by D. E. Morris
“Mairead was here.”
Ashlynn gasped, immediately looking around the room. “Where?”
“Was,” repeated Lilia. “She left.”
“But she came?”
“She was uncomfortable despite the mask.”
“Still...” Ashlynn returned her attention to the dancing. “She has let Elas in to speak with her, even to see her scars. She came to the party. Maybe now she will let me in the see her or, at the very least, Tasarin to see if his new potion will work on her.” Neither woman had anything to say for a moment, both enthralled with the way each man and woman moved in tandem to old choreography they'd likely been taught since birth. Ashlynn spotted Cavalon and Nuala, and she giggled.
“Look at him, willing to make a fool of himself like that for his beloved.”
“He does look a fool,” Lilia muttered, making Ashlynn laugh. “It is nice to see my cousin so happy again, though. I worried for Nuala; it seemed she would never smile again for a time. Now look at her.”
The winged queen was radiant as though it were her own wedding she attended. Cavalon was gentle with her, a feat for someone so big and muscular, but sure in the way he touched her and held her close. His face was lit with as much happiness as the two women had ever seen, and it was heartwarming to see.
“May I make a suggestion?” Ashlynn asked, trying to sound casual.
“Do I even need to answer?”
“No, not really.” She looked across the room to where Rowan danced with Killian, observant of the way he moved with her and around her. He was less delicate with her than anyone else, true evidence that he knew her better than any birth father might have. He was smiling with genuine happiness, that same smile that made his eyes crinkle and took away the cloak of melancholy he seemed to always carry with him.
“Hear me out before you interrupt.”
Lilia smirked. “You know me so well.”
“I think you should give Killian a chance.” Lilia's eyes widened and she opened her mouth, but Ashlynn raised a finger to stop her from speaking. “I was able to spend some time with him in Caedia. He may look similar to Jessiah, but the two are nothing alike.”
“Yes, I am well aware that you spent time with him, as is everyone in this castle.” She frowned in annoyance. “How can you even suggest that to me? Especially after what we have gone through because of him.”
“Because of Jessiah,” Ashlynn reminded gently, “not Killian. He had nothing to do with it. Really, his life was affected because of that demon as well. He's a good man, Lilia, and I think he would make a wonderful husband. He loves Rowan with everything in him; he's selfless and kind, putting the needs of others far above his. Think of how a man like that would treat a wife who loves him.”
“I imagine he would be the perfect husband. For someone else.” Lilia stared hard at Killian, all softness from her eyes gone. “Honestly, I'm insulted you would even make such a suggestion.”
“I want you to be happy.”
“Then keep looking.” The younger woman looked at Ashlynn, her lips pressed into a thin line. “If he is everything you say he is, what about pairing him off with Mairead? Goodness knows she needs someone who won't shy away from her right now, and if his longing glances at you are any indication-”
“Ah, here is my wife!” Seemingly oblivious of the tension between the two women or purposefully ignorant of it, Jaryn slid up behind them and wrapped his arms around Ashlynn, kissing her cheek. “I'm so happy to see the two of you getting on again.” Both of them gave very small smiles but said nothing. After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Jaryn looked down at Ashlynn. “Right, well, how about a dance, love?”
The offer brought a more genuine smile to her lips. “Nothing would make me happier.” Lilia bowed her head out of respect before they passed, hand in hand, on their way to the dance floor. Just as they reached their chosen spot, Rowan ducked under their arms, sweeping a stick back and forth before her to keep herself from running into anyone.
“And where are you going?” asked Jaryn with a laugh.
“I'm tired of dancing. I'm going to go play with the babies for a while, then go to bed.”
“Rest well, little mermaid,” called Ashlynn. She slid her free hand into Jaryn's to pull him close for a kiss. Taking one hand back to grab her skirts, she curtsied to her husband as he bowed to her, then pressed her palm to his to begin a dance they knew well.
The evening carried on with much music, laughter, and dancing. Though Ashlynn was more often found on the sidelines, trying to ignore the pain in her back from so much time on her feet, she enjoyed watching her friends and family all together once more. Jaryn was sensitive to the way his wife was feeling and often made her sit and rest when it became obvious she was getting tired. Every once in awhile, however, she would convince him to dance with her. He had never been one to deny her much and took any opportunity to hold her close.
“Why is it,” he asked as they danced together again, “most of this evening has put you and Lilia on opposite sides of the room?” His eyes went to a group of young ladies where Lilia and Zarra stood engaged in conversation with girls closer to their own age, scanning the room for eligible bachelors and laughing together. “I thought you said your relationship was on the road to recovery.”
Ashlynn sighed dramatically. “It was...until I opened my mouth about the wrong thing. Again. I seem to be developing a bad habit.”
Jaryn couldn't help but grin. “Welcome to my world.”
Ashlynn shook her head. “I'm so sorry, Jaryn. I know I have been overly sensitive.”
“You're also pregnant, my love. I am much more forgiving of your temper when you are carrying my child.”
The conversation paused as partners shifted, but there was laughter in Ashlynn's eyes even as she was swept away by other men. When she was finally reunited with her husband, she picked up the conversation as though they had never parted. “So what you're telling me is that if I want grace, I need to be pregnant as often as possible.”
