I shook my head unhappily. “It's all so complicated. Everything is difficult. There's no communication when people leave and while you were gone I was so frightened because I didn't know if you were okay. With all the rebuilding work that needs to be done and not knowing…”
Conal held me close. “Charlotte. I love you. You love me. We'll get through this. We'll sort everything out. One day at a time.”
Chapter 20: Intervention
“Charlotte! Wake up! Oh, hey! Morning, Conal.” I blinked my eyes open when I heard the excitement bubbling in Marianne's voice and I looked around the room, coming to rest on Conal. He was on the floor beside the bed, his back against the wall. Marianne continued as though it was a completely normal state of affairs to find Conal in my bedroom. “Get up, you aren't going to believe this!”
I sat up and stared at her. “Believe what?”
Marianne grinned. “You have to come and see. I promise, it's good news.” She whirled in the doorway and I heard her dancing down the stairs.
I turned back to Conal and watched as he stretched. “Morning, Sugar.”
“Hi.” I scanned my memory, trying to recall what had happened last night. After our discussion, Conal escorted me home and I'd been so exhausted he'd followed me upstairs, settling me into bed and pulling the covers over my tired form. I couldn't remember another thing after my head hit the pillow. I frowned, the unspoken question in my eyes.
Conal gazed at me, looking contrite. “I'm sorry. You fell asleep and I stayed for a little while, just watching you. Then I got to worrying you might have a nightmare and I didn't want you to be alone.”
I smiled. “You'll give Ben and Rowena the wrong impression.”
Conal grinned, the dimples in his cheeks deepening. “Ben and Rowena know I stayed. I went downstairs and spoke with them after you fell asleep.” He cocked his head to one side, watching me curiously. “Are you worried about what they'll think?”
“I don't want to hurt their feelings or have them think I've forgotten Lucas so quickly.”
Conal got to his feet in one agile motion and settled on the edge of the bed. “Charlotte, they're okay with this. More than anyone in Zaen, they know the situation between you, Lucas and I.” He leaned in to kiss my forehead. “When I went and checked if it was okay to stay, Ben asked if I wanted to move in.”
“He did?”
Conal grinned. “Charlotte, they're vampires. They've been around longer than you and me combined. I don't think they're surprised by the fact you and I might get together.” He stood up, running his hand over my curls. “Come on, get up. I'll make coffee and then we'd better find out what Marianne's busting a gut over.”
I tumbled out of bed and immediately endured a bout of nausea. I grimaced ruefully, eyeing the plate of crackers on the bedside drawer. Not eating before getting out of bed was a bad idea.
Marianne appeared in the doorway, looking delighted until she saw my face. “You look terrible,” she stated.
I rubbed my stomach gingerly. “Thanks, Marianne. Your subtlety is overwhelming. Why don't you tell me what you really think?”
Marianne grinned. “Conal's making ginger tea, that might help. Hurry up!” She started grabbing clothes from the dresser.
“What's going on?”
Marianne seemed as if she was busting a gut trying to keep her secret, but she shook her head. “You have to see it to believe it. Trust me.” She threw some clothes on the bed. “Get dressed.” Without another word she turned and disappeared out the door again.
Grumbling beneath my breath, I pulled on the clothes and walked downstairs. The house was full, it seemed all the Tines knew Marianne's secret and there was an atmosphere of excitement in the living room.
“Let's go!” Marianne announced gleefully when she saw me arrive.
Conal handed me a mug and caught my hand in his, looking as mystified as I did. We stepped outside and I halted on the stoop, staring at the street in bewilderment.
The cottages had been fully restored – yesterday they'd been scarred from the battle we'd fought. Today they were pristine. Spotless windows shone in the early morning sunshine, the formerly-battered doors stood straight and true on their hinges.
Marianne clutched my arm and dragged us along, waltzing from street to street as we toured the city.
