The dwarf had a point. She could discuss this with Terran while they traveled, but a part of her didn't want to leave her home. However, she no longer had a reason to stay. All signs were pointing her elsewhere.
“You're right, I'm sorry for stalling. Lead the way, please.” Tatyanna thought she saw Medo smile at her but figured it was just the lighting playing tricks on her. She got into the similar rotation with the warriors on either side of her, Emmett in the front, and Dimitri and Althea in the back.
They walked for several minutes in silence as Tatyanna thought what the best way would be to ask Terran her questions. He seemed more forthcoming to her this time around, and she wondered if it was based on his own self-discovery. As she was about to work the courage up to ask him about his tattoos, Tatyanna happened to look to the right toward the waterfalls and saw Cale’s battered body. She screamed, running toward him as the dwarf warriors ran after her yelling at her to stop. All she could think was that he was dead.
Tatyanna bent down, put her ear to his nose, and watched his chest, as it slowly rose and fell. She sighed a sigh of relief. He was alive! She took note of his injuries and didn't know where to begin. He had huge welts over every inch of exposed skin, his clothes were tinged from where he must have been hit with the fireballs from last night, and he had a massive gash on his head. She got up on her knees, placing her hands over his heart, and closed her eyes. She could feel the power coming out of her.
Cale was so broken. Tatyanna saw he had a punctured lung and a few broken ribs. She was amazed he had even survived. She wondered how he made it over here, since he had stayed behind at the waterfalls, but now wasn't the time to think about such things. Tatyanna put even more force into her healing powers. She let her inhibitions go, finding harmony with her power. Tatyanna felt a sense of peace within her, and knew this was what she was meant to do. She felt the warm sun bearing down on her, but still, she kept her eyes closed. She wanted to wipe the sweat from her brow, but didn't dare break her concentration.
The act of healing gave her a huge rush. A part of her was telling her to pull back, before the power consumed her and she'd lose control. However, she didn't want the rush she was experiencing to end. It was exhilarating. Tatyanna felt free, like she didn't have a care in the world.
She faintly heard someone calling her name and tugging on her arm, trying to pull her away from Cale, but her mind became foggy, and she started to lose her concentration.
“No, no,” she said, trying to shrug off the person. Tatyanna desperately tried to recapture the rush.
“Tatyanna! Snap out of it!” She could hear the words through a daze, but couldn't tell who was saying it. She didn't care who the words belonged to. They were interrupting her high. She angrily lifted her hands off Cale. Instead of severing the connection to the power, Tatyanna could feel her hands vibrating. She laid them on the person trying to pull her away, and a blast of heat left her palms.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
A Delay in Their Plans
Tatyanna blinked several times, unsure of what had just happened. She saw Cale still lying on the ground, unmoving, but his skin was now a healthy color, and his breathing was normal. She closed her eyes and could hear his heart beating loud. She let out a breath of relief, glad Cale was okay.
She took in her surroundings and saw Emmett slowly pushing himself off the ground several feet away. He was leaning against the ground, upon his knees, coughing. She could hear a distinct wheeze in his breath.
Tatyanna tried to reach out to him. Dimitri was behind her, with a death grip on her forearms. She started to struggle, begging him to let her go so she could heal Emmett. She heard everyone shouting, “No!” Around her, the two dwarf warriors took a defensive pose, as if they would pounce on her at a moment's notice.
“What's going on?” she asked, but no one answered her.
“Stop playing around, Dimitri. I have to help Emmett.” Again, no response, other than Dimitri's grip tightening around her arms.
For several moments, no one moved, and Tatyanna had no idea what was going on. She felt a warm breath on her cheek. She gulped and felt Althea's eyes follow the movement. The wolf looked more feral than Tatyanna had ever seen before.
The markings stood out like blue fluorescent lights. Althea took one step closer and snarled at her. Tatyanna's eyes flashed with fear, unsure if she could react. She tried to recall back to her days in middle school science classes when they learned about feral animals and couldn't remember if she should play dead or scream like a banshee and hope for the best.
Before she could decide, Althea surprised her by licking her face. At that moment, the tension surrounding the group broke, and a collective sigh rippled through the group. Dimitri dropped her arms. She scooted away from him and rubbed her forearms. She could still feel some of the tension. “Will someone please explain what the hell is going on?”
“Do you remember anything?” Dimitri asked, evading her question.
“I remember healing Cale, and then in a blink of an eye, you had tackled me to the ground, like I was the enemy.”
“You were consumed by the power, m’lady,” Medo said softly. “When Emmett tried to pull you back, you snapped, and we thought you would kill him.”
Tatyanna looked around bewildered, and laid eyes on Emmett. She remembered healing Cale, and thinking the act was really cool, because she could feel every part of his body stitch and mend itself back together, but everything after was a blur. She felt very confused, having lost control. She watched as Emmett struggled to catch his breath. Tatyanna had to hold herself back from going to him. After losing control and blacking out, now wasn't the time to try to heal someone again...that, and she didn't think the others would let her even attempt it.
Emmett finally met her eyes. She didn't have to reach out telepathically to him to know he was hurting, but he didn't blame her. He smiled weakly at her. Tatyanna was able to feel slightly better over what had just happened.
