by Alison Pensy
The group gathered together and wandered towards Azran City. Once inside the walls, Faedra put her hands to her mouth. Faen wasn't kidding. There would be a lot of cleanup to do. Water streamed down the walls as it melted, flowing into the alleys and lanes. What a mess, and what about the people? "Where is everyone? Are they still alive?" Faedra wondered out loud.
Noticing the distress on the young queen's face, Derian touched her arm. "Do not worry, Your Highness. Your people will be fine once they have thawed out. We will help them and clean this up. If you will permit me, I will bring more of my people here so that we can return your realm back to normal as quickly as possible."
"Would you?" Faedra said, relief washing over her features. "Please, feel free to bring as many people as you need."
There was a splash behind them. "Cor, blimey. It's a bit soggy."
The group turned.
"Etyran!" Jocelyn squealed as she waded through the water and threw her arms around him. "We did it!"
Etyran glanced around him before letting his eyes rest on Jocelyn. "Looks like we did," he said, a grin splitting his face in two.
"We will go and make a start on the castle," Derian said before beckoning his men to follow.
"Thank you."
Faedra looked at Ignis. "Would you go with Derian and lay Vivianna down when they have dried out a room? Afterwards, please, could I trouble you and Alaris to prepare another pyre?" Ignis inclined his head and followed behind the Umorians. "Draconis, could you please go back to the cottage and tell everyone of our victory? I don't want them to worry about us a moment longer than they have to."
Draconis inclined his head. "Consider it done, little one."
"We need to find out if Tiernan and Ena are alright," Faedra said to Faen. Her husband agreed. Faedra turned to Etyran and Jocelyn. "Can you go to Alsius and find Tiernan and Ena? If they are still alive, bring them back here."
"Sure thing, boss," Etyran said, bringing up his hand in a salute.
Faedra rolled her eyes. Jocelyn smirked.
When they had disappeared within the vortex of red laser lights, Faen lifted Faedra's hand and pushed back her sleeve revealing the ice cuff. "You know, Adkara. If Tiernan and Ena are unharmed, you will have a tough decision to make. They likely know the magic used to forge this vessel and how to reverse it."
Faedra looked down at the twinkling jewels that graced her wrist. She wanted her powers back, there was no doubt in her mind, but did she want Savu's? She doubted that the two could be separated now, it was probably all or nothing. She couldn't rule Azran without powers, how would she defend her kingdom? She also knew the only way to stop anyone else from getting Savu's powers and using them for nefarious intent, was to keep them within herself. Anything held in a vessel could be stolen, no matter how strong the magic used to protect it. Someone who was determined enough would always find a way. She could not risk that from happening.
Resigned to the fact that she would spend the rest of her life fighting to control such power, she sighed and looked up at Faen. "There is no decision to make, Faen. If I want to make sure no one ever gets their hands on Savu's power, I have to keep them within myself." Her lip curved, offering her husband a playful smile. "Maybe I can hire someone from Umor to hold my hand when I need a break."
Faen gave her a look which told her that may not be a bad idea.
***
That evening, Faedra stood next to her husband in a secluded corner of the castle grounds. Vivianna's body lay on top of the neatly stacked pyre that Ignis and Alaris had prepared. Jalia had been kind enough to prepare the body and had dressed the princess in one of her more resplendent gowns. The silken material of the skirt draped around her legs and tumbled down either side of the pyre, rippling gently in the warm breeze.
Faedra looked up at the body of her half-sister. She looked peaceful now, no more hatred etched into her beautiful features. Why did Vivianna have to be so jealous? They could have been friends, she would have been the rightful queen. Azran would be her realm now, and Faedra could have continued living a normal life in the World of Men. The Custodian drew in a breath and let her gaze fall to the ground. What a waste.
She felt Faen's warm hand squeeze hers and she looked up into his concerned blue eyes.
"Are you alright?"
