by H. L. Burke
Even as she thought it, her pride revolted against this lapse in courage. She could do this. She could be strong—not in spite of Kay but for Kay. As the dark magic wormed into her core, reaching for her heat and life, however, fear clutched her like a sudden frost.
Always overconfident. Do you think you’re better than him? He’s the Star Prince. All your power is through him. Alone you are nothing.
I’m not alone. She twisted against the bonds. Star spirits! Ever! Help me!
Her magic flared to life, pushing back the dark for a precious second. It was enough. Kay’s power rushed to fill the gap. A burst of warmth, of love, of confidence flooded through her.
Arynne’s vision cleared. Her mouth dropped open. Another tendril crept forward. It burrowed beneath Olyn’s barrier, emerging from the other side like a worm from its tunnel. It undulated forward, crawling towards the young king who still remained focused on the barrier around the Starspire, all his light and magic pouring into it to bolster it against Athan’s attacks.
“Olyn!” she screamed.
The monstrous cries of the dark spirits drowned her out. Instead, she drew on the heartbond. Kay, he’s going after Olyn! We have to get free.
I’m trying! Irritation edged Kay’s response. They’re blocking my magic. I can’t shake them. I need more strength.
A calm swept over her. Take from me.
Hesitation shivered from him. You’ll be vulnerable.
Only for a moment, and you’ll protect me. I trust you. You can do this, Kay. This is your destiny. This is what you were born to do. She closed her eyes and opened her heart. Her magic shone from her like an unshuttered lantern. Her heart, her soul, her mind, all were laid bare. The dark spirits crowed with anticipated victory. They rushed towards her.
A bulwark of silver light sprang up around her. It embraced her and penetrated her. She could feel his soul intertwined with hers, his pulse in time with her own. She savored it. Her eyes remained shut, but she could see through his.
Confidence surged within Kay. He threw out his arms, and the foul bindings about him splintered and snapped. Traveling, he landed before Athan. Magic crackled at his fingertips. Not his own silver starcasting nor her crimson fire, but a mix of both, melded together into a braid of gold. He stomped his feet and shoved his hands forward. The power streamed forward. It smashed into the barrier around Athan. The dome of evil magic shattered like glass and the sorcerer cringed within.
Dark energy crackled around Athan as a look of hatred crossed his face. Kay set his mouth hard and exhaled a wave of flame. His tattered shirt flew about him as fire buffeted his uncle.
Athan screamed.
The dark spirits rushed to bolster him. They collided with his body, only to catch flame. Athan writhed. His skin blackened. His eyes glowed amber. Then with a burst of wind he disintegrated into ash and ember.
The tendrils holding Arynne broke, and she crashed to the ground. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. Magic fading, cold rushed to fill the gap. Her teeth chattered.
Weakness flooded from Kay as well, but with a burst of magic, he traveled to her. His arms surrounded her. She nestled into him. There was no strength left within either of them. They were fading.
Was this death? The thought came to her with surprising calm. She savored the rise and fall of Kay’s chest, the pressure of his embrace. She’d done what was required of her. Now she just wanted to rest.
Footsteps pounded across the ground towards them. A swish of feathers on the breeze, and a quiet “mee-root?” and Sol nudged at her face.
“Kay? Arynne?” Olyn’s words reached her as if through a thick fog. Ignoring them, she fell into darkness.
Chapter Thirty
Arynne drifted on a sea of warmth and sparkling magic. Her chest rose and fell in calm, even breaths, each one soothing her further until she thought she’d melt into a puddle on her mattress.
Mattress?
Her eyes snapped open. Where was the field? The Starspire? Kay!
She sat up, the blankets falling to her waist. She was in her own room, in her own bed ... and beside her, lying on his side, face burrowed in the pillow, was Kay.
Her breath left her in a relieved sigh. She ran her hand over his bare shoulders. Someone had disposed of the tattered remains of his shirt, though further exploration found he’d kept his trousers. A pity that.
Someone had likewise removed her outer clothing, leaving her in just her underdress—a sturdy white sleeveless garment that reached to her knees. Two bundles of clothing sat folded on a chair beside the bed, a light blue dress and a pale gray shirt and dark gray trousers.
