by Dawn Brower
“We’re not friends,” she ground out. “I don’t need you.”
They cleared the hill, and the witch’s cottage was mere feet away. She sat outside on a stool, stoking a fire. Her hair was pure white with streaks of silver running through it in stark contrast. She wasn’t an old woman, making her white and silver hair and aberration. Paige Innis was, in fact, the same age as Elodie. They even shared the same birthday.
A cauldron was sitting above the fire on a hook settled at the center of a tripod of metal beams. The fire licked the bottom and caused liquid to bubble over the top. Smoke billowed upward and formed a tunnel up into the dark sky. Paige lifted a long metal spoon and stirred the contents. She didn’t look up once at their direction. Elodie took a hesitant step toward her. Hopefully, she wasn’t imposing on a ritual of some sort. Susanna’s warnings finally taking root inside of her.
The male tapped her on the shoulder and said drolly, “Friends don’t let friends meet with creepy women.”
Elodie shook her head. “Then it’s a good thing we’re not even acquaintances. Go find someone else to bother.”
She kept moving forward and let him make his own decision. It didn’t matter one way or the other if he continued with her. Paige didn’t take well to strangers, and she wasn’t sure how the witch would react to the male.
“Hello, Elle,” Paige said as Elodie approached. “I expected you sooner.”
“I was unexpectedly delayed,” she said. The last thing she wanted to do was unintentionally offend the White Witch. “My apologies.”
“No need,” she said and brushed her hair away from her face. “You’re here now. It’s not too late.” Paige glanced up and met Elodie’s gaze. Her eyes swirled with silver that almost matched the streaks in her hair. “I’m glad you brought the prince. This affects you both.”
“What prince?” What was the witch talking about?
“The golden one that followed you down the hill of course,” Paige said with a cryptic smile on her face. “Do you know of any others?”
There was one prince she was acquainted with, and she had no desire to see him. This entire trek had been to avoid him and the decree she marry the fool. Elodie’s head jerked up and she spun on her heels to meet the stranger’s gaze. She narrowed her gaze and really looked at him. Was he? “Daire?” she asked.
Those blue-green eyes should have sparked her memory. The last time she’d seen them he’d been mocking her. His hair was lighter, more golden somehow. Was it from spending lazy hours underneath the sun, or was there a more desirable explanation. How could she not have seen it before? Now that Paige had called him out, it was undeniable. The boy she’d known had grown into a handsome guy, and while he’d been relatively unselfish he hadn’t exactly been forthcoming on his identity. Had he realized who she was and decided to play games with her?
He sighed. “I suppose the jig is up.”
Elodie stormed over to his side and punched him in the face. She wanted to yank her blades out and slide one into his gut, but she held in the urge. “What tricks are you up to now? As a boy, you found it fun to push a girl into a mud puddle. I see you’ve graduated to much more covert schemes.” At times, it was difficult for her to accept they were the same age. He was a little older than her—by a day. His birthday was the day before hers. It was one of the reason’s they’d been playmates as children. Their parents had erroneously believed that they would get along and didn’t like the idea of them socializing with servants. So every summer they’d been stuck with each other until her mother’s death. Her father couldn’t be bothered with worrying about Elodie’s social obligations and kept her at home. There were no more visits to Katriel and Daire had not visited Zelnon. Secretly, Elodie had been relieved.
“It’s not like that,” he said as he rubbed his cheek. “I had no intention of intercepting you, but once our paths crossed, I couldn’t let you go on your own. It’s not my fault you didn’t recognize me.”
She hadn’t wanted to see him as the boy she’d once known. It hadn’t been a deliberate choice, but it was one nonetheless. Daire had grown into a handsome guy, and she didn’t like what it did to her to gaze upon his blindingly beautiful visage. “You could have corrected that at any time.”
“I rather enjoyed the anonymity,” he said. “It was nice to have you look at me with regular disdain not open hatred.”
“Oh…” Elodie dropped her bow and reached for her blades. Why had she brought the damn thing? It slowed her down. Daire reacted faster than she’d expected and held her hands in place. “Let me go.” She yanked her arms, attempting to free them from his firm grasp.
“As soon as you promise to be reasonable,” he replied. “Come on, I’m not the ogre you’re making me out to be in that brain of yours. If you think about it, you know me.” The corner of his mouth lifted enticingly. “We were friends once before I was an idiot. Don’t you remember when you told me we could always depend on each other?”
She didn’t want to think about those times. Looking upon him in a favorable light now would weaken her resolve. He was not to be trusted. The nephew of the queen was her adversary, and she best remember that.
“I was a foolish girl who had to grow up too fast. You were not the person I’d believed you to be.”
“People make mistakes, Elle.”
He wasn’t wrong. She’d made her fair share, but she wouldn’t admit that to him. There was too much at stake, and he was the enemy. She couldn’t let her guard down around him.
“Some can’t be forgotten,” she replied. “Go back to your kingdom, Daire. I’m not marrying you.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” the witch said, interrupting their skirmish. “It’s not yet clear.”
Daire let go of Elodie and faced Paige. “What do you mean?”