Laughing, Jaryn threw his head back. “No, thank you. I want a big family, but not that big.” He spun her once, then wrapped an arm around her waist and deftly lifted, turning and setting her down on the other side of him. “Really, what happened between you and Lilia?”
“I may have tried to convince her to give Killian a chance.”
“Ashlynn...”
“I know! Jaryn, there is something wrong with me.”
“There is nothing wrong with you but that you are terrible at matching people up. You have supreme happiness with me and only want others to have the same.”
She giggled as she pressed her palm to his again and circled him. “Yes, that must be it.” As she pressed her other palm to Jaryn's and circled him yet again, she noticed his attention going over her head, making her turn to look as well. She spotted Killian standing at the edge of the onlookers. As soon as she looked his way, he turned away.
“It seems you have an admirer.”
Returning her attention to Jaryn, she raised a brow. “Who, Killian? Hardly.”
“My darling, a man does not bring a prize horse to a woman for whom he has no affections.”
As partners switched yet again, she was left to mull over what Jaryn meant, all the while smiling and pretending to be having the best time with whichever man had her for a moment. By the time she reached Jaryn again, the dance was over. Everyone bowed and curtsied to one another before turning to do the same to Jaryn and Ashlynn. With her hand on his, he escorted her to her throne to rest, then took up his own. A new song began, bringing more people out to dance. Ashlynn looked at her husband with a furrowed brow. “What did you mean by that? He didn't bring me Snow Steps, Tasarin and Luella were trading him and let Killian have him when they heard of my bond with the horse.”
Jaryn shook his head, his expression placid. “There was no trade but what Killian gave them for the animal.”
“What?”
“Our soon-to-be Master of
Horse knew how much you loved Snow Steps and purchased him for you. That was why he stayed behind, I suspect, to negotiate a fair price.”
For once in her life, Ashlynn was speechless. She looked over the heads of those moving across the floor before her to where she last saw Killian. He had moved farther back into the crowd but was still visible. When he noticed Ashlynn looking at him, he gave a polite bow of his head before turning and purposefully engaging someone in conversation. With a furrowed brow, Ashlynn looked to Jaryn. “Why would he do that? Why would he bring me a horse?”
“It is not to garner favor.” Jaryn reached over to lay his hand atop Ashlynn's, squeezing gently. “I have seen that look in many a man before. He is not out to deceive you or bring you harm. He only wants to please you.”
“And what does he think he will get in return?”
The question made Jaryn shrug. “Perhaps a bit more kindness from you, perhaps nothing at all. It could simply be his way of thanking you for loving Rowan as you do and treating her as your own.” Pausing, Jaryn feigned disappointment. “Though if that were the case, I should be sorely discontented in his lack of gratitude in my direction.”
“This isn't a joke, Jaryn.”
“I know it isn't, and I know you questioned my appointment of his station and probably do even more now. Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do.” She turned her hand so she could lace her fingers with Jaryn's. “The question is, do you trust me? The rumors...”
Turning in his seat, Jaryn pulled her hand to him and kissed her knuckles. “No rumors could ever make me doubt your love for me.”
“Good.” Ashlynn leaned over, pulling Jaryn to meet her halfway so she could kiss him. “There is no man who would ever hold my heart the way you do.”
“You say that now, but things can change.” His tone was teasing, but he glanced at the dancing couples and inclined his head. Ashlynn followed his gaze again to find a couple together that made a grin light her face. Among the crowd, Wessely, dressed in a rich black and gold jerkin, danced with a young woman in a red and gold gown, both of them wearing beaded masks. If Ashlynn didn't know Cailin as well as she did, she wouldn't have known it was she with whom her father danced.
“Look at that,” Ashlynn breathed, sitting properly in her seat. “I haven't seen my father smiling like that in quite some time. And Cailin in a dress! Will wonders never cease?”
“Leave them alone, Cupid. The Giver may have other plans for them.”
Ashlynn laughed. “Hush, you. My days of matchmaking are over.”
Jaryn raised a brow. “You gave up too easily. I don't trust you.”
“My feelings would be wounded if you didn't know me so well.” She fell silent, content to watch as everyone moved about, laughter a constant harmony to the music being played. There was so much love in the way Kenayde and Elas looked at one another, even when there were others talking to them. There was not a single day she could remember since her return several years ago from Oceana that there had been such joy in the air, such weightlessness.
“Is it wrong of me to want my family to stay here?”
Jaryn glanced at her, his own attention captured by other things happening in the massive room. “Explain family; that word seems to have embraced those not of blood relation these past few years.”
“I mean my father, my sister, and Elas. I don't want them to leave. In my perfect world they would rebuild Oceana but stay at Altaine.” She frowned. “I know that isn't realistic. Neither is it realistic for me to want everyone else I love so dearly to stay close.”
“That doesn't make the want go away, though.” Jaryn gave her a smile of empathy. “I know. I have so enjoyed my time with Misuzu since she's been here, and I love each and every time Cavalon and Nuala visit with Lucien. Were we simple farmers we could all live that life, but that was not what was intended for us. We must simply cherish the time we have with them right now.”
