“What’s going on?” he asked, not directing the question to anyone specific.
“I’m not sure,” Diana answered. “But there is something coming. I can feel the change in the energy. It is similar to what I would feel when Aziz’s beasts were nearby, but this – this is much, much worse.”
Aiden looked around quickly, surveying the land around them. “Could it be a large army of them?” he asked, turning back to face her.
“No,” Lily answered this time. “No, this is much different. This is much stronger than anything we’ve encountered before, and it’s headed straight for us.”
* * *
Night had fallen. The King’s Army was camped on the top of the hill, overlooking the opposing army stationed along the coast. They had reached the area just before the sun set. War cries from the northern army filled the air when they came into view. Aiden had spotted the other Prince come out of a large tent. He couldn’t see the man’s face from where they were, but he could see the stiffness of his body when he looked at their army. Jameson had also grown incredibly still as he peered down at his brother. Now they sat in the King’s tent; Lily and Aiden on the floor, Turk motionless at the entrance. Diana stood off to the side, her face still pale from what happened to her and Lily earlier. Aiden was worried about them both, but they assured him they were fine. Apparently they were very in tune with the energy in Eden, and whatever was now headed their way, was disturbing that energy immensely. Jameson paced the small confines of the tent, his face determined.
“What could it be?” he asked again, for what seemed like the hundredth time. No one replied, since no one had the answer. They were all just as lost as he was. Lily said she had never felt a disturbance like this before. At the time, Aiden thought he felt something too, but to him it wasn’t anything bad. On the contrary, a wave of calm had settled over him. Almost like he was missing something and it was suddenly returned. Diana’s and Lily’s reaction had stopped him from voicing his own. He wondered what on earth it could mean.
“Whatever it is, it is clearly the sorcerer’s doing,” Lily answered.
“That is what I’m afraid of,” the King said, raking a hand through his already dishevelled hair. “By all accounts, he is supposed to be too weak still. Could he have regained his power so quickly?”
“It is possible,” Diana answered. Aiden saw that her hands were clasped tightly together, her knuckles white.
“What do we do?” Turk asked.
“Face whatever it is when it gets here,” Aiden answered confidently. Whatever was coming, he could handle it. Some part of him was sure of it.
The King looked at him with mixed emotions. “An unknown enemy is never easy to face,” he replied calmly.
Turk stepped forward a little. “No, the boy is right. This cannot deter us from what we are here to do. Let Aziz send us his new horror. We will fight it just like we did the last. Do not lose faith in your men.”
The King now turned to him. “I do not lose faith in them,” he answered solemnly. “I also do not want to send my men to a certain death. There are women and children, fathers and mothers waiting for them back home. I cannot turn a blind eye to this new development.”
“We have no other choice,” the Captain countered. The King’s face still showed lines of worry. “Callum will be waiting for our representative. We shouldn’t hold off any longer.”
Jameson’s eyes looked to Diana, doubt plainly written there. “We cannot send her, she isn’t well enough.”
“She is fine,” Diana answered instantly. “Do not discuss me like I’m not here, Jameson,” she continued. “I have already agreed to do this.” His face went cold.
“I can accompany her,” Aiden offered. “If it will make you more comfortable.”
Jameson continued to look at Diana, his face unreadable. Aiden watched as she fidgeted under his scrutiny. “Honestly,” she breathed. “I’m fine, there is no reason to delay this any longer.”
“Everyone leave us for a minute,” the King said, turning to face one of the tent walls. Aiden and Lily stood and left, followed by Turk. Outside the men were getting settled for the night. They were talking loudly, seemingly unconcerned for the events that would transpire tomorrow.
“It says something about a man if they can still find happiness in a time like this,” Turk observed, his gaze observing the army.
“That’s what makes them the best of the best,” Aiden replied. The Captain snorted, and turned to look down at him. He smiled, giving Aiden a slap on the back.
“You’ve turned out to be a fine soldier, Aiden,” he said in his gruff voice. “Go get your horse. You will accompany Diana.”
“Are you sure?”
His smile broadened. “If you think that woman will be deterred once she has set her mind on it, you don’t know her as well as I do. Jameson can try all he might, but she’ll be going, trust me on that.”
* * *
He waited for everyone to leave, keeping his back to them. Once he heard the flap fall, he turned slowly to face Diana. They hadn’t spoken one-on-one since the palace, but Jameson had been aware of her the entire time. Every time she watched him, he’d get a burning sensation on the back of his neck. He could feel her eyes on him, and it would take every ounce of his willpower not to turn and meet her gaze. No matter how much he thought about it, which he had, often on the ride south, he couldn’t make sense of her attention. They had gone so many years not even speaking, and now all of sudden she seemed to be aware of him again. Jameson didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing, and wasn’t of the mind presently to decide.
“I don’t want you going,” he said flatly.
“Yes, I got that already,” she replied dryly. He knew this woman better than anyone, and was aware of her stubbornness. Facing it again was quite a challenge.
“I can see you are still unwell, Diana,” he argued. “You don’t need to push yourself by facing my brother. Let someone else go.”
