by Jen Wylie
He chuckled. "They are, and quite beautiful as well."
His face remained so close to hers, she couldn’t keep from tipping her head against his. For a moment, she felt the soft pressure of him returning the gesture before he leaned back. The tenderness of his action left her warm and happy, a soft smile coming to her face all on its own.
Craning her head around, he surprised her with his boyish grin again. His eyes met hers and then he laughed, shaking his head. "I am not used to your eyes."
Quickly, she lowered her lashes and turned away. "I’m sorry," she whispered.
Fingers caught her chin, turning her head back to face him. "Do not be. They are a part of you now."
Looking up, she met his gaze again and forced herself not to look away as he stared at her strange new golden eyes.
"They suit you." Releasing her chin, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Behind them, she heard a rumbling laugh. Making a face, she refused to turn and see the boys’ reactions to her and Prince.
Though the gates to his home were in sight, Prince kept the horse at a leisurely walk. She didn’t complain, the more moments she had with him the better, yet she did wonder once again at his sudden change. Maybe he just wanted her to be happy.
They reached the lowlands and the horse slowed, its hooves making muted sucking noises as it sank into oversaturated soil.
"We will have to go around. It will only get worse." Prince pointed to how the land continued to dip until it reached the small stream she’d seen before rising again. Her eyes settled on the road, which apparently lead to the gates.
As Prince guided the horse north around the wet ground she tried to figure out why there even was a road. Finally, she just asked.
"We do some trade with the humans. Most believe we have humans working for us who buy and sell and move the goods, though in truth we simply wear a glamor and do it ourselves."
"You don’t have everything you need in Rivenward?"
"We do, for the most part. We trade for gems and some metals that are brought in from overseas. Human art is collected by some. Mainly it is just that your items are different and it is an excuse for some to travel. Life can easily become tedious."
They stopped at the stream to water the horses and wash up. It didn’t escape her notice Prince took extra care to get the dirt from his hands and face, to smooth down his clothes and he even ran his fingers through his hair.
Her heart lodged in her throat, but she smiled and chatted with Bo about nothing even as her eyes kept straying to the ever closer gates.
"They’re impressive. It’s rather amazing we’ve never heard stories of them."
She nodded her agreement, taking in the details of the two statues. Two beautiful Elves in armor, swords in their hands, crowns upon their heads, their stony eyes locked on something far in the distance. Though beautiful, she also found them frightening.
The horses finished and they mounted and continued on, keeping to their slow pace. Bo moved his horse up next to them, Kei and Garen moving about around them, almost as if they were playing some game. She smiled slightly, perhaps they were.
They reached the road too soon, and she found it harder and harder to breath.
"Will I be able to still talk to you?"
"I…do not know," he replied. "I am not sure if the wardwall will disrupt it, or even how far apart we can be. Our pack is small and the bond really not that strong." He hesitated before continuing quietly, "Do you know where you will be?"
"I don’t know. Back to the forest first, to return Rhee-En’s horse. Maybe we’ll try to winter in one of the cities though. If we can find some work."
"I would suggest Westport," he offered. "It is the second city north of here."
"The one with the quarry?"
"Yes, and partly east of Rhee-En’s lands, should you need to return there. They also have the largest human port of the city states. Perhaps you will hear word of your family."
"Then yes, we will try there."
"Arowyn."
She turned at the sudden change in his tone.
His head tilted solemnly as he pulled the horse to a stop. "I think this is far enough."
Swinging around, she saw they’d almost reached the massive gates. Prince slipped off the horse as she stared at them. She hadn’t realized the gates themselves were so huge. The statues had made her think them smaller. Beautiful carvings etched every part of them, so many, her eyes darted back and forth trying to see them all.
Something thumped, making the ground shake and the horses shift nervously. With a mighty groan, the massive gates began to slowly swing open.
With a squeak of surprise she dismounted quickly, turning wide eyes on Prince, who chuckled at her sudden panic.
"Apparently the seer is getting better. It seems they know I am here."
She nodded once and turned back to watch them magically open. Behind her, she heard Prince quietly say his farewells to the others.
Light trembles spread through her body. She didn’t want her turn to come. The perfect words still eluded her. How did you say goodbye to the one you loved? How did you put all of your feelings and hopes and fears into a few simple sentences?
