Sunset, She Fights

by Tameri Etherton

  The sincerity of his tone and way his eyes softened made her heart quicken and pinch. She reached a hand to his and squeezed gently. “You are a gentleman and I’m happy we’re friends. It’s complicated. Someday, I hope to share with you my sordid tale, but please forgive me if that day is not today.”

  He nodded and raised her fingers to his lips. The gentle brush of his skin to hers rippled across the back of her hand and up her arm to feather along her nerves. His eyes widened and the brief stare he gave her made her shiver. Not necessarily in a good way. He looked as if he recognized something in her touch and Rainne’s thoughts pivoted to the ogress.

  She removed her hand from his grip and smiled as best she could. She’d do well to remember the ogress had kissed him—apparently more than once—and gods knew what else. Theo might recall such a touch or sensation. They were, after all, the same skin, just of a different size and hue.

  “My lord.” Simpson called from several paces behind them.

  Rainne and Theo turned to see what the man wanted, but he was pointing ahead of them. They all glanced up the road and Rainne gasped. A low hum came from Theo, and Alona’s “Oooh,” followed them.

  “I never tire of seeing Elvenwood. It doesn’t matter if I’m gone a day or an hour—this view doesn’t get old.”

  Rainne understood why. Massive marble sculptures rose from the mountainside to the sky. A king and queen wearing crowns as tall as a full-grown man. An entryway arched between them.

  “Who are they?” Her words came out breathless and full of awe.

  “Depends on which legend you choose to believe. Each clan claims them for their own. We are clan Mistwalker, and before us was clan Raintree, and before them was clan Glennwoods, and on it goes. They all think the unknown king and queen are of their brethren. I believe they were the first elves to rule Elvenwood, but I’ve not found any evidence to support my theory.”

  They rode beneath the archway and Rainne said a prayer to the silent monarchs. Please by your Grace, protect me in these lands and keep my family safe—including Finnick. When she finished, she kissed her thumb and placed it first to her forehead, and then to her heart.

  “I’ve not seen anyone make that sign in quite some time. It’s gone out of fashion at court, I’m afraid.”

  “That’s a shame. Sometimes the old traditions are best.”

  “True.” He rode beside her, a half grin lifting his lips. “Quite true.”

  Balls of drossfire bobbed along the passageway, lighting their path through a tunnel. No one spoke and only the sound of the horses’ hooves disturbed the eerie atmosphere of the claustrophobic place. Rainne held the reins with her right hand and kept her left securely on Pora’s back. This wasn’t a time for him to become skittish or, worse still, adventurous. All she needed was him thinking it was a perfect opportunity to be a swashbuckling kitty. Gods help her, why did she bring him?

  He purred softly and she rebuked herself for the cruel thoughts. She loved him far more than she needed him, but need him, she did. His presence brought a calm to her life she desperately clung to like a log floating down a raging river.

  Light pierced the end of the tunnel and Rainne’s heart quickened. When she was little, her mother told her tales of Elvenwood. She hadn’t quite believed the tales about a palace built into the mountain with granite columns as high as a tree, and with actual trees growing through the floors. She’d listened with rapt attention, daydreaming about one day visiting the fabled place.

  What would her mother think of her now? She had at last made it to the palace, but not how she’d dreamed. In those childish imaginings, there was always a handsome prince to sweep her off her feet and of course, they found true love.

  But that wouldn’t happen anytime soon. Not as long as the ogress had her way.

  “Welcome to Elvenwood.” Theo watched her as she took in the courtyard and surrounding facades.

  They did indeed stretch as high as a tree. A lovely fountain centered the courtyard and to the right, steps led to a massive doorway. Two doors as tall as two stacked giants glimmered in the late afternoon sun.

  “It’s lovely.” A tugging at her nerves alerted her to the time and she shuddered despite the warmth of the day. She’d been so taken with Theo’s story she’d not felt the ogress stirring. Unless she hadn’t roused on purpose. “Can we go inside now? I should like to see my room.”

  “So soon? I thought I’d give you a tour first.” His crestfallen face broke her heart. He wanted to share his home with her and she wished to run off and hide.

