Sunset, She Fights

by Tameri Etherton

  “It’s wonderful.” Rainne strolled along one wall, her fingertips trailing over the leather spines of books almost as old as the elvenwood tree. Scrolls crowded the next two shelves. She would’ve paused, but his hand on her lower back gently urged her to keep moving. They neared the forbidden section and he steered her to the closed door. Theo spoke the spell allowing entrance and entered with Rainne a step behind.

  An audible gasp sounded from somewhere behind them and Theo cast a glare to whomever had uttered it. He was a prince; his actions were not to be questioned. Even if that meant breaking his parents’ rule that he get permission before entering the forbidden area of the library.

  Shuffling footsteps came to Theo’s ears and he groaned that he’d have to deal with the ancient librarian who believed everything within this room was his own tiny kingdom.

  “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but you know your parents don’t like people snooping around in here.”

  Rainne turned from the book she was inspecting, a lovely stain to her cheeks. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t know.” She glanced from Theo to the librarian. “I hope I didn’t get you into trouble.”

  “It’s not a problem, Lady Delarainne. Our diligent Master Hensen is only doing his job. Thank you, Hensen. That will be all.”

  The librarian snuffed and shook his head, mumbling something about youths not respecting anything, and Theo stifled a laugh. He seriously doubted Hensen had ever been young. He’d been a codger for as long as Theo could remember and was probably as old as some of the books he was forbidden to read.

  The tomes in this part of the library were filled with spells and forbidden magic. Not something he had any interest in—unless it could help with building or the stars. For the most part, he left the forbidden section alone. A small smile touched his lips at the memory of the time when he was a lad and Thad had goaded him into sneaking into the little nook to take one of the books off the shelf. Gods, but he’d almost shit himself. Hensen had scurried over to the boys and gave them a good telling off, but the world hadn’t ended, nor had the library swallowed them whole. Both outcomes of which young Theo had been convinced would happen.

  Another time, he’d found Therron in the forbidden section, reading a book of spells. His eldest brother had welcomed him forth and showed him the many treasures that their parents kept guarded. Therron had even shown Theo the spell that would remove the ward and allow him to read the books after everyone had gone to sleep.

  Then Therron had shown him the most amazing wonder—the magic of the doorways.

  “Will your parents be angry with you?”

  Theo reached for Rainne’s hand. The more time they spent together, the more natural it felt not only to talk to her but hold her hand in his own. She didn’t jerk it away, nor had she shied from his touch when he placed his hand on her lower back.

  “These books are ancient and, in the wrong hands, deadly.” On their way to the library, he’d debated whether to show her the forbidden section or not. He wasn’t lying about the knowledge in this room being dangerous, and he wanted to trust her. She’d kept secrets from him, but maybe sharing this room would let her know she could trust him as well. “I trust you will respect them and the knowledge they contain. So, no, my parents won’t be upset with me.”

  He hadn’t noticed before how the top of her head came to the height of his eyes, but standing this close to her, he saw flecks of gold in her green eyes. He caressed her cheek and she leaned into his touch. The urge to kiss her was overpowering. How was it possible that just the day before he was obsessed with the forest girl, and today his thoughts were consumed with Rainne?

  The forest girl was a fantasy, but Rainne was real. She’d never stolen a kiss from him or lured him into an alley. She was a lady. A lady who was capturing his heart increasingly with each minute they spent together.

  “Thank you.” She waved a hand to indicate the room. “For this, for the tour, for being a friend.”

  He bowed his head and took a step backward to keep her out of reach. He needed space to think. Did she share his affection? Would he be satisfied with her? The forest girl was aggressive and powerful; Rainne was not. His thoughts ricocheted off his skull, giving him a headache. The closeness of the room was claustrophobic and he wanted to escape so that maybe he could think clearly again, but he wouldn’t leave Rainne.

