The Archer Queen

by Blake, Nova

  The bow.

  The Mark.

  The sick feeling in my stomach told me everything I needed to know. I was becoming the True Queen whether I wanted to or not. One of the relics was literally in my body now, and I didn't know how to remove it, to bring it forth into the world and hand it over to Anya.

  It might not be possible.

  I was changing. Had changed. And I didn't know if it could be undone.

  Didn't even know if I wanted it to be now.

  No, I had to pass things to Anya. It was the only way forward.

  With a final kick, I breached the surface of the lake and inhaled a ragged breath. The night air felt so good, so pure and I floated there for a moment, filling my lungs over and over again until the panic had died down to a manageable level.

  I was floating, I realized. Kicking my legs in the water, my arms pinwheeling to keep me steady; and I hadn't even thought about it. I could swim, sure, but not far, and not with any speed. But I needed to get off this lake and back to the inn. I couldn't risk going to Killian's place in case the queen thought to look there first.

  Scanning around, I located what I thought was the bridge we'd come across and I pushed off in that direction.

  This was going to take me some time.

  * * *

  It felt like it took me hours to get to shore. Hell, it might have. The moon had certainly sunk lower, though there was no sign of the rising sun just yet. I dragged myself from the lake, shivering, exhausted, dripping. Yet as I moved up the shoreline and found a road, my clothing started to hiss and steam, the heat inside me dispersing the water into the air so that it seemed to create a fog around me.

  There was no denying how much I had changed, or that magic ran through my veins now, an extension of me that I didn't even need to think about. It just…worked. As if it had a mind of its own. The power of our Chiron, inside me.

  I wasn't sure how I felt about that, though right this minute, pretty pleased because as my clothes dried and my skin warmed, the world looked like a better place. Closing my eyes, I sent out that tendril of connection between my lovers and I, searching for them, for that guiding light that would take my feet where they needed to go. It zinged through me like an arrow and I followed it, moving as quick as I could; which wasn't fast enough. The long swim had really taken it out of me. All I wanted now was food and sleep. A long, long sleep.

  Threading my way through the streets, I found myself back at the inn. I opened the door and went to our room and knocked. Thomas pulled the door open so hard it almost came off its hinges, and then he tugged me into a firm embrace.

  "Oh, Jae. I was so worried. But you're here."

  "I'm here, and I'm safe." I sunk into him, inhaling his scent, not even caring that it was tarnished with womanly smells, no doubt from the queen. "I'm so glad to see you." I let out a long sigh and closed my eyes. I could go to sleep right here, if they would let me.

  "Where’s the bow?" Killian's voice cut through my fatigue.

  I stepped away from Thomas and indicated to myself. Killian shook his head, not understanding, and Farrow's eyes narrowed. In response, I did the only thing that would really explain it, and stripped off the last of my shirts. Stood before them in just my pants and boots and my breast bindings.

  Their eyes all held the same expression of shock, and I looked down, finally ready to see it for myself.

  And there it was. A bow. The Bow. Etched into my skin, the string across my chest, the tip of the bow peeking over my shoulder and curving at my hip. I knew the rest of it would be on my back. They moved towards me as one, running hands over the lines of the bow.

  "This is…" Thomas trailed off.

  "Amazing," Farrow finished the sentence.

  "Truth," added Killian. "How?"

  I reached for my shirt and tugged it back on. "I hooked it over my shoulder. I was worried that it might break when I hit the water, but then it did this." I gestured to my body. I could feel the string taut against my chest, and then it tingled, like someone had flicked it. Like it wanted to be touched. Used.

  "How do you…" Farrow frowned and made a movement like he was shooting an arrow.

  In response, I reached a hand over my shoulder for where I knew the grip was. My focus shifted and reality felt like it blurred for a moment as I called to the bow and drew it from my body with a shiver.

  "That…" Killian blew out a breath.

  "Is so cool." Farrow stepped towards me, stroked across my breastbone where the string had sat just moments ago.

