by Alex Temples
Maybe the old ladies were on to something.
The maps they were looking at featured all the sites in old town. I’d grabbed the same map from the concierge desk when I’d checked in last night.
Might as well get to know the neighborhood, I thought, pulling the crinkled map from the side pocket of my serviceable brown shoulder bag.
My fingers found their way to the warm scone, and broke a piece off.
“Mmm.” I hummed appreciatively, as melty butterscotch coated my tongue. The scone was incredible. I washed it down with a healthy swig of coffee, and proceeded to spread my old town map across the table.
My hotel was near Market Square, which was seemingly the center of the little town. All sites of interest were marked on the map with a number, and if you flipped to the back you could read a short summary about the significance of each site.
Apparently, the tavern just across from market square had been around for quite a while. George Washington had enjoyed rum punch at the bar and issued orders during revolutionary war while standing on the steps outside.
My spirits lifted a bit as I continued to nibble on scone and read about bits and pieces of Alexandria’s history. This wasn’t the worst place to be stuck. Maybe once we had the wall stabilized and had reached some sort of truce with Gethin, I’d have a chance to relax and explore.
Orielle’s arrival at the table quashed any thoughts I’d had of relaxing for the time being.
“Will you be much longer?” She asked, sliding into the booth across from me, and giving me an assessing look.
I bristled. The petite fae rubbed me the wrong way.
“I’m almost done.” I said. My tone was soft and carried a threat of warning. “Do you have somewhere to be?” I followed up, eying her with one eyebrow raised.
She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, with you, finding an apartment, not spending the morning in a hotel full of tourists.”
“You think a street full of tourists is going to be much more interesting?” I asked drily.
She rolled her eyes. “Anything is more interesting than watching you eat. Who knew a mortal could eat so much, and with so little grace,” she added with more venom, eying the crumbs on my front, as she turned up her pert nose in disdain.
I glanced down and brushed the crumbs away, lips pursued. I really couldn’t decide whether to be angry or amused with her. She reminded me of a petulant teenager.
“Orielle, is there something I don’t know about you? Have we met before?” I asked, wondering if she hated all mortals, or just me in particular.
Her eyes shimmered. “There is plenty you don’t know about me and my people. I think you are a waste of our time, and if I hadn’t received my order from the queen herself, I’d just as soon turn you over to Gethin and watch him ruin you.”
She raised her head defiantly, staring at me to see how I’d respond.
I sat silently for a moment, more curious than ever to understand what had caused this woman to hate me so much. Perhaps she was just prejudiced against mortals?
No, that wasn’t it, I thought, eying her defiant expression. This was personal. Seeing as how I’d never met her, I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to piss her off so much. I decided to take the higher road. After all, I was still riding a sugar and caffeine high, and that left me feeling much friendlier than I had during our encounter yesterday.
“Listen, Orielle,” I paused, leaning towards her and whispering, “I never wanted to be involved in this mess. I hadn’t even heard of the Dark Rider of Dagda or the flame of Cibola before Aiden came to me in New York. I didn’t want any part of this. I didn’t even know I was one of you, so I’d appreciate it if we could act like adults while we’re being forced to work together.”
She sat there staring daggers at me across the table. “Just because you have a little fae blood, doesn’t make you one of us.” She hissed. “You are impure, and the queen may not be able to see that right now, but I can. You could never be a leader in Eden, you will never be good enough to mate with our men, and it sickens me to think of you diluting pure, royal blood with your mongrel magic.”
Her lip curled as she stared at me. Thank goodness the only table within hearing distance was the couple of elderly ladies still immersed in their map, or they would have heard that last bit about mating and mongrel magic, which would have been interesting to try and explain away.
I suddenly realized why Orielle hated me so much. This was about a man, not my mongrel status, as she’d so delicately put it. Nope, definitely a man.
I sat back slowly, feeling rather smug as I considered her.