“A prince is a prince is a prince,” she said strangely. Her voice and expression were bizarre. Paige’s eyes were unfocused as she stared into the smoke billowing out of the cauldron. “Which prince she chooses hasn’t been foretold. The images are murky.”
Elodie smiled. “A prince by any other name would be preferable to him.” She gestured toward Daire. “I’m open to the possibility.”
Daire frowned and folded his arms against his chest. “I think you’ve insulted me.”
“You have doubts?” Elodie said. “Let me clear it up for you. You could be the last male alive and I’d still never marry you.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” the witch said mysteriously. Her silver eyes swirled as she stared at Elodie. “Some prophecies are self-fulfilling.”
As the words left her mouth the clouds opened up and unleashed hell on them. The rain pelted them, stinging her skin, and the wind twirled angrily around them. There was nothing to protect Elodie from the onslaught of the storm. Daire wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up. He carried her inside the cottage. Paige shut the door behind them.
They were stuck in each other’s company until the downpour passed them by. Elodie was afraid the time would be more than she could handle and braced herself for the worst. If Daire wanted to convince her he would make a good husband, let him try his best. She’d be able to withstand anything and wasn’t about to accept him for any reason.
A Queen’s Vow
Paige sat on a rocking chair. The room was completely dark, with brightness coming from the occasional lightning illuminating it. Elodie shivered involuntarily. Her clothing was soaked through and plastered against her skin. Warmth was fleeting as her skin turned to ice beneath them.
“You’re freezing,” Daire said.
Elodie glanced up and wanted to remark on his observation skills but chose to ignore him instead. She still couldn’t believe she’d failed to recognize him. For a brief moment, she’d started to like him, though she’d been reluctant to admit that to herself and she wouldn’t do so now. The last thing the prince needed was to realize his charm had started to worm its way into her good graces.
“Perhaps there is a blanket
you can use.”
Why was he insisting on being so helpful? She could find her own damn blanket; she didn’t need him taking care of her. “Leave it be,” Elodie said. “I’m fine.”
“A choice must be made,” Paige’s voice echoed through the darkness. It sent shivers through Elodie’s already frozen limbs. “Salvation or heart.”
That was easy enough. What choice was there to make there? Without salvation, the rest was useless. Wasn’t it? Maybe she did not fully understand the message. Paige’s visions weren’t always what they appeared to be.
“Who has to make the choice?”
Paige remained quiet and left the answer to Elodie’s own interpretation. Great. Without anything to go on, the decision would probably happen too late to make a difference. She had to gather more information. Warmth spread through her shoulders, but her body hadn’t stopped shaking. She glanced up and met Daire’s gaze. He’d wrapped a blanket of some sort around her. Thanking him was the appropriate response—if he’d been anyone other than the prince she despised.
“It’s not going to help much unless you take off the wet clothes.”
“I’m not undressing,” Elodie seethed. “It’s improper.” How could he suggest something so ridiculous? It would make her vulnerable in ways she didn’t want to imagine.
“I’m trying to help,” he said exasperated. “Meet me half way here.”
She didn’t have to make any concessions for him. If she bent even a little bit he’d swoop in and take advantage of her perceived weakness. Showing him any compassion or understanding would tip the balance in his favor. The blanket did help though. Elodie pulled it tighter around herself. After the storm passed she’d return to the castle, and this would all be a distant memory. They shouldn’t have to wait too long, and they could both head back. She’d try to lose him in the process and enter her chamber without anyone realizing she’d been gone. If she crossed the drawbridge with him it would be tantamount to agreeing to the preposterous betrothal.
Elodie glanced at Paige. She was still rocking in her chair, but almost furiously as if deep in the throes of a ferocious battle.
“Be careful,” Paige looked up at Elodie and whispered, “The wrong choice will trap you in an endless nightmare.”
Elodie laughed. “I’m already heading in that direction. I’m open to suggestions.”
“A tiger, a dragon, and a relentless bird.” Paige rocked harder in the chair. “Noble, loyal, and a pathfinder—one will betray you when you least expect it.”
Her vision must be taking control of her mind. The allegory was strong in this one. The question of what it meant would take ages to decipher. The animals represented people in her life, but she failed to see how. Did those words describe one, all three, or were they designated to an individual? One word for one animal? Hell, it might be even more complicated than that.
“What does it mean?” Daire said.
Elodie rolled her eyes. “You mean you can’t decode visions? Sucks to be you.”
“Follow the signs and keep those you trust close.” The witch froze in place. “Two different paths, both desired, but one will bring you home—the other will be your downfall.”
Wait… “Am I stuck here?” Elodie asked. Would she have to put up with Daire far longer than she anticipated? That wasn’t happening. She was supposed to lean on those she trusted. He was far from being in that inner circle, and it would take an act of extreme measures for that to change.
“You’re misunderstanding her,” Daire said carefully. “The danger isn’t here.”
What did he mean? Where was this danger, and did he play a part in enacting it? There were two people she trusted, Cale and Susanna. Neither one of them was near. Besides, Cale had made it clear he was bailing before things became too difficult. He wasn’t the person she’d believed him to be if he couldn’t handle the heat. Daire, unfortunately, was the only one available to her. So if he had figured out part of the riddle, she’d let him explain it to her.
