As she sat hunched in the window, Anna tried to fathom the knowledge she would never see any of them again. The thought was devastating and Anna swiped a traitorous tear from her cheek, determined not to cry another drop. Crying did nothing to solve her problems, only made her eyes painfully puffy. Whatever the cost was to return to them, Anna would willingly pay it. She refused to give up on her family.
A knock on her door heralded the arrival of Prince Char. “Good morning, Anna, may I enter?”
“Of course,” Anna managed a small smile for the man, trying to bury the pain plaguing her.
Char closed the door behind him and came to sit at her side. He must have noted her watery eyes and splotchy skin because his expression grew instantly concerned. “Are you well, Anna?”
“I’m fine,” Anna assured. “I’m just a little homesick.”
“Of course,” Char took her hand in his sympathetically. “I’m very sorry, Anna. I wish there was something I could do.”
“I know,” Anna nodded.
Char had proven many times his will to find a way to send Anna home. He commissioned Witches, Wizards and Fairy from across the realm, but his attempts failed. Still, his efforts endeared him to Anna and she appreciated his friendship all the more for it.
“I know the pain of loss, Anna,” Char comforted. “I can’t say the pain ever truly leaves, but it does ease. You will be happy again.”
Anna nodded, unable to speak through the lump in her throat his words caused. She knew Char lost his family several years before. He claimed it was an accident which claimed his parents and older brother, but his hesitation in giving detail made Anna question. However it happened, Anna saw Char’s pain was real. She was tempted to tell him of Jake’s offer to sail her around the world in an attempt to get home, but decided the offer demanded more thought before spoken.
“And, I have a surprise,” Char hesitated, his expression softening from concern to delight. “In two days, we will have a ball.”
“A ball,” Anna repeated.
“Yes,” Char stood, as if the excitement was too much to bear. “It’s a tradition for Meridelle to host a summer ball. You will meet dignitaries, royals and creatures from all over the realm.”
“That sounds,” Anna began, trying to feel the same interest Char showed, but failing. “That’s great, Char.”
“At the very least,” Char sobered at her obvious lack of happiness, “it will serve as a distraction.”
Anna nodded, his words drawing out the tears she was trying to control. She swiped at one furiously as it dripped down her cheek. “Damn it,” she whispered as yet another one trailed the first. Char took her hands, pulling Anna to her feet and against his chest. His muscular arms wrapped around her tightly, their strong bands meant to block the flow of tears Anna could no longer hold in check.
“It’s alright, Anna,” Char mumbled into her hair. “Everything will be as it should be.”
Anna stood in Char’s embrace for what felt like hours until her tears dried. She lifted her head, brushing at the tear stains she left behind on his blue tee-shirt. “I’m sorry,” Anna whimpered. “I got your shirt wet.”
“It is unimportant,” Char assured, looking down at her tenderly.
Char’s fingers pushed back a strand of Anna’s hair, fitting it simply behind her ear. He followed the movement with a gentle kiss where the strand sat against her temple. His lips lingered and Anna turned toward him questioningly.
“Char,” Anna questioned.
Char released her instantly, stepping back from her and fisting his palms at his sides. “My apologies; that was inappropriate.”
“It’s okay,” Anna forgave with a small, shy smile.
“I meant to offer comfort,” Char argued. “My familiarity is inexcusable.”
“Char,” Anna interrupted his self-recriminations. “It’s fine.”
To reinforce her point and to save him from further guilt, Anna rose up and placed a kiss on Char’s cheek. He smiled down at her, his cheeks blushing at her attentions. Char’s shyness was completely at odds with the confident Prince she came to know. The knowledge made her smile.
***
“She must be sent back!” Milla’s pink eyes sparkled with fury.
“If she is sent back, she will die,” Mara tried to speak calmly to the Fairy Council sitting around her, but she grew weary of explaining her actions.
“As long as her blood is not spilled on our soil, it doesn’t matter!” Milla screamed.
