The King's Treasure

by Carol M. Vaughn

  “He doesn’t want to aggravate your back,” Rael responded for the dragon. He reached his arms around to the spike in front of her and braced her body with his.

  “I’m fine!” Charon and Rael both ignored her. Charon reached the top of the wall and fell forward, gliding in a large circle over the city to gain height. Arianwyn could see the faces of the townspeople turned up in wonder, mouths agape. Charon continued circling higher and higher. “Where are we going?” Arianwyn asked over her shoulder.

  “I’m not certain.” Rael was silent for a moment. “Charon says Parvati is not in the Dragon Cave.” The surprise was evident in his voice.

  Arianwyn frowned, the beginnings of worry causing her to tense. Rael muttered for her to relax in her ear. :Parvati?:

  :You worry too much. I’m fine.:

  :Where are you?:

  :Somewhere safe. Charon knows where it is and he will bring you here.:

  :The Dragon Cave wasn’t safe enough?:

  :You found it.: Arianwyn rolled her eyes, leaning back against Rael. They were high up without flying jackets. Rael slid one arm around her waist, pulling her more snugly against his chest. “Charon says we won’t have far to go,” he said in her ear. Arianwyn nodded, shivering.

  Charon headed north, deeper into the mountains. The craggy peaks clawed defiantly at the sky. The winds whipped and buffeted around them, whistling in the crags. Rael let go of Arianwyn to grip Charon’s spikes with both hands as they were tossed to and fro. Arianwyn held tight to Rael’s arms, gritting her teeth against the twinges in her back.

  Rael threw his legs forward suddenly, pinning her skirts and legs against Charon's body. Arianwyn frowned, and turned to ask when Charon abruptly folded his wings back, falling into a steep dive. Arianwyn caught her breath, leaning back with Rael as the wind roared past them. Charon opened his wings a bare hands-span, speeding along at a slightly milder descent. He dropped into the peaks, cliffs rearing suddenly out of the pine. He opened his wings completely and Arianwyn felt her stomach drop at the change in direction. He banked sharply left.

  Instinctively, Arianwyn flinched back from the cliff, throwing her arms up to stop the crash. She heard Rael chuckle behind her. Charon’s claws scrabbled briefly on the cliff face. He tucked his wings and climbed up the cliff, snaking forward and into a small cave. “Whatever happened to concern for my back?” she muttered. Rael gave her waist a slight squeeze.

  “We had better climb down,” Rael said. His voice seemed unnaturally quiet after the roaring of the wind. They slipped off Charon’s back. Charon remained crouched low, inching carefully forward.

  Arianwyn held out a hand. “Fire,” she muttered. Charon’s body was outlined in blue, rapidly changing to red and then a brilliant white in the center. Rael was the same. “Light.” She held her hand out and a tiny pinprick of light appeared over her palm. Arianwyn held the light to the side, the whiteness glaring into her eyes. She heard Rael mutter thanks as they wound deeper into the mountain.

  “What do you mean I won't have to worry about pain again?” she asked over her shoulder. She struggled to keep the irritation and worry out of her voice.

  “Just what I said. You do not need to fear pain anymore.”

  Arianwyn stopped, turning to face Rael. “Why? Were you the one behind the attack?”

  Rael glared down at her. “That is ridiculous.”

  Arianwyn took a step back from him, her stomach knotting in pain. “Oh, is it? Parvati and Charon are mated. What do you need me for? No one would complain about my disappearance.”

  :You're being silly,: Parvati remarked.

  “You're being silly,” Rael echoed.

  “Oh, that's right. Her fate and mine are the same. You can't get rid of me until after she gives birth.” Arianwyn spun around, marching back after Charon. Her eyes burned and she felt sick.

  Rael caught her shoulders and turned her to face him. She stiffened, preparing to face his anger. “I am not going to hurt you,” he said, drawing her into his arms. Arianwyn stared up at him, confused at the missing anger. “You have my word that I will protect you, with my life if necessary.”

  Arianwyn stared up at him, swallowing the knot that had moved to her throat. Rael let her go when she did not say anything further. She turned and moved deeper into the cave, the silence hanging painful between them. Arianwyn wished she could believe him.