A new song was beginning to play, something lively and quick in tempo. Jaryn's words repeated themselves over in Ashlynn's head and she nodded, breaking into a slow smile. “Yes,” she agreed after a moment, “we must cherish this time.” Gathering her skirts, she hastened down the few steps that elevated the thrones from the rest of the room and grabbed the hands of Nuala, Cailin, Luella, Kenayde, Lilia, and Zarra, pulling them out into the middle of the floor. She beckoned for Misuzu to join and the younger woman tried to refuse with an embarrassed smile and a shake of her head. Ashlynn, however, would not take no for an answer and pulled her along anyway, saying they needed even numbers.
The eight women formed a circle, all facing inward. They watched Ashlynn counting the beat with a bob of her head, then sidestepped in a circular motion at her signal, Misuzu only a second behind, sidestepping back as the crowd began clapping along. Four of the girls broke from the circle to meet in the middle with a hop and a clap. When they returned to the outer circle, the other four met in the middle in the same fashion.
Cavalon, giving no thought or care to societal rules, ascended the steps to the royal thrones and took up the spot vacated by Ashlynn, lounging back as though it were his rightful place. He and Jaryn watched the women with smiles, clapping along and agreeing they were both pretty lucky as far as their choices in wives went. They laughed, too, when Misuzu stepped the wrong way or moved just a step too late, new in learning the dance, but also clearly enjoying herself. All eight of the women giggled and laughed, moving around in an almost solid group.
No one was able to hear the baleful cry high above Altaine, but the effect of it was unavoidable, it was so close. Men and women froze in their actions and conversations, many of them doubling over from the rush of adrenaline to their systems. The music faltered and stopped as two of the musicians dropped their instruments. Cailin, Kenayde, and Ashlynn were among those nearly incapacitated by the sound that could now be heard coming in through the open windows. As Jaryn rushed to his wife and others tried to help as best as they could in their confusion, armed guards charged into the room, searching for their king.
“There is a shadow over Altaine,” one of them cried. “Dragons! Hordes of dragons!”
Cavalon and Misuzu wasted no time. Without even a look of communication between them, they hurried from the throne room, barking orders at the guards. Luella was close behind, leading a wave of people out into the bailey in time to see the two lighter Elementals take to the sky. They stood a stark contrast to the living black cloud above them. Without a second thought, Luella hurried away from the crowds and shifted as well. Almost as soon as she did, the flute-like sound stopped and the dark formation high above broke.
Dragons rained from the sky, all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Many of the wedding guests screamed and surged back toward the entrance to the castle from which they'd come, in their panic creating hysterical congestion and causing the flow of people to slow and come to a near standstill. Figures jumped from the backs of the dragons, covered in all black leather and furs but for their eyes, drawing weapons to fight.
Inside, those who had been immobilized by the sound were struggling to gain control of themselves again. Cailin rushed to an open window as soon as she found her legs and climbed up onto the sill. She started to shift before jumping and disappearing into the night. Ashlynn hurried to her sister once she felt able to move, worried for her, but Kenayde simply sat on the floor, breathing heavily as Elas held her. When she looked at Ashlynn, there was no fear or confusion on her face, only anger. It was the look of someone who had experienced something like this before and was not taken off guard, but wanted to fight back.
The screams from outside went up like a chorus, giving those inside no time to make sure everyone still within the castle was all right. Though many were trying to get back inside Altaine, Ashlynn sped for the exit to the bailey with Jaryn, her sister and Elas close behind. Before they could push their way through those trying to get back in, one of the larger windows in the throne room broke and several small dragon
s shot through like arrows, their riders dismounting like acrobats and taking off down different hallways. Elas shifted quickly and launched himself into the fray, taking on a yellow dragon that was nearly twice his size. Another dragon, a small wingless black one, scrambled for the terrified musicians, grabbing their instruments in its sharp teeth and crushing them like dry bones. Jaryn drew his sword and rushed forward to defend before Ashlynn could stop him.
More dragons and their riders flew in, prompting Ashlynn to act quickly. She looked toward the crowd just outside the throne room, now frenzied in knowing nowhere was safe and scattering in hopes of escape. With determination, she bolted forward toward one of the men hurrying away. When she grabbed the hilt of the sword strapped to his belt, he looked as though he might attack her in his fearful state, but Ashlynn was too quick and pulled the sword free before he could react. She rushed back into the room in time to see Elas tossed into the wall by his opponent. The water dragon hit hard enough to send mounted portraits tumbling to the ground, their frames splintering as his body landed heavily on top of them. He shook his head vigorously, then flew at the yellow dragon again.
“Ashlynn!” yelled Kenayde from the other side of the room. She'd pulled one of the decorative swords from the wall and gripped it in two hands, unable to wield it properly due to its size and her lack of training. One of the riders was desperately trying to overtake her, but Kenayde had managed to avoid the blows so far. Ashlynn ran, inserting herself between her sister and the attacker in black as he raised his sword, bringing her own up to block the swing. Kenayde stumbled back as her sister took over the fight, looking around the room in a panic.