Dirt still streaked Kay’s skin and bruises marked his arms and back. She shuddered and played with his hair. She’d almost lost him too many times in the last few moonnotches. She was never going to let him out of her sight again.
She lay on her side, watching him sleep, for what felt like a small eternity before growing bored and giving him a gentle shake.
“Kay?” she called. “Beloved, wake up.”
He grunted. His dark lashes fluttered then his eyes opened, and he smiled at her. “Hi.”
His groggy tone and dreamlike expression made her giggle. She ran her hand down his cheek and worked her fingers into his beard. “Hello. You sleep well?”
He closed his eyes again but nodded. “Five more minutes ...” He rolled onto his stomach.
Resting her head between his shoulder blades, she slipped her arms around his waist. She drew a trace of magic into her fingertips and let the warmth trickle into his skin. He gave a blissful moan. He shifted to face her, his arms twining about her neck and hips. She melted against him and raised her face for a kiss.
Their lips touched. He deepened the kiss, his fingers kneading into her muscles. She sank into it, savoring the love that trickled through the heartbond to fill her heart and soul with joy.
He froze. His head jerked away from her, and he glanced around the room. “How did we get here? What happened with Athan? Olyn?”
“You fried Athan in a spectacular fashion if I remember correctly.” Arynne grimaced. Even with the victim being a man as foul as Athan, the imagery wasn’t something she preferred to dwell on. “Olyn was unharmed as well.”
He let out a long breath. “I half thought I’d dreamed it. So it’s over? We’re safe? Frorheim is safe?”
She nodded. “Yes, so there’s really no reason for you to stop kissing me, is there?”
He grinned. “Not a reason in the world.” Swiftly making up for lost time, he covered her face and neck with sweet, perfect kisses, his hands continuing to caress her body. Arynne’s spine arched with pleasure. She gripped his hair in both hands, astir with magic and passion.
Someone knocked on the door. Kay froze, and Arynne rolled her eyes.
“Ignore it,” she whispered.
“Kay? Arynne?” Olyn’s voice echoed through the door. “Are you all right in there?”
Kay winced.
Arynne groaned, but nodded. “Can you throw me that dress before you let him in, at least?”
Kay complied, also slipping on the fresh shirt before he crossed to the door and opened it for his brother just as Arynne finished donning her dress.
Olyn strode in. His eyes flicked over his brother, and a slight smile crossed his thoughtful face. “You look well. Clindt said you’d be all right, that you and Arynne had just used up your energy and would need to rest at least a dimming, but after—well, you know, having you as a brother has never been great for my nerves.”
Kay laughed. “I’ll try to be less of a worry going forward.”
“Going forward, I’m hoping there will be a lot less worry for all of us.” Olyn sighed. “Arynne? How are you?”
She stood and crossed the room. “Like my old self again. How long were we asleep?”
“Through the dimming and most of the brightening,” Olyn replied. “Clindt, Sigid, and I have been taking turns checking in on you both, though mostly Clindt
and Sigid. It’s been hard for me to slip away. Everyone and their uncle’s moss-elk has wanted to hear my version of events, in case the public proclamations left out some juicy detail, and there’s so much to see to involving the transfer of power from Father to me.” He shook his head. “I need a nap.”
Arynne’s brow furrowed. With Evyd’s past attempts to turn the populace against Kay, it was possible they wouldn’t accept him as their Star Prince and heir to the throne. Olyn she had every faith in, though. The kingdom already loved him far more than they’d ever loved his father.
“You’ll be a good king,” she put in. “Far better than ... Oh!” The words prompted a memory, and her heart fluttered. She turned to Kay, “We haven’t told him about your mother yet.”
Kay’s eyes widened. “You’re right.”
“What about our mother?” Olyn’s brow furrowed.
“When I was trapped in the Lingering Dark, a spirit came to help me.” Kay hesitated before meeting his brother’s gaze. “Olyn ... it was Mother. She came from the Field of Stars to protect me.”
Olyn’s jaw dropped. “She ... you saw her?”
