by D. E. Morris
Jaryn snorted. “Not the type you'd envision Cavalon falling for, or falling for Cavalon, eh? They're wonderful together, though. They visit frequently and bring Lucien, who gets on like a brother with Lochlainn.”
“That fills my heart with so much joy.” Misuzu looked past Jaryn to the open window he'd been standing at when she entered, her eyes full of sweet sadness. “My mother loved him so very much. I can just see her lighting up at the knowledge that he is happy and part of a family.”
“I can see it, too,” Jaryn admitted, “because I see your mother every time I look at you.”
This brought tears to Misuzu's eyes. She pressed her hands together and brought them to her lips, whispering, “Thank you.” She let her hands fall to her lap and looked down. “I have often thought of choosing a mate as well. I am not lonely or in need of companionship. In fact, I rather like being on my own, but I know how quickly things can change, and how we Elementals must always be aware of the constant danger that surrounds us. If I were to pass without a child to leave my gift to, the Air Element would be lost.”
“I hate that you have to look at it that way.”
Misuzu nodded. “So do I, but we must do what must be done.” She lifted her head, a smile on her lips once more. “It is good that Nealie had Rowan.”
“It is indeed. Fate has played in our favor in that situation, it would seem. I know how much my wife loves our son; she would give her life for him if it were required, but she and Rowan have the special bond that I have only seen between a mother and daughter.”
“How does her father feel about that?”
“He doesn't seem to mind it, really, which is lucky for him. If it wasn't for Rowan, he would have been sent away months ago.”
Misuzu gave a small shrug. “I can't say that I would blame Ashlynn.”
“Wait until he comes back from Caedia. I'll introduce you.”
She narrowed one eye at Jaryn. “No trying to set me up.”
This made Jaryn laugh heartily. “No, that would be my wife's job.”
After Hideo had succeeded in making him angrier than he had been in a long time, Jaryn appreciated the moments of laughter. When he said as much out loud, Misuzu easily agreed, but the levity didn't remain on her face for much longer. She still had questions about the much more serious subjects, the ones Jaryn hastily explained and moved on from, the mentioned book, especially.
“My mother never hid anything from me, not even the fact that she used my father simply to help her conceive me and nothing more. I have always known there were those in the world that believed immortality came from drinking the blood of a dragon. Hearing some of Ashlynn's theories, it makes me wonder if our blood is not only coveted for eternal life, but also its power.”
“As in magic.”
Misuzu nodded. “What if someone was trying to bring someone back from death?”
Jaryn scowled. “That's on my list.” Getting up, Jaryn went to his desk and pulled out a notebook he'd begun writing his notes and observations in. “Luella and Ashlynn have wondered if your blood loses its power once it leaves your body as well, thus explaining why Ashlynn's recovery was so slow.” He sat down and flipped to an empty page, pausing to think before looking at Misuzu. “If it was either Tadhg or Merrik looking to make some sort of a magical concoction from the blood, that would make sense. I have wondered if that may have been what Tadhg was really doing when he was alive – the true reason why he hunted the Elementals to begin with and not to simply stop them all from gathering together. Maybe he wasn't afraid of the return of the Great Dragon, brought on by all of the Elementals being reunited, but was only using that as a rouse so as not to garner any competition in collecting the blood of the Elementals. With Merrik being as close to him as he was, it would make sense that he picked up where Tadhg left off.” Tilting his head, Jaryn scratched his chin. “Or I could be completely off base. So much of it is conjecture at this point.” He picked up his journal and returned to Misuzu, flipping pages back as he went before handing it to her. “I found out Nir and Siobhán began looking for the Elementals just weeks before Tadhg, and I believe they were looking for all of the eleven others...well, ten, since we found out Nealie was with them for a time.”
“Ashlynn's birth parents?” She took the proffered journal, curious.
“Yes. Tasarin and I were trying to understand why. He was steward here while Nir was on the throne. He knows everything that happened with Nir before and after he met and married Siobhán. He said they were very careful about who they sought information from and shared it with, knowing if the wrong people found out about what they were up to, it would be their undoing. He never knew why they were searching for the Elementals, only that they were.”