Her sullen thoughts suddenly stopped short as Elven knights walked two abreast through the gate. Armor gleaming in the sun, they marched in perfect unison. Her eyes widened at the drawn blades each held.
"Prince," she whispered harshly, not daring to turn around.
He stepped up beside her and she risked a look at him. A small smile curved his lips. He didn’t look worried at all. Glancing down at her, he finally noticed her distress. "A welcome." His head snapped up suddenly. "That is unexpected."
Following his look, she watched the knights split, three going to stand on either side of the gate. As the last pair parted, a woman strode into view, hands outstretched at her sides, holding the reins of two mounts.
"I will return," Prince said quietly before striding forward to meet her.
Aro stared in shock, wondering what was going on. Her eyes focused on the woman as she drew closer. The lady was, quite simply, the most gorgeous creature she’d ever seen. From her perfectly done hair to the tips of her sparkling shoes, every part of her, every curve and piece of clothing, radiated perfection and beauty.
Closing her eyes, she tried to control the sudden feelings of worthlessness assaulting her. No wonder Prince wasn’t in love with her if the women looked like this at home.
She kept her eyes shut until she managed to control the fiery burning of unshed tears. Prince still talked with the beauty, though he now had the reins of both horses in one hand. The woman handed him a small pouch, and Prince nodded, his face intent upon hers.
Finally he turned and made his way back to them. Aro didn’t watch him though, her eyes locked with the woman’s. The Elf regarded her thoughtfully until Prince reached her side, and then she turned on her heel and walked regally back to the gates.
"Who was that?"
Prince raised his eyebrows at her snappish tone. "Aeriella. Our seer."
"I see she grew up," Aro muttered.
Prince frowned. "She has made your life much easier. She saw my return, and that I wished to repay you for bringing me home." He held out a set of reins to her, the other to Bo. "These are for you. Not our best stock, they cannot leave Rivenward, but you will not find better horses in these lands."
He turned to Kei and stepped to the side of one mount. "You rarely ride, so I have something special for you here." He patted a large pack. "She has marked other gifts and there are a few bags of coins and gems." His eyes found hers. "You never need to work again," he said softly. "You can buy a house, a bed, whatever you might want."
Bo thanked him loudly, and profusely, while she just stood there in shock. She’d never expected anything from him. Had she thought he’d allow it, she would have refused it all.
He turned to her, a small expectant smile on his face.
"Thank y
ou so much," she said breathlessly. "I–"
"A moment, Aro," he said gently. "I have one more gift to give." He pulled the small pouch from his belt and walked over to Garen. "I have not known you long, but you have become family as well." Opening the bag, he pulled forth a small glowing sphere. "This is an Elven glamor rune. If you agree, I can set it upon you." He paused, apparently listening to Garen.
"No, it would make you appear as a large dog, it would encourage people to avoid you." He listened again. "With this you could enter cities and travel amongst humans unnoticed."
Finally he nodded and crouched down. Garen sat and for some reason opened his mouth. Aro watched in fascinated horror as Prince set the sphere in Garen’s mouth and then sat back quickly.
Garen snapped his jaws shut. Color erupted, shooting out from between his teeth as he snorted and pranced about, shaking his head. With a final shake the lights faded away.
Did that hurt?
It was…unpleasant, he answered her.
He sat before Prince and, tilting his massive head back, opened his mouth again. Before he snapped it shut, she vaguely saw a tattoo on the roof of his mouth.
Now I can protect you anywhere.
Garen, you didn’t have to do that.
Yes, I did. It was the perfect gift. With another snort he padded over to meet the new horses. They didn’t appear disturbed by him at all.
"Arowyn."
Her stomach twisted. The time had come.
Tearing her eyes away from the others, she found Prince standing before her, staring down into her eyes. His hand rose to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing back and forth across her skin.
Refusing to close her eyes to savor the feel of his touch, she kept her gaze on him. After this, she’d never see him again. She wanted to, needed to, remember every detail.
"I’ll miss you," she whispered finally.
His eyes lowered for a moment, pain crossing his face, marring his beautiful features. Looking up, a sad smile crossed his lips. "I will see you again. One day."
The tears were suddenly so very persistent. Blinking rapidly, she hardened herself against them. "One day," she repeated. Her answering smile wavered, but it was the best she could do.