“No,” she shook her head. “You asked me to do it, and I plan to. You don’t need to protect me. I’ve already told you I’m fine.”
“I’m not protecting you, I’m protecting the procedures of this war. I need someone who is at their best to face my brother. We need to show him our strength.”
She scoffed, narrowing her eyes at him, almost hiding the electric blue. He didn’t like her when she was like this, but knew it was necessary. “Don’t insult me with those blatant lies, Jameson. We both know you’re only doing this because it’s me we’re discussing. If it was anyone else –”
“If it was anyone else,” he interrupted, “they wouldn’t be weakened from some unexplainable circumstance.”
“Don’t do that, don’t make it seem like I can’t handle. I’m not weakened at all and you know it. Why are you doing this? Why ask me then try to take it back?”
“Because now there are other people – things – involved, and I don’t want you getting in the middle of it.”
“You can’t keep trying to protect me from everything, Jameson! First you try to keep me away from the battle last time, and we both know what could have happened if you had had your way then. Now you are trying to keep me out of this one too. When are you going to learn that you need my help in this?” Her cheeks were flushed with anger.
“Why is it so horrible that I should want to keep you safe?” He stepped closer to her, his hands fisted at his sides. He watched as her shoulders dropped a little in defeat. She closed her eyes, completely shutting him out, and took several deep breaths. When she opened them and spoke again, her voice was calmer.
“It’s not horrible. It’s wonderful. The fact is I want to help you in this. Don’t keep me barred from what is happening. I want to be a part of this too; I want to show my support.”
They stood looking at each other. So many things passed between them that were unsaid, and would continue to be that way. So many questions left unanswered, and truths untold. It was always this way with them
, and they were both as trapped by their circumstances as the other was. “Please,” she whispered.
“What if this thing is out there even now?”
“It’s not,” she said reassuringly. “I would know.” He considered this, but still did not feel comfortable with the idea.
“You will take Aiden,” he stated.
“Of course,” she nodded. He nodded back, somewhat reluctantly. She smiled at him, knowing she had won another argument between them. Gods if this woman didn’t easily rule his heart, he thought, and she didn’t even realize it. No one broke him down like she did. She closed the space between them, and kissed him gently on the cheek again. He breathed in the scent of her, letting the familiarity of it surround his senses. “Thank you,” she said, taking a step back again.
“You will come here the instant you get back,” he said, trying to keep his voice firm.
She laughed, breaking him a little more. “As if you won’t be watching me the entire time anyway.” With that she turned and left, leaving him still struck by her smile.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The tent flap was pulled aside, letting in two people from the other camp. Callum had expected someone hours ago and had begun to wonder what his brother was waiting for when one of his men finally announced that two riders were seen heading their way. Now two people stood inside his large tent. One of them was a young boy, his posture stiff and his eyes quickly taking stock of his surroundings. The other was a small figure, hood pulled up to hide their face. Rose sat on the bed quietly, insisting she stay for the meeting. Callum sat in his chair, patiently waiting for introductions to be made.
The smaller figure pulled back their hood to reveal an achingly familiar face. “Callum,” she smiled gently.
He got to his feet, walking over to the girl who had not aged a day since the last time he’d seen her. “Diana,” he greeted, taking her hand and giving it a quick kiss. “This is quite a surprise,” he said with a smile.
She shrugged casually. “They thought you’d be less hostile with me as the representative,” she said lightly.
He chuckled. “My brother is smart in this,” he replied. “Please, take my seat,” he offered, gesturing towards the empty chair. She nodded in thanks. She was still so tiny and fragile looking, but Callum knew the strength that lay inside this woman. She was a witch, not someone to be messed with. He turned to the boy. “And your name soldier?”
The boy turned to him, “Aiden, sir,” he replied. Aiden. This was the boy everyone spoke about? Callum looked him over slowly. He seemed different than the last time Callum had seen him. It had just been a glimpse, but he didn’t remember the boy looking this way. He was so young, but seemed stronger. He sensed Rose sit up straighter, even though his back was to her.
“Ah,” he said slowly. “The boy from the other world. You caused me quite a lot of trouble the last time you were here,” he added. “I’m even more surprised that my brother would think to send you.”
Aiden didn’t look nervous under his scrutiny, which increased Callum’s respect for the boy. “I’m here as Diana’s guard,” he answered.
“I would not hurt Diana.”
“No one thought you would,” the boy answered.
“Will you not introduce me to this young lady?” Diana asked, motioning to Rose. Callum turned to her, making sure he kept the boy in his line of sight the entire time.
“Of course,” he said, looking to his wife. “This is Rose, my wife.”
Diana’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How lovely,” she said, turning to smile at Rose, “and with child. A double congratulations to you both then.”
“Thank you,” Rose replied timidly.
Diana’s eyes remained on his wife’s round belly. “You carry the next in line for the throne,” she pointed out. Callum went stiff at her words. “I suspect you were trying to keep this a secret?” she asked, turning to face him.
He shook his head. “No, but I wasn’t about to send a notice to Jameson about it. I’m sure you can understand how inappropriate that would be.”