Kay nodded.
“So did I,” Arynne put in. “She was holding Kay when I came to bring him back to us. She ... she gave me a message for you.”
Kay started. “That I didn’t know.”
“You were unconscious ... and somehow about six starcycles old.” She grimaced. Thinking of her husband as a child was still slightly uncomfortable.
Kay blinked. “I will have to hear more about that later.”
“What did she say?” Olyn’s blue eyes grew painfully earnest.
“That she loves you, and she knows you’ll be a great king, better than your father. Better than your line has seen in generations.”
Olyn closed his eyes. “I hope I can live up to that. It means the world just to know she still thinks of me.”
Arynne brushed her hand over Kay’s arm. “She also told me to look after you, and I fully intend to.”
He smiled softly. “I’m in good hands then. I also will do my best to look after you.”
“Well, if what happened with Athan proved anything, it’s that you two can handle a great deal together.” Olyn laughed quietly, opening his eyes to gaze at them. “You saved hundreds of lives, so taking care of just each other shouldn’t be that hard.”
“Did anyone get hurt?” Kay frowned. “It seemed like Athan went straight for the Starspire without attacking any citizens.”
“For the most part.” Olyn scowled. “We found two men dead near the wardens’ quarters. Clindt identified them as the pair Aunt Friya and Father used to bind you in the dungeon. My guess, once she didn’t need them any more, Friya disposed of them ... also, Valka. From what I can tell, the rest of Clindt’s siblings were not in on the plot, and of course I’d trust Clindt with my life. He did a good job keeping the populace away from the Starspire and preventing panic during the battle. I suspect I’m going to depend on him a great deal during my reign.”
“A man like him is invaluable to a king.” Arynne nodded. “So they know about Kay being the Star Prince?”
“Yes. I’ve made certain everyone heard about both his new position and the bravery he showed during the attack.” Olyn gripped his brother’s shoulder. “My whole life I knew you were more than Father believed, and last brightening you not only proved it, you saved us all. Kay, I owe you a debt—not just me but the whole of Frorheim. Every man, woman, and child would be dead if not for you and Arynne. You gave all you had and kept nothing back, both of you. When I saw you unconscious afterwards—” Olyn shuddered.
Pride swelled within Arynne’s chest, but Kay’s face reddened, and his chin dropped towards his chest.
“I just did what I had to do,” he mumbled. “If Athan had harmed you ... I’m just glad this is all over.”
“So the people will accept him?” Arynne pressed, wanting to be sure Kay would be safe.
“I think they’ll have to.” Olyn chuckled. “After all, he’s the only available Star Prince and the next in line for the kingship.”
Kay’s brow furrowed. “Until you have a son, you mean.”
Olyn swallowed. “Yes, well ... I mean, I don’t know that that will happen. I’ve always assumed I’d have to marry for duty, not love, so it’s not as if I’ve been seeking a bride, and you and Arynne will most likely want to start a family some time soon. With that, the line of starcasters is already set to continue through you, not me, and you know the tradition of keeping starcasting limited to the royal line—”
“It’s a rubbish tradition, and it ends here!” Arynne burst out.
Olyn recoiled, and Kay scratched at his chin in an obvious attempt to hide a grin with his hand.
Arynne crossed her arms. “It’s ridiculous to have a power like that limited to one or two men when it is necessary for the survival of the kingdom. Also, I am not letting some stupid tradition decide how many children I can have and what gender those children should be. If I want a half dozen sons, Ever willing, I’m going to have a half dozen sons.”
Kay arched an eyebrow. “A half dozen, huh? When do you want to get started on that?”
“Shush.” She gave him a gentle shove.
“I wouldn’t advise opposing her on this, brother.” Kay smirked. “She tends to get what she wants.”
“Yes, and honestly, I’m not against that change. The tradition has done more harm than good across at least two generations, and I won’t mourn its passing.” Olyn rubbed the back of his neck. “As for my own future, though, I am not totally closing myself off to finding a bride, but there is no guarantee it will happen. I don’t even know how I’d go about it at this point, honestly.”