Faedra gave him a barely discernible nod and turned her eyes back to the pyre. "It's just such a shame," Faedra mused. "Her jealousy caused so much pain and suffering. Look where it got her." She sighed again. "I guess, in the end, she got what she deserved."
Faedra looked over at Ignis, and then to Alaris, who were waiting patiently at either end of the pyre. She gave a definitive nod before turning towards the castle. Faedra and Faen walked away. Heat warmed their backs as they left the roar of dragon fire in their wake.
***
The next day, Faedra was leaning over the balcony, resting on her forearms. The city of Azran spread out before her. It was interesting to watch Derian and his people manipulate the water away from the buildings and streets. They had made a channel that led to the lake outside of the city walls. Building by building, person by person, they were sucking away the moisture and returning Azran back to its former glory.
Derian had been right in his assumption that the inhabitants would fare just fine. They had been thawing out quickly and with no signs of any adverse effects, other than bemusement at what had happened. Once frozen, they had no recollection of anything past that point. She wasn't sure how they would take the news of her father being killed, or of her becoming their queen. So far, she had not put out any kind of announcement, but knew she could not put it off for much longer. Her people deserved to know what happened.
Faedra pushed herself up and let her hands wander over her stomach. She smiled. There wasn't even the hint of a bump yet, but a new life was growing there, safe and warm. She only hoped she could be half the mother she remembered hers to be.
Faen entered the balcony. "Etyran and Jocelyn have returned."
Faedra looked up, noticing Faen's gaze drop to where her hands were still caressing her belly. His eyes shone with pride as he brought them back to meet his wife's. They said nothing for a brief moment. They didn't need to.
Bringing herself back to the here and now, Faedra broke the silence. "Did they find Tiernan and Ena?"
"They did."
"Are they alive?"
Faen smiled. "Yes, they await your presence in the library."
Faedra grabbed hold of Faen's hand on her way past him. "We need Derian," she said.
"I will find him and meet you outside the library."
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Faedra reached up to kiss her husband before they parted and continued on in opposite directions.
She was waiting outside the door to the library when Faen returned a while later with Umor's king. She steeled her nerves and prayed Jalia was right in her assumption of the Alsian king and queen, that they had nothing to do with the attack on her father and his realm. Her prayers were answered as she opened the door to the library and strode in.
Tiernan and Ena were seated close together in two of the reading chairs. Etyran and Jocelyn were standing behind them keeping a watchful eye over their new guests. The Alsian's faces were grimy, and even though they were made of ice, they looked disheveled. Tiernan had hold of his wife's hands that were resting on his lap.
As Faedra and Faen walked further into the room, Ena looked up, her tears streaking track marks down her cheeks. Tiernan dropped her hand and stood. He shot a surprised look at Derian, but as Faedra reached him, he lowered his head. "Your Majesty, we cannot begin to tell you of our sorrow upon hearing the news of your father and what Zaven did to your realm."
"Thank you."
"I promise you, we knew nothing of his plan until he took us captive. We have no quarrel with Azran and do not have any reason to want to enter the World of Men."
"I believe you. You look like you have been through your fair share of tormen
t at Zaven's hands."
Ena looked down at her lap and closed her eyes. Faedra could relate to that show of grief.
"We will do whatever it takes to repair the damage that has been done," Tiernan continued.
Faedra squared her shoulders. He could never return her father, that damage was irreparable, but she would see some good come of this. "Umor is helping restore Azran back to its original state."
Tiernan stiffened and cast another unsavory glance at Derian. The subtle shift was not lost on the new queen. "I, therefore, have two requests I wish of you. If you, in fact, wish to honor your prior declaration."
"Anything, Your Majesty."
"Good." Faedra lifted her arm and pushed back her sleeve. "Zaven took something from me, and I want it back." She saw the look of recognition in Tiernan's eyes when they took in the exquisite piece of jewelry. Ena also took an interest in the cuff bracelet. "You know what this is?"
"Yes."
"Can you reverse it?"
Tiernan looked up from the bracelet and glanced over at his wife. She nodded.