“Interesting.” Without asking permission, Misuzu flipped a page in Jaryn's journal and read what was written. “You have pages you believe belong to the sought after book?”
“A few, actually.” Jaryn rose once more to fetch the box containing the worn parchment. “I wonder if Nir and Siobhán also sought the book. What if the spell for resurrection was within?” His voice grew higher in excitement. “Misuzu, we may have just stumbled upon something!”
She chuckled, still reading through his journal. “Try not to get too excited yet. As you said, this is all conjecture right now.” When Jaryn came back with the box, she traded him the notebook to carefully examine each scroll. “These are very old.”
“Old enough so that not even Badru or Cavalon recognized much. Ashlynn knew a few of these runes, but even with all three of them they couldn't piece much together.”
“The edges are torn. It would make sense that they came from a book, and the old mages used to write their spells in runes similar to these.” She bit her lip in thought, eventually looking at Jaryn. “May I hold onto these, perhaps even ask my father about them? There are one or two people who might know something about them in my country, but Takashiri scholars boast much more knowledge of the past than anywhere else I know.”
Jaryn hesitated. “What if your father learns what you are through this?”
“I will be careful, and if it is in the Giver's plan that he should find out this way, then so be it.”
Chapter Ten
“I've never been to a wedding,” Rowan announced, bouncing along beside Ashlynn, their hands clasped together. “Tell me all about them. What was your wedding like?”
Ashlynn was taking advantage of a small window of time when Kenayde was occupied with something she didn't need her sister for and no new guests were scheduled to arrive. The sun was high, Lochlainn was napping, and Rowan was full of unspent energy. She devised a game where the two of them would walk the halls and see how many different accents they could count, trying to each name the country and region. It had been great fun at first, but then Rowan decided she wanted to go outside in the melting snow. They walked the parapets together, the little girl ecstatic at being able to see so much through the power of her Element.
“My wedding was small and lovely. Kenayde's wedding will be grand and something to be talked about for years.” Though Kenayde wasn't one to enjoy being the center of attention for very long, she was kind enough to indulge her sister and let her make this wedding more of a celebration than Ashlynn's own wedding had been. “You can expect dancing, lots of food, music...”
“I wish I could see the dresses somehow. There will be so many lovely ones, I'm sure!”
“I wish you could, too, heartling. Just remember, you get to see so many things the rest of us cannot. What I would not give to see all the beautiful, brightly colored fish in the sea - creatures those of us on land can only dream about! You, my little mermaid, make me jealous of your gifts sometimes.”
Rowan giggled. “I do?”
“You do. Jealousy is not only for children, you know.” Ashlynn shivered. “How about we head inside now? I know Elas could stay out here with you all day, but I seem to get colder faster than he does.”
“So do I,” admit
ted Rowan. She lifted their clasped hands and did a little twirl, her dress swirling in the soggy snow under their feet. “Can I dance at the wedding?”
“There is no reason not to.” Ashlynn spun her again as they approached an entrance into the castle. “It is a celebration, after all. Who knows? You may find a young suitor among the nobles in attendance.”
“I'm never getting married.” The statement was lofty, yet somehow still rather matter-of-fact. “I'll have a child or two like I know I have to, but I want to be free to come and go as I please, to swim for days if I want or to travel to undiscovered places.”
Ashlynn smirked. “Ah, to have the ideals of a nine-year-old.”
They rounded a corner once inside and bumped into someone carrying an armful of linens. With a sharp, “Ooh!” the colorful patterned fabrics fell to the floor in a great heap, leaving the woman carrying them downcast and irritated.
“I am terribly sorry,” Ashlynn began. “Please, let me help you...” She drew up short, realizing who she'd run into. “Lilia.”
Lilia's colorful wings fluttered in annoyance, her lips pressed into a thin line. She avoided Ashlynn's gaze and, instead, gave a demure curtsy. “There is nothing to apologize for, Your Majesty. I should have been looking where I was going.”
