Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water

by Cassandra Finnerty

  Aisling had presumed that she was in exile, after her recent deeds. She must have reconciled with the king. If that is the case, she thought, I must receive her.

  “Your Majesty.”

  “I wish to speak with you in private. I will tell you, I’m not pleased that you refused to see me in the palace.”

  “I’m sorry, but the courier would not say who summoned me. I decided to be cautious. I’m sure you understand.”

  The queen cast a brusque nod and ascended the stairs.

  Aisling motioned to a chair. “You have something you wish to tell me?”

  The queen glared at her and walked farther into the room. “Yes, it’s about your upcoming marriage.”

  “You’re here to congratulate me, then?”

  “No.” She waved her hand, dismissing the servants, and confronted Aisling. “You will not be marrying the Fifth Prince.”

  “And why is that?”

  “You aren’t suited for each other.”

  “How so?”

  “He’s not right for you.You’ll be one of his many wives. In a few years, there will be someone younger and more beautiful to take your place.”

  As Aisling listened to the queen, she took a series of deep breaths to remain calm. She does not want us to join forces, she thought, and I need to understand why.

  “Perhaps, but I’m not worried about that.”

  “You should be concerned. Prince Drayaen is greedy and cunning.Your property will be his. Once the marriage papers are signed, he will control you and everything you have.”

  “That can’t be true,” Aisling countered. “I have my own experts who will negotiate a fair settlement.” Under her father’s tutelage, she had learned how to advocate for her business interests at a young age. “I’m sure we can come to a mutual agreement.”

  The queen shot her a withering look.

  Aisling ignored it and feigned interest in a nearby object. She could feel Queen Vila becoming more incensed.

  “He doesn’t love you.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “You’re a new diversion. He may be amused for weeks, even months, but when he leaves the East Kingdom, he’ll regret it. You’ll be blamed.”

  Aisling winced.

  “There’s a bigger reason for not getting married,” the queen continued.

  This woman is doing everything she can to throw me off track, thought Aisling.

  “What is that?”

  “If you marry, I will have him killed,” said the queen, jabbing her finger in the air.

  Aisling stopped short as she heard a jangling noise. It was the same sound she heard right before she was shoved off the cliff during the trip to the interior. Her heart pounded as she gripped her jeweled necklace.

  “What are you saying?”

  “If you want to keep the prince safe and happy, you can’t go through with this arrangement.”

  “How do you propose to get away with this?”

  The queen laughed. Aisling observed that her artificial smile matched her cold, serpentine eyes. “Who’s going to stop me? I almost killed you several times. I can do it again. Don’t underestimate me.”

  Aisling’s blood chilled as she recalled the coordinated attacks, attempted poisoning, and recent kidnapping.

  “The king will stop you.”

  “No he won’t. Despite the many battles he has fought, he despises internal conflict.”

  Aisling faced her enemy with narrowed eyes. “You can’t scare me.”

  The queen cast a savage glance. “Perhaps not, but if you move forward with this alliance, the Fifth Prince will pay the price. Do you want to be responsible for his death?”

  “Of course not. Your threats will force me to talk with the king.”

  “It’s your word against mine. Do you think he’s on your side? He wants his son to run his armies. But they won’t be his. They’ll be mine.”

  She thinks she can control Drayaen, Aisling thought, and she’s threatened by our union. She’ll try and turn the king against him.

  The queen rose and began to pace. “Let me make this clear. You have one hour to leave the compound. I have palace guards ready to kill the prince at least three different ways.” She held her finger to her lips. “Hmmm, how should he meet his demise? By sword, poison, or perhaps a plunge off the sentry tower?”

  Aisling clutched her pendant, her heart racing. “I don’t believe you.”

  The queen waved her arms. “You have no alliances here. The king doesn’t want you to marry. He’d rather the Fifth Prince stay here. Who else is there? His brothers won’t lift a finger to help.The Sixth Prince made it clear he wants you for himself.” She stalked to the door and motioned to her servants, then spun around and raised a finger at Aisling. “One more thing. The prince’s life is in your hands. Defy me, and he’ll not be the only one harmed.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I have men watching your fleet. Do you think they’ll be safe? What about your ships? If you marry the prince, I will destroy everything you’ve ever loved.”

  Aisling watched the queen descend the stairs and climb into the palanquin. She steadied herself against the door, replaying the threats in her mind.

  Sean sat in his quarters, waiting for Owen and Fionn. The three of them had made plans earlier to explore the palace grounds. There was a knock on the door. He flung open the screen, expecting to see his crew members.

  “Commander, this is a surprise. I thought you were busy with wedding plans.”

  She shook her head and walked into the room. A pounding headache was beginning to form behind her eye. “Something has come up. I need to go back to the fleet.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” she said, avoiding Sean’s gaze. “I haven’t seen our ships in awhile and want to know they’re secure.”

  “What would you like me to do?”

  “You and the crew can stay here if you wish. Or you can come with me. I wanted to tell you of my intention.”

  She clasped her hands and paced. Sean was watching her with a slight frown on his face.

