“Sawyer,” I said as I approached his bed. “I’ll be leaving in the morning for the portal border with Gray. Raven is trying to get back in, and I have to be there to stop her. Once I have her dagger, I will wake you up.”
I swept a curl away from his forehead and kissed it.
“I really wish I could kiss your lips right now. I wish I could climb into bed with you and have you hold me.” I didn’t realize I was crying until I saw the tear fall on his cheek.
“You have no idea how hard this is for me, Sawyer. To see you like this, it kills me inside. But Gray says I should be grateful that you’re alive, and I know she’s right. I just wish that I could feel you again.”
I climbed into bed with him and lay myself against him, resting my head on his chest. I took his arm, draped it across me, and pretended he ran his hand up and down my arm like he used to do.
Wait a minute!
I opened my eyes and saw just that. Sawyer’s arm was moving, slightly, but still moving up mine.
I sat up expecting to see his eyes open and his smile bright. But I found him asleep still.
“He’s waking slowly,” Gray said as she watched from the doorway. “It’s important the fairies get here soon to take advantage of this.”
“You’re right. We need to get to the border fast and stop Raven before she gets through. I just wish I could prevent Queen Hilde from allowing her passage before I can.”
Gray smiled slyly and said, “Oh, that won’t be a problem. I dispatched a rider to Bordell who had a little talk with her. I think it’s safe to say she isn’t granting passage any time soon.”
I smiled at how prepared she was, then said, “Can I have a few minutes with him before we go?”
She bowed and nodded. “Take as much time as you need. We will ride at first light.”
“But we should leave earlier. While it’s still dark,” I argued.
She raised a hand in protest and shook her head.
“Rory, you just had a coronation and a full evening. You will be worthless to me as a warrior if you’re sleepy. Take the rest, and I will wake you when the sun rises. We will have a short training session, and once I feel you’re ready to take on Raven, we will leave.”
I couldn’t have a training session! Was she crazy? We didn’t have time for that. Raven could cross the border before we got there, and I didn’t trust the Bordell queen one bit. Sure the rider was “making sure” she didn’t grant passage, but who’s to say she didn’t expect that and already have a plan in place.
“Gray, I agree with you about resting, but training?”
She sat with me on the bed as if Sawyer weren’t even in the room. She placed her hand on my shoulder and looked into my eyes.
“Aurora, you are a wise woman and you will be a wonderful queen. But I am a warrior, and I have done many missions like this my whole life. I know what is best in this area. Please trust me.”
I did trust her, and she was right about the experience I was lacking. I had never gone to battle, and while Raven was just one person, she was much stronger than me. She had killed more while all I had was a lucky shot with a bow and arrow. When it came down to it, would I be able to kill Raven? I liked to think so after the training I already had with Gray.
My muscles were stronger, and I was leaner and lither. My body moved faster, not buckling under pressure. I wasn’t the same girl that I was in the asylum; I was a fighter now. I could take down a strong man in my guard with one blow if I had to. I didn’t need to fear Raven; although, I did. She took something from me, and while I could fight her with my strength, I wasn’t sure I could prevent my heart from getting the best of me. I had to learn to not let it rule me.
“Fine. We’ll train in the morning,” I said with a sigh. “But please wake me at first light.”
“First light.” Then she did something I wasn’t expecting; she hugged me. “I’m so proud of you, Rory.”
And just as I was about to hug her back, she let go and was out of the room. From what I experienced, Gray wasn’t used to being soft. She was raised to train at a young age, and showing anything other than control in all areas was unheard of. She fought, trained, and fought some more. I had to hope that I was the reason she was showing affection.
I sighed and lay down next to Sawyer. He didn’t move again that night, but just falling asleep next to him watching his chest rise and fall was all I needed.
****
Merryweather
Merry found a place to rest their heads near a small meadow after walking all day long. They weren’t surprised again by soldiers, but instead had a nice sleep. As the sun rose, Merry’s eyes popped open. She got the others up and they started walking, eating on the way despite the cold weather surrounding them.
The harsh rock floor had dispersed, and before she knew it, she was walking on green grass, knowing where she was immediately. The Fae Woods! Sure it was a vast forest and the castle was at least another day’s walk, if not a day and a half, but they were closer.
“We’re almost there!” she exclaimed to the others. “I’m so excited I could run. But I won’t do that because my knees would go out.”
Aiofe and Flora laughed at Merry. Surely, she wouldn’t run. Merryweather hadn’t run a day in her life, and she wasn’t going to start now. But she was just so excited. She couldn’t wait to see Rory again.
“Oh, I see a fairy!” Flora shouted while she pointed to a small cabin where indeed a fairy stood waving to them. The Fae were very welcoming when a newcomer came into their forest, especially when they recognized them as another Fae.
Merry waved excitedly at the fairy and walked even faster to greet him. Once she arrived at his home, she realized something was different about this fairy. Surely he had seemed nice or was she mistaken? Did she let her excitement get the best of her?