She glanced around at their surroundings. They were sitting ducks, with little protection if Prince Larik tried to send another attack their way.
“We need to take Cale inside. He needs to rest and recover.”
“M’lady, I must object. We have already wasted enough time. We need to get you to Marek, especially after an attack like this.” Even before Medo finished talking, Tatyanna was shaking her head.
“Cale is in no condition to travel. We must wait until he is well.”
“You healed him. He is well.”
Anger flashed in her eyes. “No, he is not. He is still asleep. He took a brutal beating. His body is still recovering from a traumatic event. We will wait until he is able to travel.”
Medo was clearly upset, but knew better than to defy the princess. “Fine. I will send word to Marek of the delay.”
“Sounds good. Let's help everyone back toward the castle. Cale can lay down in one of the bedrooms. I'll keep watch on him tonight.”
Tatyanna kept her promise and stayed next to Cale all throughout the day and night. She knew he was healed, but wondered why he wouldn't wake up. Her gift was also a curse. She could heal people, but her power scared her when it grew too intense. Tatyanna wondered if she would be able to control herself the next time she had to heal someone. Even though she healed Cale, his body still took a beating. His life still hung in limbo for several hours, and he still had experienced something traumatic. No amount of power could heal what needed time.
As she sat next to him, Tatyanna couldn't help but shudder as she thought about what he went through. They had parted ways at the waterfall, and he ended up in a bed inside the castle. She had no idea how he got there, but could picture him being thrown up on top of the waterfall by a fireball. She had no idea why Larik would do that to him, other than the man was truly evil and didn’t care about anyone aside from himself. Larik was trying to send a message.
Cale's clothes were a mess and barely hanging onto his muscular body. She could stil
l see where his skin had come into direct contact with the fireballs, because his body was tinged in black soot. He needed a bath. Unfortunately, that bath would have to be put on hold until he woke up. Tatyanna thought about giving him a sponge bath, just to make him look human. She turned to grab a basin and fill it, when she saw a filled bowl sitting next to her on a side table, with a washcloth.
“What...the...” She wasn't able to finish the sentence. There wasn't anyone around who could answer her anyways. This world was a strange place. Tatyanna didn't know if she would ever get used to it.
She slowly dipped her fingers in the warm water. Tatyanna picked up the cloth and wringed out the excess water, slowly starting to clean Cale. She started with his face, and thought about their first encounters. He was an ass. No. He was an arrogant prick, but somewhere along the way he started to work his way under her skin, and she wasn't sure when, or how. Her feelings toward Cale confused her, but Tatyanna did not have anyone to confide in. Sure, there was Lilly, but she was there for protection. She didn't really feel comfortable going to the woman dwarf about her feelings, when even she didn't understand them. She couldn't go to Emmett, or Dimitri, because she could sense neither one thought highly of the man in question. Tatyanna knew she wouldn't get an honest answer. Then, there was Prince Terran. Another man of mystery. She needed a woman friend. She needed her sister.
Tatyanna gasped out loud at that thought. She had never felt particularly close to Lilah. However, Lilah knew all about boys, and she would be able to explain to her what she was feeling. Deep down, Tatyanna knew she was developing feelings for Cale.
“Thank you,” a weak voice whispered, startling her out of her thoughts.
Tatyanna smiled softly, acknowledging his gratitude. “It was nothing,” she said, as if being healed from a fireball was an everyday occurrence.
“It was to me. I appreciate what you did. I laid there on the ground in pain, thinking I was going to die. I could feel you healing me, and the warmth spreading within my body. It was an amazing experience, and I have you to thank for it. I will always be in your debt, Princess.”
“Tatyanna,” she whispered softly, “I think it's time that you call me Tatyanna, instead of Princess. I'm still getting used to the formalities anyway.”
Cale smiled a beautiful smile lighting up his entire face. Gone was the man she once believed him to be. Instead, Tatyanna looked down at a man who had stared at death head on, and was very vulnerable. The brush with death gave Cale a second chance. Tatyanna believed an experience like that could really change a person.
They talked well into the night as she got to know the other man better. Tatyanna felt the butterflies in her stomach at the thought someone could actually be interested in her. In the back of her mind, she kept feeling a nudge that something wasn't right, but Tatyanna didn't want to stop and think about the meaning. It was nice to finally be liked for her, not the preconceived notions of what she was supposed to be.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The Journey
Tatyanna delayed leaving the castle until she knew Cale was completely healed and strong enough to travel. She knew Medo didn't agree with her, and spent his time away from her and Cale. Tatyanna was glad he stayed out of her way and didn't try to argue with her. Dimitri and Emmett, on the other hand, spoke to her once about the need to hurry. They tried to convince her Cale would be fine, but she refused to hear it. A part of her was content getting to know Cale. She partially did not want to deal with her journey to this mysterious Marek. Tatyanna had to admit, after the third day still at the castle, she was procrastinating.