In the area near the generators, where the most severe damage had been sustained, we saw the biggest transformation. It seemed a magic hand had wiped across the area, removing the detritus of the attack and replacing it with picture-perfect cottages. No sign of the damage remained. We weren't the only ones examining the miraculous repairs – the streets were filled with people, and the same incredulous looks were mirrored in every face.
“And look!” Marianne pointed towards the generators. I stared at the metal tower which had appeared overnight, reaching towards the sky overhead.
“What is it?”
A huge grin spread across Conal's face. “It's a telecommunications tower.” He scanned the crowd. “Has anybody got a charged cell phone?” We'd long ago given up carrying them, as they'd proven completely useless.
One of the newcomers held up his phone. “I've got reception!”
“Try ringing someone.” Conal requested.
We stood, collectively holding our breath, while the man flipped open his cell phone and pressed some buttons. Within seconds he was talking and he raised his hand to Conal, his thumb held high.
Our gazes met and Conal smiled. “Nememiah?”
“I think so.”
Ben was delighted. “It appears Nememiah interceded on our behalf.” His relief was tangible. “We'll be able to contact others far more easily this way. It should speed up our efforts to get them here.”
Matt and Misaki joined us, Kazuki snuggled in Matt's arms. Misaki hugged me and whispered in my ear. “You don't look so well.”
“I don't feel so well,” I whispered back.
Further conversation was disrupted by the wailing of the siren.
People began to yell and scream before Matt and William took control. “Get back to the courtyard!” Matt yelled. William began to direct people, keeping his voice calm and reassuring. There was a mad scramble towards the alleyways and I turned to Conal seeking reassurance. The spirits hadn't given any warning, so why on earth was the alarm being sounded?
“I'll find out what going on.” He set off, sprinting towards the sentry points with Striker and Ripley joining him
I grabbed Misaki. “Go. Take Kazuki and go to the courtyard,” I urged.
Striker was back in less than a minute and the sirens stopped in conjunction with his arrival. The crowd surging towards the courtyard stopped in confusion. “Go ahead and move to the courtyard,” Striker ordered loudly. “We're not under attack, but as a precaution, we'd like everyone to congregate near the meeting hall.”
The people surged forward in a calmer manner, following Striker's instructions as I turned to him for information. “What is it?” I demanded. Matt and Ben settled protectively at my side, still wary and prepared for trouble.
“The Fae,” Striker said grimly. “Four men on horseback, headed this way.”
I looked at Ben and Matt, lifting a speculative eyebrow. “Should we meet them at the gates?”
Matt exchanged a look with Striker. “Think they're coming in peace?”
Striker frowned, crossing his arms. “Can't say for certain. There's only four of them. If they wanted trouble, they would have brought more people.”
Matt placed a hand on my shoulder. “Better see what they want, baby. Let's wait on the ramparts. We won't open the gates until we know what they're after.”
I swallowed anxiously and agreed to the suggestion. They could enter Zaen without the mark and there wasn't anything we could do about it, but Matt's calm approach seemed like our only option.
I watched from the ramparts as the four horsemen slowly walked their horses to the gates and recognized Goren. They came to a halt eight feet sho
rt of the gates and the horses whinnied, nostrils blowing mist into the cool dawn air.
Goren was unruffled by our appearance on the ramparts. “Nememiah's Child. We bring greetings from the Fae Realm.”
“Goren.” My response was cool; I hadn't forgiven him for taking Archangelo.
“May we enter Zaen?”
“For what reason?” Matt stood with his hands on his hips, his voice cold.
Goren's eyes were equally frosty. “I speak to Nememiah's Child. I have no wish to conduct our business with a human.”
Matt bristled with anger and Ben placed a warning hand on his sleeve. He muttered something and Matt nodded imperceptibly, making a visible effort to cool his temper.
“What do you want, Goren?” I asked
“We wish to discuss Archangelo and the arrangements we are negotiating with the Drâghici.”
My response was harsh. “How is that our problem?”
A ghost of a smile appeared on Goren's face, disappearing just as rapidly. “Are you always so angry, Nememiah's Child? It seems to me you were just as irate the last time we met.”