"My wife has that ability. She can reverse it."
"Good," Faedra said again. She gestured for Derian to step forward. He took hold of Faedra's other hand, garnering them both a bemused look from the Alsian's leaders. Ena stood and moved towards Faedra. She took hold of Faedra's wrist and placed her hands over the bracelet. After sucking in a breath, she looked up at the queen, her eyes shining with uncertainty. "Are you sure?" she asked.
Faedra drew in a shaky breath. "Quite sure," she said, sounding much more confident than she felt.
"Very well, then." Ena closed her eyes and started murmuring something in a different language. Faedra could feel the power seep out of the bracelet, back into her skin. Heat and raw energy snaked around her arm taking up residence in every cell, continuing its journey over her shoulders, down her back, across her torso. She could feel it nestling into her body, as if snuggling intimately into a loved one who'd been missed. Before long, she could feel it filling her from her fingertips to her toes. Thankfully, Derian's touch was keeping the inexorable fire at bay...for now.
Ena let go of the bracelet and took a step back. She bowed her head. "It is done."
"Thank you."
Tiernan spoke next. "You mentioned two requests, Your Highness. What is the second?"
"I want there to be peace between Alsius and Umor."
Tiernan and Derian glared at each other. Both men's lips tightening to a thin line of defiance.
"Tiernan," Faedra warned. "Whatever your quarrel with each other is, it has to stop. We defeated Zaven and his army without my powers. I will not hesitate to defend Umor should the need arise," she stated, the authority in her voice surprising even her. "Do we have an agreement?"
A moment passed. Tiernan brought his frosty gaze back up to meet Faedra's determine one. "We do."
"Good. Shake on it," Faedra ordered.
Both men shot her a bemused look.
Of course. They weren't from the World of Men. She had a feeling she would be introducing many new customs into her new world throughout her reign as queen. "Clasp your opposite hands together and shake," Faedra instructed, using Faen to help her demonstrate. "It is a legally binding contract," she added for good measure.
Derian held his free hand out to Tiernan. After a moment of hesitation, the Alsian king took it and they both gave a definitive shake.
"Good. Well, that's that settled then," Faedra said with a smile. "Tiernan, Ena, you are more than welcome to stay and rest for a while, or Etyran can take you home, if you wish."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Ena said. "I would like to rest a while."
"Okay. Let Etyran know when you are ready to leave."
Faedra held her free hand out to Faen, and they walked out of the library. Now to the next task at hand, easing back into her powers. She had a feeling it was going to be a long night. However much it appealed to her, it really wasn't very practical to hold hands with someone 24/7. She had to pee at some point.
***
The next week flew by in a blur. With the help of Jalia and Derian, Faedra was learning to take control of Savu's power again. It had been a struggle, but she was winning. The city of Azran was almost completely back to normal now. Its people had been told about the sad demise of their king, but they seemed to accept the news with courage and unwavering spirit. They were now scurrying around preparing the great city for the coronation of its new queen and her king. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, and Faedra was thriving on it.
It was the day before Faedra was to be officially crowned as the ruler of that realm. The castle, too, was buzzing with activity. The corridors had been swathed with garlands of flowers, their fragrance delighting the nostrils of all who walked within her walls. Faedra and Faen stood in the doorway of the great hall, which was being decorated beyond recognition.
"Nervous?" Faen asked.
"A little."
Servants darted about. Some were putting the finishing touches on the elaborate decorations, others were setting up row upon row of gold colored chairs to receive the guests for the coronation. Every realm would be represented, including the World of Men.
Faedra had bent one of her father's previous rules. She figured her family and two best friends already knew her 'little secret', so what was the harm of inviting them to Azran? She thought they had every right to see where it was they helped liberate. Just as she was thinking that they should be arriving any minute, she heard a squeal from the end of the corridor. Faedra leaned back and looked down the passageway, she couldn't suppress the giggle that burst forth. A very excited Jocelyn was careening towards her, spirited hands fluttering up in front of her. Faedra fleetingly wondered why the fairy didn't fly when she was in a hurry. She was sure Jocelyn forgot she even had wings sometimes.
