The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  “I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you,” I whispered. She looked at me, her features chiseled.

  “I am the leader of the Princess’ guard. I will be strong enough to defend her if she is unable to do so herself—although I shudder to think what that would mean.” She hugged me.

  “You should tell that to Gavin. He still thinks I’m as weak as a puppy.”

  “I’ve a feeling he’ll soon learn otherwise, my lady.” She grinned, opening the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I hugged her. “It’s sure nice to be home. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I ... missed ... you ... too.” She struggled, and I pulled away. “Don’t worry, I’ll get used to it.” She giggled and waved before disappearing down the hall.

  “What is it ya’d like t’ be doin’ now, Princess?” Rune grinned, coming from the bathroom. Water dripped from his feathers like he’d stuck his head under the faucet.

  “I’d like to talk about the customs of the Alfar.”

  The grumbled, shaking his head like a wet dog. I went and grabbed a towel.

  “The Alfar are very proper.” I sat next to him on the couch. “Offense is avoided at all cost. I know you don’t mean to, but if you could ... mind your words.” I stammered, watching Rune’s eyes narrow. “What I mean to say is, my clan, well ... they’re protective.”

  “I’ll be addin’ to that protection there, Lass.” He nodded, placing the towel on his head and rustling his feathers dry.

  “And I appreciate it, but you must understand. They killed hundreds of Dokkalfar trying to defend me when we were in the Appalachian Mountains. They’re suspicious of new things.”

  “Aye, as they should be.”

  We sat in silence, each lost in thought.

  “Would you mind sleeping here tonight?”

  “That’ll be fine, Lass.”

  “Do you meditate?” I asked, not sure if he needed a pillow and blanket.

  “Aye, sometimes. Mostly, though, I play.” Rune reached into his small cloth bundle and brought out a silver flute. He put it on his bottom lip and filled the room with a haunting melody. The webs pulsed white.

  “Rune, that’s absolutely beautiful.”

  The music stopped as he grinned. “Your kind’ll be communicatin’ through art, mine through music. I’ll be playin’ for ya. And I’ll be keepin’ yer darkness away. You’ll see.”

  I startled. “What do you mean?”

  “Music’ll help with thoughts yer not controllin’, Princess. While yer within ears distance, you’ll not be havin’ bad dreams.”

  Gavin’s emotions ran through me causing my stomach to flip. Rune grinned.

  “Yer Prince’s findin’ that one interestin’, he is. Tis strange how the two of you’ll be communicatin’. Still, not up to me to be questionin’ the Maker.” He brought his flute up to his lip.

  “Will you be all right then?”

  “Aye, Princess. Rest well.” The music crescendoed, and I headed up the stairs.

  Opening the door, I stood in the threshold. The room looked exactly as it had when we left. A large four poster bed draped in cinnamon and gold stood on the far wall, the lone portrait Michael had created the only painting in the room. The simple glass circle from our last Christmas on Earth stood on the nightstand; the sculpture of the hands Malachi mended from Mia’s tirade was still on the dresser. And yet, the room also seemed different. It must be my perception. I’d always thought of this as Gavin’s bedroom, but now it was home. Gavin’s warmth nudged me, and I smiled as I opened the curtains.

  Soft amethyst light poured through the windows. The moon hung low in the sky, splashing color across the kingdom. Lights twinkled in the distance, and I wondered what the sprites were up to. Silence peacefully settled around me, like a comforting blanket on a chilly day. The doorknob turned, a well-oiled arc of light stretched around me.

  “I’ve missed this view.” Gavin’s soft voice came from behind; his chest warmed my back.

  “Me too.” I tilted my head, offering him his favorite spot on my neck. His lips lingered there before he willed the curtains closed.

  “I wasn’t referring to the land. I was referring to you in this room.”

  I smiled, turning to face him. “Did you see Malachi’s gift?”

  “Rune showed me. Speaking of paintings.” He led me to the gilded frame on the far wall.

