Medley of Treason

by Elskidor Xell

  In this regard, Laelliandir and Bella reminded Lady Laella very much of her own youth. Bella wasn’t exactly like her, but she saw several similarities, and thought Laelliandir needed a strong and exciting woman his age challenging him now and then, helping to open his eyes to the rest of the world he’d remained blind to. Laelliandir had gone from a responsible child to a dutiful man and skipped everything in between. Lady Laella intended to speak to her son now that she knew how far his relationship had gone. She wasn’t sure he’d appreciate what she would say, but Lady Laella would give him an ultimatum. One way or another, she would get her way again.

  Since there was no time to speak with Laelliandir this day, she sent word requiring he meet her the following morning. She didn’t reveal the subject of the meeting, but he believed it must concern one of two things. Treason or Bella.

  Under the rising sun, the two walked in the courtyard as they discussed what had been on her mind. “Nothing from Lonewolf yet? Anything new? That was Ceaser and Julien Appolloin yesterday? Tell me your plot as of now.” Since Lonewolf had been gone only a month, Laella doubted much had changed.

  “Aye, mother. Everyone is getting into place waiting. Lonewolf is on a false expedition south of Magwhen. When he sends word, we go. Notices are ready to be sent. The Appolloin brothers came yesterday, and they have a regiment of dragoons not far. In Garth. All their soldiers are gradually filtering into Nova now to throw off suspicion and will continue over the next month. When the time comes, we’ll assemble and charge as one upon the front gates which will be raised and ready for an unexpected ambush. Our southern troops will move in from behind. The loyalists inside Magwhen will assure our entrée and create chaos among the city defenders. It ends soon.” Laelliandir was direct and to the point. He couldn’t fathom a loss given the amount of preparation in place. The plot to leave Magwhen vulnerable was solid. Yet, they both realized Lonewolf’s efforts must play out exactly as planned to achieve a seamless victory. With his infatuation and trust in Bella, Laelliandir had more confidence in Lonewolf than he had before. Lonewolf might have been a complicated shady person, but Bella was adamant of his pure intentions. Laella remained unconvinced.

  “Too bad. I hoped you had a change of heart. Decided to have Lonewolf murdered in the capital.” Laella sighed. So much of their plan relied on a figure she could not trust, and Luminear’s suspicions weighed on her more than she wanted to admit. Laelliandir took his mother’s arm to rest on his as they strolled, hoping to ease her apprehension.

  “It will work. Afterward, everything will change for the better.” Laelliandir assured watching his mother closely. Laella forced a smile, keeping her fears private, and gave instructions.

  “Upon victory do not leave the throne unattended. Raise yourself as a temporary chancellor until a new head is chosen. I’m aware you don’t want the title, but should we trust anyone else to hold the throne, I fear another betrayal. I do not trust the Appolloin house either.”

  “They helped fund our mission, and they are loyal to the cause, but I will do as you say.”

  “Please do. Loyal to this cause they are, but they would be worse than our current Overlords if they seize power. You must stay until a new government is put in place. You will move us to the capital, and you will accept me as your advisor to set down the foundations of a new way. I daresay, appoint Akelda and Antoine too. Javallas and Hornes are a good alliance and what we will use moving forward. Don’t put Akelda in danger out there, son. ” Laella commanded.

  “Worry not mother, I keep her safe always and would never let anything happen to her. But you worry too much mother. Nobody is thinking so far ahead, nor would they dream of betraying us no sooner than they aided our effort.” Laella laughed at her son.

  “You naïve child. If there is one thing I know about politics, it is that everyone is thinking several steps ahead. You need to be prepared for victory and loss, and have a plan for each situation,” Laella explained as Laelliandir listened intently. A betrayal of his own after a victory had not even been considered. “I will help you with this. But there is another concern of mine.”

  “What is it, mother?”

  “After these events. After our victory. You will marry Bella Luna.” Her voice grew stern, and she watched as his eyes bulged.

  “Mother I—” Lady Laella interrupted him before he could finish.