  She moved about the room with Pora following, and Theo sat in an overstuffed chair to give her freedom to explore—and him a chance to restrain his emotions. In part, he was curious what she’d do in the room. He hadn’t been lying when he said there were dangerous tomes tucked onto the shelves. Spells, curses, secrets: they were aplenty in this room.

  “I imagine they aren’t allowed to leave this room?”

  He peered at the shelf she was standing in front of and shrugged. “It’s not not allowed, but not encouraged—for members of the royal family, the rules are relaxed.” He rose and inspected the three books she held. Myths of the fae and two about the history of Elvenwood. “These are harmless enough.” In fact, he wasn’t sure why they were in the forbidden section at all.

  She roamed the shelves while he kept himself distracted with scanning a book he’d read a dozen times about the stars. He’d allowed plenty of time for her to explore, but even so his nerves became jumpy as the clock ticked the minutes. The self-imposed deadline of sunset was coming and his last surprise waited.

  “Are you finished?”

  She gazed around the room, her eyes glassy. “Can one ever be finished in a place like this? The amount of scholarship contained just in this room is remarkable. I commend your parents for preserving such precious knowledge.”

  “We can always come back another time. I still have something to show you.”

  She held her books with her right hand and reached for him with her left. The number had increased by two, he noticed, but said nothing. He wanted to trust her. If she took additional books, there had to be a reason for it. After his last surprise, he’d ask about the volumes she snuck into her pile.

  Once they were out of the library, she flicked her wrist and the books disappeared. At his quizzical glance, she shrugged. “I didn’t feel like carrying them, so I sent them along to my room.”

  A chuckle rumbled from deep in his sternum. Her simple honesty was refreshing and much appreciated.

  The walk to his rooms took them past sculptures and paintings that he thought she might enjoy but he didn’t linger, to keep their pace steady. His palms slicked with sweat and he took several deep breaths to calm the rush of blood through his ears. Rainne followed him inside his rooms without question, but he saw the tightening of her jaw and felt tension through their clasped hands. He hadn’t brought her there to bed her, but she didn’t know that and the sooner he alleviated her fears, the better.

  “I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a quiet dinner of something other than inn fare.” The doors to his balcony stood open and he led her through.

  A small gasp escaped her lips and he smiled that she enjoyed his surprise. Simpson and Alona stood to the side, ready to serve them when Theo gave the signal. He’d planned the meal with his manservant and asked him to gain Alona’s confidence and assistance. That she’d kept the secret allayed some of his apprehension.

  “This is lovely, Theo.” Rainne acknowledged her maid with a smile and nodded to Simpson. “I see you’ve charmed my Alona into your devious plans. Well done, sir.” The words were said with humor.

  They dined on salmon caught fresh from the river below the palace and delicacies he doubted she’d ever savored before. With each course, she declared herself too full to eat another bite, then devoured whatever was placed in front of her. She ate like a half-starved urchin and he delighted that he could give her this pleasure.

  Every so often, she would place a bit of fish or meat on a plate and give it to Pora, who gobbled it up in a few bites and would lick his lips as if asking for more. It wasn’t Theo’s choice to let the cat eat with them, but it
made Rainne happy and that’s what mattered.

  The sun moved across the sky while they dined and toward the end of their meal, before dessert and hot drinks were served, Rainne began to track it with worried eyes. All too aware of her need to flee, Theo grasped her hand in his.

  “I hope you’ve enjoyed your day, Lady Delarainne.”

  “I have. More than you’ll ever know.” She glanced wildly about, her gaze settling on the telescope he used for stargazing. “Oh, what a beauty.” She rose. “May I?”

  He nodded and she went to inspect it, with him trailing after.

  A gentle breeze loosened a few strands of her hair from the braids she wore. They drifted in front of her face, glinting on a ray of sun like garnets. A buzzing started in his gut, upsetting the amount of food he’d consumed. The thoughts that crowded his mind were dangerous—traitorous, even.