  Gavin brought my hand to his face. His cheek warmed my fingers before he kissed the tender flesh beneath his amulet. His large palm covered the back of my hand, his fingers wove through mine, and he held my palm over the canvas.

  “You’ve always wondered about Michael. I think it’s time you got to know him.”

  My senses heightened as he pressed the heel of my hand into the colors of the landscape. I held my breath as images rushed through.

  A deep voice laughed, and the strong scent of honeysuckle and almonds warmed my lungs.

  Large fingers in front of me held a long shard of charcoal as if it were an extension of his arm. He sketched rudimentary shapes directly on the canvas, outlining the unicorns’ form. His focus darted from the sunlight angling through the trees back to the canvas as his hand moved quickly, shading them in.

  Tears welled as I realized I was looking through the eyes of Michael.

  “Gavin, get in the picture before the unicorns leave. I’m losing the light.” His timbre was lower than Gavin’s, his words echoed, and I finally had a glimpse of what it would be like to speak telepathically.

  “Not until you tell me who you’re creating this for.” Gavin’s voice was younger, lighter.

  Michael laughed. “If I promise not to give it to Mia, will you stand by the stallion?”

  My heart sped.

  “That wasn’t what I asked. I could order you to tell me.”

  The hands froze, his eyes found Gavin smirking.

  “You could, but then I might have to make this a gift for the Queen. And you know what that means ...”

  That wiped the grin off Gavin’s face. “Mia will get it anyway.”

  “Why don’t you tell her? You cannot keep it from her forever. Maybe then she’ll stop cornering me demanding I talk you into planning the ceremony.”

  “I’ve confronted her about that. She denies any wrongdoing.”

  Michael’s eyes darted back to the drawing. He started sketching the outer castle wall. “With all due respect, what do you plan to do when you cannot remove your amulet? Mia is not for you, and we both know it. You need a source that will be your equal, not someone you must protect all the time.” His eyes looked up from the sketch and found Gavin. “Do you really think going to the outer realm is going to solve anything?”

  “I have no idea. I just know I can’t stay here.”

  “And you’re willing to put the future of the monarchy at risk?”

  Gavin scowled. “You sound like my mother. Besides, Elias will be joining us.”

  “Because he was ordered to. He’s been against this from the start. If it weren’t for the Ancient One, your mother would have taken Elias’ counsel and not let you go.

  Gavin became haughty. “Elias or no, I will be leading the expedition.”

  Michael shook his head, focusing on the canvas once more. “Well, the captain may not be overjoyed, but I, for one, am glad we’re going.” Michael’s hands paused as he looked at the sky. “I have a feeling there’s something out there ... something waiting for me. I think I’m looking more forward to the adventure than you are.”

  “I don’t want adventure. I just want ... this.” Gavin’s voice turned wistful. “Look at it, Michael. From here, everything looks so peaceful. You cannot see the energy shortage or the tragic loss from the birthing season. There is no dying monarchy or conflict, no mandated responsibility. There is only creation. I would give up the crown if it would make it so.”

  Michael’s focus went from shading in the castle wall to watching Gavin’s profile.

  Gavin’s timbre became
dark, vulnerable. “The kinsmen believe I am the last hope for Kailmeyra. But I’m not ready. I’m not ready for any of it.”

  A large hand clapped Gavin on the shoulder. “Sire, you need not expend energy with worry. Go. Strengthen with the unicorns. I’ll wait for you here.”

  Gavin started down the hill, but then he turned and glared. “No sketching the Prince.”

  A sigh exhaled on the wind. “So be it.”

  The images faded to nothing. Gavin took my hand from the canvas and turned me around.

  “He was my best friend, and I never had the chance to say goodbye.”

  The hot ache of grief pulsed through me, and I pulled him close. We stood there for a moment before Gavin kissed my forehead and reached over my head. Lifting the painting from the wall, he took a letter from an envelope tacked to the back.

  “Michael asked I not read this until we came back from Earth.” Unfolding it, he handed it to me.