  “Tomorrow. I promise. You can show me everything tomorrow. It’s been a long journey and I really must rest. Please give my regrets to your parents. I’ll make a formal introduction to them tomorrow. Promise.”

  She’d half expected a welcoming party and was disappointed yet relieved no one waited on the stairs to greet them. Several grooms took their horses and porters grabbed their bags to take to their rooms. Rainne watched it all with a growing sense of unease. They’d taken too long up the mountain and she could feel her blood thickening as they walked through the endless passages of the palace.

  With each hall they passed, Rainne’s anxiety increased. She barely saw the tapestries and columns and leafy trees growing in the middle of a room. Each time Theo tried to stop, she continued on, urging him forward. They went up several staircases and finally, much to Rainne’s relief, stopped in front of an elaborate set of painted doors. Gold filigree decorated the edges and trim. She’d been given a room of honor and this was how she repaid her hosts. Hopefully they’d accept her apologies on the morrow.

  Before the page had the door fully opened, Rainne rushed in and looked to Alona. The maid nodded and slipped a leaf into Rainne’s hand. She popped it into her mouth and masticated the thing, cringing at the bitter taste that covered her tongue.

  Theo strolled into her rooms, asking if they were adequate, and Rainne gave what she hoped were appropriate, enthusiastic replies. Without even having to see the sky, Rainne knew the sun was sinking behind the mountains, soon to make its nightly journey to the other side of the world. She tugged at the bandage around her neck, desperate to be free of her clothing.

  A snag of pain tore at her bones and she groaned. Alona ushered the prince out of the room and hurried to direct Rainne into the bedchamber. Her vision clouded and she doubled over, gasping for air. They’d left it too long—the medicine didn’t have time to work properly. A tremor of fear ran along her skin. She couldn’t let the ogress take control. Not in the palace.

  As she stripped her clothes off and stood naked in the foreign room, she clutched the vial in her fist. She’d do whatever it took to keep Theo safe.

  Liar.

  Rainne shuddered against the truth. If she truly wanted to keep Theo safe, she would’ve returned to Duir, or at the very least told him about her curse. Instead, she brought danger to his home.

  The ogress cackled loudly as Rainne struggled to maintain control.

  13

  There was nothing as exquisite as waking up in his own bed. After two nights of horrid feather mattresses, Theo luxuriated in the soft down of his oversized bed. Simpson brought him tea and laid out his clothing before leaving him to rise at his leisure.

  As luck would have it, not only were the queen and king not at the palace, but Thaddeus was on one of his getaways with whatever mistress had caught his eye this time. It was rare when no member of the royal family was in residence, but the palace functioned the same nonetheless. According to Simpson, Theo’s parents were due to return the next day, which gave him a full day of exploring the palace with Rainne.

  At the thought of her, he frowned. She’d been rude the previous night, allowing her maid to push him out of her rooms without even a scolding or telling off. It was the second time that Alona had been allowed to shut Theo out of Rainne’s life—literally. He understood she had an illness, but disrespect was out of line. He’d mention it to her, but not until after he showed her the pal
ace.

  He walked through his rooms, trailing his fingertips along the special objects he liked to display. No one had disturbed them in his absence, which calmed his heart greatly. He hated it when people touched his things.

  When the morning sun filtered through his windows, he hurried to Rainne’s rooms and eagerly waited for her maid to answer the door. When Rainne herself appeared, a jolt of confusion clouded his thoughts. Ladies didn’t open their own doors. It just wasn’t done, and certainly not at Elvenwood.

  “Is your maid otherwise occupied?” he asked by way of greeting.

  “No, I was closest to the door, so...” A tiny grin lifted her right cheek.

  “I’ll see about getting you more help for your stay.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Alona is perfectly capable and, as you can see, so am I.”

  He started to argue, but then remembered his plans for the day and didn’t want to start on the wrong foot.

  Instead, he held his arm for her. “My lady, I would be honored if you’d accompany me to tour the palace and see the many extravagances and oddities Elvenwood boasts.”

