Coiled

by H. L. Burke

  Calen forced a laugh. “That wouldn’t have been very brotherly of me.”

  “Yes but—it’s really over? We’re both cured? We don’t need to strive against each other?”

  “Perhaps you can even grow to care for each other,” Laidra said. “I’ve found a way to forgive my family. If I can do that, you two can work out your differences.”

  “Perhaps.” Volen sighed. “It’s a lot to unlearn.” He cleared his throat. “As a token, you should know that father has always intended to take Oleva by military force. My marriage to Ellea made this unnecessary, but if you choose to take the throne, he may consider it again.”

  Zephia scowled. “The gods would not be pleased with your father if he circumvents the verdict of your brother's trial by taking Oleva from Calen and Laidra.”

  “I don't desire a war,” Volen continued. “Say what you will about me, but I always believed my issues with Calen would be best decided in one-on-one combat rather than through Father's schemes, and you are the true victor in this contest.”

  “It wasn't how I wished it to be, but I'll accept the results,” Calen replied.

  “I have influence with Father's generals. Honestly, I believe they are loathe to start another war,” Volen said. “I must return to Carta and keep an eye on Father's plotting. I may be able to keep him in hand.” He scanned the sky. “It grows late. There’s a ship awaiting me at the bottom of the cliffs. Do you want to come back with me?”

  Calen’s heart faltered at the thought of facing his father. Volen was a pawn in this game, but Gan … it would take time for Calen to learn how to forgive him.

  “I will see to Calen and Laidra’s transportation,” Zephia interrupted. “I would like to visit with you and your new bride in Carta when all this is over, as well as aid you in foiling your father's martial intentions. I know things have been strained between us, but perhaps now we have a chance to be a family again.”

  “I doubt that rift will ever heal, but as long as Calen stays away from Carta and my future throne, we can maintain a certain level of peace.” Volen nodded to each of them in turn and departed through the hanging branches of the willow tree.

  Laidra’s fingers entwined with Calen’s. “We should go. I know the Gorgons still lurk nearby.”

  Zephia nodded. “She’s right. I can bring you both to Phyrus’s ship, if you’d like. I know he kept it waiting.” She raised her hands. The breeze picked up, swirling about them and rocking the branches of the tree.

  The wind lifted the couple. Laidra clutched Calen's tunic as the ground fell away beneath them. Then they were in the clouds, a sea of white. Cold beads of water clung to their skin only to be whisked away a moment later when the gusts lowered them towards the azure sea and the waiting ship.

  Calen’s feet met the deck. He put out his hand to brace himself as Zephia re-formed beside them.

  Phyrus sat at the bow but rose when they landed. He glanced at his grandson and smiled. “Well, you are looking better. Where to? Carta? Oleva?”

  Calen swallowed. “Perhaps we can find a safe harbor for the night, some place we can rest. Laidy and I need to talk about our future.”

  “Of course.” Phyrus waved his hand and the sails above them snapped full with a fresh breeze. “I have a temple near here. The priestesses will consider it an honor to house myself and my family for a night.”

  Laidra stepped away and gazed over the side. Pink tinged the darkening sky, and the sea air stirred her hair. Calen’s breath caught in his lungs. We’re finally together. Wherever we go, it will be all right as long as she’s with me.

  Coming up behind her, he pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. The scent of sandalwood rose to him, reminding him of their first visits in the dark. Yes, everything would be more than all right.

  ***

  They reached a small fishing village with more boats in the harbor than houses on the shore. Above it all sat a small but majestic temple with silvery marble columns supporting an intricately carved cornice.

  Phyrus spoke with the priestesses in private, then allowed Laidra and Calen to enter under the cover of darkness.

  Zephia escorted them to a small room. Laidra glanced at the single sleeping mat piled with cushions then back to Calen, then Zephia. Her cheeks burned.

  Calen's mother smiled and took their hands. “As nice as it would be to have a triumphant wedding witnessed by all who rejected the two of you, I know you must be eager to be together. I give you my blessing. A life as one isn’t easy. My own union failed when confronted with hardship, but the two of you have already endured so much. I know you will continue to love each other no matter what fate has in store.”

  Warmth flooded Laidra's chest. She turned her eyes to Calen's, and their gazes locked. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. Her cheeks warmed beneath his touch.

  “No matter what fate, or life, or the gods themselves set in our way, Laidra, I swear to you, I will never forsake you,” he whispered.

  Her knees buckled, but somehow she managed to speak. “Nor I you, Calen.”

