by Marnie Cate
Did Livia know I was cursed? That my child was born from Snowystra's blood?
Livia smiled warmly at me and then turned her attention to Cole.
“Hello, Livia,” Cole said, kissing her cheek. “I am happy to see you are well. You're sparkling.”
“And you look well too, my boy,” she laughed. “The last time I saw the Shah he was a bit undone.”
“Yes, he was but the Shah is gone. Our Mara saved me, too,” he said, smiling at me.
The Shah will rise again.
“Stop,” I yelled, instantly regretting my outburst.
Poor Marina, they will think you're going crazy? Can't you control yourself?
“What's going on, Mar?” Cole asked wrapping his arm around my waist.
Livia stared intently at me. “She needs more rest. I can feel your internal conflict, Mara.”
“Is Livia right?” Cole asked.
Forcing a bright smile, I said, “You're right. I have not been sleeping very well and the baby is kicking like crazy. I am sure our stay here will be just what I need.”
Nodding her head, she said, “I insist you rest. Please. Come in, come in. Laura has been waiting to see you.”
The look of concern Cole wore faded and he let go of me as we entered the home. The minute she saw us, Laura leapt out of her chair and threw her arms around me. I was amazed how her new home had changed her. She was vibrant and full of life. The love I felt from all the women today overwhelmed me. Out of the darkness of Snowstrum, my family had grown. Gram always said even when there was no hope for light, love could still grow the strongest flowers.
“Have you been drinking the heilsavi I sent?” Laura said.
“Of course. Meg has me following your instructions to the T,” I said.
“Sit, sit,” Livia insisted. “I want to talk about what happened in Galinevo.”
I felt free to tell them everything I had experienced while there. They had been by my side in Snowstrum and they would understand. Cole paled as I described the vision I had of his time under Snowystra's control and his attacks on me. When I finished the story, we all sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity.
“More victims of Snowystra,” Livia finally said, breaking the silence. “Cole, I am very proud of you. You both were very brave and will grow from all the pain you were forced to endure. Now, enough of the past. We focus on the future. I want you both to stay here until the child is born. This will ensure you're safe while you plan to stop Tannus from taking Mazie. Laura will also be able to keep an eye on you. A child with such strong magic should be carefully watched.”
“Do I need to worry about losing the baby?” I asked.
“No, child. I am more concerned what the toll of carrying her will have on your body,” Livia said. “Laura is wonderful at taking care of pregnant women. So, you will be in fine hands.”
“So, I have a healthy baby growing inside me. How will we stop Tannus?” I asked.
“I do not know, Mara. I really do not know yet,” she said. Her eyes blazed as she said the next words. “But, you have the protection of the Miezitari as long as I am still breathing.”
Chapter 25
Eftir Forest was like a land of lost time where anything could happen. I was still amazed by how many different trees were in one place. When we had entered Eftir, large pine trees filled the woods. But, as we further explored, there were the green, leafy trees of Starten and even the twisted turquoise trees of Galinevo.
The evening before, Meg and I had decided our walk would end with a picnic on the lake. Meg had turned fifteen the week before. She was too smart to not catch on a party was being planned for her. To keep the big event secret, we had decided having it later was the best way to keep it a surprise. Today, it was my job to keep her busy while the preparations for this evening were being made. On the day of her birthday, we had a small family dinner to celebrate. It had been a challenge to not blurt out all of the upcoming details, which had been planned, but I wanted this special day to be a surprise. Too many birthdays had passed with us apart. I wanted this one to be something she would never forget.
“I never want to leave this place, Mar,” Meg said, throwing her hands in the air and spinning around.
“It is pretty fantastic,” I agreed.
We sat down at one of the several picnic tables lining the edge of the lake. My little sister glowed. Since we had arrived, Meg had embraced the culture and became part of it. Shadowing Laura as she cared for the pregnant women, Meg had become quite knowledgeable about childbirth. But, this wasn't the only thing endearing Meg to Eftir. My sister was head over heels in love and the object of her affection appeared to reciprocate the same feelings.
I was concerned about the time Meg was spending with Dunn. She was growing up and I didn't want her to end up disappointed because I didn't stop her from making a mistake. He was immortal and a hundred years older than she was. She would end up with a broken heart in the end.
“Gram once told me I had to be careful with any choices I made following what I desired. She was right. Once you make a decision, you can't always take it back,” I said.
“Are you giving me the birds and bees talk?” Meg laughed. “Mara, Dunn is not like that and neither am I for that matter. Mara, I found my Cole.”
“I know what it is like to be your age. I really was there not so long ago,” I said. “Please don't rush into something that will be impossible to keep alive. I wish you would spend less time with him and really think about the emotions running through you. I am here for you to talk about your feelings, ok?”
“I know you are. Don't worry. We don't have any plans to run away and get married,” she said. “We are going to enjoy the time we have together. Can't you just trust me? I am not a child anymore.”
“I never said you were a child, Meg. I just don't want you to rush into anything and regret it later.”
