Telophy

by Wanda Wiltshire

  ‘You’re wise, Leif … your father was right when he said you were a good king.’

  ‘Wise about some things.’ One corner of his mouth lifted. ‘Perhaps most things. But I guarantee I’m not wise about all things.’

  ‘And humble too.’ My smile was only half teasing. ‘You’re not a good king, you’re a perfect king.’

  Leif laughed, but his cheeks flushed, giving away the effect of my words. ‘Definitely not perfect.’

  ‘Tell me something unwise about you.’

  ‘Look, over there. Your mother’s coming.’

  ‘That’s convenient,’ I said, following his finger to a couple of tiny dots in the sky. ‘You just can’t think of anything.’

  ‘Truly, I could tell you of something supremely unwise. And I will tell you, but not today.’

  I made a huffing noise. ‘You love to make me wait.’

  Leif’s eyebrows went up. ‘That coming from you … Now there’s a funny thing.’

  ‘Why? It’s true, and quite controlling actually.’

  ‘Ah yes, one of my faults, then there’s pride and arrogance. All things opposite to you really.’ He smiled. ‘Another funny thing.’

  My voice became quiet. ‘You’re not really controlling, Leif—or proud, or arrogant.’

  ‘I recall you assuring me so once before. But we both know it’s not entirely true.’ His eyes were dark and smouldering, and as they held mine, a thousand butterflies left their cocoons, wings bursting to life in my chest. A faint smile touched his lips. He climbed to his feet and pulled me to mine, his eyes returning to the dots rapidly taking shape against the darkening sky. ‘I should go, they’re almost here.’

  I looked up at him, surprised. ‘But you came to give Finelle allegiance.’

  ‘I did, and I will, but this time is for you and your family. Only call me when you are ready and I will return.’

  He could have met me later, but he’d chosen to come with me now—just to sit in this tree and talk. I smiled without meaning to.

  ‘What?’ he said.

  ‘Just … thanks.’

  He brushed a strand of hair off my face. ‘I couldn’t leave things the way they were between us.’

  I had to look away, or risk him seeing the emotion flooding my face. ‘They’re almost here.’

  The ripple of wings and a rush of wind and he was gone in a flash of brilliant light.

  A few seconds later, Finelle and Linden were standing on the branch beside me. I thanked Linden for all his help, told him to give Heath a kiss for me, then he flew back the way they’d come.

  Finelle looked a new creation—the lank hair and drab fabric replaced with loose curls the colour of pale sunshine and a shimmering skirt in golden yellow. Her lips were full and tinted pink, and at her wrists and ankles were chains of tiny flowers like the snowbells that popped up at springtime in the park across the road from my Earth home.

  ‘Ready?’ I asked her. A breeze rustled the leaves, sharpening their fresh scent. Above the lake, firebugs were just beginning their dance, tiny sparks winking and spiralling through the air.

  ‘I don’t know … Look, is that someone by the window?’

  I squinted through the trees. Leander again.

  A gasp, let go in a long sigh. ‘My father … oh.’ Her eyes sparkled.

  ‘Come on,’ I told her. I couldn’t wait another minute to see their joy.

  On the other side of the door I could hear quiet chatter, the occasional clatter of plates and the gentle sound of a flute running up and down a scale. A quick burst of laughter—Lysander’s. I lifted my hand and rang the bell, felt Finelle’s fingers slide into mine.

  The music stopped. Lysander opened the door. He looked from my mother, to me, and back to my mother as her hand crushed mine. A tear slid down her cheek. A small sound in her throat. I knew what my brother saw—two faeries who looked so alike they couldn’t be anything but closely related. He took a step forward and pulled our birth mother into a bone-crushing hug.

  And then Melody was there, crying her daughter’s name as she bounced up and down. And Leander, steering me gently inside, closing the door. Lysander released Finelle, wiping tears away as Melody took her turn. My grandmother wept as she clung to her daughter, words of love pouring out of her. Leander waited, as ever, patient and quiet. He was trembling, his dark eyes swimming. When he finally got to hold her, he closed his eyes as he brought her head to his shoulder. ‘How I’ve missed you, my daughter,’ he said softly. As though he sensed me watching, his eyes opened and caught mine. He stretched an arm out for me and a lump came into my throat as I went to him. Then Melody joined us, and Lysander, until we were all enfolding each other like a bunch of emperor penguins in the bitter cold.

