundered for words. The calluses were from all the hours training with Njeeb. “As you’ve seen for yourself, my life is about as exciting as a leaf falling to the ground. There’s really not much to tell.”

  A snort came from her saddlebag and Rainne winced. Theo didn’t seem to notice and looked ahead.

  “We’re similar in that, I believe. I like order and don’t like change.” He turned toward her, his eyes shadowed with sadness. “Still, I’m lucky in that I’m not my brother who’s been forced to live with a curse he has no control over.”

  A tremble of excitement ran through her, reigniting her jumpy nerves. Theo understood the consequences of being cursed, truly cursed. Perhaps in him she would find an ally.

  Not if I get him first.

  That horrible cackling sounded in her mind, echoing into every memory, every thought, every sensation. For a brief moment, she thought about turning around and leaving Theo, but he’d follow her and then what would she tell him? There was a monster living inside her that lusted for him and no matter how much she wanted it to be untrue, she desired him as well.

  I hate you, Rainne told the ogress.

  I am you.

  Tears clouded Rainne’s vision and dread filled her heart. With each passing day, it was becoming truth.

  10

  As roadside inns went, this one wasn’t terribly awful. Theo stepped from the tub and waited while Simpson dried him with a serviceable, if not soft, towel. After a day in the saddle, he was only too happy to shed his travel clothes. The rough cotton irritated places that ought not to be bothered. He slipped into a velvet frockcoat and silk trousers, feeling at once more himself.

  After careful consideration, he decided to stop by Rainne’s room—the finest the inn had to offer and the room Theo himself should occupy as a prince, but he’d insisted Rainne have it. She’d objected, of course, but in the end she’d thanked him politely. Not profusely or forced gratitude, but more like a stubborn acceptance, which confused the hell out of him.

  The door opened a crack and Rainne’s maid peered through. Her eyes darted to Theo’s face, then to inside the room and back. Desperation or fear or anxiety clouded her lovely features.

  “I’d like to ask Lady Delarainne to sup with me.”

  “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but she is already abed and wishes to not be disturbed.”

  “Already?” It couldn’t be half past seven and yet she was in bed? “Were we too hard on the road today? Can I get anything for her?” He’d make sure they rode at an easier pace tomorrow.

  “She’s taken a sleeping potion. I truly am sorry, my lord.” Alona curtseyed and closed the door.

  Theo stood in the hallway, staring at the rough wood for a long moment. Never in his life had someone closed a door in his face. An
d certainly he’d never thought a mere maid would be the first. It was outrageous. And yet, he wasn’t upset.

  He patted his frockcoat where his heart beat beneath layers of fabric. Shouldn’t he be livid that she’d spurned him this way? Not Alona, but Lady Delarainne. She’d said she suffered a sickness, and if he were honest, he hadn’t quite believed her. She seemed robust enough on their travels. There wasn’t an illness he could think of that came about only after the sun set, but here he was…standing alone like a fool.

  He turned toward his room at the end of the hall, ready to order Simpson to bring him supper, but changed his mind and pivoted toward the stairs. After the day he’d had, a drink was in order. Rainne had shown compassion to the highwaymen when he’d wanted their heads. Fae brigands this far north? The next thing he knew, ogres and trolls would roam the countryside as if they were lords. That would be the day he’d let his sword speak for him and he’d kill every last one of their kind.

  He needed that drink more than he thought. Generally, he didn’t let himself get so worked up about the other races, but seeing the fae threaten Rainne had unleashed something primal. The need to protect her and all elves flowed through his veins. His ancestors had fought to keep Elvenwood a haven for the elves. He might never be a king or a warrior, but he would do everything in his power to defend his kin.

  That was a worry for tomorrow. For tonight, the common room would have to suffice. Perhaps he’d meet an accommodating lady who would prove entertaining. A certain wild lass who rode through dangerous forests in the dark of night would do nicely.

  With a lighter step, and a grin tickling his lips, he chose a table where he could be seen by all who entered the small room. A serving wench took his order then disappeared through a curtained doorway. A hooded figure passed out of view and Theo straightened. His heartbeat quickened and his palms slicked with sweat.

  His gaze roamed the room, noting the two tables with seated guests. A pair of gentlemen stood at the bar, drinking from metal tankards, and a third gentleman lounged alone against a back wall. Why had the hooded figure he saw pass through the kitchen stir his blood and make him jumpy? It couldn’t be the forest girl, but he desperately hoped it was.

  Rainne’s maid entered the common room without looking around and went into the kitchen through the curtained doorway. A minute later, she returned and headed straight upstairs. Theo tracked her movements, idly curious what she might be doing, but then his attention was drawn to the serving wench who brought him a mug of something thick and smelling of babies’ nappies.

  “What is this?”

  “Beer.”

  Theo took a tentative sip, not at all pleased with the foamy top or oaty taste.

  “Do you have wine? Or mead? A nice cider, perhaps?”

  “We have beer.” The wench left without so much as a glance in his direction.

  His next sip was equally as horrible, but he was thirsty. If beer was all they had, he’d endure the foul substance. He was halfway through his mug when the wench returned with a platter of roast meat, bread, and cheese. Despite the simplicity of the food, his stomach gave a resounding growl of approval.

  It wasn’t the inn he would’ve preferred staying in—that one was a good hour farther along the road—but Rainne had insisted they stop riding for the day due to her illness. She’d chosen this inn solely because it was convenient. Tomorrow, Theo would ensure they reached a more suitable place to stay. Rustic comforts were fine for the likes of Therron, but he preferred a soft bed on which to lay his head. And a nice wine to end the day.