  "Does it hurt?" Thomas asked, his concern clear in the crease of his brow.

  "No," I replied, and it wasn't a lie. There was no actual pain, just the tingle and shiver of magic as it flowed through me, the slight burn that I was getting used to, the heat that I knew came with being Marked. I knew there was no denying it, not to anyone, and certainly not to these three men who could see with their own eyes the way that I had changed.

  The bow was solid in my hands and this time instead of slinging it over my shoulder I closed my eyes and thought about the best placement of it; if I needed to draw on it in a hurry. I pushed it straight into my body so that the grip nestled between my breasts. All I would need to do was pull it straight out, twist my left hand slightly, and fire.

  "The quiver!" I exclaimed, pushing past Farrow to where our bags were and rummaging in the pile until I found it. I unwrapped the cloth covering and then hooked it over my shoulder, resisting the urge to shudder as it sunk into me for the first time. Because it seemed like the first time was the worst. This would get easier, I told myself.

  I pushed all the thoughts away, the fear, the uncertainty – and especially the growing certainty of my destiny – and sunk into the magic. And then I reached over my shoulder for an arrow with my right hand, while tugging the grip of the bow with my left. In one smooth movement, the magic flowing through me, the fire burning, feeling so good. I pulled an arrow from the quiver, nocked it, and raised the bow, drawing back the string.

  I was ready to fire.

  And it felt so good.

  I took aim at a spot on the roof, and let loose the arrow. I couldn't help it, there was too much pent-up energy inside me and it had to happen. I could not have resisted even if I wanted to. The bow wanted to work, the arrow wanted to find its mark, and it was almost like they used me to get that release, to meet their goal.

  The feeling should have scared me, should have made me want to drop the weapon and walk away from all of this.

  But I couldn't. Wouldn't. This felt right. Righteous.

  "Jae?" Killian's voice cut though the thrall and I dropped the bow to my side, my arm's relaxing.

  "Sorry, I…" I frowned, swayed on my feet. Shoved the bow back inside me, and then fell to the floor, exhaustion finally pulling me under.

  23

  Jaelyn

  I woke to find the sun high above me, my body bouncing gently for some reason. I heard the whinny of a horse, inhaled the dusty warmth of hay. I scanned around, eyes landing on a body beside me, peaceful in sleep. Farrow. I realized his arm was under my head, his breath tickling my cheek.

  "Slept enough?" Killian asked.

  I yawned and then sat up, rolling my neck to work out the kinks. "I think so." The landscape was passing by at a steady pace, and I could tell we weren't in the Court of Lakes anymore. "How long was I out?"

  "More than a day," he said. "We should reach the Court of Salt tonight."

  "What?" I pushed to my knees, reaching for the edge of the wagon, scanning the land. It didn't look all that different, aside from the obvious lack of lakes. "How?"

  "We figured it was better to get away from his mother," Farrow said wryly. I turned back to find him still lying down, eyes closed, though he was stretching his arms. "Before she turned the whole court on us."

  I looked back to Killian, who was nodding in agreement, his face telling me that this was not an understatement. Well, if that was the case, I hoped she wouldn't come and chase
us down.

  "Where's Thomas?" I asked, realizing that he was missing entirely.

  "We left him as a peace offering," Farrow deadpanned.

  "He's driving the wagon," Killian corrected, levelling an unamused gaze at Farrow.

  "Sometimes you are no fun at all," Farrow said with a sigh.

  "My turn to sleep." Killian nudged Farrow in the side with the toe of his boot and they switched places, while I rummaged around for something to eat and drink.

  My mouth was drier than ever before and my stomach rumbled with hunger, thankfully there was some smoked fish and bread within easy reach, along with a flask of water. I sculled the whole bottle, and then dug into the food while Farrow watched me with a bemused grin.

  "Better?" he asked when I was finished.