“You didn't answer the question,” I retorted.
Goren shifted in his saddle, the reins resting in one hand. “I don't trust the Drâghici. I believe they will not hand back their captive.”
I rolled my eyes in frustration. “I think I might have mentioned that, once or twice.”
“We would like to confer with you.”
I raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Confer with us. What for?”
Goren's eyes held mine, as though he could see to the depths of my soul. I was startled by the brilliant purple of his eyes. “You can advise us of their intentions.”
“Why would I do that?” I spluttered, stunned by his audacity. “We want Archangelo dead! I'm not going to help you negotiate with the Drâghici, just so you can give him back!”
I was annoyed when he seemed amused by my outburst. His eyes scanned across the men standing beside me, coming to rest on Epi. “Vander, my old friend. You have aligned yourself with these people?”
My mouth dropped open and I gawked at Epi. He'd never mentioned knowing the Fae and I'd mentioned Goren by name.
“Their cause is just,” Epi answered.
Goren looked back at me. “Allow us access to Zaen. Let me speak my piece.”
“I don't think so. We don't want Archangelo returned to the Drâghici and that's what you intend to do. You've told me you won't become involved with the war.” I sighed, rubbing a hand over my nauseated belly. “There doesn't appear to be anything left to talk about.”
Goren focused on me, studying my expression until I shuffled uncomfortably. “It is true that we do not ally ourselves with others. The Fae keep to themselves.” He lifted his chin, his bearing both arrogant and supremely confident. “It is imperative we retrieve the woman held by the Drâghici. I may be able to persuade our Queen to assist you, if you help us to retrieve the woman.”
Conal wrapped an arm around my waist. “It's a trick, Charlotte. The Fae don't help anyone.”
Goren watched us curiously. “You are protective of Nememiah's Child, werewolf. Yet you are not the father of her child.”
The ground fell beneath my feet as Epi's gaze fixed on me like a heat-seeking missile. I pushed him to the back of my mind and spoke calmly, despite my shaking hands and quivering knees. “How are you going to persuade your Queen?”
“I hold a position of some importance within the Seelie Court. I have spoken to the Queen at length, regarding the conundrum we find ourselves in. As you refuse our entrance to Zaen, I will state our proposal.” He paused for a moment, his expression inscrutable. “The Queen requests you visit the Seelie Court. She will allow you to state your case and consider providing assistance.”
“She'll consider helping us?” I said suspiciously. “You've got to be kidding. I think it's more likely she'll milk me for information to solve your problem, then tell me she's not going to help. No way.”
Goren frowned, his eyebrows almost meeting together. “I don't understand the concept of 'milk you for information' – however I can guess it's connotation. I give my oath; I will do my best to convince her. Will you come with us?”
I thought about it for a minute, knowing the men were longing to give me advice. Conal brushed his hand over my hip to get my attention and I looked at him, seeing a warning in his eyes. “It's not my decision alone. The members of our group would need to be consulted.”
Goren pursed his lips and huffed out an impatient breath, as though he was dealing with a recalcitrant child. “Then grant us entry to Zaen, so this discussion may proceed.”
I lifted my chin defiantly. “No negotiations can take place today.”
“This is a matter of urgency, Nememiah's Child. It must be now.”
“No. We'll meet with you in three days.”
His purple eyes darkened as his frustration grew. “For what reason do you delay?” he demanded coldly.
“Because we cremate our dead today and tomorrow.” Tears filled my eyes and I brushed them away impatiently. Pregnancy was making me more emotional than normal and I couldn't afford to show any weakness to the Fae.
Goren lowered his head in a mark of respect. “I understand.” When he faced me again, his eyes had lightened. “We will respect your rituals. May we return in three days and be granted access?”
I inclined my head in agreement and watched him speak briefly with his escorts. They turned the horses and galloped towards the woods without another word.
Epi gripped my arm, his eyes wild and bone-chillingly cold. “You are with child?”