  Family—our connection rushed through my blood and sung to my soul.

  The room was silent with emotion as the dinner was shared around. But as we began eating, the questions started, the first— where was Tobias?

  My birth mother watched her plate as she murmured that she did not know, and had not seen him in many years. Beside her, Lysander slumped with disappointment. I wondered if anyone else suspected her of being less than honest.

  ‘Then where have you been?’ Leander asked. ‘We thought you would be together.’

  Finelle looked up, her eyes glistening. ‘I … I’m sorry … I lost my soul to the Dark King.’

  Melody’s cutlery clattered to her plate, hands fluttering to her mouth but doing nothing to stifle her cry.

  Leander grew pale. ‘How is it you are free?’

  ‘King Telophy won a bargain with him.’ Finelle bowed her head and Lysander glanced my way, eyebrows halfway up his forehead.

  ‘But what of the King?’ Leander said, and my heart began to race. ‘Why would he risk himself for you? Is he returned?’

  ‘I hope he is back home and making arrangements to reclaim his kingdom,’ Finelle said.

  Thoughts whirled in my head like autumn leaves. There was no easy way to tell her. I reached across the table and waited for her to take my hand—as though I could be her anchor. ‘Finelle, there was no bargain between Rual and King Telophy.’ I tightened my grip. ‘It was an exchange. King Telophy gave his soul for yours.’

  My birth mother broke, and as voices erupted around the table I called for Leif. There would be time to talk another day, but right now he was needed.

  He arrived almost immediately, making me wonder if he’d been close by, just waiting for my call. Even after all that had just happened, the thought was more delicious than chocolate.

  Leif filled my sobbing birth mother with light and when all had calmed, told her to kneel. Then, right there in the little lakeside home that seemed at least two sizes too small for him, the King I was in love with made the woman who’d given birth to me allegiant to him.

  He stayed for a while to talk, to help settle everyone down and give hope that all would end well. When he had to go, I followed him out the door, as though being pulled by a current. Out on to the jetty where the starlit lake glimmered all around us.

  ‘So,’ he said, his eyes warm. ‘I suppose it’s time to say goodnight.’

  ‘Mmm.’

  ‘Will you stay here tonight, or should I send a guard when you wish to leave?’

  ‘I’ll stay here.’ I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes from him.

  ‘Is there something else you wish to say, Marla?’ He smiled and it was so adorable I wanted to go up on my toes and pull his lips to mine.

  ‘Um … Are you going home now?’

  ‘For a while at least. I told my mother I’d be in and out through the night.’

  ‘Have you told her about your father?’

  ‘I have.’

  ‘How is she?’ I shook my head. ‘Sorry, that was a stupid question.’

  ‘She’s grateful he’s alive, but … she feels the loss, as you can imagine.’

  ‘Tell her I’m thinking of her … maybe give her a hug from me?’

  A twinkle took
some of the gravity from his eyes. ‘A hug, you say?’ He opened his arms and made a come-here motion with his fingers. ‘Best give it to me then so I can pass it along.’

  I went to him and his arms closed around me. He was so big, and warm, and strong, the muscles in his back hard under my palms. Never had I felt more comforted or safe. Never more at home. I buried my face against his chest, wanting to nuzzle, to get lost in his scent for a while. I gave into a kiss, couldn’t help it— he was holding me too close to notice anyway. When he released me, he was smiling. ‘I’ll make sure I deliver your hug promptly.’ He placed a hand in the centre of his chest. ‘But the kiss I’ll keep for myself.’

  Blushing, I lowered my eyes to my toes. But I couldn’t stop my smile. He laughed softly and kissed the top of my head. Then he nudged my arm. ‘Go on now, Marla. I want to see you safely inside.’

  Hugging the kisses close to my heart, I told him goodnight and closed the door.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Almost always, my parents waited for me on the balcony surrounded by Mum’s little garden as they drank tea and ate Sunday morning eggs. They would smile and push their breakfast aside, tell me they just couldn’t get over how strong and healthy I was getting. And today I was looking forward to the routine more than ever. But the balcony was empty and when I tried the door, it was locked. Cupping my hands against the glass, I peered inside, rapping on the door when I could see no one there. No answer. I went to the lime tree and dug into the soil, removed the key. Then I led Finelle down to the entry and let myself in.

