“What about the members of my own guard?” I asked. “They’re the best we have, and I want the ones that are staying here to protect her.”
“None of them are remaining behind, Dreya,” Tási replied flatly. “Every single one of them refused. We’re going to just lock everything up and let the Palace guards watch over things while we’re gone.”
That shouldn’t have surprised me as much as it did. We’d all grown close, and I was certain that after spending so much time with me, my Sintári nature had only caused our bonds to be even stronger than they should have been.
“Fine,” I replied, not even bothering to contest the issue. “But she is to have the same level of protection I would have—even more, if possible. The entire Empire will be in her hands while I’m gone. She’s absolutely critical now.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Ella volunteered. “The Queen will have a full escort at all times, in addition to her regular guards.”
Líann had retained a small group of her own personal guards during her stay, and while they were more than adequate during normal times, considering the threat and her elevated status, the few soldiers that protected her were simply not enough.
“Make sure they have scrolls,” I added. “Just in case.”
“Almost all of them do now,” Ella smiled. “Thanks to you.”
Once I had all the resurrection scrolls that I thought my army needed, I continued to buy them from the scribes, although at a much slower pace. The extras were distributed among the rest of my soldiers until they also had an adequate supply, and we even built up a small reserve that Stel kept in his treasury vault. Líann’s tenacious bargaining with Wenflé and the others, combined with the continued production of silver from my mines, enabled me to finance the rather exorbitant price that was required to purchase the vast quantities of scrolls I’d acquired. I hoped that I wouldn’t actually need them, but with war already upon us, and more likely to come even before I set out to conquer the Dark Lands, I knew that hope was in vain.
“Thank you, Ella,” I replied pointedly. “I knew that I could count on you to deal with this for me.”
I was more than just a little irritated at how Tási had refused to handle Líann’s protection. She was head of Palace security and had simply sat there idly, letting her second in command manage what should have been a top priority for her. Clearly, she was still harboring her jealousy for Líann, and I intended to remind her just how much that angered me when I got hold of her alone. I was pretty sure the glare I shot at her as I left communicated my displeasure, because she winced just a little when I flashed the look at her.
Still, as I left, it was with a sense of peace. While I had no doubt that other issues might come up during the days leading up to our departure, I’d taken care of the most important items on my agenda at the time. So, from the barracks, I made the short trip upstairs to my chambers and tried to unwind for a while. Bane had gone off to practice with his flames again before we left, as he’d told me he would, and I was able to simply relax with my own thoughts for a time.
I had long enough before Tási came back to really think about how I was going to handle her. The continued friction and jealousy she’d displayed was not only unnecessary and irritating, but she was letting it affect her responsibilities as well. I’d made a misstep in my approach with Líann that morning, trying to gently coax her when her nature required a different approach from me, and with that insight, I came up with a plan to hopefully put an end to Tási’s jealous antics.
When Tási finally came back, she opened the door cautiously before I heard her take a deep breath and step inside. She obviously knew that she was about to feel the fullness of my displeasure with her, and I could see the look of dread on her face as I got up to meet her just inside the doorway.
“Wait, please,” she implored me. “Before you start, let me explain.”
I nodded to her silently, and she continued.
“I know I messed up. My reaction was very unprofessional,” she confessed, clearly full of remorse. “After you left, I relieved Ella of the responsibility of seeing to Líann’s security and took care of it myself. I signed every single order and made sure that she will be as well protected as possible. I’m sorry that I only corrected my mistake after I’d already upset you.”
Her expression of contrition threw my scheme out the window, so I simply reacted as best I could.
“Look at me, Tási,” I said to her when she bowed her head and stared at the floor.
“You did well,” I coaxed her. “I know that wasn’t easy for you to do, but I need you to do even better. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me for life. You’re not going anywhere, and you need to accept that.”
“I know that already,” Tási replied softly.
“Then why aren’t you acting like it?” I asked her. “Why are you still so insecure?”
“Because it’s Líann you’re with now,” she confessed. “Not only is she a queen, but she... she’s… Líann.”
I knew what she meant. Líann was definitely something different. She had more grace and beauty in her little finger than the entire population of most Realms, and I understood how she could provoke a great deal of jealousy. But Tási and I had been over this same ground several times already, and it was becoming quite tiresome.
“It pains me to realize how little you’ve come to understand me, Tási,” I sighed in frustration. “I’m a Sintári. My need for you is not physical and has no relationship to how pretty you are. You’re beautiful Tási, but I don’t love you because of your looks. I love you because of the way you make me feel.”
Tási stared at me blankly for a moment before bowing her head once more.
“I’m an idiot, aren’t I?”
“If you think that Líann or anyone else for that matter, could ever come between us, then yes, you really and truly are.”
“I sometimes forget just how different you are, Dreya,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around me and leaned against me. “And I keep judging you by the wrong standards.”