"They're here!" Jocelyn called as she got half way down the hallway.
Faedra had instructed Etyran to materialize with her friends and family just outside the castle gates. She couldn't help but feel pride for her new home. She wanted to see the looks on their faces as the doors were opened and they got to take in the castle for the first time.
She grabbed her husband's hand. "Come on, let's go!"
Once outside, Faen scooped his wife up and flew with Jocelyn over the wall to greet their new guests. After all the hugs and greetings were exchanged, Faedra turned and rapped on the immense wooden gates. They swung open gracefully, revealing what was previously hidden from view. Faedra wasn't disappointed by her family's and friend's reactions. Craning their necks to take in the enormity of the castle, their mouths dropped open one-by-one, as if doing their own mini Mexican wave.
"Wow," the girls breathed, almost in-sync. "You live here?"
Uncle Leo just nodded his head in approval and reached up to ruffle his niece's hair. "Not bad, Fae. Not bad at all."
"Thanks, Uncle Leo." Faedra shot her uncle a warm smile. "Come on, everyone. Let me show you around."
***
As Faedra and Faen were being primped and preened the next morning, Faedra wondered why she had even bothered going to bed at all. She hadn't slept a wink. Nerves, excitement and a whole host of other emotions were twirling around inside her like a whirlwind. It certainly didn't help with the power containment factor. She took in a deep breath, calming her energy as Erin placed the last pin in her hair. She didn't think blowing up the leaders of the seven realms would make a very good first impression.
"Ready?" Faen held his hand out.
Faedra smiled and nodded. Accepting her husband's hand, she rose from her chair.
The vicar was standing on the dais next to the thrones as Faen and Faedra entered the great hall. Trumpets announced their arrival as they walked hand-in-hand down the length of the room, acknowledging members of nobility from other realms, as they did. When they reached the end and sat down, Faedra scanned the front row. All the people she loved most in the world were there. Her dad gave her a wink. Amy a
nd Zoe gave a little wave making Faedra's nerves slip away like butter off a hot knife.
She wasn't really sure how long the ceremony lasted, or what was said, so many thoughts were racing through her head. Her uncle was recording it on his cell phone, so at least she would get to see it when she eventually returned to reality. The next thing she knew, the vicar was standing in front of her. He had picked up her crown from a velvet cushion held by a young fae girl and was now holding it above her head. Faen covered her hand with his. This was it.
As the vicar lowered her crown, he spoke the words so everyone in the hall could hear. "By the powers vested in me, I crown you Queen Faedra of Azran." He turned and retrieved Faen's crown from the velvet cushion behind him, held by a young fae boy. He repeated the action. "I crown you King Faen of Azran."
The crowd erupted with applause. Those who were wearing head pieces threw them in the air.
Smiling, Faedra leaned over to her husband. "I guess this means I'm not a Custodian anymore."
Faen looked into her eyes. "Oh, you will always be a Custodian...custodian of my heart."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It takes a lot of people to bring a book to life and mine is no different. With that in mind I am going to mention each and every one of the wonderfully supportive network of people who helped me. So, if you are sitting comfortably, I shall begin.
My wonderful beta-readers (in alpha order). Alyssa, Andi, Jos, Mary Jo, Merilyn, and Shana. Your feedback and ideas helped me mold and shape the story into what it is today.
Marisa Wagner, my awesome editor. Your attention to detail is amazing. You took my words and made them sing.
My cover designer, Linda Boulanger of Tell-Tale Book Covers, whose creativity shines through on every cover she designs.
Cheryl Hughes, one of my Facebook fans for your suggestion of Malachite and Moonstone as a name for Faen & Faedra’s wedding presents. I asked my Facebook fans for some ideas of names and got some amazing responses. It was a tough decision.