  “You have deflowered her. Or knowing you, she asserted herself, and you went right along with it. By name, she too is a Javalla. You are bedding your sister. You will make her your wife. You will not tarnish her.”

  “Not by blood. And, mother, it was not intended,” Laelliandir insisted, unsure how she knew this much.

  “Intended or not. You have my blessing. She is good for you. It’s time you be normal, and she is bold enough to raise you out of the shadow of your father. You, equally, will help mature her. I demand this of you.” Lady Laella came to a halt forcing her son to look upon her.

  “I planned to ask her hand. I feared it be too soon.” Laelliandir admitted, but Laella shook her head.

  “If anything, it should have been done before you two deflowered one another. I find a fitting pair in you two and what you each need. After the plot against the throne, you marry,” Laella again repeated.

  “What if she says no?”

  “No?” Laella laughed. “My poor son. Neither of you will say no. Not until after you’re married, and the flames of young love die down will either of you doubt or question. By then, it will be too late. But don’t worry, even those later qualms settle. You won’t be bedding and waltzing around with your sister and then abandon her after staining her virtue. Do you understand?” Laelliandir nodded abashed at what he’d done. After the other night he planned to propose and keep them both pure, but also make their bond official.

  “I shall. Today.” Laelliandir declared.

  “Come to my chambers, and I will give you a proper ring to present her this evening.”

  Chapter Twenty One

  Engagement

  L uminear woke abruptly in the night scared half to death when Bella came pouncing on top of her, jumping on her bed and squealing like a stuck pig. She hadn’t a clue what was happening and couldn’t make out a word Bella was saying at first, between her panting, wheezing and strange chortle. Amid Bella’s weird giddy noises and shaking her shoulders, Luminear stared at her, wondering if Bella had lost her mind. Either that or she was drunk, Luminear thought.

  Sleepy-eyed and baffled Luminear addressed her. “What are you doing? What are you even saying? I don’t speak hyena, Bell, and I’m trying to sleep!” Luminear reached out to grab Bella by the shoulders and pin her sister against her. “Shhh. You’ve gone crazy. It’s all right. Let me hold you. I’ll take care of you.” Bella wriggled out of her grasp and plopped upon her knees flashing her finger toward Luminear. It was dark, but enough light from the moon showered in from the window to display a ring upon her finger.

  “I’m getting married!” she finally managed in delight. Luminear’s eyes swelled and she gasped. Sure enough, a rose gold tiara diamond ring adorned Bella’s finger.

  “You’re what?” Luminear shot back.

  “Lae. He proposed to me.”

  “Oh my.” Luminear pushed herself to sit as she took her sister’s hand looking over the shimmering band with several diamonds dancing around its base. She was speechless and now understood why Bella was incoherent. Bella had run all the way from Laelliandir’s tower to the castle and up countless winding stairs to barge in, out of breath and in a stupor.

  “Tonight. A few hours ago. It’s real. I will be Laelliandir’s wife!” Luminear smiled, reaching to hug her sister.

  “I can’t believe he’s taking my crazy sister who dreams of running around risking her life with swords for fun!”

  “Hey, now!” Bella laughed. “Don’t be mean.”

  “I’m so happy for you. I’m happy for him too. You are so good for each other.” Luminear paused then asked, “Is
n’t this really quick? Why are you both rushing into this?”

  “Because we want to. We love each other, and what else is there?” Bella’s question was rhetorical, her mood giddy. Luminear wouldn’t ruin her moment and truly was happy for them both.

  “As long as you are both happy, I am happy for you.” As she absorbed the news, Luminear recalled Laelliandir’s mother. “Laella?”

  “We have her blessing. She told Lae he had to propose to me.” Bella admitted, a little upset at first, “But he was going to do it anyway! That’s what he said. He tells me too much. I didn’t need to know about his mom. That was awkward.” Luminear nodded.

  “Laelliandir can’t lie. It’s adorable. He told you his mom told him to propose? Oh, Bell.” Luminear sympathized.