She laughed softly. “Yes, although I dare say, he’d probably be very excited for you, despite the present circumstances.” Her voice sounded sad. Would his brother be happy for him? He highly doubted it. There was no love left between them, even if they were of the same flesh and blood. “My have you changed, Callum,” she continued, now smiling again. “Everyone had said it was so, but I couldn’t believe it without seeing for my own eyes. You look so much like your father when he was younger. At least, from what I can remember when I was but a child myself.”
His chest tightened to the point where he was afraid to speak. He cleared his throat awkwardly, suddenly wishing they had sent anyone else other than her. Diana had never been afraid of speaking her mind, and her words now were like knives cutting into his heart.
“Shall we get to business then?” she asked, steering the conversation away from sensitive subjects.
“We shall,” he answered. He walked over to the bed, and sat just in front of Rose, still watching Aiden. The boy hadn’t so much as moved. He was currently looking at Rose, strange emotions in his eyes. Callum turned to see her looking back at the boy, her brows furrowed in confusion. “Are you alright?” he asked her. She nodded slightly, moving her gaze to look at him. He searched her face, but couldn’t make sense of what he saw there. He turned back to Diana. “What has my brother proposed?”
“The usual, I’m sure. You are to face each other come sunrise tomorrow. No one is to cross the camp lines until then,” she answered, her voice formal now.
“Agreed. We will wait until then.”
She smiled sadly. “Then I suppose our job here is done. May the Goddess keep you both safe,” she added, turning to Rose. “And your little one as well.” She rose, and walked to stand beside the boy. Callum could sense there was a connection between the two, a strong sense of trust. It pleased him that the boy was protective of her.
“All the best to you, Diana,” he said to her, standing to face them. She nodded, pulling her hood up, and turning to leave. Aiden followed closely behind her.
“Wait!” Rose called out. Callum saw the boy’s spine stiffen, before he turned hesitantly to face her. “D-do you know Felix?”
The colour drained from the boy’s face, and Callum had a sudden deep feeling of dread. “Yes,” he answered. “He was a good friend of mine, and spoke of you often,” he said gently. “I wasn’t sure if you were his sister, but I thought I saw the similarities in your appearances.”
“H-he is –?”
Callum could see the despair written on his face. “He died in the last battle,” he said. “He was protecting me, and I swore to him I would win this for him. I plan to do so,” he looked to Callum, his face hard. “He won’t have died for nothing.” Then he left.
Turning, Callum saw his wife’s head fall forward, her body shaking. He walked over and gathered her into his arms, sitting with her cradled on his lap. “Shhh,” he whispered, stroking her hair comfortingly.
“He was all I had left,” she said through her tears. “I’ve dreamt of seeing him again every day, and now –” Her tears came harder. “No one should have to feel this kind of pain,” she whispered. He didn’t know what to say. To see her sad tore him apart, but this was his war, and he couldn’t back down, no matter who was hurt. Instead of words, he offered her reassuring actions. He kissed and stroked her hair, and prayed that she would forgive him.
* * *
A sadness so immense weighed down on him, he almost felt like he wouldn’t be able to move with it. Diana’s steps were quick as they made their way back to the horses. Aiden tried to keep up, but the look on Felix’s sister’s face haunted him, and brought back his loss like it was new. How could anyone think war was the answer when it ruined so many lives? The men of the northern army sneered at them, but kept a respectful distance. He tried not to look, tried not to see the faces he’d have to fight in the morning. How many of them h
ad sisters who would weep for their loss?
He helped Diana onto her horse and then quickly mounted his. They kicked off, the silence between them tense. Finally, when they were partway to their own camp, Diana slowed her pace and let the horses trot calmly beside each other.
“Can you do me a favour, Aiden?” she asked, turning her head slightly towards him.
“Of course,” he answered, without hesitation. He would likely do anything if she asked him to, but he didn’t say that.
“Don’t tell anyone about Callum’s child,” she said, her eyes sweeping the hill where Jameson was sure to be watching them. “I think it would only complicate things further for the King, and he doesn’t need more stress than he already has.”
Aiden could hear the concern in her voice. He wondered, not for the first time, what was between her and the King, but knew it was none of his business. He agreed to not say a word, and they fell back into a comfortable silence. “Why’d you do it?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“Do what?” she asked, turning back to him, her eyebrows raised in question.
Aiden lifted his hand to point at his eyes. “My sight, why did you let me keep it? You said it would go back when I returned home, but it never did.”
She smiled gently at him, shrugging her shoulders. The gesture made her seem younger than she normally did. “I guess I just didn’t want you to forget us,” she replied.
Aiden snorted, scanning the area around him. “As if I could have forgotten all this,” he said with a sigh. When they reached the edge of the camp, Jameson and Turk appeared. The King’s eyes immediately looked Diana over making sure she wasn’t injured in any way.
“How did it go?” he finally asked, turning to Aiden now.
“Good. They’ve agreed to wait until the morning,” Aiden answered.
Jameson nodded his head slowly. Aiden wondered what thoughts were going through his mind right now. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have to face your own brother, for the second time. He didn’t envy Jameson.
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