  Searing heat ripped from his gut outward, in a spiral of desire. His breathing shallowed and nostrils flared. In that light, with the setting sun behind her and face in partial shadow, he thought he was looking at the forest girl. His cock twitched. If he kissed her, he could blot out all thoughts of the forest girl. If he kissed her, then maybe his duplicitous heart would settle on one of them.

  Rainne bent to look through the eyepiece and the moment was lost. Theo shifted uncomfortably and half-turned to hide his burgeoning erection.

  “I use this one mostly for stargazing. I have another, more powerful telescope in a tower room at the top of the palace. I could show you tomorrow.”

  The look she gave him was one of hopeful longing.

  “I would like that. I’m afraid I must go now.” Her gaze flicked to the still bright sky. “I’ve filled my belly and fear it will do me ill soon.”

  He sensed the lie in her words, but let it go. “You haven’t had dessert.”

  “I couldn’t. Really,” she put a hand on her abdomen, “I’ll burst. Everything was delicious and the company, unparalleled.”

  He studied her features, noting the strong line of her jaw, the straightness of her nose. The darkening of her eyes. He didn’t have to close his own eyes to picture the face of the forest girl. He was looking at her. Still, he denied all the evidence. The cat, the elusive aura, the chance appearance of the forest girl at the inn, the glint of garnet hair, and those lips. Theo studied Rainne’s lips and licked his own. Even if she was taller and bigger boned, those lips were the same. If only he’d kiss her—

  “What truly ails you? Why must you hide every evening? Are you cursed to become a troll or something?” He couldn’t say the word “ogress,” but his heart knew what he meant.

  She recoiled from him as if bitten by an asp. “Why would you say that?”

  The frantic shrill of her tone gave him the answer he sought and his heart deflated like a leaden balloon.

  “Why spoil a perfect day?” The whispered words echoed with sadness. “Alona, we’re leaving.”

  She left without turning back and Theo let her go, too shocked and frightened to trust his words, let alone his heart.

  14

  Hot tears stung her cheeks and she swiped at them with a fist. Damn the man. Damn the man for being kind and attentive. Damn the man for giving her hope that maybe, just possibly, she could find love. She knew better than to dream of childish impossibilities.

  Rainne stormed into her room and went to the balcony, where she gulped in drags of fresh air. The day had been lovely. Perfect, like she’d said. One perfect day out of so many awful ones. It was too much to wish for more of them. Whatever hope she’d had died when she saw the look of horror cross Theo’s face. As if he knew her terrible secret.

  Alona stood beside her on the balcony and rested a hand over hers. The warmth from her maid’s skin seeped into her and she welcomed it into her heart. She had to accept that love was for other people. As long as she was cursed, she would be alone. If Theo even suspected what she was, she had to leave Elvenwood before his parents returned. There was no telling what they’d do to her. It couldn’t wait for the morning, but she didn’t trust the ogress enough to leave right now.

  “It’s time, my lady.” Alona held out a single leaf and Rainne took it with resignation.

  The bitterness turned to mint as she chewed. Would that her life could alter from something horrid to something pleasant as easily. She tossed her clothes onto a chair and slipped on the robe Alona held out. She’d stuffed herself silly in hopes that if her hunger was satiated, perhaps the ogress would be as well. Even with the thurnbull, she felt the pull of the ogress each night. At least she was able to sleep, but being near the prince made it difficult to keep control over the base desires of the ogress.

  If only he didn’t smell so damn good. When they stood close in the library, she’d almost swooned from his scent. And each time he held her hand, a strange jolt of energy sprang up her arm to pinch her heart.

  Pora jumped on her bed and began bathing his fur. He’d spend the next hour making certain every strand was clean and in its proper place.

  “You’re the silliest cat I know.”

  “I’m the only cat you know.” His cheeky grin lifted his whiskers and Rainne giggled.

  “Thank the gods I have you and Alona.”

  “We’re lucky to have you, miss.”

  Rainne hugged her maid tightly. “I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you.”