“We don’t know that her blood wouldn’t be spilled on our soil, Milla,” Mara reminded for the third time since she arrived to the opulent Fairy Council hall.
The building was a vibrant, sparkling rainbow of colored gems and stones. Its sheer massiveness was testament to the power and prestige of the species which dwelled within. Mara found the structure a bit gaudy, but her fellow Fairy insisted it was a symbol of their rightful place in the realm. Her golden eyes scanned the various Fairies around her. Some still remained in their seats, patiently listening to the information Mara presented, while others paced or flitted about anxiously at the news.
Mara hoped to keep her kin from interfering with the human’s transition to their realm while she sought a solution, but with the answer to her quest so final she had no choice. She silently cursed Mina for enacting the spell which opened the portal to the Mortal Realm. Not only had the Fairy broken several rules, she sent the entire realm into chaos and destroyed Anna’s happiness. And, to finish off her deed, abandoned Mara to clean up the mess she left behind.
“We have to assume she cannot be sent back through the portal without risk to our world,” Micah agreed. The brown Fairy looked sympathetically at Mara. “You have done all you can, Mara. It is time to assess other options.”
“What other options?” Mara asked cautiously.
“We must ensure the human’s blood is never spilled on our soil,” Micah looked around, waiting for agreement from his fellow Fairies. “I suggest a stasis spell.”
Murmurs erupted from around the room as Fairy balked at such an atrocious lack of concern for the human. Fairy worked to preserve life, their traditional belief in “happily-ever-after” was rare among the realm now, but it served them well through generations. To place an innocent living creature into a stasis spell went against everything they believed in.
“We cannot!” Marla shook her blue head furiously. “It’s an abomination!”
“The girl has done nothing wrong,” Mindy’s purple eyes flared with indignity.
“We have no choice,” Micah argued. “We must preserve her until we find a way to rectify the situation. If her blood is spilled, the realm will be threatened.”
“A life in stasis is no life,” Mara’s voice echoed, silencing those around her. “She is an innocent child who did not ask to be brought to our world. She has suffered enough.”
“Mara is right,” Mathew piped in from the doorway. The entire Council stilled at the black Fairy’s presence. The strongest and most feared of all Fairy-kind, the man didn’t usually bother himself with the frivolities of his kin.
“Mathew,” Mara breathed his name, shocked he would show to a meeting as she was he knew her name. She always had a bit of a crush on the dashingly handsome Fairy shimmering with an onyx gleam.
“Why have you come, Mathew?” Micah asked, his tan cheeks blushing brown at the other Fairy’s dismissal of his idea.
“Apparently, my fellow Fairy kin can’t handle problems without my presence,” Mathew glared around the room. “How dare any of you consider putting an innocent in stasis? You are essentially sentencing her to a half-life; to death!”
“We must,” Micah began, his brown eyes darting around the room for defense.
“If you place this girl in stasis, you will answer to me,” Mathew’s eyes grew darker, all traces of white gone from them.
“It wouldn’t matter anyway,” Mira announced. Her white eyes may be blinded to the world, but not to what resided w
ithin it. “Even in stasis, the child will not be safe.”
“What do you mean?” Mara asked, trying not to stare at Mathew.
“There are other creatures outside of our circle who wish her blood be spilled,” Mira answered. “If she is in stasis, poor Anna will have no way to flee and flee she must.”
“Why would she flee?” Mara asked. “She is safe in Meridelle; under careful protection of the Prince.”
“No, Mara,” Mira whispered. “Can’t you see?”
“We can’t see as you do, Mira.” Mathew answered. “What is it we are missing?”
“The Dark Guild is coming,” Mira warned.
“The Dark Guild is disbanded,” Micah waved off the concern, but Mara heard his voice shake.
The Dark Guild, a legendary group of magical beings obsessed with linking the worlds and reclaiming the ultimate power which once was, believed to have been lost at the time the worlds were split. They were never seen and rarely heard from, but their actions decimated the lives and happiness of many species during their time. There was no magic the Dark Guild did not have knowledge of and only a few they did not possess.