  The blackness in front eventually gave way to a dark blue color. “Stop,” Arianwyn muttered, as the blue became brighter, fading into orange. She caught her breath, stopping abruptly as they turned a corner. Parvati lay on her side in a small bowl that had been twisted and formed from a great heat. She was panting softly, eyes half closed. Arianwyn ran forward, patting her neck. “What are you doing here? What happened?” she whispered, concerned. Rael and Charon kept their distance, watching in silence.

  :It should be obvious.:

  :Pretend it’s not.:

  :I’m egg heavy, of course. I won’t be able to fly again until I lay my eggs.:

  Arianwyn stroked her head, amazed. :When will that be?:

  :Probably within the week.:

  :Will you let me know? Or will it be another surprise that you’ll expect me to find out on my own?:

  :I will send Charon for you, if you’d like. It will likely be boring, though, and will last many days.:

  Arianwyn smiled and looked across at Rael. “She’s going to be a mother!” Her smile faltered until Rael grinned back, slapping Charon on the neck. Charon rumbled happily with himself, chest puffing out.

  30-Confessions

  “You have a meeting with Bernie this morning,” Nami said. She frowned, glancing up at Arianwyn from the schedule. “May I suggest canceling?”

  “I can’t cancel, Nami.” Arianwyn had several books scattered across her table, each with vague references to the Forests of Dere. She jotted down another reference on a piece of parchment, hoping the clues would lead her to a location.

  “You should.” Nami folded her arms. “Sigurd has told me about your meetings. And the servants are gossiping.”

  Arianwyn looked up, frowning. “Haven’t they anything better to do?”

  Nami laughed. “I thought you were a servant once. Have you so quickly forgotten?”

  Arianwyn winced. “You’re right, their hands may be busy but their minds, and tongues, are idle.” She sighed, setting her quill down and stoppering the ink bottle. “What are they saying?”

  “I’m not certain you want to know. I would simply quit the meetings.”

  “You better tell me. I should probably know what King Rael is hearing,” Arianwyn muttered.

  Nami raised an eyebrow. “I suppose it’s true that he’s heard.” Her lips thinned slightly. “Mind you, this is palace gossip. But the worst of it is that you are carrying his child.”

  “What?”

  “Mmm. With how often you meet, and your ‘private’ meetings with him, it does not leave a good impression. The least offensive gossip is that you are setting him up for later.”

  “Setting him up for what, exactly?”

  “As your lover, of course. It is not unheard of for the rich to be married and have lovers on the side. The least believable is that you’re going to leave the king and marry Bernie instead,” Nami chuckled.

  Arianwyn snapped her jaw shut. “Who is starting these rumors?” She stood up, pacing. Who else knew about the ring? Did Rael know?

  Nami laughed outright. “Forgive me for speaking frankly, Lady Arianwyn, but you are. The rumors are a result of your actions.”

  Arianwyn stopped pacing. She took a deep, steadying breath. “I need your advice, then.” Nami glanced at her curiously. Arianwyn went to her room. She pushed her mattress aside and moved a loose board. She picked up the ring and returned to the room. She tossed the ring onto the table. “How do I tell him no without hurting him?”

  Nami’s jaw dropped. “The least believable is the most true,” she whispered. She shook herself, becoming businesslik
e. “How long have you been trying to decide?”

  “I was never going to marry him! I wouldn’t leave His Majesty for Bernie. But Bernie is a good man. He doesn’t deserve to be hurt,” she whispered, sinking down into a chair and dropping her head into her hands.

  “Lady Arianwyn!” Arianwyn glanced at Nami. The short woman had her fists on her wide hips and was glaring at her. “That young man believes you are willing to marry him. And each meeting only gives him further cause for hope. You tell him no today and have nothing more to do with him!”

  Arianwyn blushed, but nodded. “Yes, Nami,” she said meekly.

  “Then you need to talk to the king and set his worries at rest,” Nami continued.

  “They’re just rumors!”

  “He’s still a man, just like any other. They need reassurances as much as women do.”