  “We’ll go with you, of course. Let me tell the others.”

  “Can you be ready in five minutes? The warrior monks are leaving for the temple now. I’d like us to accompany them.”

  “Of course, commander, I’ll arrange the details now.”

  The team packed their belongings in haste, and joined the rest of the soldiers in the courtyard. They saddled their horses, and rode out of the palace.

  Drayaen and the Minister of Events sat at the table, discussing details of the upcoming wedding.

  “Your Highness, we selected a wonderful location in the palace gardens for the ceremony. Your bride-to-be was very pleased.”

  “Thank you for organizing this for us. I know you weren’t given much time.”

  “It’s an honor. I’m happy to help.”

  Drayaen hurried to conclude his meeting, as he was impatient to see Aisling’s smiling face. As he prepared to leave the courtyard, he spotted Colonel Lex walking toward him. He closed the distance between them.

  “Have you seen the Commander?”

  “I did, awhile ago, on the garden path. I was coming to see you, because something odd happened.”

  Drayaen gripped the hilt of his sword, his heart thudding in his chest. “What is it?”

  “A courier summoned her to the palace but refused to say who asked for her. From what I gathered, it wasn’t the king or your brothers.”

  “Thank you for telling me. I think we both know who it is. I need to see someone now, so please check on Aisling for me.”

  “Very good, Your Highness.”

  I should have seen this coming, he thought, as he headed for the interior of the compound. She’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants.

  His hair hung unfettered about his face as he crossed the threshold into the queen’s chamber. She turned around to glance at his state of disarray, and dismissed her servants
.

  “I wondered how long it would take you to get here.”

  “What have you done?” he asked, facing his adversary.

  “I told your future bride about your greedy nature. You’re interested in controlling her and the property that comes with the package.”

  “You are despicable.”

  “Come, don’t be shocked. I must say, she was hard to convince. Several of my arguments fell on deaf ears. She must care about you.” She smirked.

  “What else?”

  “Of course, I had to reveal your inconstancy. Poor child, she’ll be one of the many women in your life. I don’t think she warmed to the idea of sharing you with others.”

  “It’s time the king learned about your past deeds.”

  “He doesn’t want to know. Even if you told him, he wouldn’t believe it. And it will be your word against mine.” She fidgeted with her bracelet. “I also disclosed your fickle nature. I believe you don’t understand life at sea. That news was hard for her to hear.”

  “I won’t listen to any more of your lies.”

  “Yes, well, it’s too late anyway.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I told you not to discuss any of my activities with the king.”

  “Whatever I tell him is between the two of us. It’s no concern of yours.”

  “Well, someone planted vicious seeds of doubt. If it wasn’t you, then I blame her.”

  “She doesn’t know enough to be a threat. I, on the other hand, do.”

  “Yes, and that’s a problem. I can’t let you leave the East Kingdom and be an external menace. I need you to stay here and oversee the army.”

  “That’s not your decision.”

  “Ah, but it is. I issued an ultimatum to your potential bride. You won’t be getting married any time soon.”

  Drayaen ran his hand through his hair, and tried to control his anger. He walked over to the queen and stood inches from her face. “I don’t know what you’ve said to Aisling, but hear this. If you’ve caused any problems, you’ll pay for it.”

  She glared at him in contempt. “That’s just what your mother said.”

  He gripped the handle of his sword, crushing his fingers against the metal, and barreled through the door.

  I must find Aisling, he thought.

  I need to save us both.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  LOVE RECLAIMED

  She rode with the warrior monks, in the middle of the entourage. Her crew was positioned farther down the line. As they passed through town, she could see the villagers waving to the soldiers. It reminded her of the first time she entered the palace. Her eyes became misty. I left to protect him, she thought, but I wonder if it’s the right thing to do. She recalled her confrontation with Queen Vila. That woman did everything she could to hurt Drayaen and me, she fumed. Her accusations were blatant and false. “I’m not going to be dissuaded,” she muttered. In the back of her mind, though, lingered a few comments that had caused her considerable distress. She clutched her jeweled pendant. I must speak with Drayaen about the matter.

  Aisling thought about their potential alliance and remembered what her mother used to say. “The man you want when you’re sixteen years old may be very different than the one you wish for at twenty-four.” Since meeting the Fifth Prince, he had stood by her side, no matter the circumstances. Drayaen cared for others, even when they had no voice to fight back. “He’s my choice, and I’m wise enough to keep my own counsel,” she reasoned.

  Somewhat comforted, her mind raced as she considered her priorities. First, the safety of her future husband, her ships, and crew needed to be confirmed. After that, she would think about ways to battle the queen.

  Drayaen strode through the corridors, infuriated by his last encounter. He couldn’t imagine anything worse happening, right before his wedding. She knows how to throw stones in the pond, he thought to himself. Her specialty is wreaking havoc.

  As he descended the palace steps, he saw Colonel Lex walking toward him, his eyebrows drawn together. Drayaen ran his hand through his hair and grasped the hilt of his sword.

  “Lex? What is it?” he asked.