  She giggled and wrapped her arm in his. The strange cat approached and whipped his tail from side to side. His hazel eyes never left Theo, and he shifted uncomfortably under the gaze.

  “Can Pora come, too?”

  “Erm, well, I suppose so. As long as he stays out from underfoot.” What he wanted to say was blood and ashes no, but again, he didn’t want to upset her before they even left her rooms. It wasn’t that he didn’t like cats, per se, but their fur stuck to everything and they always seemed to be skulking around like furry spies. As for Rainne’s cat—Theo had the impression the thing didn’t approve of his attention to Rainne. Only the gods knew why. He’d been a perfect gentleman to the lady.

  She called out to her maid that they were leaving, which Theo found most unusual. But then, the more time he spent with her, the more he realized she was anything but ordinary.

  He took her to the gardens first, where she marveled at the herbs and roses. He knew she would enjoy seeing Elvenwood’s garden, but the delight that shone in her eyes gave him just as much joy. Her cat wove its way between her legs and rubbed along her pantleg. She never seemed to notice the irritating thing. Every now and again, the little monster would bound away and prowl through the bushes before returning to Rainne.

  “Did you know, in an archaic language I once studied, ‘Pora’ means thunder.”

  “As a matter of fact, I did know.” Rainne turned from the honeysuckle she was smelling and smiled. “His full name is Edgar Octavius Pora, so named for reasons that are too complicated to explain on such a lovely day. He thinks it rather humorous that he is thunder and I am rain.” She bent and scratched the cat beneath his chin. “Isn’t that right?”

  “You act as if you can speak to him, but he’s a cat. Everyone knows cats can’t talk.” Even as he said the words, he recalled a certain night not long past when he thought he’d seen a cat on the back of the forest girl’s horse. A cat that slayed a wolf.

  “You’d be surprised what animals will tell you if you know how to listen.”

  Her enigmatic answer upset the precious balance of his orderly world. Naturally, it was possible to communicate with animals through commands and training, but they were talking about having conversations, and that was a completely different thing. The more he was around her, the more he listed toward uncertainty, and that both terrified and excited him.

  They could’ve stayed the entire day roaming the flowerbeds having philosophical debates, but his schedule only allowed them an hour. They strolled through the many grand rooms, all the while Theo gave a history of the palace and Rainne murmured approvingly. He tried to envision the place from her perspective and shuddered at the enormity of difference between his home and hers. He could see why she’d like the comfort and charm of Duir Castle. Elvenwood was imposing, even to him and he’d lived there his entire life.

  At the great elvenwood tree that grew from the ground up through the entire palace, its leaves spreading across the roof of the building, Rainne stared in silent fascination for several long moments. When she finally spoke, her words were hushed.

  “How did he get the scar?” She pointed to a great gash in the tree’s trunk.

  Theo shrugged and pressed his hand against the bark. “No one knows. This tree has been here as long as the palace. Unlike many of the other saplings you saw, it began its life on the mountain, not as part of the décor.”

  Rainne reached out and spread her arms around the tree, hugging it like a commoner. “He’s known pain, and joy, and sorrow, and betrayal.” Then she murmured words Theo couldn’t hear and kissed the bark. “Be well, old one.”

  Theo glanced up and down the hallway, unsure what to do. As far as he knew, no one had ever spoken to the tree before.

  “Did he, erm, did the tree talk to you?” He’d heard of fae who could speak to trees, but not elves.

  “Not in words so much, just…feelings. I can’t explain it.” Her hand trailed along the trunk and flopped to her side. “I sense he has much to say, though.”

  “I would suspect so—he’s been here several millennia.” He wanted to ask if communicating with the tree was the same way she talked to Pora, but he wasn’t sure he really wanted to know the answer. Talking cats, hugging trees—it was all a bit much for just one morning.

  A branch swung low and caressed Rainne’s cheek. Her eyes widened and several courtiers stopped to gasp. Theo stood dumbstruck as the tree deposited a single leaf in her hand. She stared at the thing with a look of sorrow and fascination.

