Once

by Alyson Serena Stone

  Dak turned so they were facing each other. He gently placed his hands on her waist. When she didn't turn away, he started to move in time with the faint music from the ballroom. Ryanon did have to admit that he was a good dancer, but she wasn't sure why she was letting him dance with her. They were supposed to hate each other, right?

  "Where did you learn to this?" Ryanon asked as they twirled around again. It was taking everything she had just to match his prefect movements.

  "I grew up in a castle, so where do you think?" Dak whispered.

  "I didn't know they still taught you these things." Ryanon found herself getting closer to him with each movement.

  "No, it was all my father." He lifted her up, like the other men had been doing in the hall. "My mother still wanted me to have all the skills necessary to live at court."

  "Why did she never stop your father?"

  Dak shrugged. "You know my father. Do you really think anyone has a chance against him? It's like going up against Nightstone."

  "I guess."

  Inside the music stopped, but they did not stop moving. Ryanon guessed that you really didn't need music to dance. It was a nice extra touch, but two people moving together was an even better experience. They really did fit together; they just seemed to know where each other was going to be before the other even knew.

  "How long can you stay out before they start missing you?" Ryanon asked.

  "My men know better than to come looking for me," Dak replied.

  "Why do call them men? They aren't all men."

  Dak shrugged. "Fair enough, but it doesn't sound as good to call them men and women. However, there's really not a lot of women and they don't actually do any of the fighting. They mostly work in intelligence." His eyes narrowed. "Why are we even having this discussion?"

  Ryanon twirled out away from him. "I don't know. It's always a good time to have this discussion."

  "I guess." He smiled as she twirled back into him. "I suppose it really doesn't matter who I have in the guard as long as they can fight and follow orders. Maybe that's why I can't have you. You can't fight."

  Ryanon kicked at his knee. "Maybe you shouldn't be in the guard either, because I'm pretty sure that I best you in all of our training sessions."

  "I see you're getting full of yourself."

  "And I see that being captain has gone to your head."

  They stared at each other, breathing hard.

  A few people were staring to come out into the garden.

  "I think we'd better go our own ways," Ryanon muttered, looking as couples waltzed closer. "We don't want them to get any wrong ideas."

  Dak moved away from her. "Yes, we should. The king will probably be looking for me."

  Ryanon nodded. "Well, then, good night, Dak."

  He turned. "Good night, Ryanon."

  The snow was starting to fall harder as he walked away. She didn't even bother to wipe it out of her hair. She stood there letting the faint music warm her.

  On Yule Morning, Ryanon woke later than usual. It had been late when she arrived back at the Guild last night and it had taken her several hours to actually calm herself down.

  She stretched with a big smile on her face. She was never going to tell Aliss how much fun she had last night. If she did that, Aliss would be dragging her to every social event under the sun.

  She pulled on her dressing grown as she peered out the window. The snow was still falling on the empty street. It seemed so odd not to see anyone about. They must all be with their families, enjoying the rare day off. Family was nothing more than a distant memory. She really couldn't even remember it.

  Turning away from the window, Ryanon made her way across the room and downstairs. She had thought it would be fun to have the guild to herself, but now, that Yule was actually here, it was kind of depressing.

  Really depressing.

  She lowered herself down into an empty chair near the fireplace. There were presents for her under the tree, but she didn't feel like opening them yet or throwing some logs onto the fire. She was actually alone on her favourite day of the year.

  Well, this was not going to do. She was not about to sit around and be all depressed about this. There was plenty of ways to enjoy the day all by herself.

  She just had to think of them.

  It wasn't until she heard someone knocking at the front door did she actually move. Grabbing one of the many daggers in the main room, she crept over to it. One could never be careful when it came to answering the front door.

  Rechecking her grip on the knife, she opened the door.

  "Well, that took you long enough." Dak marched past her. His cloak was covered in a large dusting of snow. "Did you really have to grab the knife?"

  Ryanon's eyes narrowed. "I haven't decided if I'm going to use it yet or not."

  Dak reached his cloak, handing a small package to Ryanon. "I was here to give you a present and, yet, you are thinking about killing me."

  Ryanon looked at the small package. He had actually gotten her a gift. Granted, she had one for him under the tree, but she always got everything something for everyone for Yule. She always thought it was shame for anyone to go without a little joy on Yule.

  "Yours is under the tree."

  He smiled. "And you got me something as well."

  Ryanon followed him into the main room. "Well, I always get everyone something." She knelt down in front of the tree, digging around for his small package. "Here."

  Dak took it as she stood up. They both just stood there, holding their small packages, unsure of what to say to each other.

  "There are a bunch of people skating on the moat," Dak said. "I thought that maybe you would want to go."

  Ryanon looked down at her current state of dress. "I really don't think I'm dressed right again."

  "Go ahead and change."

  "What about your family?"

  "They're having a lie in. It will be hours before they decide to make an appearance."

  Ryanon felt a smile forming on her face. "Well, I suppose, I will go up and change, then we can go skating." It really was kind of hard for her to keep her voice calm. She almost did run out of room.