The formality in the younger woman's words broke Ashlynn's heart. “Lilia, it was my fault. We should not have rushed around that corner like we did.”
“Hi, Lilia!”
The exuberant greeting from the little redheaded girl brought a genuine smile to Lilia's face, removing the harshness from her usually smooth and sweet features. “Hello, Rowan. Are you excited for the party?”
“Yes! My new dress will be ready just in time. Ashlynn said it's white and gold, and she's letting me wear one of her necklaces.”
“Those colors will be striking on you, no doubt.”
Ashlynn squeezed Rowan's hand. “How about you let my ladies take you to my room and help you pick out some jewelry right now?” Glancing over her shoulder, Ashlynn nodded to Zarra. “Perhaps Zarra will even be kind enough to put a damp cloth on the things you favor for a moment so you can see what it looks like.”
Zarra hastened forward and slid her hand into Rowan's free one. “I think that can be arranged.”
Rowan's grip on Ashlynn's hand tightened. “Won't you come, too?”
“I will be right along, I promise.” She bent to kiss Rowan's fingers. “Go on now.” Reluctantly, Rowan let go of Ashlynn and followed Zarra down the hall. The darker-skinned girl gave Lilia a pleading look before she was gone, Ashlynn's other two ladies trailing behind. Now as alone in the hallways as they could be, Lilia clasped her hands before her and kept her gaze downward. It both hurt and frustrated Ashlynn. She let go of a quiet huff. “Are we still doing this?”
“I am uncertain as to your meaning, Your Majesty.”
“You know very well-” Ashlynn cut herself off, her voice rising, drawing attention of nearby courtiers. Determined, she took Lilia by the arm and pulled her farther down a different hall, one less used and a bit more private. “You know my meaning, Lilia.”
Angrily, Lilia finally looked at her, brown eyes narrowed. “I was on my way to your sister with that fabric, I will have you know. How dare you run into me and make me drop them on this disgusting floor for starters, and now pull me away like some common servant to give a private verbal lashing? Though I may be at your sister's beck and call, I am still a lady in my own right and deserve to be treated as such!”
If her words were meant to further anger Ashlynn, it certainly didn't work. The older woman only tilted her head, a brow raised and a hint of a smile on her lips. “I am sorry for running into you...then again, maybe I am not.”
Somehow, the statement only raised ire in Lilia. She clenched her fists at her sides and gave an unladylike growl. “Is that all you have to say to me? After all this time? You're sorry for running into me and then - wait - maybe you're glad you made me drop what I was carrying.”
“Do not put words in my mouth, Lilia, and watch your tone. I apologize for making you drop the linens and for delaying you on your way to my sister. No doubt she is already in such a tizzy over everything else that your absence won't be noticed right away. I certainly am not sorry that this has happened, however, if it has gotten you speaking to me.”
“I am not speaking, I am yelling!”
Ashlynn regarded her with a calm expression, her hands folded before her. “Yes, I am quite aware of that, as is anyone else within hearing distance.” As if to prove her point, she glanced in the direction from which they had come to see several heads poking around the corner. As soon as they realized they'd been spotted, all of them quickly disappeared.
With a sigh of defeat, Lilia pursed her lips and glared at Ashlynn. “What do you want from me?”
“I want you to talk to me. Lilia, I miss you terribly. I know you are still angry and you have every right to be.”
“Of course I am angry with you!” Checking herself to keep her voice from rising again, Lilia shifted on her feet. “You nearly let me marry a man who was not even a man at all. You used me like a chess piece to get closer to him, all the while suspecting he was not who he said he was. You let me develop real feelings for Jessiah when he was also using me to get closer to you!” Angry tears filled her eyes, her brows drawn tightly together. “How long would you have let it go on if things hadn't ended the way they did? Would you have let me marry him?” When Ashlynn was silent, she stomped her foot like an impatient little girl. “Answer me!”