“Welcome young fairies to my humble abode,” the fairy said as he hid in the shadows of his home while holding open a door. “Please, come inside. You must be tired from your trip.”
Merry hesitated a moment, trying to hide her nervousness. She didn’t recognize him—not that she would know all the Fae—but she certainly wasn’t familiar with his face. Most of the Fae had the same look about them. There were some that were like Merry, short and plump with round rosy cheeks and dark hair. Others were tall and rail thin with thick, course gray hair and strong bone structure like Fauna and Flora. Additionally, there were the beautiful Fae who were blessed with flowing locks of many colors. Eyes that glistened in the sun and mesmerized you with a single look, their build was softer and more defined, like Aiofe. Lastly, the Warrior Fae who were a mix of the beautiful Fae and who had great strength. They built their bodies into temples you bowed to in mercy, like Gray. All Fae were in these four particular categories, but never did they look like this fairy did.
His hair curled at his temples and it was a dark reddish brown color. He was tall and plump and had not an inch skin that wasn’t covered in freckles.
“You know we’re not that tired,” Merry said backing away slowly. “We just wanted to see where we were and how far we are from the Kingdom of Ancora. Is there any way you could show us?”
Merry thought getting him outside his cabin was the best idea. She didn’t feel comfortable inside his home even in the daylight hours. She looked back at Flora and Aiofe who were wearing the same skeptical look on their faces.
“I can show you, sure. But it’s best if I show you on my map, inside,” he barked.
Merry stopped backing up at his words. He was getting frustrated at her, there was no doubt about it.
How could they escape from him? Would he run after them if she did indeed run away? She wasn’t sure how fast her short legs would take her, and she didn’t know what his intentions were.
“Just come inside little fairies, I won’t
hurt you.” He opened the door wider, but still hid himself inside.
Aiofe shook her head. “We’re not going inside! We hardly know you, and to be honest you’re a little strange.”
Merry cringed at Aiofe’s words, unsure of what would befall them, when the man stepped out of his home slowly. In his hands he held an axe and on his face a sinister grin.
Chapter Twenty
Rory
Gray shook me awake, and I opened my eyes still groggy from sleep. Sure enough the sun was up, but it wasn’t first light like I had asked. The sun was high enough in the sky that it had just reached the top of the window sill. I held up my head as my hair fell around my face.
“What time is it?” I asked with my raspy voice. My throat burned from talking all night, and I thirsted for water.
“It’s still morning, Rory. But I came in at first light and you wouldn’t rise,” she said as she handed me a glass of water. I drank it greedily and handed her the empty cup. “Your maidens are waiting for you in your room to dress you for training.”
She turned on her heel and left the room. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and looked down at Sawyer, still sleeping of course. I kissed his cheek and left the room.
I entered my room as Mona’s hands were placed on Clara’s growing belly. They laughed excitedly at something.
“What is so funny this early in the morning?” I joked.
“Oh, good morning, Your Majesty! You must feel this. Clara’s baby is moving!”
Mona pulled me closer to Clara and put my hands on her belly. A small movement inside her bumped against my hands as I tried hard not to jump in alarm.
“Wow, your child is strong, Clara!”
I had never given thought to having a child. I always knew that someday I’d marry and be expected to bear them. I had a kingdom to rule and the need for children wasn’t on my mind just yet.
I knew that before I bore a child, I would need to become a strong ruler who knew how to take care of her people first. I wasn’t sure my mother or the others in my court felt the same, but having an heir was not on my list of priorities.
“You look terrified, Queen Aurora,” Mona remarked as she pointed to my hand.
I hadn’t realized that I was shaking slightly until she pointed it out. I pulled my hand back and shook it. Clara smiled shyly as she began preparations for my training outfit.
“Clara, please do not take offense. It’s just I’ve never seen a baby before,” I told her honestly. “You’re the very first female friends I’ve ever had, and certainly the first to have a baby.”
They both laughed and Clara shrugged. “No one could possibly be as scared as I am, trust me. I’m frightened I’ll raise my baby wrong or I won’t be able to provide for it like I want to.”
Tears started to run down her cheeks as she helped me dress. Turning to face her, I hugged her tight. I had made changes to laws for just this reason, because we all lived in fear of our differences. She loved a Fae boy and not a mortal boy, still she feared for her unborn child.
“Clara, you listen to me,” I told her as I pulled away, making her look at me. “I promised you a job and that means a home for you and your baby. Where is your beau?”
She smiled and the tears stopped. “He’s working today, Your Majesty. Thanks to you, he has a job here in the castle.”
I didn’t know much about him, but I wanted to change that. I wanted these girls to start believing that they were not only my ladies in waiting but my friends, and I told them so. It seemed that old habits were hard to break. They saw a queen and couldn’t help but put me above them. But the truth was the only thing that made me any different was my title. Other than that I was just a scared girl. I was just like them.