  It took them a total of fifteen minutes to be ready to go and get to the castle, but not before Ryanon grabbed two objects that she knew Dak was going to hate. One of which, he could see as they left the house, but he didn't say a word.

  They stood several minutes in a hill overlooking the castle. The ice was covered in people, some of whom were very good shakers, while others were struggling to remain upright for more than a few seconds. The laughter and the careful environment made it seem like no one cared about looking like a fool.

  Ryanon bent down and picked up a stick, which she poked Dak with.

  "Hey!" Dak made a move to grab the stick from her, but she danced just right out of his grip. "You are going to pay for that!"

  She smiled. "Well, I do actually have another surprise for you." She reached in her cloak and pulled out the other object she had grabbed.

  "Give me that!" Dak reached for the camera just as Ryanon snapped a picture of him.

  Frowning, she studied the picture. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to smile."

  Dak's eyes narrowed as she picked up a stick and lowered herself down onto the sled. Holding the camera up, she snapped a picture of herself holding the stick. "There, happy?" Ryanon asked.

  Dak just crossed his arms over his chest.

  Ryanon patted the empty seat behind her. "Just get on. You really don't want to walk all the way down there, do you?"

  Sighing, Dak climbed on behind her. "You better not wreck."

  Ryanon just smiled over her shoulder. "Now, would I ever do something like that?"

  "Just get going."

  Ryanon kicked off and they went flying down over the hill.

  Today there could be laughter and freedom, but soon the magic would end and they would have to go back to the real world. However, there would still always be
time to get under Dak's skin.

  She smiled as she steered toward a snow bank, ignoring Dak's protests. Well, he never said anything around going through one of those.

  Chapter Fourteen: After the Ball

  Dak lowered himself into his desk chair, staring out into the newly falling snow. He was actually glad Yule was over and they could return to some sense of normalcy. Many people were actually depressed to see the holidays come to an end, but going back to normal was what Dak liked. He hated having to pretend that everything was just peachy in the castle. He really didn't get why his father was putting on such an act for Queen Amberfall's sake, since it was pretty clear that she could see right through them.

  Dak slowly flipped through the few reports on his desk. The investigation into Lord Lowis Goldspire’s murder was still underway and he had no idea how he was going to get the focus off of that. Ryanon was still wanted for questioning. Plus, Duke Wymond Cragshield had received a death threat this morning. After one quick look at the note, Dak could tell Azur had written it.

  Now, there was this mess with Trelia to deal with. The king was just simply mental for thinking Vicar had the power to end the curse and to kill the king of Trelia...Well, he didn't even want to think about that. There was also the matter of his mother's request for his father. Though she had sort of let up on it, Dak knew she wanted the job to be done eventually.

  He leaned back further into his chair. Sled riding with Ryanon on Yule Morning had actually taken the stress off. She had felt so right between his legs, it was like their bodies were supposed to be together. Every time she looked at him, it just sent chills down his body.

  This day just kept getting better and better. First, the murders, and now he was thinking about Ryanon in ways that he should not be.

  This called for a hard day's worth of training.

  Juel shot Dak an dark look as the men rounded the field house yet again. Even though Dak could feel his muscles burning, begging him to stop, he still pressed on. Beside him, Juel was all but gasping for air. Dak really didn't care. Ryanon was still in his head and they would keep going until she left.

  "Are you trying to kill us?" Juel snapped, as they ran another half kilometre or so.

  Dak narrowed his eyes. "We need to train for the mission. We don't know what kind of threats we are going to face."

  Juel rolled his eyes. He was one of the few guard who was fully aware of the Trelian mission. "I think we have more pressing matters here at home we should be taking care of. We still have a murder mystery to solve and we cannot take the threat lightly."

  "And this is also just as important. Would you rather train now or this afternoon?"

  "Maybe this afternoon there won't be as much damn ice," Juel muttered as yet another guard fell on ice. "If you keep this up, you aren't going to have anyone left to go to Trelia."

  Dak pressed forward. "The king wants the best and we are going to give him the best. If they cann't run on something as basic as snow and ice, then they have no business in trying to break through the thorn barriers."

  Juel just shook his head. "You really are trying to kill us." He smiled. "So, who is she?"

  Dak narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

  Juel slowed down his pace. "The girl you disappeared with at the ball. It's been awhile since I've saw you look at a girl like that." He paused, frowning. "Never, I guess."

  Dak rounded on his friend. "How did you know about that?"

  "You are the one who doubled up the men, which by the way, where did the idea of a public ball even come from? We had very little warning."

  "Don't change the subject." Dak pulled Juel away from the group.

  A few of the guard members stopped running as they came up behind them, looking kind of relieved. "Keep going!" The guard members' faces fell as they took off on yet another long lap through the harsh grounds.

  Juel smirked. "So, she must be someone to get you acting like this."

  Dak's eyes narrowed. "Are you the only one who saw anything?" His voice was hard.