  His hand strayed up and down her back, his caress melting her muscles. Her fingers found their way into his hair.

  Zephia smiled. “I'll leave you alone.” The sound of the door shutting heralded the queen's departure, but Laidra barely noticed. Calen pulled her into a kiss, and her head spun. Was this really about to happen? Was she finally to be his—fully?

  Laidra drew away, for one secret still stood between them. She hadn’t found a way to tell Calen about the loss of her healing powers. Every time she’d started, he’d smiled, his eyes so full of joy that she couldn’t bring herself to reveal her grief. The time couldn't be worse, but to initiate their union with that left unsaid seemed unthinkable.

  He trailed his finger down her cheek, a soft smile on his beloved face. “You’ve been quiet since the ship.”

  “A lot has happened.” She dropped her gaze.

  “I know. Laidy, we don’t have to do anything tonight if you don’t want to. This is happening very quickly, and as much as I long to, we can wait.”

  “No!” The word burst from her with more intensity than she’d intended.

  He grinned.

  Her blush deepened, but then she laughed. “I want this. I want you. It’s just … can we talk first?”

  “Of course.” He led her to a small bench pressed against the wall opposite the sleeping mat. Sitting, he pulled her onto his lap. His arms felt strong, his touch comforting.

  Laidra’s stomach quivered. She longed to be happy, fully happy, but unease rippled through her.

  I gave up the one thing that made me special.

  “You’re upset,” Calen whispered. “Why? Is it about Oleva?”

  “Oleva?” She frowned.

  “Yes, you really haven’t had a chance to reconcile with your parents. Returning to live with them might be hard.” He grimaced. “Honestly, I’m not confident in my ability to rule a kingdom, especially one I’ve never visited.”

  She shrugged. “It’s not as if my parents are near death. You have plenty of time to learn.”

  “True.” He wove his fingers into her hair. “Do you want that, though? To return to Oleva?”

  Laidra bit her bottom lip. Her father had shown an inkling of concern for her, but Perys remained cold. Though, like as not, that would change when she saw Laidra’s new face. Laidra bristled. Real maternal devotion would’ve seen past her surface. If her mother truly loved her, appearance never would’ve mattered. Her throat tightened, and tears blurred her vision.

  “If they didn’t love you as you were, they never deserved you,” Calen whispered. “I know that hurts.”

  “I want to forgive. I just don’t think I want to live with them, or near them, just yet.” She tried to sniff back tears, but several escaped.

  Calen dabbed her cheek with his sleeve. “We could go back to the sanctuary, you as the healer and me as your guardian, just like before except with fewe
r scales.”

  Her heart shattered. “Calen, I can no longer heal.”

  His face fell. “What?”

  “The Naiads at the Pool of Wisdom asked for my gift as payment for the water.” She buried her face against his shoulder. “I didn’t want to, but it was the only way to complete the trial and save you.”

  His arms tightened about her. “Oh Laidy. I never—I’m so sorry.” His kisses covered her face, chasing away her tears. “I never would've asked that of you. I should've been the one to draw the water and make the sacrifice, not you.”

  After several deep breaths, she calmed herself. “I made the choice, and I’d do it again. It’s just … it was the one thing I had to offer the world. Without it, I’m not sure where I belong or what my purpose will be.” She closed her eyes and pursed her lips.

  His mouth found hers, coaxing her to let him in. She held on to him for dear life, her heart beating furiously.

  Finally, he withdrew, his gaze locked with hers. “Laidra, your gift didn't give you value, and it wasn’t what made you a healer. Your compassion, your empathy, and your ability to see me as a man rather than a monster, those things are why I love you.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “You still have those traits, and if you want to use them to make the world a better place, nothing will stop you.”

  Her whole being afire, Laidra stroked his cheek then draped her arms about his neck. She pulled herself up for a long kiss. “Perhaps we could do some good in Oleva.”

  “Together, we can do anything,” he breathed into her ear. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her across the room to the sleeping mat and lowered her onto the cushions.

  He lay beside her, one hand on her lower back, the other in her hair, and drew her closer. She embraced him, fingers kneading his shoulder muscles. Their hearts beat as one, and for the rest of the night, everything was perfect.

  Epilogue

  Laidra tightened her grasp on Calen's hand as their boat bumped against the Olevan pier. A royal procession trickled down the road from the palace.

  Phyrus had gone ahead to alert the king and queen of their arrival before returning to guide their vessel into port. He now flitted about them, not as a person but as a consistent breeze, having stated that he didn't wish to frighten the dock workers.