“I would,” Ashlynn revealed quietly. “If it would have made Jessiah feel more secure in his position here, then yes, I would have allowed the marriage to take place. I know it is not the answer you wish to hear, Lilia, and for that I truly am sorry. I know I betrayed your trust in me and broke your heart. You have no idea how it broke mine, but the safety of the kingdom was at hand and that will always come first and foremost.” Lilia looked down, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her sadness and betrayal, and it made Ashlynn feel guilty. “Sometimes I forget how young you still are. I forgot it then, as well, and in doing so, I placed a burden upon you which never should have been yours to bear. There was little time to think and I knew how eager you were to find love. I had to take advantage of that, even if it meant an unhappy ending.”
With tears shining on her face, Lilia met Ashlynn's eyes and shook her head. “He got too comfortable with his position here and because of it, he almost killed you. Do you not understand what that would have done to me? You were the first person who ever took an interest in me. I wasn't a daughter whose love you had to buy, or a bargaining chip for marriage for men with better lands and more money for my family. Yes, I was your lady, but you loved me. You cared for me.”
“I still do. I always did.”
“Then why did you let him get that close?”
Without warning, she launched herself at Ashlynn and wrapped her arms around her, sobbing into her shoulder. Ashlynn stood frozen by surprise for a moment, but as Lilia broke down, she slowly took the younger woman into a strong, loving embrace. “I'm sorry,” she whispered, stroking Lilia's silky brown hair. “I am so sorry.”
“You can't leave me, Ashlynn. You just can't.”
“I won't. I promise.” She squeezed Lilia tightly, aware there were a few heads around the corner once more. “Come now,” she whispered, loud enough for Lilia's ears only, “we've got an audience.”
Swiftly, Lilia pulled back and swiped at the tears on her face. “I'm sorry. I've made such a spectacle.”
“You always were good at that.” The two women looked at each other and Lilia laughed thickly. “Please forgive me, Lilia. For all of it. I was unfair to you and I promise not to let it happen again.”
“I do forgive you, but I will still need time.”
“Of course.” Ashlynn pulled a kerchief from her bodice and handed it over. “I always knew you and I shared a special bond, but I did not realize you w
ould be more angry with me dying than letting you marry a demon.”
Lilia laughed once again, drying her face. “I don't know that I would say more, but close to equal. I understand your choices about Jessiah and me now, I only wish I had been in on them.”
“You should have been.” She inclined her head down the hallway. “You should get those linens to Kenayde.” Nodding, Lilia walked beside Ashlynn as though an equal. “Do you enjoy being one of my sister's ladies?”
“I do. She has always been kind to me, kinder than you, I would wager, because she lacks your sarcasm.” Ashlynn chuckled. “It has been nice, though.”
“I am glad.”
“I do not suppose you would want me back.”
Ashlynn's answering smile was warm. “Of course I would, but Kenayde is getting married. She needs all the help she can get right now.”
“And you have got 'Dim' and 'Dimmer.'”
“Is that what you call my new ladies? I cannot believe you came up with those dreadful names.”
Reaching the abandoned fabric, Lilia scooped it up and gave a crooked grin. “I was trying to make Mairead laugh.”
“Did it work?”
The smiled faded and Lilia shook her head. “I wish I knew.”
Ashlynn frowned. “I entertained the idea of having a mask made for her, but then realized no one has ever seen her scars. She would need to let the mask maker in to see her in order to make a proper one for her.”
“I cannot see that happening.”
“Neither can I. Elas agreed to try to speak with her. I have been praying every moment that she allows him in.” One of Jaryn's squires was coming up the stairs and the two women moved to the side to let him pass. When he reached them, however, he bowed and focused on Ashlynn.
“Your Majesty, High King Jaryn requests you join him in the southern bailey. Killian O'Cleary has returned.”
Ashlynn's brows twitched together in a moment of confusion, yet her answer was confident. “Thank you, I will be right there. Please send someone to my rooms to let Rowan know that her father has returned.” Both she and Lilia waited until the boy had gone before Lilia raised a brow.