“Don’t feel too bad about that, Tási,” I actually laughed slightly as I replied. “I do the same thing to myself sometimes.”
I dragged her over to our bed and pulled off her robes before undressing myself as well. The sensation of her bare skin against mine was enticing, but it wasn’t our passions that we needed to express that night. So, instead of indulging our desires, we traded tendrils of love and devotion as we clung to each other. I let her feel the true depth of my dedication to her, as I’d done many times before, but somehow there was an openness to the tendrils I sent her that had never been there before.
For the first time, Tási experienced the full force of my love for her, and I felt it as the wave of understanding washed over her. She knew, finally, deep in her core, in a way that my words had failed to convey, that she was not disposable or replaceable to me. Her place by my side was secure, no matter what Líann or anyone else might do. In return, I felt the rush of relief and the emotional equivalent of a flood of tears that came back to me from Tási, as acceptance settled in on her. Once the toll of the heavy emotions finally ebbed, we slowly rocked each other to sleep, trading our tendrils back and forth, sharing our love and affection until the night finally claimed us.
24
There was little time left before I would be departing with the Army, and the few days I had until then passed in a flurry of activity, most of which was fortunately handled by others. But even with a full Cabinet of Ministers, Talína supervising my aides, and Líann stepping up to handle many of the responsibilities, there was still a great deal that required my personal attention or approval.
In spite of all that, I made sure to clear my schedule so that I could make a complete tour of the valley before I left. I hadn’t had the time to travel around my own lands for quite a while, and I wanted to see them once more before I departed to wage war on the nobles of the horse lands.
During that tr
ek, I found that everything was exactly as the reports I’d been receiving had described—the farms had grown from tiny little homesteads to large fields, tended with care by entire villages that had sprung up inside the sheltered confines of the valley. The ranchers had grown their herds as well, and they roamed the fenced-in fields, grazing on long shoots of green grass. I couldn’t help but stop for a moment along the way to take in the fresh, earthy scent of the verdant lands, one of the many things I’d missed having been away for so long. Then when I came to a certain spot, I left my guards behind to visit with the Dryad.
“All is good, Empress,” she replied when I inquired about her. “Your people tend to their lands well, and it takes little effort for me to nurture their crops and animals.”
“I am glad to hear that,” I replied to her warmly. “I haven’t been able to come out here as often as I’d like, and I’m very grateful for the help you’ve provided them.”
“You need not worry about me or them, Empress,” she smiled at me. “We both understand that you have much to occupy your time now.”
“Thank you, Lady Dryad,” I replied. “You are right—many things call me away from the places I’d rather be. Even though my visits are rare, know that you are always in my thoughts.”
We talked for a little while longer before I reluctantly moved on. I still had two more stops in the valley, and the day was getting late.
I passed by the mines next and spoke with the miners and some of the residents who lived in the caverns the dwarves had carved out above them. They’d continued to uncover more silver, and the vein of Khelduin seemed to follow along with it as they dug deeper down into the rock. The deposits of iron also ran strong, and they’d found no signs that any of them were running thin. Once I’d surveyed the mines, it was time for my final visit in the valley.
Ridge had started working on the city that had been laid out on the plateau above the valley some time ago. Along with his assistant, he’d already carved out several sets of stairs leading up to the future home of thousands, as well as the deep channels for an elevator-like device that Dellon and Renn were trying to decipher. Since it wasn’t yet ready, and I truly dreaded the thought of climbing up so many stairs, I cancelled my planned visit with him at the last minute–Ridge never needed my encouragement, and I was certain that whatever he was doing up there was exactly what the plans called for, so I saved myself the almost wasted effort of climbing up and down the nearly endless steps and headed for a last inspection of the Garrison instead.
Although the Garrison troops themselves would be remaining behind, the place was still bustling with activity, all in an effort to help make the Army ready to march off to war. I stopped at the forge, hoping to speak with the smiths, but all three of them were so busy hammering away and making last-minute preparations that I only gave them a quick wave before leaving them to their work. As I walked around, I spoke with a few soldiers, offering them my personal thanks and appreciation for their efforts before Hollyn came running up to me.
She said nothing, but the bright smile on her face and her beaming expression spoke volumes about her happiness that morning. Then, she simply extended her hand towards me, and I saw the shining band of gold around her finger.
“When?!” I asked her in astonishment.
“Last night,” she told me, still radiant with joy. “Although it’s not official yet. He said we had to wait for you to do the honors or else you might skin him alive.”
“He’s right about that,” I laughed at what she’d said, then let her lead me back to Evans.
“I wasn’t sure you had it in you,” I joked with Evans when we finally found him amongst the bustling activity.
“Quite honestly, neither did I,” he confessed with surprising candor. “I thought I was destined for a more solitary life; in truth, I’d become quite comfortable with that, but things changed when I came here and met Hollyn. I don’t think I could ever go back to the way I was, and I’m not the only one, Empress. I’ve seen the same sort of change come over most of those I brought with me.”