  The procession drew closer. Her parents rode in a chariot escorted by a half-dozen guards on horseback. Her mother always liked to make an entrance.

  Laidra swallowed and tried to think of what she'd say to them.

  Calen kissed her forehead. “We don't have to do this if you don't want to. The priestesses would happily house us for another month. Or we can go elsewhere.”

  “It's a little late to turn back.” She laughed weakly. “No. If I'm ever to heal this rift, I need to take the first step. Still—” She covered her face with her veil. “I think this will be best for now. Honestly, without it, they might not recognize me at all.”

  Calen pushed aside the thin cloth and brought his lips to hers. Her breath escaped in a quiet sigh, but she replaced the veil when he withdrew.

  At the approach of their king and queen, the dock workers retreated to a respectful distance. Many eyed the strange Cartan man and his veiled companion, whispering among themselves as the pair stepped up to the royal chariot.

  Perys dismounted first, her appearance pristine; not a hair was out of place, even after the ride down the hill. Her scarlet cloak billowed behind her like a flag, and a golden necklace set off the olive tone of her skin. She swept an appraising glance over Laidra then gave a curt nod.

  With less than kingly deportment, Lucan hopped off the chariot, his eyes on Laidra. “You are well? We received a letter from Volen stating that he had made peace with you and that you were well, but with other no word since your departure, I wasn't sure if I could trust Prince Volen's words.” He swallowed, his cheeks flushed. “I am glad he spoke the truth.”

  “Did he also tell you of our father?” Calen frowned.

  Though Zephia had promised to keep an eye on Gan, Laidra found it hard to believe that the king wouldn't continue plotting against his supposed allies.

  “Yes, but King Gan's martial intentions have been an open secret.” Lucan scowled. “I'm not as naive as he thinks. Thankfully, your brother claims to have the support of his father's generals. Even if he didn't, my fleet is ready to face him.”

  “My mother and grandfather have also agreed to aid you. It would be hard to invade a nation by sea with the wind against you.” Calen's eyes twinkled. Laidra's heart warmed, and she smiled at him.

  “It would've been easier if we had promised him Oleva on our deaths, due to the marriage of Volen and Ellea,” Perys sighed. “I suppose that's not to be.”

  “Easier perhaps, but was it desirable to sacrifice Olevan sovereignty for fear of a more powerful neighbor?” Laidra asked, finally daring to speak to her parents.

  Perys's perfect eyebrows pinched together. “I wouldn't expect you to understand the subtleties of international politics.” She stuck her chin in the air. “I see you have finally learned to keep your veil in place. Good. Perhaps life with you will be tolerable after all.”

  Laidra's cheeks warmed. Calen's hold on her fingers tightened painfully, and he angled himself between her and her mother.

  “Perys!” Lucan snapped.

  The queen started and turned to him, wide-eyed. Laidra swallowed. She'd never heard her father raise his voice to her mother before.

  “Enough,” the king continued. “Perys, did you learn nothing by almost losing her?”

  Perys crossed her arms and turned away.

  Ignoring his wife, Lucan stepped up to Laidra and offered his hand. “Your mother convinced me when you were a child that hiding you was the best solution, that it would keep you from derision and pain. After I failed you by allowing you to be cursed, I did not trust myself to raise you. It nearly cost me everything.” He hung his head. “Forgive me, my daughter, and know that in my kingdom, you are no longer required to hide your face.”

  Trembling, Laidra slipped her fingers into his. Examining his face for deception, she found none. He wanted her, not as she was now but the girl he remembered. Her throat tightened. She drew a deep breath then looked to Calen. His warm eyes glowed, stirring her heart and giving her courage. With a prayer of thanks to the unknown god, Laidra removed her veil.

  THE END

  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to thank my very patient children and husband (and my not so patient cat) for being there throughout my quirky writing schedule and bouts of fantasy induced absent-mindedness. Also, the creative team at Uncommon Universes including my publisher/creative coach Janeen, the team of great and supportive authors in the Fellowship of Fantasy, and my other online writing pals who are always there for brainstorming, venting, happy squealing, or whatever is required. Finally, to my Lord and Father who blessed me with this chance to fulfill my creative dreams.

  About the Author

  Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

  An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

  Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

  For information about H. L. Burke’s latest novels, to sign up for her monthly newsletter, or to contact her, go to www.hlburkeauthor.com! Free eBook for newsletter subscribers!