  I found Ashleigh asleep, mouth open against the pillow, hair a tangly mess around her face. I poked her awake. ‘Where are Mum and Dad?’

  She groaned and ignored me so I shook her shoulder and repeated the question.

  My sister opened her eyes halfway and glanced from me to Finelle. ‘Dad’s in hospital.’

  I dropped to the edge of her bed, my chest filling up with cold. ‘Why?’

  She sat up. ‘Tests and stuff.’

  After four years, the ghost of Dad’s battle with cancer still lingered, a spectre hiding in the shadows. ‘Is he okay?’

  ‘I hope so … We’re going to pick him up today.’ She blinked in Finelle’s direction.

  I introduced them and my sister continued to stare at my birth mother. ‘Where’s Mum?’ I asked.

  ‘Probably at Pam’s … You two look like sisters.’

  I turned to Finelle. ‘I have to find my mum.’

  Ashleigh climbed out of bed. ‘I’ll make us coffee.’

  With rocks in my heart, I went in search of my mother. I found her in the unit down the hall, looking tired and worn. I went up behind her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. ‘Hi Mum.’

  She reached up and patted my arm and Pam said, ‘Can I get you anything, Amy?’

  I shook my head against Mum’s hair. She smelled of Dove soap and coconut. I was glad she was finally able to use normal things.

  ‘We should be off anyway,’ Mum said as she stood. ‘Time to shake that other daughter out of bed.’

  ‘Is Dad going to be okay?’ I asked as we walked down the hall.

  ‘We’ll know more today. He’ll be glad to see you.’

  ‘I brought someone to meet you but I can tell her to come back another time.’

  ‘Who did you bring?’

  I took a deep breath. ‘Finelle.’

  She stopped, her eyes widening as she tilted her head towards the door. ‘Your birth mother’s in there?’

  I nodded. ‘She said she and Tobias chose you.’

  ‘Chose us?’ Mum’s face was a shade paler than before. She started fixing her collar, dusting her skirt.

  ‘I’ll tell her to come back.’

  She grabbed my wrist. ‘No. I want to meet her.’ She let me go and after attempting to flatten her hair with her fingers, opened the door.

  Finelle was sitting at the table and stood quickly when she saw us. Ashleigh continued to chat away from the kitchen. Mum stopped and the two women stared at each other, Finelle smiling sweetly and looking like she’d just stepped out of a movie, Mum turning red as she straightened her cardigan.

  I made the introductions and watched anxiously as they exchanged greetings before falling silent again. Finelle was the first to break it. ‘Karen, I want to thank you for keeping Marla safe.’

  ‘I’ve done what any mother would,’ Mum said quickly.

  ‘Of course,’ Finelle said, nodding.

  My discomfort grew as both women struggled for something else to say. ‘Should we go get Dad?’ I asked.

  ‘I’m the one who needs to thank you,’ my mother said, the words falling out of her as if I hadn’t spoken. ‘I can’t even imagine what life would be without my girls.’

  ‘Both lovely,’ Finelle said, ‘but I can only claim credit for one.’ She smiled my way.

  ‘I don’t think that’s true,’ Mum said, taking a seat at the table and gesturing for Finelle to do the same. ‘I was in my thirties when Lewis and I met, close to forty by the time we married and started trying for a baby. I know it’s different for the Fae, but for a human, that’s getting on a bit. We tried for years, went through all the IVF cycles. In the end, we had to give up because it was destroying our marriage. We’d been told adoption would be difficult …’ She hesitated. ‘Finelle, Amy … Marla, was the most precious gift Lewis and I had ever been given. Without the happiness she brought us, I know I wouldn’t have fallen pregnant with Ashleigh soon after.’

  Finelle had tears in her eyes. ‘Then let us speak of thankyous no more, for what has passed was surely meant to be.’