“Mara, I am not you. I can't block people out to keep my heart safe. You of all people should know time with our loved ones is precious and should not be wasted.”
“I… I don't do that.”
“Mara, you have always done exactly that. You have a wall up.”
“You are so young and—”
“And impulsive? Foolish? I don't know if you noticed but I have grown up while you were gone. I would say recently I have acted more like an adult than you.”
“Meg,” I gasped. “I am an adult. You have no idea what I went through.”
“Can I join you, ladies?” Faramond called.
We both turned toward him. Faramond may be a god but he acted as if he was human. There was no superiority in his attitude. He worked as hard as any of the Miezitari in any of the daily tasks, never using his magic. “Did I interrupt something?”
“No,” I said, glancing at Meg. “We were just talking.”
“I'm sure Mara won't mind sharing our lunch. Right, Mar?” Meg said, handing him one of the ham and cheese sandwiches.
“Oh, of course,” I said. “You have perfect timing. We were just starting to each lunch.”
“We will continue this conversation later,” I whispered to Meg.
“No need, Mara. I think you have said what you wanted to say,” Meg hissed.
Doesn't she sound just like your mother? I should have waited for her to grow and lured her to Snowstrum. She would not have failed me.
“Lucky for me,” he said. “I see Miles has been at work. I am glad you're both here. I wanted to talk to you.”
“About my child?” I questioned.
“Yes, Mara. In a way,” he said. “We have offered you protection through your pregnancy. Once the child is born, it will be up to you.”
“I can't stop Tannus from taking my child. I do not have the magic he has. He is a God and I am a—”
“You're more than a girl. You are a woman who carries the four elementals and you have the magic of the Winter. Yes, your mother was gifted with Winter magic. Even though she used it for darker purposes,
her power was pure. Not many can say they have a gift from two Goddesses. Not to mention, you are bound for life to one of Brighid's blessed. What would make you think you are any less powerful than Tannus?”
“He is older, stronger and immortal. Also, he has the backing of the Council,” I said.
“Yes, the Council,” he said with a slight chuckle. “They do always appear to support whatever my brother wants. Pity it is all just nodding and agreement.”
“Your brother?” Meg interrupted.
“Yes, Tannus is my brother,” he said.
“I did not know. Are there any other relatives we should be aware of?” I asked
“Sarika is my sister. There are many things you do not know about our world, Mara.”
“So if the Council does not have real power, who is strong enough to stop Tannus?” I asked.
“Tannus is not in charge of anyone. His ability to convince others he is the most powerful of the Gods is his truest talent,” Faramond said, his eyes blazing with anger. “Do not misunderstand my words. Tannus does have great magic but he is fallible. As he has demonstrated with Alaunius, he is quick to react and this impulsivity has come to bite him later.”
“Why does Arianolwyn stand by him if he killed her lover? Is it only because he restored Alaunius to life?” I asked.
“I can't speak for my niece but I believe she is wise in playing the good daughter and keeping in Tannus' good graces. As they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” he said.
“If you can't stop him and the Council won't, who can I ask for help?”
“I believe the Council will do what is best for this domain. What this means I am not sure? If your child holds the absolute key to keeping the balance, I cannot stop it. But, there must be a way for you to raise your child and allow her to fulfill her destiny,” he said.
“So you know how to make this happen?” I asked.
“I find it best to not interfere. I know you're strong enough to find a solution that will be a win-win for all,” he said.
“Livia said you once defeated Tannus. How did you do it?” Meg asked.
“Yes, there was a time,” he said, looking off into the distance. “My daughter does love to tell stories of her father's great power. Livia has been very busy with her loom and like Arianolwyn the threads do speak to her.”
“Threads?” I asked.
“All the possibilities and what ifs of the world. The strings of decision and action are bound to us and connect each other. One slight decision can change the path for many.”
“If there was a time when you defeated Tannus, can I ask how you did it?”
“My battle with my brother will do very little to help you. You will know what is right when the time comes, Mara. There is nothing more you can do until then. You must learn there is no sorrow for yesterdays and tomorrows. We have only our todays to live for.”
Standing up, he clapped his hands together. “Enough of the sad thoughts of the past, tonight is the Fiore Valle. We will eat, drink, dance and be merry,” he said,
“Dance?” Meg asked. “I didn't know anything about a dance.”
“Well, I will need to speak to someone about this oversight,” he said. “It is probably underway without us. Gather your things and come right away.”
I noticed for the first time the sky had taken on a brilliant lavender color as the apricot sun began its descent. The warm breeze was filled with the sweet fragrance of the blooming trees. Meg's surprise party should be prepared and everyone should be there to greet her.
“We should start back,” I said, gathering our picnic basket.
“I can't believe we didn't know anything about a dance. I am a mess,” Meg said, not hiding her irritation.
“We will go back to our room and get ready,” I soothed. “Don't worry. You always look picture perfect.”
Brushing off her sour mood, Meg linked her arm through mine. “This has been a nice day, Mar. We will need to spend many more like this together.”
“We will,” I said.