At breakfast on that third day, she told everyone they could leave that day. Tatyanna figured Medo would be ecstatic with the news, but all she got was a grunt. At least he made eye contact with her. Tatyanna brushed it off. Whatever he thought of her wasn't her concern, as long as he kept her safe from the danger everyone said was after her. She gave herself a shake as she heard her tone of voice. Who was she becoming? She was never like this. She was sweet and understanding. Maybe she should have taken this time to sleep, instead of spending so much time with Cale. She couldn't help admitting that he made her laugh and feel good about herself.
“Tatyanna, are you ready?” Emmett asked, interrupting her thoughts.
She stood outside her castle doors, wondering if this would be the last time she saw her family home. “Yeah, I'm ready.” With one last glance, Tatyanna memorized everything about her home, knowing in her heart she would return, one day.
They walked in a comfortable silence, with Dimitri taking up the rear, and Cale constantly circulating the group as he scouted out for potential dangers. During their time together, he had told her he used to be in the military, and even before that, he was a hunter. His skills and his specialty for tracking were what got him voted to be a part of her escort team, because he would be able to detect if there was anyone following them or a trap ahead.
Tatyanna still found it all hard to take in. She was just one person. How could her life possibly be in danger? Asking would prove futile. As she had been told before, all would be revealed. They walked on, and she observed the landscape in silence.
Tatyanna was in shock by how big everything was here. The trees were at least ten times the size she was used to seeing; the flowers were as tall as she was. It was all so surreal. Even the color of the earth and vegetation were more vibrant than back home. Why was everything so different? Before she could turn and ask Dimitri or Emmett her question, Tatyanna felt a small swoosh of air, and then a light foot fall beside her. She knew she shouldn't have been surprised when she saw Terran beside her.
“If I didn't know better, I would think you were following me?” she said, teasing him, feeling like her old self.
“You already know I've been following you, so why hide it?” He grinned back at her. “I heard your thoughts, and thought I'd come talk to you, like a normal person, instead of telepathically. Figured I could answer any other questions you might have.”
“Don't say that. You may never be able to hide in the trees again.”
Terran squinted ahead at her companions. “You aren't the only one with a lot on your mind. Maybe hiding out all these years and pretending to be dead wasn't the best idea. I can help more when I am here with you than if I am hiding in the shadows.”
A huge smile lit Tatyanna’s face. She felt a kinship with the other prince. He grinned back, and then turned back to their surroundings. “You have the power to control water. My power is to control the earth. I can't move mountains, or anything like that, but I can communicate with all living vegetation. The earth around us is more vibrant because of the power I yield and my presence. If I spent any time in the world that you grew up in, the vegetation would start to change, becoming bigger, stronger, more alive. It's the power that helps feed everything here. Nothing is unaffected. Always remember that. What you think you know, you don't.”
“Oh no,” she groaned. “Not you, too.”
“Not you, too, what?”
“Talking in riddles. That's all Emmett does. Can't you just say what is on your mind? Why these damn riddles all the time?”
“I could tell you what I really want to say, but without the lessons behind the words, they won't mean anything to you. Unfortunately, you have to experience things for yourself in order to heed the warnings for the future.”
She sighed. “I hate you.” Terran arched an eyebrow at her. “That actually makes sense. But just because I understand what you are trying to say doesn't mean I dislike you any less right now.” Tatyanna turned back to Terran. “Tell me your story. How did you end up alone with no protection?”
“Who says I grew up alone and with no protection?”
“Well, I just assumed…” she trailed off.
Terran smiled weakly. “Don’t worry about it. I know it is what everyone is thinking. I may not have had a lot of contact with other people, but I had shelter and food. Nowadays, that’s all that matters.”
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Before Tatyanna could ask him to clarify, he continued, pointing to the trees, “The tree provided me with shelter and helped to disguise me from those who would have done me harm.” Pointing down to the plants, he elaborated further, “The plant life provided me food to eat when I needed to eat. I had everything I needed.”
Tatyanna knew he wasn’t telling her the full story. There was sadness in his voice, and she wished he’d open up to her. Terran was a very private person and would speak when he was ready.
Deciding to change the subject, she gestured to her companions. “What do you know about my protection team?”
Terran smiled at how she referenced everyone. “That’s a good description, and very accurate.” Then he frowned.
“Do you not trust everyone?”
“I don’t really know anyone, outside of Dimitri and Emmett.”
“You already know and trust Dimitri and Emmett, otherwise you wouldn’t be here right now. So, it is the other three you are unsure about.”
“It is.”
Tatyanna looked over to where Cale was walking ahead of the group. “He was an ass the first few times I met him, but I am starting to see him differently. He isn’t as bad as I thought he was. But I’m confused because Dimitri and Emmett don’t like him, and I feel like I am missing something but no one will tell me anything.
Terran also looked at Cale, and his lips twitched slightly as he contemplated his next words. “I can give you the facts and the basics, but I can’t tell you how you should think or feel. You need to learn to trust yourself, and your instincts.”
Tatyanna growled, “Yippee, another lesson.”
Terran laughed at her. “Lesson, advice, take it as you will,” he said, shrugging, “You say you want to help and be a part of this world, yet you hold yourself back. You haven’t truly embraced who you are. You second-guess yourself, and the people you surround yourself with.”
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