“No, they are not! And, you are foolish not to be afraid!” Mira shouted.
“What can we do?” Mara asked.
“Run, hide, send the child home,” Mira’s tone leveled, returning to her soft whisper.
“I’ve searched all over the realm,” Mara claimed. “There is no way.”
“There is always a solution,” Mira stated. “The Dark Guild would not be in such a hurry to reach the child if they did not know it.”
“You’re saying the Dark Guild knows a way to send the human back through the portal?” Mathew asked for clarification.
“How?” Mara asked excitedly, the prospect of being able to send Anna back to her family making her golden wings sparkle.
“The solution is hidden in the thoughts of the Dark Guild,” Mira spoke sadly. “I do not see it.”
“Then, we must find it,” Mara announced. “I will search again; question every creature I can find.”
“I’ll help,” Mathew volunteered. “I have contacts even you are not privy to. And, the site of the portal will need guarded. I will take my warriors there and wait for word.”
“Thank you,” Mara smiled up at him gratefully.
“You must hurry, Mara, and be careful. Dark forces are everywhere.” Mira’s eyes focused on Mara even though Mara knew she was not seen. “They will reach the child. And, when they do they will show no mercy. Not only will her blood be spilled, she will die by their hands.”
Mara sobered instantly, her blood chilling with the Fairy’s prediction. She nodded once, looking to Mathew for a moment before hastily exiting the hall. Mara had many lands to search and little time to do so. First, however, was back to Meridelle. Prince Char had to be warned; Anna was in danger.
***
The morning came with a fury. The wind blew violently, rocking boats in their moorings and slamming shutters against buildings. Dark gray clouds let loose a torrent of rain which had sensible townsfolk running for cover. Only one man, dressed in black, dared the elements. It wasn’t by choice Jake fought the weather. His patience washed away in the storm which raged for the better part of the night and he ached to land a fist against a deserving jaw. With a grin, Jake thought of which jaw he would choose.
The seedy bar was empty save for the drunken soul huddled in a back booth. Once again, Jake sat across from Andre Morrow. “You said a day, Andre,” Jake whispered menacingly, his voice punctuated by a crash of thunder. “It’s been a week. I want my information.”
A part of him wanted the man to say he had no information so Jake could have his physical release, but Andre came through. “Your box is in the King’s quarters on the third floor west wing. And, you’re in luck.”
“How so?” Jake questioned.
“The room has been empty since the deaths of the King and Queen,” Andre smiled proudly. “No soul ever steps foot through the doors. You shouldn’t be interrupted if you’re stealthy.”
“Good work, Andre,” Jake tossed a small bag of coin in front of the man as payment.
“You seem disappointed,” Andre muttered absently as he counted his bounty.
Jake ignored the remark, walking out of the bar and into the storm once again. He was pleased with the information, especially since he knew the room of which Andre spoke and the large tree he would climb to reach its private balcony. However, Jake still felt restrained. He wanted a fight; a method of release. Pulling his collar up to protect the skin at his nape from the cold rain, Jake focused on what needed done.
He would go to the castle that night, during the royal summer ball the Prince was hosting. The guards would be busy with guests and distracted, so none would pay mind to an odd individual walking the grounds. With all luck, Jake should be in and out in a matter of minutes, then on his way out to sea before anyone noticed something was amiss. Not that notification was an issue if, as Andre said, the room hadn’t been touched in years, but Jake was cautious.
Once back in his quarters aboard the Crimson Jewel, Jake changed out of his sodden clothes and into a fresh pair of pants. He left his chest bare as he lay on his bed in an attempt to get some rest before his heist. Jake hadn’t slept well in days, his dreams filled with images of a brown haired woman with innocent, sad eyes.