  “Aye, that was not his brightest moment. But he promised me he planned to propose before she told him to. So that was sweet.”

  “This is good if you have Laella’s blessing. Then everyone is happy.” Luminear suddenly remembered what Bella had told her and reached around and smacked her with her pillow playfully. “You did this!”

  “What?” Bella tilted her head to one side, unsure what she was talking about. “I did what?”

  “You impatient girl!” Luminear laughed. “You rushed into…you went to his bedroom and did that to him. That thing you did!”

  “I did that to him? He did that to me too!” Bella insisted.

  “Still, you hurried him. You should have waited longer.”

  “Wait? Are you saying he wouldn’t have proposed? He’s only doing it because he thinks he must now?” Bella searched her sister’s face for an answer. Luminear suspected Bella’s actions had hurried the proposal, but wished she hadn’t said it aloud.

  “No, Bella. You move at a much faster pace than he. Maybe he’s trying to impress you now. He obviously loves you and you him. This is good. I am happy for you all the same.” Luminear still felt the relationship had moved too fast, and she wondered if Laella agreed. Would Laelliandir change his mind and stay home with Bella now or would he continue his charade? If he left, she knew her sister too well. Bella would not tolerate being left behind, especially after becoming engaged. If Laelliandir thought he could pursue his normal lifestyle and leave Bella hanging, he was in for a surprise. Luminear hid her inner doubts and concerns with a benevolent smile and warm words.

  “You will govern one day, and I will be a White Lioness married to a White Lion. We will rule the world!” Bella cheered as she rolled on her back next to her sister. Luminear smiled and sighed, knowing Bella would loathe some duties that came with being a White Lion. They also had political responsibilities, but she let her sister imagine what she wanted.

  “My brave sister. I’d be scared. Your whole life is about to change again.”

  “For the even better. Everyone wins. Thanks to Lonewolf bringing us here. He’s to blame.” Luminear again kept her judgment to herself. She had questioned many things about their childhood, and her blind trust in Lonewolf had dwindled. All of her memories of the last few years were riddled with doubt, and she wondered at all the secrets. While she had no proof, she sensed Lonewolf had hidden much from them. The more involved she became with Laella, the more she began to suspect everything, but tonight was not about doubts.

  “Everyone wins.” Luminear echoed.

  “Except damn Markus! He is going to find out. This will end our friendship. We hardly talk anymore.” Bella fretted.

  “He needs time,” Luminear coaxed. “Don’t let it ruin your happiness. He wants you happy. The circumstance isn’t easy.”

  “I just want my friend back. It’s not fair. I must choose, and I’ve wanted Lae for years. I want this life! I want Markus too. It’s not fair; I lose him because he can’t stand my happiness.” To express her frustration, Bella hit the side of the bed, accidentally smacking her sister’s leg.

  “Ouch!” Luminear jerked back. “Don’t punish me over it. You did it!” She smiled so Bella would know she wasn’t angry and grabbed her leg which stung a little.

  “Sorry.” Bella wasn’t too down about Mark as she twisted around to lie on her side, a wide beaming smile on her face again. Luminear likewise scooted to face her, relishing Bella’s goofy grin.

  “Give it some time. Everything will turn out as it should, and Markus will move on. If he’s a true friend, you two will be back to normal, eventually.” Luminear was ready to change the subject. “Tell me, sister, what you love about him? You give me more than ‘I just do,’” Luminear imitated Bella’s previous explanations. Bella smiled, still not sure how to put it all in words.

  “Well, he’s brave and caring. He treats me so good. Makes me feel special because he’s never had to pay me any mind, but does all the same. He’s strong and taught me how to fight, so there’s that.” Bella poured out, wanting to share every little thing she could about this man. “He has flowers delivered to me daily. Lae is handsome too. He makes me laugh, and says he will make me a knight, and doesn’t expect me to be some fancy lady with unreasonable expectations that make me uncomfortable. And I like him being shy and not forceful. That’s where I’m important. I have control and help him. So, I can take care of Lae in other ways. It’s so sweet. He accepts me for me! I can be myself and not pretend to be you and how perfect you are in your dresses, and with his mom and the people of the city.” Luminear smiled at Bella and shook her head.