“Easy, old man,” Conal growled. He wrapped an arm round my shoulder protectively.
“Why didn't I know this?” Epi yelled. “Why was I not informed?” He turned to Ben, rapidly losing his temper. “Did you know about this? It's a disaster!”
Ben motioned to Conal, gesturing him to take me away. Conal guided me to the stairs while the others remained with the furious wizard. Tears fell again as I wondered how much more I could deal with and not lose my mind.
Conal lifted me into his arms and I draped my arms around his neck, crying against his shoulder. “Shhhh, Sugar. He'll calm down,” he whispered against my hair as he strode down the steps. “You know Epi; he'll have a fit then he'll deal with it.”
“Let me down,” I sobbed.
“I'll take you back to Ben's,” Conal said softly. “You need to relax before the funerals start.”
“Let. Me. Down. Now!”
He lowered me to my feet and I stumbled over to the wall, losing the meagre contents of my stomach against the granite.
When I straightened, Conal was right behind me, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?”
I nodded weakly. “Morning sickness.”
Conal lifted me into his arms again and walked towards Ben and Rowena's cottage. “Yep, no doubt about it, Sugar. This is going to be a pretty wild ride.”
Chapter 21: Uncertainty
“Rowena,” I said tentatively, “do you think it's wrong to spend time with Conal? So soon after Lucas died?” I was sitting on a stool in front of the bathroom mirror and I watched her anxiously in the reflection. Dressed to attend the funeral services, Rowena had volunteered to fix my hair before I left.
She paused in the midst of brushing and I was reassured by her warm smile. “Of course not. You were in love with Conal, just as you were in love with Lucas.” She returned to carefully brushing my curls. “Ben and I will be delighted if you're happy. Conal adores you, it's been clear from the very first time I met him in Mississippi.”
“I'm frightened of what people will think,” I admitted quietly. “I'd hate for anyone to get hurt by our actions.”
Rowena put down the brush and twisted my hair into a neat chignon at the base of my neck. “Charlotte, you love him. He loves you.” She sighed, pushing some bobby pins into my hair to keep it in place. “If you're worried about any of the Kiss, you don't need to
be. We all want you to be happy. I think you should enjoy what you have with Conal and follow wherever it takes you. That's what Lucas would have wanted.”
I bit my lip to stop it from trembling. “That's what Lucas keeps telling me.”
Rowena rested her hands on my shoulders. “It must be difficult, to have him in that way and yet not really have him at all. To know he's aware of everything you think about and know he sees you with Conal.” She leaned over, pressing a kiss against my cheek. “Lucas knew you loved Conal. Many times he voiced a belief that Conal was the better choice for you. I'm sure he wants you to be happy with Conal now.”
I fiddled with some bobby pins on the vanity, twisting them between my fingers. “You don't think I'm a bad person?”
“Oh Charlotte, of course not! We love you. Of course you're not a bad person.” She smiled sheepishly. “I don't know if you've noticed, but I believe we've all been gently pushing you in Conal's direction for some time now.” She wrapped her arms around me. “We want you to be happy. In the current situation – I think you should grasp happiness with both hands and hold on tightly.” She winked. “And he is an exceedingly handsome man.”
I smiled weakly. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you too. You and Conal deserve every joy together.” She glanced at her watch. “You'd better get down there.”
Rowena helped me into the coat she'd lent me. Marianne's white suit was unsuitable for freezing conditions, but the women had worked together to find a new outfit which would suit. I couldn't bring myself to wear black. Rowena had provided a white angora jumper, worn over Acenith's white silk shirt. Gwynn had found white trousers in a fine wool blend. Rowena's coat fell to below my knees and Acenith had located a pair of white boots with a low heel. I wore simple gold jewelry and a little make-up to complete the ensemble.
Rowena kissed my cheek and I stepped out into the icy weather. Ben, Nick and Matt were waiting at the bottom of the stairs, and Conal was standing across the street, speaking with William, Ripley and Striker. He glanced across and smiled when he saw me, making his way to where the others stood.
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