  "Much, though I could probably consume more." I let out a long sigh, and then dragged my thick red hair back from my face, binding it at the nape of my neck. I felt sticky, too warm, probably from the sun beating down on us. "Are we really getting that close to the Court of Salt?"

  "We are."

  "And do you have any handy friendships there?"

  Farrow moved so that he was sitting closer to me, dropping his voice so as not to wake Killian, who had somehow managed to fall fast asleep already.

  "No, and neither does he. The king is not the most welcoming. He’s a distant nephew of the last True Queen, and his family took the court not long after she died. I highly doubt he's going to hand over the horse."

  I pressed my lips together, trying to figure out how to pose my next question. "This horse…"

  Farrow laughed. "I can see it in your face. Is it real? Has it been alive this whole time? How does that work?" His eyes flashed with amusement, drawing me in. He could be so deep and blunt at times, and yet there was this playful side to him which I enjoyed as well.

  "Exactly," I replied. "What are we going to find?"

  Farrow leaned back against the side of the wagon, hooking his hands behind his head and closing his eyes. "I have no idea."

  * * *

  True to Killian's predictions, the Court of Salt came into view as the sun dipped low in the sky. The orb was brilliant orange, burning its way into the sea, which was so wide and vast that I almost couldn't fathom its existence. I waved away the words and attention of my men and sat staring in awe at it. The water spread for as far as I could see, only interrupted by an island to the left of the court.

  Waves rippled close to the shore, though I couldn't see much of it because the court was set high on the peak of a cliff which rose steeply, blocking most the view. With the sun flaring out of existence behind it, the castle was cast in darkness, all of it shadow and gloom. Which wasn't how I'd seen any of the other courts.

  Ours might have been made of stone too, but it was majestic and welcoming, the Court of Leaves was different entirely, and the stark white of the Court of Lakes made the contrast to this seem extreme. Perhaps it would look different in the morning.

  "Where are we staying?" I asked. "Have any of us been here before?" I scanned Farrow and Killian's faces, but they both shook their heads. I knew Thomas hadn't, which meant we were going in blind. No one on the inside to help us, and no idea what we were up against. "Let's find an inn, outside of the main town. Tomorrow morning, we can get to work figuring out where they are keeping this horse…"

  "Whatever you say, my lady," Farrow said.

  "Shut up. Don't call me that, not if you ever want to get in my bed again."

  "What about if I want to get you out of your clothes but not in a bed?" He cocked his head, and Killian rolled his eyes.

  "It won't be happening. And don't call me queen or any other title. We need to keep a low profile. In and out. Stealthy. If we can do it without anyone even knowing we were here, then that would be the best."

  "Yes, boss." Farrow smirked and I leaned forward as if I might kiss him, only to bring my finger up and flick his cheek with it.

  "Behave," I hissed, and turned to plant a kiss right on Killian's lips. He tensed a little and then sunk into it, his soft lips heating against my own.

  "Not fair!" Farrow exclaimed, but I ignored him and sighed in pleasure as I finished kissing Killian. He was gentler than the other two, not an alpha male, but someone supple, lithe, who warmed my body in new ways. I liked his slim build and his soft hands, not used to hard labor or being out in the wild.

  I cupped his cheek in my hand for a moment and smiled, then stood up and headed for the front of the wagon. "I'm going to tell Thomas."

  Neither replied, but I loved the way they didn't warn me to be careful or offer to go instead. They knew me now, knew I was capable, confident, knew I didn't need to have my hand held to get things done. And it was such a nice feeling.

  I clambered over the back of the wagon and balanced myself before leaping over the small gap to the front seat. Thomas looked up with a start, but then he smiled.

  "You look better," he said as I sunk into the seat beside him.

  "I feel better. After the bow, and the quiver and…"

  "Yeah. It was a lot. That swim, too. You've never been the best swimmer."

  I smacked him on the arm, but then leaned my head against his shoulder, the smell of him, the feel of him, so comforting.