  Alona blushed and bowed her head, a pink stain coloring her cheeks. She moved off to hang up the discarded clothing and Rainne paced, anxious and irritated, just like every other night.

  The change happened quickly, and with less pain than usual. She sensed the ogress’s need to be free from Rainne’s elven sensibilities and she knew why. The day with Theo had enraged the ogress. All day, she’d heard grunts and swears, all directed toward Rainne and the affection Theo showed her. If nothing else, tonight she had to keep far away from the prince or she didn’t know what would happen. Just make it through the night; then she’d leave and never see Theo again.

  “If you need anything, please ring for me.” Alona stood at the doorway and Rainne nodded to the girl.

  She’d return after having her own supper. By the smile on Alona’s face, Rainne suspected she would be dining with a certain prince’s manservant. Good for her. Alona was loyal and kind. She deserved a night of fun. Pora stopped bathing long enough to flick his tail in farewell.

  Rainne stood in front of a long mirror, examining her body. No, not hers—the ogress’s body. Her elven form was more slender, willowy even. Most days, she avoided looking at herself, but even more so at night. The witch’s words taunted her: “What you need is to accept yourself.”

  Accept the ogress? Rainne’s elven mind screamed never! But a tiny part of her wondered…what would be so terrible if she embraced all parts of her—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The green skin still repulsed her, but now, she studied the body before her like a scientist.

  The hue shifted from light to dark depending on the thickness of skin. At her collarbone, a pale jade shone in the light of her drossfire globes. The silver of her pendant shone bright against the dip between her breasts. A deep forest green surrounded her nipples. The ogress’s hips where wider, thighs stronger. It wasn’t a terrible body; it just wasn’t hers.

  She smoothed her abdomen and passed her hand over a full breast. Perhaps having the larger breasts of the ogress wouldn’t be bad. She almost giggled, but swallowed the mirth instead. Nothing about the ogress was worth having, not even for a minute.

  Except her strength and courage, maybe. Or her skill with swords. Rainne grudgingly admitted there were qualities to the ogress she admired. That didn’t mean she was willing to accept everything about the green monster, but she’d give credit where it was due.

  A knock on her outer door startled her and she grabbed the robe she’d discarded. Pora’s eyes widened and Rainne wrung her hands, unsure what to do. Without Alona as her buffer, she was vulnerable to being exposed.

  “Rainne? It’s Theo
. Please let me in.”

  She couldn’t breathe for the blood rushing through her veins and her heart sticking in her throat. What was he doing here? Why? He knew she was ill.

  Open the door.

  “No. He can’t see me like this.”

  Trust me.

  Never.

  “Rainne, please. I owe you an apology,” Theo said from the other side of the door.

  “What are you doing here?” At least fifteen emotions crashed into her thoughts. Fear among the strongest. She should’ve left instead of waiting for morning.

  “Can I come in?”

  Rainne put her hand on the door and rested her forehead against the wood. She glanced at Pora for an answer.

  He nodded at the door. “Show him who you are.”

  “He’ll kill me.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  Pora was right, but how could she be sure? She gripped the silver vial and tightened the robe around her waist.

  “Are you alone?” She placed a trembling hand on the doorknob. If she opened the door, she would expose herself and could never take it back. Theo would always know what she was.

  “I want to help, Rainne.”

  She turned the knob and leapt back, away from the slowly opening door. Pressure filled her skull and she took shallow drags of air into her lungs. Little pinpricks of light floated in her vision as a weightlessness overtook her body. Pora leaned against her leg and she almost sank to the floor.

  Theo entered, as handsome and dazzling as ever. He held her gaze and walked toward her, his hands out, palms up. She searched his features for disgust and found none. Trepidation, perhaps, but nothing like her worst fears had imagined.

  “When I asked if your illness was a curse, I had hoped—and dreaded—that you were the forest girl. There were clues, but you’re both so very different, I didn’t see them until tonight.”