  “Perfect? Me? You are a lunatic, Bella. I’m far from faultless, always making mistakes, but you keep me on some high pedestal.” Luminear didn’t see herself in the same light Bella did, but was aware Bella always had. Luminear was sometimes envious of her sister. Bella was so carefree and did whatever she wished despite what people thought, while Luminear always tried to be considerate of others before doing anything. It weighed her down. If she had been in Bella’s position, she seriously doubted she would have made a move, or allow Laelliandir to kiss her, especially knowing how she would hurt Markus. Luminear imagined she would put her personal feelings aside and resist both men, unable to hurt either. “All right, that’s a better explanation than what you have been giving me. Do I get to be in this wedding? When is it?” Bella squealed again hearing her sister say it out loud.

  “I don’t know! But of course, you will be there. You are my sister and truest friend. You will be right there with me every step of the way. We will do it together!” Bella was bursting with excitement, causing Luminear to laugh.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I am not getting married to you and Lae. You two must do that yourself. That would be awkward,” she joked as Bella lightly hit her shoulder. “But I will happily walk you to him.”

  “You understood what I meant! We’re talking late spring. Hopefully before summer, but maybe longer? I could do it tomorrow.”

  “You would too. Quick to jump at everything.” Luminear agreed.

  “So. Doesn’t matter. Why wait if we are happy and want to? Makes no sense to me.”

  “A big ceremony has to be planned for starters. That takes time, and invitations must be sent. Lady Laella will make a grand spectacle of it, I’m sure. A little time won’t hurt a thing. You have a lifetime in front of you, Bell.” Bella didn’t want to imagine how Laella would likely take her day and turn it into a massive ordeal. She would have preferred the two do something simple behind the castle by the falls, yet having the man she loved was good enough. An extensive service with some Xio priest was little price to pay for such a reward.

  “Aye, Lumi. I’ll enjoy being engaged until then.” Luminear yawned once more, still exhausted. Knowing Bella was too worked up to sleep comfortably, she rolled upon her back and brought out her arm to pull her sister close to rest on her shoulder.

  “All right, you. Now enough of that. You going to get some sleep? You can stay here if you want, but I’m still sleepy.” Bella was far too wound-up to even consider sleep, though. Keeping her eyes pinned to Luminear, she poked her cheek no sooner than Luminear shut her eyelids again.

&n
bsp; “Hey.” Her gesture caused Luminear to reopen her eyes immediately. “I just got here! Would you be mad if I keep you up and talk the night away?” Luminear sighed and rubbed her eyes.

  “All right. I’m yours.” Luminear smiled, easily giving in. “But remember the next time I come jumping on you in your bed when you are sleeping, you better not get mad.”

  “I promise.”

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Sozzled

  W hile Luminear and Bella enjoyed the best years of their life so far, and Icaz and Lonewolf waited for their moment of victory, in the far north King Edward remained restless. He’d been back home years now, and no longer roamed away from his kingdom. By now he accepted that he likely would never capture his fugitive unless he propelled his country into a war half a world away.

  Unlike Divox, Cassenneth and the northern realm was at peace, and the citizens loved it that way. As much as Edward wanted Lonewolf, he couldn’t justify a long war hundreds of miles from home against southern lunacy. For the most part, the North ignored the South. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t fight. Given its sheer numbers and resources, Cassenneth alone could march all the way south and invade Divox successfully. However, Divox had more experience in warfare. Through recorded history, Divox was prone to fight a civil war every century, sometimes even sooner. Unquestionably southern mortals were bred for fighting.

  Edward perceived Divoxians as heathens, and he would not allow the northern realm to interrupt a long age of peace for one man. Nevertheless, he checked his notices daily hoping he might get word from his loose ally, Laelliandir Javalla. Little did he know Laelliandir now allied with the enemy hoping to bring Divox’s chaos to an end.