  “Thank you.” She curled the leaf in her fist and turned from the tree with tears glistening in her eyes.

  “What was that about?” He’d never heard of the tree interacting with people. The day was full of curiosities and firsts.

  “I’m not sure.” She unfurled her fingers and stroked the leaf with her thumb. “Something about seeing a forest through the leaves, but I don’t know what it means.”

  Theo took her hand in his and a thrilling jolt traveled up his arm to his heart. “Just one more stop, then I have something special to show you.”

  Rainne gave a longing glance to the tree, then shook her head as if to clear whatever thoughts clouded her mind.

  “Something special sounds intriguing.” She didn’t let go of his hand as they moved in unison toward his next stop.

  The hallway they traversed was covered in huge mirrors and even larger portraits. As they passed the one of his family, Rainne stopped and tugged on his hand for him to stop as well. He looked up at the familiar painting, the same sense of unworthiness washing over him. No matter what he did or said, he’d always be the little brother. The intelligent, yet odd one of the bunch. Five faces with shining golden hair gazed imperially down on him and he shrank under the weight of their lifeless stares.

  “Is this your family?” Rainne’s upturned face stretched the bandage on her neck and he saw the faintest pink from the knife wound she’d received from those bandits.

  What had the one said? She wasn’t what he thought she was. Theo had spent hours trying to decipher the man’s meaning, and in the end, decided it was gibberish from a fool. Now, however, he wondered anew.

  “Mmm, my father and mother are in the center, with the crowns, so that might’ve made it easy to recognize them.” Theo snorted at his own humor. “The brute to my right is Thaddeus. I’m sure you can see why the ladies love him. And the short-haired one is Therron. He caused quite a scandal when he cut off his traditionally long locks. He said it was part of the curse, but I think it was so that when he ventured into the other realms, he wouldn’t be as easily recognized as an elf. Our hair tends to give us away.”

  Theo touched the ends of a braid that hung over his shoulder. His parents had threatened to paint hair onto Therron and he’d roared his disapproval. They could accept him as he was—cursed and shorn—or not accept him at all. Theo had been te
rrified for his older brother that day, but also proud as hell that he’d stood up to their parents.

  Rainne didn’t move or speak or even breathe, it seemed. She simply stared at the portrait. Theo followed her gaze and a shiver sliced his heart. The object of her attention wasn’t Thad, as he might’ve guessed, nor himself, which he could hope, but Therron. The cursed one. The way her lips rolled between her teeth worried Theo.

  “Do you know him?”

  She shook herself and glanced at the floor, then up to Theo. “Know him? No, I just—that scar, it’s quite wicked, isn’t it?”

  “All of the cursed princes are marked in some way. That scar is Therron’s.” Theo raised a hand to his neck. He’d be marked by the wolf, but his scar wouldn’t come with a death sentence. He’d often wondered how Therron bore it with the dignity with which he did.

  “It’s terribly sad, isn’t it, being cursed.” Rainne chewed the inside of her cheek and screwed up her features.

  Theo’s heart slowed, then rushed, then slowed as he waited for whatever it was she wanted to say.

  “I, erm…” She paused and ran a hand over her braids, then clasped the silver vial hanging around her neck. “You said one last stop and then something special?”

  Whatever it was, she didn’t say it and for some reason, he was glad. He should’ve been upset she wasn’t honest with him, but he’d been around her long enough to know she’d speak her mind when ready. The best he could do now was not pressure her. Besides, he had his surprise waiting and they were running late.

  “This way.”

  They hustled down the hall to a single large door. Theo held it open for her and breathed in her fresh scent as she passed. Honeysuckle from the garden mingled with lilac and soap. Rainne. His heart quickened again and he hurried to her side.

  Several globes full of drossfire brightened with their entrance and a few people looked up from where they were tucked into chairs reading. The library was his second favorite place in the palace. The walls were lined with shelves of books that reached upward to a domed ceiling that allowed sunlight in. On cloudy days, he would sit for hours beneath the dome, watching shadows play across the ceiling and walls. There was a certain beauty in the darkness.