  "I don't know. I haven't heard any of the others talking about it." Juel paused. "It's not a big deal, Dak. Everyone falls for someone at some point in their life. It only shows that you do actually have a human side."

  Dak's eyes drifted up toward the castle. They were right underneath the king's quarters. Even though the windows were sealed shut against the winter's chill, he could still sense something up there. Juel's eyes followed Dak's gaze.

  Dak looked away from the window. "Look, just make sure word doesn't get out. We don't need any slipups right now."

  Juel nodded. “I still don’t see why you don’t want them to as you as human. It may get them to like you more.”

  Dak rolled his eyes. “I suggest you shut your mouth before I give you even more laps.”

  Juel just smirked. “No, you won't, because then it would be pretty obvious that I know something about you.”

  “Go ahead and try it.” Dak ducked his head as a group of giggling noble ladies walked past them. They looked both young men over before turning and whispering amongst themselves. Dak really had no idea why they would be out and about on such a cold day.

  Juel smirked at Dak. “Well, now, I think training just got a little more interesting.”

  Dak bit the inside of his mouth. “Maybe they are just out for a morning stroll.”

  Juel snorted. “I doubt it. You could have your pick of any of them and, yet, you act like you really could care less. Do you swing for the other team? I’m pretty sure I could find you someone.”

  Dak shoved Juel forward. “I’m pretty sure that unless you get running, there isn’t going to be a job for you here.”

  “Oh, did I hit a nerve?” Juel called as he took off in the opposite direction.

  Dak stood there, staring up at the window. He could have sworn that he had seen shadows lurking there just a few minutes ago. His eyes narrowed as he looked closer at it. There was nothing there, but the curtain was blowing ever so lightly, like there had just been someone lurking about.

  Sighing, he turned and took off running after his men. Maybe it would be best if they trained out of the castle's sight. There was just something about that area that just sent chills down his spine.

  Amberfall slowly looked at the clock. It surely must be late enough for her to make her move toward the library. Frostfire still laid asleep next to her. She really did hate to wake him, especially since he looked so young and sweet. However, duty did actually call.

  As soon as she kicked the covers off, she could feel the cold air bite at her. It was just amazing how quickly the temperatures changed in Xandria. Sure, they had temperature changes in Zania, but it was nothing like this.

  She pulled her heaviest robe around her, allowing its thick nature made bindings to warm her skin. Outside, she could see that even more snow had fallen during the night. The guard looked as if it was in the middle of a busy training session. They were simply nuts for training in this kind of weather.

  “Frostfire,” Amberfall called, slowly as she crept back over toward the bed. “Frostfire, it’s time.”

  The fairy stirred just a little bit, but did not open his eyes.

  Amberfall shook his shoulder. “I know you can hear me.”

  He muttered something that she couldn’t quite make out.

  Frowning, she leaned in closer, so that her long red hair brushed against his bare shoulder. “I know you can hear me.” She dropped her voice as low as it could go. “I know you can hear every word I’m saying to you right now. I have something that may give us a leg up on the king.”

  Rolling his eyes, Frostfire slowly sat up. “You really do know how to wake a guy up, don’t you?”

  Amberfall smiled. “Do you remember what the captain said about the king not being right in the head?”

  Frostfire nodded. “Yeah, but I thought you were going to wait until after Yule.”

  “Yule is over and the sooner we get something on the king the
better it is going to be for us.” Amberfall batted her eyelashes. “Besides, I thought the goal was to get out of here as soon as possible.”

  Frostfire ran his hands over his unshaven face. “You really do know how to turn to my words against me, don’t you?”

  Amberfall chuckled. “I’m not the one who said it.” She looked over her shoulder. “Besides, didn’t you feel it? It’s like there is a darkness surrounding him. When I’m around him, it’s like I’m back to being close to Nightstone.”

  Frostfire frowned. “I thought he was just mental.”

  “You really don’t feel the darkness in this castle?” Amberfall pressed.

  “I did feel something off, but I thought it was just the king being mental.” Frostfire’s eyes drifted toward the door. “Do you really think he’s evil?”

  “I don’t know. That’s why I think we need to look more into this so called illness. I’ve never even heard of an illness coming from Trelia, which makes it hard for me to believe that it’s part of the curse.”

  Frostfire slowly climbed out of bed. “Even if you are wrong, it will at least allow us to say we did try.”

  Amberfall sighed. “I guess it would, but there is still something off.” She paused. “I really do think the curse is far bigger than we thought. Every time someone talks about it, there seems to be more that we didn’t know.”

  “Well, at least, now people really wouldn’t be out and about to question us.” Frostfire started pulling on the clothes closest to him. “They are probably still hungover from the holidays.” His words were muffled as he pulled his head out of his tunic.

  Amberfall smiled. “I do like how you’ve changed your tune.”

  Frostfire returned her smile. “Well, you are my queen and I do actually have to listen to you, even if I don’t want to.”

  She laughed as she led him over to the door. “I guess you are right. I am the queen and I deserve to be listened to.”

  When they arrived, the library was still empty. Amberfall had expected there to be at least a few Scholars roaming about, but there was no one.