“I didn’t realize you had brains inside that pretty head of yours,” she retorted. “You speak gibberish?” Elodie snapped her fingers and pointed at him. “That’s right, it is the language of your people. Why don’t you translate it for me?”
“No need to be rude,” Daire said. “I’d be happy to help. All you have to do is ask—nicely.”
That was asking way too much. “As if.” She snorted. “I’ll figure it out on my own. I don’t need you.”
Thunder rocked the walls of the cottage, shaking its foundation. That last bit of lightning had been close. The storm was moving over them, and if a bolt hit the witch’s house they might not survive it. Perhaps that was the danger in itself. It could be they were reading far too much into the vision. Sometimes the simplest answer worked the best.
Another boom crashed, causing Elodie to lose her balance for the second time that day. This time she was bound to hit the floor. Daire wrapped his strong arms around her and kept her still. How was he able to keep his feet planted on the ground when she kept losing her equilibrium? Damn male. She didn’t want to accept his help, and he kept giving it to her freely. How was she supposed to continue hating him when he was being so nice?
“Easy now.” His voice was husky. “I’ve got you. Another one could hit at any moment.”
As he spoke, the cottage shook again. The roof rattled and dust fell over them. Elodie leaned into Daire’s heat and let herself accept what he offered. It was a moment in time, and after it was over she could go back to hating him. Survival was the most important thing. After what seemed like ages, the wind died down and the cottage stopped quaking at intermediate intervals. It was time to put distance between them again. Elodie didn’t want to step back from his welcoming heat but had to find a way to force herself to. There could never be anything good between them. There was too much distrust and pain to weed through to make anything work as it should. It was too bad because he might have been a good person if not for the influences in his life.
“Let me go,” she whispered. “I have to leave.”
The storm had passed and it was time to head back to the castle. Anything could be awaiting her there and she was almost afraid to find out. Either way, Daire couldn’t keep holding on to her. It made her feel things she didn’t want to examine too closely.
“We both must head back,” he agreed.
“The storm was a warning,” Paige said as she stood. “An omen of what is to come.”
“It was no different than any other storm,” Daire disagreed. “It doesn’t have a hidden meaning.”
“Everything is colored by the experiences of life,” Paige retorted. “Each one of us has our own story to tell and how we interpret it guides us in the direction that will determine our true fate. Different outcomes for contrasting choices.” Light streamed through a nearby window, outlining the witch’s features and highlighting her silver white hair. “We are the masters of our own fate. No one but you can alter your future. Beware those who will attempt to take the decisions away from you.” Her face glowed as she spoke, and her skin was almost translucent. Elodie stepped forward involuntarily. “Peril wraps around you like a cloak. It seeps into your skin and is becoming one with your soul. Don’t let it in or you won’t have a life to come back to.”
Elodie stood frozen as Paige’s words penetrated her brain. In some ways, she wasn’t surprised by any of it, and at the same time it was more than she could bear. Ever since her father’s death she’d had doubts about Fiona and her altruistic façade. She insisted that she wanted what was best for Elodie, and her rules were meant to protect her… None of it had truly made sense to her, and at the same time, if Elodie disappeared, Fiona would be able to continue to rule in her stead. What was she missing?
“You both must go,” Paige said insistently. “Now, before things are unchangeable.”
Elodie spun on her heels and headed out of the cottage. She didn’t bother to check on Daire. He could follow her or not. It didn’t matt
er to her one way or the other. The castle and the deception weaved into its walls awaited her, and it was time to make her wishes known. No more would she be subject to the demands of Queen Fiona. Eighteen or not, it was her land, her people, and her right to rule. The time to fight was at hand and Elodie intended to win.
* * *
Elodie left her hood down. She’d grabbed her bow as she left the witch’s cottage and prepared to enter the castle as the warrior she’d been training to become. The festival was well under way as they approached. It was almost as if the storm hadn’t reached the castle and concentrated on the cottage. Perhaps it was more than they believed it to be. Paige had claimed it was a warning, and if so, then Elodie best pay attention. What was it attempting to caution her on?
“It looks like the royal party of Katriel arrived while I was indisposed,” Daire said as he stepped beside her. “I decided to travel ahead. I’m glad I did or I might have missed our little interlude.”
“You’re making it sound dirty,” Elodie said disdainfully. In a way, it was. “We waited out a storm and listened to the witch rave about danger lurking around every corner. Don’t make something out of it that it wasn’t.”
Daire chuckled lightly. “Elle, I promise you I fully comprehend what happened between us.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “Admit it, you like me.”
She scrunched her nose up in displeasure. “You think too highly of yourself.”
“Is this festival for me?”
Case in point… “It launches my weeklong birthday celebration and leads up to my coronation as queen.”
He flashed her a weary look and sighed. “And you say I’m conceited,” he scoffed.
Elodie’s mouth dropped open. Did he just… The urge to stab him grew the more he talked. She might give in to it one day. An image of her blade sliding into his body filled her mind and she smiled with satisfaction. If only she could give in and see if it would feel as good as the idea of it presented in her head.