  By the time he finished his meal, the common room had filled with more groups of men and women, some sitting, some standing near the bar. A small band set up in a corner and music made the place merry. Theo had another mug of beer, which wasn’t nearly as foul as he’d first thought. He tapped his toe to the beat and clapped with the other patrons. Several couples danced a complicated series of moves that earned them great applause from those gathered.

  A couple invited Theo to dance, but he demurred. He’d never been good on his feet and making an utter fool of himself wasn’t going to happen. They good-naturedly teased him, but left him to twirl in the small area set aside for dancing. A flash of metal outside the window caught Theo’s attention and his stomach fluttered.

  He made his way through the crowd to the front door and searched for what might’ve drawn his eye. The darkened street was still, with only the sounds coming from the inn disturbing the night. He shoved his hands into his pockets and ambled down the dirt road without any idea where he was headed. The fresh air would do him good. All the beer he’d drunk went to his head and made his thoughts hazy, his movements wobbly. He should turn back, go to his room and sleep, but he continued walking. The thought of being stuck in that dreary room for longer than necessary made him want to weep.

  “Are you following me?”

  Theo’s head jerked up, his eyes unfocused, heart rampaging beneath his ribs. There, in the shadows, was the hooded figure he saw at the inn. He recognized her voice and a wild excitement coursed through him. The girl from the forest.

  “I could ask the same of you.” He strolled closer, not wanting to appear too eager.

  She rolled around the corner of a building, putting herself squarely in an alley. He slid into the cramped space and faced her. Well, faced as much of her as he could. She wore her hood low, but he saw the crimson curls peeking from the dark fabric.

  “I go where I please and follow no one.” Her husky tone came from dark lips.

  Theo longed to see her face. He raised his hand to make a ball of drossfire, but she put a gloved hand over his.

  “No light. It’s more dangerous this way.” She took off a single glove and stroked his face with her long fingers. He leaned into her touch, craving more. She bent her head and inhaled from his collarbone to his lips, a low moan coming from deep in her throat.

  The beer, her touch, the darkness—it all coalesced in a reckless need to have this woman. Theo grabbed her coat and dragged her closer until their lips crashed together in a searing kiss that ripped his heart to shreds.

  Whether an enchantment or not, the intensity of her nearness muddled his already woozy thoughts. Dangerous was a good word for what he was feeling. He was a prince of the elven throne. This behavior was undignified for his position, but when had that ever stopped Thaddeus? At that moment, Theo didn’t care about protocol or obligations or responsibility. He wanted the mysterious woman and he would have her.

  She moaned and pressed her body against his, grinding her hips against his pelvis. Soap, lust, and a slightly floral scent tickled his nose. A dark muskiness that went straight to his cock. He snaked a hand up her coat to tangle in her hair, surprised by its coarseness. A glint of moonlight caught a stray strand and it shimmered garnet in the scant light.

  Her hand skillfully unfastened his trousers and a moment later she stroked his swelling cock. Their tongues tangled together in a delirious dance that had him gasping for breath.

  She could devour him right now and he wouldn’t care. If she turned into a troll and sucked his heart from his chest, he’d die from the pleasure of her touch. He thrust his hips forward, urging her hand to beat faster. He’d spill his seed gladly, and give her his heart for all time. He’d be hers, completely. The thoughts forced their way into his mind.

  Theo pulled away and blinked at his surroundings. The dingy alley smelled of rotting food and decay.

  “Wait.”

  “You want me. Don’t deny us this pleasure.” Her grip increased and worked him to the brink of release.

  He moaned and swooned, his head falling back to rest against the brick wall. Oh gods, he did want this. Wanted to feel her mouth on his body, to fuck her sideways into oblivion.

  “Yes.” She hissed against his ear. “You deserve this. You need this.”

  Another moment and he’d—

  Theo jerked away, an image of Rainne tormenting his thoughts. Why would he think of
her at a time like this? When he was so close to having what he’d been longing for?

  “No.” He brushed aside her hand and tucked his aching cock into his trousers. “Not like this. I’ll not rut like a pig in some godforsaken alley.” He turned his attention back to the forest girl. “I don’t even know your name.”

  He couldn’t see her eyes, but the heat from her body was enough to warn him that she wasn’t at all pleased with his actions. Suddenly aware of his isolation with the near stranger, he rebuked himself for being stupid enough to become vulnerable.

  “Shhh. Names are only a burden.” Her fingers stroked his cheek and he softened his resolve. “What difference does it make if we’re in an alley, a forest, or a bed? You’ll never fuck anyone like me, I’ll grant you that.” Her mouth closed on his with a whispered, “You need it.”

  Warnings rang in his mind, but the beer he’d drunk washed them aside. His body reacted to her touch with the enthusiasm of a combatant entering the arena—raw and emotional and ready to kill or be killed.

  Except, he wasn’t a warrior. He had no desire to conquer her or anyone else.

  “Don’t think.” She kissed his forehead and down to his jaw. “Just feel.”

  She placed his hand inside her tunic and rubbed it along her breast. A hardened nipple scraped along his palm and a tingling ran along his nerves to his sternum. It felt good. So good.

  Their lips connected again, softer this time, and she moaned into their kiss. He was being silly. Rutting was perfectly natural. In an alley, in a bed—like she said, what did it matter?

  Her hips rocked against his, a silent invitation. His free hand moved to her breeches and unfastened first one button, then the second. He slid his hand between fabric and skin, delighting in the softness of the latter.