“Orielle, I have no interest in ruling anything, nor do I have any interest in Tristan, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m just here to work, and to lend what little assistance my keeper blood can offer.” I’d kept my tone low and soothing, but apparently it hadn’t worked as she was still glaring at me.
“You are low born. I cannot believe he would touch you.” She said, her eyes roving over me. I felt like I was being stripped publicly.
“I told you there is nothing between me and Tristan. If you want him, you should go for it. He’s a great guy.” My voice held a note of irritation and I felt my patience waning.
She sniffed and stared out the window. “I am not interested in Tristan. He is, as you say, a good guy.”
My casual words sounded wrong on her tongue. She turned her eyes back to me as I took another sip of coffee and waited patiently.
“I have a taste for danger, and Tristan is the safest fae you will know. He is good and kind and…” Her voice trailed off.
“Wholesome?” I finished.
She considered this and then nodded. “Yes, wholesome.”
“Then who is it you’re worried I’m after? Neil?” I asked, and then froze as I realized the truth. I swallowed another gulp of coffee and watched as a cruel smile spread across her face. She raised her head and looked down her nose at me.
“You did not think yours was the only heart he has broken, did you?” She asked, spitefully.
I was reeling inside, but I willed my expression to remain neutral. Aiden had been with this woman? No. Mine. He was mine. The question was, when had he been with her? Was it before me? Or… I pushed the thought away.
It couldn’t have been after. No one, including Aelwen and Tristan had seen him since that night. It had to have been before. I hadn’t told anyone about the strange thing that had happened when Aiden and I were together, about how we could hear each other in our minds. I knew it was special, that it meant we were somehow intended for each other. He had said as much. I’d been trying to forget about it because it hurt me to remember our brief time together when I knew I’d never see him again.
Whatever had happened between Aiden and this woman could not have meant anything. I tried to reassure myself, but I still felt a little sick as I stared back at Orielle, wondering whether he had caressed her like he’d caressed me, kissed her as passionately. I pushed the thoughts away and focused my attention back on the woman in front of me.
“What happened between me and Aiden is none of your business, and I’d ask you to keep your assumptions to yourself. I thought we’d agreed to play nice, at least while we’re forced to work together, huh?” I was surprised to hear my voice come out steady and authoritative when I was quaking inside.
Orielle was saved from having to reply, as Tony descended upon us carrying coconut macaroons and a little black book. “Ladies, a treat from the chef.” He said, placing the plate of macaroons between us, glancing appreciatively over Orielle’s lithe frame as he did.
I rolled my eyes. There was no denying that next to Orielle’s ethereal beauty, I was terribly forgettable.
“Thank you, Tony. We’re ready for the check.”
He slid it to me and I filled out the necessary lines while Orielle delicately consumed one of the macaroons. She made eating into a sensual act, and I sighed with relief when the last bite of coconut passed her perfec
tly shaped peach lips. There wasn’t a crumb in sight.
Chapter Six
Sweat trickled down my back as we crossed the enormous square once more. I dodged to avoid a toddler coming around the corner swinging a wooden sword and almost jumped out of my skin when something slammed into my back. It was another child with a wooden sword.
Apparently, I’d become a human shield.
“That’s enough.” Orielle growled, sending the children scattering as she took my elbow and led me away from the gaggle of sword-wielding maniacs. I didn’t blame them. She was scary looking when she made that face.
“Oh, stop. They’re just playing.” I scolded, brushing my sweaty bangs back from my face and tucking them behind my ear.
“They’re feral.” She growled back.
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “I think they’re adorable.” I smiled over my shoulder at the group of children running around the fountain.
I wanted kids someday. Pushing the thought away, because it had reminded me of someone I was trying to forget, I jabbed the crosswalk button and focused on the street ahead of us.
“Where to next?” I asked cheerfully. Sure, I was overheated and exhausted from our hours of fruitless walking, but part of me was finally beginning to unwind. I found I was enjoying old town Alexandria so far. It was incredibly charming with all the cute shops, secret alleyways and cobblestone walkways. The fact that it was making Orielle so miserable was just a bonus.