As I entered the training grounds, I fought against the cold wind that blew in my face. My training uniform had been altered since the cold came into the kingdom, training outside only in attire that was lined in fur or thick leather. The tawny brown leather top allowed me to move freely while the tight leather pants were soft and pliable. Not as easy to walk in at first, but as I stretched they did as well. My boots were the most amazing part. They laced up to my knees and were so warm I didn’t even need stockings.
I jumped up and down to warm my core temperature and cracked my knuckles, even though Gray gave me a look of disgust.
“What, you don’t like when I do that?” I cracked them again causing her to shudder.
“Please, Aurora. There are things a warrior can handle and that is not one of them.”
She smiled at me and for the first time in forever I saw her laugh.
The last time Gray had laughed was when I was little. We were in the Fae Woods and she was teaching me about the ways a princess acts around the Fae. I wasn’t looking where I was going, so I tripped and fell, tumbling face first down a grassy hill. She ran to me, and after checking me over she held her stomach and fell into a fit of giggles. I remember laughing along with her despite how foolish I felt. I used to think that Gray was a figment of my childish imagination. She had a strange effect on my upbringing. Not strange-bad, but strange like she didn’t exist. It was like my times with her were make-believe and she was my imaginary fairy.
She was only there a small portion of the time, and when she came for such a short visit, I missed her as soon as she left. With Merryweather, Fauna, and Flora, I saw them daily, and they oversaw my whole life. But Gray was there to show me the things that my mother and father thought only she could teach me.
Things that I should fear, like the Dark Woods. The same woods that today we would venture into even though all my life she told me to never enter them. I was happy I was going to go with her by my side.
“Do you remember what you said to me all of those years ago about the Dark Woods, Graylor?” I hadn’t used her full name in a while, and it felt foreign on my lips.
She stopped and stared at me puzzled. “Aurora, I taught you many things about those woods. I never wanted to lead you to harm, just like I don’t want to take you there now.”
She picked up her sword and started to sharpen it slowly.
I knew she was hesitant, but I had to show her not to fear it. I had to prove I was ready.
“It was many years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. You said, ‘If I can teach you one thing, Aurora, it’s that you never venture somewhere like the Dark Woods without a fight in your heart. And never let anyone tell you that just because you’re a princess that you can’t be a warrior, too.’ ”
She stopped sharpening and looked up at me amused.
“Well, we know for sure how good your memory is now, don’t we?”
I rolled my eyes. She was always trying to avoid this conversation.
“No, I remember those words because I believed them. I still do. I can be a warrior, not because you told me that, because you did, but because I feel the fight inside my heart, Graylor.” I touched my chest lightly. “I feel it so badly it hurts to hold it in. I’m not that little child anymore, and I know I can be a warrior because you believed in me. Don’t you still?”
She sheathed her sword and walked slowly to me. She was still taller than I was, but I didn’t feel like she was imaginary any more. She placed her hands on my shoulders and rested her forehead on mine. She took a deep breath and said, “I believe in you more than anyone else in this kingdom, because I don’t simply have faith that you’ll do well, I know it as truth. I know nothing else, but this in my heart. You’ll run this kingdom as the greatest queen Ancora has ever seen.” She pulled back and I saw tears in her eyes. “You don’t need me to believe in you to become a warrior, Aurora, because you are already one.”
I didn’t have words to say for how thankful I was for her, so I just hugged her. She hugged me back, surprisingly, and then she pulled away and handed me a sword.
“
Now we train.”
I took my stance and readied my sword as snow began to fall.
Chapter Twenty-One
Merry
Merry shrieked as the man, what she now saw was a shapeshifter Fae, came barreling after them with a large axe. She was running now for dear life, but they couldn’t outrun him forever. She thought maybe reasoning with him would work, but after asking what he wanted, he only replied, “Your head on my plate!”
That was answer enough for her, for she knew this shapeshifter was crazy as crazy gets. Flora hurled a large apple at him and hit him square in his eye. He yelped and stopped for a second to place his hand on it which allowed enough time for Merry to push him down and give the other fairies a chance to run farther from him. He got up and growled at Merry who was backing slowly away from him. When he jumped up and shivered, she knew it was time to turn and run faster than she’d ever run before. He was shifting.
She hauled away from him as snarls began to overcome him, but she didn’t look back. She could just imagine the gruesome sight she would see as he became what his true form was.
She saw the others running into grass so high it came to their heads. She followed, not caring what lay beyond that.
“Run, little fairies, run. I’ll catch you just like I caught the owner of that cabin!”
Merry shuddered at the thought of the suffering that fairy had gone through. She couldn’t imagine. No wonder this shapeshifter had acquired a cabin there; he killed the owner and goodness knows what he did to him.
“Come on, Merry,” Flora yelled from above her head. Merry stopped to look up and saw Aiofe and Flora climbing a large tree that held what looked like a large house in its branches.
Awaken (Slumber Duology #2) Page 10