His hand dropped from her face. "Thank you, for bringing me home."
A nod was all she could manage. She wanted so very much to pull him to her and beg him to stay. He couldn’t, and she knew it, just as she couldn’t go with him. It tore her apart.
Forcing one more small smile, he turned…and walked away.
That was all?
Eyes burning, she clenched her fists and struggled to keep breathing. This wasn’t how it she’d imagined their parting, but it was done, the moment over.
Staring after him, watching him slowly walk away from her, broke her down into little pieces. Inhaling a slow breath, she held it, and then let it out just as slowly. This was how it had to be. It hurt, but she would survive, and so would he.
I love you, she whispered into his mind. She would have no regrets.
At first, she wasn’t sure he’d heard her as he continued to walk toward the gates. Then he stopped suddenly, motionlessly staring straight ahead.
She sucked in a startled breath as he spun on his heel and came charging toward her. Had she made him angry saying it one last time? Steeling herself for a fight, she tensed as he quickly reached her.
Sweeping her up into his arms, his lips found hers. He kissed her, firmly and deeply, leaving no doubt in her mind he was quite serious.
She pressed her hands against his chest, weakly trying to push him away. His pity was the last thing she wanted. She refused to let him play games with her. I told you not to kiss me unless–
I know.
Her heart stuttered at his answer and she gasped against his lips. Taking advantage of the moment, his tongue slid across her lower lip before gently dipping inside. A tremble rolled through her as she melted in his arms. Slipping her hands up his arms, she twined them around his neck, into his hair, pulling him closer as his mouth devoured hers.
Dipping over her, his hair fell around her face as he held her ever tighter. She pushed up against him, wanting to be closer. Their kiss turned frantic, demanding. Heat and longing and need coursed through her veins and along every nerve. They kissed as though they’d never kiss again.
Hearts pounding, both gasping for breath, he reluctantly pulled back. Stunned, she stared up at him, her lips slightly parted in wonder.
Placing a slow kiss to her lips, he then rested his forehead against hers. They stood quietly for a moment, hearts still racing, before she felt his sigh on her skin.
"I must go."
"I know."
"Please, be safe, my Arowyn," he said quietly.
She tilted her head up. "I will. Be safe, my prince," she whispered. Be safe, Shael.
I will.
It seemed so sudden when he pulled away, leaving her cold despite her flushed face and racing heart. Again, she watched him turn and walk away, though his steps were much quicker this time. Watching him leave again was torture. She supposed, she hoped, it wasn’t any easier on him to go.
As he reached the opened gates her eyes caught the rows of Elven warriors and her face burned again. "Wither me." She’d forgotten they were there. They’d seen…
Her tender lips pressed into a firm line and she raised her chin and straightened her shoulders. They would not think her some weak human woman. If they gave Prince any trouble…they better hope she never heard of it.
Prince did not look back as he crossed into his land. The other Elves filed in to either side of him and then the beautiful, massive gates glided silently closed.
The boom of their closing made her jump, but she continued to stare at them, wishing she could see through them.
Truly, she was stronger now. After all, she’d just lost another of her boys, her love, and she wasn’t even crying. The man she loved had kissed her, he returned her love, and still she didn’t cry as he walked away from her.
Aro stared at the gates for another moment and then lifted her chin and turned to her grinning boys. "Let’s head out. We have a horse to return."
She might have "One Day" to wait for, but she still had a life to live.
Other Works by Jen Wylie
The Broken Ones
-Broken Aro
-Broken Prince
Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales (anthology with Sean Hayden)
-Volumes 1 & 2
Sweet Light (novel)
Ring Around the Rosie (short story)
Jump (short story)
Immortal Echoes
-The Forgotten Echo (novella)
-The Untouchable Echo (short story)
Tales of Ever (YA novella series)
-Banished
-Fire Girl
-Shadow Boy
-The Lost Tree
-Dragon Rising
-Sanctuary
About the Author
Jen Wylie resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her two boys, Australian shepherd and a disagreeable amount of wildlife. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don't. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories. She loves to hear from her readers!
How to connect with Jen:
Goodreads: Jen Wylie
Twitter: @jen_wylie
Facebook: Jennifer Wylie (page)
Website: jenwylie.com
Email: [email protected]
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