Kay rolled his eyes. “How about you keep an eye out for a girl you find attractive? Once you’ve settled on one, go up to her and say, ‘hey, how would you like to be the richest, most powerful woman in the country? Also, a queen?’ I think you won’t have any trouble finding willing women.”
“You’re also one of the better looking men in the kingdom and a sweetheart,” Arynne put in.
Olyn’s face went from pink to crimson. He coughed. “Well ... we’ll see.” He shifted from foot to foot. Arynne stiffened. He had that thoughtful “trying to figure out how to say something tactfully” face on again.
“What?” She frowned.
He exhaled. “As far as I am concerned, and I’m assuming as far as you two are concerned, the heartbonding means you are married: legally, morally, the whole package. However, where the citizens are concerned, I know they were looking forward to a royal wedding—between me and Arynne, not you and her, Kay, but—”
“It’s the festivities and the feasting they want.” Kay nodded. “I don’t blame them. The kingdom could use a good party.”
“Exactly.” Olyn's tight expression eased. “So basically what I’m saying is I’d like to publicly announce your engagement to Arynne, just as a formality, and then put together a ceremony and a national holiday—you know, everything that would be expected.”
“So we get to be doubly married.” Kay laughed. “Well, I guess it won’t hurt.”
“I’m fine with that as well.” Arynne nodded. Anything to be certain the public accepted Kay as both their prince and her husband.
“Good. I’ll make the arrangements.” Olyn put his hand on the bedroom door. “In the meantime, I had Sigid draw you a hot bath and see to fresh clothes. I’ll also send up a meal shortly, or if you’d rather dine with me, that’s fine as well.”
“I wouldn’t mind staying in for a while longer, but for dinner, perhaps we can eat together,” Kay said. “You, Arynne?”
She nodded. With other concerns out of the way, she began to notice the dirt beneath her fingernails and the scent of dried sweat on her skin. A bath would suit her just fine.
“I’ll leave you alone for a while, then.” Olyn embraced Kay and Arynne in turn before leaving them.
When Arynne stepped out of the bedr
oom into the sitting room, Sol bounded to meet her. She laughed as he landed against her chest. “Oh, my brave little fellow! Thank you so much for helping me out there.” She kissed him between the ears. He butted his head against her face and purred.
Kay traced his hand down her arm before gently grasping her wrist. “So, we’re alone now. Do you want to continue where we left off?” He gave her his most charming smile. She nearly jumped into his arms, but feeling mischievous, decided to hold back.
“Why, Prince Kajik, are you trying to seduce me before our wedding?” She clicked her tongue. “How shameful of you.”
He tilted his head. “You do remember that we’ve already ... let’s just say I’m pretty sure Sol is the only virgin in the room right now, and even him I wouldn’t put money on.”
Arynne covered the cat-owl’s ears. “Don’t say such crude things in front of my innocent pet.”
With a peevish, “Meerowl,” Sol shook off her hand and flapped out of her arms.
Arynne turned and started across the sitting room. “I’m going to go take a bath and cleanse myself from the dirty thoughts you’ve tried to sully me with.”
She paused at the door to the bathing chamber and cast Kay a sultry look over her shoulder. “Care to join me?”
Kay’s face brightened. “As you wish.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Ten Starcycles Later
Arynne strode down the ramp of the barge, her gaze flicking over the busy Solean harbor. Dozens of boats, from reed rafts to great wooden sailing ships, crowded the river bank. Innumerable people lined the docks as well as crowded the streets leading through the town and up to the great Solean palace. A lump formed in her throat as she stood in the bright sun. So many years, yet it hadn’t changed. Not really.
Her, however?
Her hand strayed over the swell of her stomach. She hadn’t intended to travel while expecting, but their plans had been made so far in advance that when she realized her condition it was too late to change them. Especially not when she’d longed to see her homeland again for so many starcycles. Besides, since the death of Athan, and the extinction of the grims, the road from Frorheim had become far less treacherous. Kay, who had taken over the leadership of the wardens, had created permanent waystations all along the route, to offer protection and shelter for those traveling through the frozen wastes. It was safe enough that she felt confident bringing along her children to meet her family.