It was a week since he watched Anna walk away from him, knowing he would not see her again. During his waking hours, Jake knew he made the right choice in not pursuing her. His dreams, however, wouldn’t allow him to forget her eyes when she told him of the loss of her family. Jake excused his ache to see her in the dark of night as the want of helping a sweet, innocent woman find her way home.
He knew it was best she hadn’t taken him up on the offer of returning her home. Not that she would have agreed to travel with his mates once she found out the truth. And, she would find out the truth. Jake’s status as a Pirate would be clear the moment she stepped on board his Crimson Jewel. The thought of her disappointed and perhaps even disgusted expression when she learned the truth upset Jake more than it should have. He enjoyed the look of admiration he’d seen in Anna’s eyes when she called him a good man. Jake preferred to remember her that way, untouched and unspoiled by the truth.
Chapter Six
The rain and wind cleared, but the clouds remained, making the night of the ball dark and hazy. The guests arrived in droves, dressed in the finest gowns and suits Anna ever saw. She hid in her bedroom, watching from the window as they arrived in carriages, on horseback, in strange vehicles and some by flight. Music began to play through the castle, echoing down hallways and through every room.
“Anna,” Friga spoke from the doorway. “Are you ready?”
Anna turned and looked at the woman, dressed in her normal grays. “As I’ll ever be,” Anna answered quietly.
“Oh, child, you look absolutely stunning!” Friga fawned.
Anna’s blue and sapphire gown clung tight to her torso, the narrow bands around her shoulders looking the part of narrow sleeves, but serving no purpose. Silver stitching gave the dress the impression of shimmering as it flared out at her hips, cascading in a flowing swirl to her ankles. When Friga brought her the garment, Anna believed the dress far too elaborate. After seeing some of what was worn to a royal ball, Anna understood why Friga insisted.
“Thank you, Friga,” Anna offered with a shy smile, unused to being complimented. While she always knew her family loved and was proud of her, there was little need for glamour or pretty clothes in her small town. And, Richard never seemed interested in Anna’s appearance.
“I have a gift for you,” Friga came toward Anna with a sly smile.
Anna watched the woman’s approach as she pulled a small object from her pocket. Friga held out the item, a glass globe filled with swirling blue, green, black and silver clouds. “Oh, Friga,” Anna exclaimed as she grew entranced by the constant swirling item. “It’s beautiful.�
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“I’m pleased you like it,” Friga nodded her approval as Anna placed the globe on the stand by her bed.
“Thank you,” Anna smiled gratefully.
“You’re welcome, child.” Friga smiled. “Take your time and come down when you’re ready. I’ll inform Prince Char.”
Anna nodded at the woman, grateful for her understanding. She turned away from the door Friga closed behind her and returned to her window. Anna looked off into the distance, seeing rows of lights heralding the arrival of dozens more guests. She didn’t relish the idea of being in such a large crowd, always preferring her own company and solitude over socialization, but Anna knew she was expected. As Char said, even if she didn’t enjoy the pomp and glamour of the ball, it was a distraction.
***
“Do you think she could ever be happy here?” Char asked of his caretaker, restlessly pacing the floor of his office.
“Of course, Highness,” Friga smiled reassuringly.
“She just sits in her room staring out the window,” Char complained. “Perhaps, she would be better off somewhere else.”
“You wish to send her away?” Friga asked with concern.
“No, of course not,” Char shook his head. “But, it isn’t about what I want; it’s about what’s best for Anna.”
Char had considered the option for days, since Anna cried in his arms. He did not want her to leave, but his concern for her well-being grew by the day. Anna rarely ate and sat up at all hours of day and night staring out the window. Char knew she was in pain, but surely there was a better place for her to recover than as a hermit in a castle.
Anna requested freedom to come and go as she pleased days before, but only left the castle one evening. Since her return just after dark that night, she hadn’t ventured from the grounds; rarely leaving her room. Char was glad he didn’t need to pace his chambers awaiting her return as he had then. However, he now worried over Anna’s decent into a deeper depression. Char wanted to help her and if that meant sending her away, so be it.
Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Page 5