  "Are you okay?" I asked. "This has all been a lot."

  "You can say that again." He blew out a breath, and then turned his head and kissed my hair. "I'm okay though. As long as I have you, I'm okay. I might be your arrow, but you're my heart."

  Every part of my body warmed at that statement, chasing away the chill of the night. I looked down and saw that the Mark on my arm was glowing, and so was his. We stared at them for a minute, feeling the buzz of the magic wash back and forth between us.

  "This is… Really something," he said.

  "Truth," I whispered.

  Everything about me had changed, I could feel it, and the fact that this magic, this clear proof of my Marked status didn't scare me anymore was testament to that. I bore the Mark and the bow and the quiver. I'd reclaim the horse and then when we returned to the Court of Stone, either I would claim the crown, or find a way to pass these things to Anya

  Could I give them up? Could I give this up – this sensation, this thrum, this fire inside me. A fire that had always been there but that I'd stifled to try and prevent myself from feeling any pain.

  I looked up at the silhouette of the castle, knowing the answer to that but not quite ready to voice it.

  24

  Jaelyn

  We'd managed to find somewhere to stay the night, even wrangled a meal out of the innkeeper despite the late hour that we trundled into the yard. It didn't seem like there were many others staying there, so I got the feeling they were pleased for the business.

  I woke with the sun, having slept more than enough on our journey, and I roused the others, collecting some bread from the kitchen before I dragged them out and into the town.

  "Come on, we have to get moving. It's easier to snoop around when there aren't so many people about," I said. We were all dressed in common clothing, me in a dress so that I didn't stick out like a sore thumb; all the women here seemed to be dressed this way, though I swore pants and a tunic were more sensible. It wasn't my normal attire, but it was kind of nice to be wearing something a little more feminine, I had to admit.

  We walked through streets lined with houses, and then found our way into the market district, the smell of freshly baking bread and freshly caught fish filling my nostrils. No one had their wares out yet, but I could tell it wouldn't be long before the market sprang to life.

  The streets weren't cobbled here, not like back in the Court of Stone, it was dirt and rock, smoothed by the passage of feet and hooves and time. Sparse trees dotted the streets and squares, though the parts of them reaching above the roofs were bent by wind, their branches leaning away from the sea, pointing inland like it was safer there.

  I could taste the salt in the air too, but none of these observ
ations helped me to figure out where this horse might be.

  "We need to split up," I said. My Mark itched and I scratched it absently. "I feel like we're running out of time. I want to get this horse and get out of here. Back to the Court of Stone." Back to Anya, I thought, though I didn't let the words slip free. I knew all of my men believed me to be the True Queen, and as much as I was starting to see myself that way too, I wasn't ready to speak the words out loud.

  I needed that choice. That chance of freedom.

  Or I might drown, choke on the responsibility.

  "Are you sure that's wise?" Thomas asked. He reached for my hand, squeezed it, as though the last time he’d lost track of me was bad enough and he didn't want to do that again.

  "Yes. It's the only way. Meet back at the inn we're staying in when you've covered your area. I'll take the left side of the castle, along the cliffs too, Killian, you take the right. Farrow and Thomas, split the town proper between yourselves."

  "Stay safe," Farrow said.

  "You forget, I'm carrying a weapon and no one even knows it." I gave him a wink, then turned and left them to it, wending my way through the streets and doing my best not to worry. Things would be okay. We'd been okay until now. Thomas was smart and he knew how to hunt things out. Farrow grew up in the forest and knew how to track as well, knew how to look.

  And Killian… Well, I didn't know him as well as the other two, but he was my arrow for a reason, and I had to trust that meant something. He was smart enough not to trust his mother at the very least. And that would have to do. He'd be okay.

  I kept telling myself that. Used it as my mantra as I walked through the town towards the castle.

  People were starting to come out on their errands and other business and as the morning got brighter, I noticed just how rundown these streets were. Some of the buildings were empty, and others had glass smashed out of the windows.