As we walked towards the cottages, my mind began to race and I had an uneasy feeling. Faramond would not help me. I would be on my own in finding a way to stop Tannus. A tightening in my stomach caused me to stop and gasp.
“Are you ok?” Meg said.
“Just a cramp,” I said, rubbing my stomach. “It has already passed.”
Meg's eyes widened. “If you have anymore, let me know immediately.”
“We just sat too long. You're always telling me to keep moving because it is good for my pregnancy,” I said, dismissing her.
I didn't need to appease her concerns for long before we were met by Christina. “Faramond told me you were not aware of the event tonight. I will speak to Dunn about his oversight,” she said. “Come with me and we will get you ready.”
Chapter 26
Christina led us through an area of the woods I had not explored yet. The trees around us had long silver vines hanging from them. We stopped when we came to a house. It was a grander version of the cottages in the main area and it emitted an iridescent glow.
“Where are we?” I asked.
“This is Faramond's private cottage. He told me to take you here,” Christina explained. “It is the last of the Kingdom's original structures.”
Inside the house, I was surprised to see a very simple home. It had cozy furniture and it was clear a family had once lived here. She led us down a long hallway into a master bedroom. The room was lavish with gold accents with a large sitting room. One of the walls held a picture of Faramond and a woman.
The woman had an exotic look. Under the colorful scarf she wore on her head, her mahogany curls fell to her shoulders. I met the penetrating gaze of her dark brown eyes, sure she was watching me. The intensity of her stare made me uncomfortable and I quickly directed my attention to Meg who had slipped in next to me.
“Theodosia was so beautiful,” I said.
“Yes,” Christina answered. “This was their room. Follow me, we can pick out something for you to wear.”
The large walk-in closet had so much clothing to choose from but I was confident there would be nothing in my expanded size. I had seen the pictures of Theodosia and her slender physique.
“Let's pick out a dress for you both,” Christina said.
Meg excitedly began searching through the dresses oohing and ahhing.
“I am not sure any of these will fit me right now,” I frowned.
“The queen was pregnant many times, Mara. Of course, there will be something for you in here. See this would be perfect,” Christina said, holding out a silver chiffon gown. The fitted bodice ended just below the bust with a flowing skirt. It reminded me of something a Grecian Goddess would wear.
“Thank you for thinking of dresses for the evening. In my excitement, I had not thought about her need for a dress,” I said softly. “Are you sure it is ok for us to be here? Will Faramond mind if we wear these?” I asked, realizing we were raiding the closet of the God's deceased beloved.
“He told me to bring you here,” she said. “He insists that Theodosia would be sad if her lovely clothing were not enjoyed. I have heard stories of her bringing the women back here to dress for events. I am told she was a very kind.”
As Christina helped me dress, I began to feel more confident, like I was a young woman again. She smiled as she began to twist my hair up.
“You don't have to do this for me anymore, Christina,” I said. “You're not my subject.”
“No, I am not. But, I am your friend,” she said, squeezing my shoulders. “And we both know if you try and fix your hair, I will just have to redo the mess you create to make you look presentable.”
“Have you been speaking to my sister?” I laughed.
“How does this look?” Meg said appearing from the closet.
My heart stopped. The little girl who used to play dress up had grown and was no longer a child. She wore a ball gown with a wide skirt and small purple fl
owers on the hem. The bodice, covered in bright crystals, sparkled, changing to the same iridescent color of the house. The waist had a green belt that, upon closer inspection, I could see was a vine. The creeper was fresh and looked as if it had just been pulled off a plant.
“Meg, this dress is perfect for you,” I said, not hiding my surprise. “You look so grown up.”
“I know. It was like it was left here for just me,” she said in a hushed voice.
“Come sit and I will fix your hair,” Christina said.
Christina easily began to manipulate Meg's fine hair. Meg beamed. Her excitement pleased me. “You will be the most beautiful girls at the dance tonight.”
When she finished putting a bit of makeup on us both, Christina said, “You're both ready. Let's go.”
“Wait, what about you?” Meg asked. “You need to get dressed, too.”
Selecting a crimson gown, I handed it to her. “Here put this on and then Meg will fix your hair and makeup. Unless you want me to try?”
Christina wore a look of surprise. I was certain the years she had spent in Snowstrum as a servant would take many years for her to forget. It pained me to think that her life had been filled with such cruelty that kindness surprised her.
Meg said, “Come on. We don't want to be late for my first ball.”
When we were all dressed, Christina led us through the forest on a paved path. We arrived at the cottages, seeing the center of the common area lit up with fairy lights. A bandstand had been set up and the musicians were playing soft music. When they saw us, the band began playing a song that sounded like a royal announcement was about to be made.
“The lady of honor has arrived,” one of the musicians called to the crowd. “Don't be shy, Meg. Come forward.”
Meg stared in amazement at the smiling crowd.
“Happy Birthday, Meg,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. “Go on. Tonight is your night.”
Chapter 27
Meg had disappeared from the party with Dunn. Just as I became worried enough to go find her, she returned alone with a wistful look on her face.