What Evans had left unsaid, but had quite clearly implied, was that he knew it was my influence that had brought about that change. My Sintári nature was constantly at work, affecting the people around me in many different ways—something I already knew all too well.
“Hollyn seems quite anxious to have me formalize your union,” I diverted. “When do you think you might have the time, First Marshal?”
“There is never a better time than the present, I like to say,” he replied as he wrapped his arm around Hollyn’s waist. “And if you don’t mind, Hollyn, I’d like it if the Empress would bless our union right here.”
“You are the woman I love, but this,” he gestured at all the activity going on around us, “is who I am.”
Hollyn was a bit overcome by his rather romantic words, and simply nodded back at him, consenting to his wishes. To be honest, I found the First Marshal’s sentiments somewhat poetic, and he surprised me by revealing a side of himself that I’d never seen before. As I moved towards them, Karina quickly arranged my detail on either side of the couple, forming an honor guard around them. The bustling sounds of activity about us quickly dwindled to almost nothing as it became apparent to all what was going on in their midst.
“I have a great many duties as Empress,” I said to them as I took their joined hands in mine. “But I find this to be among my most honored, especially today.”
Then, I proceeded with the simple blessing that sealed their union.
“On this day, I am truly honored to pronounce you husband and wife. May the rest of your days be spent together in happiness.”
The couples I’d married responded in many different ways once I’d sealed them together—some kissed afterwards, while others simply exchanged a loving smile. Evans chose to embrace Hollyn in a tight hug while she buried her face against his broad chest. It was one of the more poignant demonstrations of affection I’d ever seen, especially considering the complete lack of regard Evans had shown in offering his affection so openly in front his troops—an act the old Evans I’d once known would have never considered. The crashing sound of applause from the soldiers that had gathered around to witness their union only served to underscore that point.
“The decision is up to you, of course,” I spoke to them once they parted and the ovation died down. “But we will be gone for many months once the Army departs. I just want to let you know that I have no objection to Hollyn accompanying us when we leave.”
“Thank you, Empress,” Evans replied. “The road will not only be difficult, but dangerous as well. Although there is much we will need to discuss before we make that decision, I appreciate your words.”
“Let me save you those many words, husband. I’ll be joining you,” Hollyn simply declared.
Apparently the First Marshal hadn’t just got married, I mused as I felt my brow arch, He’d received a demotion as well.
“I’ll leave you two to sort it out,” I offered with a knowing glance at Hollyn.
“Thank you, Empress,” she replied without hesitation. “But I believe that the matter is settled.”
I left Evans to sort out just what he’d gotten himself into as we departed back to the Palace again. Tási surprised me when I returned. Unbeknownst to me, she’d scheduled her own meeting with Líann, to personally brief her on the enhanced security arrangements that had been made for her.
“How did that go?” I asked curiously.
“Well,” Tási replied with a surprising smile. “I went over everything with her, and then we talked for a while.”
“You what?” I responded in astonishment.
“We talked, Dreya,” she stared back at me with a curious expression. “You were right when you said the two of us had a lot in common.”
“What did you discuss with her?” I inquired, even though I was unsure that I wanted to know.
“We came to terms with each other,” Tási sighed. “I doubt w
e’ll ever be friends—there’s too much rivalry between us. But we’re certainly not enemies anymore.”
Considering the powerful, and practically opposite emotions they invoked in me, it wasn’t much of a surprise to know that the two of them would never be close. Still, it was a relief to find out that they’d at least resolved their conflict in some way.
“Thank you, Tási,” was all I could say. “That means a lot to me.”
“I know,” she replied. “It’s kinda weird, but it made me feel better too once we made our peace.”
I found that thought both comforting and understandable. Harboring the sort of resentments that they had for each other must have been quite a strain on each of them, so letting go of those tensions must have been an equally great relief. I considered going to see Líann after my conversation with Tási, just to have her perspective as well, but my final meeting with her was scheduled for the following evening, the last night before my departure with the Army. I thought that would be soon enough.
With so much going on, the time in between flashed by, and before I knew it, I was heading for Líann’s suite the following day. Considering the long separation ahead of us, I intended to actually have a real conversation with her this time before things went where I knew they inevitably would. My darkness simply craved her too much for me to have any doubts about that.
When I entered her room, Líann was seated at a small table, waiting for me. She smiled at me, and I returned the gesture as I noticed that she was wearing her forest green robe once again.
“Interesting choice,” I commented on her outfit as I sat down across from her.
“I thought it fitting,” she purred at me. “I’m wearing it the same way I did the first night you came to see me.”
Meaning with nothing underneath, I realized, and I had to stop myself from acting on the impulses that immediately rose up inside me. Líann seemed disappointed when I didn’t react more strongly, but I wanted to talk to her before things went where she clearly wanted them to go.
Second Skin: Unified: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 3) Page 80