  Sire

  I must admit that selfishly I wanted to paint this as a record of our days before our impending travels. I fear I will never see this land again, and so I wished to take it with me. However, as I’ve been painting, your words haunt me, and I’ve come to understand this landscape is not meant for me.

  When you doubt, look upon this painting with the eyes of youth, and remember we once dreamed of peace.

  Tomorrow we leave for Earth. Know this, I vow to you with all I am—I will assure your safe return. You truly are our last hope.

  Fondly,

  Michael

  Michael’s handwriting blurred through tears as I read the letter twice. Gavin took it from me and tucked it in its envelope before placing the frame back on the wall.

  “In my darkest hour, when I thought mother had sealed the portal, when I knew I’d never see you again, I stared at this painting and remembered.” His gaze lingered on the landscape.

  “I can’t imagine growing up with all that responsibility.”

  Gavin tilted his head, his eyes finding mine. “You are younger than I, Princess. And you shoulder the burden of being the last Light of the Ancients.”

  “Yes, but with you as my source, I can do anything. And Michael’s right. You need someone you don’t have to protect all the time.”

  Gavin’s mind jolted at where my thoughts were headed. “He was referring to emotional protection, not physical.”

  “But they still have the same result, don’t they?”

  “Protecting you will never be a burden, Nora. It’s my instinct, my privilege.” As he spoke, the familiar tingle of burgeoning desire flitted through me, growing with every breath. “You are many things, love.” His hand dipped beneath my shirt, finding a place that made me squirm. The webs brightened. “But you have never been weak.” He slipped my shirt over my head.

  “Welcome home.” I smiled, feeling strong arms wrap around me as I pressed my heart against his.

  Chapter 8

  The Queen’s Journal

  WE WALKED DOWN AN UNFAMILIAR corridor, and with every step, I grew more anxious.

  “What’s worryin’ ya, Lass?” Rune’s raspy voice echoed off the smooth stone walls.

  “I’ve never been to the Queen’s quarters before.”

  Gavin’s hand squeezed mine. “Don’t worry, Nora. Mother’s been looking forward to this for a while.”

  Rune stopped just outside the palatial doors. “I’ll be keepin’ watch out here.”

  The Queen’s suite was bigger than ours, the furnishings themed in rich creams with splashes of purple and blue. Sculptures and paintings were everywhere, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Some of the tapestries appeared to be woven during the reign of the ancients.

  I looked at the history represented throughout the room. It must have been difficult for Queen Lera to accept Gavin taking a mate from a different land, someone who wasn’t brought up appreciating the customs and traditions of Kailmeyra.

  “Welcome, Nora.” Queen Lera’s voice rang from overhead, and I looked up to see her standing three stories above. She smiled and made her way down a winding staircase like the one in our room. “I am pleased you accepted my invitation.”

  “It is my honor, my Queen.” I bowed as she descended the last few steps.

  “Come now. Let’s not stand on titular ceremony. And please, call me Lera.” She clasped my hand with both of hers, staring at Gavin’s amulet. “What is this?” She ran her finger over the large emerald, which now housed a silver center.

  “I’ve discovered Gavin’s stone is part of his essence. I can use this to store energy.”

  Queen Lera’s brow rose as she glanced at Gavin. “Let’s hope you’ll never need to resort to such drastic measures.”

  Gavin smiled in reply. “Malachi has requested Rune’s presence, and so I’ll take my leave and show him the way.” His eyes twinkled mischievously. “Enjoy your visit.”

  He kissed my forehead before walking out the door.

  Lera linked my arm with hers and led me to the back of the room. She took a deep breath as sweat beaded on her brow. I siphoned all the energy in the room I could, hoping it would help.

  Three woven banners took up most of the wall.

  “I think we should start with a history lesson. These were created during the days of the ancients.” She pointed to the first tapestry, which held a scene of craftsmen building the sentry towers and the outer wall. As she spoke, her voice kept a gentle cadence, and I began to relax. By the time she got to the third tapestry, I’d started asking questions. From there we moved on to the artwork. One painting led to the next, each of historical significance to the monarchy until we stood in front of the portrait hanging over the fireplace.