  Arianwyn winced, but nodded. “Very well. Let’s get this over with, then. I’m going to speak with King Rael first.”

  “He’s hearing petitions now. But I could likely manage to find Bernie.” Arianwyn nodded to Nami again. She left, looking pleased. Arianwyn wished she could feel so cheerful about the coming confrontation.

  :It is good that you are making a decision,: Parvati said.

  :Is it the right one?: Arianwyn asked.

  :Rael is fond of you,: Parvati said.

  :How can you be certain? You cannot read his mind and intentions as you can mine.: Arianwyn slumped again. It was impossible. She did not think she would ever have to choose between love and safety. She took a deep breath. Safety had always been her priority. She held on to that now.

  Arianwyn grimaced and stood, glancing nervously at the ring. She resumed her pacing, trying out each scenario of the coming conversation in her head. None of her options left a good taste in her mouth. She jumped when someone knocked on her door. “Enter.” She took a deep breath, facing the door.

  Sigurd poked his head in. “He’s here again.”

  “Send him in.” Briefly, Arianwyn considered asking Sigurd to stand inside the door with her. She rejected the idea as cowardly. Besides, he would hear her scream. Bernie stepped into the room, smiling when he saw her. “I need to speak with you. And it’s serious.”

  Bernie straightened, his eyes glimmering with hope. How had she missed that look before? :If it helps, you've never felt safe with him,: Parvati remarked. Araiwnyn caught her breath. It was true. How had she missed that? She shook her head, forcing herself to focus.

  “Yeh kin tell me anythin’,” Bernie said, stepping closer.

  Arianwyn picked up the ring. “I have something that belongs to you,” she whispered.

  Bernie stopped mid-step, staring at her. “Yer choosin’ him?”

  Arianwyn stepped up to him, forcing the ring into his hand. “The choice was made before you gave me this ring,” she said, closing his fingers around the ring. “I’m sorry.”

  “Yer sorry? Tha’s it? All this time, talkin’ an’ meetin’…” Bernie’s face turned red and he clenched his hands into fists. Arianwyn took a step back, gathering her breath in case she needed to scream. He spun around, stalking towards the door. “I never figured yeh as one tha’ played games. ‘Course, I shoulda figured, tellin’ me yer name was Jinny and all.”

  He jerked the door open. “Bernie—“ He slammed the door. Arianwyn sat down heavily. Her hands were shaking. The door opened again. Arianwyn looked up in surprise. “Yes?”

  “Are you all right?” Sigurd asked. Arianwyn nodded. “Are you finished with him?” Arianwyn nodded again, standing up. “Good.”

  “Sigurd, do you think the king is finished with petitions? If I’m going to take Nami’s advice, I may as well take all of it.”

  Sigurd grinned. “If he isn’t finished yet, he should be soon. Nami’s a smart one, isn’t she?”

  “Yes, she is. And I’d appreciate it if you two didn’t gossip about me.” Sigurd laughed, holding the door open for her. She walked down the hall and up the stairs to the King’s Study. There were no guards outside the door. “Would it be rude of me to wait inside? I need a moment to think.” Sigurd shrugged and stepped in first, scanning the room. He stepped out and nodded her in.

  Arianwyn walked in, closing the heavy door behind her. She sighed, rubbing her temples. This was not what she wanted to be doing. She wandered over to the mantle, staring at the crackling flames. “Maybe I can leave him a note,” she muttered, turning and looking at the parchment on his desk. She sat down in his chair, pulling some parchment over and sharpening a quill.

  “What are you doing sitting in my chair?” Rael asked as he tossed the door shut, scowling.

  Arianwyn jumped up, flushing. “I was going to leave you a note,” she admitted. When Rael’s eyebrows dropped, she grimaced. “I probably shouldn’t have said that. I do need to talk to you about…rumors that have been circulating. About Bernie and me. They’re not true.”

  Rael stalked around the side of his desk, heading for his chair. Arianwyn backed up before he walked into her. He still had not quit scowling. He removed his crown and tossed it onto a stack of books. “Fascinating. If none of them are true, would you mind explaining why you spent so much flaming time with him?”