“Well, we’re almost to the water, so you’re running out of places to look at.” She grumbled, pulling her silky hair back into a ponytail. The crosswalk flashed the walk sign and we began walking, crossing King street to explore yet another one of its intersecting streets.
“Yes. That’s true. Maybe we should wander further than a block on each side?” I asked, stepping over a loose cobblestone as we turned down Prince Street.
“No. That would be a terrible idea. There is one more listing located around the corner from here. A new luxury complex on the water.” Orielle stated in a satisfied tone. “I’m sure this one will be better than the last few.”
Luxury complex? Ugh, I thought. I had no desire to see any more shiny, soulless dwellings, but I didn’t say so out loud. I just followed her quietly down the narrow, cobbled lane. Towering oak trees hung low over the street, their thick branches crisscrossing and intertwining to create a green canopy above us that blocked out the worst of the sun. Bright flower planters decorated every front porch. Row homes lined the street, which was surprisingly quiet considering the time of year. I guess the mortals stick to King street.
An old lady walking a Scottish terrier waved at us cheerfully as she passed, and I waved back. How surprising it was that just one block from the bustling clamor of tourists, it felt like a neighborhood.
“Did you say we’re only a few blocks from the water?” I asked, having just processed the problem with this.
Orielle glanced back at me. “Yes, is that a problem?”
“I can’t afford anything by the water, Orielle. The last few places we saw were at the top of my budget, and they were a mile away from the water.”
Orielle shrugged, “Everything on this list has been approved by Nia. She didn’t mention any budget.”
“Approved by Nia?” I froze and frowned at Orielle’s back. “What do you mean approved by Nia?”
Orielle stopped walking and turned to face me. “Arcata is covering your relocation expenses.”
I frowned. “Yes, I understand that, but what does that have to do with me finding an apartment?”
Orielle looked me over as if I were slow, and then sighed. “Your dwelling is included as part of your sign-on bonus. As long as you work for Arcata for the specified period, ownership will be transferred to you. Didn’t anyone explain this to you?”
I shook my head. “No, no one explained that.” I replied dryly. “You’re saying the company is buying me a home?”
“Yes. Of course, unless you’d prefer a monthly cash stipend?” Orielle replied, eyebrow raised.
This should have come as no surprise to me after my dealings with the fae. They enjoyed luxury, and seemed not to fully grasp the cost of maintaining their lavish lifestyle in the mortal realm. I suppose I couldn’t blame them for taking it for granted. Living thousands of years likely caused one to lose touch with reality as mortals experienced it.
I didn’t mind working for my money. I’d saved quite a bit over the years, not having had much occasion to spend money with the hours I worked. Part of me was insulted by the idea of taking such a lavish and clearly unearned gift from Arcata, but since I was only here for the duration of time it took us to figure out how to stabilize the wall and locate the four treasures, it probably wasn’t worth fussing over a few months of free rent on the company.
After the solstice, this would all be wrapped up and I’d move on. Whether that was back to New York where I could be near my brother, or on to somewhere new, I didn’t know. For now, I’d play along. If Nia and the Council wanted to gift me with a home for the time being, so be it.
Finally, I turned to Orielle, who was bursting with impatience. “No, I don’t want a cash stipend. Let’s go see the last apartment on your list. If it doesn’t work, we’ll just have to head back to the hotel for the day and look at more places tomorrow.”
Orielle’s face fell and I could see her envisioning us trudging around old town again tomorrow. She said nothing as I passed her, leading us past an old firehouse. On the corner, next to a firehouse stood a three-story colonial building of whitewashed brick. The paneled windows were wide, the wood shutters painted a sunny yellow that was peeling in several places.
A few brick steps accompanied by a wrought iron railing curved upward to meet a bright red door. On a rusty sign hanging above the door, I made out the word Apothecary. The building had clearly seen better days. A board covered what must have been a broken glass panel on the upper floor, and next to it a sign proclaimed it For Sale by Owner.