  “Your Highness, the commander is gone.”

  “Where?”

  “She and the crew left the palace.”

  “When?”

  “A short while ago. They’ve headed back to the fleet.”

  Anyone would run, he reflected, after such an encounter. His heart pounded as he felt her slipping away from him. “We’ll need to mobilize the soldiers.”

  “There’s more.”

  “What is it?”

  “One of my contacts overheard the queen’s threats.”

  “What now?”

  “If Aisling marries you, the queen will have you killed.”

  He shook his head. I don’t know why I’m surprised, he thought. She’s already tried to eliminate both of us. He rubbed his eyebrows with his fingers. The situation was getting worse by the minute. Beneath his calm exterior, he was a bubbling cauldron of rage.

  The colonel leaned closer and spoke in low tones. “There are a number of paid assassins in the wings, ready to eliminate you. Aisling was given one hour to leave the compound in exchange for your safety.”

  Drayaen paced. It felt as though a heavy weight was sitting on his chest. “This isn’t about sending soldiers to escort her to the palace,” he said. “I need to resolve this conflict. Otherwise, I’ll be bringing her back into an abyss.”

  “We’ll need to move now. The queen threatened to harm the fleet if the commander changes her mind.”

  “I’ll need to call in reinforcements, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.” Drayaen turned to the colonel. “Round up twenty men and be prepared to ride. I have someone I need to speak with, now.”

  “I’ll make the arrangements.”

  While the colonel moved to assemble the troops, Drayaen marched into the palace. There was one person who might be able to help.

  An hour later, the Fifth Prince crossed the courtyard and motioned to the colonel. “Ready?”

  “We are, Your Highness.”

  As they rode through the palace gates, Drayaen considered ways to defeat the queen. At least there is someone who supports me, he thought. All he wanted was to ensure Aisling’s happiness. He assessed his ability to protect her, and wondered if it was even possible. I can’t even shield her from my own family, he realized. He reviewed his immediate problems. First, he needed to convince Aisling that they should marry. Then, he needed to save everyone from the queen.

  That would be his biggest challenge yet.

  Aisling and the warrior monks rode for hours along the hardened trail. Ominous clouds obscured the quarter moon, enveloping the procession in twilight. Aisling breathed a sigh of relief when the temple came into view. It’s too late to board the ship, she thought. Everyone will be asleep. She turned to her crew. “We’ll stay here tonight and leave after breakfast.”

  “Aye, Commander.”

  Aisling headed to her former room in the guest wing and unpacked her clothes. She slumped into the chair, mulling over the day’s events. “Was I right to leave Drayaen, or is he more of a target when I’m not there to support him?” she muttered. The small room felt stuffy and confining. Grabbing her red cloak, she headed for the door.

  Drayaen moved with caution along the gloomy trails.There was no sign of Aisling or the warrior monks. He thought they would meet along the journey, but their head start was too great. The entourage made their way up the hills and into the temple compound.

  He dismounted and rubbed the back of his neck. He was tempted to seek out Aisling, but it was late, and he was tired. He’d talk with her in the morning, when his thoughts were more organized, he decided. His next conversation with her might determine their futures, and he didn’t want to make a mistake. There was too much at risk.

  He conferred with his contact at the temple. They had been watching the bay since his trip to the interior.
So far, there had been no reports of disturbances. He headed for his room and sat on the bed, but he couldn’t rest. I’ll feel better if I can see the vessels for myself, he thought. His future bride’s well-being was tied to the security of her fleet.

  He grabbed his sword and stepped outside, breathing in the night air. As he looked out over the water, his view was obscured by dark, roiling clouds. He crossed the courtyard and headed for the cliffs.

  Aisling stood on the ledge overlooking the bay. The wind howled across the summit. She strained to glimpse her ships, and was relieved to see they remained untouched. Her merchant company had been the focus of her existence. It had been the driving force in her father’s life as well. He had sacrificed so much to build and run a thriving business. As she looked at her legacy, she understood that although her fleet was important, there was a deeper treasure.

  She thought about her conversation with the king, when he granted her one wish. More than anything, she thought, I’d like to build a life with a person of strong character, who is brave, generous and loyal. Someone who shares my passion for helping others, unafraid of confronting adversity. “Look for your soulmate,” her mother always said. “Someone you love who will be committed to the relationship.”

  Aisling knew that both she and Drayaen were independent, with a high need for control. But she trusted him, and they had worked together as a team. The wizard’s advice came to mind. He had said she should use her mind, heart, and soul. As she stared at her beloved ships, everything became crystal clear. The glory of her fleet meant nothing unless she was able to share it with the person she loved. She knew there was one such man for her. Fate had brought them together, and there was no turning back.

  Drayaen climbed the steep stairs, deep in thought about the night he had pursued General Neo. He was mortified that he had tackled Aisling instead. “What a fool I was,” he muttered. Since their first encounter, he had thought of no one else. They belonged together. Deep in his soul, he knew that life without her would be unbearable. He felt tied up in knots about his future. “I can’t lose her,” he vowed. “I won’t.” He needed her.