  “I had this commissioned after Gavin’s naming ceremony.” Her expression grew wistful. A younger Queen Lera sat in a chair with a babe in her arms. The King stood to the side, and I couldn’t help but notice Gavin bore little to no resemblance to the man. His shoulders were a bit narrow, blond hair had been swept back beneath the crown, and even though his stature was tall, he was wiry in frame.

  Queen Lera’s focus lingered on the portrait. “I loved him beyond measure, but I was never attracted to him in the way my son is to you.”

  I smiled through an awkward pause trying to think of something to say.

  “I hope my candor is not making you uncomfortable, my dear. I merely wish to point out that your relationship is special.” She patted my arm and led me toward the stairs. “Come, there is something I want you to see.”

  I tried to contain my surprise. The Alfar considered the bedchamber to be hallowed ground. Rarely was anyone other than a mate allowed access.

  “This room was specifically designed for the King,” she explained. “One day your family will reside within these walls.” We stopped on the top landing.

  I stood in the archway, insecure. This was built for the monarchy. King Frey himself had once slept here. My stomach flipped at the thought that one day we would call this place home. Queen Lera led me across the room past the heavy furniture and large windows to an antechamber beyond.

  “Here we are.” She smiled. “This is the monarchy’s archives. My mother, Queen Naomi, started the room well before I was born. She decreed the knowledge be handed down from Queen to future Queen. I vowed to abide by her wishes, and I hope you will do the same.”

  “I would be honored.”

  This room did not hold the grandeur of the rest of the suite. Instead, the walls remained their natural gray, the space nothing more than a giant grotto. Rock shelves, molded directly from the mountain, jutted out in rows. As I entered, rough-hewn stone shone blue. It seemed every significant artifact of the monarchy was housed here. Swords and shields hung along one wall, followed by endless art. Queen Lera bustled around while I stood just inside the entrance, unsure if I should follow or not. A row of miniatures lined the shelf closest to me, and I smiled thinking of Gavin’s stone menagerie. I picked up a crude marble unicorn. As soon as I touched the stone
, images rushed through my mind.

  The sparkling jewels from the butterfly garden wall gleamed in the bright sunshine. A girl with shallow blue eyes and black glossy hair glared at me. The sun brought out the alabaster of her skin and gave her hair a blue sheen. She skipped around, dipping in and out of view from the smaller hands sculpting the stone.

  “Come on, Gav. I want to play. You can make your silly unicorn another day.”

  Her voice practically sang through my head.

  “I want to finish it for momma.”

  Tears welled as I heard the innocent timbre of Gavin as a child.

  “Wyn’s asking you to play with her, why don’t you go?”

  “Cause Wyn isn’t going to be my mate, and cause I want to play with you.”

  She reached down placing her small hand on the marble. “Please?”

  And there it was ... that beautiful smile with shallow, desperate eyes. I’d seen a portrait of a much older Mia with this same expression. The contradiction of light and dark, the combination of smile and desperation always shook me to the core.

  “All right.” Gavin’s voice became sullen. The hands stopped sculpting. The images faded away.

  “Ahhh, here we are.” Queen Lera’s voice echoed in the distance, and I shook my head and placed the unicorn back on the shelf. “I started this as soon as I knew I was with child.”

  She held up a hand-bound book. “I’ve chronicled every major event from the Prince’s life. I wanted to give it to ... Gavin’s mate as a wedding gift.”

  I reached for the journal, but she hugged it to her chest, conflict flashed in her opal eyes.

  “I’ve struggled with the decision of whether I should give this to you.”

  The smile slid off my face.

  Lera’s expression warmed. “You must understand. When I wrote this, I thought the future was set on a different path. I’ve considered rewriting it, but I fear I will not have time. It isn’t the memories I wish not to share with you, it’s the way in which I shared them.”