Orielle saw where my gaze had traveled. “Oh, no. No. We are not looking at that building. It’s disgusting.” She argued, but I was already halfway across the street.
The building called to me. It was old, and full of character, and completely disreputable looking. I was immediately charmed.
I knocked on the shiny red door, which must have been freshly painted. It was the only shiny thing about the place. The door swung inward, creaking on its’ rusty hinges.
“Hello? Is anyone there?” I called into the front room.
My voice echoed off the walls. A noise sounded from somewhere in the back, clattering followed by a loud thud and someone yelling out.
“Hello?” I tried again, and felt Orielle behind me now.
“Aagh.” Came a muffled noise from the back. “Help. I’ve fallen.” A gnarled old voice yelled out.
Not waiting for Orielle, I ducked inside the building, searching for the voice. The front room was a large open space with aged hardwood and empty bookshelves lining the walls. The ceilings were high, covered in crown molding and paneling made in a time when quality meant more than efficiency.
I saw another open room to the left, but ignored it. The voice had come from the back of the building. I darted through the narrow entrance to the right and found myself in a small sitting room that had been converted into an office. In the back of the room, sprawled on the floor, I spotted an elderly man, white hair poking out from under his tartan cap, a large, gilded painting laying half on top of him. To his right, a small step ladder was tipped over on its side.
“Oh, my goodness. Are you alright, sir?” I asked, rushing to his side and lifting the painting off him. I set it to the side, pushing the step ladder out of the way and then stooping to assist him into a sitting position.
“Oh, aye, lassie. I’m alright.”
Twinkling blue eyes peeked out of a face lined with age. They were clear and lively, out of place set in such an old face. Just like the front door, I mused. Deep creases line
d his forehead, and he had bags under his eyes. A white beard, neatly trimmed, covered his chin.
“Just my pride that’s injured.” He said sheepishly, dusting himself off. He took my hand tentatively and I helped pull him stand. He teetered and I grasped his arm tighter.
“Let’s get you into a chair.” I said, giving Orielle a grateful nod as she pushed a green velvet armchair behind the man.
“Thank you, dears.” He said, settling back into the chair with a grateful sigh before looking up to examine us.
Orielle and I stepped back then, acknowledging the fact that we were strangers who’d just invaded what seemed to be this gentlemen’s home. I stepped forward first.
“I’m so sorry to have startled you. I hope I didn’t cause you to fall. It’s just I saw the sign in the window and I…”
He made a choking sound and I stopped talking, worried that the fall had done him more damage than he was letting on, and then I realized he was trying to hold back laughter.
“Oh, don’t ye be apologizing to me, lassie. You aren’t to blame for an old man forgetting his limits. I shoulda’ never been up on that ladder. My Joyce, God rest her sweet soul, she would have reamed me good for that.” He chuckled, waving away my apology.
Behind me I could have sworn I heard Orielle laugh.
I smiled at the old man and nodded. “Well, just the same, my apologies for intruding on you.”
He studied me, a smile playing over his lips. “You’re interested in the place, aye?” He asked, his eyes twinkling.
I nodded.
Orielle made a noise behind me and I shot a look over my shoulder to hush her.
The old man let out a deep belly laugh then. “It seems yur friend is not so excited about the prospect.” He observed.
I glared at Orielle and she sighed.
“My friend is just keeping me company, so she’ll keep her opinions to herself.”
The old man glanced between us and smiled. “Well, this place is not what it once was, I’m afraid. The roof leaks, you see. It will need be replaced. There’s also the matter of it being on the register of historic places. That makes it mighty expensive to maintain, ye see. It means that a certain percent of the building has to stay as it was several hundred years ago when she were built. But that’s not the least of its problems.” There was a fondness in his voice as he listed off all the problems the old building had. He paused then, perhaps gauging my reaction.