  My sister was leaning against the entry to the kitchen. She caught my eyes as she brushed hair from her face with the back of a hand. She smiled faintly and I returned it. I knew she was thinking the same thing I was. We were always meant to be sisters. Mum cleared her throat and grabbed her bag from the table as she looked from me to Ashleigh. ‘Well, come on girls. I’m sure Dad’s sick of that hospital by now.’

  Dad was dressed and ready to go when we arrived, bag packed and leaning against his chair. My heart ached to see that, despite his neat chinos and freshly ironed shirt, he looked pale and fragile and old. But he brightened at the sight of us, standing to give out hugs before turning to Finelle. ‘So who’s this then?’ Introductions were made and his eyes shone as he told her what a joy I’d been, how my arrival had been a miracle. They spent some time getting to know each other. Then, as if he were talking about a walk in the park, Dad gave us the results of the tests. The news wasn’t good. There’d be procedures and treatment in hospital, and at the end of that, medication. There would be side effects, and a long period of recovery, but he was feeling positive and ready to face what needed to be faced. The doctor arrived with the date and details for his return and we left the pale walls and antiseptic air behind, returning home to eat Sunday lunch as though everything was fine.

  After lunch, I left Finelle with my parents and strolled to the shop with my sister, filling her in on just how my birth mother had come to be here. Ashleigh was horrified. ‘How’s Leif coping? And what about Atara? Poor Atara.’

  I’d almost forgotten how close Ashleigh had been to Leif’s mother. ‘Leif’s King now. He doesn’t have the luxury of being anything but okay. I don’t know about Atara … I hope she’s okay.’

  We reached the shop where I picked up the milk and waited for Ashleigh to check out every row of chocolate before choosing her favourite Darrell Lea. She tore open the bag with her teeth and popped one of the orange balls into her mouth.

  As we started home, I said, ‘What’s been going on with you anyway?’

  She shrugged. ‘Not much. Life’s pretty boring around here.’

  ‘Work okay?’

  ‘Brilliant—I love running my fingers through dandruff and nits all day.’ She popped another orange ball in her mouth.

  ‘It can’t be that bad.’

  She shoved the chocolate in her cheek. ‘No really,
we had to send this kid home the other day, her scalp was teeming. The critters were scampering up my arms.’

  I screwed up my nose. ‘That’s revolting.’

  ‘What, not jealous?’ She sighed. ‘It’s okay, it’s a job I suppose— crap money, but I’m a whole lot better off than some people.’ She grinned. ‘Of course, I could go back to Faera.’

  ‘Missing Rowan?’

  ‘What?’ Ashleigh looked confused.

  I rolled my eyes. ‘You told me, remember? Ages ago.’

  ‘Oh that, yeah … Lysander and Claudette still tight?’

  I wanted to deny it, but couldn’t, so didn’t answer.

  Ashleigh’s eyes narrowed. ‘Tell Claudette I’m missing Rowan like crazy. Tell her I’m saving up a big tongue kiss for him.’

  I frowned. ‘Why would I do that?’

  ‘Just to annoy her. She thinks she’s cutting me up with this whole Lysander thing.’

  ‘She is.’

  ‘But I don’t want her to know that. Geez you can be thick sometimes.’

  ‘Hey!’

  ‘And when you tell her, make sure Lysander’s in hearing distance. The little creep, I can’t believe the way he’s avoiding me. Tell him I’m over him—completely over him. Rowan’s the faery for me. In fact, I want you to give Rowan a note for me.’

  ‘Do you think that’s a good idea?’ Rowan had to know his betrothed’s name by now.

  ‘I don’t know why it wouldn’t be. But don’t even worry about it. Matt asked me out tonight, maybe I’ll go.’

  I looked to the sky. ‘Did I say I wouldn’t give Rowan the note?’

  ‘Thanks.’ She smiled sweetly. ‘And do it today please.’

  As soon as I got back to Faera, I went to take care of Ashleigh’s note, flying off to see Rowan while the sun still shone. Haigen answered the door, a contemptuous look on her face. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘Is Rowan home?’

  She left me at the door, Rowan taking her place and inviting me in a second later. I told him I was in a hurry and gave him the note. He stuffed it in his pocket, and my curiosity burned.

  ‘How is Ashleigh?’ he asked as I turned to go. ‘Still pining for your brother?’