  Arianwyn’s mouth went dry. It had been some time since he had looked at her with such fury. She reminded herself that he had promised he would not hurt her and forced her eyes to meet his. “He did ask me at one time, I believe I told you that already. He attempted to renew his proposal…” she trailed off at his thunderous look.

  “He…you…” Rael leaned on his fists, jaw clenched.

  “I didn’t know how to tell him no,” Arianwyn rushed on, before Rael could gain enough composure to keep speaking. “I did today. It’s done.”

  “Is it? Or is this some flight-damned ploy to gain my trust?”

  “You would know if I was lying to you! You said so yourself.” Arianwyn clutched her hands together. They were shaking like they had not done since she was a mere servant.

  “Yes, that was when you were guileless. You’ve gained enough composure now that I cannot trust a word out of your mouth,” he hissed.

  Arianwyn straightened, feeling her own anger rise. “Then use your own flaming Dragon Gift!”

  “I cannot!” he snapped. “You are also Gifted. Our Gifts are useless against other Gifted!”

  “Then you’ll just have to trust me.” Rael took a deep breath, shaking his head. “I am not lying.” Her eyes burned with unshed tears of frustration.

  “Just go,” Rael growled, shoulders tense. Arianwyn opened her mouth to argue. “GO!” he shouted. Arianwyn turned on her heel and marched from the room. Rael was barely a half-step behind her. She had to dodge to the side to avoid being trampled. “James, fetch the rest of my guards. Meet us in the arena.” Rael stalked away. James and Rynert scrambled to follow orders.

  “That didn’t go so well, did it?” Sigurd asked. Arianwyn scowled at him and marched to the library. “Give him time,” Sigurd said, catching up to her. “He does not deal well with surprises.” She shook her head, refusing to look at Sigurd. She clung desperately to her anger. If she let it go, she worried the tears welling in her eyes would fall.

  Bernie and Rael

  Rael changed his mind halfway across the courtyard and went to the Barracks again instead. “Is he going to beat the boy again?” Rynert asked James.

  “He's looking like he wants to beat someone,” James replied. His guards were tense, eyes shifting restlessly as they moved. They did not know what to expect from Rael. Rael wasn't sure he knew what to expect, either.

  “Who did the girl choose?” Barit asked.

  “She chose me,” he snapped over his shoulder.

  “Then why are you hunting the boy?” Rynert asked.

  Rael stopped in mid-stride, glaring at the door to the Guard Barracks. “Because the boy put her in this position in the first place.” He signaled Barit who threw open the door. At his signal, Rael and the others entered. Rael scanned the room a
nd found him.

  Bernie jumped to his feet, glaring at Rael. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “Sit down. Rynert, James, clear the room.” Bernie sat back on his bed. Rael took the bed next to him, glaring. When the room was empty, he asked, “What do you want?”

  Bernie blinked. “Sire?”

  “Boy, I have been playing political games my entire life. You do not put a girl like Lady Arianwyn in that type of position without ulterior motives. You do not approach the king with unsolicited information without wanting something in return. Now, what do you want?”

  Bernie sat back, letting his jaw drop. “Your Majesty, I simply wanted to marry the woman of my dreams. Is that a crime?”

  Rael glared at him. His nostrils flared and he clenched his hands together. He stood and left the room before he attacked. “Well?” Rynert asked.

  “He's lying.”

  “We'll have him watched.”

  Rael nodded acknowledgment of the statement. “Find out from Sigurd if she trusts me yet. See if he can learn why she thinks I might have been behind the ambush at the stables. I have one last meeting with the Miner's Guild. Then we will meet at the Arena.” The guards acknowledged his orders, Barit leaving the group to see them done. Rael stalked back to his study.

  Bernie sat on the bunk and laughed. He left the room through the Arena door, struggling to contain his amusement. The king was surprisingly easy to manipulate, especially for someone who claimed to have worked the political angle his entire life. Bernie chose a sparring dummy and set to work, unable to contain his smirk.

  A few more stirs would set this pot to boiling, he thought.